If you wondered about all the blue ribbons all over Colquitt, it wasn’t to celebrate the births of a lot of boy babies, but it was to celebrate another first for Colquitt and the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council.
The Colquitt/Miller Arts Council held a dedication service and an official celebration for Colquitt becoming Georgia’s first Mural City.
The festivities got underway at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 30, as Colquitt Miller Arts Council president, Mike Newberry greeted the crowd and made a few remarks on what it meant to become the first mural city in Georgia.
The event was held at the site of the 11th mural entitled “Nuthin’ But A Will” at the Colquitt/Miller County Station 1 in Colquitt.
A large crowd of citizens and dignitaries were on hand to help celebrate this, another first for the City of Colquitt and the members of the local arts council.
Jennifer Trawick, executive director of the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council, gave a brief history of the mural project from its inception up to the date that the 11th mural was finished.
Pat Bush, mural coordinator, told how the project was started and thanked everyone for their help. She then introduced the artist, Cheryl Mann Hardin, who created and painted the latest mural “Nuthin’ But A Will.”
Ms. Hardin told the crowd some of the process of developing and finishing a painting of this magnitude.
Ms. Trawick then introduced Senator John Bullock, Representative Gerald Greene, and Mayor Jerry Chapman to give their remarks on Colquitt becoming Georgia’s first mural city.
Both the senator and representative were very complimentary on how progressive this small community has become, with one of the main reasons being the volunteerism that is present in this area. All of the speakers and dignataies gave a special thanks to the Colquitt-Miller County Volunteer Firemen for their great work with the fire department in helping to save property and lives, but their willingness to go beyond and be a vital part of the communtiy in every way possible.
Mayor Chapman complimented the arts council and the committee for their work and efforts and thanked the senator and representative for helping in every way to make this project an honor and a reality.
A ribbon cutting for the newest mural took place after the dignitaries’ remarks. One long, blue ribbon was strung over the entire mural, and cut by Mayor Jerry Chapman as dignitaries, arts council members and the members of the mural committee looking on.
Arts council president, Mike Newberry closed the program with thanks for all who attended. He urged everyone to help the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council to continue to help this area and community to become an even more progressive place to come and enjoy and even live.
It was another great day for Colquitt.

The Miller County Memorial Day Service was held Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m. The annual service took place at the Veterans’ Monument on the northwest corner of the courthouse square.
The American Legion Gerald Grow Post 165 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6046 were in charge of the Memorial Day program.
American Legion Commander Claude Newsome welcomed a good crowd who attended the service.
Chaplain Glenn Sheffield gave the opening prayer.
VFW Commander Gerald Jenkins led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The National Anthem was then sung by young Quinn LaGuardia.
The guest speaker was introduced by Commander Newsome, the American Legion Department of Georgia Jr. Vice Commander Mike Starnes.
Mr. Starnes spoke to the veterans and the guests about love of the U.S. Flag and amending the U.S. Constitution. He told that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it is all right to burn and desecrate the American flag in the name of freedom. He stated that too many fallen heroes have given their lives to protect this flag that embodies our love for God and country. Mr. Starnes gave a wonderful speech on the flag, patriotism and heroes.
He ended by saying: “It is a veteran, not the preachers who gives us freedom of religion. It is a veteran, not the reporter that gives us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the veteran, who salutes the Flag.”
The veteran’s wreath was placed on the monument by James Cohen and Jewel McKenzie.
A moment of silent prayer was requested remembering those who freely gave their lives defending our country and those who returned and have died since returning home.
The flag was lowered to half staff by Ronald Brownlee, and Gene Hornsby was in charge of playing “Taps.”
The closing prayer was given by Glenn Sheffield.

