Wednesday, July 2, 2003

News

Gov. Perdue to lead PTC parade

Gov. Sonny Perdue, accepting an invitation to "come on down and see our parade sometime," will ride at the head of Peachtree City's annual Fourth of July procession on Friday, it was confirmed this week.

Warnings being given to under-16 cart drivers

Peachtree City police will wait another two or three weeks before issuing citations to children driving golf carts without a license, according to police chief James Murray.

New route means fewer parking spaces, less shade

Everybody loves a parade.

'Got to find a place to go'

Long before anyone could have imagined a place like Peachtree City, Line Creek Baptist Church was already here, sitting high atop a hill at the crossroads of what would eventually become state highways 54 and 74. In fact, the Line Creek congregation staked claims to a piece of western Fayette County 90 years before Peachtree City recorded its first resident.

Deputies seek man's .45 in double murder investigation

Sheriff's detectives are focusing their efforts on finding a weapon owned by a Jonesboro man in connection with the murder of a Fayette man and his friend who were found shot to death at a north Fayette residence May 5.

New F'ville police HQ planned for Southside

Although $5.25 million has been set aside for a new police headquarters and city courthouse for Fayetteville, the facility has not yet been designed.

County approves $66m budget

With little fanfare and no public comment, the Fayette County Commission Thursday passed its operating budget for this year. The new total $66 million budget started Tuesday, and is $1 million less than last year's budget.

Ga. Supreme Court sides with doctor who reported child abuse

The Georgia Supreme Court by a 4-3 margin has ruled that a local doctor acted appropriately in reporting a case of suspected child abuse that led to a suit against her for overstepping her bounds under Georgia's law that requires doctors and others to make such reports.

School construction going well

Construction on the new Crabapple Lane Elementary in north Peachtree City is so far ahead of schedule, students might move into the facility within weeks of the start of the new school year in August, and not in January, as originally projected.

County denies convenience store request

With nearly 60 concerned residents hanging on their every word, the Fayette County Commission turned down a request Thursday to rezone 5 acres at Banks Road and Ga. Highway 54 for a convenience store.

Police: man who sold drugs to kids faces more charges

Police have filed additional charges against a man accused of selling drugs and alcohol to youngsters in Peachtree City.

Fayette schools seek a few good principals

A widespread shuffle of personnel means several key positions at individual Fayette County schools remain to be filled with six weeks until students return to class.

RescueCats marks four years

RescueCats Kitten and Cat Rescue and Adoption recently celebrated their fourth anniversary.

Another $75K needed for Lake Peachtree dredging

Because of a delay in getting the project started and numerous rains before it got underway, it will cost more money to dredge Lake Peachtree than originally planned.

PTC Council to consider rainwater runoff idea

Carl DeGiorgio moved to Peachtree City from New York more than 20 years ago, but holds onto his distinct Yankee accent and is proud to have served as the town's chief cable television installer for many years.

Communication, planning improved by Fayette's homeland security initiative

Homeland security is the buzzword for protecting America from terrorist attacks, and here in Fayette County officials are well underway in implementing a variety of homeland security initiatives.

Red Cross honors Sandy Creek graduate

The Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross honored Sandy Creek High School graduate Braelyn Turner of Tyrone as one of five recipients of the Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award. To be eligible for the award, youth volunteers must attend a Red Cross orientation and have completed a minimum of 150 hours of volunteer service at the Red Cross and/or other agencies. A minimum of 75 hours must be served at the Red Cross.

Peachtree City artist displays work this month

Scott Silcox, a Peachtree City artist and member of The League of Fine ArtistsSouth, a recently formed fine artist league on the Southside, is displaying his oil paintings at the Peachtree City Library during July.

Fville city council meeting cancelled

The regular meeting of the Fayetteville City Council scheduled for Thursday night has been cancelled.

Tobacco taxes increased

Georgians have begun paying more for their cigarettes, cigars and loose or smokeless tobacco since yesterday, when the state's tax increase on tobacco products went into effect.

Atlanta Braves team up with American Red Cross to promote summer blood donations

The Atlanta Braves and the American Red Cross are teaming up to bring in badly needed blood donors during the July 4th weekend as well as over the rest of the summer. The two organizations are sponsoring the "All-American Blood Drive," Thursday through Saturday, July 3-5.

Heritage of Peachtree salutes veterans

Heritage of Peachtree Retirement and Assisted Living salutes its veteran

Mayo honored by Board of Regents

Joseph A. Mayo, professor of psychology at Gordon College, recently received recognition from the University System Board of Regents for his research on creating hands-on learning environments for his students.

Oxendine Q&A: Handling damage from leaks

Question: During all the heavy rain recently, the roof on my house started leaking.Will my homeowners insurance cover the damage to my carpet and furniture?How should I handle the damage in the meantime?

