About The wiregrass farmer. (Ashburn, Ga.) 1984-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 31, 2014)
Page 6 - The Wiregrass Farmer, December 31,2014 Sports Rebs fall to Americus-Sumter by Brad Christian The Turner County Rebels and Lady Rebels hosted the 3rd annual Ronalda Pierce Holiday Hoopfest on Friday, Saturday, and Monday at the Turner County Civic Center. There were eight games each day as schools such as Coffee High, Americus-Sumter, Ter rell County, Lanier County, Early County, Brooks County, and Thomas County Central made their way to Ashbum to participate in the three day event. On Friday night, the Lady Rebels hosted Brooks County. The Lady Rebels, who came in undefeated, jumped out to an early lead and managed to build it to a 36-20 lead by half time behind 12 first half points by Taylor Daniels. To their credit, the visitors from Quit- man, who play in Region 1- AA, hung in tough but were unable to make a big enough second half push. The Lady Rebels were just too strong down the stretch as they ad vanced to the tournament semifinals by winning 55-45. Junior Mylashia Yancey fin ished with a game high 20 points, which is right around her season average. Daniels finished with 12 points, all in the second half. Also having a strong game was Brishuana Barnes with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The semifinal game would have the Lady Rebels taking on Thomas County Central. The Lady Rebels trailed at halftime for the first time all year as they were losing 25-21 at the break. But whatever Lady Rebel head coach Tasha Kimble said to her squad at halftime apparently worked. They outscored the Lady Jack ets 14-6 in the third quarter to flip that four point deficit into a four point lead. They were able to add to that lead in the fourth quarter as they eventu ally took the victory 43-33. Xariah Office led the way for the Lady Rebels with a game high 13 points. The finals matchup would pit the Lady Rebels against Americus-Sumter, who is coached by former Lady Rebel coach Sherri Harris. It would be a battle of unbeaten teams. The Lady Rebels seemingly fought from behind the whole game. A nine point deficit was slowly trimmed down point by point. In fact, the Lady Rebels actually came back to take the lead at one point late in the game. But the Lady Panthers found a way to make plays down the stretch to win the in tense game in front of a packed gym 64-60. The victory al lowed the Lady Panthers to win the Hoopfest champi onship. Meanwhile, the boys were also in action Friday, Saturday, and Monday .On Friday night, it was apparent the Rebels would have little to no problem with an overmatched Brooks County Trojan squad. It was all Rebels in the first half as they jumped out to a 41-19 halftime lead behind 12 points from sophomore Tamarrion Terry. The second half was more of the same with Rebel head coach Dr. Tyrone Kellogg emptying his benches over the course of the second half en route to a stress free 73-39 vic tory. Terry led the way for the Rebels with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Also scoring in dou ble figures was junior DeAn- dre Pierce with 12 points. That win advanced them to the semifinals where they would take on Fanier County. The Rebels jumped out to an early 30-14 lead midway through the second quarter but a late 11-0 run by the Bulldogs trimmed that lead to 30-25 at halftime. The Rebels never re ally could totally pull away from the Bulldogs. In fact, the visitors from Fakeland only trailed by two midway through the fourth quarter and had pos session with a chance to take the lead. But too many mis takes by the Bulldogs and some clutch shooting by the Rebels allowed the home team to pull away for the 64-55 vic tory. Kellogg said after the game that while he was glad his team was able to win, he knew they still needed to get better. “We have got to learn to put other teams away,” he said. Once again, the double double ma chine of Terry led the way for the Rebels with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures were Shaquille Baldwin with 15 points and Quan Hillmon with 11 points. They played Americus- Sumter in the championship game Monday night. The Rebels fought through turnovers and poor shooting most of the night and found themselves in a nine point deficit at halftime. Fike the Fady Rebels, they kept chip ping away at the lead in the second half but couldn't ever get over the hump. Americus eventually pulled away for a 61-53 to make it a clean sweep of championship trophies for the visitors from Americus. At the end of the tourna ment play, the Rebels (10-2) and Fady Rebels (11-1) still found themselves sitting with impressive overall records. Only one game is on the schedule for this week and that is a Saturday night trip to Rochelle to take on Wilcox County beginning at 6:00. The boys took 2nd in the tournament. The Lady Rebels and the 2nd place trophy from the holiday tournament. Photos Susan Baker Help 4-H continue its programs With the holiday season there are many gifts exchanged and