The Fayette Citizen-Special Sections

Wednesday, September 29, 1999

News

Sup't.: Repeat school vote likely in '00

Another school construction vote next year seems likely, Fayette County school officials said following the 52–48 percent defeat of a $90 million package last week, and they are optimistic despite what some perceive as the county's “anti-growth” disposition.

SPLOST foes seek a fresh look at needs

Fayette County voters opposed to passage of a one cent special local option sales tax and bond sale last week were gratified when the measure lost. At the final count, 6,015 voters turned out to defeat the referendum which was designed to fund four new schools and renovate and improve existing schools over five years.

County wary of setting vote on new jail following school defeat

Fayette voters' rejection of an extra penny of sale tax to pay for new schools last week did not escape the notice of the county commissioners, who are looking for ways to fund a new jail and court complex.

New fairgrounds ready for 49th Fayette Kiwanis Fair

Members of the Fayette County Kiwanis Club are “working right up until the deadline” to get the new fairgrounds ready for the largest ever Fayette County Fair.

`Jesus' video coming to your box

Beginning Monday, approximately 40,000 videos about the life of Jesus Christ will be mailed out to every household in Fayette and Coweta counties. Titled “Jesus,” the video arrives compliments of hundreds of Christians in the area, representing more than 75 churches of various denominations. According to Mary Frances Bowley, one of the coordinators of the “Jesus” video project, many individuals have pooled their resources of time, money and prayer, to provide a copy to every home.

Courthouse clock getting a new face

You may have noticed that the north face of the clock in Fayette's old courthouse is missing.

Outdoor burning season starts Oct. 1

Last week's rain may have come just in time for homeowners wanting to burn leaves and other yard debris.

Liquor looking unlikely for November

Liquor legalization advocate Lane Brown says he probably will know by today whether he will continue to pursue a pouring license referendum for this November's election or wait for next March.

Drug conviction draws 25-year sentence

A Fayette County jury took only 15 minutes Monday afternoon to convict a man on drug charges after a day-long trial.

Superior Court

The criminal trial calendar of 168 cases was trimmed considerably last week during a couple of final plea sessions. Among the cases resolved last week were the following:

Fireplace maintenance suggested

Each year many Fayette County residents use their fireplaces early in the fall or winter with little knowledge of the danger that could lay ahead.

New Tyrone Subdivision

Curious Tyrone residents may want to make the trek to town hall Thursday night to get a glimpse at a possible new subdivision for the town.

County promises help with silt problems in lake

“If you can't do anything else, tell us who we need to go after,” was Jim Bass's plea to the Fayette County Commission last week.

Neighbors wait for action on long-delayed amenities

County officials are hopeful that residents of Harbor Lakes subdivision will soon be able to use the neighborhood's recreation facilities, something the homeowners have been waiting three years for.

Monday is registration deadline for Nov. 2 vote

If you want to vote in Fayette's upcoming municipal elections and you haven't registered to vote yet, time is running out.

Fayette County Health Dept. urges all to consider getting a flu shot

Every year thousands of Americans suffer the body aches, fever, chills, sore throat and cough associated with influenza.

Historic house gets 30-day respite from wrecking ball

Fayetteville leaders are scrambling to put together a plan to save the historic Dorsey home place from the wrecking ball, but time is running out.

Healthwise

Fall allergy season is serious stuff
Some consider spring and summer to be the worst months for allergies. The rebirth of flowers, grass and foliage spread pollen thinly over everything, causing people with allergies to suffer for weeks. It may come as a surprise, however, that the biggest bully this fall will be grass and ragweed
 
Free depression screenings available in October
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression strikes more than 17 million Americans each year.
 
Author to appear in Fayette
Wayne Ewing, poet, priest and psychotherapist, will be in the Atlanta area Oct. 4, 5 and 6 to sign copies of his book, “Tears in God's Bottle: Reflections on Alzheimer's Caregiving,” in which he chronicles the battle he fought alongside his wife during her five-year journey through early-onset Alzheimer's.
 
Abnormal Behaviors
Of all the questions I receive from parents, by far the most frequent questions refer to the normalcy of their children's behaviors.
 
Here's how to reduce child's risk of SIDS
Although it is on the decline in Georgia, SIDS death in infants remains high on the list of killers of children, particularly infants under 1 year old.

