TODAY'S HEADLINES

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

ECCHS names Students of the Month for November 2025

news@wsgcradio.com – Elbert County Comprehensive High School has named the Students of the Month for November 2025. Those being honored include:

Jerry Mosier is being recognized as the Academic Student of the Month for November by the English/Language Arts Department. His teacher, Ms. Kelly Gary, says “Jerry is a wonderful student who is naturally gifted in Language Arts. He excels at writing essays, contributes to in-class discussions thoughtfully and respectfully, and currently has the highest average in all of my classes. He is a joy to teach.” Jerry is the son of Jerry Mosier and Corrie Mosier.

Carlee Rose is being recognized as the Academic Student of the Month for November by the Math Department. Her teacher, Ms.Tremyia Jones says “Carlee is being nominated for her outstanding academic performance and consistent commitment to excellence. She approaches every assignment with determination and takes pride in producing high-quality work. Carlee's strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to challenge herself makes her a standout student in the classroom. Beyond academics, Carlee demonstrates responsibility, maturity, and respect toward peers and staff. She is always willing to help others and contribute to a positive learning environment. Her dedication and character makes her an exceptional role model. I am proud to recognize her for her achievements and continued growth.” Carlee is the daughter of Vada Rose and Jonathan Rose.

Skylar Moore is being recognized as the Academic Student of the Month for November by the Science Department. Her teacher, Mr. Bill Jenkins says, “Skylar is always prepared for class and ready to learn. She works diligently to understand her subject and completes everything on time. She currently has a 100 average and continues to show integrity through her class work and her actions. She is a helpful and respectful student willing to help others any time she is asked.” Skylar is the daughter of Tasha Ann Campbell and Scott Moore.

Jordon Poulsen is being recognized as the Academic Student of the Month for November by the Social Studies Department. His teacher, Mr. Bo Kidd says “Jordon consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does. He is engaged, eager to learn, and always strives for excellence as his standard. Beyond his academic effort, Jordon treats everyone in the classroom with genuine respect, both his teachers and his classmates. He leads by example, setting a positive tone for our first block class each day. His dedication, character, and leadership make him an outstanding choice for Student of the Month.” Jordon is the grandson of Bridget Walsh.

Raj Patel has been selected as the Student of the Month for November by the PE Department. His teacher,Coach Reuben Haynes says, “Raj participates and competes in team sports each and every day. His attitude and effort are both tremendous” Raj is the son of Bhupendra and Bhavna Patel.

Isabella Adams has been selected as the Student of the Month in the Teaching as a Profession program for the month of November by the CTAE Department. Her teacher, Mrs. Amber Dixon says, “Isabella shows genuine interest in the content being taught daily. She works hard and puts forth 100% effort towards her assignments and projects. She is a role-model student and has an amazing work-ethic.” Isabella is the daughter of Mark and Katy Adams.

Samuel Gohn has been selected as the Student of the Month for November in the Foreign Language dept. His teacher, Mrs. Valeria Anderson says, “From the first day of the class, I noticed Samuel's incredible enthusiasm and passion not just for the Russian language, but also for Russian culture and traditions. Samuel has a kind and open personality, and he is always ready to help his peers. It is a big pleasure and honor to have Samuel in my class.” Samuel is the son of Autumn and John Masters.

c/LTC Daniella Govea is being recognized as the Cadet of the Month for November by the JROTC Department. SFC. Daniel Ulrich says, “Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (c/LTC) Daniella Govea-Alcalde's dedication to JROTC is unmatched. She single-handedly sold 22% of the Brigade's BBQ lunch fund raiser tickets. All 173 Cadets were asked to sell lunch tickets and the winner would receive a cash reward. c/LTC Govea accepted the challenge and immediately surpassed our expectations. She sold 92 of the 406 tickets sold, raising $920.” Daniella is the daughter of Fidel Govea-Mendoza and Claudia Alcalde-Anton.

ECSO reports no felony arrests for the week of Nov. 23-30, 2025

news@wsgcradio.com – The Elbert County Sheriff's Office reported no felony arrests over the past week. The following incidents and misdemeanor arrests were reported:

• Criminal Trespass was reported on Kurt Anderson Road on Nov. 24, 2025. The suspect is unknown.
• Forgery was investigated on Ruckersville Road on Nov. 25, 2025.
• Theft by taking was reported on East Church Street on Nov. 25, 2025.
• Aggravated Assault was reported on Moore Road on Nov. 26, 2025.
• Theft by taking was reported on Cumming Drive, Lot 38 on Nov. 28, 2025.
• Aggravated Assault was reported on Bowman Highway on Nov. 29, 2025. No arrests were made.
• Theft by taking was reported on Anderson Highway on Nov. 29, 2025.
• Theft by Shoplifting was reported on Bowman Highway on Nov. 30, 2025.
• Three deer versus motor vehicle reports were taken for the week.
• Five subjects were arrested on Probation Violation charges.

