Archive for Wednesday, April 14, 1999

Wednesday, April 14, 1999

News

Commission, development authority agree to disagree: The chairmen of Fayette County's Board of Commissioners and Development Authority just plain don't see eye to eye on the role of economic development in the county.
Fire hero began career in Fayette: A former Fayette County firefighter became a nationally known hero Monday after his exploits during a spectacular fire in downtown Atlanta.
New school chief looks back over 2 decades of involvement: Dr. John DeCotis takes over this week as Fayette County's Superintendent of Schools, culminating a 20-year career in the county school system. He was hired by the Fayette County Board of Education last month to fill the position held by Dr. Dave Brotherton, who announced his retirement last year.
Impact fees: Easier said than done: The idea of charging impact fees to developers of new subdivisions and shopping centers to pay some of the costs of new government services they will require sounds like an obvious win-win solution, officials say.
Seatbelt stop earns DeKalb man a trip to jail: A Decatur man sits in a DeKalb County jail today, probably wishing he had worn his seatbelt while driving through Fayetteville.
Cause of death not yet found in Watson case: The investigation continues into the cause of Beverley Watson's death, nearly three weeks after her remains were discovered in Fulton County.
Locals can learn about service academies: U.S. Rep. Mac Collins of Hampton has announced an Academy Day Seminar for students, teachers and administrators in the 3rd congressional District to inform them of the requirements and procedures for seeking a nomination to the U.S. service academies.
Boothby: New challenge drawing him to Forest Park: Political turmoil over the role of the Development Authority in Fayette County did not send him packing, said authority director John Boothby this week.
Search under way for new director: The search for a new director to lead the Fayette County Development Authority will begin immediately, said Randy Hayes, chairman, after announcing director John Boothby's resignation last week.
Police learning more about murder victim: While there has still been no positive identification of the dead body found in a burned sport utility vehicle earlier this month, authorities are learning more about who and what may have led to the incident.
'Dangerous' crossing gets warning signs: A dangerous situation has developed on Peachtree Parkway south of Peachtree City, where residents of Timberlake subdivision must cross the road to get to the neighborhood's recreation area, said county manager Billy Beckett.
Kosovo info on web site: U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, R-Hampton, has announced the addition of a Kosovo information link on Georgia's 3rd District web site.
Land use plan review set for highways 85N, 314: The Fayette County Planning Commission will discuss revisions to its land use plan for the Fayette Pavilion/Ga. Highway 85 north area in a workshop meeting tomorrow.
Fayetteville's Matt Ramsey joins Collins in Washington: U.S. Rep Mac Collins, R-Hampton, recently welcomed new staff assistant Matt Ramsey to the Washington D.C. office of Georgia's 3rd District.
Back on track: Fayette's new state court has desired effect: Fayette County's growing court docket is being handled more efficiently than ever, and one reason is that Fayette State Court now shares the load with the previously overloaded Fayette Superior Court.
United Way Honors Its Volunteers: Fayette County's United Way celebrated its volunteers, and honored several outstanding "community stars" Wednesday during a recognition breakfast at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center.
Praise is better than pressure in motivating kids, says expert: Parents left Kedron Elementary's Lunch and Learn program recently with a bedding plant and the practical advice of Janette Gilbert, a licensed clinical social worker, on how to nurture their children.
Mailboxes and the Post Office: For years, the U.S. Postal Service has delivered the mail through sleet, hail, snow and all other types of natural disasters.
Sewer issue leaves commission, Tyrone council members queasy: The steaks were tender, but the conversation afterward may have caused a little indigestion for members of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners and the Tyrone Town Council.

Opinion

May April 15 become just another day DAVE HAMRICK Editor-at-large: I haven't had time to check it out, but I have no reason to doubt the Internet factoid that came to me via e-mail relating that income tax-related forms cause the deaths of 300,000 trees per year.
Grocery store survival guide BILLY MURPHY Laugh Lines: There is one thing we all have in common. No, I am not talking about our urge to squash that Taco Bell dog with a big boot. It's that we all spend a large portion of our lives in grocery stores.
'Yankee girl' prepares to fly waaaay south to visit 'Confederados'
By CAROLYN CARY: I am pleased to share with you my impending trip to Brazil next week and the reason for my going.

