The Hypocrisy of Michael Smola

Not withstanding the Constitutional Right to Freedom of Religion and the Establishment clause of Separation of church and State, Smola and Amos got one of their lackeys to attack Don Rehwaldt on his Rights to Freedom of Religion at the Candidate Forum. As everyone knows, this was a political "dirty tricks" effort to smear Rehwaldt. This just goes to show the hypocrisy of Smola. In 2004 SMOLA SUPPORTED ORDINANCE 454 WHICH ELIMINATED CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY IN DOWNTOWN TYRONE. In April 2007 Smola voted to deny Jeffery Alexander the right to rent his building in downtown to a church. Webster's Dictionary gives the definition of hypocrisy which fits Smola perfectly. The definition defines hypocrisy as the false appearance of virtue or religion. I hope the voters of Tyrone can see Smola as the religious hypocrite he is. To those who will vote for Don Rehwaldt, Tracy Young & Gordon Shenkle for the preservation of private property rights - Morituri te salutamus - "we who are about to die salute you".

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Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 3:05pm.

I am new to this (BLOGGING), but I was present at the forum. I am not new, however, to the knowledge of the under-handedness of Tyrone's government. I first want to say that I had promised myself I would never get involved in blogging and I am ticked off that it has come to this but I have to have my say!!

Don Rehwaldt will win the election as Mayor - this is because Mike Smola is a loser. His past treatment of the citizens of Tyrone has not been forgotten and I encourage everyone to consider that when voting.

Tracy Young is PERFECT for the town council. He was one of the only ones who did not skirt issues and he gave straightforward honest answers. We need accountability in our government. I counted about 6 times that Tracy said he was for accountability.

Gordon Shenkle is also PERFECT for town council. He has been involved in the town for years. I have seen him at so many meetings and he always steps up to the plate to ask the proper questions that attempt to make the town accountable for what it does. I want him on Tyrone's town council.

I don't know who that other guy, Eric Dial, is......I have never seen him at a town council meeting, nor is he involved with anything else related to the town, except sports (at least that is what he wrote in his essay on the Citizen.) I don't trust people I don't know and I know that I can trust Rehwaldt, Young, & Shenkle!! They will get my vote!

Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 8:26pm.

You must be on drugs, these clowns are only going to do the samething the curent ones are doing NOTHING! for tthe citzens of TYRONE. Oh! they will have The Tyrone Neighborhood Allinace represented and only them. What I saw that night was the Tyrone Business Association , the Tyrone Neighborhood Alliance and the Citizen putting on a forum for the same tired bunch. You take away the Tyrone Neighborhood Alliance and Eric Dials family and you had maybe five people who where not part of there group. This does not represent the Tyrone Citizens as it was reported by the reporter as if you had a solid representaion from all the citizens of Tyrone. What I saw was the Tyrone Neighborhood Alliance pushing there candidates and Smola/Dial trying to be cute,setting up Don ( the ethics violater duet). Only two sincere candidiates where Jesse Nas and Ken Mathews, who seem to be alone with no one pulling there strings. There is a question out here in Tyrone, Did the Tyrone Neighborhood Allinace have the quiestions before the forum? What a dissapointment was the Candidate Forum. Just the same tired bunch trading blows.

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 9:02am.

there was a woman sitting at the table asking everyone if they had a question they wanted to ask, so many of the questions were spontanious. I think all the candidates ahead of time felt their opponents had an inside peak. To me, all the questions were the same things people were upset about and had been talking about ahead of time in the paper. Property rights being taken away, someone suing the town because of it. That has been in the papers. The fight over Shamrock park, sewer, downtown developement, that has been in the papers and an ongoing fight for years.


smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 10:16am.

It is what the same 5 people are upset about. The rest of the 7000 were not really represented. Most of the questions were submitted by the internet.
\Questions by the same people written 7 diffrent ways...which is what the 2 councilwomen are notorious for doing ( hey hanky-alias crying towel- and confusion hows my english and spelling this far??)
\For those people it is about what they have deemed as insults to the town and their selves.
\Those same group of people respond in a pack to attack the person making the statement. (kinda like nature- which of you is the hyena?(I am sure I spelled that wrong)
\TNAG- I do not nessessilary agree with your voting choices but keep speaking the truth on this podium. ( The FAB 5 will attack ya anyway. Gotta have tough skin for these feats of nature)

I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:18pm.

