Archive for Wednesday, March 10, 1999

Wednesday, March 10, 1999

News

'Too much money, free time': While Fayette schools increasingly face gang activity and drug use, many of its students have two things in common, according to Superintendent Dave Brotherton: "Too much money and too much free time."
County eyes cost of new industry: Should Fayette County be offering incentives to bring in new industry?
County spending $125K to study landfill's toxic leak: County officials have known for years that toxic substances are leaking from the First Manassas Mile Road landfill.
County ponders cell phone tax for 911: Each cellular phone you have will cost you an additional dollar a month if Fayette County commissioners approve a proposed E911 charge.
Environmental concerns lie in Fayette's future: New regulations requiring treatment of storm water runoff may cost Fayette County millions of dollars in coming years, and the county is bracing for that impact.
Brooks meets its 2,000 Coke bottle sale goal: The Brooks Town Council has announced that it met its goal of selling 2,000 commemorative Coke bottles.
12 teens charged in grocery rumble: Twelve teens have been charged with offenses related to a group fight Feb. 26 at the American Foods Grocery on Sandy Creek Road, according to Fayette County Sheriff's Department investigator Lt. Mahlon Donald.
PTC's attorney disputes family's charge of police misconduct: Allegations that Peachtree City police officers entered a home illegally and caused injuries to a resident are false, City Attorney Richard P. Lindsey told city officials last week.
PTC pays $41,500 EPD fine: The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will hear public comments on Peachtree City's remedies for sewage spills and sludge problems at a hearing Tuesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Juvenile Court gets temporary solution to its space problems: Fayette's Juvenile Court is taking a page from the school board's book in dealing with overcrowding.
Board eyes change in rules; more towers coming?: More communication towers will be erected without going through the public hearing process if county commissioners approve an ordinance amendment recommended by the Planning Commission.
Local GOP hopefuls tell their plans for leadership: The Fayette County Republican Party held its first breakfast meeting of the year and heard two candidates who are running for the chairmanship of the county party.
Catholic schools range from groundbreaking to half complete: Fayette County's first regional Catholic elementary school is taking shape, and according to construction officials, is about 40 percent complete.
Superintendent applauds new school conduct bill: While Fayette County Schools have guidelines for student behavior in place, a new bill introduced in the state House of Representatives will require all school districts to establish policies for student conduct and disciplinary procedures.
Search for new school chief now at interview stage: The search for a new Fayette County School superintendent to replace the retiring Dr. Dave Brotherton has reached the interview stage and according to School Board Chairman Debbie Condon, the new superintendent may be named as early as next week.
Panel to choose aerial photo firm: Contractors need to get an aerial mapping project off the ground soon or they'll have to wait for next year, county commissioners were told last week.
Fayetteville considering changes in zoning laws: Fayetteville will be a greener city if changes to the city's zoning ordinances are adopted Monday.
Schlotzky's looking good for Fayetteville: A Schlotzky's Deli restaurant planned next to Picadilly at Banks Road and Ga. Highway 85 came a step closer to reality last week and was expected to be approved last night.
Correction

Opinion

Ask a lot of questions before deciding DAVE HAMRICK Editor-at-large: It's natural that Harold Bost, Fayette's new County Commission chairman, is questioning the benefits of economic development.
A fine kettle of fish for millennium BILLY MURPHY Laugh Lines: Not to fish for a compliment, but I used to be quite an angler in my day.
Taxes, taxes, taxes: They're going down
By State Rep. Kathy Cox: The good news is we're cutting them! Under the leadership of Gov. Roy Barnes, homeowners and employers will be the recipients of two large tax cuts.

