Wednesday, July 16, 2003

News

Hope at 10

More than 8,000 Fayette County students have taken advantage of $38 million in HOPE Scholarships in the 10 years since the program was started, according to information released this week by the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

F'ville: Pavilion crime not excessive

Large-scale retail developments like the Fayette Pavilion bring convenience to shoppers, yet they are also a temptation for criminals.

Patient police arrest gun-waving PTC man, but not until the morning after

Faced with reports of an armed, irritated and intoxicated man who pointed a gun at three young boys, Peachtree City police waited late Sunday night and early Monday morning to arrest the suspect who had gone back to his residence so he could sober up, police said.

Holyfield hosts annual youth fest

One of Fayette County's best-known residents shared his influence, his affluence and his aspirations with the community on Independence Day by inviting thousands of Atlanta metro youth to his spacious compound on Holyfield Boulevard. at the north end of the county as he has for the last 10 years. Evander Holyfield, the "Champ," as the majority of his guests called him, explains his motivation like this, "I was exposed to things like this as a child. Someone always gave me an opportunity ever since I was little."

Turnout for youth concert exceeds expectations

Shelby Barker and the other members of the fledgling Peachtree City Youth Council thought they'd be successful if 200 kids showed up for Saturday's "Battle of the Bands" at the Fred Brown Jr. Amphitheater.

Juvenile arrested as third suspect in armed robbery

A third suspect has been arrested for the July 1 armed robbery of an east Fayette convenience store.

Appeal of Georgian Park car wash denial to be heard by PTC Council

Developers of a proposed 24-hour car wash in the Georgian Park neighborhood off Ga. Highway 74 North will appeal a Planning Commission denial of their conceptual site plan when the Peachtree City Council meets Thursday.

Fayetteville population growth spikes in '02, may level off for '03

Recent census figures show a 7 percent spike in Fayetteville's population from 2001 to 2002 ranking it seventh in the state among cities over 10,000 people.

Summer school ends with graduation

The front row of seats at Sams Auditorium was filled with students in their caps and gowns on Tuesday morning, as they awaited the beginning of the Fayette County High School Summer School 2003 commencement exercises.

Fayetteville home catches fire after lightning strike

No one was injured when a lightning strike started a fire at a Fayetteville home Thursday evening.

Fayetteville's Burroughs finds joy in singing

Fayetteville resident Valerie Burroughs, A.K.A. Valerie B, was not always a singer.

Wellman campaign still underway

There's still time to contribute to the "Operation Fred" campaign inspired by former Peachtree City resident Fred Wellman and his efforts to build schools and medical clinics in impoverished villages in northern Iraq.

Moffatt's third book focuses on crimes against children

Readers of The Citizen are likely familiar with Dr. Gregory Moffatt, a columnist for the monthly Healthwise section. In his column, Moffatt typically addresses parental concerns and topics dealing with child psychology.

Fayette sheriff, Tyrone police share money from drug busts

Fayette County drug agents have made crime pay recently, turning two significant drug busts into thousands of dollars in cash that will be used to buy crime-fighting equipment.

Task force organizing to combat family violence in Fayette

A variety of agencies that assist victims of family violence and prosecute offenders will be putting their heads together to organize a task force to address the needs of the entire Griffin Judicial Circuit, which includes Fayette County.

Teen arrested for statutory rape

A Riverdale teen was arrested Sunday morning on statutory rape charges.

Arrest made in PTC home burglary

A Sharpsburg woman has been arrested for burglarizing a Peachtree City home.

Free mulch available at PTC recycling center

There is an overabundance of mulch in Peachtree City, and the entire county can reap the rewards of the record harvest.

Fayette County residents report to U.S. Air Force Academy

Appointees to the United States Air Force Academy reported for basic training June 26. Eleven residents of Fayette County were among those who received appointments to the Air Force Academy Class of 2007, including at least one student from all four existing public high schools in the county and one from nearby Landmark Christian.

Fayette County has several Gordon College scholarship winners

The Gordon College Foundation, which helps defray the cost of higher learning for more than 250 students annually, recently awarded scholarships to seven area students.

Local DAR delegates convene in Washington

Proving once again that patriotism is alive and well in America, more than 3,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution assembled in Washington, D.C. to stage the service organization's 112th Continental Congress. Members from 50 states and several foreign nations gathered to review the business of the Society and to recognize the contributions of outstanding Americans.

Prize winners named from 'Family Fun Fest'

Amanda, Jerri and Allie Statham were the proud winners of the Golf Cart Decoration contest at the Family Fun Fest in Peachtree City in June. The event was coordinated by Girl Scouts Joanne Smith and Karen Lee as part of their Girl Scout Gold Award Project.