Who are the "fab 5?" Do you have the guts to put in writing on the blog? I am really interested to know who these 5 are....I am not one of them or at least I don't think I am. Shed some light please?

Submitted by susieq on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:37pm.

Tyrone's FAB 5 used to be:

McKay Mayfield, Murray Mayfield, Jimmie Mayfield (blvd. named after him), Larry Davis, Jerry Adams. They were baseball players. That's why Tyrone has so many baseball fields.

I can't believe five politicians could compare to these FAB 5.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:48pm.

I don't know any of those people.....I wonder who is on the Tyrone Neighborhood Alliance at present???? Anybody else know????

Submitted by oldbeachbear on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 3:07pm.

you could have asked a question, just as I could. If your are so upset over the questions asked, why didn't you ask them at the forum? Or, why don't you ask them now in the election section of this newspaper? PS, the only hyena was that short dumpy little girl with dark brown hair in the back of the room!

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:50pm.

Who was the short dumpy little girl with dark brown hair in the back of the room at the forum?

Submitted by oldbeachbear on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:04pm.

that's the truth!

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 6:01pm.

poor ole thing, she is doomed. Planning comissioner? I hate to see what you are going to call her when she makes the NAG mad.

I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 6:03pm.

What or who are you talking about?

Submitted by susieq on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:04pm.

You really are new here, aren't you?

It's not Tyronese -- it's Tyronian.

If you were a true Tyronian, you would know that Tyrone used to be known for its baseball players -- 50 years ago.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:37pm.

As I stated in my first blog - I am new to this and if you call 18 years in and around Tyrone new, then I guess I am new. I do not follow baseball at any level, so I would not know anything about it and I am not old - so no, I don't know that Tyrone is known for baseball players. But thanks for the heads up - Tyronians! But I like Tyronese better.

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 3:38pm.

She was pretty dumpy, but hey are you a prize? If she reads this drivel I am sure she is wondering why you are picking on her. She was loud. But that is her problems I reckon. As for myself, BBB or OBB bring it on cause I look GOOOOOOOOD.
I really did ont think you NAGs were low enough to make it the Barry/ Valerie show. You were.
The end.
I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by oldbeachbear on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:12pm.

'which of you is the hyena?' Remember asking that? You might need to sleep it off

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:30pm.

Not sure whatcha mean. I slept well though.

I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:52pm.

What OBB meant was that you must have been drunk or on drugs and needed to sleep it off....not whether you slept well...duh!

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:06pm.

How about a cease fire for 48 hours.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


Submitted by susieq on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:36pm.

Let these Tyronians speak. It's no different from you and Hack, hacking it out. I'm happy to see new faces on the forum instead of the same old stuff.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:40pm.

I don't really readd anything else on here other than Tyrone issues. I guess there are people who discuss PTC issues and Fayetteville issues, but I agree and thank you - please let us have our say!

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:50pm.

Are you from PTC? If yes, then do you recall in the 1990's when Barry Amos worked in PTC's government? Does anyone recall Barry Amos working in PTC??

Submitted by susieq on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 6:08pm.

I am from Fayette County (before PTC was here). I don't keep up with all the PTC politics.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 6:16pm.

Well thanks anyway. If anyone else reading knows anything, please post it to me. Thanks!!

Submitted by PROOF on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:24pm.

Would we give what a break? If you are going to say voicing our opinions, concerns, and criticism about Tyrone's government then you are out of luck. We are not going to stop until Barry is removed from his position and Valerie for that matter. If you don't like it then don't read it!!

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:31pm.

I'm on your side. Some of this stuff is worse that listening to Dollar when he's drunk.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


Submitted by oldbeachbear on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 3:48pm.

you seem to really want to protect Valerie and Barry, may I asky why?

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 4:46pm.

