N. Georgia school earns state accolades

DALTON, Ga. — Brookwood School in Dalton is a Title 1 Distinguished School, one of the highest-performing Title 1 schools in Georgia, according to the 2018 list released on Dec. 4 by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Distinguished Schools are among the top 5 percent of all Title I schools in Georgia, when ranked according to their most recent CCRPI score. Brookwood scored the highest in the district with a CCRPI score of 89.2. Brookwood Principal Meleia Bridenstine knows this title is the result of efforts put in during the 2017-18 school year. “I am so proud of the months and months of hard work that our students, teachers and families did to accomplish so much,” she said. “We are continuing the hard work this year, and I look forward to even more success. It is an absolute honor to work alongside such a dedicated learning community.”  All Distinguished Schools will be eligible to apply for the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools Program award, sponsored by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, in 2019. Each state selects two schools for this award; those two schools are recognized nationally and receive award funds from Title I A to support participation in the national conference. 

Vehicle theft leads to accident, arrest

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A Valdosta man was arrested Saturday after a vehicle theft led to an accident, according to police. At 7:41 a.m., officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle theft by force in the 1800 block of West Hill Avenue, according to a Valdosta Police Department report, which refers to the incident as “robbery of an individual-street-gun.” After driving the wrong way on a one-way street, the suspect hit another vehicle, then fled the scene, the report states. Authorities arrested a suspect. Joshua Washington, 30, of Valdosta, is charged with theft other, theft by taking (stolen motor vehicle all other) and other traffic violations, according to the report. Reported taken during the incident were a gray 2017 Nissan Rogue, two cell phones and a wallet, according to the report.

Toys for Tots donations needed

JASPER, Fla. — Agape Green Acres Ministry will host a Toys for Tots event on Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Jasper Public Library. The event will be from 12-3 p.m. As the objective of AGAMi is to provide services, resources and support to HAMCO families, this program will address not only the children here; the entire family is included in this event. AGAMi has adopted children attending kindergarten in the Hamilton County Elementary School (HCES) and their families are the target population. The families will be provided with groceries, unwrapped toys, dolls, books, puzzles, underwear, socks and personal care items. Director Earlene Green said there are 175 Kindergarteners at HCES, and she plans to provided as many families as possible with these items, as well as a light reception serving natural fruit juice boxes, sandwiches and cookies. She added there is a need for donations to reach the goal. A donation drop off box is at Fred’s Department Store, 1535 Ohio Avenue in Live Oak and at the Hamilton County Courthouse Annex building lobby, 1153 U.S. Highway 41 NW in Jasper. AGAMi is a non-profit organization and all monetary gifts are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to AGAMI. You may call 267-779-4845 for donation pick ups.

Jasper cancels Christmas parade

JASPER, Fla. — The Jasper Christmas Parade has been canceled. The parade was scheduled for Friday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m The Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors made the decision to cancel the parade due to the expected rain and thunderstorm conditions unfavorable for a parade. The parade will not be rescheduled.