Wednesday, July 3, 2002

Sparks may fly over TDK connector

A controversial new connector highway between Peachtree City and eastern Coweta County is expected to be a hot topic at next week's meeting of the Association of Fayette County Governments.

PTC short on fire volunteers

Help Wanted: must be able to carry 75 pounds and drag 100 pounds. Respect of fire helpful but not necessary. Must be willing to risk life to save others.

Parents plead guilty to molesting 2 kids

To avoid forcing two children into testifying against their mom and dad a second time, prosecutors hammered out a plea agreement Monday with a local couple accused of molesting their then 12-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter in 1998.

Deficit spending? County says it's not

Fayette County's new budget year started with an overall $67.1 million figure after the Fayette County Commission approved it last Thursday.

Solicitor: PTC council members used loophole to follow state open meetings law

Fayette County Solicitor Steve Harris has concluded an investigation into an open meetings complaint that was lodged against the Peachtree City Council by a private citizen.

Cities, county want open meetings suit dismissed

The governing bodies of Fayette County, Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Tyrone want a judge to dismiss an open meetings lawsuit that has been filed against them in Superior Court.

Fayetteville cancels council meeting

The Fayetteville City Council has cancelled a work session and a regular meeting due to the July 4 holiday.

Pledge ruling 'ridiculous,' Collins says

In a show of support of our nation's institutions, Members of Congress met on the House floor recently to recite the Pledge of Allegianc

Life Line stroke screening coming to Fayetteville

ATLANTA Residents living in and around the Fayetteville area can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke. Life Line Screening will be at the Catholic Church of St. Gabriel on July 13th.

UDC awards grants to essay winners

The Frankie Lyle Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, honored its essay winners with an educational grant. The luncheon was held at the Fayette County Public Library.

Wheat running for Post 4 commission seat

Former Fayetteville Mayor Mike Wheat has announced his candidacy for the Post 5 seat on the Fayette County Commission.

Youth home receives United Way funds

The Fayette Youth Protection Home has received funds from United Way that will allow anger management to continue as a part of its program for abused and neglected children.

Triple Eagle for Gilbert brothers

Justin, Jason and Aaron Gilbert of Peachtree City, members of Troop 275, were recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. The Court of Honor was held at Peachtree City United Methodist Church.

Local student flies high with FSU circus

Jon Gulick, a 2000 graduate of McIntosh High School, is performing with the Florida Sate University Flying High Circus this summer at Callaway Gardens.

Oxendine urges Georgians to observe fireworks law on the fourth

Atlanta Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine urges citizens to obey Georgia law and avoid personal use of fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.

Local students compete at national speech tourney

Marshall, Minn. 2002 graduate Kahlilah N. Pagan and junior Michael P. Peaden from Fayette County High School competed June 17-21 in the National Forensic League's 2002 Queen City Nationals in Charlotte, N.C.

Library presents author seminar

The Fayette County Public Library and the Friends of the Library recently presented the second series of "Why and How I Write." Eight authors of fiction and poetry answered questions from an audience of 60 people.

Local students represent Clayton State University at USG Chancellor's Inauguration

Morrow, Ga. Six Clayton State students attended the inauguration of Dr. Thomas C. Meredith, the 10th chancellor of the University System of Georgia (USG), in a ceremony held June 12 in the State Capitol's House of Representatives Chamber.

Public servants recognized

The Fayette Daybreak Rotary Club has named Valerie Fowler its Tyrone Municipal Employee of the Year and Steven Lafferty its Tyrone Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Fowler has been employed by Tyrone since 1988 and is currently the assistant town manager, town clerk, finance officer, zoning administrator, purchasing agent, among other duties. She serves on the Founders Day Committee and is one of Santa's elves at Christmas. Lafferty has been with the Police Department since 1999 and is currently assigned to the Fayette County Sheriff's Department Drug Suppression Task Force. He received an award in 2001 for his work in the largest marijuana seizure and second largest cocaine seizure in Fayette County history

Police Blotter

Prime Timers

Either butterflies have learned to read, or they prefer the new Simply Beautiful Butterfly Pentas hands down.