Letters From Our Readers

Americans trading their freedoms for security: I just finished reading on your website your piece about liberty vs. security [Dave Hamrick's column, April 7], and I must say I agree with you 100 percent.
Prosecute commissioners: Your March 31 edition contains an article that our Fayette County Commissioners once again flout the law by violating the "Sunshine Law."
Greetings from Confederados: Hi! I don't know if you there in the U.S.A. remember us; we are the Confederados, from Brazil.
'Civil war' argument is the least convincing: There are many opinions expressed here, in the media, national magazines, and talking heads all over the world about the U.S. and NATO involvement in Yugoslavia.
Clinton lacks any moral authority to command: Once again President Clinton is sending military forces into harm's way. For a person who dodged the draft and protested the use of military force in a time gone by, he seems to find it very easy to send our young men and women into armed conflict.
U.S. is showing its leadership in Kosovo: .....maybe not one U.S. soldier's blood. U.S. soldiers might be too busy playing pool billiard and watch, feet at the ceiling, some basketball finals in their quarters....
Why are Fayette teachers' roles changing to 'facilitators'?: Why is the role of the teacher changing in our schools? According to our County Performance Report, teachers are now to become "facilitators of learning."
Tough academician lauds new superintendent: Over the past few weeks I have read with interest and a certain degree of consternation the letters from concerned parents about trends in teaching and Dr. John DeCotis's position concerning the same.
County commissioners should stop trying to 'act like God': I agree with Mr. Inge about the "massive mailbox" use in Fayette County. Last year we constantly had our wooden post mailbox knocked down, broken into and crushed.
Banning brick mailboxes is 'stupid action' by commissioners: On occasion the county commissioners and their lawyers really do take some unnecessary, and, can I say, stupid actions.
Warm weather reminder: Spay or neuter pets: I am a volunteer with the Fayette County Humane Society (not connected with Fayette County Animal Shelter), and a true animal lover.

Business

Tax time: Plenty of help available for last-minute filers: The pencils have been broken, the receipts have been found and tomorrow, millions of Americans will deposit one of the most dreaded forms in the mailbox.
Belles and Beaus brings bridal beauty to new store: Fayetteville's biggest bridal shop, Belles and Beaus Bridal and Formal Wear, recently moved into a new store on Ga. Highway 314 near the entrance to the Fayette Pavilion.
Investing seminar set: Fayette County Community Schools is offering a four-part Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement Seminar for the public starting April 27 at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City.
Newest member of Million Dollar Club announced: Kristie Spinks earned membership in Griffin Financial Services' Million Dollar Club during March.
Get your motor running for local home builders: As a fund-raiser for the organization, the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia is selling tickets on a black 1999 Harley Davidson Road King, with the winner to be determined in a reverse drawing Friday, May 21, at an association barbecue at the Griffin Fairgrounds.
PTC firm wins state award for recycling: A Peachtree City-based company recently received first place in the 1999 Keep Georgia Beautiful awards program.
Southlake Mall looking for corporate help in building a new kids' playground area: Southlake Mall announced recently that they are seeking a corporate sponsor for a new children's soft-play area to be built in conjunction with the center's new food court.

Religion

We Christians could use a little of God's perspective: I've got a brand new perspective on the classic Biblical verse on revival at least, brand new for me.
Christian Financial Concepts group study to be held at Inman United Methodist: Inman United Methodist Church is sponsoring a 12-week group study this month, exploring the Biblical principles of personal money management.
Plans set for 2nd Southside March for Jesus in F'ville: The southside's 1999 March for Jesus, on the heels of last year's successful event, will be held May 22.
New Orthodox church may locate in PTC: Southside Atlanta's first Orthodox Christian church is in the works, and likely will find its home in Peachtree City.
Pastors' Thought of the Week:
Religion Briefs

