Wednesday, June 4, 2003

News

Tax hike ahead: BOE OKs $148.6M budget

It was supposed to hold the line on spending, avoid a tax hike, include pay raises for all employees and staff two new schools with no new hires.

PTC Council eyes higher costs on TDK Extension

Amidst charges of "political grandstanding" and "embarrassing behavior" the Peachtree City Council will go fishing Thursday for money to get the TDK Boulevard Extension project back on track.

PTC parents see Rickert top Everest

A Peachtree City couple watched proudly last weekend as their son made history on the other side of the world.

Magistrate: Evidence 'thin' in road rage murder charge

A defense attorney for a Sharpsburg man accused of murdering a Fayetteville woman in what has been termed a road rage incident May 10 tried to place the blame on the victim during a court hearing Tuesday afternoon.

THE NUMBERS GAME

With annual expenditures approaching $150 million, the Fayette County school system dwarfs practically all area private industries. It is the county's largest employer, with more than 2,000 workers on the payroll. It manages the ebb and flow of more than 21,000 children daily, 180 days a year on 28 campuses. It operates a transit system that would rank among the largest in the state if it were open to the public, like MARTA.

Smoke detector helped save lives of Fayetteville couple during fire

A Fayetteville couple was fortunate to escape their home early Tuesday morning after a porch at the rear of the residence caught fire.

Former SCHS teacher, coach pleads guilty to indecency

A former teacher and wrestling coach for Sandy Creek High School has pled guilty to public indecency and other charges stemming from his arrest on campus in November for using his classroom computer to display a "sex act" via the Internet.

Commission OK's hospital annexation

Fayette Community Hospital has won approval from the Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission to annex more than 27 acres so it can expand.

County looks at more weather sirens

Fayette County could have two more severe-weather warning sirens after this week's meeting of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners.

Alcohol license supsension, road connection on F'ville council agenda

The Fayetteville City Council will consider suspending the beer and wine sales license for a convenience store at its regular meeting Thursday night.

Hotel plans for Fayetteville's Villages development is approved

A plan to build a 77-room hotel at a mixed-use development off Ga. Highway 54 West in Fayetteville has been approved by the Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission.

Two Fayette schools make Newsweek ranking

Two Fayette high schools, Starr's Mill and Sandy Creek, were named recently to a Newsweek magazine ranking of the nation's top public high schools.

Fayette resident receives Army promotion in Iraqi palace

When you belong to an organization that has been part of the United States military for 227 years, it is a challenge to forge new paths or to find new ways to be "first."

Survey says Fayette ready for CCSU classes

Clayton College & State University is bringing academic classes to Fayette County at the "invitation" of the citizenry.

Juveniles arrested in PTC for golf cart theft, vandalism

Peachtree City police have arrested a 16-year-old juvenile accused of stealing six golf carts during a two-week time span.

Police say man lied about 'stolen' vehicle

A Peachtree City man has been arrested for faking the theft of his car, according to police.

PTC police make arrest for burglary of business, theft

A Roswell man has been arrested for burglarizing a Peachtree City business April 14.

PTC teen charged for DUI on golf cart

A Peachtree City juvenile was arrested recently for DUI while driving a golf cart.

Red Cross starts Heroes campaign

According to Chief Jack Krakeel, Director of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the disaster services provided by the American Red Cross are something the community can't do without.

Taylor to speak to Fayette Democrats

Lt. Governor Mark Taylor will be the keynote speaker Sunday when the Fayette County Democratic Committee hosts its first Jefferson-Jackson Luncheon.

Main Street Farmers' Market begins June 7

The Main Street Farmers' Market is back this year by popular demand.

Students raise money to benefit local children

Fayette's elementary students showed their support for other children in their community by helping to raise over $14,700 for the Friday and Johnson Homes during the 2003 14th Annual Power Parade.

Lists help with summer reading selections

As students enjoy the summer break, the Fayette County School System is reminding parents to include reading as part of their out-of-school activities.

School system wins state excellence award

The Georgia Council on Economic Education has awarded the Fayette County School System its Georgia Economic Education Program of Excellence Award for the implementation of Mini-Society, a program that teaches students about supply and demand.

WWII veteran hopes to track down missing pages

Helen Denton, a World War II veteran and a member of General Dwight D. Eisenhower's staff in London and Paris, needs some help.

Fayette student honored at ROTC ceremony

University of Alabama ROTC student Cadet Jacob Z. Baker of Fayetteville received the SAR Outstanding Medal and a certificate for his leadership qualities, military and academic excellence at the annual ROTC/JROTC Awards Ceremony held in Tuscaloosa last month.

