“Hunger Games” inspires children and teens to Georgia archery programs

Submitted by Jacqueline Harnevious, 13WMAZ Community Web Producer

Thursday, November 21st, 2013, 4:09pm

 

The second installment of the “Hunger Games”, called “Catching Fire”, hits theaters at midnight Friday.

The blockbuster movies are not only selling tickets. They’re persuading kids to pick up a hobby, that got its start in prehistoric times.

The archery bug bit Mark Swords and Jennifer Pittman long ago.

Pittman said, “I grew up hunting and fishing my entire life.”

They’re both bow hunters, and employees with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

It’s their aim to help children and teens get a grip on archery.

Swords said, “If you learn incorrectly, you can turn a young person off from archery. If you learn correct, you have a life long hobby.”

As a coordinator for the National Archery in Schools Program, Swords says the “Hunger Games” series pointed hundreds of kids in his direction.

Swords said, “I read all three books.”

He watched the films, too.

Swords said, “If you watch Katniss, you can tell Jennifer Lawrence has had some excellent coaching, and it is real, what you see.”

Pittman said you do not have to be athletic to participate. She said, “Everyone can do it, and they can do it well. It’s concentration. It’s eye-hand coordination, and it’s practice.”

She says 25,000 Georgia kids focus on the sport.

Pittman and her team surpassed their target, growing school archery programs from 18 in 2003 to 200 programs now.

There is an archery range at Perry’s Flat Creek Wildlife Management Area. Another like it was just built near Dublin.

Archery Opportunities: Archery shooting ranges

In Central Georgia, Peach, Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Truetlen and Wheeler Counties have archery programs in the schools.

DNR aims to increase quail population

Submitted by Suzanne Lawler, News & Sports Anchor

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says they hope a partnership with numerous organizations in the state will boost the quail population.

Earlier this evening several groups signed the Georgia Bobwhite Quail Technical Team Memorandum of Agreement.

It’s a mouthful, but what it means is that, DNR will provide free help to farmers or land owners that want to tailor their landscape to make it more quail friendly.

Biologists fear that the bird’s habitat is disappearing and they want to put a plan in place to boost the numbers.

DNR Ranger Reggie Thackson says some simple steps could make a difference across the board.

” Some of the habitat practices that will restore bobwhite populations are field borders around crop fields, thinning and burning woodlands, pine stands in particular,” Thackston said. “And the great thing is that it not only helps bobwhites, bobwhites are like a poster child for a whole group of species that includes gopher tortoises song birds and honeybees. ”

The groups plan to pay for the plan through the sale of GOHUNT state vanity plates.

Quail season runs from now until February 28th.

And speaking of hunting: Duck season begins this Saturday.

Job openings in Warner Robins

Submitted by Jacqueline Harnevious, 13WMAZ Community Web Producer

Thursday, November 21st, 2013, 7:00am

Each Thursday, a Georgia Department of Labor representative joins 13WMAZ toshare several open jobs in the Central Georgia area.

You can watch this on 13WMAZ-TV on Thursday mornings and again at 5 p.m.

The jobs are updated here weekly.

Call the Department of Labor Career Center at (478) 751-6164 and give them the job number of the position that interests you. You can also check out other jobs on the Georgia Department of Labor’s website.

Job Title:    CNA
Location:    WARNER ROBINS GA
Pay:          Depends On Experience
Education:  12 Years
Job Number: GA8137530
Applicant will provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff to include the following: feeding, bathing dressing, grooming, moving patients or changing linens.

