Time capsule

As reported 25 years ago in The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times, April 11, 1979:

Bee winner

Grovetown Elementary School student Myra Taylor was declared the winner of the Columbia County Spelling Bee after she outlasted 10 other contestants in the event held at Columbia Junior High School.

The 12-year-old Myra defeated runner-up Jamie Mace after correctly spelling the word "bequeath." Myra is the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Konrad Taylor of Grovetown.

Rezoning approved

A rezoning from residential to highway commercial for property located at Sawdust Road and North Hicks Street in Harlem was approved by the Columbia County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Property owner Glenn Radford applied for the zone change to permit him to operate a small motor repair shop.

Despite objections from two neighbors who wanted the area to remain exclusively residential, the board gave unanimous approval.

Planning Director Steve Szablewski told commission members the property location is consistent with the county's plan for future commercial development.

Harlem seeks grant

The Harlem City Council agreed to continue application procedures for a $1 million water system loan/grant from the Farmers Home Administration.

According to Mayor Ed Clary, the $1 million loan/grant will be used for improvements and additions to the city's water system in conjunction with the water system for the new Harlem High School.

Cross bearing

Last year Miss Shelley Totten of Grovetown helped bear an "old rugged cross" from Grovetown United Methodist Church to Bellevue Memorial Gardens where extended community Easter services are held each year.

This year the Cross Bearing Procession will emphasize Christ's seven last words from the cross.

Superintendent visits

Columbia County School Superintendent John Pierce Blanchard recently spent a day visiting South Columbia Elementary School. During an assembly program, the students of South Columbia presented a talent show with many of them being dressed as teachers and staff members.

Summer classes OK'd

The Columbia County Board of Education approved for summer school programs to be offered for high school students at Evans High School and for elementary students at Grovetown Elementary School.

The School Board also approved the used of the South Columbia Elementary School auditorium by the Martinez-Evans Jaycees and Jaycettes to hold their annual Miss Forestry and Little Miss Columbia County pageants.

The board also approved the appointment of a committee to study the possible use of the Old Leah School property and gymnasium.