Kemp-backed bill axes many end-of-year tests for Georgia schools
Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled legislation Tuesday that would reduce the number of standardized tests public school students must take in Georgia and untie the link between scores earned on those exams to their final grades. The changes figure into the governor’s push to roll back some standardized tests instituted over the past decade, both at…
Read MoreSyrupmaids are battling for fourth in the region
The Cairo High School Syrupmaids face a very important week as they battle for the fourth spot in the region heading into the region tournament next week. Americus-Sumter and Carver are battling for the top two spots, and Dougherty has a firm hold on the third spot and the Syrupmaids are battling Shaw for the…
Read MoreJJ Watt Foundation provides big boost to Middle School wrestling
The JJ Watt Foundation contributed over $13,000 this year to the WMS Tiger Wrestling Program so the team could purchase new singlets and a wrestling mat. “This was a big boost for our program as we try to grow our feeder program for the high school. With the money from the JJ Watt Foundation, we…
Read MoreBill would increase age to try offenders as adults in Georgia
By Beau Evans Staff Writer Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Youth offenders in Georgia would need to be at least 18-years old to be tried in adult court for all except the most serious violent crimes under a bill filed in the 2020 legislative session. Georgia is one of three states that try 17-year-olds…
Read MoreDouglas, Jones, Maples, and Byrden earn chamber honors
A large crowd was in attendance at the 94th annual membership meeting of the Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce Saturday night, and officials say the weekend event was so popular that next year’s annual meeting will also be a weekend affair. “We wanted this year’s banquet to be 150 percent about our members and I…
Read MoreCommissioners and Lake Authority looking for citizens to serve on special lake committee
Acknowledging that the lack of water and sewer service at Tired Creek Lake makes it less attractive to developers, local leaders met last week to discuss ways to better market the 960-acre lake and identify development that can take place without significant investment from potential developers. Members of the Grady County Commission met jointly with…
Read MoreCommunity mourns the death of 6-year-old child
The Cairo and Grady County community is mourning the tragic death of a little 6-year-old boy, who was killed on his way to school Monday morning. The victim was Jayden Richardson, a first grade student at Eastside Elementary School. According to reports filed by investigating officers with the Cairo Police Department, Jayden and his older…
Read More2020 Trout Lily season to open in early February
by Margaret Tyson Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Over the last few years, Wolf Creek Trout Lily volunteers have collaborated with Whigham’s local 383 Boy Scout Troop where they have created both signage for our Wolf Creek Road entry and an information kiosk at the trail head, to welcome and inform our visitors for the…
Read MorePolitical newcomer says she is running for coroner
A Grady County woman pursuing a degree in forensic science announced this week her plans to run for county coroner. LaTasha Copeland, 41, told The Messenger this week she will qualify in March to seek election as the county’s coroner. “I’d like to put my knowledge of crime scene investigation and my medical background to…
Read MoreWorsham to seek third term on school board
District 1 Grady County Board of Education member Jeff Worsham announced this week he will seek reelection to a third term on the school board. “We have accomplished a lot over the last eight years and there is still more to do. I want to continue to be a part of promoting our school system…
Read More