Time capsule

As reported 36 years ago in the pages of The Columbia News, April 25, 1968:

New school construction

Ground-breaking ceremonies were recently held to kick off a $1.6 million building program for four Columbia County elementary schools. Under construction are South Columbia, Bel Air, Grovetown and Harlem elementary schools.

Little League Day

The Little League season officially began Saturday in Columbia County with Little League Day at Harlem.

The day began with American Legion teams participating in the motorcade which paraded through Harlem to the Little League Field, where they were met by a group of at least 100 fans and spectators.

Harlem Mayor George Craig, assisted by coaches of the Little League teams, threw the first ball of the day to Cleve Edmunds, president of the Harlem Jaycees.

Edmunds later presented a registered Beagle puppy to Homer Daughtry, coach of the Grovetown Spartans. Daughtry won the puppy in a raffle during the event.

Students donate sign

Students in Columbia County schools raised funds through the sale of auto litter bags to purchase five signs for Columbia County, welcoming visitors to the county as a CSRA Trail City.

The Harlem sign was accepted by G.B. Pollard Jr., chairman of the committee on the location of CSRA signs; Harlem Mayor George Craig; and County Commissioner Lawrence Story. Other signs are located in Martinez on Washington Road; on Highway 221 near Clarks Hill Dam; on Highway 104 near the Little River Bridge; and on Highway 150 in Winfield.

Argo named editor

The Columbia Publishing Co. announces that Ronald B. Argo, of Atlanta, has assumed the position of editor for The Columbia News.

The Columbia News was sold by Claude McEver, former publisher, to John W. Lee, Tom Hagler and Alvin Postell, all with Georgia Iron Works, on April 1, 1968.

"The Columbia News is the only real newspaper in this county and we plan for it to serve as the real voice of the citizens of this county," Argo said.

New music director

On Sunday, April 21, 1968, Abilene Baptist Church welcomed their new music minister and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Kupitz.

Kupitz is a native of North Dakota. He was previously music director of Abilene, and returns after spending the past 15 months at First Baptist Church in Langley, S.C.

Val, sal named

Pam Miller was named valedictorian of Evans High School for 1968. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross F. Miller of Evans.

Nicky Amato was named salutatorian. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Gilbert of Martinez.

Honor graduates will be Kathy Pratt, Nancy Williams, Patsy Brown, Yvonne Powell, Dwight Joiner and Barbara Gibbs.