Commission wants citizen input on possible changes to library

Those interested in the Peachtree City Library's possible renovation and expansion are encouraged to come out to the second workshop. The workshop will occur as part of the Peachtree City Library Commission's meeting Wednesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers. The Leo A. Daly team will be on hand presenting their current draft of plans and taking more input from the public and the commission.

Seniors to learn safety, fraud protection at free seminar

The Fayetteville Police Department and Heritage Bank will present a series of free seminars targeted at safety for senior citizens beginning Thursday, Aug. 7.

CCSU announces dates for orientations

The Office of Admissions has announced orientation dates for July and August at Clayton College & State University. All accepted new students should consult their acceptance materials for information and instructions on making a reservation for an orientation session. Reservations must be made by mail or in person at the Office of Student Life, room D226 of the Clayton State Student Center.

A new resource for parents

School is out for summer vacation and that generally means more TV, radio, Internet, and telephone use by kids with extra time on their hands.To help kids fill their time more productively, the Federal Communications Commission has created a "Parents' Place" on the FCC Web site that will help parents and other caregivers guide children in their use of telecommunications media. The Web address is www.fcc.gov/parents.

CORRECTION

Pre-planning and staff-develeopment days for teachers and employees of the Fayette County School System will be the full week of Aug. 4-8. Incorrect information was included in a story about summer school graduation in last Wednesday's Citizen.

Guilty pleas

The following people entered guilty pleas in Fayette County Superior Court Tuesday, July 8. They were sentenced by Superior Court Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr.:

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Cures for the summertime blues
By F.C. FOODIE
Food Critic

 

Ahhh ... summertime, and the living is muggy.

To Thai or Not to Thai

Papaya Thai chef Narit Keesiri, Nick to the staff, would like to invite Fayette County to a party. It's Papaya's Seafood Party, and it's Keesiri's favorite dish to cook and eat. With a fresh seafood mix of shrimp, calamari, red snapper, mussel and scallop sauteed with broccoli, snow peas, carrots, basil, ginger and hot peppers in a slightly spicy sauce, this is a party worth attending.

Business

TeamBuilders programs now at Wyndham

TeamBuilders, a Tampa Bay-based performance development company that works with companies and organizations throughout the U.S. as well as in Europe and elsewhere, announced a partnership agreement with Wyndham Peachtree Hotel & Conference Center in Peachtree City, one of the South's premier conference centers.

Stock split at Bank of Georgia

The Board of Directors of Georgia Bancshares, Inc. has declared a 25 percent stock split payable on or about Aug. 20, to shareholders of record as of July 25.

Spikes honored for his dedication

Piccadilly Cafeterias recognized one of their own in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Johnny Spikes, chef at the Fayetteville location.

Tax implications of combining business and vacation travel

If you're thinking of combining business with pleasure by adding a few days of vacation to your business trip, the Georgia Society of CPAs urges you to take the time to understand the tax implications.

Gas prices set, published by PSC

The Georgia Public Service Commission published the July prices charged by Georgia natural gas marketers on its Web site, www.psc.state.ga.us.

B.J. Thomas plays Fayetteville this weekend

The Villages Amphitheater has had some big acts take the stage this year, but Saturday's guest, B.J. Thomas, may be one of the biggest yet. This probably comes as a surprise to most people, including Thomas himself.

Take a day trip back in time to age of railroads

At least once during the summer, most people feel the need to get out of town. If you can't plan an extended vacation, why not take a field trip for a day?

Spivey Hall presents 'Souls Behind the Veil'

Spivey Hall has always been known for bringing in some of the greatest musicians in the world. They have had world-renowned pianists, organists, vocalists, jazz trios, guitarists and more on the stage during each concert season.

Mike's picks for summer

Every summer a number of publications put together their "What's Hot This Summer" columns. I'd like to jump on that bandwagon, mainly because I'm a day away from going on vacation and I want this to be quick and easy.

"Music Man' wraps up this weekend

Audiences have been flocking to Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville for the past two weeks to tap their toes at Fayette Players and Community Theatre's production of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man."

Five-story movie screen in Peachtree City this weekend

Residents of Peachtree City and Fayette and Coweta counties will be enjoying a big screen movie in a completely new way this Saturday, July 19, when Star 94 brings its free "Under the Stars" outdoor summer movie series to Peachtree City.

FCFT offers second drama camp

Because of the tremendous success of its first camp in early July, Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre Inc. will offer a second drama production summer camp the last week of this month.