Job Title:    Maintenance Technician
Location:    Warner Robins GA
Pay:          N/A
Education:  12 Years
Job Number: GA8138280
Must have a high school diploma or GED. Must have 24 months maintenance technician, pump maintenance and repair experience, control panel and electronic components and welding experience. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Three Houston Co. schools named state high-performing reward schools

Submitted by HCBOE

Monday, November 18th, 2013, 5:07pm

 

Flickr source: dave fayram

HOUSTON COUNTY, GA – Kings Chapel Elementary, Linwood Elementary and Shirley Hills Elementary have been named Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).  This award is reserved for Title 1 schools with the highest performance or the biggest academic gains by students in the last three years.  Houston’s three schools are among 78 schools statewide honored in the Highest Performance category.  Ranked in the top five percent of Title I schools, the schools were chosen for this honor because they have the highest performance for the “all students” group over three years.

“These faculties and staffs work very hard to provide the best for their students,” commented Superintendent Dr. Robin Hines.  “This state recognition represents years of excellence.  I am so proud of these administrators, teachers, students and their families!”

Reward and Alert schools are identified as part of the state’s waiver from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.  This is the second year the GaDOE announced Reward and Alert Schools – Shirley Hills Elementary was also a 2012 Reward School, again in the highest performance category.  The 2013 Reward and Alert Schools were released on Nov. 12, 2013.

Kings Chapel Elementary is located at 460 Arena Rd in Perry; Paulette Tompkins serves as principal. Tompkins may be reached at 478-988-6273 or Paulette.Tompkins@hcbe.net. Linwood Elementary is located at 61 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, in Warner Robins where Dr. Amanda Brantley serves as principal.  Dr. Brantley may be reached at 478-929-6360 or Amanda.Brantley@hcbe.net.  Shirley Hills Elementary is located at 300 Mary Lane in Warner Robins with Dr. Traci Jackson serving as principal.  Dr. Jackson may be reached at 478-929-7824 or Traci.Jackson@hcbe.net.

Warner Robins neighborhood plans crematory protest

Submitted by Jake Wade, 13WMAZ News Convergence Coordinator

Monday, November 18th, 2013, 1:19pm

By Claudia Taylor

Residents in a Warner Robins neighborhood are holding out hope that construction will stop on a crematory that’s being built next door to their subdivision.

More than 80 Rose Hill homeowners attended a neighborhood meeting Saturday to discuss plans to protest the Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel, that’s being built on Highway 41.

Charlie Toole and his neighbors say they’re concerned that their property values will decline after the crematory is built.

They say they also want to avoid hazardous smoke, and fumes that they believe the crematory will produce.

Some people signed petitions, and made plans to attend the next city council meeting to discuss the issue.

Mayoral candidate Randy Toms and City Councilman Tim Thomas were at the meeting.

Thomas says he’s willing to help the Rose Hill community in any way that he can.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18.

Some Rose Hill residents say they’ll protest at City Hall around 3:45 that afternoon.

WRHS student to march in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

 

Submitted by Jacqueline Harnevious, 13WMAZ Community Web Producer

Monday, November 18th, 2013, 1:18pm

Flickr source: Nathamanath

ATLANTA (AP) – Seven Georgia high school students have been chosen to travel to New York to march in the famous Thanksgiving parade sponsored by Macy’s.

The students will be among the 185 musicians in the Great American Marching Band in the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy’s says the Great American Marching Band has honored the country’s finest high school musicians since 2006.

The band is comprised of students from all 50 states and is directed by Auburn University’s Richard Good and assistant director, Barry Houser, from the University of Illinois.

One student was selected from each of the following Georgia high schools: Buford High School, Columbus High School, Dalton High School, Forsyth Central High School, Starr’s Mill High School, Troup County Comprehensive High School, and Warner Robins High School.

Recovering Housing Market to Spur Economic Recovery in New Year

BY: KRISTA FRANKS BROCK

Next year will likely be the first year since 2000 that home purchases outpace refinances, according to Freddie Mac’s expectations. Furthermore, the rallying housing market should set the broader economy on a brighter path, according to Freddie Mac’s U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for November.

“Led by a resurgent housing sector, 2014 should shape up to be better than 2013,” Freddie Mac stated in its outlook.

