Wednesday, September 11, 2002

School tax rate decreases, but you'll likely pay more

The Fayette County Board of Education in a called session Monday approved a tentative millage rate of 21.694 for Fiscal Year 2003, a decrease of .089 mills from last year's rate.

Halterman named interim city manager as search to replace 18-year vet Basinger begins

European parliaments have a name for it: Loss of confidence. Longtime City Manager Jim Basinger last week read the political signs from the remade Peachtree City Council majority and gave his bosses a two-week resignation notice Friday.

Lenox loses bid to arrest Mayor Brown

A Fayette County magistrate ruled Friday there wasn't enough evidence to suspect Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown of stealing city services.

Sheriff goes airborne with new helicopter

To get a birds-eye view for catching criminals and help make police chases safer, the Fayette County Sheriff's Department has purchased a helicopter.

Fayette 9-11 observances planned

From a 8:30 a.m. flag-raising assembly at Peachtree City's J.C. Booth Middle School to a multi-church unity service in Fayetteville, Fayette Countians will be observing the one-year anniversary of 9-11, the date Muslim terrorists attacked the United States of America.

PTC mayor airs beef with veteran council member

Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown has pledged not to sue former mayor Bob Lenox in retribution for Lenox's claims that Brown stole city services on several different occasions.

PTC Council rebuffs county proposal for 50-50 LOST split

Peachtree City officials seem to be adamant about their position on the Local Option Sales Tax negotiations with the Fayette County Board of Commissioners.

Tyrone disappointed over proposed LOST redistribution

The Tyrone Town Council expressed disappointment about the Fayette County Commission's request in the renegotiation of Local Option Sales Tax at their monthly meeting last Thursday evening.

Tyrone to continue impact fees program

Each year the town of Tyrone must submit a financial report to the Atlanta Regional Commission concerning the impact fees they have collected, how much of the fees they have spent and what they have spent them on.

Southside annexation tabled

Amid a large number of local residents who came out to oppose a portion of the proposed southside master plan, the Fayetteville City Council voted at last Thursday night's meeting to table the items in question and bring them up again at next Thursday's meeting, which will be preceded by a work session tomorrow night.

Fayetteville businesses fined for alcohol violations

An undercover police operation that began two months ago in Fayetteville concluded last week when nine businesses were cited by the City Council for selling alcohol to minors.

Businessman sues former county chairman for 'libelous' letter

A Fayetteville businessman alleges that former County Commission Chairman Harold Bost sullied his reputation and that of his company in a letter to the editor to The Fayette Citizen.

Personal safety program offered by Fayetteville police

A personal safety and awareness class will be offered by the Fayetteville Police Department Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Fayetteville Depot on 250 E. Lanier Ave.

Fayette students make gains on CRCT

According to the 2002 Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) results just released by the Georgia Department of Education, Fayette students made great gains in the "exceeds standards" category in most of the subject areas tested.

Seminar planned for parents of exceptional children

The first parent mentor workshop for parents of exceptional children will be held this month at the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville.

Spy games at GOP breakfast?

Last weekend's Fayette County Republican Breakfast was the site of some interesting political gamesmanship, as attendees got a taste of what the future holds for the opponent of Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, the Democratic incumbent, in this fall's election.

New program makes homeschoolers eligible for HOPE Scholarship sooner

Home school students who want to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship in their first year of college can work with PACE Christian School, an accredited institution, to receive a state-recognized high school diploma.

Y-Guide program for parents and children

"A unique opportunity for parents to spend one-on-one time with their young children is being provided by the Fayette Family YMCA through its Y-Guide program," said Pam Young, executive director of the YMCA.

New choral group preps for debut

The Southern Crescent Chorale, a new regional singing group conducted by Janice Folsom, recently held its first rehearsal in preparation for its debut performances during the 2002 holidays. The group features accomplished performers from Fayette, Coweta, Griffin, Clayton, Henry, Cobb, and Fulton counties.

