Wednesday, August 20, 2003

News

School Board listens in silence as parents plead for full return of bus service

The Fayette County School Board, seemingly blind-sided by the growing ill will from parents to changes in the district's busing policy, will form a "Transportation Task Force" within the week, to come up some quick-fix compromises for restoring service as soon as possible.

A new county police force? No way, say 2 officials

Despite some rumors to the contrary, two county officials strongly deny there are any plans or intentions for making the Fayette County Marshal's Office into a de facto county police department.

PTC eyes rate hike to maintain current budget

Peachtree City taxpayers who want to see what all the fuss has been about regarding the proposed FY04 budget can download the document off the city's web page for personal inspection. Hard copies are also available at City Hall.

Bad-mouthed teen tackled by PTC cop

A police officer who noticed a young girl crying on a cart path Saturday afternoon was led right to the suspect who made several unsolicited remarks to her moments before, police said.

PTC man places 6th at Badwater Ultramarathon

Imagine running from Fayette County to Chattanooga, in temperatures as high as 130 degrees and with a change in altitude of nearly 9,000 feet over the length of the course.

Tyrone to look at liquor issue again tomorrow night

Are you a Tyrone resident who has wanted to get more involved in politics or at least see how a town council meeting works? If so, you'll get your chance this week.

Former city attorney to argue again to council this week

This time, Rick Lindsey may have dodged his own bullet.

PTC police arrest 2 for check forgery at Wal-Mart

Two College Park men were arrested last Tuesday after passing forged checks at the Peachtree City Wal-Mart, police said.

Board vote makes cell phones legal

Between blocks of public testimony on school bus route changes, the Fayette County Board of Education did manage to conduct some binding business Monday night.

Limited space remains for CCSU students at Fayette center

Although the fall 2003 semester at Clayton State started this past Monday morning, there are still a few spaces open for previously enrolled students wishing to attend classes at the Fayette County Higher Education Center in Peachtree City.

PTC Council sued for inaction on car wash appeal

The Peachtree City Council has been sued for failing to vote on a property owner's appeal of a plan for a car wash in the Kedron Village area that was denied by the city's planning commission.

Scout honored this weekend

Fayetteville Boy Scout Troop 201 will recognize Sean David Wetli, 15, at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Sunday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Woodcreek clubhouse in Fayetteville. Sean was officially awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America May 20 after completing the extensive requirements set forth by that organization.

Deadline for rafting trip signup is Aug. 22

The Fayette County Recreation Department will take a trip to the Nantahala River in North Carolina for a Whitewater Rafting Adventure. The cost for this day trip is $60 per person (transportation included). Participants must weigh a minimum of 60 lbs. This trip is perfect for families, first-timers, and staff/corporate outings. Deadline for registration is Aug. 22. Space is limited. Call 770-461-9714 for details.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Dining Guide

Europe on training wheels
By F.C. FOODIE
Food Critic

 

For Fayette foodies who want a taste of Europe without a seven- to 10-hour plane ride, I highly recommend a quick, end-of-summer getaway to Montreal.

Take a trip to the moon it's not too far away

A lone coyote howling in the desert, surrounded by cacti lifting their arms, perhaps in praise of the food. He's got something to howl about.

Everybody go nuts

The peanut is making its way back into everything

Tips for keeping your backyard barbeques 'BAC'-free

For most Americans, summer conjures up thoughts of backyards, blue skies, and barbeques. It's a time for get-togethers with good friends and good food. Unfortunately, food safety is often overlooked and can ruin an otherwise festive gathering. A few simple tips can help you "Fight BAC!" (bacteria) and make your backyard barbeques a sizzling success.

Business

Ball gets new sponsor

MarySue Goza, co-chairperson of the First Annual Cattle Barons' Ball of Fayette County, has "rounded up" a group of local surgeons to join the fundraising festivities this coming October.

CCSU business alumni meet tomorrow

If you are a graduate of Clayton State's School of Business or business program, the Clayton State Alumni Association invites you to the first ever School of Business alumni meeting, tomorrow in room 101 of the Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education located on the Clayton State main campus in Morrow.

Addressing ethics and behavior is important

In business, as in life, knowing exactly the right course of action can be challenging.

