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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Spring
break for local students starts when the dismissal bell rings this Friday
afternoon. The following week will be wide open for the kids.
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.
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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