Summer isn't summer without fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. They are delicious eaten alone or in pies, muffins, and pancakes. And they are the perfect topper on homemade ice cream and breakfast cereals.

When outdoor activity increases, so does concern for a serious public health problem-Lyme disease. Nearly 18,000 human cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2000. However, health officials believe that only one in 10 cases are actually reported.

Cutting firewood for the coming winter months is not a happy thought during a sweltering heat wave, but the Georgia Forestry Commission advises that now is the time to face that chore if dry, well-seasoned wood is to be available for the heating season.

Here's a perfect idea to get the whole family off the couch, back on track and into the garden.

Time and time again, homeowners seek unique ways to increase the value of their homes. Landscaping projects, such as planting flowers and building patios are popular methods; however, landscaping projects can become expensive and time-consuming, often detracting from the enjoyment homeowners get from "watching their gardens grow."

Further confusing gardeners everywhere who don't know the difference between annuals and perennials, this year, the former are the ones coming back.

Is there anyone who likes weeds? Back in the 17th century, W.U. Shu appropriately wrote, "The only good dandelion is a dead one."

Farmers in 15 southeast Georgia counties can now benefit from USDA emergency farm (EM) loans, announced Farm Service Agency's State Executive Director Steve Newton.

Installing a water garden can seem like a monumental task for a homeowner, but it actually can be a fun, do-it-yourself project you can easily tackle on a weekend. It is especially easy if you purchase a kit that includes everything you need.

The Georgia law regarding outdoor burning does not apply when you are in a designated camping area and want to build a campfire. At all other times, the law requires you to call for and receive a burning permit for any outdoor burning.

Fourth of July activities unite the community

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate America's independence and this year, as the country remains united after the events of Sept. 11 and the war against terrorism, the festivities will be a little more patriotic than years past. Both Peachtree City and Newnan will have celebrations on July 4, bring the community together.

Celebrate the Fourth with Surf and Sun Spectacular or an 1850s style party

The Fourth of July is different things to different people. For some it is a day of patriotic reflection, while for others it is a day off from work that should be celebrated with cookouts and fireworks. The wonderful thing about the holiday is that it can be all of those things and more. Whether you'd like to stay close to home this July 4 or take the family out of town, there are plenty of options available.

Missing the freedom of summer camp

I miss summer camp.

Movies

Religion

God takes us places we never dreamed
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

When most of you read my column, I will be flying somewhere over Africa to land in Entebbe, Uganda where I will be conducting marriage conferences from a Biblical view point. I am pleased that through this particular mode of ministry, we will bring together members of the two largest churches in Kampala: the All Saints Angelical Church and the Kampala Pentecostal Church.

Senior teens at First presbyterian endure, share, during mission trip

On May 29, an exciting nine-day mission trip began for the Senior High group of the First Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City. The team was composed of 34 teenagers and seven adults.

Youth outreach program will feature former drug smuggler

Former drug smuggler and money launderer Jorge Valdez, will be the guest speaker at a joint outreach for youth Sunday, July 14, sponsored by Braelinn Church and Coming Clean Ministries.

Tyrone church will present evening of Irving Berlin, Cole porter tunes tonight

The First Christian Church of Tyrone will host the Tara Choral Guild Wednesday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. The guild is a group of adult volunteer singers, mostly from south side communities such as Fayette and Clayton counties.

CDM hosts 'Brag on God' meetings

Christ Discipleship Ministries (CDM) in Tyrone meets one Friday evening per month for a time of prayer, praise, worship and "bragging on the goodness of God."

VBS Schedule

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Leave my Pledge of Allegiance alone
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@thecitizennews.com

You want to do what?

