Two recent graduates of Vidalia High School have returned to Vidalia High School to give back to their Alma Mater. Maggie Beach, a former VHS student and HOSA officer, recently donated blood at the Annual VHS Sports Booster Blood Drive. At this blood drive, McLendon Enterprises donates $20 to the sports booster program for every donor who donates blood.
This is the 5th year hosting this particular blood drive," said VHS Advisor Shellie Cleghorn. "In addition to this blood drive, we host three other blood drives throughout the school year on the VHS campus. For each blood drive we have, HOSA earns scholarship money for a graduating senior pursuing a degree in the medical field. Maggie was one of those students to receive this scholarship this past May."
Beach was a HOSA member for all four years and a HOSA Officer for 3 of those four years of her high school career, and Cleghorn says that she can remember Beach helping at many blood drives, even at a young age. "She also couldn't wait to be old enough to actually donate blood at our drives," said Cleghorn. "And sure enough, as soon as she was old enough to donate, Maggie began to do just that. She was always so involved with the blood drives, always willing to help and willing to donate. It was so refreshing to see Maggie return to continue to give back. It was one of those "full circle" moments."
Matlin Mead, also a former VHS student, recently became a member of the CTAE Healthcare Science Advisory Board. The primary purpose of this board is to assist educators in establishing, operating, and evaluating the CTAE program, which serves the needs of the students, the community, and the business/industry partners, and to provide expertise and insight about current/future industry and technological changes.
According to Cleghorn, Mead, who currently attends Georgia Southern University and is employed by Memorial Health Meadows Hospital as a phlebotomist, has always shown an interest in the medical field. "Early on, Matlin demonstrated a strong interest in the medical field," Cleghorn said. "As a student, she always went above and beyond on assignments and actively participated in classroom discussions and projects. Throughout her high school career, Matlin completed all 4 Healthcare Science classes and was an active member and officer for VHS HOSA, taking every opportunity to attend HOSA conferences, activities, and community events. As her former teacher and HOSA advisor, I am so proud to have Matlin as a member of our Advisory Board as I know she will contribute greatly. Another full circle moment!" Cleghorn added.
According to Cleghorn both Mead and Beach have come back to the Healthcare Science classroom as guest speakers this semester.
(Submitted by VHS Communications Director John Koon)
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Not even the holidays can keep scammers from trying to intimidate people and steal their money. In fact, on Thursday, the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office noted that would-be thieves are burning up the telephone lines preying on citizens with lies and threats.
According to Sheriff Alvie Kight, Jr., Office, officers have been made aware that a person or persons is calling pretending to be a deputy with the Sheriff’s office. These scammers are so determined in their attempts to steal your money that they have even spoofed the actual number of the Sheriff’s Office, making look as if the call is legitimately being placed from the local law enforcement office.
In the attempts to con the citizens, the scammer may use the same excuses they have used in the past such as you have missed jury duty, a court date, or paying a fine. They also state that your “immediate action is required.”
This scam certainly isn’t new but seems to once again be on the rise. The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office reminds you that law enforcement will not call you by phone to reference any of these allegations. In addition, law enforcement will never request payment of any kind over the telephone.
If you get such a call, do not give any information to the caller, hang up, and notify actual law enforcement.
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The Vidalia Onion Festival Committee is excited to announce the 2024 Vidalia Onion Festival Friday Night Concert, headlined by Georgia's own country sensation and Grand Ole Opry member, Lauren Alaina! The multi-platinum artist is all set to dazzle with an unforgettable performance, featuring her new single at country radio "Thicc As Thieves" and selections from her newly released EP, 'Unlocked.' The three-time chart-topper, known for her powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and high-profile performances, is expected to draw fans from across the country to the festival.
