Monday, December 22, 2003
Capt. Christine 'just one of many heroes' to be thankful for
I would like to comment on the recent article about Capt. Bobby Christine. I have known Christine for seven years now. It was only several months prior to his deployment that I even knew he was a National Guardsman. He never talked about it; I guess I never asked, but I was very impressed! Impressed to know his commitment not only as a assistant district attorney or guardsman, but to this Country and most of all his family.
Inmate litter program should encourage cleanup volunteers
As a concerned citizen of Columbia County and a board member of Metro Augusta Clean and Beautiful, I was encouraged and inspired by The News-Times story about Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle and the litter program using inmate labor.
TV show, Falcons tickets thrill young fan
Greg Myrick has phocomelia - he was born only with upper arms and two fingers attached to the limbs - but it hasn't slowed him down.
Holiday display brightens nursing home
Chester Plecha is a self-proclaimed collector of many things.
Santa's helpers love their work
For many children, Christmas hope takes the appearance of a kind, ruddy man in a red velvet suit and hat. But since the real Santa has to check his extensive naughty-or-nice list twice before Christmas Eve, he appoints special men to play his part.
Harlem homes win prizes for Christmas displays
The Pioneer Garden Club rekindled a dormant holiday tradition Dec. 12, choosing the best holiday home displays in town.
Two win spots in Wal-Mart cookbook
Two employees of the same Wal-Mart were featured in the store's annual cookbook for the first time.
Toys donated for soldiers' families
The children of some deployed South Carolina National Guardsmen will find something extra beneath their Christmas tree this year.
Team proposes road projects
Consultants working on a survey of Columbia County transportation needs have come up with a list of 32 roads that could be widened or built to ease traffic congestion.
Inflatable decorations are a hot holiday trend
Taking a cue from car dealerships everywhere, homeowners are discovering the hottest new thing to spotlight their Christmas cheer comes in an inflatable balloon.
For some families, all Christmases are bright
Some people measure their Christmas spirit by the amount of money spent on presents. At least four residents of Martinez and Evans measure their Christmas spirit in megawatts.
All aglow for the holidays
In the spirit of christmas, many Columbia County residents celebrate the seasn with spectacular light displays. Here is a map to some of them.
Discourage crime during holiday season
With Christmas less than a week away, shoppers and businesses have more money.
Get up and go
Staff of the Georgia Legal Services Program will offer free legal help on a first-come, first-served basis to seniors 60 and over 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Bessie Thomas Community Center, 5913 Euchee Creek Drive, Grovetown. For more information, call 721-2327.
Property transfers
Homes with Merritt Inc. to Cuby H. Dudley, Thomas H. Dudley and Rebecca Boyd, 558 Farmington Circle, $272,500.
Columbia county newsmakerws
Adrienne Popplewell, a senior at Augusta Christian Schools, was selected by the school at the start of this year to participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship contest.
Harlem Middle School honor roll
The following pupils have been named to the first nine weeks A honor roll at Harlem Middle School:
A holiday for young and old
The Columbia County News-Times asked pupils at Westmont Elementary School what they want for Christmas this year. We also asked local residents to remember some of their favorite Christmas gifts. Here's what they told us:
Military news
Army Spec. Moses Howard II has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.
Dining and dancing
Taryn Morris (from left), Robin Lyles and Carly Webber clog the "Hamster Dance" for the Columbia County school system's business partners at the Superintendent's Breakfast Dec. 11 at Harlem High School.
Divorces
Timothy Jardine Jr. and April Jardine, Nov. 17.
Christmas calendar
Worship celebration
Police blotter
After denying bond twice before to Richard Chad Muns, Superior Court Judge Carl Brown is considering releasing the accused sexual offender.
Ornaments of holiday memories
It hangs quietly from the green branch; the red lights of the tree reflecting in its glossy surface. Its finish has worn down over the years until all that is now left is the glass base; with an occasional bit of cracked silver or red paint to remind me of its past silver-hued glory.
Relax rules for better fit
Amid gloomy talk of tight budgets and election-year politics, state Rep. Ben Harbin, chairman of Columbia Countys legislative delegation, offered hope during meetings with local elected officials Thursday.
Mixed blessing, but mostly blessing
Theres no wrapping paper or big red ribbon, but Grove-town residents are getting a welcome Christmas present this year: The cleanup of one of the citys ugliest eyesores.
Lights brighten season
Lately, Ive been hearing some pretty snotty comments from area Grinches concerning the extravagant proliferation of Christmas lights and decorations displayed about town.
Mary, the child-mother
Imagine a 9th-grader - your own daughter, niece or any girl you know well - and superimpose her image onto that of Mary, a young Jewish girl who had just received some extraordinary news.
Harlem star commits to Air Force
Tim Camp's football future is up in the air - as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
New coach at Augusta Christian has makings of winning team
In basketball, as in life, timing is everything.
Patriots win tournament
The Under-12 Lady Patriots won first place in the Sugar and Spice Tournament in Douglasville, Ga. The Patriots outscored their opponents 14-0 over four games.
Two take the field with UGA
It seems like a Thornhill has been a baseball fixture at University of Georgia for the past decade, but really the run has been seven seasons in a row, which is certainly impressive.
Coach needs players for alumni soccer game
Lakeside High School boys soccer coach Dave Morgan is always looking for good players, but there's a twist in his current talent search.
Golfers must choose distance over direction
Most people who practice their golf swing head to the driving range, where they start blasting balls and figure their game must be getting better.
Sports briefs
The Columbia County Patriots Under-11 Boys Select Soccer Team has openings for experienced players. If interested, contact Rob Davis at 860-8956. The Patriots are a member of the Georgia Youth Soccer Association.
'News-Times' debuts golf columnist
David Goolsby has found his calling as a golf teacher, and now he's going to help readers of The Columbia County News-Times find the path to golfing success.