Wednesday, September 24, 2003

News

Resignation rocks PTC Auth.

The resignation letter Tuesday from the vice chairman of the Peachtree City Development Authority lays out a devastating picture of an appointed government entity facing unforecast cash flow problems, an undisclosed $366,306 sponsorship obligation and an unfocused budgeting process still without "an adequate level of knowledge and control over the accounting function" a year after an independent audit called for such rudimentary accounting procedures.

State: Pye Lake dam must be replaced

A recent inspection of the Pye Lake dam revealed several problems that could lead to a breach of the dam during a heavy rain event, causing a flood that would endanger the lives of those who live nearby, a state official said Friday.

PTC councilwoman's son in coma after shooting

An Opelika, Ala. police officer who is the son of Peachtree City Councilwoman Annie McMenamin remained in a coma Tuesday afternoon after he was shot Friday morning while investigating a domestic violence report, police said.

County grumbles about TDK, Hwy. 54 delays

At this pace, it's anybody's bet which of two road projects bridging the Fayette-Coweta county line will be the first to the finish.

PTC delays tax bill mailing

Peachtree City officials have pushed back the date for final public hearings on a 12.3 percent tax increase past the start of the new fiscal year.

Tyrone man dies of self-inflicted gunshot at town's Founders Day

Three Tyrone police officers and another city employee witnessed a Tyrone man shoot and kill himself Saturday morning just after the town's Founders Day festivities began, police said.

Routine roadwork forces detours along Hwy. 74 S

Peachtree City drivers who frequent the industrial park are reminded of two areas where routine maintenance projects could delay traffic through the end of this week.

County set to lower tax rate

The Fayette County Commission is expected to drop its millage rate tomorrow night and provide some tax relief to citizens.

Traffic stop leads to drug suspects at PTC hotel

Six people were arrested early Monday morning on various drug charges as suspects encountered on a traffic stop led to other suspects in a hotel room at the Days Inn on Ga. Highway 54 West.

Only one decision for Tyrone voters as Redwood runs unopposed

The residents of Tyrone will only have one decision to make at the polls this November, mainly because Councilman Ray Bogenschutz elected to step down from his position this fall, leaving resident Lyn Redwood unopposed for his seat.

Schools' e-mail system, Web site back up after bug

Fayette County Schools systems managers have finally rid the district’s computer network of the killer virus that first infected it nearly two weeks ago.

Car wash agrees to all conditions, drawing up final site plan

The Target is still up in the air, but it looks like the car wash is coming.

Sandy Creek student hit by car dies in hospital

A Sandy Creek High School student who was hit by a car on Jenkins Road last week died Thursday when he was taken off life support, officials said.

PTC man arrested after threatening 5 people with knife

Peachtree City Police arrested a man Thursday who held five people at bay with a butcher knife at the Ridgefield condominium complex.

Amphitheater auction benefits Fayette's Special Olympics

A special auction will be held during intermission of the Hall and Oates concerts at Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27. The auctions will benefit the Fayette County Special Olympics program.

Fayetteville man heads Ga. Probation Division

A Fayetteville man has been named the head of Georgia's probation system.

Fayetteville residents might pay $3 a month for stormwater improvements

To help finance improvements to Fayetteville's stormwater drainage system and a three-man crew to maintain the system city officials plan to issue $1.6 million in revenue bonds later this year so the money will be available immediately.

Bank across Fayette-Clayton line robbed Monday morning

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking for a man who fired his pistol to take over a Riverdale branch bank Monday morning during a robbery, causing customers to dive for cover.

Band to hold dinner/silent auction Oct. 4

Whether it is with chicken sandwiches, diamonds, or cash, the Rising Starr Middle School Symphonic Band is finding local folks ready and willing to support the band’s trip to Chicago in December, where it will perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Anti-bullying program extends to after school

After-school students will be accentuating the positive this year.

State GOP teens launch walk-a-thon for redistricting awareness

Georgia’s Teenage Republicans participated in the Redistricting Walk-A-Thon this weekend to promote awareness of the ills of redistricting in Georgia and raise money for their for their future efforts.

Georgia Military College scholarship applications available

Members of the Georgia Senate are looking for a few good men and women who are interested in attending Georgia's Military Colleges on a scholarship.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Wedding Announcements

Health Wise

Join in their world
By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

I picked up my six-year-old son from school a few days ago. Rain was starting to fall and as we drove home the raindrops spread across the windshield and ran in horizontal lines across the side glass. I watched my son out of the corner of my eye as he traced the lines in the water on the inside of the glass with his finger.

Get fit: Weight management

There are a lot of myths and misinformation pertaining to weight loss and management. Perhaps such is the reason for so much fear and confusion when trying to understand and cope with the issues of ‘fatness’, being overweight and obesity. This week’s article will focus on facts, rather than review the myths.