given. Would you con sider giving another gift that will benefit a child? As the year 2014 comes close to being history, there is still time to participate and support young people with a charitable contribution. Turner County 4-H is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax-de ductible according to IRS stan dards. Your gift will carry over into 2015! There are many activities for young people through the year with camp, DPA, judging teams, shooting sports, animal projects and educational con ferences. These trips and op portunities have steadily increased in cost over the last several years. Increased financial support is necessary to maintain high- quality, fun and educational programing for which 4-H is known. Your contribution can be designated to support a specific purpose that is important to you, or left unrestricted to be used where the need is great est. Any amount is greatly ap preciated and no amount is too small. Gifts help maintain the tra dition of making the best bet ter. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people. Consider making a donation to support the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow through your gift to Turner County 4-H. Gifts may be mailed to Turner County 4-H, 222 Rockhouse Road Room 1, Ashburn, GA 31714. YEAR (Continued from Page 3) Week 3 Amber Stephens is TCM/HS Teacher of the Year and the System Teacher of the Year. Teacher of the Year at TCES is Cassandra Jackson and Special Services School is Jaclyn Myers. STAR student is Hannah Rooks and she chose Debbie Fletcher as her STAR teacher. JROTC hosted Area II Re gion Drill Competition and fin ishes with second and third place. The Jail Museum is in need of immediate repair work and is closed siting safety concerns for visitors. Sycamore City Council was split in a vote to put in a bas ketball court on N. Railroad St. Mayor Wayne Woodruff voted yes to break the tie and support his idea. The money will be raised privately. Week 4 It’s Fire Ant Festival time. Gone With The Fire Ant is the theme. The Tabernacle gets grant for general repairs. A ribbon cutting was held for Bailey and Flake Satellite TV. Ashburn becomes a ‘Purple Heart City’. Rescue Smokers returning to BBQ Pitmasters for a chance at redemption after los ing in the semi-finals. APRIL Week 1 Despite a soggy start, the 19th annual Fire Ant Festival ended with a bang. David Whiddon becomes the latest winner with only a few min utes left to find the ant. Clues were explained as usual. According to a new national health report Turner County ranks very low. Overall health ranking puts Turner County at 155 of 159 counties. The Chamber is seeking a new President after Shelley Zorn took a position in Thomasville. The incoming President will also serve a joint position as Director of the Turner County Development Authority. Week 2 Spring has sprung. At the County Commission meeting an engineering con tract is put on hold. A second trial for Debra Pilkinton on murder charges also ended with a hung jury. Eight women and four men voted 11-1 to acquit. The City of Ashbum’s Main Street program launches idea for a farmer’s market. Interest from the farming community determines the success of this program. A Turner County Public Safety lunch was held at the ag building. Turner County High School FCCFA members attend the weekend leadership confer ence. 4-H participated in the State Fivestock Judging Con test in Athens. The team placed 8th out of 13 teams. At the BOE workshop meeting a longer school year is predicted for next year. With budget cuts the school year was shortened from 180 days to 165 to save money. Nick Denham, Keith Reynolds and Will Williford are running for the County Commission District 5 seat. Week 3 The Sycamore Police De partment says it will no longer void or reduce traffic tickets to a lesser offense. An Ashburn man who was set on fire is in stable condition in Augusta. Marshall Hamp ton was taken into police cus tody on arson and aggravated assault charges with more charges possibly. Nichole Winter wins the Ki- wanis Club Talent Show and a $500 scholarship. The school may expand MTC partnership. Ray Jordan is looking at replacing three re tiring teachers with instructors from MTC. Fee Ann Clark attends chief school and is now certified as Sycamore Chief of Police. Health Plus is now Ashbum Primary Care. Week 4 TCES teacher Amanda Bai ley presented a list of things for the BOE to consider. In order to improve the schools it will need to be a community effort. The school system continues to have a decline in enrollment and teachers are leaving due to the shortened school calendar which means they will not re ceive pay for a typical full con tract. Josh Gravitt is the new County Extension Agent for Turner County. A couple of celebrities drop by the Giant Peanut and post their visit on social media. Another success for the Jump rope for Heart as it raises $6,000. Artie Eld hosted a luncheon to show his appreciation for the First Responders. Week 5 Mr. Nehemiah Collins cele brated his 100th