Time Capsules

As reported 30 years ago in The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times, Wednesday, March 17, 1976:

Blanchard to run

In a press conference Monday afternoon, Jim Blanchard Jr. announced his candidacy for the office of district attorney of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, which is composed of Columbia, Richmond and Burke counties.

In his announcement, Blanchard cited the high crime rate and stated that he intended to be a vigorous prosecutor who would guarantee swift and sure trials to remove criminals from the streets.

Blanchard, who currently is chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, pledged to actively serve out the remainder of his term. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Columbia County for allowing him to complete the goals of his father, the late Jim Blanchard Sr., who was former chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

Educator finalist

Pauline A. Culpepper, who teaches first grade at Bel Air Elementary, has been selected as one of 15 runners-up in this year's Teachers Hall of Fame Award.

The Teachers Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by WSB Television in Atlanta through the Georgia Association of Educators, exists to honor one Georgia educator who has inspired and motivated students.

In 1975, Culpepper was the Columbia County Teacher of the Year.

EHS VOCA officers

Evans High School's Vocational Opportunities Clubs of America has elected officers for the 1975-76 school year. Representing Evans VOCA are Susan O'Brien, president; Judy Best, secretary; Sylvia Gambrell, parliamentarian; Tommy Wilson, treasurer; Andrew Mariani, vice president; and Dennis Sleister, reporter.