Wednesday, July 30, 2003

News

#1 priority? $50M East F'ville Bypass

The final draft is completed and residents will soon be able to ask questions about Fayette County's ambitious $266 million transportation plan.

$125M sales tax vote in Fayette's future?

Now that Fayette's transportation plan has been revealed, a nagging question has emerged: How will the county pay for it?

Cops nab boy, 9, for PTC golf cart theft

A 9-year-old College Park boy was taken into custody Monday evening by Peachtree City police for stealing a golf cart parked at a Braelinn liquor store, police said.

Watson seeks new trial, cites 'errors' by judge

Attorneys representing convicted murderer Jim Watson have filed a motion seeking a new trial, alleging that several errors during last year's case prejudiced the jury.

Newest high school sets high bar: Best in the state

When Whitewater High School held its first open house last Thursday to welcome the Class of 2007, more than 80 percent of the charter freshman class showed up, in the middle of summer, with their moms and dads in tow.

Merchants ready for sales tax holidays

The blue jeans are being folded, the shirts are being hung and Tony Davis is getting ready for a big shopping weekend.

Commissioner recovering after surgery

Fayette County Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham is resting comfortably at home this week after surgery at Fayette Community Hospital last week.

PTC Council, DAPC hope to iron out issues

Things are looking up for the Peachtree City Development Authority, Mayor Steve Brown admits.

Crabapple Lane teachers just 'waiting for the call' to move in

Any day now, the phone will ring in the homes of Crabapple Lane Elementary School's two dozen teachers, its support personnel, its cafeteria workers, and to alert workers in the facilities maintenance office in Fayetteville.

Fville police seek help to find runaway girl

The Fayetteville Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating a 15-year-old girl who ran away from her home over four months ago.

E. Fayette students win Braves essay contest

Two students inspired by their teachers at East Fayette Elementary School wrote about them in an essay competition sponsored by the Atlanta Braves.

Light agenda does not stop PTC planning commission from making important decisions

The Peachtree City Planning Commission met Monday night and, despite having a very light agenda before them, got a lot accomplished.

PTC police arrest 2 for damaging mailboxes, stealing stop sign

Two Peachtree City teenagers were arrested Monday night for damaging 13 mailboxes and stealing a stop sign in the Burnham Woods subdivision, police said.

Kiwanis makes donation to Iraq relief effort

"Operation Fred" is a loosely knit organization in Fayette County that has been supplying Major Frederick P. Wellman school and medical supplies. The Peachtree City resident is currently an operations officer for a Blackhawk helicopter battalion assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in northern Iraq.

PTC's 'Movie Under the Stars' may return for a fall encore

Nearly 3,000 local people got a rst look July 21 at what is hoped will be a repeat performance, watching the digitally mastered movie "E.T., The Extraterrestrial," on a 50-foot tall, inatable screen.

Jonesboro police arrest man with vehicle taken from Fayetteville home

An Alpharetta man was arrested by Jonesboro police last Monday evening after he was caught with a vehicle that had been stolen from a residence in Fayetteville.

PTC man arrested for molesting girl

A Peachtree City man has been arrested for molesting a young girl at a residence at the Balmoral Village Apartments sometime in 2001, according to police.

Schools' P.R. department wins national competition

The Fayette County School System's public relations department has garnered two awards for its publicity efforts from the National School Public Relations Association.

Local students attend Washington Youth Tour

Armed with a better appreciation of their nation's government, and a lifetime of memories, Jared Schnute of Fayetteville and Andrew Widener of Sharpsburg recently returned from the 2003 Washington Youth Tour, a week-long tour of the nation's capital, sponsored by Coweta-Fayette EMC.

Colonial Dames hold spring meet

The Thomas Johnson Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century met recently to install its 2003-2004 officers. Peachtree City resident, Judy Hughes, honorary state president, performed the ceremony.

Collins: Operation Iraqi Freedom still has work to do

WASHINGTON - In a rare open hearing of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Congressman Mac Collins presented evidence of Iraq's possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction, expressed satisfaction with the job being done by the U.S. Military, and support for the President in liberating the Iraqi people.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Wedding Announcements

Health Wise

Preparing for school
By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

The beginning of school is just a few weeks away. Every year at this time I'm asked many times about how best to prepare children for preschool and kindergarten. Every child is different, but here are some basic things that can help your child if you want to get a head start.

Losing weight wisely

Douglas Wendt of Sharpsburg recently lost 100 pounds and 95 inches. He went from a size 48 to a size 36 pants in just over a year.