Barnes and Noble to host authors and Hawks Saturday

Since it opened, the Barnes and Noble in Fayetteville has offered citizens in the community unique opportunites to meet some of their favorite authors, as well as to participate in workshops, seminars and meetings. This Saturday will be no different, as there will be two programs occuring simultaneously at the store.

Atlanta Ballet promises enchanting season

Some people believe that ballet is not for everybody, but the Atlanta Ballet is going out of its way to prove that this simply is not true. The 2003-04 season has recently been announced and it appears to offer something for everyone in the family.

Fernbank wishes a happy birthday to Giants of the Mesozoic

It was between 248 and 65 million years ago that dinosuars like the Gigantosaurus or the Argentinosaurus walked the earth. It has been two years since the Giants of the Mesozoic exhibiton began at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Saturday will be a birthday of sorts for the world's largest dinosaurs and everyone is invited.

Fayette across America the final chapter

This is the last installment of the virtual road trip to all of the Fayette Counties in the United States. Last week we left off in Fayette County, Indiana, where there was not that much to do. This week, we will travel from Indiana to Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Tennessee.

Tyrone granting applications for Founders Day events

The 27th Tyrone Founders Day Committee is accepting applications for the following events for Tyrone Founders Day, Sept. 19-21; Arts/Crafts/Food Application, Parade Application, Golf Tournament, Entertainment (Karaoke & Tyrone Idol), Ice Cream Eating Contest and "Spirit of Tyrone" Award. You may request an application by e-mailing tyronerec@numail.org or you contact Kim Stephens at 770-487-4694.

'Lion in Winter' auditions in Newnan next week

Newnan Community Theatre is holding auditions for "The Lion in Winter." This show will be directed by Caroline Carr. The auditions will take place at NCTC in downtown Newnan Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 25-26, at 7 p.m. The show will run Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 17-Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.

Jr. Master Gardener program starts this fall

Does you child enjoy digging in the dirt, playing with worms, eating insects or picking your neighbor's flowers? If so, he or she sounds like a candidate for an exciting new program offered by the Fayette County Extension Service, the Junior Master Gardener program.

Religion

Marriage in trouble? Get counseling now!
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

This column is directed at all supposed heterosexual couples who are married and who attend church. Indeed, if you are married as a Steve and an Eve, you have the basic foundations for God's initial plans all along: one man and one woman.

Flat Rock A.M.E. will celebrate

149 years with all-day celebration

Moms for Moms kicks off fall season at First Baptist in PTC

The Moms for Moms group at the First Baptist Church in Peachtree City will have its fall kickoff meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 9:15 a.m. with guest speaker Fran Krigline of Walking in Joy Ministries. Krigline, a former area resident, is now pursuing a master of divinity degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the mother of three, a former teacher, and teaches a weekly ladies Bible study and an adult Sunday School class.

Outreach Center to offer grief recovery group in September

Outreach International Center will offer a community-wide Grief Recovery Group beginning Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. The group will continue to meet the second Tuesday of each month at the facilities of Outreach International Center (OIC), 1091 South Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville (one block north of the intersections of Inman, County Line, Northbridge, and Jeff Davis Roads.

Disney spurs local kids to take charity into their own hands

Fayette County's nine-year-old Megan Preston and her neighbor, ten-year-old Lauren Brann, really have an idea of what it's like to be good Samaritans. The two recently collected 130 food items for the Fayette Samaritans Food Bank not through a school or church sponsored program but totally on their own.

Matthew Winn joins Braelinn Baptist as executive pastor

Braelinn Baptist Church's senior pastor Keith Moore announced recently that Matthew Winn has been called to serve Braelinn as executive pastor. Winn's previous position was as the southeast region leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers' small business consulting practice headquartered in Atlanta. Winn and his family will move to the area from their North Georgia farm in Calhoun.

Hopewell's homecoming is Sunday

Hopewell United Methodist Church will celebrate its 149th homecoming this Sunday, Aug. 24. Sunday School will be at 9:45 a.m. and morning worship will be at 11 a.m. The Rev. Ed Nelson, a former pastor, will deliver the message.