I question why there are attacks on two people. Those people are "staff" are they not? All the big decisions are voted on by council. Am I wrong in that asumption. So if they are doing day to day with big decisions made by council how are things all their fault.
Example- The cemetary. If I read the citizen correctly the "developer" submitted one plan and did something else. How is that B/V's fault.
The thing I think is wrong by all the attacks is that the fault (as I see it) lies in a far greater arena than 2 people. From my perspective it seems that blame is always cast upon them. I have a tendancy of fighting for the underdog when I think that he is being beat undeservingly. We ( myself, you or the NAGS) will never agree on things for that reason.
Just one final thought.
In any government there should always be a series of checks and balances from the top on down. This should include any elected offical. You need to know that they are doing what is best for the town. That action may not be the most popular. It is my hope that anyone that fills the shoes of mayor, and council will do that with as much honesty and integrity as possible and not with an agenda.

I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by oldbeachbear on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:23pm.

It looks like the plats with the cemetery and easement for 5 houses never saw the light of day..that is the sort of thing people have been complaining about for years. No plat with 5 houses and 1 easement, one car wide with no curbs, gutters, or grave slabs so close the road could never properly be constructed, ever went before the proper groups, the planning committee and town council. THOSE ARE THE TOWNS CHECKS AND BALLENCES! These people don't seem to have been acting as 'staff' but chief cook and bottle washer! No one got to vote on it, Nebergaul was a preacher, he would have remembered this and not oked it. Plus Bary has already said it didnt go in front of either group, the checks and balances], they were circumvented. Why? That is what everyone would like to know. If it had been handled properly, the cemetery may look different today. Why didn't they let the checks and balances play out? Since you are such bosom butties, and I did say butties, not buddies, you may want to ask them.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:01pm.

or at least it seems so.....if not then you, smartypants, must not have ever had any interaction with Barry and Valerie. There is not a person in their right mind who has been on the receiving end of Barry and Valerie's vindictive and horrible treatment of Tryone's citizens who can say that B & V are not to blame for at least 75% of the problems. Mayor Lee and Smola and Latourneau get the other 25%. Please, I invite anyone who has something positive to say about Barry or Valerie to post it here....that should take some time in coming if ever!!

Submitted by HankyPanky on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 11:19am.

What 7000? Tyrone has less than 5000 people according to the Comprehensive Survey and only about 2000 registered voters. Did anyone hog tie you and prevent you from submitting questions? If you support the truth then you need to get your facts correct. Your spelling has improved to about C-. May I suggest a Webster's dictionary. I believe you have the ability to improve, but you need to work on sentence construction and applying the true facts to your analysis. Go to Town Hall and ask Valerie to let you research the public records, wait a week after she puts you off. Then write her a letter citing the Freedom of Information law. Wait another week for a response for an appointment, then wait one more week for the appointment. Then bring plenty of money with you to pay her. While you're waiting, study an English Textbook; and then months later you might have enough facts to intelligently write about all this mess.

CAUTION: Do not get frustrated with the Town's procedures like Gail Onesi or you will be threatened by Valerie of Police arrest for wanting to see the public records.

Submitted by HankyPanky on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 11:42am.

If you still don't get your taxpayer paid public records from Valerie, pull out your hard earned money, pay a lawyer thousands of dollars and file a lawsuit. No problem here, I'm quite sure all citizens love to pay money to make their government operate properly.

Submitted by HankyPanky on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 9:35am.

Some of the questions had been previously posted on the 2007 CITIZEN NEWS ELECTION FREE 4 ALL. Go check it.

whodat-is's picture
Submitted by whodat-is on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:18pm.

I think your analogy of the "groups" needs help. Jessie and Ken are part of a group and its called the Smola factor. Look at how Jesse turned from a concerned citizen to a Smola boy. Jesse came in looking for the council to solve the Milbrook sewer issue and now look at him. How did he get picked to be on the planning commission after complaining so much?

Ken served on the planning commission for a long time. In fact, I believe he was on the commission when Trickum Creek Estates was approved. Not a good sign.

Anyway, to get on the planning commission you have to be a Smola Smootcher.


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:57pm.

I have to disagree with you on most of those comments you made. It is no secret that government is about power and groups just switch power but sometimes a group gets too out of control and a change is needed. That is what is happening. Whoever gets elected is not expected to be much different from a typical local government representative; and politicians do not have a good reputation as a group. You often hear people say, you can't trust a politician, the government/politicians are crooked, and the like.....but there must be recognition of the exception that the current Tyrone government has gone too far, crossed too many lines, and created way too many problems. Whether you believe it or not, there is a great deal of evidence to support that statement. But the true test is the public opinion and the current town manager, Barry Amos, has made a lot of people mad and scared. Mike Smola has also treated the citizens with disdain, treating citizens as if they were stupid, talking down to them and for this he has gotten a questionable if not bad reputation. We need a change.