Get that annual breast screening

In recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Georgia's BreasTEST & MORE Program wants to remind our clients who received mammograms and clinical exams last year that once is not enough. The best way to fight breast cancer is through regular screening, even if last year's tests were normal.

Art Linkletter to speak at benefit

He's 91 and still going strong.

Southern Regional sponsors prostate seminar

Throughout the Southern Crescent, men are taking an active part in the fight against prostate cancer. And Southern Regional Health System is helping in their efforts.

About chronic fatigue syndrome

According to the CDC, in order to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a person has to be suffering from the following symptoms:

New device repairs holes in heart without surgery

The Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center recently became one of the few sites around the country and the only one in Georgia outside of Emory University Hospital in Atlanta to offer a new device that repairs certain holes in the heart, without surgery.

Vitamins and minerals: More may be better

Most people know taking vitamins and minerals is good for their health. But did you know that there are more than 20,000 studies in the National Library of Medicine showing the increased health benefits of vitamins and some essential minerals at higher levels than the U.S. government Recommended Daily Allowances?

Eliminate acne without the side effects

Acne is a condition that affects almost everyone at some time in their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. And although it is most common among adolescents, some people continue to be affected into their forties and fifties.

Business

Aerial Perspectives brings helicopter service to south metro Atlanta

Based at Peachtree City Falcon Field, Aerial Perspectives provides state-of-the-art, affordable, helicopter charter service throughout the Southeast.

Some tips to make your marketing plan work

Time-pressured business owners may be so focused on running their companies that they often fail to devote time to marketing their services and products. The Georgia Society of CPAs points out that marketing your business is critical to future growth because it can help build and retain a loyal customer base. Here are some suggestions from CPAs on how to get your marketing plan off the ground.

Offshoot unites coffee house scene with bluegrass music

Offshoot Productions' Stars on the Southern Crescent coffee houses have always been one of the best bargains in the area. The audience gets top-notch local and regional entertainment at a nearby venue with the promise of delicious desserts and beverages.

Kiwanis Fair brings in top-notch entertainment

Visitors to the Fayette County Kiwanis Fair know that there will be lots of fun rides to ride and games to play, as well as lots of exhibits to peruse and food to eat. This year's fair will also offer up some fine musical selections as well, promising a little something for everybody.

Hall and Oates close out summer concert series

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater has had a rockin' good concert series this year, offering a mix of entertainers from a number of different eras.

Rotary Fall Festival returns for 12th year

Typically, the Stonewall Complex in Fayetteville is used for getting the tag for your car each year. It is also the site for a number of festivals and events throughout the year. This year will mark the 12th annual Rotary Club of Fayetteville's Fall Festival and will feature a car show, country music, festival food and a number of arts and crafts vendors.

Local group is a home away from home for writers

Helen Parker Steele has finally found a new family and a home away from home. It is the Fayette Writers Group, which meets every Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. Steele is the secretary for the group.

New theater group to hold auditions for comedy/mystery

Fayette Coweta Family Theatre has started a new theater company called Sharpsburg on Stage, which will present two one-act comedy/mysteries in November at the A&O Bridges Community Building as a benefit for the Sharpsburg Library Fund. The plays that will be presented are "Not My Cup of Tea," and "Next Victim, Please."

The best show you aren't watching

What if the world around you and the people who inhabit it weren't real? Each day major plot points were being scripted by writers and your every move was followed by camera crews. Worse, the people you thought you knew aren't who they claimed to be, but actors. What would you do? How would you react when the truth was finally revealed? Would you ever figure it out if they didn't tell you?

Fischer teaching Pilates at The Studio

"Tegan Fischer has joined the professional dance faculty at The Studio in Fayetteville," announced artistic director Magdalena Maury.

Religion

Top ten advantages of married life
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Let me conclude my series on marriage by thanking everyone who took the time to call and send me a note indicating your appreciation for unique and positive perspectives related to marriage. Far too often all we hear and read are the "gloom and doom" aspects of marriage. Having been married for nearly 29 years, I believe long-term marriage has received a bum rap and needs an advocate. I know from personal experience that marriage has afforded me many more benefits than liabilities.

North Fayette UMC to present anniversary program Sept. 28

Members of North Fayette United Methodist Church will present a special program this Sunday to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The program, "The Co-Pilot is NOT the Captain," will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the church activities center.

Coweta's Christ the King Church plans weekend dedicated to healing, training, prayer Sept. 26-28

The Rev. Canon Mark Pearson of New Hampshire will lead a weekend of healing, training and prayer at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Coweta County Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27. Pearson's wife, Dr. Mary Grace Pearson, a physician and president of New Creation Healing Center, also will speak at Sunday morning services, Sept. 28, at 8 and 10 a.m.