Housing starts, which have been slow, should rise to a pace of about 1.15 million in 2014, according to Freddie Mac.

This is more in line with the historical average of 1.1 million per year reported by the Census Bureau. In comparison, the Census Bureau recently reported household formation over the first three quarters of this year at just 380,000.

Freddie Mac expects home sales to increase 5 or 6 percent in the new year, but tight inventory will prevent further increases.

Home values will continue to increase, albeit at a slower pace. Freddie Mac expects home price growth to be about the same as home sales growth—5 or 6 percent.

Rental prices will also continue to rise, but like housing prices, their pace will moderate. Freddie Mac expects rents to rise at a pace of about 5.3 percent next year.

Mortgage rates will reach about 5 percent for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages by the end of 2014, according to Freddie Mac. While this will not threaten affordability in most markets, it may dampen affordability in a few higher-priced markets, according to the outlook.

Also, Freddie Mac noted there may be “some volatility in the short-term” resulting from uncertainty surrounding fiscal policies, such as the debt ceiling and the Federal Reserve’s tapering of its MBS purchases.

The overall good news for the housing market translates to good news for the broader economy, according to Freddie Mac.

The rise in housing starts should translate to 700,000 new jobs, according to economists at Freddie Mac.

These new jobs will help bring the unemployment rate below 7 percent “perhaps by mid-2014,” Freddie Mac stated.

Economic growth is expected at 2.5 to 3 percent for the year, which is “more than 0.5 percentage points better than is projected for 2013,” according to Freddie Mac.

Veterans makes strong statement in playoff debut

 

BY JOHN KOSATER

sports@macon.comNovember 15, 2013

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/15/2777958/veterans-makes-strong-statement.html#storylink=cpy

 

With starting running back Ben Thomas sidelined for their GHSA Class AAAA first-round playoff game against Locust Grove on Friday, it might have been tough for the Veterans Warhawks to run the ball.

Unfortunately for Locust Grove, that was not the case as sophomore running back Desjuan Harris ran through and around the Wildcats’ defense for 189 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Warhawks to a 36-15 win in their first ever playoff game. Keone Pearson ran for 55 yards and added a 68-yard pass reception from Logan Byrd, and Veterans ended the game with more than 300 yards on the ground, breaking open a close game in the fourth quarter.

“That’s our formula for success,” Veterans head coach David Bruce said. “We have to run to football to be successful, and we were confident that even without Ben we could accomplish that. Harris runs so hard all the time, even though he isn’t that big. He seems to always get the job done.”

The first half was a track meet with both teams moving the ball effectively. Harris ran for 84 yards and a score in the first half as Veterans led 22-15, but that lead could have been much larger. Locust Grove came up with two huge interceptions to stop Warhawks scoring drives. Meanwhile Locust Grove quarterback Tyler Sellers had a huge first half, throwing for 210 yards and two touchdown passes, including a 40-yarder to Cortez McDowell and a short touchdown pass to Justin Drake to tie the score at 15.

But Veterans answered with a Byrd 2-yard scoring run.

“We had to make some major adjustments with our pass coverage for the second half, and it seemed like we were just a step slow,” Bruce said. “We felt like we were getting decent pressure on the quarterback in the first half, but obviously the kids turned it up in the second half.”

The Warhawks not only slowed down Sellers, they basically limited him to just short completions. Led by Maalik Leggette, who had an interception in the third quarter, Veterans’ defense held Sellers to 55 yards passing in the second half.

Veterans kept the ball on the ground for most of the fourth quarter and got a 3-yard touchdown run by Pearson early in the quarter. Three minutes later, Harris capped his big night with a 41-yard touchdown run to finally seal the win.

“I knew I would get my carries, and I was excited about my opportunity,” said Harris, who carried the ball 20 times. “I just try to run hard and run through the holes my line gives me. “

In the fourth year of the program’s existence Bruce was glad to get his first playoff win.