Secondly, the TNA is not a well known group. I did not even know about them until this blogging about them started. I don't know who is on it or what they do.

There were a lot of people present at the forum. Only about 350-400 people vote in Tyrone. There were about 80 people at the forum. Maybe the issue of the town's communication and consideration of its' citizens should be taken into account. Maybe there were people who did not know about the forum but would have come if they could. It is not just the same people, I don't think. There are definite groups but there are other people too and we don't appreciate being discounted by your statement that the forum was attended only by TNA people. Gordon Shenkle, Tracy Young, and Don Rehwaldt all supported open government and greater communication to those affected by what the town is doing; they all were for increased notification of zoning decisions and whatnot. I am committed to that as well.

Finally, I disagree about Jesse Nas and Ken Matthews. In my opinion, they came off as the least knowledgable and with the least vision. For me, Rehwaldt, Young and, Shenkle came off the best!!

But I have to totally agree with your analysis of Smola/Dial - the ethical violating duet. That is what is perfect!! Thanks!!

Submitted by tnag on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 8:08am.

There were at 5 people out of the group I mentioned, you must be one of them. But you need to have a broader perspective and informed. All I hear say is the same thing that the oters group is saying. I thought women were not that easy to be hoodwinked!

Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:41pm.

You would to if you had the type answers to the questions before they were asked. The Tyrone Neighborhood Allaince and the Tyrone Buissness asociation and the citizen news worked together on that. Jess and Ken Had no typed answers!!!!!!. They were on with there Vision , platforms and how to be good leaders, this my freind is true gem but I do not think he knows it. Have you spoke with Jesse, he is a brilliant manand most importantly a good man.

Not like the bunch of croonies we have flying arond nagging, yelling and pointing fingers thats the women, the men have no clue. Forget smola and dial there sleazbags. Do you know that they tried to force Jesse to run what post they wanted him to do becuase Mike and Eric had a a plan to spank the group, Jesse really through for a loop but he wanted no part of the scumbags. Jesse found out how that was a mistake foir him when ric and Mike squezzed him out

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:49pm.

I am sorry they were squeezed out, but when you lay down with dogs you are bound to get fleas & ticks.

Did the TNA, the Tyrone Business Association and the Citizen News really give the others typed answers?? If so, who got them?

Submitted by tnag on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 12:03am.

It is being said that the Tyrone Neighbohood Alliance got there hands on them. Did John, Ben or Steve give them to them. Do the process it will lead you to the culprit. Look all I am saying is that it is going to be bad for tyrone if Mike and Eric get in and it will be bad if Don, tracy & gordon gets in, they had nothing, tracy shouting Accountability like he foud his lost dog, here is a guy who lives on 1/2 acre lot but is out there ripping the new 1/2 acre lots, what a bonehead You think he will know what to do??? Gordon, imatates good and reads good but it does not matter you have the two Grouch potatoes waiting to tell them what to do. One big happy family the TNA group

How is that going to help Tyrone? We are cooked with any of the two scenarios. Yo will need Ken & Jesse to bring fair & blance back, did you know Jesse has been to the whitehouse, has many friends who are congressman. I tell you you have to talk to this guy.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 5:08pm.

Then who should be mayor - in your opinion, because you have discounted both candidates. I agree with you Smola & Dial, but you say no Smola or Rehwaldt. They are the only two mayoral candidates. Who do you support? And one more question, who are the "grough potatoes?"

Violetsunshine's picture
Submitted by Violetsunshine on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 12:14am.

"Jesse has been to the whitehouse". How does this help Tyrone?
"has many friends who are congressman". so does everyone else running, what does that do for Tyrone?


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 12:11am.

If I am not wrong, Ken & Jesse have been involved in the current adminstration - Ken was on the planning commission that failed to do the studies required by law when certain comprehensive plan issues and zoning/land use issues come up. And Jesse is on the planning commission now. Am I wrong?

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 10:20am.

Town mistakes were not committed by one administration. The studies- I got the questions in my mailbox? Did you? My mistake not filling it out..and I will take claim to that. If that is the only thing you feel Jesse or Ken did wrong there is not much for your evidence.

