Wednesday, May 15, 2002

Twins: ministers or murderers?

Before they were arrested for armed robbery, murder and a host of other charges, identical twins Melvin and Marvin Mitchell led a different life, according to their mother.

Top deputy suspended, demoted in chase case

A top official at the Fayette County Sheriff's Department will be demoted for "mishandling evidence" relating to the March arrest of twin brothers who led police on a chase through Fayetteville after the armed robbery of a grocery store. (See related stories on this page.)

'Machete' kid back in school, ready for prom

Jamie Gilman could pick up his tux Tuesday morning knowing full well that he'd get to show it off Saturday night.

Fairburn to become Fayette's 6th city?

Could Fairburn become Fayette's sixth city?

Reluctantly, Fayette OKs F'ville annexation request

Fayetteville got the green light last week to annex 53 acres into the city, but the County Commission is predicting dire consequences for the development.

Twins accused of murder are denied bond

Twin brothers accused of killing a motorist in Fayetteville minutes after robbing a grocery store will remain in jail after they were denied bond Monday.

Fayetteville wins harassment suit

A former Fayetteville city employee's legal action against the city in a two-year-old sexual harassment case has apparently ended at the federal level.

Gov. Barnes to speak in PTC Friday at Aberdeen Woods

Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes will visit Peachtree City briefly Friday to kick off a program to help improve Georgia's public schools.

Founder's Day celebration today

The Fayette Heritage Project is sponsoring a Founder's Day celebration in Heritage Park today from 2-4 p.m. The public is invited to stop by for a piece of Founder's Day cake, ice tea served in a free Founder's Day cup, and to tour Heritage Park, located on Ga. Highway 85 in front of the Fayette County Administrative Complex. Heritage Park is designed as a large compass, with a series of circles around a fountain in the center. Each circle represents 40 years in Fayette County's history. Within each circle are marble markers etched with historic events which occurred within that 40-year period. By walking around the circles sequentially, one can learn the history of Fayette County.

Fayetteville council could have quick meeting

A fairly lengthy agenda awaits the Fayetteville City Council's at tomorrow night's regular meeting, but that meeting is expected to be conducted quickly.

Candy throwing for July 4th parade up for debate Thursday

A proposal to ban candy-throwing from floats in Peachtree City's July 4th parade will be discussed at a workshop tomorrow at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Fayette students dominate art contest

Fayette County students took the top three places in U.S. Rep. Mac Collins' annual Congressional Art Contest, and the top two spots share a unique connection.

Peachtree City Student Wins First Place in State Design Contest

Michael Amosu, a senior at McIntosh High School, had lunch with Gov. Roy Barnes recently after winning first place in the T-shirt category of the 2002 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest.

Air Force recruiter helps students aim high

Staff Sgt. Andrew Gobble didn't start off in the Air Force, but after two years of college he knew he wanted a change. He visited a recruiter, joined the Air Force and finished college. Now he is a recruiter and he wants young adults in the area to know that if they have questions about joining the service he is one person they can talk to.

Fayette's counselors honored at celebration

Counselors of the year for 2001-2002 were named during the Fayette School Counselors Association's (FSCA) second annual installation of officers and awards reception at St. Andrews in the Pines in Peachtree City.

Community comes together to help Holloway family with rising medical costs

Justin Holloway, a student athlete at Fayette County High School, was severely injured in an automobile accident Dec. 14. Since then he has been diagnosed with a severe brain injury, has been in a coma and has spent much of his time in the hospital.

Students named finalists in Laws of Life essay contest

Two Fayette students are among the 24 high school finalists selected for the third annual Georgia Laws of Life essay contest.

Burch Elementary hosts annual career fair

Students at Robert J. Burch Elementary had fun exploring what they want to be when they grow up at the school's third annual career fair.

Students learn from Vietnam project

Although the Vietnam War ended long before they were born, students at Starr's Mill High School are experiencing the emotion of the era through an innovative project that has totally submersed them into the movements of the 1960s.

Chambliss in Fayetteville

U.S. Rep. Saxby Chambliss, a Republican who currently represent southwest Georgia, wants to represent the entire state in the U.S. Senate and is vying for the chance to square off against incumbent Max Cleland in the November election. He made an appearance last week at the Pit Stop on Ga. Highway 85 in south Fayetteville to commemorate Small Business Week. Mike Hyde, owner of the Pit Stop and several other convenience stores in Fayette County, hosted the event. He posed with Chambliss for a photo op organized by the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores for its monthly magazine.

Busey hospital building moving

If you have wondered why the white frame building on Lee Street in Fayetteville next to the BellSouth building is up on jacks, it is being moved to Barnesville.