“It feels way better than I ever imagined,” Bruce said. “These kids work so hard, and they deserve everything they are getting right now.”

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/15/2777958/veterans-makes-strong-statement.html#storylink=cpy

 

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Game balls

Marquez Callaway, Warner Robins: Callaway caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-7 win over Whitewater.

Chandler Duggan, Westfield: Duggan accounted for 191 yards of offense and three touchdowns in the Hornets’ 42-13 win over Trinity Christian-Sharpsburg.

Desjuan Harris, Veterans: Harris rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in a 36-15 win over Locust Grove.

Jonathan Hefner, Stratford: Hefner caught six passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-15 win over Pinewood Christian.

Keyshawn Lowe, Peach County: Lowe rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown in a 28-21 win over Chapel Hill.

John Mitchell, Stratford: Mitchell completed 7-of-7 passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for a score in the Eagles’ 42-15 win over Pinewood Christian.

Tommy Pittman, John Milledge: Pittman rushed for 192 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in a win over Westwood.

Greg Williams, Peach County: Williams passed for 148 yards and rushed for 23 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Chapel Hill. Williams rushed for the game-tying and game-winning touchdowns, with the latter coming with less than a minute to play.

Looking ahead

Peach County at Washington County: The Golden Hawks continued to punish teams as the playoffs started. They scored 55 points for the fourth straight week and for the sixth time this season. The Trojans survived a test from Chapel Hill, but the test will be much greater this week. WACO is 0-10-2 all-time against the Trojans, with the two most recent losses coming in the second round of the 2009 playoffs and at the Georgia Dome in the 2006 semifinals.

Richmond Hill at Warner Robins: The Wildcats might have surprised some by beating Thomas County Central in the first round. But head coach L.M. Guy has led them to the first 10-win season in school history. The only loss came by 17 to Ware County. The Demons survived a tough challenge from Whitewater in the first round, but they’ll probably need to be better on defense this week against the Wildcats.

Northside at Ware County: The Eagles have had a pair of memorable trips to Waycross, although both came much later in the playoffs. They rallied to force overtime late in the semifinals last year before falling 24-17. The Eagles beat Ware County 20-14 for the state championship in 2007. The last time Northside went on the road in the second round, it lost 28-20 at Camden County in 2008.

Mary Persons at Burke County: The Mary Persons defense came up with some crucial stops in its 16-14 win over Eagle’s Landing on Friday. The Bulldogs will have to be even better to stop Burke County electric quarterback Donquell Green.

Wayne County at Veterans: The Warhawks have now won eight straight games and have added solid offense to their talented defense. The Warhawks have scored 30 or more in five of their past seven games. They might face their toughest test since September, however, against the visiting Yellow Jackets. Wayne County has just two losses this season, both to Burke County.

FPD at Calvary Day: Despite the identical 6-4 records, the Vikings are playing very good football right now. They are a few special teams miscues away from having won eight straight. Those mistakes — which appeared in one-point losses to Lincoln County and Aquinas — must disappear for the Vikings to hang around in the playoffs. Calvary Day has won eight straight, winning each game by at least 25 points.

Deerfield-Windsor at Stratford: People around the GISA have claimed this Deerfield team isn’t on the same level as ones from the past. But the Knights have won their past three games by an average of 35 points. That includes a 41-point win over Southland — which eliminated Tattnall Square on Friday — and a 35-point win over Mount de Sales — which Deerfield beat by just one early in the season. The Eagles lost 28-21 to the Knights earlier in the season and will need to play their best to advance to the title game.

Southland at Westfield: The Hornets have won 10 straight following an opening-game loss to Tattnall. That run includes a 27-point win over Southland. The strong play has made the Hornets the favorites in the GISA Class AAA.

Thomasville at Lamar County: Things should get a little tougher this week for the Trojans, who have scored 40 or more points in nine straight games. Thomasville’s three losses have come to quality opponents — Thomas County Central, Westminster and Brooks County.

