Kemp names Daltonian to Georgians First Commission

DALTON, Ga. — David Renz of Dalton, president of Southern Lubes & Fuels, is among 18 people appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to his Georgians First Commission, a task force created by executive order on his first day in office. “The commission will review state regulations, policies and procedures to streamline government, remove inefficiencies and secure Georgia’s place as the top state for small business in the country,” according to Kemp. “These hardworking Georgians know firsthand the difficulties that small businesses face in getting started, expanding operations and investing more in our state,” Kemp said. “I look forward to working with them to cut government red tape, slash regulations, spur innovation and ultimately make Georgia the top state for small business in the country.” The Georgians First Commission holds its first meeting next month — tentatively set for March 12 —at the state Capitol. The commission will provide a full report to Kemp by June 30, 2020.

Mental Health Court to receive more than $50,000 in local donations

DALTON, Ga. — The Conasauga Mental Health Court’s commitment to improving community mental health services received a boost recently with donations of more than $50,000 from local supporters. The court celebrated after receiving the first of two checks for $25,000. The Mental Health Court is a part of the Conasauga (Whitfield and Murray counties) Accountability Courts and is presided over by Superior Court Judge Scott Minter. The Mental Health Court team consists of a program coordinator, mental health professionals, members of the Conasauga Public Defender’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, the Georgia Community Supervision Office, the Murray County Sheriff’s Office and the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office. “We are honored to receive funds to support our work with individuals in the criminal justice system who are in need of essential mental health care,” said Minter. “These donations support us in the initial phase of our work, and we are grateful for caring businesses and individuals who provide needed funds to expand our efforts.” The Mental Health Court started five months ago and provides support to six participants, with more being added monthly. The Mental Health Court focuses on criminal defendants whose behavior results from untreated or under-treated mental health issues. The program recognizes the impact mental health has on crime in the community and addresses the lack of access to resources necessary to treat mental illnesses. Tax-deductible donations to provide assistance to the Mental Health Court program may be made by sending a check payable to the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, which is managing charitable donations to the court. Checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 942, Dalton, GA 30722-0942 and designated for Mental Health Court in the memo line.

Abraham Baldwin to host ‘The Tempest’

TIFTON, Ga. — The cast has been set, and rehearsals are underway for the Baldwin Players’ spring production of “The Tempest” on March 7-9 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Dr. Brian Ray, director of the Baldwin Players, said “The Tempest” is sure to bring Howard Auditorium to life during this spectacular performance. Prospero will be played by Peter Pinnow from Tifton. Caroline Kirkland, a biology major from Tifton, will star as Miranda.  Alan Milton from Tifton will be featured as Alonso, and Luke Hillman, a history and government major from Sparks, will star as Caliban. Corey Douglas, a student from Sylvester aiming for his associate of fine arts degree in instrumental music, will play the role of Antonio.  Sebastian will be played by Jeffrey Murray, a theatre major from Camilla, and Hannah Moseley, an agricultural communication major from Cochran, will star as Ariel.  A recent graduate of ABAC, Ty Gore from Tifton, will play Ferdinand. Craig Wells from Tifton will play Gonzalo, and Angel Rewis, a history and modern culture major from Homerville, will play the role of Stephano.  Hayli Ary, a nursing major from Valdosta, will be featured as Trinculo, and Boatswain will be played by Joshua Rogers from Tifton. Tickets are available at a cost of $10 per person at the door. Admission for students, faculty, and staff is free with a valid ABAC ID. For more information, interested persons can contact Ray at bray@abac.edu or at 229-391-4969.