A marble bench was donated to Spring Creek Park by Miller County school faculty members who had worked with the late David P. Richardson.
On Tuesday, May 23, 2006, a group of teachers gathered with Mr. Richardson’s family to present the bench to the park in his memory. Those who contributed to this memorial will always remember his service to our children, our schools, our community, and our country.
Mr. Richardson served Miller County High School from 1971 to 1999. He was a teacher, an assistant principal, and the high school principal until he retired. His dedication to the teaching profession and our schools will always be remembered by those who were privileged to work with “Mr. David” at the Miller County schools.
The memorial bench was placed beside the new tennis courts in the park. It has engraved on the back of the bench: “David P. Richardson, served MCHS 1971-1999. He was known for going the extra mile for our children...” On the seat of the bench across the front, it says “His footprints have been stepping stones to their future.”
The memorial bench was originally planned to be placed at the Miller County High School, but it was thought by the family that it might be more beneficial in Spring Creek Park. So many young people and adults use beautiful Spring Creek Park, and it is the Richardson’s family desire for everyone to enjoy the memorial bench for many years to come.
Leaders like David Richardson do not come along too often. It is well that we remember a person of his caliber and standing in our community.
As we have just observed Memorial Day, it is only fitting that not only did David Richardson serve his schools, his community and his God, he was a decorated war veteran that served his country most valiantly. He went into the U.S. Army in 1965, and while serving in Vietnam, he was wounded in active combat. David was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action.
David was a dedicated leader who was willing to work beside members of his faculty on whatever the task at hand.
Those who contributed to this memorial will always remember David Richardson’s service to our children, our schools, our community, and our country.

At the last meeting, Colquitt Lions Club members and guests got a peep at the preliminary drawing of the proposed new Miller County Courthouse.
Walter Hays, chairman of the Miller County New Courthouse Steering Committee, showed the drawing of what it will take to accommodate the needs of today and hopefully years to come in a new building.
Judge Hays told the group that many can remember the beautiful, functional courthouse that was built in 1905, but burned in 1974. He said that the current modern building built in 1975 was smaller and has been and is now in need of major repairs and renovation to accommodate current services.
It has been determined that it would be better to remove the current courthouse building and replace it with a new building.
Hays stated that it is the hopes of the committee to implement this project with county funds and donations from individuals and institutions. The estimated cost of the new building will be $5,000,000.00.
In a question and answer session, it was asked how long this project would take?
Hays stated that the goal of the committee is three years. He said that the need is now.
A more formal kickoff is planned in the very near future for the capital campaign for a new Miller County Courthouse to replace the two-toned flat roof building now in the center of the square.
Judge Hays stated that the proposed structure has had much work in the planning stage, but it is not complete or set in stone. He invited any of those interested in the betterment of Miller County to join the steering committee with constructive input.

Thursday mornings each week have begun with the most enjoyable, entertaining and educational meetings for Colquitt seniors since last September.
The Miller County Hospital for the second year has sponsored the Sassy Senior Breakfast each Thursday morning at 8:30.
As Dot Wainright, hospital public relations officer for the hospital, stated, “Nowhere else can you get a healthy, delicious breakfast, enjoy eating with friends, hear an educational program from professionals in their field and have a chance to win a great prize all for a price of admision for only $1.50.It’s the best bargin in town.”
Normally the programs are given by health professionals from the local hospital or area specialists on everything about how to live longer and healthier. There have also been programs given by city and county officials on what is being planned by the city council or the county commissioners. All of the programs have been very interesting, educational and current.
CEO Harley Smith came to give the crowd an update on what is happening at the Miller County Hospital and Miller Nursing Home, with the building program and the additions of services to the hospital.
Ms. Wainright then introduced the Rev. Earl Hallman of Mr. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Damascus as the program.
Rev. Hallman entertained the crowd with singing and playing popular church songs as the crowd sang along.
Since this was the final breakfast meeting for the summer, Ms. Wainright had a drawing, and almost everyone present was a winner of many fine gifts.
She announced that the Sassy Senior Breakfast program would resume in the fall with healthy food for each breakfast, entertaining and educational programs that seniors will enjoy as well as events that will be helpful, inexpensive and useful to those who want to live longer and better.
Those regular attendees understood that everyone needs a break, but all look forward to the breakfast meetings starting again.
CEO Smith stated that the hospital enjoys sponsoring the meetings and the additions should be nearing completion in the fall. He wished everyone a safe, healthy and fun summer and looks forward to seeing everyone in September.

Week of May 28, 2006