Wednesday, July 31, 2002

PTC Chief on crusade after high-speed chase kills man

Angered by a 100 mph fatal chase that began and ended outside his jurisdiction, Peachtree City Police Chief James Murray is calling on President George Bush and Gov. Roy Barnes to help limit such police pursuits.

Luthersville officers on leave after chase fatality

Although he wouldn't release many details about the deadly chase through Peachtree City initiated by two Luthersville police officers Saturday night, Luthersville Police Chief David Yates confirmed both officers were on administrative leave so they could "grieve" about the incident which left an innocent Peachtree City motorist dead.

Local police blocked road

The police chase through Peachtree City that led to a fatal crash at the city's easternmost limits Saturday night first toured through The Avenue shopping center at high speeds, according to law enforcement officials.

Stephens ahead in '02 campaign money race

A soon-to-be Starr's Mill High School math teacher leads all other county commission candidates in raising money for the Aug. 20 primary, according to campaign disclosure records filed with Fayette County's election office.

Auctioneer 'hammers' out 'Gone with the Wind' items

When I met Herb Bridges and his "Gone With The Wind" collection over three decades ago, it never entered either of our minds that it would one day bring us to Christie's in Manhattan, in the heart of New York City.

Tax-free? Yes, this weekend

If you plan on shopping this weekend for back-to-school items, you might want to head for the shopping centers early.

Perdue to address Fayette republicans

Republican gubernatorial candidate Sonny Perdue will be the featured speaker at the August First Saturday Breakfast of the Fayette County Republican Party. The breakfast meeting will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2002, at the International House of Pancakes in Fayetteville, beginning at 8:30 AM.

Tyrone disputes wetlands violation claims

Tyrone Town Manager Barry Amos is disputing claims that Tyrone is a flagrant violator for wetlands violations.

Fayette's School System receives recognition for school accreditation

The Executive Directors of the Commissions on Elementary, Middle and Secondary Schools of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) recently congratulated the Fayette County Public School System for having all of its schools accredited. The district is considered a "2001-2002 Super System for Quality Schools" and was congratulated for its schools' accreditation accomplishments and continued successes in improving educational opportunities for its students.

Local student gets national exposure

A Peachtree City student has found a new outlet for his creativity a national magazine.

New Neighbor League names members of the month

The New Neighbor League of Peachtree city recently presented New Neighbor of the Month awards to two outstanding members.

Oak Grove recruits record number of reading tutors and mentors

Business leaders and community members throughout Fayette are finding the personal satisfaction of knowing that they helped a child by volunteering to participate in the Fayette County Schools Literacy and Mentor programs.

Collins on Partial birth

WASHINGTON In a major victory for the protection of life, the House of Representatives passed the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2002 (H.R. 4965) by a vote of 274 to 151

Collins votes to sustain marketplace growth

WASHINGTON Congressman Mac Collins stunned observers by opposing a politically popular corporate accountability measure which would criminalize risk and create an impediment to sustained market growth today.

Camp Ivy has week of good health

The campers at Camp Ivy ­ a day camp for children with diabetes ­ in Fayetteville enjoyed learning about good health from area professionals.

Be aware of ticks this summer

It's tick season again! Anyone who is outside for even a short period of time may encounter ticks - when you go to the mailbox, cut the grass or play with the dog. Even the pets will bring ticks inside with them. Be extra careful when walking or playing in wooded or grassy areas.

Healthwise

Preschool
By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

It is hard to believe, but another summer is more than half over and within just a few weeks, our children will be back in the classroom.

A day in the sunshine

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that between 10 and 20 out of every 10,000 people suffer from autism. Because symptoms of autism usually appear within the first three years of life, many of these individuals are children.

Food safety

Some of the most enjoyable times during the summer are those spent with family and friends at outdoor barbeques and picnics.We would not want ourmemories of food and good times marred byan unwanted guest: food-borne illness.

Scoliosis: Wait and see or take action

Scoliosis is defined as a side-to-side curvature of the spine. It is considered "idiopathic", which means the cause is unknown.

New long-term acute care hospital proposed at SRMC

In conjunction with Southern Crescent Long Term Acute Care Hospital (SCLTACH), Southern Regional Medical Center has filed a Certificate of Need for a Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) hospital to be located within its facility. SCLTACH is a newly formed not-for-profit company that will oversee the development and ongoing operation of the LTAC hospital.

Vaccine supplies returning to normal

Recent shortages of some childhood vaccines are ending in Georgia and in District Four, according to Dr. Michael Brackett, District Medical Director.

