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The Fayette Citizen-Special Sections

Wednesday, January 23, 2002

News

Fayette schools: Better than Ga. average

The Georgia Department of Education has released its Georgia Public Education Report Cards for the 2000-01 school year, and Fayette County's test scores outpace the overall state results in every category.

State tests water again

State environmental officials collected more samples of Fayette County's drinking water Tuesday after running tests on earlier samples in a search for answers to reports of a sweet odor to the water.

PTC halts work on cable TV upgrades

Fed up with ongoing complaints from citizens about problems with cable television from AT&T Broadband, Peachtree City officials have executed a stop work order on the company to halt all its work in the city.

Jack's is gone

For the first time in 15 years, Tyrone is without a local grocery store.

State green space grants come to Fayette

Fayette County and local cities will receive $685,537 for green space projects in fiscal year 2002, according to an announcement last week.

Fayetteville goes live on Nickelodeon's 'Slimetime'

Math can be a challenging subject but add a little slime to the equation and suddenly students cannot wait to crunch numbers.

Judge disqualifies himself in Citizen's secrecy suit

Judge Chris Edwards has disqualified himself from hearing The Citizen newspapers' lawsuit seeking a halt to secret meetings between representatives of Fayette County and its three largest cities.

Water System eyes security measures

Fayette County's Water System is ready to take steps to beef up security.

Fayetteville gets revitalization grant

Fayetteville will be getting some help about $75,000 worth from the Atlanta Regional Commission in its ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

Sheriff's detectives get new tool in crime fight

The Fayette County Sheriff's Department now has another weapon in the battle against crime a computer system that allows it to digitize surveillance video from crime scenes.

Fayette pays homage to King

The Fayette County NAACP, Fayette County school board and Peachtree City joined with local and state elected officials to honor the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Saturday.

NAACP leader: Schools pass the civil rights test

Fayette County educators appear to be acting properly in enforcing their rights to question students in the absence of their parents, says a local civil rights leader.

PTC hikes hotel-motel tax; seeks solutions to shortfall

With Peachtree City's hotel-motel tax revenues continuing to suffer from economic doldrums, city officials are worried about how to make up for a shortfall that could reach upwards of $200,000 by year's end.

Tyrone moving ahead with sewer

Now that all the legal debate is over, Tyrone is ready to connect to Fairburn to treat wastewater in the town's newest subdivision.

Robber strikes at Pavilion's Blimpie

A local sandwich shop had a bite taken out of its profits last week when it was robbed of over $300.

Legion post plans speech contest

The American Legion Post 105 is conducting an oratory contest Saturday Jan. 26.

American Legion blood drive succeeds

The American Legion Post 105 conducted a blood drive last Saturday and 33 people came by to donate.

Police Blotter

Business

EMC's Whiteside takes office in state association

During its annual meeting, the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation elected Coweta-Fayette EMC President and CEO Michael C. Whiteside secretary-treasurer of the 2002 Board of Directors.

Charitable groups net $247,000 from Peach Bowl funds

Various charitable organizations including a foster care program, children's hospital and several educational funds received a combined $247,750 from the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl last year, bowl officials recently announced.

Sports

Some teams get key wins over big basketball weekend

The basketball season has only a few weeks remaining and every game is important as teams jockey for seedings in the region tournament. Last weekend, several teams continued their winning streaks while others struggled against some tough competition.

New trend at the gyms catching on across country

Pilates has been a growing trend in fitness centers and gyms across the country recently, though its origins date back 90 years. Now, Fayette County's two World Gym locations offer classes on the activity once known as contrology, and people are seeing and feeling the results.

Sports show and auction to benefit Huntington's Disease

Some of the greatest names in Atlanta sports history will appear at the 25th annual Huntington's Disease sports show and charity auction Jan. 25-26 at Peachtrree Middle School in Dunwoody.

Several churches unite to offer free baseball clinic

The Atlanta Braves will report to spring training at the beginning of next month, but local boys and girls in first grade and up will get a chance to meet and learn from several Braves and other major league players before they leave.

Sports Calendar

Weekend


In Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" Paul Bratter and Corie Banks recently got married.
The Fayetteville Bluegrass Blast, a benefit for the Fayette County High School Select Chorus, was so successful the past two years that they are bringing it back again this weekend.
Life in the barnyard is not all it is cracked up to be.
Company's coming, and I'm in my usual snit, frantic to make the house spic and span.
Mmmmmm, pancakes and sausage.

I will be flying to Europe in a few months and I am terrified.

Religion

Faithful ... loyal ...personifications of Wilbur Stanley
By REV. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

This past week a giant passed on from this life to his eternal reward. Reverend clergy, you ask? No. High-minded civic leader? No. Revered community icon? No. Prominent elected official? No.

PTC Presbyterian presents 'Donut Man' concert Jan. 26

The Children's Ministry of the First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will host a concert by the "Donut Man," Rob Evans, Saturday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. Billed as a concert for "ages 3 to 103," the event will feature Bible related songs, stories, comedy and audience participation.

Episcopal Church of the Nativity to host anti-racism training workshop

The Episcopal Church of the Nativity will host the Commission on Racism for the Diocese of Atlanta for an Anti-Racism Training Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Bible study classes begin next Monday at P'tree City UMC

The Peachtree City United Methodist Church will offer several 13-week Bible study classes beginning in January. The cost is $15, except for Fit4Life, which is $60. There is no fee for Alpha classes. Fees are payable at time of registration. Orientation will be held the first day of each class.

