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This Week in American History: 2008 – American Trans Air Ceases Operations

• Apr. 3. In 2008, American Trans Air, also known as ATA, files bankruptcy for the second time in five years and all operations grind to a halt. ATA had been one of the larger airlines and was the largest charter airline. Southwest Airlines currently owns the remaining assets of ATA.

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Andy’s Astronomy: The Planet Ganymede

Returning to the 1965, television series Lost in Space, another planet mentioned in the series was Ganymede, which according to the show was inhabited by crystal creatures. There is no planet named Ganymede, but there could have been. Ganymede is actually a moon that orbits the planet Jupiter. It is the largest moon in our Solar System, about twice as massive as Earth’s moon, and is physically larger than the planet Mercury. It is composed of silicate rock and water, and its internal ocean is thought to contain more water than all of Earth’s oceans combined. Because of that water there is the potential of life on or in Ganymede

R.I.P., CBS Radio News

A major announcement in a competing media field was made last week, and the word really made me upset. On May 22, CBS Radio News will shut down, after almost 100 years of operation. The news operation that brought us Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and Dan Rather is going away because of “changes in listening habits and economic challenges.” Most of you reading this already know that I have been in broadcasting for what will be 50 years in June. I’ve worked at three radio stations, none of which ever were CBS affiliates, at least while I was there. So any personal interaction with CBS Radio News has never actually happened; I have never interacted with Mr. Murrow, Mr. Cronkite, or Mr. Rather. But I still have vivid, fond memories of CBS Radio News.  When I was a little boy in Chicago, some dear friends of our family would have it on every time we visited them.

Senate Says Yes to Banning Cell Phones in Schools

Last week I wrote about House Bill 1009, a law that would ban students from having cell phones during the day at school. I stated that the Georgia House has approved the law and it was waiting for a Senate vote. Well, the Senate voted unanimously to approve the Bill. I also state in the column the Bill was not without controversy and that some educators opposed the ban of phones because it was a battle they did not want to fight and I can understand that for several reasons. I pointed out in the column a case that might shed light on why educators opposed the ban.

When Atlas Strikes Back

There is something under development much more concerning than data centers, With the attention of so many people on opposing data centers, and understandably so, people are missing something connected to data centers that could prove incredibly dangerous. Over a period of some time Boston Dynamics has been developing robots. Not to be confused with single-function, limited-purpose robots found in manufacturing plants and fast-food restaurants, the company’s rapid advancements in quadrupedal and bipedal robots have been nothing less than astounding. The quadrupedal robot, with a shape similar to a canine or feline, has been displayed on numerous occasions. There are robots based on nature’s design of other creatures that are under development. Advancements have been made to nanobots, so small they can be inserted into a person’s bloodstream.

* Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Resurrection Sunday *

Greetings and blessings! We just celebrated Palm Sunday where Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey; now we’re in Holy Week. This Sunday we will celebrate The Risen Christ, Easter/Resurrection Day. Howbeit, paraphrasing from Robert Singleton II, MD; Holy Week is here and this is the most painful yet the most joyous week for us as believers. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Matthew 21:5 says, “See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.” And did you know that donkeys are the only animal in the world that have crosses on their back? So then, how interesting, Jesus came on a cross and left on a cross. On Holy Monday, Jesus returned to the temple and drove out the moneychangers.

Sheriff’s Office Continues Wellness Check Program for Senior Citizens

Talbot County Sheriff Bobby Gates, Jr. began a new program for the department in 2025 and is continuing to provide a much needed service to the senior citizens of Talbot County. “The Talbot County Sheriff's Office cares deeply about our elderly citizens and we want to make sure they're safe and doing well,” Gates said.

Students Honored for Reading Success

Central Elementary–High School (CEHS) is celebrating the success of its K–5 students who participated in the “Read. Lit. Love.” Reading Challenge during the month of February. Designed to promote literacy and a love for reading, the challenge was led by Media Specialist Keniece Adams in collaboration with Structured Literacy Coach Brittany Ford. Students were encouraged to complete 12 reading activities throughout the month, each aimed at strengthening reading skills while making literacy engaging and enjoyable. Students who completed all 12 challenges were rewarded with a special incentive — a shopping spree at the Spring Scholastic Book Fair, held during Read Across America Week. The experience allowed students to select books of their choice, reinforcing the importance of independent reading and personal interest in literature.

Talbotton Police Easter Egg Saturday

The Talbotton Police Department has announced it will hold an Easter Egg Hunt event for all the children of Talbot County On Saturday, Apr. 4 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Talbotton Fire Department. There will be golden eggs for children to find that will contain nice prizes. There will be free food, games, prizes, fun and more.

Flint Energies Announces Graduates of EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program

Flint Energies proudly celebrates the graduation of its latest class of students from the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program, a regional initiative designed to equip high school juniors with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become future leaders in their communities. The program brings together students from across central and southwest Georgia, including Crawford, Macon, Marion, Peach, Schley, Talbot, and Taylor Counties. Throughout the year, participants engaged in a series of immersive, hands-on learning experiences focused on leadership development, community awareness, and personal growth.