Wednesday, June 25, 2003

News

PTC cops delay enforcing ban on under-16 golf cart drivers

Peachtree City will be getting a second legal opinion on whether state law requires golf cart drivers to have a state driver's license, which would exclude youngsters currently allowed to drive the carts under a city ordinance.

Harris, Sams sought to 'throw the book' at DUI golf cart operator

The court case that touched off questions about whether unlicensed drivers can operate golf carts in Peachtree City began with a prosecutor who wanted to aggressively prosecute a man facing his sixth DUI charge.

Rainwater runoff fees coming to PTC soon?

With the wettest spring on record behind them, Peachtree City officials are considering the creation of a stormwater management utility, a new city agency that would work to fix areas where flooding problems frequently occur while also making sure future development minimalizes the impact of stormwater runoff.

F'ville may borrow $5.25 million for police HQ

Fayetteville city officials have recommended a $25.1 million budget to the city council, which is scheduled to vote on the matter at its next meeting, Thursday, July 17.

Canada geese unwelcome in PTC, will be deported

Life's a picnic for a flock of Canada geese who've taken up year-round residence at a Peachtree City park, and it's anything but for families trying to enjoy the park's amenities.

BOE OKs $148 million budget

Right back at you, Coweta County.

Budget, rezoning on county agenda

The budget and a proposed convenience store are two highlights of this Thursday's Fayette County Commission meeting.

Publix's request for bigger sign denied by Tyrone

Several items on the Tyrone Town Council agenda last Thursday were continued to the July 17 meeting.

Woman, 3 kids hurt after crash on Hwy. 54 Sat.

A Peachtree City woman and three children were seriously injured Saturday morning after their truck veered off the road and struck a utility pole on Ga. Highway 54 West near Huiet Road.

Georgia driver's licenses get new facelift with more secure features

In a continuing effort to combat document fraud and ultimately protect the citizens of Georgia, the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety is preparing to issue new and improved driver licenses and identification cards.These documents will be produced with the latest in technology making them the most secure that Georgia has ever issued.

Bray receives double honor

Native Fayette Countian Huie Bray has just added two more honors for the year, receiving a pin for 50 years as a Kiwanian and the George F. Hixson Fellowship award. A contribution of $1,000 was given in Bray's name to the International Kiwanis project to virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorders in the world's children.

Red Cross honors PTC man for saving drowning boy in Puerto Rico

While vacationing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Greg Farmer of Peachtree City planned just to have a good time, see a few sights, and catch up with his wife, who was there on a special work assignment.

Tyrone Town Council approves new budget

With very little fanfare, the Tyrone Town Council adopted the 2003/2004 budget last Thursday night. What does deserve fanfare, though, is the fact that there is no change in the millage rate for the citizens of Tyrone.

24-hour car wash denied by PTC Planning Commission

Tom Hardy of Omni Consulting and his client agreed to all of the conditions city planner David Rast and the Peachtree City Planning Commission wanted for a proposed 24-hour car wash that was to be located in the Georgian Park/Newgate Road area, but it still wasn't enough.

Educators get a lesson on business and industry

While many students are enjoying their summer break, some of Fayette's teachers, counselors and administrators are using their time off to learn how to better prepare their pupils for the real world after graduation.

Girl trying to raise funds for friend in Kosovo

Magbule Hoti or Maggie, as she is known to her friends is trying to help out a friend of hers back in Kosovo. Her friend is need of a kidney transplant and has a donor lined up, but the transplant will cost $50,000 and that is where Maggie is trying to help.

Faked theft nets arrest of Hapeville man

A Hapeville man has been arrested for making a false crime report to the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.

Tyorne's downtown moratorium extended until Aug. 8

Tyrone Town manager Barry Amos asked the Town Council to extend its moratorium on downtown development until Aug. 8 so that the standards that were created can be put into ordinance format.

Mann celebrates 90th birthday

Augusta Rogers Mann celebrated her 90th birthday recently in Fayette County. She was born on June 15, 1913, in Fulton County.

Metro Fayette Kiwanis to participate in day in the country

Metro Fayette Kiwanis President, Forrest Cate, announced the participation of the club with Fayetteville Main Street in the "Day in the Country" celebration.

CCSU offers colege for kids

Want to learn everything from aerospace to algebra? Have an interest in cartooning or computers?

July 1 deadline looms to apply for enrollment in PTC college classes

Students wishing to enroll at Clayton College & State University for the fall semester and attend classes at the Fayette County Higher Education Center in Peachtree City have just one week left to register.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Health Wise

Children are my teachers
By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

For close to two decades I have spent my days studying children, consulting with others about children, in therapy with children, and raising my own. I coach little league soccer, I'm in a grade school at least once a week, and I regularly work with babies and toddlers at my church. I look for opportunities to be around children.

What men need to know about prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 220,999 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year. One man in six gets prostate cancer and one man in 32 dies of the disease.

Drinking grape juice may reduce blood pressure in hypersensitive men

Drinking Concord grape juice may reduce blood pressure in hypertensive men, according to results from a preliminary study presented at Experimental Biology 2003.

