The Fayette Citizen, Fayette County Georgia

Wednesday, October 28, 1998

News

Dirt rich: 141-acre tract across from Pavilion sells for $1.8 million; new owner seeking $2.8 million
Sandy Creek H.S. grieves in aftermath of 3-fatality wreck: Grief and bewilderment walked the halls at Sandy Creek High School this week after the death Friday of two former students and their friend in an automobile accident.
F'ville may lift halt on new rezoning requests Monday: Fayetteville City Council is expected to formally approve its new comprehensive plan and end a 10-month moratorium on rezoning activity during its regular business meeting Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Democrats mount challenge to local GOP: Despite presidential problems and predicted national voter apathy, Fayette Democrats seem to be shaking off a decade-long torpor to mount credible challenges in several local races, for years the undisputed province of the Republican Party.
Poll workers expecting 50-60% turnout Tuesday: Fayette election officials are predicting that 50 to 60 percent of the county's 49,209 registered voters will turn out for the Nov. 3 General Election.
Race for state Senate Dist. 34 heating up: The race for the 34th District seat in the state Senate is heating up as election day, Nov. 3, approaches.
New superintendent, rapid growth top school race issues: The race for two Fayette County School Board posts will be decided Tuesday, Nov. 3 when voters choose between Mickey Littlefield and Carolyn Fludd for Post 5 and Greg Powers and Roger Marietta for Post 4. Powers defeated incumbent Dr. Bob Todd in the July Republican primary.
Dunn, Barnes square off for Commission Post 5: Retired Army officer Greg Dunn faces Fayetteville book store owner Stuart Barnes in the Nov. 3 race for County Commission Post 5.
Wells, Bannister seek Co. Post 4: Linda Wells, who convincingly won the Republican nomination for County Commission Post 4 in August, will face Democrat Bruce Bannister in the final leg of the 1998 election marathon Nov. 3.
Constitutional amendments, referenda items are explained: You haven't finished voting next Tuesday until you've turned the ballot over and answered some questions for the State of Georgia. Five proposed amendments and five referenda will give the unwary voter pause.
Tank case heads to court as county eyes new site: Dave Williams' claim that he owns the planned site for a new 2 million-gallon Fayette County water tank is headed for the state Supreme Court Nov. 9.
New boat ramp for sailors no easy task: Sailors, don't hitch up the boat for a relaxing day on Lake Horton just yet.
$5,000 reward offered in bowling center robbery: Fayette Bowling Center owner Steve Brown is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of "any person involved" in an assault and robbery of a bowling center employee about a year ago.
Fayette soccer opens up play for kids with physical and mental handicaps: Children with physical and mental challenges don't have to be spectators at their siblings' soccer games anymore, thanks to the Fayette County Youth Soccer League.
Brooks Council, parents seek answers to attendance zone decision questions from BOE: At the last two meetings of the Brooks Town Council, residents expressed their unhappiness at learning attendance zone boundaries had been changed by the Fayette County Board of Education and would affect the schools their children attend.
News Briefs

Opinion

Making my predictions early this year DAVE HAMRICK Editor-at-large: I feel a twinge of guilt because we haven't given the election much coverage since the primaries and runoffs. Then again, there hasn't been much to cover, locally.
105th Congress most productive in nation's history REP. MAC COLLINS 3rd District U.S. Congress: Oct. 20 marked the end of the 105th Congress of the United States, and while the past two years have seen their share of controversy on a variety of issues, we have nonetheless had many legislative victories that have improved the quality of life for all Americans.
How to get your child to sleep... like a baby BILLY MURPHY Laugh Lines: Forget about Starr vs. Clinton. Forget about Yankees and Padres (That is easy enough). If you want to see two sworn enemies fighting it out, just check in on parent vs. child any night of the week at bedtime.

