Wednesday, November 12, 2003

News

Rutherford: ‘I intend to keep my job’

Who is Judi-ann Rutherford’s employer?

PTC nears takeover of tennis center

The Peachtree City Tourism Association, Inc., will gather for its first working meeting today following a 3-2 City Council decision that created the non-profit agency. The new group previously met for organizational purposes Monday morning.

Westside: ‘You have to see it to believe it’

Welcome to Peachtree City!

Brown applauds Hwy. 74 widening

When state Sen. Mitch Seabaugh broke the news last week that the widening of Ga. Highway 74 South would be moved up to begin in 2005, some of the county’s most well-connected movers and shakers appeared to be caught by surprise.

Anti-smoking activist urges county: Ban all public smoking

The Fayette County Commission got an earful last week about imposing a smoking ban in public places.

Victims still blamed in some domestic violence cases

Although no deaths in Fayette County this year have been attributed to domestic violence, there is still plenty of room for local education on the issue, according to Bonnie Campbell, executive director of the Fayette County Council on Domestic Violence.

City e-mail takes steps to respect worker privacy

Electronic corrrespondence sent from city or county employees got a little wordier recently, as an effort is being made to comply with recently enforced federal privacy laws.

Cox names two from Sandy Creek to first Student Advisory Council

Two students from Tyrone’s Sandy Creek High School have been named to the first Student Advisory Council organized by State Superintendent Kathy Cox, it was announced last week.

Fayetteville OKs study of Pye Lake area with temporary fix

Fayetteville officials are making plans to mitigate the potential danger of Pye Lake breeching its dam and to study the watershed in the area to determine how to best avoid flooding in the area.

Deputy arrests man at school for drug possession

A Riverdale man was arrested for possession of drugs on school property at Our Lady of Mercy in north Fayette Friday evening.

Police Blotter

Flood insurance on the decrease

Flood insurance rates in unincorporated Fayette County will be reduced by 15 percent effective May 1, 2004. Based on credit points verified the by Insurance Services Office, Inc., and upon acceptance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Unincorporated Fayette County, Georgia will receive a Community Rating System (CRS) classification of 7.

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Real Estate

New faces in new places in local real estate

Metro Brokers sponsors, builds Habitat house

Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate recently sponsored and built its first Habitat house in College Park for a single mother of twin boys. The blitz build, constructing a home in one week, took place at Faith Cove near Godby Road with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the end of the week.

Discount broker the perfect alternative to ‘For Sale by Owner’

You may have experienced it firsthand, or perhaps you know someone who chose the “for sale by owner” option over the traditional method of retaining a professional real estate agent to sell their home.

Home buyer workshop scheduled at Walden Lake

Brayson Homes is hosting a Home Buyers Workshop Saturday, Nov. 15, at a model home in its Walden Lake condominiums development in Decatur.

Auer named Wieland VP

John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods has named Scott Auer Vice President of the company's South Region in a move that positions the company for further growth and expansion. Wieland's South Region encompasses all of the company's operations on the Southside of Atlanta including Fayette County, South Fulton County and Dekalb County.

Surfus marks 23 years

Sam Surfus is a seasoned veteran of the residential real estate business in Georgia. He has just celebrated his 23nd year selling Real Estate. His sales have primarily been in Fayette, Coweta, and Clayton counties. He has participated in nearly 1,000 sales during his tenure in the business.

Uhl to lead local Keller Williams office

Ginger Uhl is the new team leader of Keller Williams Realty's local Market Center. From its base in Peachtree City, the center serves all of Fayette, Coweta, South Fulton, and Troup counties.

More CCSU students call Clayton Place home

Clayton College & State University students make up 76 percent of the residents of the new Clayton Place apartments adjacent to the university’s campus in Morrow, thanks to the joint efforts of Clayton Place Business Manager Verda Simpson, her Clayton Place team, and Clayton State University staff.

Parker named River Oaks sales manager

John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods has named Elizabeth Parker as the neighborhood sales manager for River Oaks, Wieland's new custom home neighborhood in Tyrone. Priced from the $500s, River Oaks will showcase custom homes from Wieland's custom home division, Colonnade Custom Homes.

Gramm expands to Carolinas

Gramm & Associates, Inc., a leading, full-service real estate development company specializing in new home communities, has announced its expansion to North and South Carolina, solidifying its presence in the marketing of new home communities and new home sales in the Southeast U.S.

Wieland raises contributions for Habitat for Humanity

And the results are in! John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods recently presented the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity chapter nearly $1,800 for its fundraising campaign to house those less fortunate.

Graeagle sites now available

The first section of homesites are now on the market in Graeagle Estates, an exclusive gated community off Georgia Hwy. 27/41 in Meriwether County.