Newnan Hospital debuts new procedure

Newnan Hospital announced recently that it will offer a new treatment for varicose veins. Newnan Hospital is one of a few facilities in Georgia that offers the new, minimally invasive, Closureâ procedure.

Learn about osteoporosis tomorrow

Complications due to osteoporosis are the 12th leading cause of death in Americans. More than 25 million Americans (about 80 percent women and 20 percent men) are candidates for developing osteoporosis.

Southern Regional 'shocked' at HMO notice

With 18 days still left to reach agreement, the doctors and hospitals in PROMINA Health System were shocked to learn that WellPoint/Blue Cross had already sent out letters to approximately 31,000 HMO members claiming that negotiations between the parties were at an "impasse" that could result in PROMINA's no longer participating in the WellPoint/Blue Cross HMO/POS network effective July 1.

Dr. Chyung Kim Given Key to city of Riverdale

In a surprise visit, Mayor Mary Lee presented Dr. Chyung Kim, a local pediatrician, with a key to the city of Riverdale for his tireless efforts with his patients in the Southern Crescent. Dr. Kim is the first doctor from his native Korea to practice medicine in the metro Atlanta area.

SRHS employee makes a difference in local school

Between work, volunteering at health fairs and caring for her family, Cardiology's Non-invasive Manager Janice Bush, CCT stays busy.

Piedmont Better Vision offers free LASIK seminar

If you've ever considered vision correction surgery, there is no better time than now to look into the newest advancements available in eye care. To help you learn about the latest techniques, Piedmont Better Vision - a cooperative effort between Piedmont Hospital and Eye Consultants of Atlanta - is offering a free seminar about LASIK and Custom Laser Vision Correction Surgery.

Liver seminar tomorrow night

The Georgia chapter of the American Liver Foundation has scheduled a "Liver Update for the African American Community" for tomorrow at 6 p.m. in Crawford Long Hospital's Glenn Auditorium.

Three-headed monster

Any mother could appreciate some time for herself.

The biggest golf handicap for older men

Whether it's golf, tennis, or just a walk on the beach, urine control can be a real problem for older men who want to lead active lives.

Nature sights and sounds can help reduce patient stress

A study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore has proven what a lot of doctors have believed for a long time. The sights and sounds of nature can ease a patient's pain.

Practice good nutrition during the 'Mom' years

When it comes to a healthy life balance, don't forget about the importance of nutrition. You'll have more energy if you eat at regular times and include foods from all the food groups.

Many seek help for depression but often don't get it, study says

A study published in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that while more Americans are seeking help for their depression, the treatment they find is often inadequate.

Business

Goody moves to Cobb

One of Peachtree City's companies is pulling up stakes and heading to Cobb County.

Local EMC helping bring power to Costa Rica

Coweta-Fayette EMC, along with other EMCs in Georgia, is participating in the "Take Aim at Progress" program helping bring electricity to rural Costa Rica.

Local company helps with Perdue fitness challenge

Recently, Governor Sonny Perdue made a public announcement to become healthier. He began the "Governor's Challenge: Fitness on My Mind," also referred to as the "Capitol Challenge."

Even the nights are better when Air Supply comes to town

Picture this: you're lying down on a blanket, underneath the stars with that special someone. What could make this moment any better? How about some of the most popular love songs and ballads ever? If that sounds good to you, you'll want to pick up some tickets to this weekend's Air Supply concert at the Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville.

"Miss Saigon" returns to Atlanta this week

When one hears that the creators of the popular musical "Les Miserables" teamed up to create a modern adaptation of Puccini's "Madam Butterfly," one might think that the result would be the most boring musical ever created. They couldn't be further from the truth. "Miss Saigon," which plays at the Fox Theatre through June 29, was the result and it is an energetic, moving love story set in 1975 as Saigon fell.

Spivey Hall has world renowned musicians taking stage this weekend

Spivey Hall, Clayton College and State University's world class concert hall, has a big weekend planned with organist Hector Olivera slated to perform on both the Spivey Hall Albert Schweitzer Memorial Organ and his own Roland Atelier 3000, while "Blue Lou" Donaldson brings his jazz quartet to the venue on Saturday.

KICKS 101.5 FM comes to Fayetteville this Friday

Are you a country music fan? If so, drop by Heritage Park at Stonewall Village in Fayetteville this Friday. KICKS 101.5 FM will be at the park from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. for their first "Day in the Country" event of the summer.

Series Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, June 28

Tickets for The Webb, Lindsey & Wade Summer Concert Series II will go on sale to the public on Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m. "The season ticket holders have renewed with a record-breaking renewal rate, however, there are still a lot of great seats available for the public sale," states Donna Romeo, Amphitheater Director. "We are all looking forward to a great summer of entertainment."

And all that Jazz

The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater is pleased to announce its first-ever Jazz Series. In striving to provide quality entertainment to the community, we have chosen to add another musical element to the Amphitheater repertoire - Jazz. By bringing in another dimension for listeners, we hope to draw those who may not be interested in the Summer Concert Series or who have never heard of us before. We have assembled a distinguished and diverse performance line-up for the series that will incorporate all styles of Jazz, catering to every type of Jazz lover.

