Wednesday, August 13, 2003

News

Target: North PTC

It's official: Target is aiming for Peachtree City.

BOE defends shorter bus routes as kids have to walk farther

Responding to the scores of angry parents who continued to flood the central office with calls of complaint this week about drastically reduced bus routes, the Fayette County school system issued an apology Tuesday morning.

Statement from school board

Offering the safest and most reliable transportation for all students is the number one priority of the Fayette County School System's transportation department.

BOE OKs McIntosh construction without $1.5 million to pay for it

The Fayette County School Board will consider a number of options to raise the estimated $1.56 million it needs to "top off" renovations and additions at McIntosh High School, construction work it signed off on last week by awarding a contract, even though it lacks the funding mechanism to finish the job.

Girl, 15, in intensive care after PTC golf cart wreck

A youth remained in hospital intensive care Tuesday after a golf cart careened out of control and hit a tree near McIntosh High School, injuring two other passengers, police said.

On 2nd thought: Tyrone eyes liquor vote again

If you thought the discussion over a possible referendum allowing liquor by the drink in Tyrone was over, think again.

Vigil named to Board of Regents

Allan Vigil is more than just the president and a successful owner of two local Ford dealerships, he is also now a member of The University System of Georgia's Board of Regents. Vigil was appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue and is looking forward to the position.

PTC considers $26m budget

Thank goodness for Target.

Victim testifies Fayette man molested her 'numerous times'

A Dallas, Ga., woman, now 19, testified Monday that Craig Steven Ferrill molested her "numerous times" at his south Fayette home during a span of nearly three years that began when she was 11 years old.

School openings almost flawless, officials say

Concerns about changes in bus routes to elementary school students didn't completely overshadow the opening day bright spots for Fayette schools on Monday.

County historian to speak to Christian Women's Club

The Jonesboro/Fayetteville Christian Women's Club invites all ladies to its next monthly meeting Thursday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Links Golf Club.

Police: Harmony Village residents 'looted' apt.

Six adults and three juveniles have been arrested after Peachtree City police probed the theft of items from a unit at Harmony Village Apartments last week.

Hipage a part of Foreign Trade Zone

About five years ago, two local industries approached the Development Authority of Peachtree City and the Peachtree City Council about their desire to have a Foreign Trade Zone. A Foreign Trade Zone allows companies to import certain goods to either defer or delay applied reduced import duties.

Tractor pull returns to Turin for ninth straight year

For the past eight years, an average of 2,000 people per year have attended the Turin Antique Farm Power Show and Tractor Pull. Despite a different parade route this year, the event should be equally as successful.

CCSU classes offered in Peachtree City

Clayton College and State University is offering both credit and non-credit courses at the Fayette County Higher Education Center, located in the Peachtree City Tennis Center at 10 Planterra Way. Fall classes will be starting soon. For further details, contact Jerri Hager in Clayton State's Division of Continuing Education, at 770-961-3416 or e-mail jerrihager@mail.clayton.edu.

Police: Lewd phone calls lead to arrest

A south Fayette man has been arrested for making several lewd phone calls.

Blackrock Foundation helps get new schools ready

The first day of school went smoothly throughout Fayette, especially at two of the county's newest facilities thanks to the efforts of many volunteers.

Lake City man arrested for molesting girl

A Lake City man has been arrested for molesting a 12-year-old girl at a residence in Fayetteville in June, police said.

Risque photo leads to arrest of Fville man

A north Fayette man has been arrested for cajoling a 15-year-old Tyrone girl into posing partially naked for a photo with him, police said.

Quick-Turner reunion coming in Sept.

The 5th Annual Quick-Turner reunion is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. The Turner-Quicks lived in Fayette County and contiguous counties.

PTC's Braelinn Kroger to lose driver's license facility

The driver's license renewal center at the Braelinn Village Kroger in Peachtree City will close for good Thursday, Aug. 21.

Collins staff to visit Peachtree City

U.S. Rep. Mac Collins has once again instituted office hours in Peachtree City.

Town Hall Meeting To Discuss Fayette County School Issues To Be Held At Peachtree City's Holly Grove A.M.E. Church

The Fayette County NAACP Branch Education Committee and the Public Policy Development of the Southeast Region Inc. will host a public forum, town-hall style meeting on Fayette County school issues. It is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Holly Grove A.M.E. Church.

