Time capsule
As reported in The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times 27 years ago, Oct. 23, 1974
Candidate for House charges bribery attempt
A candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives charged last Thursday night that an attempt was made to bribe him to withdraw from the race.
Dillard Watkins, of Martinez, told supporters at a bipartisan meeting that the attempt, made by Columbia County Commissioner Paul Blanchard, came in the way of a telephone call Aug. 18.
Watkins is running on the Republican ticket against Ray Owens (backed by Blanchard) who defeated incumbent House member Glenn Phillips in the Democratic primary.
Watkins charged that Blanchard offered to pay all his (Watkins') campaign expenses until the time of the alleged phone call and to ''guarantee" victory in any county election in two years.
Veteran conservation workers retire
Two Columbia County veteran soil conservation workers, J.C. Butler and Andrew J. Anderson, have retired after a total of 62 tears of federal service.
They were honored by Soil Conservation Service personnel and friends at a retirement luncheon Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the country club in Elberton, Ga.
Butler, a native of Elbert County, started his SCS career in 1941 as a junior soil conservationist, Athens, Ga. in 1942, he was assigned to Dahlonega, Ga. as assistant soil conservationist and after service in World War II, he went to Appling in 1946 as soil conservationist.
Anderson, a native of Columbia County, served 29 years as a federal employee in Columbia County.
Students participate in youth week
A youth activity program presented by Harlem High School students highlighted last week's Harlem Rotary Club meeting.
The program was part of the rotary's youth activity week and was arranged by program chairman Neal Rabun.
Five Harlem High students - Vickie Eubanks, Jamie Camak, Chuck Renfro, Randy Tankersley and John Combs - presented a program of various youth activities available for student participation at Harlem High.
Eubanks, representing the Student Council, explained the school's student government, its purpose, requirements for membership and some of the club's project activities to the rotarians.
Evangelist to speak at Martinez Baptist
Evangelist Jim Herring will begin revival services at Martinez Baptist Church this Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Services are scheduled for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Homecoming will be observed after the morning services on Sunday. At 2 p.m., afternoon services will begin with a message by Jim Herring, special music and historical highlights of the church.
The Brotherhood, a special instrumental group, will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights. Bill Sarver will lead singing and special music on Sunday.