Tickets for 'The Music Man' on sale now

It is one of America's most beloved musicals of all time and presenting it the week of the Fourth of July is a perfect fit.

Religion

The church is all about forgiveness
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

One spiritual commodity seems to be on the scarce side these days in the very house where you hear more about it than anywhere else. In fact, the whole notion of salvation by grace depends upon its veracity.

Seven-week maximizing matrimony classes will be conducted at Christ the King Church

A seven-week study on how to maximize your marriage will be conducted at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg beginning Monday evening, June 30. The classes will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary and are available to couples who are planning to marry during 2003, and those who are currently married but who have not reached their 11th anniversary. There is no charge for the study.

Flat Creek Baptist plans marriage seminar in October

A two-day marriage enrichment weekend for both young and older married couples is planned for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11, at Flat Creek Baptist Church. The theme is "Celebrating Your Marriage." Workshop and keynote speakers will be Ted and Diane Kandler. Eric Baker will be the worship leader. Registration is required.

Cancer support group is open to the community

Fayetteville First United Methodist Church offers a Cancer Support Group on the third Thursday of the month (September through May) at 6:30 p.m. in the Bride's Room. The purpose of the group is to offer encouragement and support to both long-term cancer survivors as well as those recently diagnosed.

Senior adults at Fayette Christian plan activities

The SAM's group (senior adults age 52 and older) at Fayetteville Christian Church has planned several activities for the month of July.

Tyrone First Baptist offers Pre-K classes

The First Baptist Church of Tyrone offers a Mom's Morning Out session for two-year-olds on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Vacation Bible School

Fayette Christian members on mission to Mexico

Several members of Fayetteville Christian Church are on a mission to Juarez, Mexico this week to help within the community and to build a house.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

 

 

 

 

Public meetings: Should you get involved?
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln.

Bills provide for small-business health insurance, long-term care
By MAC COLLINS
Congressman

On Thursday, with my strong support, the House of Representatives passed the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003 (H.R. 660) in a 262 to 162 vote.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Commissioners ignore clerk's, sheriff's needs

I read the recent article concerning our commissioners' failure to fund the positions requested by our clerk of court and our sheriff.

Ashamed of airport firing

I have lived in Peachtree City for around 12 years and I can say without hesitation that I am now ashamed of what we have become in our government.

Some truths are no longer so self-evident

Like most Americans of my generation, I was taught certain "truths" to live by, truths that were ingrained in me, truths that I erroneously thought were infallible.

Why cater to smokers?

There are 80 to 90 percent nonsmokers as opposed to 10 to 20 percent smokers. Restaurant owners and city/county officials, who are you catering to? You should pick the bigger percentage.

Ban public smoking

Yes, nonsmokers have a choice to sit in a nonsmoking section. But, it is right next to the smoking section. I for one don't agree with having to take in secondhand smoke while I am eating or just hanging out. And I really don't like the fact that my teenage nieces have to be exposed to it either.

Local legislators, PTC officials, where were you?

Golf carts are not cars. The state has the responsibility to regulate motorized vehicles but they must recognize that carts with governors that limit their speed to 12 m.p.h. in communities designed to accommodate them need different limits.

Why should innocent teens be punished for cart violation?

I support our Mayor Steve Brown on this situation. The young people who drive golf carts and who have reached the age of 15 for the most part have grown up in the city, learned to roller-skate, bicycle, scooter, and drive golf carts with their parents' aid.

Who's responsible? Look in the mirror

Almost on a daily basis I ride around Lake Peachtree with my kids on the golf cart. One day while on a trip to Hippocket Park my 3-year-old daughter said something about some trash she saw. I too noticed an absurd amount of trash which had collected alongside the cart path. I probably wouldn't have noticed it if my daughter hadn't drawn my attention to it. I guess I have grown accustomed to it, as have most of the citizens, I imagine.

'Democrats described in letter nothing like me'

One of the things that amazes me about the new breed of right-wing extremists is their inability to even come up with their own descriptions of the opposite political point of view. If mindless aping was an Olympic sport, the right side of the GOP would have to hold a dumb and dumberer lottery due to its inability to separate the participants. I give you Mr. De Marino's letter of this week past.

Sinkhole brought many workers, not much work

It was the largest I had ever seen the creek, and still they stood around. I was afraid that at some point that body of water, which before had seemed so harmless (like a thread running through the heart of the neighborhood), would actually creep up the hill and swallow my house. And still they just stood around.

Harry Potter foes overlook obvious Christian symbolism

As millions of children (and adults) around the world don wizarding apparel and camp out in front of bookstores in anticipation of the newest installment of the Harry Potter series, the much-debated controversy about the books' moral and religious implications revives itself. Critics charge that the books glorify witchcraft and magic and promote evil and anti-Christian attitudes. All such critics, most of whom have obviously not read the books, fail to realizes the series' merits and underlying meanings.

Leave those wisteria roots alone, Frank

How appropriate that you would find your way back to your roots, through another type of roots [J. Frank Lynch's column, The Citizen, June 18].