If Colquitt ever shined, it was Saturday, July 1, as the Colquitt/Miller County Chamber of Commerce held the Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration on the 1st at Spring Creek Park.
Other than being a hot, and having to fight with the gnats, the weather was great!
The turnout for the starting ceremony was good. Most of the crowd attempted to find shade as the festivities started. The young people and their parents, plus all the volunteers, were busy having fun at the Inflatable Park. There were several hundred children making the best of their time on and in the large inflatables.
The ceremony started at approximately six p.m. with Mayor Jerry Chapman welcoming the crowd to Colquitt.
The prayer was given by Colquitt American Legion Post 165 member, Glenn Sheffield.
The presentation of colors was performed by members of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Glenn Sheffield led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance after which Maridel Callan sang a heart warming rendition of the National Anthem.
The retirement of colors was then performed by the members of the American Legion and VFW.
Next Gerald Jenkins introduced Rev. Earl Hollman and the Mt. Zion Choir for the evening’s entertainment where hundreds of people had gathered at the amphitheater and spread out on the grass, in chairs, and on blankets for the show.
The Rev. Earl Hollman and the Mt. Zion Choir and the East Wind Blue Grass Band played and sang a variety of music until it was time for the fireworks show to start.
There was plenty of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy who were hungry or thirsty.
The sky was black when the fireworks show started, but before long, the entire sky was lighted with the professionals doing their thing as the Colquitt/Miller County Fire Department stood by just in case. The beautiful display of fireworks kept the crowd on their toes for more than 30 minutes that seemed like a lot longer.
Many attending stated that this was the best entertainment and fireworks display ever in Colquitt.
If you missed any or all of the Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration on the 1st, in Colquitt, you missed a great start in the celebration of our nation’s 230th birthday of freedom and independence.
If all goes well, the Chamber of Commerce will start planning on next year’s celebration. By that time, those who helped might have forgotten how hot it was while watching the children with their activities.
Thank those who sponsored this tremendous event at no cost to anyone. Without these people, businesses, and organizations, there would be no great celebration such as this. Those who volunteered to man the food, drinks, and inflatables were invaluable for the evening.
Make your plans now to celebrate in Colquitt next year for another enjoyable evening of being with friends and neighbors and celebrating our freedom.

The new Georgia law on sex offenders, one of the toughest in the nation, has been questioned by a federal judge. The provision questioned in the new law is on where registered sex offenders can live.
While many states and municipalities bar sex offenders from living near schools, Georgia laws, which took effect July 1, prohibits them from living, working or loitering within 1000 feet of just about anywhere children gather, schools, churches, parks, gyms, swimming pools or one of the state’s 150,000 school bus stops.
The part of new law state that the federal judge granted a temporary protection to was where registered sex offenders cannot live within 1000 feet of a school bus stop.
“We don’t want these types of people staying in our state,” stated Rep. Jerry L. Keen, R-Ga., said when he introduced the bill in January.
There are mixed opinions on this new law that came into effect Saturday. The following are some opinions that have been published: •The overwhelming majority of registered sex offenders are adult male dirt bags. •Keep them in jail. This silly monitoring and door to door identifying them is a complete joke. Once they serve their time, it’s over. •This is a ridiculous law. It does nothing to protect children. 90% of whom are molested by somebody they know. It causes non-compliance and forces law enforcement to waste time. • If folks are a threat to society, keep them locked up. •For the real sex offenders, neuter’em and send them as far away from civilized society as possible.
According to the Miller County Sheriffs Department, there are 12 registered sex offenders in this county. The names, addresses and some photos are available on the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website, or at the county jail. The officer in charge stated that these numbers change as some come off and new ones go on the list.

Colquitt and Miller County now have a new nail salon in town. Miller Nails is now open in the Natural Effects building at 128 W. Main Street.
Ty Andrews, husband to Dr. Andrea Andrews opened his new business on Tuesday, June 20, 2006.
On Thursday, June 29, a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held for the new business. Several friends, family, businesses, dignitaries, and customers were on hand to welcome Ty and his staff to Colquitt. Everyone received a $25.00 gift certificate to be used at the salon as their token of appreciation for supporting them in their grand opening.
Veryl G. Cockey, president of the chamber of commerce welcomed Ty and his family to Colquitt and stated “Colquitt has needed this for a long time. So many women have had to drive out of town for this in the past and can now go right up the street.”
Mayor Jerry Chapman, speaking on behalf of the City of Colquitt welcomed the new business to town and stated “it was always nice to have new businesses to open.” He also commented “if you need something from the city, we’re just right down the street.”
Howard Small, chairman of the Miller County Commissioners also thanked the new owners and wished them well in their new business.
The salon will have four full-time employees. Working with Ty will be his mother, Vanna, his brother, Tu, and his cousin, Mimi. They will offer all types of manicures and pedicures.
Ty commented, “we are very thankful for the support we have received so far. It has been overwhelming and we appreciate it very much.”
The new owners would like to extend a special invitation to everyone to visit them for all their nail care needs.
The salon will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or “whenever customers quit coming,” say the owners.
Colquitt is very proud to have this type of business here and wish the owners well.

On Friday, June 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m., many family and friends were on hand for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Mayhaw Rental and Sales.
Veryl Garland Cockey, president of the Colquitt/Miller County Chamber of Commerce welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. Mrs. Cockey said “it is nice to have another business in town and it’s exciting to have two grand openings in one week.
Mayor Jerry Chapman also thanked Eric and wished him success in his new endeavor. “If the city can be of any help, don’t hesitate to call,” commented the mayor.
County Commissioner Chairman Howard Small, speaking on behalf of the commissioners said “it looked good having all the new businesses to open in Colquitt and hoped the best for him.
Owner Eric Cofty thanked their guests and lifelong friends for the support and encouragement they have shown since opening the new business. He invited everyone to come in and enjoy refreshments and register for a free gift to be given away.
Mayhaw Rental and Sales, located at 103 N. Cuthbert St. in Colquitt specializes in renting or buying appliances, furniture, electronics, etc.
Owner Cofty stated, “we have bedroom suites starting at $1699, living room suites from $799, big screen TVs starting at $1499, washers as low as $359 and dryers starting from $319.00.
They have easy weekly or monthly payments and also 90 days same as cash.
You may rent any of his items or purchase them, which ever fits your budget.
The store will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.You may call them at 229-758-5850.

Week of July 2, 2006