Annual Southeastern Hay Contest deadline set for Sept. 21

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Each fall, the Southeastern Hay Contest gives forage and baleage producers across the Southeast the chance to show off the quality of their hay. This year’s contest features cash prizes for the winners of all seven categories, as well as free use of Massey Ferguson-brand hay equipment for the production season. The deadline for this year’s competition is Sept. 21. Winners will be recognized as part of the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, Oct. 17-19. Cash prizes will be provided to first-, second- and third-place winners in each of the seven categories:

• Warm-season perennial grass hay (sponsored by R.W. Griffin Industries)

• Alfalfa hay (sponsored by America’s Alfalfa)

• Perennial peanut hay (sponsored by the Perennial Peanut Producers Association)

• Cool-season perennial grass hay (sponsored by Inland Tarp and Liner)

• Mixed annual or other hay (sponsored by Athens Seed Company)

• Grass baleage (sponsored by Georgia Twine)

• Legume baleage (sponsored by Southeast AgriSeeds)

The deadline for entry into the Southeastern Hay Contest is 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21. Visit sehaycontest.com for registration information and rules.

 

CGTC opens its doors to regional apprenticeship opportunities

Warner Robins, Ga. – Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) recently hosted the inaugural Georgia Regional Apprenticeship Development Symposium on the Warner Robins campus, an event geared toward current and continued engagement with local employers on apprenticeship opportunities. With the interest at hand, and as a new Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, the college and its economic development division gathered local business leaders, program chairs, and a panel of representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL), Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDED), and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to discuss apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development. During the symposium, experts presented to local companies on how to establish new apprenticeship programs, and their overall benefits. For more information call Andrea Griner at 478-757-3551 or email agriner@centralgatech.edu.

 

Hospital using new company for patient satisfaction surveys

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Colquitt Regional Medical Center recently announced a change in its patient satisfaction survey process.  In July, HealthStream, Inc., a nationally-recognized healthcare improvement firm, began conducting surveys on behalf of Colquitt Regional and the Sterling Physician Group. “We have measured patient satisfaction for quite some time, but we want to alert patients that a new company will now be conducting these for us,” said Colquitt Regional CEO Jim Matney.  “If you receive a call from HealthStream or mail with a HealthStream logo, it’s not junk mail. We value your response and hope you will take a few moments and participate.” Colquitt Regional has authorized HealthStream representatives to contact patients after their hospital stay to ask a brief set of questions about their hospital experience. This may be done via telephone surveys, mailed surveys, or even text messages. HealthStream randomly selects patients to receive the confidential surveys each month.  If surveyed by phone, the number will display on caller ID as a Chattanooga, Tennessee number, 1-800-305-2522. For more information on the patient surveys please contact Whitney Costin, RN, Director of Patient Experience, at wcostin@colquittregional.com or 229-502-9741.

 

Live Oak Library to host solar eclipse programs

LIVE OAK, Fla. — The Live Oak Library will be hosting a presentation prior to the Aug. 21 solar eclipse as well as holding a viewing event on the day of the phenomenon. On Aug. 10, the Dr. Jaydeep Mukherjee, from the University of Central Florida, will be at the library for a presentation about the upcoming eclipse at 6 p.m. Mukherjee’s presentation will focus on the upcoming total solar eclipse as well as covering why we have solar eclipses and what can be learned about the sun from these eclipses. Then, on Aug. 21, the library will host a viewing event that will include live streaming of multiple locations of the eclipse broadcast by NASA from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the meeting room. During the peak eclipse viewing times in the north Florida area — 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. — the library will have a tent set up outside for viewing. Glasses will be provided for those who wish to participate on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

 

Sheriff’s department seizes $36K

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office seized more than $36,000 in cash found in a vehicle after a Georgia State Patrol traffic stop Saturday. Georgia State Patrol Trooper Clay Cothron was pulled over on Interstate 75 when a vehicle going north failed to provide space for emergency vehicles, according to reports. After Cothron pulled the vehicle over, the sheriff’s office was contacted to respond. When deputies arrived, K-9 units alerted on         the vehicle causing the deputies to search it. During the search, deputies discovered in excess of $36,000 in cash hidden in the vehicle, said LCSO Capt. Stryde Jones. Jones said the driver and passenger denied any knowledge of the money. GSP turned the investigation over to the LCSO. Jones said the investigation is still ongoing. No charges have been filed in the case. The vehicle occupants denied knowledge of the money and were released.