Second meeting of Southern Crescent Toastmasters at CCSU tomorrow

The Southern Crescent Toastmasters Club will have its second official meeting tomorrow at the Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education at Clayton College & State University in Morrow. The meeting will run from noon until 1 p.m. and will be held in room 203 of the Downs Center.

New state hunting regulations available

The 2003-2004 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide now is available announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. This guide provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more and is available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com and at over 1,200 license agents, including Bass Pro Shops, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and outdoor sporting goods stores. "The hunting regulations guide is designed to help hunters understand the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia," said WRD Chief of Game Management Todd Holbrook. "We recommend that even experienced hunters take a look at the new regulations to note any changes to their favorite hunting areas or activities."

First Lady's summer safety tips

This summer, First Lady Mary Perdue is emphasizing the issue of children's safety.

Question and Answer Column from Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine

Pick up a good book

Summer reading can prevent problems for all seasons

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announements

Wedding Announcements

Real Estate

Quelling household mold mania

Mold: it's as old as the Earth and it's everywhere. And under the right or should we say wrong set of conditions, it can actually start to grow (gasp) inside your house. In most cases, this is not cause for alarm.

Neighborhood living up to its name

Have you ever wondered how subdivisions get their name? Titles like Forest Meadows and Woodlake seem to suffer an identity crisis. Who are they?

Young, old finding smaller is better

Although the most common perception when thinking of homes in Fayette County is probably that of large houses on large lots, there are other options for those who prefer something else.

New faces in new places

Local Realtor covers ground

Kathy Armstrong, a local Keller Williams real estate agent, has a unique way of going the distance. In a business where the typical professional may drive several thousand miles per week in a car, Armstrong frequently spends her weekends adding as much as another 100 miles on a horse.

Wieland donates home to mission

John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods and HomeAid Atlanta have announced the donation of the Second Mile Home to Atlanta Union Mission in honor of the 20th anniversary of Wieland's Second Mile program, the company's charitable arm through which company members donate not only money and gifts but also time and energy to a wide array of community outreach programs.

Kids speak up about SummerGrove

While adults choose SummerGrove for its variety of home styles, price range and Newnan location, kids also make their own opinions known when it comes to living at SummerGrove.

CRS Pathways helps youth homes

The agents of CRS Pathways have come together to raise money for children at the Fayette Youth Protection Homes to help with their back-to-school needs.

Prudential ranks among top 100

The July issue of REALTOR Magazine, a publication by the National Association of Realtors, recently published its findings on the Top 100 Real Estate Companies in America. Prudential Atlanta/Georgia Realty has once again placed on this list.

Finn named Optimist officer

Jack Finn, a past president of the Peachtree City chapter of the Optimist Club, has been elected Lieutenant Governor for Zone #10 of the Optimist International Club of Georgia. The zone covers the four Optimist Clubs in Peachtree City, Locust Grove, Fayetteville, and Eagles Landing, respectively.

Brasch Park brings recreation-themed neighborhood to Grantville

"We're excited about this new neighborhood concept," said Dan Petry, president of Cardinal Properties. The third-generation homebuilder recently unveiled plans for Brasch Park, a new neighborhood community in a park-like setting with a focus on recreation. Brasch Park will offer numerous amenities including baseball, soccer/football fields, basketball courts, a pool and pavilion.

Swainey is Leadership Fayette graduate

Janeece Swainey, executive vice president and qualifying broker at The Home Source Realtors, is among 2003 Leadership Fayette graduates.

Papson makes Communities 100

A current agent from Tim Jones Realty, Alysa Papson, was included in Communities Magazine's annual "Communities 100" listing of Atlanta's leading residential realtors, based on sales in 2002.

Agents try their hand at home building

Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate's float was a hit in the annual Peachtree City Fourth of July parade, which drew more than 15,000 spectators.

CRS awards slot in training course

The local CRS subchapter recently raffled off admission to a sought-after, new for 2003, National Council of Residential Specialists Course RS201 entitled "Listing Strategies for the Residential Specialist." The drawing was held at the Fayette Board of Realtors' June Luncheon Meeting at White Water Country Club. Terri Crabtree of Prudential Georgia Realty won the drawing announced by Sharon Christiansen, CRS Pathways President.