Letters From Our Readers

What's the deal on moving mailboxes?: As a follow-up to your news article on "Fortress Mailboxes: move 'em or lose 'em," I'd like to request that you elaborate on the suggestion made by [County Administrator] Bill Beckett to move 'em.
Keep on building roads, and we'll have Los Angeles air: I find it interesting that the ARC (Atlanta Regional Council) believes that the federal air quality standards are too rigid and should be relaxed.
Pollution risk coming to PTC industrial park?: When Georgia-Pacific announced that they were closing their resins facility, many people sighed in relief. This facility had some very dangerous chemicals on-site in large quantities.
Sen. Price should have opposed transportation board: One shouldn't pick on one's state senator I guess, but two recent items concerning Rick Price, R-28, rub me the wrong way.
It happens every spring . . .: "It happens every spring." Ray Milland starred in the '40s movie about how to win the baseball world series by being real slick.
It's not just 'bad' teens complaining: Based on the fact that I have been a resident of Peachtree City for 20 of the 23 years I've been alive, I believe I am qualified to give an accurate portrayal of the local police department.
Tyrone seeking Fairburn sewer to prevent future "disaster': A number of comments have appeared recently in our newspapers regarding the Town of Tyrone's interest in purchasing sewer capacity from the city of Fairburn. I would like to take this opportunity to dispel some rumors and provide the facts behind this proposal.
In praise of PTC police and checking teens: I am really sick of hearing about the manner in which the Peachtree City Police Department is allegedly treating teens, and I am disgusted at the notion that the community would be less supportive to the department due to this controversy.
PTC's Photocircuits condemned by truth twister: In response to Steve Brown's letter to the editor and people of Peachtree City I would like to submit the following. Now some of what was mentioned in Steve's article is true.

Letters From Our Readers

Business

Decide if you are going to be a victim or a victor.: This has been a particularly hard week for many of my friends and people I know. One friend was home on sick leave recuperating from knee surgey when he got a phone call.
Investing seminar for women is today: Executive Benefit Solutions is hosting a one-hour luncheon seminar for women today at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Fayetteville.
Fayetteville considering changes in zoning laws: Fayetteville will be a greener city if changes to the city's zoning ordinances are adopted Monday.
Former mayor named as new administrator for contractor: W.Wayne Leslie, president and CEO of Fayette County-based Leslie Contracting has appointed Richard Santiago to the position of director of administration for the $45 million construction firm.

Religion

A Top and a Bottom: Life was simple when our offspring were children. Especially at the department store. You bought a top and a bottom.
Jesus Video Update Corner
Evangelist beings Good News Crusade: Evangelist Charles Massegee will be in Fayetteville to conduct a Good News Crusade March 28-31 at The Rock Baptist Church, located on Sandy Creek Road.
Carthage Choir to visit Fayette County March 14: The Carthage Choir from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. will present a Concert of Sacred Music at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14.
Mary Whelchel, Popular Speaker, Author, and Radio Host to Speak at First Baptist PTC: Three times a year, the Women's Ministry (W.I.N.G.S.) at First Baptist Peachtree City provides a program of encouragement and instruction for the women of First Baptist and the community.
Strickland-Brockway

Real Estate

Home Source Realtors recently held its annual awards banquet to honor its outstanding real estate professionals.
Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Newnan/Coweta County office will host a "Career Night" on Tuesday night, March 9.: The session will be held at the Newnan/Coweta County office, located at 12 Bullsboro Dr. in Newnan, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Blueberry Hill, a showcase of turn-of-the-century style homes in Peachtree City, recently opened its furnished model home.: Homes in this unique setting of less than 40 home sites feature rear-entry garages and alleyways, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment and an intimate small town atmosphere.
Do you feel stuck in a futile search for 'affordable' housing?: A growing number of Americans now earn too much money to qualify for low-income housing credits, yet can't afford to rent or buy a home at market price.
Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Fayette County office will host a series of "Career Night" gatherings on three upcoming Thursday nights, March 18, March 25 and April 8.: The sessions will be held at the Fayette County office, located at 1968-A Hwy. 54, Fayetteville, just outside the eastern city limits of Peachtree City, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Genie Compton received both a plaque and a cruise to the Bahamas when she was announced as Griffin Financial Services' Loan Officer of the Year for 1998.: Frank Bennett, vice president of Griffin Financial Services, said this is the four time Mrs. Compton has been named the organization's Loan Officer of the Year.
Members of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia celebrated the organization's 25th anniversary at its meeting Thursday night, Jan. 28, at WhiteWater Country Club.: The association's past presidents, several of whom were in the audience, were saluted.
The Knight Group will host its 1998 "Knights of the Round Table" reception, dinner, and winner announcement program Saturday night, March 6, at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta.: That evening, the company, which is one of the Metro South area's most active home builders, will announce the names of area realtors who are the winners in The Knight Group's annual realtor promotion.
Gregory P. Popham has been named Vice President/Commercial Real Estate by Preferred Mortgage Source Inc.: Popham, who holds a Realtors license, has been in commercial real estate since 1981 with the exception of a four-year period when he worked in city management.
Fortener, Eisenhut Join Southern Crescent Corporate Staff: Two veterans of the mortgage loan industry in the Metro South area have joined the corporate staff of Southern Crescent Mortgage in Fayetteville.
Brayson Homes' 1997-'98 Transplant House, located in the Highland Lake community in the Suwanee area of Gwinnett County, brought in $86,180.94 to the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF).: The check presentation was made at a special ceremony held Friday, Jan. 15, across from the model home in Highland Lake.
As part of The Home Source Realtors 1999 continuing education program, sales counselors at The Home Source Realtors recently completed a three-day, in-house seminar, featuring nationally-known real estate lecturer Bob Hafer.: During the course, Realtors discussed the latest strategies in new homes sales and marketing, as well as ways to improve communication skills.
The Home Source Realtors, an affilate of Pathway Communities, continues to post record-setting sales achievements.: Year end sales for 1998 proved to be the best ever since the company's inception in 1980.
The Knight Group announces the opening of Summerlake, a lakefront community just off Interstate 75 in Henry County.: To be developed around a beautiful 40-acre lake, Summerlake will have a total of 250 homes when completed. The first phase consists of 77 one-half acre plus lots, 20 of which are on the lake.

