Time capsule
As reported 25 years ago in The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times, March 21, 1979:
Harlem wins
The Harlem Bulldogs knocked off top-ranked Lincolnton 13-0 during the Spring Football Jamboree in Lincolnton.
The jamboree consisted of four area high school football teams competing in a round-robin format, with the Bulldogs finishing on top.
Other teams participating included Thomson and Elbert County. The Bulldogs played to 0-0 ties with both Thomson and Elberton.
According to Harlem head coach Carl Brooks, the jamboree provided the teams with a preview of their strengths and weaknesses for next year's regular season.
Grants sought
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a $286,000 grant application to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for five countywide projects.
The projects included in the application call for tennis courts and multi-use courts for the existing Appling and Harlem parks. Other projects include a park development in Martinez with two tennis courts, two handball courts, restrooms, a picnic area and a parking facility.
A jogging trail, parking area and playground equipment for the Grovetown park, along with fencing and lighting for the new Evans High School field, are also included in the grant application.
Report compiled
An annual report for 1978 has been compiled by Columbia County officials to inform the public about the operation and services of the county government.
The report reflects the county's growth rate as one of the highest in the state with a population increase from about 14,000 in 1960 to more than 40,000 in 1978.
In 1978, 31 percent of the county's budget was spent for public works, 17 percent for public safety, 15 percent for general administration, 10 percent for community development, 8 percent for recreation, 8 percent for judicial purposes, 6 percent for tax administration and 5 percent for health and welfare.
Literary winners
Evans High School took first place in the 10th District Literary Meet held March 16 at Augusta College.
Taking first-place honors were Beverly Huff, girls' spelling; Joseph Chen, boy's spelling; Lori White, girl's essay; Joe Bennett, boy's essay; Kym Van Horn, girl's solo; and Patricia Sullivan, home economics.
Superintendent visits
Columbia County School Superintendent John Pierce Blanchard spent two entire days at Harlem High School recently, visiting with students and staff. While there, Blanchard met with the Student Council and answered questions.
Students meeting with Blanchard included Leigh Ann Wells, Cheryl Gracey, Alan McMahan, Becky Pileggi, Diane Dempsey, Pam Cummings, Roberta Harris, Janet Pate, Tracy McDaniel, Sharon Lewis, Crystal Wiggins, Donna Wasden and Lydia Jones.