Home & Garden

A Homeowner's Guide To Using Pressure-Treated Wood
Wayne Ewing, poet, priest and psychotherapist, will be in the Atlanta area Oct. 4, 5 and 6 to sign copies of his book, “Tears in God's Bottle: Reflections on Alzheimer's Caregiving,” in which he chronicles the battle he fought alongside his wife during her five-year journey through early-onset Alzheimer's.
 
Water-repellent wood: mother nature and technology at work
New products are enabling homeowners to get longer life from their wood-building projects.
 
Experts offer tips on removing stains from carpets
Carpet stains happen. Liquids spill. Pets have accidents. Shoes track in who-knows-what and the result is a stain that ruins the appearance of your carpet. But if you react quickly, there's an excellent possibility you'll be able to get rid of that stain.
 
Consult an interior designer for a fresh look
Question One: Do you want your home to project a certain feeling that you can't quite describe?
There's A Better Solution For Filtered Water At Home
The experts say we should drink eight glasses of water a day. That's good advice, but people today are concerned about the quality of their drinking water
 
“Key Points to Remember When Transplanting Trees”
Some of the most beautiful and interesting trees in the world are native to Georgia, and our forests can be a good source of shade trees for homeowners. It is generally recommended that trees be brought from a nursery. Good quality nursery-grown trees are usually more easily and successfully planted, and free from diseases. But if care is taken trees can be satisfactorily transplanted from the wild.
 
Today's Fences: More Choices, More Fun
Homeowners can consider a vast array of fencing products to add security, protection or beauty to their homes and yards. Innovations in the fence industry offer more material and style choices than ever before.
 
Easy steps to a water-wise garden
The average American uses 100 gallons of water every day. Drought conditions in many regions create watering restrictions and bans during spring and summer. Landscapes are often unfairly targeted. In many cases, plants require much less water than assumed. In one example, the California State Water Resources Department found that lawn and plant irrigation accounted for less than four percent of the state's total water consumption. In fact, garden centers suggest watering a new plant with only two-to-three gallons of water each week. After a month, a deep watering every other week is often adequate. And in a year or so, plants generally thrive with minimal watering.
 
Skate by winter bills
Nobody wants to pour extra money into winter electric bills. However, with cold winter months ahead, we will be giving our home- heating equipment and appliances a serious workout.
Business

Harold Bost says goodbye to 49-year career

Harold Bost, Fayette's County Commission chairman, has retired following a working career that spanned almost 50 years.

Peachtree City's Holiday Inn is 'Newcomer of the Year'

The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Peachtree City will accept one of the company's most prestigious awards at the upcoming annual convention in Las Vegas.

Business Briefs

Sports

Local teams win some important games

Sandy Creek had a week off last week to think about their not so pretty victory from the week before. The other three county teams won, and the results vary from beautiful to just as ugly.

Local teams keep good pace in cross country

It is becoming kind of a common occurrence, but the Landmark Christian War Eagles boys cross country squad have run well again. Racing at the Sandy Creek Invitational against over 20 other schools in the championship division, Landmark had enough to edge out Lakeside by seven points and win their first championship team victory of the season.

Chiefs edge out Panthers in three matches

The McIntosh Chiefs met a crosstown rival last Thursday when the Chiefs met the Starr's Mill Panthers at a meet last Thursday. A decent rivalry has grown since Starr's Mill came into existence and former or would be McIntosh students attended the new school. The other opponent in the tri-meet was Paideia.

Local teams win on Friday

Friday night's scores

Weekend
Kiwanis fair full of music
When the Fayette County Kiwanis fair kicks off this Thursday, the sound of music will emanate for nearly 10 straight days. This year's fair has more entertainment than in years past, promising something for everybody. Many of the acts will be local, giving the community a chance to see how rich in talent this county really is.
Renaissance Festival returns
The Renaissance Festival comes to the area twice a year. Your favorite performers and vendors return each spring and fall to give you that 16th century English Country Faire feel. When the festival starts up again this Saturday, there will be some new acts to tickle your funny bone and thrill you, as well as several updates to some of your favorite shows and attractions.
 
Exhibits and loal entries bring extra fun to the fair
A fair just isn't a fair if ribbons aren't being awarded and exhibits aren't being exhibited. The Fayette County Kiwanis Fair, running Sept.30 - Oct. 9 will have plenty of both.
Main Street Fayetteville
The annual Main Street Fayetteville will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3 at Heriatge Park in Stonewall Village. This year's festival will have arts and crafts, antiques, festival food, and a huge lineup of entertainment.
 
