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The Fayette Citizen-Special Sections

Wednesday, April 3, 2002

News

Father of 3 killed in crash as he waited for traffic light

Two brothers remain in the Fayette County jail after a magistrate denied them bail on multiple felony charges during a hearing Tuesday.

BOE eyes school calendar decision

The Fayette County Board of Education will likely decide on the 2003-04 school calendar next week.

Fayette says, No thanks, to federal funds for 3 deputies

After agreeing they didn't like the strings attached, the Fayette County Commission voted unanimously to turn down an estimated $286,000 state grant that would put three traffic deputies on the road to patrol for aggressive driving violations and impaired motorists.

Tax talks should have been open, Citizen argues

An attorney for The Citizen argues that the mediation of the tax equity dispute between Fayette County and its three largest cities' governing bodies should not have been conducted in secret.

Deputies collar suspect in four S. Fayette burglaries

A Stone Mountain man suspected of burglarizing four homes in south Fayette County last week has been arrested by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.

Littlefield not running again

Fayette school board chairman Mickey Littlefield will not be seeking a second term, he said recently.

Pump station, water lines for new Ellis Rd. tank could be paid for with refinancing, $2 million

Refinancing Fayette County's current debt for its water system could save $1.6 million, freeing up funds for several important projects.

Fayetteville traffic signals adjusted next week

Some slight traffic disruptions in Fayetteville next week should lead to improved traffic flow in the long run.

Caution urged before buying dogs to avoid dangerous circumstances

The way Bill Newman sees it, just about anything can make a dog snap.

PTC Council meeting cancelled for break

The regular meeting of the Peachtree City Council for Thursday, April 4, has been cancelled.

PTC council chips in $15,000 for college classrooms at tennis center

For what everyone hailed as good news for Peachtree City, a plan to have college courses taught at the city's tennis center was carefully scrutinized.

Fayette students in geography competition

Six Fayette County students are set to compete later this week for a spot in the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C.

Youth Protection Homes sponsor Power Parade

"United We Walk In Power" is the 2002 slogan for the 13th annual Fayette Youth Protection Homes Power Parade. The week of April 15­19 will find all elementary school children taking home envelopes to collect donations to benefit the Friday and Johnson homes for abused and neglected children.

New program promotes student entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurial spirit is soaring high at Kedron Elementary.

Collins to address Fayette GOP

The Fayette County Republican Party will be holding its monthly breakfast Saturday, April 6, at the International House of Pancakes Restaurant in Fayetteville, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Hoffman named CCSU provost/VP

Clayton State President Dr. Thomas K. Harden recently introduced Dr. Sharon E. Hoffman as the University's first provost/vice president for academic affairs. The appointment is contingent on approval by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Police Blotter

Local students win scholarships

Three local students have earned scholarship money and been recognized as some of the highest achievers among black high school students in the class of 2002.

Three Fayette violinists make All-State orchestra

After being in existence for just over one year, the chamber orchestra program at Fayette County High School has generated its first award-winning musicians.

Fayette educator receives national recognition

For multiple years in a row, a Fayette teacher has received recognition for outstanding performance in reading education.

Students raise money for habitat

Students at Huddleston Elementary School love their animals and it shows.

CCSU names 'Who's Who'

The Office of Student Life, along with Clayton College & State University, last week announced those Clayton State students who have been selected for the Who's Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges program for the current academic year.

Local counties eligible for USDA emergency farm loans

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman recently named 69 counties in Georgia, including Fayette, as eligible for USDA emergency farm loans due to losses caused by drought that occurred last year.

Prime Timers

Much activity at senior center

 

The day I chose to drop by the Friendship Center of Fayette Senior Services was a busy one. I had mentioned to FSS Director Andy Carden that I would like to do a story on the center. He gave me an open invitation to stop by any time.

About Fayette Senior Services

Fayette Senior Services has provided services to Fayette County citizens for more than 20 years. There are many services that fall under the umbrella of the agency.

A visit to the Friendship Center

Walter Hester, 91, left a game of dominos to drop by the craft area for help in getting his "Hawaii" hat fixed. He made the hat in one of the craft periods and plans to wear it someday while taking hula lessons when he visits his favorite state, Hawaii.

Thompson retires from neighborhood organization

Joan Thompson has earned her moniker, "Ms. Peachtree City." As the area representative for the New Neighbors League, she has personally greeted 5,419 new families who moved into Peachtree City over the past 19 years.

Alzheimer's group to meet April 25

A local Alzheimer's support group has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at Ashley Glen Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care in Peachtree City.

Home & Garden

Atlanta Home Show back for spring

The Atlanta Home Show is back this month, scheduled for April 18-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Natural gas use projected to climb 50 percent over next 20 years

Natural gas usage has grown by 35 percent over the last ten years and is projected to jump by 50 percent in the next 20 years according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Much of this growth is attributed to natural gas' energy efficiency and value, enhancement of home resale value and environmental cleanliness.