Letters From Our Readers

Prince Charming of 'A Fairy Tale' replies...: This is the first time I've ever been referred to as "Prince Charming" ["A Fairy Tale" by Sallie Satterthwaite, The Citizen, Oct. 21]. Or maybe not my first wife did have a lot to say before she died.
Prince Charming of 'A Fairy Tale' replies...and a coworker agrees: This is such a neat story because... Prince Charming is my boss here at work!
Picking schools, candidates: Oct. 13 at Brooks Elementary I asked Greg Powers, Mickey Littlefield and Carolyn K. Fludd the following question:
"If you were an elected, education bureaucrat and had the power to send a child to an inferior Fayette County school for $6,500 or send that same child to an academically superior private or parochial school for $4,500, which school would you send that child to?"
5 amendments create more taxes, bureaucracies; just say no to them all: This Nov. 3, there will be five amendments to the state constitution on the ballot, yet there has been almost no coverage of these issues.
SCHS grad writes home from Notre Dame: I am writing this letter back home for two reasons: one, to tell everyone that I finally made it to the University of Notre Dame and, secondly, to laud Sandy Creek High and its faculty.
Thanks for help with bike club publicity: Thank you for the publicity you have given the Biking for Life in Fayette County Bicycle Club.
Collins good for labor comm.: I have known John Frank Collins for a number of years and I believe he would make a great Commissioner of Labor.
County is taking Hopeful land as spite: I'm sending this letter to county commissioners and all local papers even though some may not print it due to loyalty to friends in high places.
Candidate criticizes 'smear': I am most concerned about the letter to the editor that was in The Citizen Oct. 21 with remarks regarding the job I did while serving East Point as mayor. I do not believe in last-minute smear tactics. I'm sure there are many citizens who would not agree with a letter of that kind.
WDA article gave wrong credit: I liked your article on the World Wide Discipleship Association in the Sunday Oct. 18 edition. I was quite impressed with the depth and detail of the article. I am quite familiar with the organization; my wife and I have been supporting WDA for about 12 years.
Fludd will be good for schools: We are sure that you are aware of the important elections coming up on Nov. 3. One of the most important races this year is the selection of new board members for the Fayette County Board of Education.

Business

Business Briefs
Consumer service warns about credit repair services: "Erase bad credit!" "Remove bankruptcy from your credit report!" The ads are everywhere-claims that companies can repair your credit...for a fee, that is.
Delta announces promotions: Delta Air Lines recently announced two promotions of area residents.
Economic workshop set for Nov. 10: The much anticipated "Community Economic Workshop," an Economic Summit for Fayette County elected officials, business leaders and citizens, is scheduled for Nov. 10 on the third-floor of the historic Fayette County Courthouse in Fayetteville.
Employee benefits more important to workers: "Someone call 911. . . the traditional workplace is dead!" The trouble is that most managers don't know it yet.
Unemployment rate jumps: Fayette County's job rate nearly doubled last month as nearly 800 more job-seekers hit the pavement last month.

Health Wise

Health Matters: Child's Play: I am amazed at how much children know about sexual behavior these days. I remember taking a two-hour sex education class at school when I was junior high school.
Atlanta celebrates opening of AFLAC Cancer Center: Young patients with cancer and blood-related disorders deserve nothing less than the earth, sea and sky.
Halloween fun means safety: Ask children what they like best about Halloween and the answer is likely to be costumes and treats. But safety and visibility top parents' wish list.
Health Breifs
What every man should know: The prostate a gland just below the bladder in the male genital tract has the second highest incidence of cancer in men.
Prevention is key to maintaining spinal health: Most people eat a healthy diet, schedule regular dental check-ups and eye exams, but neglect one of the most important parts of the body--their spine, according to The American Chiropractic Association.

Religion

What kind of prayers for our President, leaders?: I've been off the page in the last several months while a lot of stuff has happened. Stuff to do with my line of work: stuff like sin. Perhaps that's been good in that it's given me time to reflect on what all it means.
PTC pastor honors Kenyan victims: A local pastor took part in a small, international ceremony in Kenya recently to memorialize those who died in the United States Embassy bombing.
Fayette Assembly of God celebrating nine years: Pastor Chuck Griffith invites the public to a special nine-year anniversary celebration this Sunday of the former Fayette Community Chapel, now Fayette Assembly of God.
Christian comedian in PTC: Christian comedian Charles Wesley Marshall will bring his humor to Saturday Night Life at Peachtree City United Methodist Church Saturday at 5 p.m.
Experience 'Hallelujah Night,' an alternative to Halloween: Dr. Joseph M. Ripley Sr. and the children's ministry of The Body of Christ Christian Church invite all children ages 3-12 to attend their Christian alternative to Halloween, "Hallelujah Night," Friday from 7-9 p.m.
Obituaries
Leukemia patient healing, but family needs more help: Fayette friends of David and Deborah Staats report that David's bone marrow transplant apparently has been successful, but the lengthy testing process will determine whether the family is reunited in the Atlanta area for Christmas.

