Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Stop wasting lives and taxpayers' money exploring space
When the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began the investigation of outer space, the apparent reason was to ascertain whether there was life and if there was a possible use for outer space. No life was found, and humans could not exist in space without a chamber of artificial atmosphere. Given this information, it certainly did not show that it would be worthwhile to colonize space. Also, there was no indication of danger to the Earth's population, unless one subscribes to the existence of UFOs bearing aliens aimed at attacking Earth. V.R. Kennen, Augusta

Patriotism is not a question of war
The debate to go to war is unlike all others. Its outcome can be a decision with consequences more vivid and self-evident than any other made by the people or their government. Once soldiers are on the ground and fighting, they become unique. They rise above any questions of right or wrong and deserve the total support of their countrymen. John C. Guisti, Beech Island, S.C.

Anti-Israel letter draws passionate rebuttal
This is in response to Harry Sellers' Jan. 13 letter, "U.S. should stop supporting Israel," concerning Israel. Stephen Steinberg, Augusta

Public invited to participate in 'green' events
The environmental focus is on Columbia County this month. There are three events:

Cut aid to countries that won't help us
I think it is time we remind our "friends," as President George W. Bush said, "You are either with us or against us." Richard T. Banks, Augusta

Hunt is candidate worth supporting for Aiken Co. sheriff
Lt. Mike Hunt's plans to improve the Aiken County Sheriff's Office are welcome and long overdue. While the sheriff's office has seen tremendous improvements over the last decade, Mr. Hunt knows improvements must be continuous in order to be effective. Mark Stowell, Aiken, S.C.

Same old tactics used to unseat GOP chairman
The newly elected officers of the Columbia County Republican Party were referred to as New Horizons leadership. The only thing new are the names (http://newstimesonline.com/stories/ 031203/new_124-3519.shtml).

Anti-France 'diatribe' from editor earns rebuke
Publication of Jason Smiths diatribe profiling the Gutless French (column, The gutless and the honorable, March 5, http://newstimesonline.com/stories/ 030503/new_153-7269.shtml), enabled by his limited study, and his admitted inability to comprehend his acquired knowledge, is a prime example of someone being educated beyond their intelligence.

Protesters protest their own system
On March 6, another suicide bomb kills multitudes in Israel. France, Germany and Russia will oppose United Nations approval of "aggression" toward Iraq. Augusta State University students hold an anti-war protest in response to National Walk-out Day. What? One student simply didn't understand our nation's stance on world peace. Another promoted "Enlightenment, not annihilation." Excuse me, but does he really know what Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's track record is? I suggest he enlighten himself with a case study as to who and what type of human being Saddam really is! Mark L. Hopkins, Augusta

Dearing principal changing schools
THOMSON - One of McDuffie County's most beloved educators is moving on.

Middle-schooler wins science scholarship
Grovetown Middle School eighth-grader Jasmine Streeter recently won the Georgia Science Teachers Association Science Adventure Student Scholarship.

Choice faces new chairman of GOP
Lee Muns must choose.

Cat's death spurs bill to change state law
ATLANTA - Allan Levene's interest in knowing what happened to his cat has turned into a political crusade as he tries to change a law that protects licensed professionals who are disciplined.

Some speed humps can be liability
Speed humps slow traffic. But many Columbia County officials are worried the humps are slowing the wrong kind of traffic.

Harlem plans bigger cancer fund-raiser
Harlem wants to make this year's Relay for Life bigger and better than last year's.

Sidewalk project continues
Despite a loss of $24,000 in state Department of Transportation funding, Grovetown and Columbia County officials are determined to build sidewalks near Grovetown Middle School.

Special-education pupils horse around
Canterbury Trails Equestrian Center and Riding Stables in Grovetown was the site for A Day in the Country.

Annual health fair draws hundreds
Medical College of Georgia Health Systems and the Augusta Red Cross teamed up to present their 19th annual health fair Saturday.

Get up and go
An organization meeting for Parents Without Partners will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Warren Baptist Church in Room C101 of the Welcome Center.

Read all about it
North Columbia Elementary School second-grader Cody Turner reads a book to his pre-kindergarten book buddy Trey Kamariotis.

School lunches
Columbia County school lunch menus

Youth movement
Members of the Columbia County Youth Leadership Class of 2003 look at a map of the county at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office at Clarks Hill Lake.

Current events
In Sunday's editions of The News-Times, an incorrect starting time for pre-school and kindergarten registration at Martinez Elementary was listed. The correct list is below.

Decade gone, let's move on
If the media hadnt reminded everyone that March 18, 2003 marked the 10th anniversary of the shooting at Harlem High School, would anyone have remembered?

Economy after flood
If theres one topic that trumps the war with Iraq in most conversations today, it would have to be the economy. Headlines decry downed profits, disappearing jobs, and markets that seem to sink lower every day. The gravy train is pulling out of the station, and no other fortune-driven vehicle is coming down the track.

Applause for some local efforts
From personal achievements to selfless efforts on behalf of others, several Columbia County residents deserve special recognition:

Harlem player kicks off career with Carson-Newman College
Alan Griffin thought he could run or pass his way onto a college football team. When that didn't work, the Harlem High School senior kicked down the door to the next level.

Understanding March Madness comes down to the Bottom Line
The NCAA basketball tournament gets under way Thursday, so many of you college hoop fans are filling brackets or picking teams for office pools.

Athlete spotlight: Ben Tankersley
Ben Tankersley says baseball has always been his favorite sport.

Money boosts Evans golfers
Members of the Evans High School golf team have something in common with Tiger Woods.

Harlem girls stay on the ball
The spring sports season is shifting into high gear, but the Harlem High School girls soccer team already is hitting on all cylinders.

Sports briefs
Baseball Central is sponsoring a baseball camp Saturday at Riverside Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. Players ages 7-18 are encouraged to attend. Camp instructors are Mike Lilly and Mark Thornhill. Participants can choose to receive training on one or more of the following fundamentals: pitching, catching, hitting, defense-infield, and defense-outfield. The cost of the camp is $65. Lunch will be provided. To register, call 860-8808.