Student attends medicine forum

Andrew Nonni, 16, of Peachtree City participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine (NYLF/MED) at Emory University in July.

Student enters scholar society

Mark Walser Nonni, of Peachtree City accepted membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and will be honored during a campus ceremony this fall at the University of Georgia.

Police Blotter

Real Estate

Work with someone who'll work with you

Homebuyers and sellers today, more than ever, view their real estate professional as a partner, not just an agent.

Why commercial real estate?

Commercial real estate can help investors weather most any economic storm. That's because regardless of the market, commercial property can continuously change hands with companies looking to expand move to bigger facilities, while companies that are downsizing move to smaller spaces. In addition, government incentives during hard economic times, such as low interest rates, can help investors turn higher profits.

As SummerGrove continues its quest to become Atlanta's best-selling master-planned community, developer Pathway Communities announced it is adding four neighborhoods to meet consumer demand.

Prudential Georgia Realty's Peachtree City office in Fayetteville has experienced major growth in recent years. Its sales team has increased to more than 40 Realtors and the group is busting at the seams of its current office space on Hwy. 54.

New faces in new places in local real estate

Mac McKinney of McKinney Builders Inc. has been selected to serve on the board of directors of the Southern Living Custom Home Program.

McCullough joins C21 as managing broker

Carolyn McCullough has been named the managing broker for Century 21 Scarbrough Properties in Tyrone.

HBA officers installed Sept. 19

The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia's annual installation of officers will be held at the organization's September meeting, scheduled Thursday, Sept. 19, at RCS in Fayetteville.

Big year for Brayson

According to sales figures just released by Smart Numbers, a residential real estate information, analysis and forecasting company, Brayson is Coweta County's top producing home builder.

Association leadership attends conference

Joanie Keller, president-elect of the Fayette County Board of Realtors, and Cherie Jolley, Association Executive, recently attended the National Association of Realtors' Volunteer Leadership Training Seminar and the Leadership Summit in Chicago.

Regency Oaks unveils Stratford

John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods has unveiled its new designer model home, the Stratford, at Regency Oaks near the historic Cascade area of South Fulton.

Baldauf-Boda attends seminar

Sandy Baldauf-Boda, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, attended a five-day educational seminar in Hot Springs, VA, given by the National Association of Home Builders' Executive Officers Council.

Weekley showcases designer model

While SummerGrove at Newnan has become known for its top-notch amenity package and unsurpassed lifestyle, the community is quickly become known as Atlanta's designer model home destination.

New golf community in Griffin

Pre-sales are underway in Westminster Hills, an exclusive golf course community by Dixon Development in the Griffin area.

Silverstone has grand opening

The final weekend in August served as the kickoff for Grand Opening at Silverstone, Brayson Homes' 80-home community on Hwy. 19-41 (Tara Boulevard) in Clayton County.

Hollis now on the Web

Nancy Hollis, a sales associate with the Jonesboro/Clayton County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty, announced that her Web site, www.nancyhollis.com, is now posted on the Internet.

Lakefield Forrest now underway

Forrest Homes has announced plans for Lakefield Forrest, a 64-home single-family residential community in Clayton County.

Sales begin in Liberty Square

The four furnished model homes are open and the first sales activity has begun in Liberty Square Park, the Reese Builders & Developers community in Hampton.

NAMB offers refinancing tips

With mortgage rates at a record low, and many consumers taking advantage of this opportunity to refinance their mortgage, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) recommends that consumers consider the following tips prior to moving forward with the refinancing process:

Hampton Brook moves into new phase

With Phase 2 nearly sold out, pre-sales have begun in Phase III of Hampton Brook, a single family residential community located one mile south of Hampton in Henry County.

Knight Group now No. 11

The Knight Group Inc. continues to move up in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's yearly listing of "Atlanta's Top 25 Home Builders."

Henderson makes Communities list

Communities Magazine recently honored Penny Henderson of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty as a member of the 2002 Communities 100, a designation recognizing Atlanta's leading Realtors across 15 metropolitan Atlanta real estate boards. This is the third year she has received the honor.