PTC Memorial Day Guest Speaker Brings Unique Perspective

The guest speaker for this year's Peachtree City Memorial Day celebration was a young Navy chaplain serving the needs of servicemen on duty in Beirut, Lebanon, in October 1983.

Donation Helps Students Reach for the Stars

Stargazers at Starr's Mill High School will be able to clearly see various planets and stars in the universe thanks to a generous donation from the Fayetteville Wal-Mart store.

VOCA students finish strong at state championship

Students from Fayette County High School made a lasting impact on judges at the Georgia State VOCA (Vocational Opportunities Chapters of America) conference as they walked away with some of the top awards in the state.

Elementary Students Demonstrate Math Skills at County Competition

Fayette's best fourth- and fifth-grade mathematicians showcased their calculation skills during the second annual Fayette County Elementary Math Tournament.

Burch Students Beat the Street in Stock Market Game

Despite the events of Sept. 11 that left a dismal mark on Wall Street, fifth-grade enrichment students at Robert J. Burch Elementary used their keen investment skills to win at the Stock Market Game.

CCSU alumni announce brick campaign

Clayton State Alumni Association President Thomas George of Sharpsburg, in conjunction with the University's 32nd Annual Commencement ceremonies, has announced a new fund raising campaign. While all parts of the plan have yet to be ironed out, it can be unequivocally stated that the new campaign is set in brick.

Police Blotter

Country Gardens retirement home celebrates a year of serving Fayette

Country Gardens Assisted Living is celebrating its one-year anniversary this weekend.

Students capture state career awards

McIntosh High School Graphic Arts students have returned from state competition with medals in four contests. The students, who are members of Skills USA-VICA, a technical/career student club, competed at the organization's state conference and competition held recently in Atlanta.

Metro now offering closing services

Metro Brokers recently added in-branch closings to its menu of services, becoming the only real estate company in metro Atlanta to offer home buyers true one-stop shopping from purchase to close.

 

 

Sports

Free events like annual Rose Show and Japanese Festival set to take place this weekend

There are a number of activities taking place this weekend that will get you out of the house enjoying the weather and mingling in the community. Whether you like to peruse nature, art or other cultures, there is a local option taking place this weekend.

Molly Hatchet swings into PTC

Dubbed by some as a mixture of blues, country and rock and roll, Southern rock is how bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers and, more recently, The Black Crowes and Widespread Panic are described. The guitars are prominently featured, the lyrics can be soulful at one point and anthemic the next and the rhythm can get everybody in the arena dancing.

Downtown Fayetteville filled with fine art and food

The Old Courthouse Square will be a lively place this weekend. The 34th annual Old Courthouse Art Show will take place Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Offshoot brings Shakespeare to southisde this summer

Offshoot Productions will present William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" this summer at Sams Auditorium. It is the second Shakespearean show the company has produced.

Movies

Religion

Time to update your eternal life insurance policy
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Summer approaches. I've read articles about how to treat snake bites with the critters moving about more freely in their kind of weather. I've read what the dermatologists have to say about sunburn precautions in view of trips to the beach. And, of course, the articles which suggest ways to treat your child's summer boredom.

Unity Christian celebrates first anniversary Sunday

A special worship service and day of fellowship will mark the first anniversary of Unity Christian Church this Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. The service will be held at the Abundant Life Worship Center north of Tyrone on Ga. Hwy. 74.

Rolling Hills Baptist to present 'Jesus in the Passover' Sunday

What do the Jewish Passover and Jesus' Last Supper have in common? Derek Leman of Light of Messiah Ministries in Atlanta will answer that question as he presents "Jesus In The Passover" at Rolling Hills Baptist Church, Sunday, May 19 at 10:50 a.m.

Clemmer chosen as vicar of new CEC in Meriwether County

Ron Clemmer of Hogansville, a member of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal church in Peachtree City, has been selected as the lay vicar of St. Matthews Charismatic Episcopal Church in Hogansville, it was announced recently by the Right Rev. John W. Holloway, bishop of the Diocese of Georgia for the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

Fayette's Flat Creek Baptist applauded by Ga. Convention

Flat Creek Baptist Church was recently recognized by the Georgia Baptist Convention for leadership in the Fairburn Baptist Association in three areas: leading contributor through the Cooperative Program for 2001; largest percentage contributor through the Cooperative Program for 2001; and leading contributor per resident member through the Cooperative Program for 2001.

New Beginning Church announces Spring Jubilee 2002

New Beginning Baptist Church will have its Spring Jubilee 2002 Wednesday, May 29 through Sunday, June 2, at the church in Senoia.

PTC First Presbyterian offers a VBS SonCanyon Adventure

Children in the community are invited to attend a "SonCanyon River Adventure" at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City's Vacation Bible School Monday, June 24, through Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. until noon. The theme is a river rafting adventure with singing, crafts, skits, and games which focus on a practical aspect of wisdom from the book of Proverbs.