Lawmakers consider paring tax credits and exemptions to offset income tax cuts

Ty Tagami

Capitol Beat News Service

A state legislative committee is eyeing cutbacks in $30 billion worth of tax credits and tax exemptions to offset the potential elimination of an income tax that generates $16 billion for state government.

Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia), leader of the Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax said it is not a question of if we go to zero, it’s when and how we take our income tax to zero. It’s an issue of competitiveness.

Senators heard Monday from three invited speakers who advocated for eliminating the 5.19% income tax.

Patrice Onwuka, director of the Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, said half of the state’s residents live paycheck to paycheck and could use a tax break. 

Arthur Laffer described consequences for population, productivity and tax revenue in states that adopted an income tax, and he pointed to gains in states that eliminated their income tax, including his home state of Tennessee.

Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, noted that Georgia already has a thriving economy and that many of the states that eliminated their income tax subsequently raised their sales tax rate.

Economists have long held that a sales tax is more painful for low-income people than an income tax, and Orrock said retirees would be among those disproportionately affected.

But Tillery, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, had delivered to the other senators more than 200 pages of documents detailing $30 billion in tax credits and tax exemptions in Georgia law. He said those could be eliminated to make up revenue lost by eliminating the income tax, instead of raising the sales tax rate.

The final speaker, Kyle Wingfield, president and CEO of the fiscally conservative Georgia Public Policy Foundation, offered two policy approaches to accompany income tax cuts.

First, Georgia could place some of its billions in reserves into an emergency fund to hedge against unexpected budget shortfalls. Second, lawmakers could set “revenue triggers” that would only allow income tax cuts if overall tax revenue grew.

Community Calendar

Tuesday, December 2

• Children's Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Elbert County Public Library
• Blue Devil basketball vs Social Circle (b/g), 6:30, Inferno
• ECCHS rifle team vs Madison County

Wednesday, December 3

• Blue Devil wrestling @ Morgan Co./Monroe Area,5 p.m., Morgan Co. High School

Thursday, December 4

• EC BOC work session, 5 p.m., Elbert County Complex

Friday, December 5

• Chess Sessions, 3:30 p.m., Elbert County Public Library
• Blue Devil basketball vs Madison County (b/g), 6 p.m., Inferno
• A Tuna Christmas, 7 p.m., Elbert Theatre

Saturday, December 6

• Blue Devil wrestling @ Panther Inv., 9 a.m., Jackson Co. High School
• A Tuna Christmas, 7 p.m., Elbert Theatre

Sunday, December 7

• A Tuna Christmas, 2 p.m., Elbert Theatre

Monday, December 8

• EC BOC meeting, 5:15 p.m., Elbert County Complex

Tuesday, December 9

• Children's Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Elbert County Public Library
• EC BOE work session, 5:30 p.m., ECSD Offices
• ECCHS rifle team @ GMC
• Lady Devil basketball vs Franklin County, 6 p.m., Inferno

Wednesday, December 10

• Development Authority meeting, 9 a.m., Athens Tech-Elbert Campus
• Blue Devil wrestling vs Johnson/Cedar Shoals, 5 p.m., Home
• Bowman City Council, 6:30 p.m., Bowman City Hall

Friday, December 12

• Chess Sessions, 3:30 p.m., Elbert County Public Library
• Blue Devil wrestling @ Jefferson Inv., 5 p.m., Jefferson High School
• A Tuna Christmas, 7 p.m., Elbert Theatre
• Blue Devil basketball vs Providence Christian (b/g), 6 p.m., Inferno

Saturday, December 13

• Blue Devil wrestling @ Jefferson Inv., 5 p.m., Jefferson High School
• A Tuna Christmas, 7 p.m., Elbert Theatre
• Blue Devil basketball (b/g), 5:30 p.m., Hartwell

Sunday, December 14

• A Tuna Christmas, 2 p.m., Elbert Theatre

George Francis Baker, 90, of Elberton passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. Visitation will be held at Berry Funeral Home on Wednesday. Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services will take place at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, Florida. Full obituary

Willie E. "Pete" Downer, Jr., 75, passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later time. Full obituary

Patricia Elaine Wilbon, 64, passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later time. Full obituary

Evelyn Denise (Moon) Burden, 66, of Elberton passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later time. Full obituary

Diane Thornton, 76, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later time. Full obituary

Moriah Lane Mills, 31, of Elberton passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later time. Full obituary