Monday, May 8, 2006
Before pushing for impact fees, find out if growth pays for itself already
It's funny how people who have never paid an impact fee when they moved into the county now want to impose impact fees on new home buyers. No matter that more than half the new-home buyers are existing county residents. They also don't want to even consider that the economic impact, and the expansion of the tax base the building of a new home, office building, or retail location has, may indeed already pay for itself and then some.
Parties to pose questions on primary election ballot
The questions are in, but the answers won't come until July 18.
Perdue asks for voters' help
A row of signs bearing his name was posted outside as a fervor akin to a sports pep rally grew indoors.
Court clerk's request questioned
It was a Tuesday budget hearing that came with some questions, some focusing on the county's judicial system.
Winfield man recovering after double-organ transplant
Danny Lee "Wolf" Thomas got a call April 26 that probably saved his life, his sister says.
Groups ensure soldiers aren't forgotten
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Columbia County News-Times begins a four-part series in today's edition examining the war in Iraq and how Columbia County is responding more than three years after the war began.
Visitors bureau tentatively approves logo
Board members of the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau tentatively approved a new logo Wednesday to help sell the county as a tourist destination.
Evans culinary team judged Georgia's best
The STARs in Nashville will extend beyond country music singers when three Evans High School students arrive in July.
Year abroad changed student
Susanna O'Kula had a profound interest in the Spanish language. A year spent studying abroad gave her a greater understanding of the language and enabled her to further her work on several mission trips.
John Deere marking its 15th anniversary
John Deere will celebrate its 15th anniversary in Columbia County on Monday with an invitation-only ceremony celebrating the company's employees and its progress.
School retirees recognized at reception
Come August, 45 Columbia County school system employees won't endure the buzz of an alarm clock and feel the morning rush of getting ready for school.
School lunch menus
School lunch menu through Wednesday.
Police blotter
The following accounts were taken from reports filed with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office:
Things to Do
The Evans Towne Center Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals meeting, at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Brandon Wilde Clubhouse, will include a fashion show. For more information, call Phebe Dent at (706) 868-3376, or e-mail pdent@columbiacountyga.gov.
Vacation photos
Taking a trip out of town, or just planning to spend some time at the lake or a local park? Send us a family photo, and we'll publish it in The News-Times.
Property transfers
David James Clark to Sirva Relocation LLC, 1249 Hardy Point Drive, $335,000.
Time Capsule
As reported 25 years ago in the pages of The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times, Wednesday, May 6, 1981:
Current events
The annual Israel Experience will be held from 1-4 p.m. today at the Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, Evans, featuring cultural entertainment and food, children's activities including live camels and a petting zoo, and Israeli art.
Greyhound of the week
Vincent is a black male greyhound with a silky soft and shiny coat. Vincent also has a "greyt" personality and wags his tail constantly to express his happiness.
Get up and go
Columbia County's first Farmer's Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20 at the amphitheater in Evans. In addition to season plants and produce, Art in the Garden with entertainment and artwork will be featured. For information, call (706) 868-3349.
Divorces
Sarah J. Jones and Damien M. Jones, April 26, 2006.
Stevens Creek Elementary School Honor Roll
The following are honor roll students:
Riverside Elementary School Honor Roll
The following are honor roll students:
Day of Prayer fell on few ears
A chorus from Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church shook the rafters. A quartet from Wesley United Methodist sang with passion. An a cappella singer from West Acres Baptist demonstrated amazing vocal talent.
Time to break out the checkbook again
It's hard not to feel bad for those who weren't there.
Illegals undermine American dream
I got up in the middle of the night only to find a perfect stranger sitting in my living room and watching my television. When I demanded to know who he was and why he was in my house, his only response was that it didn't matter; he had gotten into my house, established residence there, and now I had to accept the fact. And, by the way, he had cut himself when he entered, and would need one of my Band-Aids.
Sports calendar
The Fatz Cafe third annual Spring Golf Classic, a fundraiser for the Jenny Clark Memorial Scholarship Fund, will begin with a shotgun start with unlimited range balls and lunch from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Bartram Trail Golf Club. Cost is $400 per team, or $100 per player, with sponsorships available.
You go, girls! ACS track team wins state
A state championship isn't as rare as it used to be at Augusta Christian. The Lions have hoisted state title trophies in football and baseball during the past year.
Harlem girls soccer team going strong
Soccer season came to an end for three girls teams last week after losses in the second round of the Class AAAA state tournament.
Baseball teams win their way to playoff trips
It took only one round of the Region 2-AAAA Baseball Tournament for one subregion to show its dominance over the other. All four teams in the west subregion - Greenbrier, Jones County, Evans and Lakeside - disposed of the entire east subregion in the region tournament's first round.
Harlem Bulldogs fight their way to tournament
When Harlem High School baseball coach Jimmie Lewis saw his team play in its first four games of the year, the 2006 season didn't look promising.
Local team successes are sweetest of treats
Sure, I have a college degree. I live on my own in a two-story townhouse. I pay my own bills. I cook my own meals and fix my bed (most of the time).