Wednesday, May 14, 2003

News

Medics defend treatment of fallen player

Fayette County emergency officials are defending the way a youth baseball player was treated after he was struck in the chest Friday night by a pitch and died later from an erratic heartbeat.

Rec leaguers mourn, play ball

When nearly 1,000 young athletes take to the beloved green fields of Kiwanis Park today for practice, no one knows what to expect.

Heart strike sometimes leads to deadly results

The condition that caused the death of a Fayette County youth baseball player when he was struck by a pitch Friday evening is rare.

School budget may get $3.6 M tax hike

Fayette County homeowners may face a 1-mill increase in school property taxes to make up for the $2.2 million shortfall Fayette schools still face for next year.

Drugs may be key to murders

Illegal drug activity is high on their list as Fayette County Sheriff's detectives follow leads to find out who murdered two men at a north Fayette residence and why.

Driver, 32, charged with murder in road rage case

A Sharpsburg man now faces murder charges after police say his actions caused a Fayetteville woman to lose control of her car, ultimately causing her death early Saturday evening.

FCHS project publishes 17th oral history of Fayette folks

The Fayette Portraits class, Fayette County High School, has just issued its 17th booklet on Fayette Countians.

Heritage Bank branches accepting funds for family

A memorial fund has been established to aid the family of John Ashmore in the coming weeks.

Booth scientists are champs again; Rising Starr finishes 4th

J.C. Booth Middle School's Science Olympiad Team has once again claimed the top prize at the National Science Olympiad Competition, an event they dominated for six straight years until finishing second last year.

Correction

A quote was wrongly attributed in a front-page story in the May 7 edition of The Citizen about growing frustration between Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown and members of the City Council. Speaking of Brown, Councilman Dan Tennant said, "I supported him in the election, but as soon as he took office his agenda changed." Councilman Annie McMenamin then added, "His personal agenda now is to save the city." It is the policy of The Citizen to correct errors upon notification.

County accepts hospital request

The Fayette County Commission gave reluctant support last week to a request from Fayette Community Hospital for additional land to be annexed into Fayetteville.

Pfeifer returns to commission meeting

After a nearly six-month absence, Fayette County Commissioner Peter Pfeifer returned to work last week in the County Commission chambers.

FCH events during National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week just part of what retains nurses

Last week was National Nurses Week and this week is National Hospital Week. To mark these occasions and to show their appreciation for nurses and other staff members, Fayette Community Hospital did some special things.

Southern Crescent Chorale to perform inspirational concert

The Southern Crescent Chorale will present its final program of its inaugural season this Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m. at the Sams Auditorium.

Cleveland Elementary School students get a visit from the Internet Coach

The students at Cleveland Elementary School are in class when the Internet Coach makes his daily appearance on The Discovery Channel's popular program "Operation Discovery," but he was still a familiar face to a number of the students at an assembly at the school last week.

New PTC manager to get formal job offer Thursday

The official appointment of a new city manager is the only significant item of business scheduled for Thursday's Peachtree City Council meeting.

Students earn honors at Georgia Science and Engineering Fair

Andrew Ash and Andrew Zheng from Rising Starr Middle received the Discovery Young Scientist Challenge Award at the 2003 Science and Engineering Fair April 5 in Athens.

Fireman receives Outstanding Alumnus Award

Dr. Bill Lowe of Fayetteville received the Georgia Perimeter College Outstanding Alumnus Award at GPC's commencement ceremony Saturday.

Scott speaks to record CCSU commencement crowd

In an address Clayton State President Dr. Thomas K. Harden termed "inspiring," U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-GA) asked the largest audience ever to attend the University's Commencement, "What does it take to be a success?"

County hosts elementary math tournament

Elementary students across the county showed off their proficiency at math during the third annual Fayette County Math Tournament held at the LaFayette Educational Center April 28-29.

Perdue declares state of emergency in Meriwether Count

Governor Sonny Perdue today issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Meriwether County. The county was impacted by extensive flooding following severe weather last week.

