Civic Club praises Kearney, Barnell for service

On Jan. 22, the St. George Island Civic Club named Susan Kearney and Dennis Barnell Man and Woman of the Year. Barnell, left, was lauded for his tireless work as president of the St. George Lighthouse Association. After the Cape St. George lighthouse toppled in Oct. 2005, Barnell told interviewers “It was our beacon of hope, and we will make it good again,” and then rallied volunteers and contributors to the campaign to “Rescue the Light.” Three years later, the light was reconstructed at the heart of St. George Island and its beams shown forth for the first time in decades.

Kearney, a former magistrate judge and staff assistant to Georgia Congressman John Flynt (D-Griffin), won kudos for her current service as president of the Franklin County Humane Society. She has worked tirelessly as a fundraiser and coordinator for the group and was nominated for her loving spirit and driving leadership of such a valuable service to the County residents, especially on St. George Island.