Indictments

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Summertime solutions to backyard dilemmas

He wants you to remember the delight of a summer campfire. Sitting around with your friends and family. Listening to children chatter. He wants to bring your neighbors with you.

Where everybody knows your name...

No, it's not Cheers, it's Atlanta Market Finds. At AMF, as its patrons fondly refer to it, knowing their customers is a top priority.

Create a "stress-free zone" in your backyard

Stress. It's all around us from the workplace to the front lawn and everywhere in between. Homeowners today truly strive to make their homes into a combination castle and spa to relax and unwind after a busy day.

Inviting backyard birds to the barden

The fluttering, sweeping, diving movements of backyard birds enliven gardens in a special way. It is hard to imagine a garden without them. Birds also provide beautiful flashes of color and a repertoire of sound, complementing the atmosphere of even the simplest garden.

Pollinators and Pesticides: A Deadly Combination

Ever wonder why there are honeybees? Have you ever pondered the existence of this insect beyond their stings and honey making? Chances are a majority of us know that they are needed for pollination, but few people realize the importance of this task.

Timeless

In a dusty, sunlit workshop in central Montgomery County, James S. Shott carves time out of tiger maple and cherry wood.

New water heaters are safer

 

Prime Timers

Memory Walk plans taking shape

Preparations are under way for the 2003 Southern Crescent Alzheimer's Memory Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, in Peachtree City, rain or shine. The planning committee met recently to fine tune last year's program in hopes that it will be bigger and better than ever.

Why are so many retirees in financial trouble?

It seems like you can't pick up a newspaper or magazine without seeing an article about someone losing their retirement savings in the recent bear market. Ironically, most of the stories are about people who thought they were prepared to take the plunge, only to wake up in an ocean of financial trouble. Why is it that after one of the greatest runs in stock market history so many people have lost their grip on a secure retirement?

How diabetes patients can easily monitor blood sugar

Incidence of diabetes increases with each decade of life seniors most affected.

Exercise: Add years to your life, life to your years

The evidence is clear: a healthier and fitter lifestyle not to mention a younger attitude can delay, prevent or even reverse much of the physical decline normally associated with aging.

Business

Patriotic postcards available locally

To show appreciation for the men and women that serve our country, Tri-C Printing has teamed with Atlanta's J93.3 to announce the "Thank You for Serving Program". Throughout the month of July, patriotic postcards will be offered free of charge to the members of the community to send their friends and loved ones that are serving in various branches of the U.S. military.

Steen named GUCA 2003-04 president

The Georgia Utility Contractors Association, Inc., recently elected Keith Steen of P.F. Moon & Company, Inc., as the 2003-2004 GUCA President at the GUCA 2003 Annual Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Loans available for damage from flood

Local residents who had some or no insurance and suffered damage from the severe storms and flooding two weeks ago may apply for low-interest disaster loan assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Seniors visit local publisher

A group of local seniors toured FC&A Publishing in Peachtree City June 25. The tour was organized by Fayette County Recreation Department program director Sheryl Lee.

"The Music Man" marches on to stage at Sams

Last summer audiences packed the Willie Duke Auditorium at Starr's Mill High School to take in Fayette Players and Community Theatre's production of "The Sound of Music." This summer the local theatre group will present another beloved musical classic, "The Music Man," at Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville and those associated with Fayette Players are sure audiences will be as enchanted with this show as they were with "The Sound of Music."

Golden Oldies - Drifters and Marvelettes come to town

The songs that are deemed "oldies" appeal to and are familiar to people of all ages. They are songs that you know, even if you don't know that you know them, thanks to their use in movies and television, as well as their play at weddings and on the radio.

"Swingin Medallions" ready to party this weekend

It wouldn't be a summer without a concert from the "party band of the South," The Swingin' Medallions, and area residents will have two chances to see them locally and another chance if they want to take a drive to see them.

Thoughts go overseas this week

This is the first year that my friend, Chris, will not be stateside for the Fourth of July. This year, he celebrates Independence Day in Tikrit. Though he still follows Red Sox baseball here and there through use of the Internet and watches DVDs on his portable DVD player on those rare occasions that he gets the chance, the Fourth of July will likely be just another day as he counts down to that box on the calendar where he gets to come home.

'Let Freedom Ring' Friday

The Marquis de LaFayette Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution invites the public to attend its second annual "Let Freedom Ring" ceremony Friday, July 4, at 3 p.m. on the grounds of the historic courthouse in Fayetteville.

'Battle of the Bands' July 12

The Peachtree City Youth Council ironed out details for their premiere event, The Battle of the Bands, recently at the home of spokesperson Shelby Barker.

Holiday events scheduled for Lake Martin

When you're planning your family's Fourth of July festivities, don't forget to include some fireworks!