ABOUT LAUREN ALAINA
Grand Ole Opry member and Big Loud Records powerhouse Lauren Alaina is unlocking a new era, releasing her debut EP with the label out now. The six-song set fittingly titled Unlocked reintroduces the multi-faceted star, stripping back every layer and allowing fans to know her more than ever before. Alaina has earned three chart-topping hits: RIAA platinum-certified “Road Less Traveled,” 7x platinum “What Ifs” with her childhood friend Kane Brown, and 2x platinum “ONE BEER” with labelmate HARDY + Devin Dawson. The Georgia-born force, who American Songwriter notes is “on a seemingly limitless upward trajectory,” has shared the stage with Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, and Jason Aldean. She's headlined two raved-about tours, the sold-out That Girl Was Me Tour and bar-raising On Top Of The World Tour Presented by Maurices. The gold-medal vocalist has performed on some of the highest-profile stages in the world including PBS' A Capitol Fourth, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, CBS' Beyond The Edge, TODAY, Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, ABC's CMA Fest specials, CMA and ACM Awards, Nickelodeon's All That, Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day halftime performance, MLB's World Series national anthem performance, a performance at the White House for President Obama, and more.
The Friday Night lineup includes additional performances showcasing two more of Georgia's rising stars who will bring their distinctive blend of energy and music to the festival. Joining Lauren Alaina is Georgia’s own Austin Snell, infusing the stage with his unique 'grunge country' style, and RVSHVD, another Georgia native, whose soulful melodies and authentic country flair have endeared him to fans across the country.
This year's festival not only features stellar musical performances but will also see the return of the awe-inspiring airshow by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, making Vidalia the only Georgia show site for these highflying artists in 2024.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Lauren Alaina to Vidalia," said Jake Cleghorn for the Vidalia Onion Festival Committee. "Her journey and music resonate with the spirit of our community, and we can think of no better artist to embody the 'Road Less Traveled' that leads to our city and festival."
Tickets for the festival are expected to sell quickly, and early purchase is recommended. For more information on ticket sales, accommodations, and the full schedule of events, please visit VidaliaOnionFestival.com.
Come take the road less traveled this year to Vidalia and be part of a tradition that celebrates the unique culture, music, and heritage of Georgia. Join us for a weekend of song, dance, and the unmistakable flavor of Vidalia® Onions at the 47th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival.
The Vidalia Onion Festival is an annual event that celebrates the harvest of Vidalia onions, Georgia's official state vegetable. The festival has grown from a local gathering to a nationally recognized event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year and features a variety of activities, including the Onion Run, airshow, concerts, cooking competitions, carnival, rodeo, fireworks, and more.
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Vidalia Police Department reports the following arrests:
Newton, Christopher - Vidalia - Warrant served (Claxton PD)
Jones, Jordan – Vidalia – Financial Transaction Card Theft/Financial Card Transaction Fraud.
Adams, Joi-E’Lania – Vidalia – Warrant Served (Toombs County Warrant).
Hagood, Jessica – Vidalia – Possession of Methamphetamine
Toombs County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests:
Beasley, Jason – Lyons – Failure to Appear (felony)
Conrad, Bryan – Vidalia – Cruelty to Children in the 3rd Degree; Battery (Family Violence); Parole Violation
Davis, Patrick – McRae – Theft by Deception
Mendez, Cristobal – Vidalia – Driving While License Suspended or Revoked; DUI/Alcohol/Less Safe; Failure to Appear
Mitchell, Jay – Lyons – DUI/Alcohol/Less Safe; Open Container (Alcoholic Beverage, Passenger)
Lyons Police Department reports the following arrests:
Rewis, Linda Diane – Lyons – Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults. Elder Person, and Residents
Nail, Charles Ellis, II – Lyons – Warrant Service
Anderson, David Allen – Lyons – Warrant Service
Simpson, Julius Felton – Vidalia – Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug-Related Objects; Operating A Vehicle With Registration Suspended
Heckel, Duane Ottis – Uvalda – Possession of Drug-Related Objects; Possession of Methamphetamine
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests:
Bell, Autumn Romaine – Reidsville – Possession of Prohibited item by Inmate
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The Toombs County Commissioners have advised that due to on-going construction there will be NO ACCESS on State Route 292 to the Toombs County Government Center at 100 Courthouse Square. All access will be from the existing entrance located on State Route 280. The expected completion date is May 2024.
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