Time capsule

As reported in The Columbia News 24 years ago on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 1978.

Disaster Drill

Doctor's Hospital conducted a disaster drill Tuesday in which the efficiency and reflexes of the hospital and its staff were tested.

The mock disaster involved the collapse of a church roof where a group of boy scouts were attending their regular meeting. Members of Boy Scout Troops 66 and 2 participated as "victims" in the drill.

During the drill, 13 "victims" were brought to the hospital by members of the Columbia County and Richmond West Ambulance services. Injuries varied from bruises and broken bones to one fatality.

Education board votes to seek settlement

The Columbia Count Board of Education voted last week to allow the board's attorney, Robert Knox, Jr., to negotiation a settlement with former school teacher James C. Holliday.

Holliday's dismissal by the county Board of Education was recently reversed by the State Board of Education after hearing officer L.O. Buckland ruled that Holliday was denied due process of law when he was not permitted to remain in the room during testimony from students in his class. Buckland also ruled that Holliday was refused the right to assist his counsel in the cross-examination of any of the witnesses.

Associate Superintendent Don Thornhill said Monday that a settlement has not yet been reached but hope a settlement would be negotiated by the end of the week.

Recall verification set for Thursday

The verification of the petitions for the recall of the county's commissioners was postponed from Monday until Thursday at 9 a.m.

Probate Judge Kathryn Morris said Monday that she had received a letter from recall leader Preston McDaniel requesting an extension of the verification until Thursday. McDaniel has requested the delay until state officials can rule on manner of verification of the recall petitions and whether or not the petitions are public documents.