Time capsule

As reported in The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times 28 years ago on Wednesday, April 2, 1975.

Fort taking leaps to cut electricity bills

The high cost of electricity has prompted Fort Gordon officials to cut back power consumption on the fort. The post commanding general, Maj. Gen. Charles R. Myer, ordered a two-month cut-off of heating and air conditioning starting Tuesday, April 1, which will apply to all post building except family quarters, structured housing, heat-sensitive equipment and specifically designated areas personally approved by Myer.

The post has reduced energy costs by 15 percent, but the electrical rate increases have wiped any savings conservation efforts may have produced, said Lt. Col. R.H. Barton, director of Facilities Engineering. At the end of February, the post faced a $304,000 unfinanced requirement to pay bills.

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Barton said the two-month cut-off will save up to $100,000 and the remainder of the deficit will have to be made up through other post activities. The cut-off could continue into June because rates are expected to continue to rise into the next budget year.

Don Seay assumes conservationist duties

Don Seay recently assumed duties as the new Soil Conservationist in Columbia County.

For the past year, Seay has worked with the Soil Conservation Service in Albany, Ga. He received his bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from the University of Georgia in 1971 and spent two years with the UGA Cooperative Extension Service in Carroll County.

Seay will prepare a conservation plan for any landowner to meet his individual needs and to provide technical assistance to carry the plan out. His office is located in the Agricultural Building in Appling.

Little Miss Columbia County crowned

Stephanie Pursley, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pursley Jr., was crowned as Little Miss Columbia County for 1975 at Martinez Elementary School on March 22. She was sponsored by Stith Equipment Co.

In addition to the crown donated by J.B. White's of National Hills, Stephanie received a $25 savings bond from Georgia State Bank, flowers from Nita's Florist, a gift certificate from Lad and Lassie Children's Wear and a trophy presented by the Martinez-Evans Jaycees.

First runner-up was five-year-old Cherish Ferguson and second runner-up was three-year-old Kristi Lynn Lollis. Both received a trophy and gift certificate.