Bleckley County at Brooks County: Bleckley County outlasted Bryan County in overtime to pick up its first playoff win since 2006. The Royals have nine wins for the first time since 1978. But the Trojans will offer a substantial test. Brooks County’s only loss this season came to Class AAAAAA Valdosta.

Mitchell County at Hawkinsville: The Red Devils are in the playoffs for the first time since 2010. They’ll face a Mitchell County team that lost by just six to undefeated Seminole County in the regular-season finale.

Vidalia at Laney: The Indians are seeking their first trip to the quarterfinals since 2004, but they’ll have to beat a good Laney team on the road to advance.

Wilkinson County at Seminole County: The Warriors snuck in as the final seed in the Class A public school playoffs. They’ll get undefeated Seminole County, the favorite to win the public school title.

Dooly County at Lincoln County: The Bobcats won 10-7 in Lincolnton in last year’s state semifinals.

ECI at Johnson County: The Trojans and Bulldogs are huge rivals, with the Bulldogs holding a 20-14 advantage in the series. Johnson County won the meeting earlier this season 65-29.

John Milledge at Memorial Day: The Trojans will face quite the test from Memorial Day, which hasn’t had a competitive game since a one-point loss to Valwood in September. The Matadors have scored 40 or more eight times.

Trinity Christian at Valwood: The Valiants are the favorites to repeat once again in GISA Class AA. They have won all 11 games this year, and only one team has come within 10 points of them.

Thomas Jefferson at Robert Toombs: The Crusaders have won six straight games leading into this rematch from last year’s GISA Class A semifinals. Robert Toombs won this game a year ago (14-12) before losing to Frederica in the championship game.

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/16/2780091/sunday-morning-quarterback.html#storylink=cpy

 

Houston County Sharks win state wheelchair handball championship

Prep sports notebook: Houston County Sharks win state wheelchair handball championship

BY RYAN JORDAN – SUN NEWS CORRESPONDENT

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/20/2783770/houston-county-sharks-win-state.html#storylink=cpy

 

The Houston County Sharks successfully defended their American Association of Adapted Sports Programs Georgia State Wheelchair Handball Championship with a dominant 13-1 victory over the West Georgia Wolverines.

Jeff Sweeney and Braxton Robinson led the Sharks with four goals a piece while JaQue Billingsley blocked 15 shots for the Houston County defense.

This is the Sharks ninth state championship in all sports over the five years.

The team is drawn from high schools in Houston County.

Local baseball standouts sign letters of intent

Four area baseball players signed NCAA National Letters of Intent to continue their playing careers at the college level this past week in Warner Robins.

Houston County Bears’ teammates Justin Jones and Blake Jackson will each continue their playing days at different Division I schools in the city of Atlanta.

Jones signed a scholarship to play shortstop for the Georgia State Panthers, while Jackson chose an offer to play third base for Georgia Tech.

The two teammates led the Bears to a 20-win season in 2012 and a trip to the second round of the GHSA Class AAAAA playoffs.

The Northside Eagles also had a pair of teammates sign scholarships as Ethan Broome and Jason Gifford chose to continue their baseball careers at Georgia Southwestern and North Carolina A&T.

Girls basketball players sign with Mercer, Clemson

Two local girls basketball standouts will also compete at the Division I level next season after signing scholarships with Mercer University and Clemson University.

Veterans post player Jalyn Slaughter chose a Mercer program that has steadily improved over the past three seasons and will be moving to join the Southern Conference in 2014.

She also considered playing volleyball in college before ultimately choosing a basketball offer from the Bears.

Houston County center Justice Wright changed her commitment from UAB to Clemson back in June and signed with the Tigers on Monday.

Her father Sharone Wright played basketball for the men’s program at Clemson in the early 1990’s.

Contact Ryan Jordan at rjordan398@gmail.com.

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/20/2783770/houston-county-sharks-win-state.html#storylink=cpy