I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by HankyPanky on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 11:31am.

But we can tear it down in one day on election day November 6, 2007.

dudleydoRIGHT's picture
Submitted by dudleydoRIGHT on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:30pm.

1. NAG- A good ole boy association. A group that seemingly lays the blame of the Town's problems on a few people.
2. Not enough act active voters
3. A government of divided council


suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 4:57pm.

I’m writing this in hopes of relatives coming forward on behalf of helpless graves in the cemetery.
The cemetery, is known as the old Watson cemetery, prior to the Watsons, the land was owned by Richard Loyal who lived there for a number of years with 16 slaves, some of which may be buried there.

John Watson, came here with the 1821 land lottery lottery. He got 200 acres. It is thought he fought in the war of 1812 as his widow applied for a pension. Then in 1832, he bought an additional 200 from Richard Loyall. Part of this 200 is Trickum Creek Estates, where he and others are believed to be buried. These are the relatives:

Thomas Watson
Born Ireland 1760-1770 died 1840-1850 Fayette county

Had the following sons

John Watson born 1792 Ireland died Fayette county 1862

Robert Watson Ireland died Fayette county
James Watson Ireland died Fayette county
William Watson 1805-1807 Ireland died Fayette county

Believed to have immigrated around 1805-1807

As William was an infant the year they immigrated

Fayette county 1850 census shows
John Watson 58 born in Ireland
Nancy [Head] Watson - wife- 43 born in Virginia
William F. Watson - son age 23
Angelina Watson . Daughter 20
Emily Watson - daughter 16
Francis Watson - daughter 14
Asbury Watson- son 12
Newton Watson - son 10
Hester Ann Watson - daughter 8

1860 census shows John Watson
Nancy Watson 59
Francis Watson 25
Berry R Watson 22
N P Watson 19
Hester A Watson 17

All the Watson sons with the exception of William, signed up in co G, 44th regiment formed in Fayette county.
Watsons signed up in G,
Watson, Berry [or Bermon]
Watson, Perryman
Watson, Pleasant
Watson, Robert N. [son of uncle William]
Watson, Thomas A [son of uncle William]

John Watson dies 1863 and leaves no will. Relatives have a ‘draw’
Sale of lot 77 in 7th dist. Of Fayette co
Sale of part of lot wheren widow lives [this is ll 148 dist 7]
Sale of lot in Floyd county
Sale of lot in Paulding county

‘drawers’ are Jared Handly, husband of Missouri E Watson
A.F. Watson
Hester A. Watson
Nancy [widow]
H. D. Palmer, husband of Mary A Watson
W. S Watson son
Newton P. Watson [son] died 1862 civil war not
married

R.A. Watson [son] Robert Ashbury? died 1862 civil war never married

A few months later Nov 17, 1863 they are settling the estate of William Watson, brother of late John Watson
The ‘drawers’ are
Robert N. Watson, [makes mark]
Nancy Watson [John Watson’s widow]
William Watson
Edna Watson
TA Watson
Sarah Baily

Daughter Hester Watson winds up with land that Widow Watson’s house and cemetery are on.

The land was last sold by a Ms Freddie Zedelle Slaton Rhoden, who may be related to the Watsons. I am hopping some desendant will come forward and make their wishes known.

State law requires these old cemeteries to be surveyed and marked off to the visable eye so they aren't desturbed, to date, the Town of Tyrone has done nothing of the kind, although it has been brought to their attention. No markers or survey stakes to show the known boundaries of the cemetery, leaving it very vulnerable to more desecration.

Who’s buried there? There was a tombstone for Nancy Head Watson next to her husband John. Thoses graves are gone now. Are the Watson boys who died in the Civil war buried in the cemetery? Good chance. Are there slaves buried there? More than likely. There is still a grave of a little baby, there were two. There is a large slab laying in a pile next to the new road with W. C. B carved on it and a date of death 1860. This is all we have left of some poor Irish immigrants that came to this county for a better life. A soldier who risked his life for this country in the war of 1812 and perhaps his two sons who fought in one of the bloodiest of all wars. We will never know for sure who all is buried there because almost all traces have been taken from us. What a sad blot on the soul of Tyrone to let this happen.


Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 8:32pm.

