Level-UP leadership program prepares for first graduation

DALTON, Ga. —  Level-UP, Dalton Parks and Recreation Department’s youth leadership development program, is in the finals weeks of its first session. Level-UP is a 10-week program for middle and high school youth who display leadership potential and need to sharpen their skills. Eight students — Lyerick Anderson, Genesis Bryant, Jaquay Flowers, Orlando Morales, Adriana Plata, Brooklyn Stallion, Amariah Simmons and Kaziah Williford — received leadership skills training, academic assistance and mentorship from community members from mentors. They also completed more than 20 hours of community service. Level-UP mentors are: Shaka Cobb, reporter at the Daily Citizen-News; Schwanna Cooper, Mohawk Industries; Okema Fields, Mack Gaston Community Center attendant; Marisa Kelley, housing case manager at the Living Room (advocate agency for HIV/AIDS clients); Jackie Killings, senior manager for research development at Mohawk Industries; Jershaun Roberts, regional independent manager for the Division of Family and Children Services; Antoine Simmons, physical therapist assistant at Hamilton Medical Center; and Daniel Tinson, funeral director and embalmer at Willis Funeral Home. Students spent Saturdays volunteering at the City of Refuge, Habitat for Humanity, Providence Ministries and Salvation Army. Graduation is Monday, April 15, at 6:15 p.m. at the Mack Gaston Community Center, 218 N. Fredrick St. The next session begins Monday, June 3. Applications are available now by calling Audrey Simmons at 706-278-8205.

Man indicted on charges of incest

MOULTRIE, Ga. — A Colquitt County man recently indicted on incest charges involving a mentally challenged relative was in jail Tuesday. Purvis D. McCloud, 41, 502 Northside Drive, was charged with two counts each incest and exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult, elder person or resident, according to the Colquitt County Superior Court indictment. He is accused of committing sexual acts with the woman on two occasions in December 2017.

Poet Elena Karina Byrne to speak at Abraham Baldwin

TIFTON, Ga. — A woman of many talents, Elena Karina Byrne will make an appearance at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on April 9 as part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit. Open to the public at no charge, this event will be held at 7 p.m. in The History Room located on the first floor of Tift Hall. Byrne’s roles include visual artist, freelance editor, professor, book reviewer, Literary Programs Director for The Ruskin Art Club, and annual Poetry Consultant and Moderator for The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Byrne received the 2015 Distinguished Service Award from Beyond Baroque’s Literary Arts Center. Among her many pieces, Byrne has an array of published books, including “The Flammable Bird,” “MASQUE,” “Squander,” and “VOYEUR HOUR: Meditations on Poetry, Art & Desire.” Founded at Mercer University in 1985, the Georgia Poetry Circuit is a consortium of 10 Georgia colleges and universities working together to bring three poets of national and international reputation annually to all members’ campuses, providing an important access to the literary arts for Georgia residents across the state.