FUMC will offer Prism program

The community is invited to attend a free preview of the Prism Weight Loss Program this Saturday, Aug. 23, at 9 a.m. in room C-260 of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.The program will be offered beginning this month.

Registration open for Moms Morning Out

Fayette Presbyterian Church at 791 Forest Avenue (Hwy 92 North) is offering a Mom's Morning Out Program for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Registrations are now being accepted for the 2003-2004 session, which begins Sept. 2.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Budget crunch arrives: Some politicians are in fiscal denial
By CAL BEVERLY
editor@thecitizennews.com

Local governing officials, city and county, are just now waking up to their own official stock market crashes. The dot-com bubble that decimated millions of private portfolios has now worked its way down to affecting taxes.

Bus route fiasco lesson: Parents, get involved
By J. FRANK LYNCH
jflynch@theCitizenNews.com

Back in January, the fine residents of Clayton County woke up one morning to find that the new majority-black county school board had up and fired a well-liked white superintendent, without warning or justification.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Saving a gallon of gas vs. saving a child's life

We understand that in an effort to cut fuel and other expenses, the Fayette County Board of Education Transportation Department is limiting bus stops to neighborhood entrances. We find this appalling. Apparently, the value of a gallon of fuel is more precious than the safety of our children.

No 1st grader should have to wait on busy PT Parkway

There is no reason a 6-year-old should have to walk by himself 0.3 mile to wait for a bus. Six-year olds should not be anywhere near Peachtree Parkway! I have an infant at home and I have to wake her up and put her in her car seat and drive my son to the top of the subdivision. I might as well drive him to school.

Can't get through to school officials about bus safety

I read the article [on school bus route changes] and I wanted to let you know that the story is not only in Peachtree City. It's in Fayetteville also. I have sent e-mails each day this week to Mr. Fred Oliver at the Board of Education and Pam Holt at the transportation department asking for justification and a change. From front to back of my subdivision is only 0.4 of a mile [but] they are asking that [my child] be picked up and dropped off at the entrance to our subdivision which is on Ga. Highway 54 in Fayetteville.

BOE made wise decision; parents, take responsibility

For nine years my mother participated in a carpool to take my brother and me to and from the bus stop which was at least a half mile from our home. She never asked the school system to spend $1.25 million to make her life a little more convenient. I doubt that thought even crossed her mind.

Making 7-year-olds walk in dark not bright idea

I am appalled at the new policy of the school board as it concerns picking up children from the Sandown Creek subdivision in Peachtree City. Last year, and in previous years, children were always picked up on the street that they lived. This year, it is my understanding that they must walk to McIntosh Trail, and wait across the street for the school bus to pick them up. This is dangerous and lacks any sensible thought-process in making this decision.

Former city officials' own words: Budget woe ahead

I picked up the phone on Aug. 6 and someone was calling offering me a job. He told me that Bob Lenox and my mayoral opponent Gary Rower wrote in the newspaper that I was unemployed. The next day, two more offers. Although I was flattered by the offers, I am not looking for a job. That was just Bob and Gary trying to be mean.

Tennant: Need to figure how to do more for less

I wanted to correct an inaccurate report in last Wednesday's Citizen and expand on it, as well.

McMenamin should apologize for calling PTC citizens 'spoiled'

I would like to respond to Peachtree City Council member Annie McMenamin's comments as stated in the article titled "PTC considers $26M budget." After reading what she had to say related to a way of saving money proposed by Councilman Tennant, my hot breath almost scorched the paper. McMenamin stated, "Look, the people who live here are spoiled, and they don't mind paying to be spoiled." She was justifying a small tax increase.

God's love and gay 'love' not synonymous terms

Last week, Mr. Jeff Ellis expressed his concern about the intolerance of someone who doesn't support gay marriage. He also affirmed the hypocrisy of rejecting homosexual "love" in the name of God.

Should Christians begrudge gays their right to happiness?

Sexual abuse in the Catholic church, the possible division of the Episcopal Church and the rapid corruption of many Protestant churches. Aren't these topics more relevant and cancerous to the Christian religion today than the personal choice of homosexuality?

Some suggestions to make driving safer, better for us all

I have a follow-on to the letter written by James Greer, published in The Citizen Aug. 13.