Precept classes start in February at FFBC

The Fayetteville First Baptist Church will offer a 14-week Precept Bible study class, "Lord, Heal My Hurts," beginning Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6:45-9 p.m. The study addresses concerns for those who are, or who are in contact with, victims of emotional, mental or physical abuse. Registration is requested by Jan. 31 so that materials may be ordered. For more information, contact Judy Knight, 770-461-8238.

Flat Creek schedules Missions Fair Sunday

Flat Creek Baptist Church will have a church-wide Missions Fair, Sunday, Jan. 27, immediately following the evening worship service. The purpose is to answer questions about missions conducted by the church. There will also be a church-wide chili fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, call the church, 770-487-4890.

Rolling Hills seminar begins January 27

Rolling Hills Baptist Church will present a seminar on "Mastering Your Money," presented by Norm Goss of Walk Through The Bible Ministries, beginning Sunday, Jan. 27 and continuing each Sunday through March 3, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Third Thursday group gets ready for 2002

The Third Thursday group at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, for adults age 55 and older, or those in full-time retirement, are getting ready for a full year's worth of activities and trips.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

A response, and back to familiar territory
By DAVE HAMRICK
Editor-at-large

Just a couple more words about my last two columns, and then it's on to something else.

50 feet and 15 minutes . . .
By BILLY MURPHEY
Laugh Lines

(Note: I am on a plane, so this column is completely written on my palm/phone, proving once again that I am a complete and utter nerd, but at least I won't get any e-mail complaints from the Amish.)

Local governments skirt state law with creative uses of impact fees
By SAM STALEY, Ph.D.
Georgia Public Policy Foundation

The city of Atlanta's impact fee ordinance is a prime example of why ideas that are good in theory often crumble when faced with the treacherous seas of politics and the real world.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Closed tax talks: Why the secrecy with our money?

Fayette County, Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and Tyrone have no money. It is our money. We, the citizens of these towns and of this county, pay our taxes.

Cheers for secrecy lawsuit

I applaud your efforts!

Taxpayers foot buffalo bills

I read the Citizen on Wednesday and Friday and especially enjoy the many letters to the editor, though I have never written one of my own. Well, this was just too good to pass up, so I thought I would forward it along to all of my Fayette County neighbors.

PTC needs neighbor governments to help plan

Congratulations go to all Peachtree City dreamers who worked on the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) project!

Mayor who ran on ethics needs to be investigated

I read with great interest and dismay the article regarding Mayor Steve Brown's City Council meeting Jan. 10. Mr. Brown made his name known by constantly haranguing the previous mayor and city council, etc. in this newspaper. Indeed one of his letters resulted in a libel suit against him and The Citizen. He was always screaming about ethics in the city government and never failed to point out anything that he deemed unethical. In fact he deemed almost everything accomplished as unethical.

Critics don't have decency to allow Brown a honeymoon

Well, Steve Brown has been mayor of Peachtree City for only a few weeks, yet his detractors won't give him the decency of allowing him a "honeymoon period" to establish his agenda and priorities.

In a recession, city shouldn't mess with business environment

I think that a lot of folks are going to start seeing the real Steve Brown with each meeting he runs. I can say with utter confidence after attending the special called City Council meeting on the development moratorium two weeks ago that our new mayor has trouble telling the truth. There is simply no other way to describe his behavior that night or in his writings before being elected.

Criticizing religious beliefs not way to win converts

I second Ms. Judy White on the good note that you are presenting many different views on subjects. I do not agree, however, with her view on Islam.

Trying reading Bible with eyes of a Muslim believer

After reading ancient stories in the Quran, Mr. [Bill] Bryant claims that Islam is not a religion of peace [Letters, Jan. 16]. The inference is that Christianity is. Several ancient stories in the Bible might leave a person with a different opinion.

Some truth-telling needed about MLK Jr.

While few would deny the impact Martin Luther King Jr. had on society, it would be refreshing if someone (anyone!) would be truthful about him.

Arm trained pilots to deter would-be hijackers

I am a 23-year captain with a major airline. I am writing in support of a volunteer program to arm specially trained and qualified pilots with firearms to protect the flight deck as a last line of defense. I submit the following thoughts for consideration:

There really are some good restaurants here in Fayette

We agree completely with the review by F.C. Foodie regarding the new dining choices coming to the Avenue in Peachtree City.

Thanks to everyone who recycled Christmas trees

I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's Keep Fayette Beautiful Christmas tree recycling event. With the support of our local sponsors Home Depot, The Kroger Company, White Meadows Tree Service and Dumpster Company, Environmental Partners, The Fayette Citizen, The Fayette Neighbor, WXIA Television and The Georgia Forestry Commission our Christmas tree recycling was successful.

Hug those unsung heroes who care for your souls

In light of the events from Sept. 11, 2001, we have so many "new-found heroes." These are men and women who have always been heroes; we just never realized how much.

All veterans of foreign wars should get free auto tags

I applaud the efforts to give retired Georgia military veterans state license plates for their cars free of charge and would enjoy seeing all Georgia veterans be included, especially veterans of foreign wars.

 

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