Backyard Assn. to meet

Natural meadows are filled with native flowers, grasses, and broadleaf plants. Butterfly and insect species flourish in healthy meadows of the southeast. Teresa Mullins, horticulturist and Master Gardener, will teach gardeners how to bring the beauty of a meadow into a cultivated setting, using wildflowers suited for southern gardens. In celebration of Earth Day, Backyard participants will take home plants to add to their gardens that are beneficial to the environment.

High-tech kitchen featured at Home Show

Atlanta Home Show's High Tech Kitchen features everything you need to make life in the kitchen more interesting, more convenient and more fun. The Atlanta Home Show displays the latest in kitchen technology from April 18-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Oxendine offers tips for severe weather awareness

Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine wants to remind homeowners of some important insurance tips to protect their property from tornadoes, flooding and other severe weather. Now is also a good time to review your insurance coverage, he added.

'Zero Energy' house at Home Show

A Zero Energy House may look like any other house on the block, but in reality it is very different. It combines geothermal heat, an energy craft sealing system to reduce air infiltration, whole house ventilation, solar generated hot water and electricity, and high-energy efficient lighting and appliances. The result is that the Zero Energy House provides a healthy living environment and lower utility bills. Atlanta builder, Julius Poston of Certified Living, and Captain Planet Foundation are uilding a house for the public to experience at the Spring Atlanta Home Show, April 18-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Home fashion reflects patriotic trend

A rejuvenated sense of patriotism is sweeping the nation. Since Sept. 11 Americans all over the country are rediscovering a passion and zeal for the ideals that helped build our nation.

Transform your yard with new retaining walls

Whether you're landscaping your new home or searching for a way to spruce up an older property, retaining walls can rejuvenate your yard while increasing your home's value.

Set the stage for romantic wedding parties at home

Romance is back in style.

Business

Fayette County now has its own real estate and appraisal school

The Gaddy School, located in the Publix shopping center on Ga. Highway 54 in Peachtree City, began offering pre-licensing real estate courses for salespeople and pre-classification real estate courses Monday.

Party City turns 10

Party City of Atlanta, Inc. celebrated its 10th anniversary as the popular "discount party superstore."

Small Business Showcase is slated for April 16

Over 50 local small businesses have signed up to participate in the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce sixth annual Small Business Showcase.

Sports

Soccer teams pick up wins before break
The local soccer teams are off this week for spring break, but they entered the break strong. McIntosh's boys and girls played in tournaments against some of the top competition in the Southeast and the nation and emerged trimuphant, while other local teams tried to enter the break on a strong note.

Flash finish well at meet

The PTC Flash Track team traveled to Paulding High School this past Saturday. They competed against the Paulding and Troup County Youth Track Clubs. This weekend the Flash will have a meet at the new Riley Field track April 13. There is no admission charge and the public is welcome.

Tigers and Panthers baseball teams win region games

Major League Baseball opened their season on Monday, symbolizing a new year and the start of spring. For fans players and coaches of high school baseball, spring was already here as the teams began playing their region schedules.

Southside Cobras finish successful season

Several Fayette County residents participated in Power Wheelchair Hockey, a division of the Amercian Association of Adapted Sports Program (AAASP). John Roarke, a Peachtree City resident, has over 35 years of hockey experience and with the help of his son, Paul, coached the Southside Cobras to a very successful and winning season.

Southside Cobras finish successful season

The McIntosh boys and girls tennis teams had two games last week before heading to spring break. They defeated North Clayton and Fayette County last week. The boys won both matches 5-0, while the girls won both matches 4-1.

Karate for Kids program launched in PTC

Recently the American Taekwondo Association opened its newest location in Peachtree City, on Ga. Hwy 74. Peachtree City Karate for Kids is one of many ATA schools across the U.S. Taekwondo is an exciting and powerful martial art known for its dynamic kicking and hand techniques. There are many reasons for kids to become involved in the martial arts. The school has developed a program based on traditional Taekwondo for kids called Karate for Kids.

Weekend


Champions on Ice brings magic of Olympics to Philips Arena

Figure skating was all the rage at the 2002 Winter Olympics. From the controversy in pairs figure skating to the top-notch competition in the women's singles category, figure skating reclaimed a spot in the nation's thoughts. Now, John Hancock Champions on Ice, the next best thing to a first class trip to the Olympics, comes to Atlanta Monday, April 8.

Peachtree Wind Ensemble Community Band has a full 2002 schedule

Spring is here and that means it is time for outdoor concerts from the Peachtree Wind Ensemble. The band will play Saturday at Aberdeen Village during the Y-Knot Sports Bar's 5K Race.

Six Flags celebrates 35 years with new roller coaster

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a roller coaster?

Who owns a tree?
By SALLIES SATTERTHWAITE
sallies@juno.com

You can no more own a tree than hold the deed to a river or engrave your name upon a cloud.