Packing it in for summer . . .
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

It's summer time, Fourth of July, and everybody's going somewhere. And as surely as Cher wears a wig, people are going to take lots of stuff with them.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Judges badly misread Founding Fathers' intent

Keith Turner's letter about America's Christian heritage touched only a small sample of the writings of this county's Founding Fathers. Many volumes of these great Americans' letters and journals are available at libraries across the country, and they leave no doubt as to the Christian principles that this country was intended to be built upon.

Other Founding Fathers' quotes paint different picture

The letter on America's "Christian heritage" (June 26) was most impressive. Congratulations to the author for boiling the personal religious views of the Founding Fathers down to a few carefully chosen soundbites. Somehow he got right to the bottom of a topic that has eluded many historians which ought to tell us something.

Even non-scholar can read the Constitution

I never thought I would see the day but it arrived none the less! It seems that the Pledge of Allegiance has been ruled unconstitutional because the words "under God" were added in 1954. It seems the [Ninth Circuit] Court [of Appeals] has based its opinion on the Constitution's establishment clause of "separation of Church and State."

In an age where people are becoming more isolated within their homes, and where we talk more through our keyboards than our vocal cords, it has become all the more important to hang on to whatever sense of community that we have left.

Spanking is child abuse

I just read with shock and horror [the Rev. David Epps'] affirmation of spanking of children and teaching that disobedience causes pain.

Wrong to force student doctors to perform abortions

As a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia, founder of a Catholic group there, member of Medical Students for Life, and strong believer in the physician's duty to protect life from conception to natural death, I found Michelle Malkin's column [in the Friday paper] both right-on and very disturbing.

Wheat's campaign full of distortions, untruths

[County Commission candidate Mike Wheat's] mail flyer caught my attention. Normally I don't get involved in politics and hadn't even given a thought to who I was going to vote for, still wasn't sure who all was running for what.

Where's the money coming from for race?

How much money can one guy spend on a County Commission seat?!

Wheat plans upbeat campaign on the issues

Record versus rhetoric and fact versus fear. This is the foundation of our campaign for Fayette County Commission, Post 5, in the Republican Primary on Aug. 20.

Democrat praises Dunn for environmental stand

I must admit I'm a Democrat. But I must also admit we all owe Greg Dunn many thanks for his efforts in helping to stop the [Williams Co.] power plant [in south Fulton, bordering Fayette]. Who said Republicans aren't environmentally conscious?

Wheat, Stephens didn't violate sign ordinance

In last week's Citizen, a letter erroneously reported that Mike Wheat and Thomas Stephens were violating the Fayetteville sign ordinance by already placing their campaign signs in yards. It was stated that the signs were not supposed to be placed in yards 30 days prior to the election and that the writer soon planned to acquire a copy of the sign ordinance.

Question the candidates; demand truthful answers

Misrepresentations, distortions, and lies will not "restore the public trust." Who can you trust today your broker, Arthur Anderson, politicians?

Is there nothing sacred? Now it's a lady's age

Frankly, my dear, I am surprised as all get out! At a recent Republican function, commission candidate Thomas Stephens displayed a less than Southern gentlemanly attitude by not only questioning, but disparaging a lady's age! Shocking!

Dunn managed growth, but look at Wheat's F'ville

In the county elections four years ago, the citizens of Fayette County sent a clear message that they wanted slow, managed, growth, honest government, and county commissioners who respected the rights and views of all, not just the land speculators and developers who seemed to control the county at that time.

How could you leave us bleeding on a rainy road?

An open letter to a hit-and-run driver:

Signs warning of lanes ending are sorely missed in PTC

I'm happy to see the traffic improvements at the intersection of Ga. highways 54 and 74 [in Peachtree City], but what about the traffic lights and signage?

Coach has most important job of getting kids ready for life

When someone thinks of his or her high school coach, nostalgia for the feelings of the good times and closeness they shared with that coach should rise to the occasion. These memorable men and women are not only coaches, but also mentors.

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