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The Fayette Citizen-Special Sections

Wednesday, March 27, 2002

News

Complaint alleges racial slurs by Judge Melear

A judicial complaint involving alleged racial slurs has been filed against veteran Fayette Magistrate Court Judge A.K. "Kenny" Melear by another magistrate court judge.

Easter services, sales tax holiday highlight the week

Christians from the Fayette, Coweta and South Fulton areas will join Christians all over the world this weekend as they celebrate one of the holiest events in the Christian Church Easter. Activities begin with Maundy Thursday dinners and services, continue through the solemn Tenebrae services of Good Friday, and culminate with joyous celebrations on Easter Sunday morning.

First sales tax-free 'holiday' is this weekend

On your mark! Get set! SHOP!

Molest defendant found innocent after flashing jury

A 20-year-old man has been found not guilty of molesting his then 12-year-old male cousin at his uncle's home in Peachtree City.

Fayette homeschooler is state spelling champ

"Sthene" is the word.

Commission may decide on deputies tomorrow

The Fayette County Commission could make a final decision Thursday to bring three more deputies to the county.

Woman gets seven years for shoplifting; jury rules not guilty on statutory rape case

A stolen pair of underwear, along with several previous shoplifting convictions, netted a seven-year prison sentence for a woman in Fayette County Superior Court last week.

Televising PTC Council meetings would require additional staffer

A plan to tape Peachtree City Council meetings for later broadcast will likely require another staffer plus the extra equipment to put cameras in council chambers.

Smoke, burn building start to PTC training center

In the coming years, Peachtree City will piece together a fire training center so it won't have to send firefighters away to state facilities at Forsyth to practice firefighting and rescue techniques.

Charges may be dropped against PTC Councilman

Later this year, Fayette State Court prosecutors may eventually drop charges of making harrassing phone calls against Peachtree City Councilman Dan Tennant.

Updated Fayette Portraits published

The 14th annual Fayette Portraits has been unveiled by the 2001-2002 class from Fayette County High School.

PTC plans to offer online payment system for traffic tickets, electronic access to auto accident reports

In the future, Peachtree City residents may be able to hop online to pay their traffic tickets and get a copy of an auto accident report from the Police Department.

Development violations land jail sentence for local man

A local man has been sentenced to 300 days in jail for several violations of county development regulations, including two counts of ignoring stop work orders issued by county staff.

Pathway narrowing scope of industrial recruitment

The industrial marketing effort of Pathway Communities is getting smaller ... in terms of focus anyway.

Parker serves on new carrier

The first crew members of the U.S. Navy's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Pre-Commissioning Unit Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), are distinguished with the designation of "plank owners." According to Navy tradition, plank owners have the unique honor and responsibility of transforming tons of steel and equipment into a war-fighting unit with soul and might.

School calendars still up for discussion

The Fayette County Board of Education has postponed a decision on the proposed school calendar for 2003-2004.

Fingerprint kits for kids to be given away April 6

Free fingerprinting kits from the Peachtree City Police Department will be offered to local parents Saturday, April 6, at Peachtree City United Methodist Church from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Living with fire in Fayette County

Fayette is experiencing continued growth in to it's rural areas at a steady pace, and the number of people looking to get "back to nature", and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, grows yearly. With it the possibility that wildfire will sweep through their destination: the woodsy swath between city and country called the urban/rural interface. This urban flight places an excessive burden on the Georgia Forestry Commission and local fire fighting agencies and their ability to fight fire. Adding to the problem, many homeowners are slow to realize the responsibilities that come with living so close to nature.

Price tag has grown for paving girls' softball lot at Meade Field

It will cost an estimated $250,000 to pave an entrance road and parking lot for Peachtree City's girls softball complex at Meade Field.

Healthwise

A parent's responsibility
By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

The writer of an editorial in one of the local papers a few months ago complained that young people in Peachtree City do not have enough to do. The writer argued that one reason for the increase in arrests of young people is because they have no youth center or place for them to congregate.