PruGeorgia introduces two new incentives programs for sales associates

Prudential Atlanta/Georgia Realty, one of the oldest and largest residential real estate firms in metro Atlanta, has created two new programs to directly benefit its team of 900+ real estate professionals.

Swainey, Larsen attend RELO Conference

Qualifying Broker and Executive Vice President Janeece Swainey and Relocation Director Tutt Larsen of The Home Source Realtors attended the 2003 RELO Southeastern Regional Conference recently in Tampa, Fla.

Wieland marks 5th record-breaking year in a row

Atlanta-based John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods marked the end of another record-breaking fiscal year in September with gross revenues of $606 million and 1,608 homes closed in 2003.

Assist 2 Sell office gets award

Assist 2 Sell Buyer and Seller Realty Center in Newnan and Peachtree City was recognized for being in the top ten percent of all Assist 2 Sell offices at the annual franchise convention. Assist 2 Sell received the President's Award for excellence for achieving the status of top 10 percent in North America for homes sold in the year 2002. Lyle Martin and Mary Lameres-Pomin, co-founders of the Assist 2 Sell franchise, presented the award at the convention held in Reno, Nev.

Hutcheson earns ABR designation

Loy T. Hutcheson of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Jackson/Butts County office has been awarded the Accredited Buyer Represenatation designation by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council Inc. of the National Association of Realtors.

Villages' preferred lenders named

Four mortgage companies with offices in Fayette County have agreed to become preferred lending partners and marketing partners for The Villages of Lafayette Park, the multiuse community in downtown Fayetteville.

Knight Group celebrates 25 years

A crowd of more than 275 well-wishers turned out for the recent 25th anniversary celebration for The Knight Group, one of the Metro South area’s most active home builders.

Cedarcroft offers custom building

Ravin Homes believes in meeting the needs and desires of its homebuyers, and that’s why the Peachtree City-based company builds very few speculative homes. In fact, probably 95 percent of the company’s homes are sold prior to the start of construction.

The Terrace at Eagle’s Landing has grand opening for Phase III

The final 50 homesites are now available in the third phase of The Terrace at Eagle’s Landing, a new neighborhood in the Eagle’s Landing master-planned community.

Milam Manor now open for sales

Gramm & Associates, Inc., a full-service real estate development company specializing in new home communities,announces the grand opening of the Milam Manor new home community. Two fully decorated model homes are available for viewing on-site.

Legacy Hills model open at Eagle's Landing

Legacy Hills, a neighborhood of upscale homes on estate lots in the Eagle's Landing Country Club community, is now celebrating the grand opening of Lundstrom Homes' new furnished model home.

Tips for managing your credit card debt

As you've probably noticed, despite a slight recent up-tick, mortgage interest rates are still flying at their lowest levels in decades. You've no doubt observed, however, that your credit card rates have not followed suit.

Breathe easier: Test your home for radon

Ask anyone to name the most common cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and you'll probably get the correct answer -- cigarette smoking. But do you know the second leading cause of lung cancer? You may be surprised to learn that it is radon.

Business

Progressive opens local claim office

You don't cook your own food when you go to a restaurant or read your own X-ray when you visit the doctor, so why should you be responsible for managing the repairs when you have an auto insurance claim?

World Air sells $25 million in debt

Peachtree City’s World Airways, Inc. announced that it has entered into agreements with three institutional holders of its eight percent Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures Due 2004. Under the agreements, these investors will acquire $25.545 million principal amount of the company's newly issued six-year eight percent Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures in exchange for $22.545 million principal amount of the Company’s existing 8% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures Due 2004 and $3 million in cash. Additionally, the company plans to call the remaining debentures concurrent with the exchange.

Bank of Georgia gets new chief financial officer

Pat Shepherd, president and CEO of The Bank of Georgia announced that

Nicholson wins Presidential award

Fayetteville resident Debbie Nicholson, a BellSouth supervisor, has received the Presidential Honors Award in BellSouth's Service Leader program. The award is presented to a select group of employees who have demonstrated exemplary service to business, residential, or wholesale customers.

Sharpsburg On Stage to bring one act comedies to area

Fayette Coweta Family Theatre has produced a number of shows, classes and camps for children over the past several years. Now, with their new group, Sharpsburg On Stage, they are offering something for an older and more sophisticated crowd. They will present their inaugural performances of two one act plays, “Not My Cup of Tea,” and “Next Victim, Please” this week at the A&O Bridges Center in Sharpsburg.

Plenty of entertainment in the metro area this weekend

Whether you are a fan of musicals, drama or just plain music, there is a lot going on this week and weekend to keep you entertained.

When you're not exactly who you think you are, or are you?

Have you ever found out that you aren’t the person you think you are? I know it’s a weird question. Perhaps it would be better to say, have you ever found out that people don’t see you the way you think they do?

Two groups to host event to help animals

The Georgia Heartland Humane Society and the Fayette Humane Society will host events Saturday to help the animals.

