Wednesday, August 6, 2003

News

Schools expect 21,000 students Monday

Nearly 21,000 students are expected to return to class when Fayette County schools open for the 2003-2004 term next Monday.

BOE eyes cell phone OK for students

Fayette students will be able to join their peers across the state and have cell phones and pagers on school property when classes resume next week, provided the Fayette County Board of Education gave its OK last night.

2003-2004 FAYETTE SCHOOLS CALENDAR

Stepfather gets 50 years for molesting girl, 13

A Peachtree City man was convicted yesterday of various charges for molesting his then-stepdaughter several years ago.

PTC police worry about drug sales at apartments

Peachtree City police believe they have arrested a significant supplier of illegal drugs who was operating at Balmoral Village Apartments.

Chances slim for raises for city workers in PTC

Revisions to the first draft of Peachtree City's proposed 2004 budget likely won't include a cost-of-living raise for city employees, even though that was one of the main concerns City Council members expressed when they got their first look at the spending plan in July.

12 presidents later, couple celebrates 71st anniversary

On July 2, 1932, the day Evertt and Christine Sloan were married, Herbert Hoover was president of the United States. Last month, 12 presidents later, the couple, who now reside at the Heritage of Peachtree Retirement and Assisted Living Community in Peachtree City, celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary with family and friends.

Samaritans need Top 10 donations

The Fayette Samaritans are asking for area residents to donate the following items to the charity to help local people with immediate needs.

Grant to add high-tech features for copter

The Fayette County Commission will vote today on a Homeland Security grant that will outfit the Sheriff's Department's helicopter with the latest in camera technology.

Stalking plea nets 5 years in prison for Acworth man

An Acworth man was sentenced to five years in prison for stalking a Fayette woman last September in violation of a temporary protective order.

Assistant city manager post considered in PTC

The Peachtree City Council will consider creating the position of assistant city manager at Thursday's regular meeting.

Fville council to consider office rezoning near jail

The Fayetteville City Council will consider a request to rezone 1.3 acres south of the Fayette County Justice Center to office-institutional at its regular meeting Thursday night.

Sewer system upgrades close Kedron paths temporarily

The Peachtree City Water & Sewerage Authority will be upgrading four sewer lift statons in the Kedron Village area in August, necessitating some temporary path closings during the work period.

Hampton man arrested after shooting at Fayette man

A Hampton man was arrested Sunday morning after he went to a residence in north Fayette County and shot at another man who was backing out of the driveway, police said.

PTC special events policy would place limits, charge fees for services

Peachtree City's growing popularity as a site for large-scale special events is stretching the city's emergency services personnel nearly to the breaking point, members of the Recreation Commission were told last week.

New principals in charge at four Fayette schools

Several Fayette County schools will have new principals at the helm when students return Aug. 11. Although these principals are new to their positions, they are not strangers to Fayette County Schools.

Jordan named SCT director

Southern Conservation Trust of Peachtree City recently contracted with Abby Jordan to serve as its first Executive Director.

Scoliosis screening: A middle school mystery revealed

Schools, Health Dept. collaborate in the interest of child wellness

Can't get there from here Bridge construction to close roads

Rogers Bridge Company has advised the DOT that they are ready to begin replacement of the two bridges at the intersection of Happy Valley Circle and Jim Starr Road, about 6 miles north of Newnan. This work will require that both roads be completely closed to traffic at this location for approximately one year. Brimer Road will be the suggested detour route.

Sandy Creek cadets join veterans history project

Cadets in the Sandy Creek High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program were the first to get involved in a unique project documenting the wartime experiences of U.S. veterans.

Optimists offer scholarships

The Fayetteville Optimist Club and the Optimist International are offering scholarships in public speaking and writing. For information call 770-461-9059.

Meningitis outbreak cited in Georgia

State health officials recommend precautions

CCSU student teach seminar this fall

Clayton College & State University is conducting a free seminar for students interested in learning a new and exciting computer programming language, Delphi 6.

Don't leave kids in the car

Before you leave your kids in the car to dash into the post office or grocery store this summer, consider this: In a matter of minutes, the temperature in your car could top 160 degrees on a hot and humid day even with the windows partly open. That's why public health officials are warning parents against leaving children in vehicles for any length of time.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Wedding Announcements

Home & Garden

Designed to splash, built to babble

It has been said that the shoemaker's children run barefoot. Bruce Gann's children are often barefoot, sitting pondside with their feet splashing in the water. But he doesn't make shoes, he makes ponds, and his children enjoy the full benefit of their backyard treasure.

