Ashley Speagle
Correspondent
Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, Ga., last week recognized Ashley Houts, a university athlete from Dade County, at the Georgia Capitol.
“She’s an inspirational young lady,” Sen. Mullis said. “She’s one of the nations’ premier players, winning medals throughout the country.”
Miss Houts, a graduate of Dade County High School, attends the University of Georgia and plays basketball for the Lady Bulldogs.
“She’s one of the great competitors we’ve ever had on campus,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Andy Landers.
Miss Houts also won two gold medals on the U.S. National Team at the 2007 U21 World Championships in Moscow and the 2009 World University Games, according to the University of Georgia.
Officials urge Census participation
Gov. Sonny Perdue encouraged people to fill in their 2010 Census forms during Census Awareness Week to count Georgia’s growing population.
“An accurate count allows governments at all levels to make more informed decisions when providing public services for citizens,” Gov. Perdue said.
In the 2000 Census, just 65 percent of people mailed their forms back, the governor said.
A more accurate count, combined with 15 percent population growth in Georgia, could help the state better allocate resources and potentially qualify for additional representation in Congress, he said.
Residents are asked to return the 10-question form in postage-paid envelopes by May 1.
Georgia’s Complete Count Committee has 175 local committees that use grass-roots tactics to encourage people to complete their forms.
The Whitfield County Complete Count Committee will educate parents and students at five local schools through March 25, and Dalton State College will hold a pizza party for residential students to fill out their forms, according to state officials.
Compiled by Ashley Speagle. Contact her at speagle.ashley@gmail.com.