birthday. The Turner County Rebel wrestlers and basketball team is honored by the Ashburn City Council. Mayor Jim Hedges’ idea to bring a replica of the Vietnam Wall to Ashburn is set for Sep tember. Other surrounding counties will be participating in the event. The class of 1959 is spear heading the creation of the Coach Bill and Doris Hardin athletic/academic scholarship for the 2014 year. A family fun night took place at the elementary school. MAY Week 1 Turner County Rebels Bas ketball Day declared May 1 and TCHS Rebels Wrestler’s Day May 2 by the Ashburn City Council. Three different DOT proj ects for Ashburn may happen next year. New sidewalks will projected for downtown Ash burn on Hwy 41 and 112 and Carlos Avenue around the YRC and park. TCES held its first ever concert which will be an an nual event. The Turner County Arts Council set dates for the Summer children’s theater au ditions. Middle/High school stu dents attend the Y-Club’s Christian Fife Conference. After school students put their art on display at the library. More evidence that the Crime and Punishment Mu seum has paranormal activity. Week 2 APD believes gangs are in volved in connection with the recent fights and arsons on the west side of town. A report shows food stamp use is up in Turner County ac cording to the USDA Food and Nutrition Services. An increase of 7.7 percentage points since 2007 when the recession started. Sycamore City Council says no tax hike. Also the Council is hoping to get grants for paving at a mobile home park and get ting a new lift station. The school board is split on the system calendar. Field day takes place at the elementary school. Week 3 Superintendent Ray Jordan says a series of reports show Turner County is making progress in educating students. In other school related matters, the board was split on the con tract by Southern Management in which an increase of $746 a month was requested. Retirees from the Board of Education were saluted. Dirt roads are in bad shape with the unusually heavy rains in late winter and spring. Road Superintendent JB Newell asks for patience as his department is working as fast as they can. A school bus and two wreckers get stuck. American Fegion Post 98 presents a $400 check to help fund the JROTC Summer Camp. Week 4 Mortar boards fly once again as the Class of 2014 graduates. Veterans are remembered with a ceremony at Elrod Park. A runoff election will be held in July for the County Commission race between Nick Denham and Will Willi ford. Two lucky TCES students with perfect attendance were winners of new bicycles, Kolton Orozco and Natalie Nutt. JUNE Week 1 Focal resident Joshua Jer maine Floyd was killed after being hit by a train as he walked down the tracks at Or chard Hill. In Rebecca sixteen people were taken to Tift Regional hospital after a chemical acci dent at a vegetable packing plant. School Superintendent Ray Jordan announces his retire ment effective September 30. After a five month criminal investigation into the diversion of controlled substances, a well known Sycamore resident and owner of Tifton Drugs was charged after a raid at her phar macy. Three others, all of Ash bum, were also charged. Rescue Smokers make it to the Grand Finale of BBQ Pit- masters on the tv show Desti nation America. DAR presented a flag to JoAnne Brown at the Victoria Evans Memorial Fibrary. Week 2 A street fee hike of $1 is in the proposed budget for the City’s next fiscal year. The City is also looking at quitting the regional drug task force. Instead, use the money to hire a new City police officer to work full time on gang and gang violence. The Georgia Education De partment rolls out a new testing system which will replace the CRCT and EOCT. The Geor gia Milestones Assessment System is aligned to the Com mon Core Georgia Perform ance Standards (CCGPS) and requires more from students in order to better prepare them for college and career. Week 3 Rescue Smokers bring home the money! They won the Pitmasters Grand Champi onship, a big trophy and the grand prize of $50,000. Sycamore City Council has decided it will also drop from the Dmg Task Force. This will save the City $5,000 a year. Also, past due property taxes are being turned over to a com pany who specializes in preparing tax sales for munici palities. The proposed $1 increase in the street fee is not sitting well with many residents but City Manager Ben Taylor said it’s needed to balance the budget because the City did not get all the FOST it expected. Andrea Pierce is honored by American Fegion Post 98 as she was chosen Fegionnaire of the Year. The Turner County Music Boosters meet their new band and chorus director Michael Staub. The School Board’s attempt at creating a cyber academy are disappointing. Enrollment saw only 2 elementary children and 22 for the Middle/High. A decision by the BOE to hire a new Middle/High School principal is split. Michael Simmons of Darien takes the position as Howard Akers leaves to take a position in another Fanier County. Year in Review resumes next week