Old Campbell County celebrates homecoming
Come join the fun at the Campbell County Homecoming in downtown Fairburn on Saturday, Oct. 2. Festiviites begin with the Rat Race, a 5K and 10 K road race at 8 a.m. sponsored by Landmark Christian School. A parade follows at 10 a.m. Arts and Crafts and food vendrs will be around the Courthouse from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. there will also be a variety of music and dance entertainment in front of the Courthouse from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

God knows our tears
By Sallie
Satterthwaite
Lifestyle Columnist

This column published in 1993, shortly after the 40-year reunion of my high school class. I've edited it slightly, and when you've read it, you'll understand why I'm submitting it again....

Movies

Religion
 
 

Jesus Video is a real treasure—make the most of it
By Rev. Dr. John Hatcher
Religion Columnist

In a few days, households by the thousands in certain Atlanta areas (including Fayette) will receive The Jesus Video in the mail. The video was first known as The Jesus Film, produced several years ago by Campus Crusade for Christ. It reenacts the life of Jesus Christ according to Luke's Gospel.

PTC police chaplain awarded master's status at international ICPC convention

Father David Epps, chaplain for several local law enforcement agencies, was recently designated as a Certified Master Chaplain by the International Conference of Police chaplains. The certification, the highest offered, was conferred recently in Columbus, Ohio at the ICPC International Convention.

Living Way Church South schedules 0rganizational meeting, barbecue here

A new church is forming in Fayette County. Living Way Church South will hold its first public meeting with an all-you-can-eat barbecue at McCurry Park in Fayetteville Saturday, Oct. 2 beginning at 6 p.m.

Atlanta City Church to host Worship Weekend Oct. 8-10

Atlanta City Church in Fairburn will host a “Worship Weekend” featuring recording artist and worship leader Kent Henry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-10 at the church on Jonesboro Road. Junior and senior high students ages 12-18 attend the entire weekend free of charge. Also, one senior pastor from each church may attend at no charge.

Religion Briefs

Body sculpting classes offered at Fayetteville First Baptist Church

A ladies' body sculpting class for all ages will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Oct. 5 from 7-8 p.m. in room 262 at Fayetteville First Baptist Church. Those participating need to bring a towel, weights and a bench if available. To register or for more information, call the church office at 770-461-8378.

Christian City will host golf classic in Stone Mountain Oct.4

Christian City will host its annual Fall Golf Classic on Monday, Oct. 4 at Smoke Rise Golf and Country Club in Stone Mountain. For $125, golfers can play this private, exclusive course designed by Gary Roger Baird. The fee includes free range balls, late buffet lunch, and a tax-deductible charitable donation of $85 to the Christian City Home for Children.

“End of Time” is topic of Wednesday Bible study at National Heights Baptist

National Heights Baptist Church is presently conducting Bible study classes on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The general topic is “The End of Time.”

Scott Hagan welcomed as youth director at FUMC

Scott Hagan, a native of Statesboro and a 1997 graduate of `Georgia Tech, has assumed duties as director of youth ministries at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. He received his Master's degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University in June and recently managed the U.S.A. Basketball Olympic Team trials in Puerto Rico. Hagan will begin his studies at Candler School of Theology in late August.

Dr. McGee to host “Search for Significance” seminar

Dr. Robert McGee, author of “The Search for Significance,” and “The Search for Freedom,” will host a three-hour seminar on Sunday, Oct. 17 from 4-7 p.m. in the Dining Room of the North Campus of New Hope Baptist Church. The cost will be the cost of the book, “Search for Significance,” only.

Opinion

Peachtree City, region learning the hard way
By MONROE ROARK
Staff Writer

The most important lesson to be learned from the traffic crisis now looming in Peachtree City is what happens when you depend on the government, especially the federal government, for anything.

Fayette gives kids stones for bread
By LEE N. HOWELL
Politically Speaking

In the Holy Scriptures, Jesus once asks rhetorically, “What parent, if their children asked for bread, would give them a stone?”

Pass the poison, please; I'm hungry
BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines
 
Everywhere you look today, you see another report on what is bad for us. From infrared lights that show us the invisible stains in our hotel rooms, to airplane oxygen that pollutes our lungs, the world, they say, is killing us.

Letters to the Editor

Board of Ed., have we gotten your attention?

