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News
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
and JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com
Facing a threat by the Fayette County Board of Commissioners to tear down a storage shed that also serves as a helicopter hangar, Sheriff Randall Johnson is suing the commission, seeking a temporary injunction to leave the building up until the matter can be settled in court.
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
Facing clogged traffic just about anytime they want to get anywhere in Peachtree City, several residents of the city’s west side urged the city council last week to consider an annexation that could provide some traffic relief.
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
and JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com
The disagreement between the governing bodies of Peachtree City and Fayette County over SPLOST funding for road improvements isn’t getting any less testy.
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
In three months, every person serving alcohol in Peachtree City will be required to undergo a criminal background check to obtain an individual alcohol serving permit.
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
Deputy sheriffs believe a city of Atlanta employee has gotten rich by selling thousands of pounds of brand-new unpainted metal street and traffic signs at a Fayetteville scrap yard.
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com
Faced with too few votes to decide a residential rezoning, Tyrone Town Council members last week delayed a decision on a 19-lot development.
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
A South Fayette man was bitten by a fox Sunday evening, spurring officials to remind cat and dog owners to make sure their pets have current rabies shots.
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com
The newly-formed Peachtree City Tourism Association is about to have its revenue stream in place.
By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com
Among items on the agenda of the Peachtree City Tourism Association was a change order to the Grant Thornton contract. The association would like to add a Section 115 to its IRS request, which is for a 501(c) 6 designation, allowing donations to the association to be tax-deductible. Its attorneys said it could cost as much as $8,500 more to modify the request.
A Peachtree City man has been arrested for tampering with evidence and his wife has been arrested for perjury stemming from a civil case in Fayette County Magistrate Court.
A tip on two individuals who were passed out on a golf cart in the parking lot of the K-mart in Peachtree City led to an arrest after police discovered an Alabama man had suspected heroin, police said.
A Jonesboro woman died early Monday morning in a head-on collision on Ga. Highway 92 about two miles south of Fayetteville, according to deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.
Local attorney Scott Ballard recently announced he will seek election as District Attorney of the Griffin Judicial Circuit, which includes Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) has named the Fayette County School System a 2003-2004 Super District for Quality Schools.
In a press conference scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., local retired military officers and enlisted men will come together at the Old Courthouse in Fayetteville to announce the formation of a Veterans Advisory Committee for Republican congressional candidate Dylan Glenn.
The Prowler, the Starr’s Mill High School newspaper, enjoyed unprecedented success at the recent annual Georgia Scholastic Press Association Awards at the University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady School of Journalism.
Students become the teachers in a new statewide initiative that has recognized several Fayette schools for their development of educational Web sites.
Fayette’s first place School Bus Road-e-o winner Diane Vaughan willrepresent the county at the state competition next month.
With first quarter tag sales tallied and reported, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is encouraged by the number of wildlife license plates purchased throughout the state. From December 2003 to March 2004, more than 117,900 eagle tags and 51,100 bobwhite quail tags have been sold, helping to raise important revenue for their respective programs. If current trends continue, WRD will exceed their projections for the both the bald eagle and the bobwhite quail wildlife tags.
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, hearing that their child has been involved in an automobile accident. It is even more of a nightmare to know that as a parent, there is something you could have done to prevent it.
Business
Many people go through life satisfied with status quo, stomping ants, handling the routine, not reaching their God-given potential. Others make Hippos fly, reaching their potential, accomplishing something major. Which type of person do you want to be?
Local Realtors and others from businesses which support the residential real estate industry are now more familiar with plans for widening and reconstruction of Ga. Highway 34 in Coweta County after attending a recent monthly meeting of the Georgia Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) Fayette chapter.
Health Wise
By Dr. GREG MOFFATT
Contributing Writer
Few topics make parents more nervous than sex education, sexual development, and the sexual behavior of their children. While there are a few sexual behaviors that are highly abnormal in teens (i.e. rape), there is a broad spectrum of behaviors that are not unusual. Parents need to bear in mind that children do not inherently know how to deal with the powerful sexual drives that are not uncommon in adolescence. Just as we must teach our children how to manage their tempers and other emotions, parents also need to teach their children to handle their sexual lives responsibly.
By Dr. MIRONDA D. WILLIAMS
Expecting? Nothing beats good preparation. In every worthwhile endeavor we normally plot a course of action to ensure success. This is just as important as you prepare for your pregnancy.
Here’s news that many parents may find moving.
Patrick Sims, a nine-year employee of District Four Health Services, joined the district’s Emergency Preparedness team May 3 as the public health liaison. He will work with the community and with private healthcare providers to build collaborative partnerships to improve disease surveillance and emergency preparedness within the district.
If you work in retail, medicine, a warehouse or construction, you probably spend the majority of the day on your feet. “It’s just the nature of the business,” said Ron Petty, a developer and contractor in Boone, N.C.