Correction

On Page 13A of the May 28 edition of The Citizen, a Huddleston Elementary student was misidentified.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Home & Garden

Local nursery hosting pond tour

Have you ever considered adding a pond to your back yard, but were unsure of how to go about it, where to start, and how to maintain it? Well if you have, and even if you have never thought about it until now, you are in luck.

New design showroom now open in Newnan

Heirlooms Trade & Design has announced its arrival in the Newnan area and now offers a complete design center.

'Green thumb' guide to garden preparation

Planting a beautiful garden is a key element to creating an enviable landscape. Realize, however, that planning and maintaining a successful garden can be challenging.

More than just hot and cold

There's nothing wrong with setting the thermostat yourself on your home heating and cooling system. Nothing wrong, that is, except that you're probably wasting money, energy and effort.

How to locate and install a programmable thermostat

Where a thermostat is located in your home is important. Ideally, it should be in an area where the most people spend the most time. Also, it should be about five feet off the ground and at least 1.5 feet away from an outside wall.

Finding a bargain in the rough

Everyone dreams of finding some gewgaw on a flea-market table that's priced at a dollar and turns out to be worth enough to retire on.

Enemies of trees lurk in Fayette County

The worst enemies of yard trees, especially small ones, are often not insects or diseases, but instead are lawn mowers and string trimmers.

Little insects can cause big damage

Q. I noticed a termite swarm outside my garage door. After careful inspection, the facia board and a portion of the 2-by-4 frame have suffered considerable damage. Should I replace the boards before I call a pest control company? What is the best product to use to stop termites from eating my garage and possibly my home? D.C., Franklin, Mass.

Time-saving tips for creating a picture-perfect yard

According to a recent Gallup survey, more than 26 million households hired a "green" professional to maintain their lawns, and that number is expected to grow due to increasingly tight time schedules. On the other hand, there are still many homeowners who prefer to care for their own landscapes.

Listen to your lawn

Worried constant mowing is killing your lawn? Wondering if you should add lime or iron?

New plants are eye candy in the garden

While color is by far the most important element in most gardens, gardeners take note of the importance of texture the shape of plants and their blooms to capture an effect that dazzles the eye throughout the growing season.

Prime Timers

 

Durden changes gears, keeps on serving people

If asked to sum up Dr. Marilyn Durden's life in one word, the first word that comes to mind is "service." Not only is it a word that crops up often when talking to her, it is an action verb she has wrapped her life around.

About the Atlas Orthogonal Technique

There are a number of differing techniques used by Chiropractic practitioners. Sacral Occipital Technique, the Palmer, and the Cox Flexion-Distraction are just a few employed by chiropractors throughout the world.

Preserve your family memories with proper framing

Special family photos are more than simple snapshots. They're memories that just might become family heirlooms but only if they're properly protected from the ravages of aging. Just because your treasured photos are displayed in frames or tucked away in photo albums, that doesn't mean they're safe from harm.

Americans rely on 'a hope and a prayer' as they ponder long-term care needs

Long-term care is one of those things most people procrastinate about, but no one should. Only those who have had a need for long-term care or know someone who has, truly understand the risks they are taking by not being financially prepared.

Business

Tax cut checks in the mail soon

Beginning the last week of July, eligible Georgia taxpayers who claimed the Child Tax Credit on their 2002 tax returns will automatically receive an advance payment of the 2003 increase in this credit. The Internal Revenue Service estimates more than 750,000 Georgians will receive these checks.

World Airways links Atlanta with Nigeria

Peachtree City-based World Airways last week began nonstop flights between Atlanta and Lagos, Nigeria, capital of the most populous nation in Africa.

Performance Assesments

"Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is the fairest of them all?" Are you curious how others perceive your performance? Do you wonder how effective you are at what you do? Unfortunately, most people cannot accurately evaluate their performance. The truth is when it comes to performance, PERCEPTION is reality.

Local author and motivational speaker to sign book on Thursday

A spark plug is the part of a car that takes the current from the ignition system and forms the spark for combustion. It is needed if a car is to run properly. Another definition is a person who inspires or energizes. That is the definition most closely associated with Fayetteville resident Anthony B. Thomas, better known as "The Spark Plug," a motivational speaker and author of two books. He will sign copies of his new book "When Times Are Tough, Everybody Needs a Spark Plug," at Barnes and Noble in Fayetteville tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Summer reading program underway

Summer is a great time for a lot of things including cookouts, vacations and watching summer movies. One of the best things about summer though is summer reading and the libraries in the state of Georgia recently launched their Books Ahoy summer reading program. There is a program for children ages 13 and under, a Young Adult program for ages 13 and up and some libraries even have reading programs for adults. Though the rules for each reading program may differ slightly at each library, readers are rewarded for the number of books they read, the number of hours they read during the summer and the number of times they visit the library.