State of Georgia forests in 2003

Georgia forests are well-managed and growing, but landowners and industry face global and home-grown challenges. A new government/private report finds Georgia's 24 million acres of forests "diverse, well-managed, and healthy" but says the forest community must overcome mounting challenges at home and abroad to remain a "critical contributor to Georgia's economy and overall quality of life."

Stressed-out trees create dangers

After years of drought, an abundance of rainfall has caused some area trees to be weakened to the point of collapse. Why? Because of weakened roots. When roots are healthy, the bulk of a tree's root mass is usually about 1 1/2 times the size of the drip line diameter and roots can extend out up to five times from the height of the tree. Typically, tree roots grow within the top 16 inches of soil.

Tree seedlings available

The Georgia Forestry Commission is now accepting orders for seedlings to be planted this fall and winter. Seedling price lists and application forms are available at all Georgia Forestry Commission offices and are available at www.gfc.state.ga.us.

No climate control? No kidding

Look closely at Tim and Wanda Michels' two-story brick house and it's clear that they make good use of their shady, north-facing front porch in University City, Mo.

Prime Timers

Preserving the past

Ora Jean and Olen Gunnin have lived just outside Tyrone for a number of years; however, as past residents of East Point they have maintained their ties as have many Fayette Countians.

New doctor at American Hearing

Nikki Mason-DeGeorge, an audiologist with American Hearing Centers, recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Doctor of Audiology degree.

Business

Rochester welcomes Chamber to new office

Rochester & Associates, Inc., recently hosted the Fayette County Chamber After Hours. The 37-year-old company recently opened its fourth office in Fayetteville. It provides land surveying, civil engineering, landscaping, and construction management to projects both new and revitalized.

Singapore Airlines is a model of service

I almost jumped out of my seat when the food cart bashed my knee. As I grabbed my leg, I saw the flight attendant with the "hit-and-run" cart heading down the aisle. I remember the days when flying was an enjoyable experience no longer true today.

Legendary Lou Rawls kicks off first Jazz series at "The Fred"

Last year, David Sanborn and Joe Sample came to Peachtree City to perform a concert during the summer concert series at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. It was such a success, drawing attention from people in the metro Atlanta area who had never even heard of "The Fred" that the amphitheater will launch their first-ever jazz series on Saturday night with a performance from the legendary Lou Rawls. Audiences can expect to be wowed by one of the greatest voices in the business.

Fox Theatre welcomes recent Broadway smash 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'

Before "Thoroughly Modern Millie" took Broadway by storm in 2002, it was an Oscar winning film in 1967 starring Julie Andrews. While two songs from the film survived, the story remains the same. Millie, a Midwestern girl, comes to New York City, determined to take it by storm and marry a rich man. Atlanta audiences will get their chance to see how Millie does in the Big Apple, as the show runs at the Fox Theatre through Aug. 10.

FCFT presents 'The Princess and the Pea' with a pizza dinner

Why should dinner theater be reserved for adults looking for a night away from the kids? Fayette Coweta Family Theatre's professional troupe, A Company of Friends, thinks kids deserve a taste of dinner theater as well. They will present a musical production of "The Princess and the Pea" for four performances this Thursday and Friday.

Last Fling coming this weekend

Mark your calendars for Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Department's 14th Annual Last Fling. This family event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Shakerag Knoll off McIntosh Trail adjacent to the BMX Track. Admission to the Last Fling is free, and many games, prizes and amusements are also free.

On the virtual road to Alabama and Texas

After a week of purging my mind of the thoughts I accumulated in Europe, I am back and ready to kick off the virtual tour of Fayette Counties of the United States. First stop: Fayette County, Alabama.

Dancer keeps moving up

The accolades and accomplishments are beginning to pile up for local dancer Josh Reynolds, who has been featured on numerous occasions in local media.

People behind Penman Publishing address Fayette Writers

The Fayette Writers Group was honored to have Mr. Rayford Hammond and his wife, Mary Lee, owners and operators of Penman Publishing as guest speakers. Penman Publishing, located in Chattanooga Tennessee, was formed in 2000, after the couple edited for a publisher themselves for two years.

