Bestwick: Seeds of economic downturn sown years ago
As one watches the daily cable TV talk shows and reads various media publications, there seems to be no good news on the job situation for millions of American workers. Official statistics point out that we have double-digit unemployment for the first time in more than a decade, with no immediate relief in sight.

Banks, Johnson plant the seeds to help young players reach higher
For James Banks and Carla Johnson, success is relative. The Athens Academy boys basketball coach and Clarke Central girls basketball coach didn't have a region title between them in 2009. Combined, they won just two playoff games before their seasons ended.

Cottingham: Course on native plants worth the commitment
Earlier this month, I was among a couple dozen people to receive a certificate in native plants during the Native Plant Symposium at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. It's a program requiring 80 hours of commitment to classes, field trips and volunteer projects. The first classes in late 2007 not only filled up, but had waiting lists of 15 to 20 people wanting to attend. That first rush is over, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a co-sponsor with the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, is offering twice the number of classes this year, including several on Saturdays.

EBT, Market Bucks Helping More Low-income Minnesotans Eat Better, Shop Farmers Markets
Blue Cross, community partners help expand program to more markets in 2012 EAGAN, Minn., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- March is National Nutrition Month, and thanks to a collaborative effort by several community organizations, rural and urban farmers markets and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), affordable, healthy food will be even easier to buy for more Minnesotans who receive food support as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  This year, 24 farmers market locations around Minnesota will accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase healthier foods at these markets – that's up six locations from last year.