With the hectic schedules of today’s families, it seems as though there is rarely extra time for physical activity. However, David Marshall, M.D., medical director of the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, recommends that families should map out and plan time for activities to ensure they are added to the daily routine. In honor of National Physical Fitness Month, here are some family-friendly outdoor activities recommended for summertime:
Southern Regional Health System’s Oncology Services was granted approval by The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
Summer is approaching and the pools are opening. Parents need to be aware that 62 percent of drownings occur between the months of May and August. A common misconception is that a drowning child will splash, scream and cry out. However, drowning usually occurs quickly and silently. Children need constant adult supervision around water.
Interventional cardiologists at MCG Health System have a new tool to help treat coronary artery disease.
Clinical director Leslie Pope said Outcome Medical’s health fair is designed to provide a new insight into the use of non-narcotic treatments for chronic pain. She said the clinic will have doctors and technicians available to demonstrate the technology and offer free treatments for people who want to experience pain relief without the use of narcotic medications.
For the 10 to 15 percent of Americans suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, there’s good news: knowledge about how to diagnose, manage and treat IBS is increasing. Still, millions of people living with the symptoms of IBS don’t even know they may have the disease. In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders found that less than one in five respondents who are symptomatic have been diagnosed with IBS.
Summer is a time when people head to the beaches to bask in the sun. And despite the best intentions, it is sometimes hard to shake the notion that a bronzed body is a healthy body. The reality is, too much sun can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, on average, a child’s exposure to the sun is three times that of an adult. Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology states that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure is estimated to occur before the age of 18. With the summer season upon us, these are important statistics for the parents of small children to be aware of.
For all you golfers replacing ‘fore’ with ‘sore,’ these simple measures to help avoid back pain or injury are for you:
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, unaware that their home environment can be just as polluted as outdoor air.
PeachFuzz Hair Removal, a new business in Peachtree City, is the only hair removal center in the south metro Atlanta area to offer the new SpectraClear Intense Pulsed Light System. SpectraClear is one of the safest, most comfortable, effective and affordable permanent hair removal systems available on the market today.
Fibromyalgia is a painful muscle disorder that affects millions of people, but is generally misunderstood. It is a multiple-symptom syndrome primarily involving widespread muscle pain (myalgia), which can be debilitating in its severity. The pain seems to be caused by the tightening and thickening of the myofascia, the thin film or tissue that holds the muscles together. Fibromyalgia, also called fibrositis, shares many of the same symptoms as chronic fatigue syndrome, including headaches, debilitating fatigue, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, and digestive problems.”
One of the most popular gifts given to hospital patients are balloons, but you could be delivering more than a thoughtful gift to your family member or friend, especially if the patient is a child. Since most balloons are made from latex, they, along with common medical supplies like gloves, tubing and tape, may contribute to the concern of latex allergy in medical facilities today.
There is good news for many expectant families: Banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells could save a family member’s life. Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. That blood is a rich source of stem cells genetically unique to your baby and family. Preserving your baby’s cord blood is similar to taking out a biological insurance policy for your family. Stem cells are used to treat cancer and many other serious conditions.
Sports
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com
The Starr’s Mill Panthers have been hitting up a storm since the state playoffs began. They have scored 41 runs in four games and have allowed six runs, five of which came in one game against Valdosta. Today, they travel to Parkview High School to take on those Panthers for a chance to advance to the state semifinals.
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com
Peachtree City resident Barbara Corley, 52, has dreamed for 30 years of riding a bicycle across the country. This summer, she and three other people will make the journey from Oregon to Savannah. The trip is close to 4,300 miles and will last approximately three months.
The Starr’s Mill varsity baseball team plays in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals tonight at Parkview. If they win, they play in the state semifinals. If they lose, the high school athletic season is over and the long, hot, starved for sports news, summer officlally begins.
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com
BlazeSports Georgia, an athletic program for children and adults with physical disabilities, started in 1998. Named after the Atlanta Paralympic Games mascot, Blaze, the goal was to offer year-round local programs delivered by the community recreation provider. The Fayette County Recreation Department has offered Blaze programs in tennis and basketball for several years, but would like to see participation numbers increase.
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com
The Jackson Rage had blasted the Southern Crescent Lightning 86-65 at Starr’s Mill High School earlier this year and the Lightning was definitely looking for revenge this past weekend.
Weekend
Memorial Day planners in Peachtree City are finalizing plans as they prepare for the 6th annual Peachtree City Memorial Day celebration May 31 starting at 7:30 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to come out early to celebrate the true purpose of Memorial Day - to honor those who have died in service to our country - before enjoying the rest of the holiday with family and friends.
By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com
The school halls are about to empty and kids everywhere are looking forward to getting a break from homework and report cards. Teachers get a brea,k too, but summertime has something else in store for the student body.