Sports

Lakers booted in soccer, slow in cross country: The Clayton State men and womens soccer team both lost their games this Sunday against the University of West Florida.
4-AAAA dominates county cross country championship: The cross country county championships were held at Sandy Creek High School last Thursday. McIntosh, Fayette County, Starr's Mill and Sandy Creek competed in the race. All of the teams had ran the course a few weeks earlier during the Sandy Creek Invitational and the runners were now comfortable with the nuances of the course.
The horrors of the offseason: If you are someone who, like me, likes to watch sports From Dusk til Dawn, you must know the Misery that I am going through.
Wins hard fought last Friday

Weekend

Environmental scorecards: As soon as the 105th Congress closed shop so members could go home to campaign, the League of Conservation Voters released its annual scorecard.
Native culture brought to life: "The drum is the heart beat of the earth. This is what the drum beat represents," Diamond told students at Oak Grove Elementary Friday, while rhythmically beating a hide-covered drum.
'Chicken Soup' speaker will conduct workshop locally: Anyone who is interested in writing is invited to hear inspirational speaker Tom Lagana on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. This will be a hands-on workshop to help select the stories for the upcoming book, "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul."
Library recognizes founders: The following story tells of the women responsible for our county's library.
St. Gabriel's hosts craft bazaar this weekend: More than two dozen crafters and artists are set to take part in the third annual Craft Bazaar at the Catholic Church of Saint Gabriel this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31.
Science-By-Mail gives kids hands-on experience: Today's children are growing up in a world that is continually changing and growing. From the Internet to the Mars probe to advancements in modern medicine, we live with the constant reminder that science is a part of our everyday lives. Knowing that, the Museum of Science, Boston offers a program to help children get excited about science.
Burch reading program proves popular with parents and kids: It's 7:15 p.m. and the halls of Robert J. Burch Elementary School are quiet. The custodian is busy sweeping the floor of the cafeteria and the hum of a vacuum can be heard in one of the empty classes.
Time to buy fashion show tickets: Tickets are now on sale for the annual Fashion Show, Silent Auction and Luncheon to benefit the Fayette County Council on Domestic Violence.
AHA honors Janet McGregor: Janet McGregor, president of the 1997-98 Fayette County Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, has received the 1998 Volunteer of the Year Award from the AHA.
Dog day afternoon in school?: At the ripe old age of 14 months, Jursa's off to college. His friends in the after-school program at Peachtree City Elementary gave him a rousing send-off last week.
Military Briefs
Zoo News: Zoo Atlanta has switched to winter hours: Monday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (grounds remain open until 5:30 p.m.).
Notable: Fayette County High School 11th grade student Diana Chang attended the Intel International Science Fair in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Notable: Tamela Tew Ragsdale of Fayetteville has reached the semifinals in a national poetry contest sponsored by The Poetry Guild.
Acting series continues: Offshoot Productions will present the second in its series of fall acting workshops Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Peachtree City Library.
Annual walk pits drivers against kids and gourds: In one of the county's great autumnal traditions, nearly 2,500 elementary school students will march through Fayetteville Friday morning for the annual Pumpkin Walk.
Peachtree City teen competing to represent metro area: Randi Renee Lancaster of Peachtree City was recently selected to participate in the 1998 Miss Jr. Teen Atlanta pageant competition, set for Nov. 22.
Disaster brings out best: Hurricane Georges may be long gone but its impact is still being felt. The American Red Cross has now classified the storm as the costliest effort in its 117 year history.
Tickets limited for luncheon: The women of St. Andrew's in the Pines Episcopal Church in Peachtree City are hosting a Fall Bridge Luncheon Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the church parish hall.
College aid website is up and running: The Georgia Student Finance Commission has unveiled a college aid web site at www.gsfc.org. The site provides students and parents with comprehensive information on career planning and financial aid for college.
Zoo News: Kids of all ages can soon take a ride at Zoo Atlanta on some of the world's most endangered species. The Nabisco Endangered Species Carousel, opening in mid-November, will take zoo guests for a whimsical spin upon 42 hand-carved wooden animal figures.
Opening This Week