Tension rods are usually more practical than pretty, but Umbra has changed that.

The company, known for making functional objects with flair, introduced drapery tension rods designed to look good and work well. The rods come in aged brass, pewter, black and white, and have decorative finials in contemporary and traditional designs. The rod and its spring mechanism are also better quality than run-of-the-mill tension rods, the company says.

Calling Lew French’s work masonry is like referring to Michaelangelo’s as stone-cutting. French is an artist whose medium is the stones he fits together with exacting care into buildings, walls, fireplaces and other structures — works that take on a character and soul all their own.

Q: Is there a good home remedy or commercial cleaner that will take the odor of cat urine out of Oriental rugs?

Lipstick stains aren’t so tough to get out anymore, especially when they occur on white cotton. In a spray bottle, mix three equal parts of laundry bleach, water, and milk. Spray it on the stain, and then scrub with a toothbrush. It’s great for strawberry stains, too. Don’t use this formula on anything but white cotton; colors and other fabrics can be damaged.

Q: Is there a material I can use to repair concrete that has pitted and flaked? My steps were poured just before a rain, which dripped on them. The concrete quickly flaked away, forming large and ugly spots on the treads and the edges. It’s been a couple of years, so certainly the steps must be ready for repair by now. I’d like to do something that looks good and doesn’t really look like a patch job.

You grew up with a fish bowl on a side table where you watched two goldfish named Buster and Minnie. For many people, that’s enough. These little guys may give you all the serenity you need.

A Fayetteville teen was killed Thursday night when the car he was riding in ran off the road and struck a utility pole, catching fire, police said.

The citizens of Tyrone will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the seven candidates vying for the two open Tyrone Town Council positions. The Tyrone Neighborhood Alliance is sponsoring a “Meet the Candidate” forum tomorrow.

A one-day computer recycling service will be provided – free – at the parking lot of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to Bill Grabill, chairman of the congregation’s environmental stewardship committee.

In order to effectively address the growth Tyrone faces, the town’s infrastructure must be managed. Quality traffic engineering is paramount. Examples of such needs include: (1) A deceleration lane added to 74 southbound at E Crestwood; (2) Drivers must be able to turn from Castlewood onto Senoia Road without waiting indefinitely; (3) When trains are moving through town, drivers should be able to turn right and left off Tyrone Road onto Senoia Road without having to wait for the entire train to pass.

It has been said that Tyrone’s growth is going to happen whether we want it or not. The key will be to slow it down to where it can be properly managed.

My definition of quality growth is growth that balances both growth and taxes and that will allow all the citizens of Tyrone to enjoy our small town feel and family-friendly atmosphere. As councilperson, I will listen to the taxpayers of Tyrone on important issues such as our comprehensive plan, recreation, sewer, transportation, etc.

While campaigning over the last several weeks, I’ve had a chance to meet some absolutely wonderful people. It felt good to be a part of Tyrone. Thank You.

In response to last week’s candidate’s forum, I have the following comments.

In my opinion, Tyrone’s inconsistent growth is due to the breaking of Tyrone’s Land Use Plan by the current Mayor and Council. The Planning commission members, past and present, have no Transportation Plan. One critical component of a re-zoning request, and the resulting expected overcrowding of schools, should be traffic planning. I will continue Councilwoman Redwood’s quest to assure that all rezoning requests are complete and accurate. I assure you, I will consider requests only when complete data is available to make fully informed decisions.

Speeding suspect had outstanding arrest warrant

A former Tyrone town councilman is calling into question the town’s sewer deal with Fairburn.

Rezoning from commercial to open space proposed

The Tyrone Planning Commission has approved the landscape plan for the Waffle House site off Carriage Oaks near Ga. Highway 74.

The Sandy Creek High School Patriot Marching Band was awarded the overall “Best in Class” trophy Oct.

Tyrone’s vision for a new downtown does not include a funeral home.

The citizens of Tyrone will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the seven candidates vying for the two open Tyrone Town Council positions.

Tyrone has a land use plan that should be foundational for decisions affecting future growth.

In addition, however, consideration should be given for infrastructure support and the impact adjoining municipalities and counties will have on Tyrone’s future (and present!).

I want to address several issues raised by my opponents in last week’s candidate’s forum
With respect to the issue of requiring bonding for capital improvement projects, there has not been a need to require bonds to pay for indebtedness for capital improvements since the capital improvement plan is based on projected revenues to ensure that capital improvements are provided at the lowest cost to the taxpayers and they are not burdened with the additional interest cost associated with bond funding.

Tyrone is now in a rapid growth stage, and I am concerned that the character of our town may be permanently altered by this growth in a way that will negatively impact the very things that brought us, and others, to live in this wonderful town.

A recurring theme among candidates in last week’s Forum was quality growth. If elected to Post 4, I’ll work hard to seek input from all Tyrone’s citizens and businesses in completing a full Comprehensive Plan update as required by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Michael Server: With few exceptions, the people I talk with truly like living in Tyrone. People want a place to live they can be proud of, to share with family and friends. (There are great people and families in Tyrone).

I am seeking re-election to Tyrone Council Post 3 because I would like to continue to serve the citizens by partnering with them to ensure that their interests and vision for the town are protected.

I am seeking the Post 3 of Tyrone Council for the following reasons:

1. Enforce the land use plan and update the plan: Land use plans are developed to determine the overall economic impact of the community. Once it is adopted, it should remain the town’s guide to economic development and should be updated every five years.

My name is Gloria Furr. I am seeking election to the Tyrone Council, Post #4 and am asking for your vote on Nov. 8, 2005.

I have lived in Tyrone for 17 years, and have come to love the quiet “country” lifestyle that it offers.

One of Tyrone’s best assets is Shamrock Park. We need to protect and preserve this area for the benefit of all of our citizens. The park provides a wonderful green space in the center of town and can accommodate all kinds of recreational activities.