PruGeorgia among top 100 companies

REALTOR Magazine, a publication by the National Association of Realtors, recently published its findings on the Top 100 Real Estate Companies in America. Prudential Atlanta/Georgia Realty has once again placed in the top half of this list.

ADT, PruGeorgia working together

Prudential Atlanta/Georgia Realty has entered into an alliance for ADT Security Services to provide free home security systems (with the signing of a home monitoring contract) to its home buyers.

Locked-in mortgage rate may have flex

Are you one of the thousands of homeowners whose once-great locked-in rate looks high these days, as mortgage rates continue to drop? Don't assume that you're stuck with that locked-in rate.

Buying A Luxury Home: Things To Consider

What do affluent home buyers consider when looking for the luxury home of their dreams? Many want homes in which they can entertain their friends, so an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen is preferred. Some affluent buyers consider a pool and a large backyard important features in the home they'd like to buy. Other factors, such as proximity to the airport and vacation homes, might also need to be considered.

Great Georgia Air Show honors military with "Wings of Rememberance"

The skies above Peachtree City will be filled with aircraft, both new and old, as The Great Georgia Airshow returns to Falcon Field this Saturday and Sunday.

Americana Music and Arts fest celebrates heroes, raises money for Angel House

Though the festival grounds at Powers' Crossroads recently housed thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, vendors and entertainers for the annual Powers' Crossroads festival, the grounds will be alive with more art and music this weekend as it will play host to the Americana Music and Arts Festival.

Spivey Hall announces season filled with classical music and classic guests

The 2002-2003 season at Spivey Hall starts this weekend with a concert from baritone Rodney Gilfrey on Saturday, Sept. 14. He is just one of many stars of classical music and opera who will take the stage at one of the premiere venues in the state over the next year.

Mike's Mailbag

Hey, I'm on the front page of weekend again. This is a nice opportunity, except I hadn't written a column yet, so I've decided to dip into the mailbag and answer some questions from some of my loyal readers out there.

CCSU professor to sign book about Candler

Clayton State professor Dr. Kathryn Kemp doesn't just teach history, she writes it. A signing for her book "God's Capitalist: Asa Candler of Coca-Cola" will take place Monday, Sept. 16, at noon in the Clayton State bookstore, located in the University's Student Center. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the signing.

TUCS has new dance school and new dance instructor

TUCS Cheer Lab in Fayetteville has done it again. Following an amazing first year in business, to the tune of 300 percent growth, the soon-to-be king of the Atlanta cheerleading schools has added another profit center, a competitive dance team.

Movies

Religion

When will we wake up? Let's pray it's now ... not later
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Unless the Lord builds the house,They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.

Tyrone First Baptist to host Dr. Ike Reighard for four-day event

The Rev. Dr. Ike Reighard, known by many long-time residents of Fayette County as the former pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, will be the guest speaker for a four-day event at Tyrone First Baptist Church, Sunday through Wednesday, Sept. 22-25. The sessions will begin each night at 7 p.m.

Yvonne Rench will be speaker at Women's Aglow Sept. meeting

Yvonne Rench, worship leader at South Wood Assembly of God in Indiana, will be the guest speaker at this month's meeting of Women's Aglow International, Peachtree City Chapter, Monday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.

Newnan LDS church plans Family Preparedness Fair September 28

The Newnan Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) will have a Family Preparedness Fair Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Newnan Chapel, 821 Old Atlanta Hwy., in Newnan. The event is free and open to the public.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Sept. 11: history's awful perspective
By SALLIE SATTERTHWAITE
sallies@juno.com

Have we just lived through the most difficult year in America's history?