You're never too old to jump rope

The last time you jumped rope, Cinderella was probably dressed in yella, heading upstairs to kiss her fella. Yep, she made a mistake, kissed a snake and how many doctors did it take?

Helping conquering the fear

Southern Regional offers free class for women having breast cancer surgery

Get fit

Is the gym a place where only the "beautiful people" go?Is it the Bastian solely of the hard bodies?Although many people in the general public think so, the answer to the previous questions is no.

Fayette gymnasts 'flip out' to raise funds for children's hospitals

Local gymnasts are gearing up to host a Mrs. Smith's Flip-a-Thon to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network during the fifth annual National Gymnastics Day this Saturday.

Tips to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illness

Warm temperatures allow families to enjoy fun outdoor activities, but whether camping in a national park or barbecuing on the back deck, it's important that warm weather plans include protection against insects like mosquitoes. Not only can these pesky bugs leave arms and legs itchy and red, they can spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, which infected more than 4,000 Americans in 2002.

Tired of being tired?

For Linda Ragland, being exhausted all the time became a way of life.

Stress talk tomorrow

Everyone knows something about stress.In fact, most people in America share the common experience of the hurried, hectic pace of our modern lifestyles.

Health system debuts new Internet site

After months of research, Southern Regional Health System's Information Technology team has completed the update process for the hospital's informational Web site at www.southernregional.org.

Sun safety tips for healthy skin

Though many Americans take precautions to protect their skin from damaging ultra violet rays during the warmer months of the year, many may not realize that the sun can be damaging year round.

On land and in the water keeping your child safe this summer

With summertime here, parents should keep some important safety tips in mind, according to Carol Ball, manager of SAFE KIDS of Georgia for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Business

Getting you wired

Jonathan Bordley's career in the Navy is paying off big-time for his new company in Peachtree City.

Cattle Barons' Ball on the way

The Cattle Barons continue their drive to the Oct. 18 roundup, The Cattle Barons' Ball of Fayette County.

Wilde law office now open

The law office of Douglas A. Wilde is open in the Brookside Building in the Westpark area of Peachtree City.

Benatar and Giraldo to hit PTC with their "best shots"

Most people know that the first video to air on MTV was The Buggles, "Video Killed the Radio Star," but very few know what the second video was. The answer is "You Better Run," by Pat Benatar. Benatar and her husband and longtime collaborator, Neil Giraldo, will take the stage at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater this Friday and Saturday to kick off the second half of their summer concert series.

"Swingin' Medallions" ready to party this weekend

The Swingin’ Medallions are coming back to town this weekend.
They are one of the premier party bands in the south and they have a large fan base in Fayette County. If you are looking for a good time this weekend, head out to the Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville and put your dancing shoes on.

NCTC takes audiences back to Cold War era with 'A Walk in the Woods'

The era of the Cold War feels a million miles away these days, especially with terrorism and on-going conflicts in the Middle East. Lee Blessing's play, "A Walk in the Woods," which deals with US-Soviet disarmament talks in the 1980s, is still an extremely relevant piece though and Newnan Community Theatre will present this two man play Friday and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 and 9 in their Black Box Theatre.

Europify is so a word

I know some of you may be waiting for the second installment of the Virtual Fayette County Road Trip, but it will have to wait until next week. As a bonus, I will add a few more Fayette Counties to the column so that we can finish the virtual road trip in a timely manner.

Religion

Marriage, like marinade, takes a while to 'flavor'
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

If I had it to do all over again, I would still get married. Probably not for the same reasons I married in the first place. My wife and I were talking the other day about our getting married almost 29 years ago. She was 19 and today confesses she did not know what she was getting into. I was 27 and according to her, I should have known what I was getting myself into. But, upon reflection, I didn't.

Dramatization of Paul's last letter planned

On Sunday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m., the North Fayette Baptist Church will present Stan Stephens performing "The Last Letter," a dramatization monologue of the Apostle Paul's letter written from his prison cell in Rome

Body of Christ Church plans Campmeeting 2003 Aug. 4-8

The Body of Christ Church International, U.S.A., will have Campmeeting 2003 Monday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 8, with special speakers scheduled all week.

FFBC women plan luncheon meeting to aid Georgia Baptist Children's Home

The WMU at Fayetteville First Baptist Church will have a luncheon meeting Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Nativity offers stroke care program

The Basket Bunch of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity will offer a program on stroke care on Friday, Aug. 1, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The speaker will be Rhonda Williams, RN, MSN, Cardiac and Neuroscience Education, Clinical Program Manager, Southern Regional Hospital. Williams and her group, paramedics, EMTs and RNs, will talk about the need for immediate hospital care in the event of a suspected stroke.