Religion

Next time, you go with me ... okay?
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

As carriers throw The Citizen in yards, I will be flying home from three weeks of mission and ministry in Uganda located in East Africa. Since I write this column on the other side of the three weeks, I want to anticipate my experiences.

Christ the King youth complete mission project in Troup County

A team of youth from Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg participated in a recent home missions and evangelism project on behalf of St. Matthew's Charismatic Episcopal Church in Hogansville, a mission congregation of Christ the King planted in 2002. The team met several times prior to the missions outreach to discuss plans and strategy, to prepare materials to be used, and to pray for Hogansville and Troup County.

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. 10-1,1 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.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

 

 

 

 

Of left lanes, traffic lights and speed limits
By CAL BEVERLY
editor@thecitizennews.com

I must say I'm disappointed with the mostly favorable reaction to last week's column, "Stop road rage: Move to the right."

Water plan represents wishful thinking
By DENNIS CHASE

The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District is nearing completion of a set of plans for allocation and treatment of our water resources. It may sound like a worry for someone else, but there is a distinct danger that the Georgia General Assembly will take the plans seriously and enact one or more new laws. Laws that will directly affect you and your family!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Seems driving courtesy went out with 8-tracks

Mr. Beverly, I applaud you for your "coming out" on the "left-lane laggards." I can't tell how many times I have encountered them myself, going less than the posted speed limit, and, as you said, riding side-by-side with each other as though they were holding hands!

Maybe editor has serious SUV horsepower-hog syndrome

Cal, I wonder if you also need to confess to being a SUV Simpleton? Reading between the lines of your claim to innocent road rage, one can't help being suspicious that a deeper-seated problem of horsepower-hog syndrome is latent.

One drunk on a cart caused all this commotion; now let's watch our politicians

I attended the Peachtree City Parade and it was truly a great parade. As I sat outside the entrance of Village Park subdivision where I live, I pondered on what a great city we have. The sight of all the golf carts with so many people enjoying them brought to mind our current problem over drivers licenses to drive them.

Cart ruling affecting quality of life?

When I read about a Peachtree City councilman complaining about how a law limiting who can or can't drive golf carts affects "quality of life" in the Republic of Peachtree City, I wonder if you people are in touch with reality.

Were PTC officials and their lawyers asleep at the cart wheel in '70s, '80s, '90s?

Writing a lot of letters to the editor exposes their author to being labeled a crackpot, and I have in the past joked with Steve Brown (now mayor of Peachtree City) that he and I seemed to be competing for the local Crackpot Award. At the time, he seemed willing to concede the award to me, but given what's been going on the golf cart paths of Peachtree City lately, I see a lot of competition for that coveted Crackpot Award.

Ah, the idea of freedom at 15

Re Justin Parker's letter, "State court ban takes away teens' cart freedom." My, how the definition of freedom has changed since the days of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams and Martin Luther King. Freedom from what, you might ask.

Carts must be regulated for all path users' safety

"Many of the elderly persons affected by this ruling cannot safely operate an automobile while they can safely operate a golf cart" Lloyd Walker, attorney.

Former officer has different perspective on golf carts

I just can't help it, I have to finally give into my overwhelming feeling of obligation to stand up for the Peachtree City Police department ... after reading the letter written recently by Mr. Appelhans regarding the golf cart law.

What's the big?

Why is it a surprise that there should be a license required to drive a golf cart? After all, the PTC police have been ticketing the golf carts as "motor vehicles" as far as other motor vehicle violations go. Why should this law be any different? The PTC police seem to have enough manpower to enforce many other laws on the paths especially with the teens. Why not this one?

Kudos to youth council for Battle of the Bands

Well, they built it and they came.

Bulldozer blade good idea for road blockers

Great column on road rage. I too fantasize about the bulldozer blade, with perhaps a 20mm cannon to blast the way clear. Enforcing the "slower traffic keep right" and "keep right except to pass" laws would clear up almost all of the road rage incidents, as well as improving the flow of traffic.

Willing to pay extra taxes for bulldozing deputy

Believe me, you are not the only one that has experienced rage when driving in our community because of "left laners."

3 species of laggards incite daily frustration

Your column on road rage was great. I drive from Fayetteville to Buckhead every day, and as a result, my day starts and ends with left-lane laggards on Ga. Highway 314.

Road rage column expressed silent majority's opinion

Thank you very much for expressing the view of the silent majority. It is nice to know that there really are others out there that understand what those signs on the sides of roads that read, "Slower traffic keep right."

Seems like I've heard this before

Someone once told me not to hide my feelings when I write. Tell us what you really think.

Thanks for support back home

I just want to say that I was impressed by the articles regarding all the service members deployed for the war.