Religion

Marriage should be a threesome
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Marriage is a holy estate. We don't say that birth is a holy estate. We don't say death is a holy estate. It's very interesting that for centuries the first words out of the Christian minister's mouth were, "marriage is a holy estate, ordained by God." And of course that's it. That's why marriage is a holy estate. God ordains it. It's the special state and station in life at which God decides to pour out his blessings on two people because of their covenant with each other and with him.

Braelinn Baptist Church adds additional morning service it's on Sunday night

Beginning Aug. 17, Braelinn Baptist Church in Peachtree City will add a third Sunday "morning" service at 6 p.m. The service is called "six@nite."

Peachtree City youth, adults return from mission trip to South America

On June 13, the Peachtree City United Methodist Church sent 13 people on an 11-day international mission trip to the South American country of Chile. Their destination was The Methodist Church of Coquimbo, the oldest Methodist church in the country, which was celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Inman to offer 'Ole Time Camp Meetin' atmosphere during the month of August

All this month, Inman United Methodist Church will be celebrating "Ole Time Camp Meetin' Month" with casual dress, and old fashioned music, preaching and testifying during the Sunday services.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

What homosexual marriage will mean to America's school kids
By LINDA HARVEY
President, Mission America

"Same sex marriage? It doesn't bother me!"

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As college nears, music downloading gets serious

As the college season approaches this may be important news for all universities concerned with music pirating. Lawsuits against individuals are everywhere; don't get caught in the trap.

Restaurants not responsible for this patron's choices

I would like to respond to Kathie Cheney's letter to the editor regarding Tyrone's vote on liquor by the glass.

Try for 'win-win' and move over

Without trying to intensify the acrimony that apparently pervades the issue of "Left Lane Laggards," I must respond to the adolescent diatribe that I read in last Wednesday's edition of The Citizen. While I don't wish to personally impugn its author, Mr. John May, I would hope that he and those like him might reconsider their "unique" driving ideology.

Take away licenses from left-laners

After reading the letters "Move over drivers usually are speeders" and "I don't care how many line up behind me," I am convinced these two people are a menace on the highway and should have their driving privileges revoked.

Left-laners not the major issue

"Left Lane Laggards," as you label them, are only part of the problem, but certainly not the root cause of traffic problems in Fayette County. It doesn't take a doctorate in proctology to come to the conclusion that our neighboring friends from other counties are the real royal pains in the lower anatomy when it comes to our traffic woes!

Think about the many who depend on carts

It is very clear to me that little to no thought was put into coming up with the new laws regarding the operation of golf carts in Peachtree City. By no means are golf carts as dangerous as an automobile; so why would the laws and consequences concerning this matter be equal to that of automobile operation?

Unsafe teens should be cleared from PTC paths

I have personally seen many incidents where [cart] drivers have been driving through these paths extremely fast, endangering other drivers. Most of these drivers were adolescents barely in their teens.

Mayor Brown has only himself to blame on taxes

Last week The Citizen published a letter written by Mayor Steve Brown in which he intimated that the city's current budget woes are the fault of the previous administration and a bad economy. The facts do not seem to support these allegations.

Brown wants it both ways on taxes; Tennant just doesn't get it

One week before holding the budget hearing, council unanimously voted to spend $120,000 of your money to build a golf cart bridge across Ga. Highway 54 West connecting the Wynnmeade subdivision to nowhere. No golf cart paths exist on the south side of the highway. This follows spending $850,000 of your money to buy the land on the north side of the highway upon which they hope to build the bridge.

Cops willing to help new mom, but get appointment

I am a mother of an infant boy. On Aug. 1, I tried to put in a new car seat. My husband and I did not think it was in properly so I decided to go to the Peachtree City Police Department for help.

Jackson hindered airport; keep it named 'Hartsfield'

Much has been written and verbalized about renaming Hartsfield Airport to Maynard Jackson Airport. While Jackson did many good things for Atlanta, the airport was not one of them.

Doctor on trial defended

I was in complete shock at the articles on Dr. Orlando Cano being charged with sexual harassment. I have been a patient of Dr. Cano for l7 years. If not for Dr. Cano, I would not have my two children I have now.