This is not the Christmas edition even though it looks like Christmas. That will be one of our largest editions, next week. We would not be newspaper folks if we didn’t report at least a few of the Santa sightings around Colquitt this past week.
Santa Claus, or some of his very special helpers, have been sited all around Colquitt this past week taking notes on what the boys and girls, as well as what some of the grown folks want for Christmas.
A group of HeadStart students were seen at the local post office depositing their letters to Santa with Postmaster Bobby Richardson Jr. early Friday morning. The postmaster was going to receive Santa letters from the Miller County Elementary School, but heard that Santa himself was at the school.
Postmaster Richardson went down to the school and into each classroom collecting the Santa letters, and delivered them personally to the jolly ole elf while he was seeing what the boys and girls wanted for Christmas.
Santa saw most of the pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first graders in the library at the school. He would ask each student if they had been good and what they wanted.
Most of the young children confirmed that they had been either good, or very good. They each told Santa their desires for Christmas morning. This writer heard several of the student tell the truth when asked if they had been good.
One student said, “Sometimes!” Another said, “Nope!”
Santa replied, “Well, at least you are honest.”
Santa arrived at the school by one of the Colquitt/Miller County Volunteer Fire engines and was taken back to his sleigh the same way.
Saturday morning, Santa returned to have breakfast with a group of very special young people at the public library.
There are over 500 photos on our website of Santa and the kids. There will be many more Santa photos on our website and in the next Christmas edition.

On Saturday December 2nd the annual “Toys for Tots” gospel sing to benefit local foster kids through the Department of Family and Children Services was held at Flat Creek Baptist Church. Appearing on the program were the Hymnmasters Quartet from Climax, the Rocky Ridge Quartet from Donalsonville, and Willing Servants from Colquitt.
A good crowd gathered to hear both Gospel and Christmas music sung. In addition, a huge amount of toys and canned goods were collected to be distributed through the “Secret Santa” Program in cooperation with the Miller County DFACS office. A love offering of $545.00 was also collected and given to the Miller Co. DFACS office to assist with the purchase of additional toys and other items to be distributed for Christmas.
This marks the 6th year that the “Toys for Tots” Gospel Sing has been held.

The Miller County Unit of the American Cancer Society has done it again. Everyone present at Monday evening’s “Love Lights A Tree” program was inspired and moved by people who had been touched in some way by cancer.
The American Cancer Society has led the way in finding prevention and research methods to treat and hopefully cure the deadly disease.
An estimated 556,000 Americans are expected to die from cancer in 2006. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer remains to be the number one cause of cancer deaths, claiming over 157,000 victims last year.
These statistics are causing the American Cancer Society to press harder for a cure. The local unit has worked tirelessly to make this year’s “Love Lights A Tree” program the most successful. Countless volunteers contributed hundreds of dollars to ensure its progress and many, many hours.
On Monday evening, December 11, the community joined together on the courthouse lawn around the live Christmas tree. Margaret Ann Daniels, a cancer survivor and president of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, welcomed the large crowd to this year’s program.
The Rev. Benjamin Miller, pastor of New Home Free Will Baptist Church gave an inspirational devotion and led the crowd in prayer.
The crowd was then entertained by a number of Christmas musical renditions by the Miller County Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Mrs. Holly Thomas. After the singing, the Miller County High School Band, under the direction of Mr. Richard Horne entertained the crowd with Christmas music.
Beth Zotyka, District Community IncomeManager of the American Cancer Society told the very touching story of the American Cancer Society and how it was originated and gave statistics.
Suzette Little, honorariums and memorials chairperson recognized the survivors that were in attendance.
Betty Jo Toole, public relations and projects chairperson thanked everyone for their continued support of the “Love Lights A Tree” project. Mrs. Toole gave a special thanks to Jill Brown and the youth of Bellview Free Will Baptist Church, for decorating the tree, Lisa Spooner for typing and printing the programs, Russell Nash and the trustees for getting the chairs and risers, the band director, Mr. Richard Horne and members, the Miller County Elementary School Chorus and Mrs. Holly Thomas, Rev. Benjamin Miller, Beth Zotyka for telling the story, Suzette Little for sending acknowledgements, Tammy Richardson for keeping up with the money, and everyone who purchased a “Love Light.” Also she gave a special thanks for all the survivors in attendance and all the ones who came for this special event.
It was announced that as of today, $3,435.00 had been raised to help fight the cure for cancer. If you would still like to make a donation, you may still do so.
Following the announcements and acknowledgements, Mrs. Linda Dozier, a cancer survivor told her cancer survivor story followed by her lighting this year’s “Love Lights A Tree.”
Everyone then joined in by singing Joy to the World.
Rev. Benjamin Miller then gave the benediction.
Merry Christmas to all and may we soon find a cure for this dreaded disease.

An update of some of the progress on the project in Colquitt and a timeline for construction and completion was received Thursday, December 7.
Natalie Work, public relations director for the Jerry Wallace Company released some of the projected times on all of the projects and updates on the first at Crooked Oak Golf Course.
According to the release, a hard contract was completed for Crooked Oaks Subdivision adjoining the Crooked Oak Golf Club property.
The concept for this property is to have 20 buildings with 120 condominium units in the buildings.
A site layout for the Phillips property (Oak Villas) by Hugh Darley and the home that is suggested for these home sites was sent along with a time table for starting and possible completion.
Oak Villas Phase I, with 48 units, is now being reserved. Hard contracts for this property will be January 15, 2007, with infrastructure being started on January 22, 2007. The condo construction will begin on March 1, 2007, with a completion date of June 1, 2007. This first project is valued at $15,120,000. The other two phases of the projects of 36 units each are now being contracted with possible completion dates being August 1, 2007.
The Landmark Studio Park site plan near U.S. Highway 27, and Bungalow Park site plan, surrounding the new sound stage studio was also sent with possible start and completion dates.
Drawings and dates on all of these projects are available from The Jerry Wallace Company for any interested homeowners or investors.

Week of December 10, 2006