Cover up? Who is buried there? Is it part of the founding families, confederate soldiers maybe families that once where slaves? But what does Tyrone citzens perceive, COVER UP!!! Hello welcome to Tyrone politcs.

Submitted by ConfushaSay on Mon, 10/22/2007 - 2:01pm.

What a joker!

Uncouth? or Un-Christian?

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 8:34am.

The cemetery belonged to the Watsons, it was a family cemetery. Nancy Watson is buried there, her husband would be next to her. She applied for a pension from 1812 due to the fact her husband was in the war. He sons were on the roles of the Georgia 44 Reg co G and dead by 1863. John Watson's father, Thomas lived next to them for his last few years and probably with them when he died. It is possible Thomas Waston and his wife are both there as well as John Watson, Nancy, and one or more of this sons that died in the war. Who is W.C.B? I don't know, could be a slave, or maybe one of the many homeless immigrants from Ireland. Maybe John Watson, being Irish himself, gave them a final resting place on his land, more than seems to be accorded to him.
§ 36-72-1. Legislative findings and intent
(a) The care accorded the remains of deceased persons reflects respect and regard for human dignity as well as cultural, spiritual, and religious values. The General Assembly declares human remains and burial objects are a part of the finite, irreplaceable, and nonrenewable cultural heritage of the people of Georgia which should be protected.


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:30pm.

It is not really the "cover up" that concerns people. It is the lack of compassion that stems from an unethical and uncaring town government. Your comment is also very disrepectful to whoever is buried there. Not very "Christian" like.

The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that is the essence of inhumanity.
George Bernard Shaw

Submitted by susieq on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:50pm.

Wednesday, September 6, 2000

Forgotten cemetery gets new life

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@thecitizennews.com

The Norton-Drennan Cemetery on South Jeff Davis Drive is one of the many cemeteries that sat in wilderness for many years and is now in the backyards of some very expensive homes.

The forogotten cemetery is now getting some attention.

While Fayette County was originally laid out in 202.5-acre plots, a lot of it was sold sight unseen by those who drew it in the Land Lottery of 1821. Records show that a John G. Norton bought land from an Alexander Stewart of Morgan County in 1829. A nearby neighbor, Hugh Drennan, also was an early pioneer.

While between 15 and 20 people are believed to be buried there, the only grave markers were originally for two small children.

In 1989 a developer discovered the site when a bulldozer exposed some graves, and the developer marked the boundaries as best he could. However, descendants sued and a settlement was reached when the developer agreed to put several larger markers in it with as many names on it as could be verified.

Much work on establishing specific information on the people thought to be buried there has been done by descendant Judy McCleskey Webb in Texas. She has shared all of her information with the Fayette County Historical Society.

Her research showed that two Drennans served in the Civil War, William B. Drennan and John M. V. Drennan. They served in the 10th Georgia and the 53rd Georgia respectively.

Sharpsburg Sharpshooters Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp Commander Eddie Lanham ordered Confederate grave site markers for them and he and Webb put them at the appropriate sites.

Lanham has placed more than 700 such stones in a five-county area for those serving in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War and the Spanish-American War. If you know of any unmarked sites, contact him at 770-719-8583.

Eddie Lanham and Judy Webb place a confederate marker at the Norton-Drennan Cemetery on South Jeff Davis Drive. Photo/Carolyn Cary.

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 9:27pm.

It has been said by more than one, this developer played there as a child and has commented to more than one that he ..knew..it was a cemetery. He seems to have gone into it...per his own plats...recorded at Fayette county court house. One of the plats, given to the Town of Tyrone showing the cemetery going right up to the Northern property line also showed his road was going to go to the south of the cemetery with an easment. After police were called by neighbors saying they felt the cemetery was being cut through, the town manager appears and only makes the developer call an archaeologist. One of several things required by STATE LAW BEFORE YOU GET A PERMIT TO DEVELOPE LAND WITH A CEMETERY ON IT. The step after that is to get a surveyor to come in and mark the boundaries of the cemetery the archaeologist defined. This wasn't done...and as his reward for not going by his plat he submitted to the town, his buffer/easement to the cemetery, shown on his own plat, was just 'wiffed' away and he was good to go on 2nd plat.

