Whitfield County officials warn of phone scams

DALTON, Ga. — Whitfield County Tax Commissioner Danny Sane is warning of a telephone scam by callers claiming to be employees of the tax office seeking payment of taxes.

Sane said his office has been contacted by several people who have been receiving phone calls and text messages from those claiming to work for the county and telling people they owe back taxes. 

“We do not do that,” Sane said. “We don’t call people about their individual tax bills. I just want everyone to know that it is a scam and those calls are not coming from the Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s office. There is no way anyone here would call you and request credit card information or anything like that.”

Officials with the sheriff’s office said residents should be wary of anyone claiming to be from any government agency who would demand payment over the phone.

“We would advise all people to never give out any personal or financial information over the phone,” said Capt. Paul Woods. “The county and any of our agencies would never demand that information.”

Baldwin County Schools Superintendent receives state award

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Baldwin County School District Superintendent Dr. Noris Price has received the President’s Award from the Georgia School Superintendents Association at their Spring Bootstraps Conference in Savannah. The award is given to superintendents for outstanding leadership in their school systems and communities. This year, GSSA recognized Dr. Noris Price, the Superintendent of Baldwin County Schools, for the 2018 Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) President’s Award.

Price is in her fourth year as superintendent of the Baldwin County School District and since the beginning of her tenure the schools have seen dramatic improvements at every level including increasing the College and Career Performance Index (CCRPI) by 10 percent and most notably, Baldwin High School has seen its graduation rate soar over 20 percent, setting record high graduation rates for three straight years in a row.  

Price has also been instrumental in bringing much-needed improvements to school facilities.

She has embraced her higher education partners, particularly Georgia College and State University. Georgia College students gain practical experience through working and volunteering in classrooms.

During her administration, the district has also received many accolades, most notably, having been selected as a Best Community for Music Education for three straight years in a row by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. The honor, given to only 538 of 13,000 plus districts in the United States, makes Baldwin County one of only six districts in the state to earn the distinction.

Southern Burn, Sondra Hunt bands set for Music Park performances

LIVE OAK, Fla. — With the Suwannee River Jam just a week away, preparations are underway at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

Leading into the eagerly anticipated Jam, the Southern Burn Band, of Gainesville, and Sondra Hunt, of Lake Butler, will get the crowd at the Music Hall on Friday and Saturday in the mood for more of that great country music upcoming.

Starting the weekend Friday will be Southern Burn with its unique brand of country. The band is a high-energy, extremely fun Southern rock and cover band. The band covers country and rock songs from current chart toppers to classic hits. Southern Burn is a versatile crossover band, mixing it up to delight the crowd.

On Saturday, the dynamic Hunt and her band will be in the Music Hall to get the audience even more excited about the Jam. Always a great treat, Hunt is in her realm when she gets on stage with a wonderful voice, performance and a great band. Hunt and her band are playing all over North and Central Florida and regularly thrill audiences at the SOSMP.

Both Southern Burn and Sondra Hunt will be part of this year’s Jam from May 2-5. Tickets are available at www.suwanneeriverjam.com, www.musicliveshere.com or the lowest-priced tickets may be purchased at S & S Food Stores.

Doors to the Music Hall open at 6 p.m. for dinner Friday and Saturday, music begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Infant Immunization Week ongoing

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Immunization is a shared responsibility.National Infant Immunization Week is April 21-28 and the Georgia Department of Public Health urges South Georgians to speak with a health-care provider or doctor to make sure their infants are up-to-date on vaccinations.

“One of the best ways to protect our children is to make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations,” said Reomona Thomas, RN, immunization coordinator. “An equally important way to protect our children is to ensure families and friends are current on their vaccinations to protect the little ones.”

NIIW is a call to action for parents, caregivers and health-care providers to ensure that infants are fully vaccinated against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases, according to health officials.In Georgia, according to health professionals with the Southwest Health District, multiple cases of pertussis have been reported in Dougherty County.

Because pertussis is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications and death in infants, it’s important for parents, including pregnant mothers, to make sure their families are up-to-date on their vaccinations, according to health officials.

Moultrie pregnancy center to host open house

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Hope House Pregnancy Care Center and Thrift Store will hold an open house 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at 704 and 716 Fifth Ave. S.E. Call 229-890-5244 (center) or 229-985-4673 (store) for more information.

NAMI Night to focus on healthy lifestyles

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Sarah Adams, Colquitt County’s Archway professional, will discuss healthy lifestyles with the Moultrie chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Light refreshments will be served. 

Hospital board approves mobile app development

TIFTON, Ga. — The Tift County Hospital Authority approved funding for the development of a new Tift Regional Health System mobile app at its April 18 meeting.

Geared towards patients, the app should launch with an interactive pregnancy tracker for patients, a wayfinding tool for navigating around the hospital and an interface with the hospital’s patient portal. Future features could include updates on ER wait times, directing patients to convenient care options, prep instructions, patient education and online scheduling.

The board approved $145,806 of funding with Mobile Smith.