Common causes of nerve hearing loss

Although hearing loss can occur at any age, it is one of the most common problems in the over-50 population, affecting about 15 percent of the 45-64 year-old group. Only arthritis and hypertension are more common.

Quit Line extends hours to meet demand

Since its launch in November 2001, more than 12,000 Georgians have called the Quit Line, 1-877-270-STOP, to receive up-to-date information and steps on how to remove tobacco from their lives.

Get your golden ticket and see FCFT's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'

Nobody is as secretive as Willy Wonka, the most famous candy maker in the world. That is why the world goes absolutely bonkers when a contest is announced and all golden ticket holders get a tour of Wonka's factory led by Wonka himself. Fayette Coweta Family Theatre presents this beloved tale at Spring Hill Elementary School this weekend.

Go back in time at Westville

Ever wanted to go back in time? Well, you don't need a DeLorean or a flux capacitor to see what a working town in Georgia looked like in the 1850s. Westville is a living history village where visitors get to see what the life and culture of a town in Georgia was like at that time, including architecture, landscape, clothing, crafts and cuisine.

Center for Puppetry Arts has season full of old favorites and new friends

Where can you find a fox, a hen, a bear, a piglet, a donkey, a rabbit, a fish, dinosaurs and more? The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, of course.

Fayette Dancers win big at Nationals

Bob McSwiggan, Linda Robinson and Mary Lou Weibel performed in the Applause Talent Presentations National Final Competition held last month in Panama City, Fla. The team won High Gold Honors and a national Championship Award, performing a Fosse musical specialty, "Dancin' Dan." This award winning number was choreographed by Carla Gillespie of Carla's Dance Factory in Fayetteville.

Bill Dendinger's 'Swan Song' Endows Musical Gift to Clayton State

Joseph William (Bill) Dendinger, a retired chemist with the State of Georgia and resident of Doraville, passed away in February of this year after a long illness.

Movies

Religion

Rescue took work and prayers of all Americans
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

As all nine miners were lifted out of the deep pit of damp darkness, John Weir, a spokesman for Black Wolf Coal Company, the mine's owner, said, "This is a miracle." It was a miracle of major proportions because all nine miners were alive. It was good news and America needed to hear some good news for a change after hearing about children being abducted and murdered across the land. Good news indeed. Lessons are already emerging from the pit.

Old fashioned revivals are fading out (like old hymns and dinosaurs)
By JUDY KILGORE
Religion Editor

You used to see them every summer back in the '40s and early '50s. Huge brown tents would pop up all over the town during July and August. Echoes of fiery sermons, full of hell-fire and brimstone, and jubilant singing could be heard coming from every corner of town. It was revival time and whether you held it outdoors in a tent or indoors with the church doors wide open, it was a wonderful time for everybody. A week of shoutin', singin' and salvation a whole week of it. Just imagine!

Inman UMC to host old-time summer revival Aug. 4-7

If you like good, uplifting music, old-fashioned testimonials, and preaching in the great outdoors, then you'll want to attend Inman United Methodist Church's old fashioned summer revival Sunday through Wednesday, Aug. 4-7, at 7 p.m., at the Minter Farm on Hillsbridge Road.

'Rodeo for Jesus' is this Saturday

His House Community Church and D&R Rodeo Arena will present a "Rodeo for Jesus," this Saturday, Aug. 3, at 8 p.m. at Rodeo Arena's facility in Senoia. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Opinion

Choice: The ultimate school voucher plan
By MONROE ROARK
mroark@thecitizennews.com

With the first day of school just around the corner, I think it's a perfect time to unveil what I like to call the Ultimate School Voucher Plan. It is, without a doubt, the fairest way to give every single child an opportunity for a first-class education while leaving the all-important choice of where to get that education up to the parents.

What are you afraid of, fear?
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

We all have fears of certain things. These are called phobias. Technically a phobia is a fear that is illogical or irrational. Being afraid in some instances is good. As a child we learn, correctly, that we should be fearful when we cross the street.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fayette Samaritans face being homeless

In the past year there have been over 900 needy families in Fayette County who have sought help from the Fayette Samaritans. This help has been in the form of food, rent, prescription drugs, utilities, clothing, medical and dental services.

Some questions, answers on beating and 2 dead fetuses

I have four questions and answers for all you members of the National Organization For Women.

New voting machines won't be used in Aug. 20 primary

We were very excited to see the picture of the new voting equipment on the front page of Wednesday's paper. The information you included is helping to educate Georgians on what to expect when they vote in the general election in November.

[Editor's note: The following letter was sent to the governor and to news media.]