Sweet music and treats in Fayetteville on Friday

Want to mix a late night snack with some great music? City Cafe and Bakery will present the Rick Massengale Quartet and guest vocalist Amy Chaffin at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. The music will be a mixture of jazz standards and selections by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, johnny Mercer and more. Admission is $19.95 and includes a open dessert buffet and non-alcoholic beverages. Reservations are necessary. phone 770-461-6800

FCHS Class of ‘05 to raise money for prom with “Ladies Day Out”

The Class of 2005 at Fayette County High School would like to invite the public to “Ladies Day Out” at Fayetteville First Baptist Church Nov. 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Religion

Does the Lord have your pocketbook?
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Let me pose a question to you about your church? Is it a “law church” or a “grace church?” A “law church” would be one that majors on keeping all the laws both of the Old Testament and New Testament with a heavy judgment for not keeping the laws. Right standing with God is constantly in jeopardy on the basis of how well you are keeping the laws. To make sure what I am talking about, let me include laws related to staying current on attendance, giving, making confession, and even taking Holy Communion. The “law church” says, in effect, you must stay up-to-date on the laws of the Bible and the church or you are in jeopardy. Your eternal soul stands in limbo.

Wagons ho! LDS members celebrate Pioneer Day

Local LDS members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Whitewater Ward took a day last summer to rally together and celebrate the memory of their ancestors who settled the west and founded the home of the church in Salt Lake City.

Flaherty to speak at Nov. Aglow

Leia D. Flaherty, a single mother with three children, will be the guest speaker at the November meeting of Peachtree City Aglow, Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God on Robinson Road in Peachtree City.

Grace Church invites local pastors to luncheon

Fayette pastors and ministers are invited to a complimentary luncheon Monday, Nov. 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m., sponsored by Mission Jesus and hosted by Grace Evangelical Church, 164 Flat Creek Trail in Fayetteville.

FFUMC ladies craft sale is this Saturday

The United Methodist Women of Fayetteville First United Methodist church will have their 20th annual Craft Sale Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

So whatta you think about the vote?
By CAL BEVERLY
editor@thecitizennews.com

So, what should we think about last Tuesday’s election?

Is it time to amend 1st Amendment?
By JOHN MROSEK

Religion in the federal courts: Is our Thanksgiving holiday at risk?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Splitting circuit seems to have no supporters now

I wrote to all of you Oct. 31 about some apparent scheming to split up the Griffin Judicial Circuit and to make Fayette County into its own judicial district. My letter went to all legislators in the Griffin Circuit, judges, county commissioners, newspapers and radio stations.

Why no black faces in series?

As an African-American citizen of Fayette County, I was disappointed in two pieces in your Nov. 5, 2003 edition. I feel these two items are offensive to African Americans.

Let’s get a race tally in stories

I congratulate Lionel Spearman for exposing the omission of “white male” in the horrific PTC rape-torch case. His sensitivity is very understandable. Increasingly it appears a minority is automatically assumed to be the perpetrator of the crime.

Tennant loss: Who will confront mayor?

I believe Dan Tennant did a great job in responding to the half-truths of Steve Brown. I would have liked to see Dan get another opportunity to represent the people of Peachtree City but this was not in the cards. We need more people like him in public office to stand up to what was accurately termed by Dan as the “unemployed mayor.”

Tennant loss 1st step in removing dividers

Congratulations to Stuart Kourajian on his victory over Dan Tennant for Post 2 on the Peachtree City Council.

Poolman: Councilman must stand up for PTC citizens

First of all I wish to thank the thousands of people that came to the polls to cast a vote Nov. 4. I look forward to receiving your vote again at the Nov. 25 runoff election.

Rutherford has built-in conflict of interest if she wins

It took the Enron situation, for Fortune 500 industries to realize that hiring the consulting firms owned by their big 5 auditing firms was a conflict of interest. What is it going to take for Peachtree City to realize that we should not enter into known conflicts of interest on our City Council?

Behind that red ribbon celebrated in schools is a story

The last week of October again marked National Red Ribbon Week observances all over the U.S. Locally, many of you who have children in public schools again participated in the yearly ritual of promoting in your children the positive message of a drug-free lifestyle.

Let’s give Iraq to U.N. and get out before more are killed

Subject: Welcome to Dien Bien Phu.

Why is this doctor prosecuted?

Fayetteville citizens: Who will your courts prosecute next? A doctor who delivered 1100 babies? A doctor who performed an emergency c-section to save a 10-pound baby whose mom could not push him out? Will it be the president next?

Smoking ban makes sense for life in Fayette

I was somewhat surprised by the media statement that the Commissioners gave a cool reception to the proposed smoking ban in our county. However, I do not know how many of you may be smokers and how much politics and/or revenue enter into the equation but as a lowly taxpayer, I wish to add an additional two cents.