Air Force Junior ROTC cites first-year accomplishments

It has been a busy and productive school year for Fayette's first Junior ROTC program. In its first year at Sandy Creek High School, the Air Force Junior ROTC had a number of notable successes.

Smith makes donation, challenges parents

Fayette County Board of Education Chairman Terri Smith has issued a challenge to all parents of the new Whitewater High School. She recently donated $1,000 to help start the school's Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) in an effort to encourage other parents to do the same.

Starr's Mill High School paper wins first place

Starr's Mill High School's student newspaper, The Prowler, recently won first place at the annual Georgia Scholastic Press Association Awards.

Help Record the City's Living History

People are needed to help volunteers document and record the living history of Peachtree City, and by doing so they can become part of that history themselves.

'Magnificat' at Holy Trinity this weekend

The Southside will experience a treat this coming weekend with the Atlanta premiere of Robert and Eileen Twynham's "Magnificat." This choral work, originally commissioned for the Baltimore Choral Arts Society in 1980 had its World Premiere on May 5, 1980. Since then, it has been performed across the country with rave reviews. "Magnificat" will be performed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City on Saturday, May 17 and at Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta on Sunday, May 18.

Police Blotter

Wedding Anouncements

Real Estate

Housing starts at 16-year high in January; builder confidence remains solid through early February

Indicating continued, solid momentum in the nation's housing market, builders began work on new homes and apartments at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.85 million units in January, according to Commerce Department figures released Feb. 19. This marks the fastest pace of housing construction in 16 years, including the best single-family production in 24 years.

How much house can you really afford?

If you're shopping for a home, you can save yourself a lot of wheel-spinning by taking a minute to figure out how much mortgage you can afford.

Realtors treated to V.I.P. tour of Fayette schools

Although storm damage kept many realtors away from the Fayette County School System's first Realtor tour of schools last Thursday, Public Information Specialist Melinda Berry-Dreisbach has deemed the event a success.

Support your hometown lender

Those of us who have not refinanced during the last 12 months, with rates being so low, are being given a second chance. Early this week, the Federal Reserve stated that the risks to the U.S. economy lie in the area of weakness. Since 9-11, the housing market has leaded the overall economy with strong support and seems to be continuing to move into the future.

Builder meeting set for May 15

Georgia Power will present a program on "Power Generators and Outside Lighting" at the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia's May meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Peachtree ConferenceCenter. The program will be sponsored by North Georgia Brick.

Fitzgerald named top county Realtor

Susan Fitzgerald of The Home Source Realtors has been named by the Fayette County Board of Realtors as its No. 1 producer for 2002 with a qualifying volume or more than $17.4 million in residential real estate sales.

Townhomes at Eastlake offers low-maintenance living

Are you a busy professional who doesn't have time for yard work? Or perhaps you are retired and enjoy leisurely walks beside a picturesque lake? Maybe you are a family looking for fun times together at a sparkling pool and the only waterpark in the area?

New faces in new places

Home staging firm open in Peachtree City

Spring is here and it is the most popular time of year for homeowners to introduce their homes to the Real Estate Market.

Ten things to ask your builder

Gary Marshall, broker at Assist 2 Sell Buyer & Realty Center says there are 10 things to ask builders when buying a new home and provides the following information from the Certified Professional Homebuilders Association.

Flood insurance may be worthwile investment for area homeowners

With reports of flash flooding in Georgia from severe thunderstorms, Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine reminds homeowners that policies for mobile or manufactured homes may include coverage for flood damage, unlike standard home policies.

Choices at SummerGrove drive success

What makes SummerGrove the best selling community in Coweta County and one of the best in Atlanta? Ask Peggy Sullivan, vice president of marketing at Pathway Communities, the developer of SummerGrove, and her answer comes without hesitation.

