Henry County Times

By Monroe Roark Times Correspondent Stockbridge has a lot of support in its efforts to halt the proposed de-annexation of its property to create a new city. More than 100 cities in Georgia have expressed public support for Stockbridge on this issue, accord- ing to a statement released by the city last week. “Stockbridge Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Lakeisha T. Gantt, Councilman Elton Alexan- der, Councilman John Blount, Councilwoman Neat Robinson and Councilman Alphonso Thomas are thankful for the con- tinued support of the various local government entities that stand united against a proposal by one group of individuals in the Eagles Landing Area to take existing property that legally belongs to the established City of Stockbridge,” according to the statement. Cities across the state cited specifically in the report include Atlanta, Acworth, Norcross, Lo- ganville, Albany, Forsyth, Mount Vernon, Clarkston, Lavonia, Bar- nesville, Guyton and Sylvania. Closer to home, local cities such as Locust Grove, Hampton, Griffin, Jackson, Jenkinsburg and Flovilla have all submitted public resolu- tions in support of Stockbridge. Bills currently under considera- tion in the Georgia House and Senate would allow voters in cer- tain areas of the city to decide whether to break away from Stockbridge and create the city of Eagles Landing. “[Neither] the governing body of the City of Stockbridge nor the voters of the City of Stockbridge have consented to the introduction or passage of this type of legisla- tion yet such legislation has been introduced in the Georgia General Local teen qualifies for National Lacrosse Classic Visit us online at www.henrycountytimes.com March 21, 2018 Volume 17, No. 12 The Times takes a trip to Chile. See page 10. Proudly celebrating over fifteen years of faithfully serving our readers, the people of Henry County The Henry County Celebrating Henry County Prst. Standard US Postage Paid Permit No. 260 McDonough, GA CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED A local nonprofit celebrates volunteers. Turn to page 7. see, Stockbridge, page 6 Stockbridge has support in stand against de-annexation Times By Jason A. Smith Times Correspondent For 16-year-old Kimora Bailey of McDonough, playing her fa- vorite sport - lacrosse - is worth every struggle she encounters along the way. “There are always difficult times, especially when trying to make it to the next level as an athlete,” said Bailey. “There was a specific time, which I will never forget, that my body was physically spent. The summer before my sophomore year, I was determined to become better. I went to back-to-back camps non- stop - University of Florida, UVA-wise camp, Duke camp, and University of Maryland’s Maximum Exposure camp. Going to back-to-back competi- tive camps had to be the most difficult experience and it took a toll on my body. I must admit that even though it was difficult, it definitely helped me in the long run.” Bailey recently qualified to rep- resent Georgia in the All-Ameri- can National Lacrosse Classic, sponsored by the United States Specialty Sports Association and Cascade Maverik Lacrosse. The Union Grove High School junior is in her fifth year of playing lacrosse, and her third year on the school’s varsity lacrosse team. Bailey said she was “ecstatic” to learn she had made it onto the All-American National team. When asked to describe that feel- ing, she harkened back to the words of a prominent football figure - Seattle Seahawks quar- terback Russell Wilson. “The separation is in the prepa- ration,” said Bailey, quoting Wil- son. “What I enjoy most about lacrosse would be the competi- tive nature of the sport, the adrenalin rush every time I step on the field, and the friendships I gain when traveling to play my sport.” Union Grove High School student Kimora Bailey is shown above at a recent lacrosse game. Kimora has been invited to play on the National Elite 80 committed division team. Special photo see, Lacrosse, page 6