Rosemary Bailes makes way for Joe Rukat

To the task of Oconee public education, Walhalla resident Rosemary Bailes brought a perspective born 45 years ago when she accepted an offer to teach French at Westminster High School.  After retiring as a Walhalla High teacher, Bailes served as a policymaker for education as the District Two trustee.  But she is bound for the sidelines, and last night was her last meeting.  Her colleagues feted her with commendations, a gift, a cake, and hugs.  Dr. Michael Thorsland said he has been able to form greater admiration for Bailes through their memberships in Rotary International.  In reference to community involvement on the part of Bailes and her husband, city councilman Lamar Bailes, Thorsland called Mrs. Bailes “a champion for kids” and said, “I’ve learned so much from Mrs. Bailes.” Thorsland said if the community has more giving people than she and her husband, he’s unaware of who they would be.  Joe Rukat goes into next month’s election as the one remaining ballot candidate for the District Two seat, as the result of the death of a second candidate, Steven Moore.