9-11, a day full of what ifs . . .
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

A year later, many of us still feel, "What if?" What if the hijackers could have been caught? What if those towers could have held out just a few more hours? What if pilots carried guns? What if cabin doors were impenetrable? What if there weren't maniacs in the world?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Brown: Council ready to work with all comers

After listening to some testimony at the criminal arrest warrant hearing on Friday and confirming that a breach exists at City Hall, I joined some friends at a local restaurant.

F'ville residents seem to get no consideration from council intent on annexation

As I stated to Fayetteville City Council at their Sept. 5 meeting, "With the annexation policy council is following, I'm not sure how many more of their 'favors' the city of Fayetteville can afford to have 'bestowed' upon it."

If you are any of these, you should walk for Alzheimer's

I am a wife. I am a mother of three. I am a grandmother of six. I am a great-grandmother of six. I am a volunteer for the Southern Crescent Alzheimer's Memory Walk 2002.

What's the deal on rapid reassessments and our taxes?

I would love for The Citizen to do an article on the home reassessment process. We used to be reassessed every three years, and now values are raised every year.

Sales tax split requires either fraud or lying

Our Georgia law concerning the local option sales tax (LOST) gives our county commissioners three choices: they can cheat, they can lie, or they can drop the tax altogether.

Let's name PTC sewer system for Bob Lenox

The dictionary is replete with words to describe what former Mayor Bob Lenox tried to do to the current mayor, Steve Brown. Disgusting, despicable and grossly inappropriate are just a few of them. Perhaps full-blown senility has set in. This most recent behavior gives us a unique opportunity to understand the real Bob Lenox that many Peachtree City citizens might not be aware of. How angry, bitter, hateful, resentful, petty and infantile does a "man" have to be to try to put Mayor Steve Brown in jail because his busy mayoral responsibilities left him in need of a city employee to transport his little daughter a short distance? The Peachtree City amphitheater was named after former Mayor Fred Brown. At this time it is very appropriate that we name something after our most recent former mayor.

'Immature, '60's rebel' editor has mayoral double standard

In response to the editorial last week on Peachtree City mayors, both past and present, I find it extremely hypocritical that the editor should support the unethical behavior of Steve Brown. It would appear from the past year of reading the editor's opinion of the mayor that he believes Steve Brown can do no wrong.

Lenox attacks on Mayor Brown an embarrassment

I am appalled at the actions taken by the former mayor of Peachtree City, Bob Lenox.

Current mayor, editor joined at the hip

The recent articles about the Sept. 6 hearing cause me to ask how your paper can print two statements that seem to be of different opinions.

PTC's cowboy engineer has a Top 10 list: 'You're a member of the Establishment if . . .'

Mr. Editor, here's the rub. That great Atlanta columnist Lewis Grizzard was always my all-time favorite humorist (yes, even over Bill Cosby who's a close second of mine). This letter deviates from my usual political style to one of humor. You see deep down, I'm a Lewis Grizzard Cowboy Engineer wannabe. Yeah I've secretly wished to be a humorous-style writer. On these pages I humbly offer my feeble attempt at comic relief for the good folks of hometown PTC.

Let's find creative ways to say thanks to firefighters

For days after I read John Munford's article "Peachtree City Short of Fire Volunteers" (The Citizen, July 3, 2002) I was haunted by it. Reality demanded I accept the fact that, except for pumpkin buying, I do nothing to acknowledge the daily services and protection these volunteer firefighters consistently provide.

City helped traffic and residents

Mayor Brown and the City Council have improved the traffic problem on Golf View Drive. This problem was brought about by the high volume of cars and commercial vehicles that were forced onto Golf View when the neighborhood to the north opened. Golf View is now safe enough for golf carts and pedestrians (there is no cart path on Golf View). It is also safer to get in and out of one's driveway. Commuters using Golf View should give consideration to residents of Golf View as they go to and from their quiet, low traffic neighborhoods.

Rather hear honking than crash sounds

I just want to say thanks to those who are coming down Golf View Drive and blowing their horns while passing over speed bumps and at the stop signs. It's a welcome relief to the sound of screeching tires and mailboxes being uprooted and crunching medal.

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