(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Let’s try to get into this Christmas Week without to much “humbug.” However, this is still Augusta so there will be some level of ‘Grinchness’ going on.
As always, let me point to a particular article in this week’s paper that should definitely draw your attention. This reference is not just because it involves ambulance service but because this topic has continued to be a matter of serious discussion for a while.
Just check the article out; it is definitely a good read. More importantly, as suggested, don’t use 911 just because it’s there. Some people are having real emergencies.
Calls to 911 such as a cuticle cut too short at a nail salon or calling 911 saying you are having chest pains just so someone can grab you a bottle of water out the refrigerator, doesn’t necessarily constitute a need to have an ambulance running lights and sirens to your home.
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(Side bar: Many of the critics and detractors who make sure to push for complaints are those who have personal issue with the ambulance company or owners. In some cases, they even tried to start their own ambulance service but failed. Keep that in mind.)
Let’s take a moment to address the recent arrest of three deputies within the Sheriff’s Office.
None of us have all the details as they relate to the circumstances that surround this incident. I have been given assurance that this matter will be investigated fully—all T’s crossed and I’s dotted. Allegations like this are very serious and I can tell you, knowing the sheriff, he is taking this matter VERY seriously.
Let me be clear with this next part. The sheriff has no way or control over how every single deputy will act. That is the equivalent to the guy from one street over, being mad at you because your neighbor’s grass is not being cut.
Believe me when I say that no one likes bad press or someone within their ranks being investigated.
This commercial break is brought to you by the 13th Annual Taste of Christmas, which was a major success. I know because I was there.
Let me thank Mrs. Sheree Ingram for putting on another fantastic event, and let me thank her husband, Mr. Henry Ingram, for making me spend money in the silent auction for my wife. He said that’s how you STAY married.
The sponsors were there with great gifts; the vendors with tons of free food, and the wonderful hosts—my wife Monica and I—were great!
Did I mention food? I’m still full, and it was all for a great cause. Let me make a comment about “The Taste.” There was no tasting going on. It was full fledge meals. I saw a lady walk back from the table with a plate she needed a shovel for.
Can’t forget the entertainment from JAMP and the Greenwood Family Singers who had the crowd with cameras out and singing along. These are the kind of events that make Augusta great and the place I love to brag about being from.
Congratulations to Judge David Watkins on his retirement and to Judge Kellie McIntyre for her promotion (so to speak) to senior judge. Her placement is automatic based on ranking and there is NO DOUBT in anyone’s mind that she will do an outstanding job.
The event was well attended. When I say well attended, there were just as many people outside the courtroom as inside of it. I believe all the judges were in attendance and probably all the politicians as well.
I actually ran into former Mayor Davis in the hallway, and he reminded me that my little paper has spent the last two years writing about him. He also shared his concerned whether TAP will have anything to write about once he is gone. I assured him that we would definitely be working hard to find something to fill our newspaper with.
Davis also talked about the possibility of royalties that may needed to be paid, since it was the stories about him that sold our papers. I assured him that the title of “King Hardie,” was only a tag that Ms. Sylvia came up with to describe his charismatic charm; to which he smiled and assured me that he has big plans for the future. Which included resting and working on church business. …
He did mention something big happening, and he’s heading to D.C. on Feb. 2. Didn’t give any details but he seemed to be excited to share and leave me in a bit of a holding pattern. I must admit I did ask what was next.
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Speaking of bragging
District 6 School Board Trustee Candidate Lowery landed him a whopper with the announcement of Evett Davis as his campaign manager. This all within the same week of her being nominated, then elected, chair of the Zoning Appeals Board. This will just add to the mounting support that is starting to catapult in his direction.
Seems as if he knows how to catch and KEEP, not catch and release like… there I go, getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