Hospital opens new wing

Fayette Community Hospital recently opened its completed third-floor facilities.

CCSU hosts 2002 health fair

The 2002 Clayton College & State University Health Fair is today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the food court of the University's Student Center. This event, sponsored by the Clayton State Nurse Managed Clinic and the School of Health Sciences, is open to the public. Clayton State faculty, staff members, students and the community are encouraged to attend.

SRMC celebrates National Nutrition Month

Eating is one of life's great pleasures, but not all pleasures are good for you.

Kiesling named VP at SRMC

Mary Kay Kiesling was recently appointed as Senior Vice President of Operations at Southern Regional Medical Center.

Trinity Air opens new showroom

With spring in the air and attention turning more to cooling off in warm weather, as well as combating bothersome allergies, a local heating and air conditioning company has some new options for potential customers in the area.

Wal-Mart gives back to Fayette community

The Fayette County Health Department would like to recognize the work of our local Wal-Mart in supporting this community. Their community manager, Michael Wagnon, is very active here and is always on the lookout for ways in which the company can be of assistance.

Oxendine fines HMO $200,000 over prompt pay

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine today fined One Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., $200,000 for violating Georgia's prompt pay law.

Dogwood Festival puts spotlight on child safety

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the city's oldest continuing event, will offer families more than just great music and entertainment this year when it provides free child identification kits for the first time. The festival has partnered with Tony's Pizza to provide this service.

Business

Sales Tax holiday is this weekend

Fayette Countians will get a break this weekend from paying state and local sales tax courtesy of Governor Barnes and the Georgia Legislature on clothing, footwear, school supplies and computers during two "Shop Georgia!" sales tax holidays.

Makeover at airport starting soon

Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport officials are moving forward with plans to upgrade the Airport's Central Passenger Terminal Complex .

Metro Brokers wins national awards

Peachtree City's Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate took home a slew of national awards - 19 in all - at the GMAC Real Estate National Convention last week in Orlando, Fla.

Sports

Soccer teams head into spring break
There are only a handful of games left in the regular season of high school soccer and many of the teams will be off during the week of spring break. Instead of playing in tournaments the week of the break, some of the teams competed in tourneys last weekend while others will play in some this weekend.
Baseball teams begin playing region schedule
The local high school baseball teams finished their version of spring training and began playing games in their region schedule this week. The preseason gave all of the coaches causes for optimism and concern. They are getting solid performances from their players, but they are also experiencing dry spells that could lead to losses.
Gold's Gym offers triathlon training seminar
Gold's Gym PTC East is hosting a free seminar entitled, "Triathlon 101 - An Introduction to Triathlon Training in Fayette County." The seminar will be held Thursday, April 11th at 7:00pm and is open to the general public.
Seals accepting nomiantions for county swimmer of the year, Hall of Fame
Swimming is a life sport that is enjoyed by over two million people of all ages and abilities. As the premier masters swim team in the south metro Atlanta area, and as leaders in the swimming community, the Southside Seals actively promote swimming at all levels. The Southside Seals sponsor two annual awards to recognize outstanding accomplishments in swimming by members of the Fayette County swimming community.
Flash has good finishes in meet
The PTC Flash Track team traveled to Pope High School this past Saturday. They competed against the Woodstock, Marietta and Pope Youth Track Clubs. This Saturday, March 30, the team travels to Paulding County for its next competition.
Sports camps available for students during spring break
Spring break for local students starts when the dismissal bell rings this Friday afternoon. The following week will be wide open for the kids.
New youth track club to hold informational meeting
The next informational meeting for the South Side Pioneers Track Club will be held on Thursday, April 11, at the Fayette County Library in Fayetteville from 7 - 8 p.m. The meeting will be held in the main meeting room.
Hoops clinics for kids in town for Final Four
In conjunction with the 2002 NCAA Final Four, youth basketball clinics will be held at four Atlanta area locations Clayton State College, Marietta High School, Morehouse College, and North Gwinnett High School Saturday, March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Weekend