Wieland names new CEO, realigns operations

Atlanta-based homebuilder John Wieland has appointed Terry Russell, the company's previous chief operating officer and president, to chief executive officer of John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods.

Arbor Springs hosts junior golf tourney

Tom McCoy, PGA professional and general manager of Arbor Springs Golf and Country Club, hosted a recent Atlanta Junior Golf Association Tournament.

Brayson Homes opens pre-sales in Pinehurst at Heron Bay

Brayson Homes has opened pre-sales at Pinehurst, one of the neighborhoods in Heron Bay Golf & Country Club, Minerva Properties' 1,150-acre resort styled, master planned community in Henry and Spalding counties.

HBA names 2003 scholarship winners

The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia recognized the recipients of the association's annual scholarships at its June meeting, held recently at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center in Peachtree City.

Wieland unveils model at Centennial

John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods announces the opening of its newest designer model, The Oxford, at Centennial, located off Ga. Highway 54 and MacDuff Parkway in the heart of Peachtree City, just west of Ga. Highway 74.

Business

Video services available in Peachtree City

Nick and Lana Cate have introduced the newest state-of-the-art video production and editing technology to Atlanta's south side by announcing the grand opening of their video services company, Cate Video Services, located at 847 Carnellian Lane in Peachtree City.

Animal hospital accredited

Braelinn Village Animal Hospital again received a four-year accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Local group seeking to fund nonprofits

Charitable organizations in Fayette County have the opportunity to apply for grants to advance their good works.

Rottschafer cited for securities work

Peachtree City's David Rottschafer, president of Fairway Financial Services, Inc. and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, recently qualified for the third consecutive year for IFG Network Securities' Awards Conference in October. This award recognizes the top 20 percent of all representatives with IFG Network Securities, Inc., member NASD/SIPC.

Glen Campbell closes out first series at The Villages

Fayette County's students are back in school and the summer is drawing to a close. The Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville will conclude their inaugural summer concert series with a performance from country music superstar Glen Campbell.

Frampton to bring classic live show to PTC

"Frampton Comes Alive" is the best-selling live album of all time, selling over 16 million copies and still attracting new fans to this day. It is no surprise, when you consider the album contains some of Peter Frampton's biggest hits, including "Show Me The Way," "Baby, I Love Your Way," and "Do You Feel Like We Do?" Frampton is a big fan of his live albums, even going back to his Humble Pie days, stating on his web site that "My live albums are always my best." Fans will get to see and hear for themselves just how good his live performances are when he plays the Fredrick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City on Friday and Saturday.

Musical celebrates the life of American icon

Will Rogers led an extrordinary life. He was an American Cowboy humorist, a trick roper, a star of the Ziegfeld Follies, a radio commentator, a star of 71 motion pictures, a syndicated newspaper columnist with over 4,000 columns written, an author of six books, a philosopher and a philanthropist. It is no surprise that a musical based on his life, "The Will Rogers Follies," which will run at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta through Sunday, Aug. 17, has enjoyed tremendous success.

Fayette across America, Part 3

Are you ready for the next part of the virtual journey? So far we have traveled to Fayette Counties in Georgia, Alabama and Texas. Today, we will go from Texas to Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana.

NCTC presents "M.A.S.H."-themed murder mystery

You want a mystery? A dinner? A drink or two? A murder? You got it. Newnan Community Theatre Company's spring Murder Mystery Fundraiser got a little sidetracked, but it has finally shown up on the "Radar."

Reynolds' star rising

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

Religion

Wedding vows mean cutting a deal and sticking to it
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Remember the words, "For better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish until death do us part." He said those words and she said the same words constituting a covenant. A covenant happens when two people cut a deal with one another, declaring the parameters by which and to which their relationship can be stretched and tried.

Mission Maniacs of Fayetteville First UMC Get Busy

The "Mission Maniacs," is a lively group of third, fourth, and fifth graders who meet Sunday nights at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church to "grow in their faith and discover the joy found by reaching out to others in need."

Judy Reamer will speak at 'Ladies Delight' at P'tree City First Baptist

Atlanta's Judy Reamer will be the guest speaker at "Ladies Delight" scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church in Peachtree City.