Bullard named to Chairman's Circle

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty has once again been named to the prestigious Coldwell Banker Chairman's Circle. This designation is awarded to companies who attained closed adjusted gross commission income of $5,500,000 or more during the 2002 calendar year.

Judge speaks to builders

Builder members of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia heard an inspiring talk from Judge Paschal (Pappy) English from the "Survivor" television show at the organization's March meeting.

Bullard named principal broker for Cendant

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty has once again been named a principal member of the Cendant Mobility Broker Network.

Second townhome model opens at SummerGrove

SummerGrove's upscale townhomes are off to a fast-selling start. The townhome model has only been open for several months, and 11 townhomes have been sold or are under contract since the townhome development began.

Real estate seminar planned for seniors

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty will hold a free real estate seminar for seniors on two upcoming days later this month.

Success at SummerGrove prompts new neighborhood opening

Just as SummerGrove already nears its 100th home sale for 2003, Pathway Communities, the developer of SummerGrove, unveils a new community to meet increased consumer demand.

Avery Park, SummerGrove big for Brayson

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

Eagle's Brooke wrapping up first phase

Eagle's Brooke Golf & Country Club community, Killearn Properties' family-oriented planned development in the Locust Grove area of Henry County, is already nearing closeout of Phase I, and nearly two-thirds of the second phase has already been pre-sold.

Thrasher earns ABR

William B. "Bill" Thrasher of RE/MAX Advantage II has been awarded the Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) designation by th

Lake View homes still available

Only 18 homes are still available for purchase in Lake View, Brayson Homes' cluster home neighborhood in Union City.

Lake Overlook now open

Brayson Homes has begun marketing homes in Lake Overlook, a neighborhood located on Highpoint Road in Union City. Grand opening in the neighborhood of single-family homes was April 26-27.

 

Business

Ground broken for new Phi Mu headquarters

Phi Mu Foundation, the educational and fundraising arm of Phi Mu Fraternity, sponsored a groundbreaking ceremony May 3 for a new national headquarters building in Westpark Office and Commercial Center in Peachtree City.

World Airways involved in Baghdad airlift

The "Atlanta-Baghdad Airlift," an emergency humanitarian relief effort sponsored by ChevronTexaco Corporation, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Delta Air Lines, GoodWorks International and Peachtree City's World Airways, will take flight as soon as Baghdad International Airport is open to commercial traffic.

Fitness Fair Monday at Gold's Gym

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up for the upcoming Fitness Fair at Gold's Gym in Fayetteville, next to Big Lots at 720 North Glynn Street. The event is scheduled for Monday, May 19.

CCSU seminar to address employment issues

In the last several years, employers have had to come to grips with the two most significant pieces of federal employment legislation since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

Number of activities keep Fayetteville busy this weekend

Do you have plans for this weekend? If not, you will by the end of this article. There are many events taking place in Fayetteville this weekend, offering up something for everybody. If you are a fan of fine art, food, roses, races, or jazz, this weekend is for you.

Village People bring the party to Peachtree City

When one hears the letters Y-M-C and A, it is almost an involuntary reaction to raise ones arms and create the letters along with them. For this, the world can thank The Village People. If local citizens would like to thank them personally, there are still tickets available for this weekend's show at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City.

Local band to perform in front of The Village People

What's in a rock band's name? Pearl Jam took their name from one of the member's grandmothers and her famous jelly, after deciding against using the name Mookie Blaylock. Perhaps Billy Corgan enjoyed smashing pumpkins on Halloween, paving the way for the name of his popular band? So, where did Fairborn, the local rock band opening for The Village People, get their name? Near a loading dock behind the Kedron Kroger.

Registration Day on Saturday for 1800s camp for girls

It's time once again to register girls for the Victorian Adventures summer day camp. This year, victorian Adventures, under the direction of Michele Cox, will be offering the popular 1800s day camp and will also offer two weeks of camp with a colonial theme. Camps last from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day with a program each Friday at 7 p.m.