Offshoot announces plans for upcoming coffee houses

Stars on the Southern Crescent coffee house, presented since 1993 by Offshoot Productions, has announced an eclectic fall calendar, which includes Sept. 26-27's bluegrass festival, Oct. 24-25's jazz and blues jamboree, and Nov. 21-22's Celtic Christmas event.

Hall and Oates to close out concert series

It has been on the tips of their tongues for months but they were not allowed to tell anyone the secret. Not until June 28, when tickets to the second part of the summer concert series at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater went on sale to the public. The secret is now out. The final concert of the series will feature Hall and Oates.

Willingham inspires writers group

"Story telling goes back to biblical times," said Jane Sparks Willingham in another in a series of renowned speakers at the Fayette Writers Group. She enlightened and entertained her audience with her wit and mastery of story telling.

Religion

Let faith come first in life's everyday issues
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Norma McCorvey became a Christian in 1995. That's made all the difference for her and her heritage. She was the plaintiff in the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which made abortion the law of the land. Because she became a Christian, her perspective about life has changed significantly, so much so that she joined Operation Rescue.

St. Andrew's Larisey pursuing doctor of ministry degree at Tennessee retreat

Father Frank Larisey, associate pastor at St. Andrew's in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Peachtree City, is continuing studies for a doctor of ministry degree during a retreat at the University of the South, School of Theology, in Sewanee, Tenn., through July 10. The retreat includes intensive study, lectures and discussion, followed by home study, research and preparing a dissertation.

Peachtree City's Nelson currently in Cuba seeking human rights violations

The Rev. Edward B. Nelson, a retired minister and part-time resident of Peachtree City, is currently on a fact-finding mission in Cuba with "Witness for Peace," a faith-based organization committed to global peace, economic and social justice, and the resolution of international conflicts by peaceful and non violent negotiations.

Jonesboro First Baptist's patriotic program is tonight

Members of Jonesboro First Baptist Church will have their annual Celebrate America performance Wednesday, July 2, at 7 p.m. The doors will open at 6:15.

Religion Breifs

Opinion

 

 

 

 

Archaic sodomy law is now gone with the wind
By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Nearly 40 years ago, Bob Dylan wrote about the changing times. Well, Thursday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned sodomy laws proves that our society constantly moves forward.

Airport Authority has done wrong by dedicated PTC public servant
By SALLIE SATTERTHWAITE
sallies@juno.com

This is too ironic. I was debating how I could write in support of soon-to-be-deposed Peachtree City-Falcon Field Manager Jim Savage when a faint memory sent me to an album of old columns. I discovered two things: History sometimes does repeat itself. And the outcry of an offended citizenry can sometimes reverse the bad judgment of government.

When Lester came to Fayette, and my take on Maynard and the torch
By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

When putting together events for the county's sesquicentennial in 1971, Jimmy Carter was governor and Lester Maddox was lieutenant governor. They weren't exactly hand-in-glove, so I thought it best to have the governor in the opening day's ceremony and the lieutenant governor several days later.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Law and morality: It's about whose morality

The supporters of the Supreme Court's overturning of Texas' anti-sodomy law claim that law cannot be founded on morality, especially "Christian" morality, because we live in a pluralistic society of competing moral world-views.

Authority will rue the day it fired proven manager

The current Airport Authority should be reminded that a downward spiral would also be a "new direction" for Falcon Field.

In midst of 4th fun, let's recall its sacrifice

As we celebrate the July 4th Independence Day on Friday, let us remember that waving the flag is the easy part; the hard part is paying for it.

State court ban takes away teens' cart freedom

I am a 16-year-old currently living in Peachtree City. I strongly disagree with the new law that the state wants to put on us. First of all, I agree with Katie Costello and Casey Langbehn. Second of all, I have lived in Peachtree City for over seven years now and I have seen golf carts being used by families and also older elderly residents.

Bad cart drivers? It's teens with their drivers licenses

From my experience, it is the teenagers (not all) with drivers licenses who drive too fast and dangerously.

Golf carts are good and safe idea for teens

I think it is a great idea for kids to be able to drive the golf carts to school.

Gov. Maddox unfailingly kind to all

When I was a small boy, Lester Maddox was serving as lieutenant governor, and my mother worked in his office.

Despite rumors, school not likely to open by fall

It has come to my attention that many of the residents of the Kedron/Crabapple elementary schools attendance areas believe the proposed completion date for the Crabapple building is before school starts in August 2003.

Children likely to come away ready to dabble in witchcraft

I am writing in response to Jennifer Gaynor's letter regarding the Harry Potter series [The Citizen, June 25]. She had some good points about the story being an allegory of good versus evil. However, she state's that Harry Potter in "no part ... glorifies evil" and implies that the series holds value for today's Christian family. I disagree.