Fayette Players and Community Theatre Inc. introduces 'The Boys Next Door'

Chances are you are familiar with Tom Griffin's play "The Boys Next Door." Perhaps you saw the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie with Nathan Lane or you saw McIntosh High School's drama department perform it in 2001. There is even a chance that you saw Southside Theatre Guild's production over five years ago. "The Boys Next Door" returns to the southside this week with Fayette Players and Community Theatre Inc.'s production at McIntosh High School's Black Box Theatre.

Ultima Thule to rock the Log Cabin in Fayetteville

If you pass by the Log Cabin in Fayetteville Saturday afternoon, chances are it will be rocking.

Alliance Theatre presents award-winning 'Proof'

While audiences are familiar with the story of John Forbes Nash, the mathematician at the center of the Oscar nominated film, "A Beautiful Mind," Atlanta audiences will soon become familiar with another brilliant and unstable mathematician, the one at the center of David Auburn's award winning "Proof," which will be presented at the Alliance Theatre through April 21.

Movies

'Sound of Music' auditions coming soon

Fayette Players and Community Theatre Inc. will have auditions for "The Sound of Music," April 22-24 in the drama and choral rooms at Starr's Mill High School.

Religion

Catholics and Baptists: Many differences but a common Savior
By REV. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

The Catholics had a fine service March 19 as they celebrated the Silver Anniversary of the ordination of the Reverend Mr. Tom Zaworski as one of the first married deacons in the Catholic Church. The celebration was conducted at The Catholic Church of Saint Gabriel in Fayetteville. Archbishop John F. Donoghue presided over the service, a high tribute to Tom and his family.

Peachtree City UMC breaks ground for 50,000 sq. ft. facility

Some 400-plus members of the Peachtree City United Methodist Church, led by Senior Pastor Chuck Hodges, recently gathered on a newly cleared, kudzu-free piece of land located on the north end of Robinson Road to celebrate the official groundbreaking on the 64-acre property purchased by the church in September of 1999.

Easter Events

Fayetteville First Baptist presents 'Bow the Knee' Friday, Saturday

The Fayetteville First Baptist Church's Sanctuary Choir and Praise Orchestra will present the dramatic musical, "Bow the Knee," Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30, at the church. Both performances will begin at 7 p.m.

Hopewell UMC casserole cookoff is tonight at 6 p.m.

Hopewell United Methodist Church will have a Casserole Cookoff tonight, March 27, at 6 p.m. Entries are encouraged to bring their favorite casserole and compete for the Wooden Spoon Award.

Nativity will offer two Easter services

The Episcopal Church of the Nativity will offer two services on Easter Sunday. The Great Vigil of Easter will begin outdoors at 6 a.m. with the blessing of the new fire and a service of light. It includes a service of the Word, Holy Baptism and the first Eucharist of Easter. A breakfast will follow at 8 a.m.

National Day of Prayer team makes plans

The Fayette County National Day of Prayer Team met recently to formulate plans for this year's events. Meeting in Fayetteville, the team is composed of area ministers and laypersons throughout the county.

Opinion

Filling the hole at the top of this page
By CAL BEVERLY
Editor

Filling the hole at the top of this page

Get out, go to the movies!
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

At the beginning of the Oscars this past Sunday night, Errol Morris, documentary filmmaker, interviewed and filmed regular people talking about their lifelong movie experiences. He should have picked me. For me to say that going to the movies is a hobby is like Michelle Kwan saying ice skating is just a diversion. I simply love the movies.

A trembling voice for soft-spoken minority
By SALLIE SATTERTHWAITE
SallieS@juno.com

Getting up to speak to the Fayette County commissioners is a surprisingly unnerving experience, I learned recently. For one thing, the podium is uncomfortably high and makes you stand with your least elegant assets toward those who have gathered to commune with their elected officials.

