Time capsule

As reported in The Columbia News 34 years ago on Thursday, November 7, 1968.

First elected school board takes office

Thanks to a school board referendum passed on Sept. 11, new members of the school board were elected Tuesday and will take office Jan 1.

Until this election, board members were appointed by Columbia County Grand Jury. Voters passed the referendum by an eight to one margin. The five new elected members of the board are: William S. Jackson, Evans District; Leon J. Ziegler, Martinez District; Guy F. Fleming Jr., Harlem District; Lamar C. Walter, Grovetown District; and John M. Price Jr., Appling District.

Martinez District voters led other districts with the largest turnout of 983. Evans followed closely with 679 votes.

Evans cheerleader chosen third in pageant

An Evans High School cheerleader was chosen second runner-up in the Miss Exchange Club Fair Competition in Augusta.

Mary Ann Blanchard, 17, competed with more than 40 area girls for the title. Contestants were judged on beauty, poise and personality. Blanchard was awarded $50 cash prize and trophy.

Gail Hilliard, 17, of Waynesboro, was named Miss Exchange Club Fair of 1969 and Beth Doel, representing Richmond Academy, was awarded first runner-up.

Civilian wins Army award

Fort Gordon civilian and Grovetown resident, Ara L. Emel received a $465 Department of the Army Suggestion Award at an awards ceremony Friday at the Officers Club along with 48 other civilian award winners.

Awards were presented by Maj. Gen. John C.F. Tillson III, commanding general assisted by William M. D'Antignac, civilian personnel officer.

Other awards were also given including service awards for up to 40 years of service and Department of the Army High Quality Performance of Duty and Special Service awards.

Record number of county voters

Columbia County citizens turned out in record numbers Tuesday to cast their ballots in both local and national elections.

Voting booths were crowded all day. At some election sites, voters patiently waited in lines more than two hours to cast their votes, election officials said.

American Independent Party candidate, George Wallace, won over President Richard M. Nixon with 2,207 Columbia County ballots. Incumbent U.S. Senator Herman Talmadge beat Republican George Patton by a three to one margin with 3,481 votes.

In local elections, three contested county commission seats were filled by A.R. "Ted" Lane, Paul G. Blanchard and Thomas L. Huffman.