VBS Schedule

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Flag debate hinges on free speech right
By JOHN W. WHITEHEAD

In a 1937 Supreme Court case, Justice Benjamin Cardozo opined, "Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedom."

Star Wars and summer spam
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

At one minute past midnight tonight, the day this article appears, I will be one of the first people to see Star Wars Episode II. With my pre-purchased ticket in hand, I will count myself among the geeks of the world, waiting the hour in line, discussing Sand People, Battle Droids and the Millennium Falcon. I'm sure the combined IQ of this first audience could equal that of my home state of South Carolina, present company excluded of course. Yet, I'm sure the entire group has probably not had a date in this century.

Alaska oil needed for nation's security
By MAC COLLINS

Saddam Hussein has found our Achilles' heel our national dependence on foreign oil. Recently the Iraqi dictator made an appeal to all of the Arab nations when he said, "Arabs should express their solidarity with their brothers' security and safety, and [with regard to] oil exports including Iraq, immediately decrease the production of their oil for exportation by 50 percent and directly deprive the U.S. and Zionist entity from the other exported half, and to threaten any country or company with the same measure if they export the oil they import from Arab countries."

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PTC mayor on factions, freebies and funding

I often talk about political factions in Peachtree City. I enjoy having factions because it cracks the issues wide open for discussion. It is fairly easy to recognize those who oppose my positions. My mayoral opponent, Gary Rower, and his campaign manager, John Dufresne, are the most vocal opponents in the newspaper. They have become a sort of McMenamin defense team on various issues.

Falcon Field is key to county's economic growth

On behalf of the Fayette County Development Authority I would like to show our support and appreciation for Peachtree City's Falcon Field. Each time we stand in the terminal waiting for a prospective client, we are confident that their first look of our community will be impressive. The terminal, the facilities and the service are second to none.

Rep. Collins' support of PTC airport is appropriate

Thank you for publishing the letter from Cathy Nelmes, chairman, Peachtree City Airport Authority, regarding my previous letter to the editor erroneously criticizing Rep. Mac Collins for the use of general U.S. taxpayer monies, or the federal pork barrel, to pay for improvements to Falcon Field in Peachtree City.

Zero tolerance no defense against real predators

Let's end this "zero-tolerance" nonsense. Once again, a Fayette County school brings the ax down upon one of its students, this time for accidentally leaving landscaping tools in the back of his truck. I admit, many of the horror movies I've seen make a strong case for the deadliness of a machete. However, in the real world (a world zero-tolerance policy makers simply don't seem to understand), his truck, or any other vehicle parked in the parking lot, can serve as a far more deadly weapon.

School officials, defend this zero tolerance stance

I would like for someone in our school system to please address the citizens of Fayette County and defend their stance on the zero tolerance policy. I would like for them to address the specific issue of no one being able to use common sense or at least having to have some knowledge of intent before ruining a child's life (temporarily or forever) because no one has the intestinal fortitude to make a decision based on something other than zero tolerance.

Machete arrest makes county a national joke

An open letter to the Fayette County Board of Education and Superintendent DeCotis:

Thanks, teachers, for our kids

As the current academic year draws to a close, and as hundreds of young adults in the community prepare to claim their diplomas, I want to express appreciation to the fantastic teachers, principals and staff of the Fayette County School System.

Council interested only in more taxes, not residents

I see where the Fayetteville City Council wants to annex 53 acres at Ga. highways 85 and 92. Does this mean that they have already ruined everything inside the city limits and are now looking for county land to destroy?

If you live in the country, you get dust, other good things

This letter is in response to the article in The Citizen concerning paving Quarters Road. I understand some people still want Quarters Road paved.

State agency can help PTC

Has [Peachtree City] ever thought of inquiring about the State Defense Force for an unarmed uniformed presence at the air show?

Tennis Center a plus for PTC

I noted with interest your article regarding the Peachtree City Tennis Center expansion project and addition of a restaurant on site.

Thanks to all who helped and all who turned out in the rain

I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who turned out for the annual Spring Garden Tour 2002 sponsored by Peachtree City Elementary School April 13.

Publicly-paid consultants usually waste tax money

A consultant has oftentimes been described as a fellow who would borrow your watch to tell you the time, and then ask to keep the watch in payment for his services.

Via an anonymous poet and the Internet, a student prays

Since the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer are not allowed in most public schools anymore because the word "God" is mentioned, a kid in Arizona wrote the following new school prayer [which has been widely circulated on the Internet. This is a copy of that anonymous piece]:

'Waits in news stories not me'

Because I, Andrew Waits of Waits Hearing Aid Center, am continually being asked if I am related to the Andrew Waits who has been the subject of news recently, I would like to state publicly that I am not that individual nor am I related to him.

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