A wet time at Music Midtown

I went to Music Midtown two weekends ago and that squishy noise you might be hearing is still probably my sneakers. Yes, Music Midtown was wet. Some would say it was all wet or a complete wash-out and while those are clever phrases, it is not entirely true.

Religion

Let's all be 'mother hens' to the world
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Jesus never compared himself to a member of the animal kingdom except on one occasion and to only one animal. Others have referred to Jesus as the Lion of Judah and we understand that. But, Jesus only used the metaphor of a mother hen to refer to himself.

'Bringing up Boys' series offered at 1st Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will present a video series this summer, based on Dr. James Dobson's bestseller, "Bringing Up Boys."The videos offer practical understanding, biblical principles, and encouragement to steer boys toward confident, responsibility manhood.

Cancer support group at FFUMC offers help for all

The Cancer Support Group at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church is winding down activities for the year, but will start up again in September.

Heritage Christian will have campout

Members of Heritage Christian Church will have a Spring Family Campout all day Friday, May 30, and into Saturday, May 31.

Body of Christ plans special services, anniversary banquet

The Body of Christ Church International, USA, will have its 20th anniversary celebration Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 18-20, with guest speakers Drs. Frederick and Betty Price of Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles, and Minister Alvin Slaughter.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

 

 

 

 

Ellises tell of painful journey to acceptance
By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

As storms began forming through the Atlanta region last Wednesday, Fayetteville's Jeff and Patti Ellis took their message of inclusion to an ancient church on a rapidly gentrifying corner of Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.

House-passed bill accelerates tax cuts

[Congressman Mac Collins issued the following statement on the markup of the Jobs and Growth Tax Act of 2003 passed out of the Ways and Means Committee last week.]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Article misrepresented Wynnmeade subdivision

I sometimes see articles in The Citizen headlines with "Wynnmeade" featured prominently in the title line. Most such articles are very negative.

Wynnmeade's many untold positive stories need telling

I am always saddened when I see Wynnmeade subdivision as a headline in the newspaper when it concerns incidents like what occurred recently with young people, guns and violence.

County, save the former Mitchell library building

To the Fayette County Commission: We commend you for your hard work for Fayette County and especially for the beautiful new Justice Center.

Credit Rivers' family for holding on

The order of the day for current journalism is ... to take a relatively benign story, create a bad guy, and then tell people that he is responsible for making their lives worse.

Let America lead Iraq to democratic principles

In her brilliant study of the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, historian Margaret MacMillan concludes that flawed decisions had terrible consequences. In a halfhearted effort to rebuild a defeated Germany, the victorious allies pursued a policy of vengeance rather than a policy of justice. As Woodrow Wilson so wisely noted, "The only lasting peace is a peace among equals." Wilson, however, was outmaneuvered by Georges Clemenceau, the wily leader of France.

Victim had his good side

I am offended by the statements that you wrote about a lifelong friend [The Citizen, May 7]. I have known David Mangham my entire life; he watched me grow up. I have only good memories of David. And it's really hard for me to read what you have chosen to assume about this man when I've known him for 23 years.

F'ville Optimists: Thanks for Citizen's support

May we thank the staff of The Fayette Citizen for the success of our 28th annual Respect Program. We received outstanding support from the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, Fayetteville Mayor and council, Fayetteville Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff's Department in making our respect for this dinner and program a success. Your publicity has been most helpful to this activity and other activities of the Fayetteville Optimist Club. We will soon complete 27 years of service to Fayetteville and Fayette County.

Thanks for caring for grads

Once again it is graduation time for our colleges and high schools. I am reminded that McIntosh High School and other Fayette County schools have some of the highest levels of students in Georgia who not just qualify to get the Hope Scholarship but once receiving it maintain the grade level needed to continue it.

Fayette changing for worse

I have known Paul Rivers [The Citizen, April 30] for years and I agree totally with him. Fayette County is not what it used to be. I moved out five years ago and I only return to visit my parents.

Back To Top – Back to the Citizen Home Page