Fayette Presbyterian features 'Connection Sunday' this week

The Fayette community is invited to Connection Sunday, Aug. 17 from 9:25 to 11:00 a.m. at Fayette Presbyterian Church. All Sunday morning learning and fellowship opportunities are part of The Power Source, held from 9:30 to 10:30 weekly.

FUMC will offer Prism program

The Prism Weight Loss Program is coming to Fayetteville First United Methodist Church in August, and the community is invited to attend a free session to preview the program Saturday, Aug. 23, at 9 a.m. in room C-260

Gospel singing in Grantville is Aug. 23

The Lord's House Thrift Store in Grantville will present a free gospel singing Saturday evening, Aug. 23, beginning at 6 p.m., at the old train depot in Grantville. The event will be outdoors, weather permitting.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Judges are warping our democratic system
By MONROE ROARK
mroark@TheCitizenNews.com

How many people are actually paying attention to where the law is going in this country?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gay theology is 'cancer' in the Body of Christ

Sad state of the modern Church: How far will Christians remove themselves from the traditional and Biblical teachings of faith?

What's sad: Ridicule of gays in the name of a loving God

Linda Harvey, in her article against homosexual marriage, makes a good point when she states, "If same-sex relationships become the law of the land, then homosexual marriage will be presented to America's schoolchildren as the equivalent of heterosexual marriage." If that occurs, then America will be guilty of teaching tolerance instead of intolerance and God only knows where that may lead us.

School buses bypassing subdivisions: Why weren't we notified?

As the mother of a kindergartner, thus new to the Fayette County School System, I was more than dismayed at the news that the bus system was bypassing my neighborhood. As I search for information as to why one of my reasons for 13 years of paying taxes in Peachtree City has been taken away without my input, I am getting angry and upset.

Bad bus route decisions now aggravated by official rudeness

I read your article about school bus stop changes [The Peachtree Citizen Review, Aug. 8], as I am one of the angry parents that phoned in to the county on Friday.

Pinching pennies not good excuse to jeopardize kids' safety

I am a 35-year-old native of Fayette County. My wife and I are raising three children, two of whom attend middle school.

Solution: Set up task force, sell Hwy. 54 land

To Peachtree City Council: This presentation is on behalf of Direct PAC, a political action committee in Peachtree City. As we have tried to emphasize since our formation earlier this year, we are much more interested in "action" than we are in "politics." As is stated on the home page of our website: "Our organization will take positions on the issues we care about. If we agree with what our leaders are doing, we'll say so. If we don't agree, we'll say so, and we'll propose alternative solutions."

PTC Council inconsistent with financial decisions

Many citizens may not be aware of the inconsistency displayed by our current city council. While publicly vocalizing a budget crisis requiring either employee layoffs or significant tax increases they continue to make decisions as a council that are blatant wastes of money. Some members are talking about cutting jobs to correct the budget problem, while others take a more liberal approach and recommend raising our taxes. They blame a drastic decline in revenues from many sources, but fail to mention their gross display of superfluous spending as a cause of the problem.

Cart drivers just like any other: Get a license first

I have worked in Peachtree City for over 10 years and lived in Peachtree City for the past three years. I have always wondered how you could drive a golf cart on the streets without a driver's license.

Laggard letters open eyes: How about left turners?

Not only have you opened a can of worms with this "laggard" issue, but more importantly, you've opened quite a few eyes! Maybe you should start a page dedicated to "rules of the road." One writer from last week, Mr. Trapaga, could be the editor. He quoted many valid points from the Georgia State Driver's Manual, which obviously many people did not even know existed, much less have read.

Where's that traffic light that's needed at Hood Ave./Hwy. 85?

It is my understanding that several years ago a signal light was approved for the Hood Avenue-Ga. Highway 85 intersection by the state of Georgia. The light is needed to allow those traveling east on Hood Avenue to get onto Hwy. 85 safely.

State law specifically states, Move to the right to let faster drivers pass

I have watched with interest and amusement as several of the more vocal in the community have justified their reasons for traveling in the left lane. From militant enforcers of the speed limit, to "my right to drive" have all been thrown about. I have also been entertained by your labels of each other. It borders on childish, that such behavior is tolerated on highways by adults.

Left-lane laggard drives with flashers

A driver poking along in the left lane of a four lane highway is bad enough. But to add insult to injury why do some of those pokers have their emergency flashers on when driving down the highway?