Opinion

So, let's find a really good slogan for PTC
By J. FRANK LYNCH
jflynch@theCitizenNews.com

Amid all the hullabaloo that was the July 17 Peachtree City Council meeting, Councilman Murray Weed finally was given consideration of his idea that Peachtree City adopt an official motto. This, from the man whose campaign slogan in 2001 was "Win With Weed."

Endangered species act: Growing question of whose ox is gored
By M. DAVID STIRLING
Pacific Legal Foundation

Martin Luther observed that most human affairs come down to whose ox is gored. On matters of law and public policy, where government declares the dos and don'ts that can directly and substantially impact our lives, there are few better examples of Luther's "whose-ox-is-gored" adage than the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

 

 

 

 

'Move over' drivers usually are speeders

Having just read your column on drivers in the left lane, I am reminded of those selfish souls who only want the traffic laws enforced for their benefits. It has been my observation over the years that those folks wanting others to move over are in fact violating a far more dangerous law and that is of speeding.

'I don't care how many line up behind me; I'm in front ; I win'

The "tempest in a teapot" debate over left lane drivers has finally drawn me into the fray. Frequently I drive in the left lane at speed limit or above speeds and I don't feel the least bit compelled to move over if someone comes up behind me.

How about those left-laners who militantly block access?

I agree with nearly all that has been printed regarding the left-lane laggards, but one facet of the problem has been overlooked. What about the militant left-lane drivers who aggressively seek to block right-lane drivers from entering the left lane to prepare for an upcoming left turn? They are part of the reason why people stay in the left lane longer than they might ordinarily do so.

Judge was not trying to deceive anyone

I read the letter to the editor that appeared in your paper recently from a reader who suggested that [Fayette Superior Court] Judge [Tommy] Hankinson's appearance in the Peachtree City Fourth of July Parade with the Republican elephant was an attempt to deceive.

Judges are nonpartisan offices

Last week, in a letter to the editor, a Fayette County citizen called into question the float that Superior Court Judge Tommy Hankinson rode on in the Peachtree City parade. The comment seems to me to be more political than factual.

Who really needs a license?

Everyone over the age of 16 must have the opportunity to obtain a driver's license using the medium for which the license is required, meaning golf cart, before it can be required that they have one. Licensing is not available currently for adults needing to drive a golf cart and everyone knows it. It is not reasonable, nor will it ever hold, for the police to require a person first to be able to drive a car and to obtain a license for an automobile before they can drive a golf cart. The needed skills and knowledge are not the same.

Golf carts on roads=danger

[While] taking my son and his friend to a movie [and] turning onto Redwine Road from Timberlake subdivision, we came upon an interesting sight. About a quarter-mile down Redwine going toward High Grove was a golf cart with a young girl (probably a teenager) and an adult woman (could have been her mother) driving down Redwine Road on the wrong side of the road. The young girl was grinning excitedly. I suppose they were too put out to use the side of the road as many from the neighborhoods of High Grove and Whitewater do to reach Peachtree City cart paths.

'Revenue corrections' how mayor says 'tax increases'

I think I've finally heard it all.

PTC still suffering from 2000 vote to raise pay, cut tax rate

[Editor's note: The following was a reply to a person seeking information on rumored cuts in the Peachtree City personnel budget.]

Reporter slanted trial story in favor of prosecutor's side

I was dismayed at the bias in favor of the prosecutor presented in John Munford's July 23, 2003, article entitled, "Doctor's 'inappropriate' exam of woman is on trial." I am a concerned citizen who has been present during the trial of the Fayetteville physician accused of improperly performing an exam. After reading how the facts were misrepresented in Mr. Munford's article I felt compelled to write to you in hope that this paper would print some of the critical aspects of the case which Mr. Munford omitted in what appears to be favoritism towards the prosecution.

Maybe editor is suffering from left-lane overload

Wow! Three big columns in a row on "laggards"! The publisher must need a long vacation!? It made more sense when you were taking on the "pavers." That's the root cause of the traffic problems, along with traffic lights that hold up the many so the few can cross the main road without waiting.

Policy of naming minor crime defendants decried

In your reply to my editorial ("Father asks, Why subject family to yet more pain?") you reduce my complaint to the following: "This grieving father's solution would be to ignore and thus cover up from public view all those arrests and trials and thus deprive the taxpaying public of an account of their law enforcement agencies." You then say, "The real question is: Why should this case of admitted criminal activity be treated differently than all others?" I confess that I am not sure which "others" you have in mind. I was certainly not special pleading in my daughter's case. My complaint is a general one: I challenge your policy per se.