Sports

County's big rivalry to hit the diamond: That clawing and scratching you hear is the dogfight between the McIntosh and Fayette County High School. No, it's not between their soccer teams. This time it's between the baseball teams.
Burton is AD of the Year: Athletic Director and Football Coach at Fayette County High School, Clint Burton, was named Regional Athletic Director of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Director's Association (GADA).
Women's soccer gets Classic in '99 in ATL: The Atlanta Classics have announced the release of their 14 game 1999 W-League schedule.
Assist the "Ride for Kids": The Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Chapter P, Fayetteville will be at the IHOP restaurant in Fayetteville this Saturday to collect donations for it's "Ride For Kids". They invite you to stop anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to get a look at their motorcycles as well as make a donation.
"Grand" Prix coming to Atlanta: Recently, the 12 Hours of Sebring went into the record books with the closest finish in the history of the event.
PTC Running Club offers wellness and fun: The Peachtree City Running Club invites "closet" runners and "out of the closet" runners to join it's members in several upcoming activities that are free and open to the community.
Parker swings a mighty sabre for U.S. team: G. Colin Parker of Fayetteville, a junior at The Heritage School in Newnan, won the bronze medal in Cadet men's Individual Sabre on March 30 at the Junior Cadet World Championships in Keszthely, Hungary.
Local youths set their sights on winning: Today, the image of children with guns can be a disturbing one, but for Coach Bill Weyda and his team of Junior Shooters, it is an image that represents responsibility and skill. "People always talk about kids with guns and all the bad things that happen," says Coach Bill Weyda.
Tight finish in soccer
Fayette Tigers keep kicking: The regular season of high school soccer enters it's final week. The Fayette County Tigers boy's soccer team has amassed a 12-1 record this season and a seventh place ranking in AAAA.

Weekend

Amazing grace!: Like a song you start humming in the morning and can't get out of your mind, one word comes to me over and over again to describe recent events in my life.
FCHS Variety Show: The Fayette County High School Select Chorus' annual variety show, entitled "And The Winner Is..." will be presented April 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. at F.A. Sams Auditorium.
Boogie with your "Boogie Man": Polish those platform dancing shoes and press those bell bottoms, because there will be dancing in the aisles this weekend at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.
Terry Maple To Sign Books at Omega: Dr. Terry L. Maple, director of Zoo Atlanta, author, and Peachtree City resident, will be on hand Saturday at Omega Book Center to autograph his book "Zoo Man." Maple's book was published in 1993 by Longstreet Press and tells about his challenge to rebuild the Atlanta Zoo, transforming it into a world class animal habitat.
National Library week: National Library Week will be celebrated April 18-24 with the theme "Read! Learn! Connect! @ the Library."
Opening This Week
Surplus Food: The U.S. Department of Agriculture will again give out surplus food commodities Thursday, April 22, at the following locations in Fayette County:
Thunderstorms: While tornadoes pose a serious threat during the spring months, other severe weather events, such as thunderstorms, can be just as dangerous and potentially lethal.
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.

Real Estate

Protecting Private Property Rights: Want to Buy A House? Better Know Your 'Score'
Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty has been ranked No. 19 in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's annual listing of "Atlanta's Top 25 Residential Real Estate Companies.": The list, based on gross residential sales volume in the Atlanta area, appeared in the publication's edition for March 12-18, 1999.
The Home Source Realtors earning GRI designation: Real Estate professionals from The Home Source Realtors are furthering their professional education by earning the Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) designation from the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR).
Peachtree City's Kedron Hills opens final phase: Kedron Hills, located in the heart of Kedron Village, is one of Peachtree City's fastest selling neighborhoods. The success of Kedron Hills has resulted in 110 home sales since the neighborhood's inception in 1997.
Centex Homes announces opening of Suttons Cove: Centex Homes, one of the nations most experienced and respected homebuilders, is pleased to announce the opening of Suttons Cove in Peachtree City.
Real Estate Scene...
Knight Group: The Knight Group announces the opening of Summerlake, a lakefront community just off Interstate 75 in Henry County.
Construction Underway at the Chimneys: Pathway Communities is pleased to announce the opening of The Chimneys, a family-oriented neighborhood located in a natural setting amidst acres of trees and a quiet pond.
Wedgewood Homes joins millpond manors select builder group: Millpond Manor, an upscale custom home community located near Fayette County's historic Starr's Mill, welcomes Wedgewood Custom Homes to its select builder group.