The day red carnations rained on Sen. Talmadge
By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@thecitizennews.com

I remember with fondness the occasion of the late Sen. Herman Talmadge visiting our fair county.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Doctors, what about your younger patients?

An open letter to health care providers and their patients:

A parent wants to know, Is this any way to treat patients?

Saturday, March 16, my 2-year-old woke up sick with a fever. I called [a medical facility] and heard a message saying they were open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I promptly dressed my two children, ages 2 and 4 at 7:30 a.m. to be there in time for the earliest appointment.

Why is 'balanced calendar' the only choices offered?

A few years ago our school calendar was changed to have classes start in mid-August and finish in May. Two main reasons were given for this change: Aligning our system with college schedules allows teachers to attend continuing education classes in the summer, and having the first academic semester end prior to Christmas break allows students and teachers a true break without upcoming finals to worry about and prepare for.

Is BOE trying to sneak in year-round school?

The Balanced Calendar is just another name for year-round school.Information from around the nation abounds as to how this calendar has been effectively pushed and established since about 1976.Locally, ask any Coweta County teacher, parent, or public school child what the "balanced" calendar meant to them: Three-week breaks between each of the four semesters on a year-round schedule, with other brief breaks scattered intermittently.

Seniors have needs not being met by Center

I attended the Fayette Senior Services Inc. public hearing held Feb. 28 and was subsequently quoted in several newspaper articles. I would like to clarify a few things.

Mad about senior center

As the daughter of a senior citizen, I am mad about what I have read in your paper concerning the treatment of senior citizens in this county.

Appalled by complaints

After reading your recent articles and letters to the editor about Fayette Senior Services and having heard horror stories from several past employees (front-line types) there, I am appalled that the Fayette County government, Atlanta Regional Commission, United Way representatives, and Peachtree City and Fayetteville governments continue to filter monies to them.

Unfairly targeted, NAACP is still needed

Recent articles about Black History Month, blended heritage and the Fayette County Branch NAACP have prompted this response.

It's wrong to champion one race at expense of another

You would have to be living in a cave with no electricity to not know that February is Black History Month. Every television station in Atlanta had ads that told about [it].

Only people who harp about racism are blacks

I feel the only people harping about racism are mostly black. Case in point this week: Charles Barkley said the Augusta National Golf Course was changed to keep Tiger Woods from winning.

Friendship Center is a home away from home

The Friendship Center is the best thing that the elderly citizen could have in Fayette County. If you don't believe that, just come and visit.

Word of mouth discouraged one from going to Center

I was very interested in the recent articles you published concerning the Senior Center here in Fayette County. I had missed attending the public hearing.

Center needs more than Band-Aid to solve problems

In recent weeks articles have appeared in The Citizen, all pertaining to the treatment of our senior citizens in Fayette County.

Wheat, Tyrone seem bent on dividing the county

The newspaper had a story stating that former Mayor Mike Wheat of Fayetteville was considering running for the Fayette County Commission. After reading the story, I have to admit to being a little surprised that Mike Wheat would say he is concerned about the breakdown in communications between the county commission and the city governments.

Wellman: After 9-11, nation came before city

Since becoming involved in local affairs I have made it a policy not to reply to any of the attacks on me in the paper. But, last week's letter from Bill Webster cannot be ignored. I have been called a lot of things, but I will not be called a liar or coward.

PTC Council, wake up, get some guts

I can no longer sit on the sidelines and read the drivel and whining that is being printed in your publication from a failed and a wannabe candidate. You bet I am disappointed by some of Mayor Brown's actions.

Remembering Dave and the fireworks

After Dave Hamrick's funeral I could not help but think how he would've enjoyed having us all there in one place. The words of the Townes Van Zandt song, "None But The Rain," echoed through my mind. Dave would've gotten a kick out of all of us.

 

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