Now the land has been sold by the developer to other people who knew nothing of all this, but, are trying to make this right. They are sitting there with another problem, a big one, because this road cut to the North of the Cemetery is only about one car wide and one of the graves that are still visable would have to be moved, the road can't be widened. The town let this happen and had more than one chance to correct it. Who is holding the bag? the guy who bought the lots...is this right?


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:14pm.

Just to add a note - Disclosed at the candidate forum, Barry Amos is an engineer. (Leaving aside the issue of his salary needing to be reduced now that the town has hired an engineer, which makes the taxpayers fund two engineers and that Barry obviously is not acting as the town engineer in his official capacity, because he is always acting as town manager; all documents related to the town name him as town manager, like comprehensive plan and so on.) When Barry was notified of the problems regarding the cemetery, it just seems logical that he, having an engineering degree, would have some ideas about how to solve this problem. That is what engineers do.

From wikipedia: Engineer: An engineer is someone who is trained or professionally engaged in a branch of engineering.[1] Engineers use technology, mathematics, and scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. Seems like he could have utilized this knowledge to help solve a town problem. Is that what town managers do?

Also from wikipedia: City/town manager: A city manager is an official appointed as the administrative manager of a city, in a city government.

Typical roles and responsibilities of a city manager include:

Supervising day-to-day operations of all city departments;
Supervising the department heads
Preparing a draft city budget each year with options the council votes on;
Researching and making recommendations about topics of interest to the council;
Meeting with citizens and citizen groups to understand their needs better;
Providing executive leadership that encourages good performance by city workers;
Operating the city with a professional understanding of how all city functions operate together to their best effect.

Barry does not perform these duties very well at all. No need for examples - they are everywhere and well-known!! He could have used his position and his brain to try and figure something out to fix this terrible problem of the cemetery, but no, he does not care!!

The worst sin toward others (dead or alive) is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that is the essence of inhumanity.
George Bernard Shaw

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 10:30am.

Walk a mile in their shoes and see where you are. You are castrating Barry over all the things you think are wrong.
\OH, and after reading the citizen yesterday I think we are going to be in another law suit- Thanks to the people who are treating the council meeting like their personal forum for their personal agendas!That was not Barry's fault. Reading that Brad Sears advised for the council not to discuss the cemetary (after receiving a letter from another attorney stating they would take action- as I read the facts from the citizen article) made a lot of sense to me. I was told by someone in the meeting that Mr. Sears had stated that he planned to meet with parties involved to try and get things settled. P.S.- Reading that article it also indicated that the developer was the responsible party of destruction. Not Barry.
I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by susieq on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 9:33pm.

No, the guy who bought the lots is not left holding the bag if the seller knew about the cemetery and did not disclose it.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:49pm.

Thank you for taking the time to research this issue. I, too, hope that it brings out the relatives of these people who are buried in Trickum Creek Estates. Even if no relatives come forward, how can we allow this to happen? It is a disgrace to the town.

Submitted by BaseballFan on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 4:15pm.

Another NAG. (Neighborhood Alliance Griper)

Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 8:37pm.

We are nags and I am tired of that, can we quit saying bad things about our neighbrs and fellow Tyrone Citzens?? Lets act like the christians we say we are.

Submitted by HankyPanky on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 9:38pm.

Yes. We can be all normal decent people when we get rid of the source of the problem, BARRY.

Submitted by HankyPanky on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:51pm.

I will join the association tomorrow. OldBeachBear, JoanDough, Sugarfoot, Tyronesleezeball, mudcat, confusha, cecedupree, newmayor, tyroneconfidential, tyronearies, hithere, likeitis, tyrone90210 are you a member yet?

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 6:00pm.

Nope - I am not a member yet.....but me and my cat, Samson are going to join!! Then we can really have a cat fight!! MEOW

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:42pm.

How can you, with any goodness in you heart, dismiss this cemetery issue as being a result of naggers? It just goes to show that you come from the heartless camp of Amos and Smola!!

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 4:11pm.

oh yeah you are new to blogging? You white tee shirt "vote Rehwaldt" wearing people just kill me. There is not a perfect person. Just does not happen. Sorry. You write the same blog but change your names.


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 6:13pm.

I was wearing tan pants and colored button up long sleeve shirt and tie. I did not say that Rehwaldt, Young, and Shenkle were perfect people. I think I said they are perfect for the positions they are running for. I will go back and look, but I am pretty sure that I did not say any of them was a "perfect person." I know that are not any "perfect person(s)!"