Movies

Religion

Thank God for mulligans
By JUDY KILGORE
Religion Editor
jkilgore@thecitizennews.com

No, John Hatcher hasn't dyed his hair and donned glasses. He asked for a week off and, grateful for the wonderful work he does every week, we gave it to him. He will be back next week with his wonderful, thought-provoking, insightful columns.

Flat Creek Baptist to host Family Circus Celebration

Flat Creek Baptist Church will host a Family Circus Celebration featuring Christian entertainer Mark Lippard Friday, April 12. The entertainment will be preceded by a catered meal at 6:30 p.m.

Tyrone's CDM will host Apostolic Prophetic Seminar

Christ Discipleship Ministries (CDM) will host an Apostolic Prophetic Seminar at Beulah Heights Bible College auditorium Saturday, April 6, from noon until 3 p.m. Apostle Carolyn Driver and Prophet Timothy Frazier will be the guest speakers.

Fayetteville United Pentecostal church plans anniversary celebration April 26

Members of Fayetteville United Pentecostal Church will celebrate their sixth year anniversary and dedicate their new church building April 26-28.

Flat Creek Baptist preschool opens registration for 2003

Registration for the 2002-2003 school year is now open at the Flat Creek Baptist Weekday Preschool.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Scanning the news just after Passover....

[Editor's note: The column below has appeared in The Citizen for the past five years the week following Easter.]

'Kitty pig' makes indelible impression
By AMY RILEY
Contributing Writer

Several weeks ago my family had the privilege of entertaining Butterfinger, Mrs. Fairrel's third grade class pet, for the weekend. Butterfinger is a long-haired guinea pig and a magnificent animal.

Spamming the globe: April fools
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

This spamming edition is in honor of all the idiocy in the world, but especially noted in April.

What I think of sales tax holiday ­ Bah, humbug!
By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@thecitizennews.com

At the risk of offending thrifty shoppers, I have to decry the recent sales tax holidays. If there's one thing I've learned in this world, it's pay taxes now or pay them later.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Westmoreland sides with Cox on local bill

I usually don't respond to editorials, but I needed to respond to this one.

Cox position is not a new one

Cal, I'm surprised at you. Everyone who follows Kathy Cox's politics knows that she has always required not demanded that local governing bodies thoroughly discuss and unanimously support legislation that they propose. This isn't a new position for Kathy.

GRTA buses: What's the harm?

Sallie Satterthwaite's article about our commissioners' refusal to participate in funding bus service in our county was right on target.

Hatcher demonstrates his ecumenical love for all people

John Hatcher is my friend but that is more important to me than the words I can write about him.

It's past time to just say no to higher local sales taxes

You don't know whether to laugh or to cry. My inclination was to laugh, of course, when I read in the AJC (March 27) that the Georgia House had voted 94-25 to permit Fulton and DeKalb Counties to hold referendums for a 1 percent sales tax increase to pay for sewer improvements. There's no denying the importance of sewers that work right. It's a worthy cause.

Fayette Senior Services is being unfairly criticized

I would like to express my concern regarding the recent allegations of abuse of the seniors at the Friendship Center and the supposed nonexistent services as stated by past employees and past center attendees.

What is our money being spent on?

Our seniors are being treated unprofessionally by the management of Fayette Senior Services (FSS) day program.

African-American pleased with senior center

I'm an African-American and I live with my daughter, and I'm 83 years old and I've been coming to the Friendship Center for a year.

Allegations can't be substantiated

I've been attending the Fayette Seniors Center in Fayetteville since October 1999. I am utterly shocked and appalled at the articles some have written for The Citizen against the senior center. At this time I am unable to substantiate any of these accusations to be true.

Forget 'balanced,' reinstate the 'traditional' calendar

What ever lies that have gone half way around the world in the form of year-round school with all its aliases (including the so-called "balanced" calendar), it's time we looked firmly at truth and consequences and squared things up for the best possible value in terms of long-term effects as the goals most appropriate to meet the needs of public education.

Getting back to basics ­ basic cable ­ feels good

I feel good. I recently called AT&T Broadband and told them to reduce my cable service from Expanded Basic ($42 per month) to Basic Cable ($12 per month). I did it for two reasons.

Should be way to deduct for continuing cable TV outages

Excerpt from letter sent to Peachtree City authorities:

Parking ticket turns into felony perjury conviction: The truth will come out

On Jan. 31, 2001, Charles Toombs received several tickets from Deputy Hammond of the Fayette County Marshall's office for improper parking. His vehicle was blocking a lane of traffic, and he had previously been warned for such behavior.

How soon the candidates forget campaign promises

I was amused to read in The Citizen that Peachtree City councilmen Rapson and Weed assigned a high priority to paving the Meade Field parking lot for one quarter of a million dollars. (A case can be made that a crushed stone parking lot is far more environmentally friendly than an impervious surface that will serve to increase pollution in our watershed). As former Illinois Senator Everett Dirkson once said, "A thousand here and a thousand there and pretty soon you will have some serious money."

Wellman never was an official mayor candidate

Fred Wellman's letter, in response to my letter, was conspicuous by what it did not address.

 

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