I recently gave birth at South Georgia Medical Center and was very impressed with the labor and delivery staff. I haven't stopped bragging about my wonderful experience and the nurses who cared for me. Thank you, Amanda, Debbie and Donna. Your attention to detail, positive attitudes and love for your jobs were so refreshing and evident. God bless.

I am so tired of people saying one should move or send their kids to private schools as a solution to problems within the school system. Until we, as a state or nation, get away from property tax-based education, our schools will never be competitive and give our kids the best education possible. When schools have to answer to parents instead of the state, you will then see the quality escalate. To achieve that, funds should be attached to the child, not the school and parents then choose where they want to send that child to school, along with the funds attached to that child, no matter where they live.

Some complain the schools don't keep in touch with the parents enough; others that the schools call too much. Now complaints about officials identifying themselves when they call. Personally, I think the schools are doing a lot better contacting parents than they used to and prefer identification of who’s calling.

It comes as no surprise that alcohol and loud noises will soon be banned at the civic center. But it's strange how larger cities with real civic centers allow alcohol and have much louder noises. It's time to build a modern civic center in another location where alcohol and noises are not a problem.

Do people not understand that when a storm hits, the power usually goes out, but they want it restored faster than the power crews can work. This is why they tell you to be prepared. Buy candles, a flash light or whatever. It isn't going to hurt you to miss your favorite show on TV.

Please folks, as a member of a proud community, help support organizations such as your local VFW and American Legion when asked to do so. Please open up your hearts and do so for the many that are unable to do for themselves and remember they made those sacrifices for our freedom.

The state budget cuts have hit a new low. VSU is now turning up the thermostat and burning out their employees, literally. I was in the bookstore last week to get my books. It was ridiculously hot in there. I feel bad for the employees.

In response to the “parent” who agrees with the blue lines and silence in the lunchroom, you couldn't be more wrong. School should be a fun place to attend and to learn, but all of the fun has been taken out of the learning due to strict rules and guidelines. My children know the rules and how to follow them. Take a visit to the school and look at the terror on the children's faces because they are too afraid to talk or make a wrong move. Learning should be a great experience, not a terrifying one.