Fayetteville is “celebrating America” in a big way on Saturday with the help of the well-known Atlanta Pops orchestra directed by John Head. It will be a true American tribute with a program that includes vocal and instrumental arrangements of America the Beautiful; You’re a Grand Old Flag, God Bless America, the Armed Services Medley, Stars and Stripes Forever and more. The program is free and residents are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets, and chairs and blankets. Seating will also be available at the amphitheater.
A chess club is now meeting at Joe Muggs at the Peachtree City Books-A-Million on Tuesday and Friday evenings, from 7 until 10. The group started with one person, and has grown to about 10 consistent players, but there are sometimes around 20-30 people there playing chess.
Matthew White of Fayetteville, Ga., spent March 21 in the New Mexico desert, competing in a 26.2-mile road march, placing third in his category.
Fayette County Schools, along with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, honored the system’s more than 200 partners in education during a special recognition breakfast at the Wyndham Conference Center in Peachtree City.
Emma Stitt, a rising Sophomore at Starr’s Mill High School has been accepted by Duke University for its’ Talent Identification Program (TIP). Emma, along with some of the nation's brightest youngsters will attend a special academic program on Duke’s West Campus this summer for academically talented youngsters in grades eight through ten. Emma will be studying Criminal Trial Advocacy for the three week, six days a week term.
Experience the excitement of swashbuckling pirates, harem beauties, a conniving merchant, and a silly pasha (king) as Georgia Academy of Dance presents the comical ballet, “Le Corsaire.” The ballet is based on a poem, The Corsair, written in 1814 by Lord Byron. The comical ballet promises to entertain the entire family with its multitude of characters, beautiful costumes and colorful backdrops.
The National Beta Club announced today that Amanda Young has been named a National Beta Scholar which entitles her to a scholarship award of $1000.
Religion
By JOHN HATCHER
Pastor
This week let me challenge you to consider seriously whether your church is more about a theatre or more about relationships. I am continuing a series on misplaced models we have chosen for the church. The first model was a police department; the second was a Political Action Committee. This week it’s theatre.
State convocation of Charismatic Episcopal churches set for June 2-4 at Christ the King
Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg will host the 2004 Convocation of the Diocese of Georgia June 2-4. The annual meeting, which includes both clergy and laity, will feature the Most Rev. Richard Lipka as the guest speaker.
Opinion
By RANDY GADDO
Contributing Writer
They walk among us. To the untrained eye, they appear to be normal citizens like all the others on this earth. They go about their daily lives, same as everybody. People interact with them constantly, but have no idea who or what they are.
By EARL TILFORD
Contributing Writer
At the 1991 annual convention of the American Popular Cultural Association, an event best described as “the Gong Show of American Academia,” I presented a paper on the air war in Vietnam.
By RONDA RICH
Contributing Writer
“You do know,” a friend of mine, a man I admire, asked, “that guys never understand why you women have so much trouble finding something to wear? It’s so simple to us. We just find a shirt and a pair of slacks that fit and that’s all there is to it.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I have just read your article about the new state law to keep kids in school and I can see major problems coming down the pipe. Although well-intended, as with most laws, this one will run head-on into many occasions that the person “skipping” school will have a much better educational experience away from school than in it.
According to the article, “Skip school, face jail, license loss” [The Citizen, May 19, 2004], it says, “The state is also getting tough on students who drop out of classes. If a student leaves school before age 18, she will lose her driver’s license for a year.”
I’m delighted to see that someone is getting serious about the kids skipping out of school. It would be nice to try that in Texas, although I think it would be difficult for the girls who are pregnant.
One article and a letter to the editor in your last issue motivated this reply.
I just wanted to thank you for that “Up against fanaticism” editorial [The Citizen, May 5, 2004].
[Editor’s note: Fayetteville wife and mother Richelle Jordan has been sharing with readers of The Citizen the experiences of her family during the illness of her husband Scott, a former Cooper Lighting employee who has been battling a brain tumor for more than two years. Scott was admitted to Southwest Christian Hospice in Union City earlier this year. The following was received during the weekend.]
Before responding to Peter Duran, I am compelled to admit that I also disagree in some respects with Jeremy Conley.
There is a pervading element of hypocrisy in Mr. Hoffman’s letters to the editor. In his first letter he states that people who question Christian actions are anti-Christian and should apologize (to whom, I’m not sure).
Recently the FDA denied approval to make the so-called “contraceptive” medication “Plan B” available over-the-counter.
In the alphabet soup that makes up the Washington, D.C., political lobbying scene, one of the more respected acronyms is NMHA. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) has been around since 1950 and has been instrumental in advocating for the needs of the mentally ill. As president of the American Mental Health Counselors Association several years ago, I was glad to work along side the NMHA on initiatives designed to improve access to mental health care for all citizens.
Re: “Let’s remember military is there for all of us.”
You’ve heard it from “The Georgia Gang.” Many are going to change parties and vote for Herman Cain.
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