Time capsule

As reported in The Columbia News 24 years ago on Feb. 15, 1978

Board Approves New High School

The Columbia County Board of Education, at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1978 officially approved the final plans and specifications for the construction of the new Evans High School.

The estimated total construction of $6.5 million includes paving of parking areas, landscaping, construction of outside athletic facilities, equipment and furniture.

Associate Superintendent Don Thornhill states that the school is scheduled to go into operation at the beginning of the 1980-1981 school year. Mr. Thornhill further stated that the school is one of the best planned schools with input and involvement from the total school community. Principals, teachers, students and parents have had an opportunity for input into the development of not only the physical plans and specifications, but also the education specifications for the school.

Hearing Draws Crowd of One

Only one person showed up for the public hearing held in Appling last Thursday night. Sponsored by the CSRA Planning and Development Commission, the hearing was to determine the needs and problems of the county.

Columbia County Commission Chairman Lynn Norris said he knew about it, but was unable to attend. Les Wilkinson, chairman of the Martinez-Evans Citizens League, said that they didn't know about the hearing, or they would have been there.

The Columbia News advertised the public hearing on the front page of last week's issue.

William Drew, the Planning Commission representative who handles Columbia County, said that the response in this county isn't necessarily unusual. Drew said another hearing will be held, but he did not indicate when.

Norris Says County Doesn't Need Chairman

Columbia County Commission Chairman Lynn Norris said yesterday that the county doesn't need a chairman. "He has no authority at all," Norris said. "I have no control over anybody."

Norris continued that the chairman is elected by the people to attend to the daily business of the county "but everything that comes up, I have to get in touch with the commissioners," said Norris.

A study committee told Columbia County officials that they have three options concerning their county government: 1) a commission, in which each commissioner would have equal powers and responsibilities, 2) a chairman who would be an administrator, with power to oversee and manage all county operations, and 3) a county manager.

Currently, according to this study, Columbia County has none of these. No one has the responsibility for the day-to-day business. The department heads have no one to answer to. The state law that established the commission does not give the chairman the power to manage the county.