The sun’s shining bright and it feels like summer, even though it’s only May. Not that that’s unusual for South Georgia.

But with Memorial Day behind us, most of us are making summer weekend and vacation plans. Visions of floating bobbers and breezes off the lake dance through our heads, perhaps while we’re supposed to be working.

J.Todd Tucker sees those visions while he’s working too — but it’s all real for him. A professional bass fisherman from Moultrie, Tucker’s “office” is a boat, anchored in whatever lake is hosting this week’s tournament. After a recent tournament on Lake Chickamauga, he was in 14th place in the Angler of the Year race out of 165 fishermen on the FLW Tour. Learn how he came to have such an enviable day job in this issue of Moultrie Scene.

But if the fish aren’t biting for you this weekend, there’s still something to do as the evening comes in. That’s when the engines rev for some dirt track racing at Needmore Speedway!

Located between Norman Park and Ellenton, the speedway brings in crowds for races roughly every other Saturday. It’s under new management this year, but the excitement is still going full-throttle. Moultrie Observer Sports Editor Matthew Brown took in a recent race — and ran into some familiar faces. See his story in this issue.

The arrival of summer also marks the end of the school year, which is when accolades are presented to the top students. This year, Lillian Fagan topped the list as valedictorian of the Class of 2019, with Alaina Taylor close behind as salutatorian.  The two discuss their high school successes and future plans in a story by Wayne Grandy.

Also in this issue of Moultrie Scene, read about the growth of Downtown Moultrie through the eyes of two of its newest businesswomen. MarKeith Cromartie talks with Dallas Dickerson of Mama D’s Sweet Shop and Holly Harrell of Charlsie Blue Boutique about their experiences downtown, and he discusses improvements that are under way there to make that part of town more vibrant and inviting.

We’re always on the lookout for more stories from our hometown! If you have a suggestion, call us at 985-4545 or email kevin.hall@gaflnews.com. Until then, enjoy your summer!