Ladies and gentlemen of the Fayette County Board of Education:

How does it feel to have sentenced kids to mediocrity?

To the citizens of Fayette County.

There are many good reasons why SPLOST lost

By reading the local papers, one would think the voters in Fayette County who defeated the SPLOST are selfish and mean-spirited people who hate children. We have been referred to as “not giving a damn about its children or their education.” I beg to differ. I care very much about our kids. Our children are in a private school in Fayette County. We pay above and beyond to educate our children there. Education is important to us. Our taxes still support the public schools, just like everybody else.

BOE needs to put more money into real education

I have a few suggestions for our school board. Instead of wringing their hands and whining about the taxpayers of this county not responding to their demands for more money for the “children,” they need to seek solutions, not excuses. There are so many alternatives I can't imagine why none have been considered.

How to raise money to build new schools, the sensible way

Now that the tax increase plot known as SPLOST has been turned away, we must attempt to deflect the school administration's peevish efforts to take out its disappointment on the children they are charged with educating. Like spoiled brats, school administrators have threatened trailers, double sessions, bigger classes, etc. These may have been idle threats to motivate the voters to let them have their way with the sales tax, but if they begin carrying out their threats we'll have to make changes to our board of education at the first opportunity next year.

What don't the voters want? After long list, what do you want?

I read online with interest your facts of the sales tax voting. I really did not know until then how many apathetic people we had in Fayette County.

If board of education can't educate our children without SPLOST revenues, they should resign

The resounding defeat of the SPLOST tax was a clear sign that county residents are fed up with runaway growth. The results should send a clear message to the politicians in our city and our county, and to the school board itself.

Price for voters' shortsightedness to be borne by children

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is now history, at least for the moment. We can be assured that it will return, or something like it, in the near future. The one reality of living in Fayette County is that growth is going to occur. A significant number of those voting seemed to believe that by denying the school district this financing vehicle, growth will somehow be discouraged here. It is unfortunate that the schools and the students in the county must pay to perpetuate this myth.

SMHS student sounds off about SPLOST defeat

I'm writing on the recent, pointless rejection of SPLOST. Currently I am a junior at Starr's Mill High School.

'Yes' voter resents BOE's 'heavy-handed' treatment of voters

On Sept. 21, I held my nose and voted for the special purpose local option sales tax. The olfactory protection was necessary because of the behavior of the Fayette County School Board in their attempt to shove this tax down the throats of county voters. I voted yes in spite of the tactics of the school board and the other advocates of the SPLOST.

Fayette residents already paying too much in wasted taxes

The Fayette County school superintendent, John DeCotis, has threatened Fayette County residents with more trailers for public schools students following the defeat of the special purpose local option sales tax.

Here's what PTC cop on the grass was doing

As I scanned The Citizen Sept. 22 looking for the SPLOST results, I came across a letter addressed to Jim Basinger, the Peachtree City manager. The author of the letter, Vicki Brigham of Peachtree City, was concerned about a police officer who parks on the grass during an off-duty job.

`Shootout' on guns, part 3

Thank you, Ellis Bee, for supplying me with more ammunition to continue our editorial “shoot-out” (forgive my terminology) about the sense of owning and carrying concealed, loaded handguns just in case a crazy person shooting to kill might happen upon one's workplace.

SPLOST defeat sends obvious message

The defeat of SPLOST should make obvious a message that needs to be recognized and understood by those who supported it. That is, not to continue to blindly ignore the factors that brought us to the point of having to deal with the school situation as a potential catastrophe. Yes, there are real problems.

Board's smoke and mirrors won't work on voters

It is unfortunate that [Fayette County Board of Education Chairman Debbie] Condon is embarrassed to live in Fayette County. While I agree with her attitude about voter apathy, I most certainly disagree with her attitude and comments about the people of this county not caring about the children.

Fayette BOE seem to be very slow learners

The children of Georgia's public schools have consistently scored at the very bottom of the national rankings. It could be said that they are slow learners. But who can blame the kids in Fayette County? They are led by a board of education and an administration that are very slow learners.

Kids get put out of the schoolbus right into thunder and lightning storm

If I threw my child out of my house and made him stand on top of a hill in the middle of a thunderstorm, I would be an irresponsible parent at best.

Sick child well cared for at local hospital

On June 26, our 7-year-old daughter was taken to the emergency room of Fayette Community Hospital.