Weekend

Marriage musings: Marriage is much on my mind this winter.
Saturday Night Fever Strikes J.C. Booth: Boogie down to J.C. Booth Middle School in Peachtree City Saturday, March 13th for the fourth annual "Booth Blast" raging with Saturday Night Fever.
Brooks students to appear on PBS Thursday: A video clip submitted by Brooks Elementary School will be part of Thursday's World's Largest Concert, an annual event sponsored by the Music Educators National Conference, to be broadcast at 1 p.m. on PBS.
Cadets tour air base, get airlifted by C-17: Thirteen Cival Air Patrol cadets from the Peachtree City Falcon Field Composite and Clay Memorial Squadrons immersed themselves in military and aviation history during a recent weekend.
Reservations needed: Golf Cart Rallye is March 28
Consignment sale is March 20: A children's consignment clothing sale, sponsored by the Parents' Club of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church Child Development Center, will be Saturday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gold Wing Club: There are 85 members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc. who meet in Fayetteville each month.
Goldilocks ticket info: Advance tickets for "The Trial of Goldilocks," Offshoot Productions' hilarious winter apprentice show, are available at the Omega Book Center in Peachtree City and the Fayette Book Shop in Fayetteville.
Heritage Historic Preservation Committee meets Thursday: People interested in preserving the final resting places of their ancestors, or just willing to learn about the cemetery needs and history of Peachtree City, are invited to the next meeting of the Heritage Historic Preservation Committee, says Gerri Holt.
Margaret Mitchell bust: March is American Red Cross Month and Jonesboro sculpture Andy Davis decided to honor the organization by donating a bust of Margaret Mitchell to the group.
Community involvement key to strengthening marriages: Marriage as an institution is alive and well in Georgia, but the Georgia Family Council says the community should get involved in strengthening marriages.
Earth Day in Tyrone is April 17: The Town of Tyrone, along with the Tyrone Kiwanis Club, Tyrone Elementary School, the Tyrone Garden Club, the Tyrone Rotary Club, local citizens, Scouts, businesses and clubs, will be participating in "Earth Day in Tyrone" April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sports

Starr's Mill runs over the Riverdale Raiders: The Starr's Mill boys and girls soccer teams faced regional opponent Riverdale on Friday night. You might say the results were pretty good. Both teams combined to shut out the Raiders 24-0.
Chief vaults to the top: Brian Murphy, a junior pole vaulter from McIntosh, set a personal record of 13.0 feet while competing in the Georgia High School Invitational at the Georgia Dome recently.
A cracker of a race coming this weekend: You have probably heard that NASCAR is the fastest growing sport in America.
Fayette County Tigers are Cougar Classic Champions: For soccer fans in Fayette County, March is coming in like a lion. Fayette County, Sandy Creek and Newnan all participated in the Cougar Classic last week in Newnan.
The Gym is now open: The Fayette County Community School Program is offering afternoon Open Gym for middle and high school students at the LaFayette Educational Center beginning March 15.
Lady Lakers get new hoops coach: Clayton College and State University announced the hiring of A.C. McCullers as the new coach of the women's basketball team today.
McIntosh defeats the Knights: The McIntosh Chiefs improved their record to 3-0 with a win over Upson-Lee last week.
Pro Tennis tournament to benefit Harris Jr. Foundation: The Peachtree City Tennis Center has hosted a professional tournament for the last five years.
Sports Calendar