| from the editor |
The story of our community is a story of its people . Moultrie Scene has made its name on telling those people ’ s stories , and this issue continues in that same vein .
Jose Vargas grew up in Moultrie , but he wasn ’ t born here . He was born in Mexico , and his parents brought him across the border illegally when he was only 2 years old . His status as an illegal immigrant made for struggles that citizens and legal residents don ’ t face , but he persevered with the help of the government ’ s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program . In May , Vargas graduated from dental school . He now practices with a regional group of dentists and is considering how to open a practice in Moultrie .
Kathy Nelson , a Hartsfield native , has turned her passion for art into a career that allows her to be one of the friendly faces at the Colquitt County Arts Center . Read about her training at the Art Institute and the Atlanta College of Art — and what her father , a Baptist deacon , thought of it . And learn how she became a fixture in the Moultrie arts scene .
Freddie Williams knew he wanted to be a police officer when he watched COPS on TV at the age of 7 . This year , Williams marks 14 years in law enforcement — as well as the receipt of a master ’ s degree in Public Safety Administration from the Command College at Columbus State University . He says he didn ’ t care for education when he started with the Moultrie Police Department in 2008 , but he credits former Police Chief Frank Lang with pushing him to gain education alongside his practical experience .
Donna Lee moved to Moultrie from Atlanta but found tragedy waiting . The very day she and her husband moved into their new home , he suffered a massive stroke . Lee , who ’ d spent most of her life caring for others , took care of him until his death in spite of her own health issues . As she grieved for him , she found a new outlet — volunteering with Colquitt Regional Medical Center , an organization that had helped her through her own troubles .
Enjoy these stories of Moultrie and Colquitt County , and if you have ideas for other stories we can tell , reach out to me at kevin . hall @ gaflnews . com or ( 229 ) 985-4545 .
Kevin C . Hall Managing editor The Moultrie Observer and Moultrie Scene
MoultrieScene
M A G A Z I N E
CNHI ’ s Magazine of the Year , 2020 & 2021
Volume 6 • No . 6
Publisher LAURIE GAY
Editor KEVIN C . HALL
Contributing Photographers JILL STRINGFELLOW PHOTOGRAPHY
Contributors TERRIE POWELL KATHERINE RUSSELL KASMIRA SMITH
Account Executive JANE BENTLEY
Design & Layout DEREK SCHAPER
Moultrie Scene Magazine is published bi-monthly at 25 North Main Street Moultrie , Georgia 31768 by
www . moultrieobserver . com p : 229-985-4545 • f : 229-985-4548 25 North Main Street • Moultrie , GA 31768
Letters and all editorial contributions may be sent to the above address .
MoultrieScene is not responsible for unsolicited submissions . Reproduction or use of any article , photo or graphic content , without the express permission of the publisher is prohibited .
Advertising rates and ad specifications available by contacting : Jane Bentley 229-985-4545 , Ext . 1706
6 MoultrieScene SEPTEMBER 2022