I am not a member of the TNA.

What else you got?

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:44pm.

I don't even have a white shirt that supports any candidate. But that leads to a good question....where can I get a Don Renwaldt for Mayor tee-shirt?? I probably need to get one. Thanks Smartypants!!

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:17pm.

I am being honest!!

Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 8:39pm.

At least be honest.

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:00pm.

could you be the idiot woman yelling out behind everyone at the forum Monday night? If so, you ain't that bright of a woman...don't fool yourself, you are on the way out, not in.


smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 9:00pm.

Sorry shugah I am about 20 pounds skinnier than the loud mouth in the back. You guys just get mad when someone does not support your cause. Could it be I just enjoy saying the complete opposite of what ever you stand for because I enjoy your responses to my comments. But if the mouth in the back is reading this I bet she is pissed off too. 8)


Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:53pm.

Are you implying that you are 20 pounds skinner than Mrs. Smola?

smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 10:03am.

If Ms Smola wieghs more than 130 pounds I am saying that I am smaller than her....wait...is that who the loud mouth in the back was?

I support the church of the painful truth


Submitted by tnag on Sun, 10/21/2007 - 12:05am.

Is the word

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 9:46pm.

Let me assure you, we all have other lives. All of these people have been blind sided by the antics of irresponsible Tyrone government. Do you really think these people want to spend their time watching Tyrone's management? Do you think the two ladies on town council wouldn't rather be doing something else? You must be joking. It has come down to people HAVING to watch them..do you think we all want to go watch Ichabod Crane stare over his glasses and pass judgement, knowing he is one of the ugliest and bumbest things on this planet? Do you think we are all masocists? NO, it is that each and everyone has been the brunt of the horrible leadership/management of Tyrone. The two kind ladies on the council have given up their time to be watch dogs for others. It is time for the people of Tyrone to elect Shenkle, Young and Renwalt and give these ladies a break from a very time consuming, thankless effort.


Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 8:44pm.

Get real! Tyrone Neigborhood Alliance and the two ladies have been just as irresponsible. The change that you prpose is to have your irresponsible group in there.

Submitted by Tyrone90210 on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:28pm.

Well, I say let's give a new group a chance. We are tired of the current crap so let's see if some new blood will re-vitialize the citizens trust in our government. Change is needed, it is wanted and we are going to get it!! Smola has not been kind to Grace and Gloria and neither has Barry for that matter. They are all alone trying to effect change in a proper manner. Maybe they aren't perfect but let's face it, nobody comes close to being as terrible as Smola and Amos.

Submitted by HankyPanky on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 9:56pm.

Just ignore Tnag - That's one of Barry's crew. What could you expect. Suggarfoot is exactly right. We all have better things to do, but have been forced to get involved to protect our rights. If you vote for Smola, Matthews and Nas, you get the same old lawsuit prone government and the bad bonus of Brad Sears.

Submitted by ConfushaSay on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 5:14pm.

SmartyPants so uncouth - Oh, unless you don't know what uncouth means, its lacking of a civilized character.

Submitted by tnag on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 8:45pm.

Look who is talking, what a joke!

Submitted by ConfushaSay on Mon, 10/22/2007 - 1:47pm.

If you know me? You must be one of my patients. Sorry but I don't know anyone by "TNAG" name. But will find out later at your next session after I hypnotize you.

Submitted by HankyPanky on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 9:45pm.

I'll tell you who's been uncouth. Valerie Fowler Caldwell, Asst. Town Mgr. gave Tracy Young, Gloria Furr's daughter and 3 other Young supporters the middle finger as she and Barry drove out of the parking lot after the forum.

Violetsunshine's picture
Submitted by Violetsunshine on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:18pm.

Aw, I'm sure she was just trying to let those guys know her candidate is #1.


smartypants's picture
Submitted by smartypants on Fri, 10/19/2007 - 4:11am.

Neal Bortz can be uncouth an he makes tons of bucks. You calling me that does not hurt my feelings. Thanks for the clarification of the meaning of the word. My government education is severly lacking.
\
OH! and the councilwomen just appear to want to be watchdogs. Nothing else.
\ I hate to ask but what happened in Thursday's council meeting?

I support the church of the painful truth


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