Unnecessary fatal chase made worse by officers

When does it stop? How many more people have to die before the high-speed police chases through crowded areas end? I was there Saturday, I saw the vehicles, and I saw the innocent man's lifeless body in his mangled minivan. It was a senseless loss of life.

Wheat reduced property tax rates as F'ville mayor

Three more attack letters and no positions on issues from our opponent last week. That brings the total letters in the last three weeks from our opponent attacking Mike Wheat's campaign to 10 and the position letters are still zero.

'Truth meter' grades Wheat at 0.5 out of 5

In response to the Mike Wheat campaign's "attack meter," I introduced the "truth meter" to evaluate the various allegations Wheat has directed at Greg Dunn and the current county commissioners. Each allegation is scored based upon its degree of truthfulness. If true, it gets 1; if half true, one-half; and 0 if false.) Last week we looked at three charges and Mr. Wheat scored zero on the "truth meter" on all three.

Dunn: Opponent makes charges without the facts

Since my opponent personally wrote a letter to the editor because his "communications director" was unavailable, I thought I would personally respond to statements in his letter:

Smith: Address land use plan, open meetings

Why should Fayette County elect Caroline Smith to the Fayette County Commission? On Jan. 1 of this year, I completed my third consecutive term as a member of the Brooks Town Council. During my 13 years of public service, I developed the credentials and experience necessary to serve as a county commissioner.

Wells: Commission has brought ethics back

Four years ago:

Dr. Cano always respectful

I have been a patient of Dr. Orlando L. Cano's for 16 years. I have the utmost respect for this doctor and by no means do I believe any of the accusations that he has been charged with in your county.

Doc abuse charges are false

I have been a patient of Dr. Cano for 10 years and he delivered all three of my children. I will continue to trust in him as my [doctor]. I have always felt nothing but respect for Dr. Cano and certainly in return nothing but quality professionalism. He is a doctor that has a great deal of passion for his job, as well as sincere care and concern for each and every one of his patients.

Reader finds GPS helps search

I wish to thank both Eddie Lanham and Sherri Smith for their efforts in bringing Colonel Benjamin Hawkins' history to the pages of The Citizen. I found this article to be one of the best in recent years.

F'ville annexations don't comply with law's spirit

Recently, the city of Fayetteville annexed two more areas. These two areas are next to the Pavilion. One is Phase 3 of the Pavilion where Belk's and Kohl's are. The other is just south of the Pavilion on Ga. Highway 85. The Fayette County Commission raised objections to both of these annexations. I'd like to tell you why.

Tyrone's Cannon: County votes secretly many times

On Oct. 25, 2001, the Fayette County Commission voted to file suit against the town of Tyrone and the city of Fairburn to stop sewer service from crossing into Fayette County and on to Tyrone.

Rep. Collins' vote on trucking bill was a conflict of interest

The below message was e-mailed to Congressman Mac Collins July 28.

1 alternative to unequal tax split: Scrap the tax

Two hundred million dollars of our tax dollars are about to be parceled out in virtual secrecy by our Fayette County commissioners and city elected officials. Perhaps this is the right time to pay attention.

F'ville Council 'arrogant, uncaring' about Pine Trail

I had to write this letter as I have had this boiling inside of me since I attended a meeting of the Fayetteville City Council with my sister and her husband who live in the Huntington Creek area. I am a resident of south Georgia and come up often and each time I come to Fayetteville I have never seen any thing like this traffic. What was a lovely city [is] now a mess of traffic.

Mayor apologizes for misuse of city worker

I am writing this as a letter of apology to the citizens of Peachtree City and to officially cite myself to the Ethics Board for a violation of the ethics code of Peachtree City that took place the same date of my writing this letter, July 24, 2002.

Now the mayor attacks himself in ethics flap

Day 204, the assault continues.

Blame the insurance companies, not victims

First, let me start out by relaying a recent, true story. This is only one of many I could share. A friend of mine was recently the victim of a careless driver. He was involved in an automobile collision in which the other driver turned left directly in front of him, causing the vehicles to collide.

Please return my matched pair

I have been known as one of the all-time flamingo lovers to my family and friends. So, on my 65th birthday, my son gave me two 4-foot flamingos for the yard. They were immediately placed in the front yard and stood as not only a directional landmark to the neighborhood, but a symbol of who I am (a proud flamingo lover)!

Yes, 2000 election was rife with fraud Democrat fraud

At the mid-July convention of the NAACP, President Kweisi Mfume drew attention to a "callous, deliberate and clearly unconstitutional effort to suppress" the black vote in Florida during the 2000 presidential election. He was correct, but probably didn't realize he was describing the plight of African-Americans attempting to vote Republican.

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