Flat Creek Baptist marriage seminar deadline is Oct. 1

A two-day marriage enrichment weekend is planned for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11, 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. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 1. The cost is $25 per couple.

Fayetteville prayer walk will continue through Saturday

Jon and Cindy Watson are asking members of the community to join them this Saturday morning to walk "through the land and pray, claiming it for the Lord." The Watsons have been meeting others at 9 a.m. at the gazebo in Fayetteville each Saturday during September, dividing the city into different sections to pray until they have walked the length and breadth of the city.

Salem Camp Meeting starts Friday

The Rev. Dr. William L. Self, currently pastor of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, and previously pastor of Atlanta's Wieuca Road Baptist Church, will preach camp meeting services at the historic Salem Camp Ground, Friday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m. The services will include time-tested gospel singing and original anthems sung by the Meridian Chorale directed by Steven Darsey.

Body of Christ Church to host family events

The Body of Christ Church International, U.S.A., in College Park, will host three "family events" during the month of October.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Authority should fire director, then offer their own resignations
By CAL BEVERLY
Publisher

It's clear now, even to the willfully blind, the Development Authority of Peachtree City (DAPC) is incapable of managing its own financial affairs. And it's similarly clear that the Authority's executive director is out of control. He should be fired forthwith.

Conservatives differ in views on government, business, immigration
By RAYMOND J. KEATING
Chief Economist
Small Business Survival Committee

Those of us who call ourselves conservatives obviously agree on a wide range of political, economic, cultural and philosophical issues. If we didn't, conservatism would be meaningless. However, this doesn't mean we agree on everything.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To: Members, Development Authority of Peachtree City
From: R. Scott Bradshaw
Re: Reasons for my resignation from the DAPC

I submitted my resignation from the Development Authority of Peachtree City effective this date and owe you an explanation because of your kindness during my tenure on the Authority. Your sense of commitment as individuals and your willingness to spend many thankless hours on Authority business are a decided asset to the Authority. Another strength of the authority is the strong unity of purpose and compatibility that exists within the group. My sense is that my resignation will make it easier for you to maintain unity of purpose and compatibility in resolving the issues and problems facing the Authority.

Griffin Tech pioneered ESL classes in Fayette

This letter is in response to your reporter J. Frank Lynch's article entitled, "Local church leads the way with English outreach to immigrants." His story was about the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the First Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

With realistic prices, Shadows' recipes live on at new location

As one of the owners of Mike and C's, I felt that a response was in order in regards to "Restaurant's passing leaves dark shadow" [Letters, The Citizen, Sept. 17].

Kourajian runs in PTC

[Editor's note: The Citizen will publish candidacy announcements and letters from or about candidates and their positions on the Letters pages. Such letters will be printed until the week before the elections. In the last issue before the elections, no letters will be printed that raise new issues or charges; only previously raised issues or replies to those issues will be printed that week.]

Price announces for F'ville #1

On Nov. 4, 2003, the city of Fayetteville will have an election for Post 1 on city council. This year a new candidate with fresh ideas will be available for the voters choice. Wilson Price is that candidate.

City budget crunch can be traced to four causes

Peachtree City has a new budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, and the city's running a deficit.

Tennant's financial history includes filing bankruptcy

I attended the Sept. 4 Peachtree City Council meeting at which the FY 2004 city budget was voted on. Council member Dan Tennant voted against it, then read a prepared statement explaining his reasoning. His attempt was to convince us he isn't playing politics and is fiscally responsible. That's just not the case.

Tennant: I made mistakes, but learned from them, too

Divorce is a very difficult thing to endure, not only the actual process, but the aftermath, particularly when children are involved. I went through a painful divorce in 2000, but have subsequently married a wonderful woman, Robin, and "inherited" a terrific stepson, Shelby. Robin, Shelby, my two young sons and I have created a very happy and fun-loving new blended family. Regrettably, my relationship with my ex-wife is still strained, and that is very unfortunate.

Crash landing story slanted

As usual I am shocked at the slant reporters and editors tend to put on their stories, in particular the quote by [Peachtree City Fire Chief] Stony Lohr that indicates the airplane that crash-landed was a "flying gas tank."

School board must place children's safety at top

I have been watching the controversy over the school busing with great interest because I have a 5-year-old grandson that goes to school and he has lost his ride.

PTC's cart path system going to the dogs . . . and cats, too

I agree with Mr. Sutliff in that the path system in Peachtree City is going to the dogs. When we moved to Peachtree City in 1984 there was much more appreciation for the cart path system and people showed that appreciation by keeping their animals on leashes.

Bible contradictory on many issues, can be taken differently

Congratulations, Mr. Hoffman, for countering my letter with the most elaborately Southern and almost painfully simple "love every one and help them along to Christ" motto-ridden letter.