Barbeque party at The Beach this weekend

Summer vacation can typically mean a trip to the beach but that also translates into either a long car ride or expensive airfare. Unless, you head to The Beach at Clayton County International Park. The Beach will be the site of the seventh annual Beaux-Arts Barbecue Beach Party this Friday and Saturday.

Local girl auditions for 'American Juniors'

The car ride from Fayetteville to Chattanooga is not extraordinarily long in the scheme of things two-and-a-half hours tops but it can feel even longer when you are trying to make it in time to get one of 500 spots to audition for "American Juniors."

Keene grabs spot in Gov. Honors program

The Peachtree City School of Dance has announced Sara Keene's acceptance into the Governor's Honors Program, a six-week summer instructional program designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students challenging and enriching educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school year.

Art exhibit featuring Women of Substance arrives at PTC library

The Peachtree City Library will display the Women of Substance art exhibit during the month of June. Artists in the Southern Crescent area of metro Atlanta, all members of the Southern Crescent Alliance of Visual Artists, were invited to select a notable American-born woman, whom they admire, and create a painting for a very special traveling exhibit.

Religion

A blessing for the 'caring' judge
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Recently I was State Court here in Fayette County. I was there as a minister accompanying the great-grandson of one of my church members. Since I arrived early I was able to hear several cases as they made their way before State Court Judge Fletcher Sams. Although the sound system was not working that day in the new multi-million dollar courthouse, I could still hear what was being said. Basically I was struck with the courtroom decorum of Judge Sams.

Holy Trinity's annual outdoor community Mass is June 15

Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City will have its annual outdoor community Mass Sunday, June 15, at 8:30 a.m. at the Fred Brown Jr. Amphitheater on McIntosh Trail in Peachtree City. The mass will serve a dual purpose, celebrating both Trinity Sunday and Father's Day. The event is a joint effort of all organizations at Holy Trinity and is coordinated by the Women of Faith.

Of faith, food and footsteps: inspirational cookbook provides guidance and insight

Shirley Strauss of Peachtree City says her personal growth in faith provided her with the inspiration and guidance for her recently published book, "In My Kitchen With My God Food for Thought for Your Journey of Faith," an inspirational cookbook which seeks to answer questions asked by everyday people on their journey of faith.

Inman UMC youth plan mission trip to St. Mary's June 25

The youth group at Inman United Methodist Church has scheduled a mission trip to St. Mary's, Ga. in conjunction with the River of Life event of the North Georgia United Methodist Conference. The group will leave Wednesday, June 25, and return to Inman Wednesday, July 1.

Ebenezer UMC's Homecoming, 120th anniversary is Sunday

Fayette County's Ebenezer United Methodist Church will celebrate 120 years of service to the community with a day-long Homecoming event planned for this Sunday, June 8.

Religion Briefs

Vacation Bible School

Opinion

 

 

 

 

What in the world has happened to radio?
By CAL BEVERLY
Publisher

News item: The Federal Communications Commission Monday voted to lift the cap on ownership of broadcast stations.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

After rapid growth, what will our future look like?

As a relative newcomer to Fayette County, I would like to think that I can look forward to years of growth and development in what was once a promising and admirable county. But that is not so.

Law officers breaking laws: It happens too often in Fayette

I wish the citizen who wrote the letter about the speeding lawman would have signed his name. I would like to thank him for his letter. I drive down Ga. Highway 54 from Fayetteville to Peachtree City every day. I've almost been run off the road by "lawmen" darting in and out of traffic and speeding down the road without their flashing lights or blaring sirens. I've been dangerously tail-gated while looking for an opportunity to change lanes in heavy traffic to get out of an intimidating deputy's way. Again, no lights and no siren.

Defibrillators save lives; install one

Every day, nearly 1,000 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Chances for the victim's survival decrease by 10 percent every minute after the attack.

Authority's finances for 10 years pose questions

[Editor's note: The following e-mail was provided to The Citizen as part of an exchange between Mayor Steve Brown, members of the Peachtree City Council and the city's Development Authority.]

Development Authority guilty of no illegalities

[Editor's note: The following e-mail was provided to The Citizen as part of an exchange between Mayor Steve Brown, members of the Peachtree City Council and the city's Development Authority.]

Council must act to get TDK extension started

To members of the Peachtree City Council:

Denominations must stop focusing on nonessentials

The letter to the editor by Frank Cawood in the May 28 edition of The Citizen was a blessing to all that read it with an open mind and heart. Mr. Cawood exhibits the real Christian spirit of apostolic times when St. Peter exclaimed in these words: "I begin to see how true it is that God shows no partiality. Rather, the man of any nation who fears God and acts uprightly is acceptable to him". Acts 10:34-35.

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