Sunday, July 2, 2006

Citizens who need help from Project Access aren't 'lazy and shiftless'
I really hope that the commissioners of the county of "Endless Opportunities" would be willing to take another look at finding room in the ever-so-popular county budget to grant Project Access the money that they have asked for which would enable them to serve those of us in the county who do not have health insurance.

Upcoming 'listening session' to seek input from Grovetown residents
The Grovetown City Council election campaign has been very exciting for me. I have met many people who share my love for the city and our leader's vision for its future. I have been encouraged by the many offers of support in my effort to get elected to council.

Blanchard and Calhoun will establish legacy with Evans Middle plans
The News-Times has rightly addressed the attack on the Town Square vision and the nodal concept (editorial, June 25, "Evans town vision takes big-box detour").

If governor's supporters take opposition lightly, challenger may win
I enjoyed Barry Paschal's June 25 column, and I hope his assessment of the legitimacy of the Ray McBerry campaign and his chances are shared by all of Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue's supporters, so much so that they do not take time away from chasing the Yankee buck to go vote

Report supports county's smoking ban
Proponents of a county smoking ban for most indoor locations savored in some vindication Wednesday in light of a report by the U.S. surgeon general that states there is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

Library may boost summer hours
For the summer months, extended hours are coming to the new Columbia County Library in Evans.

Officials offer advice to stay safe during holiday
As July Fourth approaches, medical and law enforcement officials are urging the public to safely celebrate the holiday.

Fourth of July events planned throughout area
The Fourth of July is almost here, and in Columbia County there is no shortage of ways to celebrate America's independence.

Pillars, arch to be put on better library site
An unforeseen problem will result in a more prominent position for the old Evans Consolidated School pillars and arch in the memorial gardens at the Columbia County Library complex.

Committee OKs early library hours
For the summer months, extended hours are once again coming to the new Columbia County Library in Evans.

Watering rules change slightly
With state officials recently announcing a Level 1 drought statewide, Columbia County residents must now slightly change their outdoor watering times.

Truckers honk for road safety
Sitting in a truck that had special safety features, Jerry Adams was able to easily check his passenger-side blind spot.

School system gets sales tax windfall
Good news came in the form of millions of unexpected dollars for the Columbia County school board at a Tuesday meeting.

Fire stations begin 24-hour service
Additional around-the-clock fire service protection has arrived to the outlying areas of Columbia County as two existing Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue stations and one new station began 24-hour staffed service Saturday.

Replica of Grovetown depot made
Before most Grovetown residents had cars, the town centered around the Georgia Railroad Depot.

Student's math skills add up to good year for Evans team
Andy Loper is certain of at least one thing: His interest in math didn't come from his mother.

Credit union announces promotions
Wade Radtke has been promoted to assistant manager for the Martinez branch of the SRP Federal Credit Union.

Current events
The Columbia County Library in Evans is increasing its hours of operation during the remainder of the summer. Until Aug. 3, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 2-5 p.m. Sundays.

Inducted
Robert W. Bagley, of Grovetown, a product verification and validation engineer for John Deere, has been inducted into the Pendleton Farmers Society.

Adventure in Quail Hollow
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.

Lewiston Elementary honor roll
Lewiston Elementary School A and A/B honor roll

Euchee Creek Elementary honor roll
Euchee Creek Elementary School A and A/B honor roll

Military newsmakers
Air Force Airman Reginald B. Brown has arrived for duty at Whiteman Air Force Base, Knob Noster, Mo. Brown, a services apprentice, is assigned to the 509th Services Squadron. He is the son of Reginald and Robin Brown, of Evans. The airman is a 2005 graduate of Greenbrier High School.

Property transfers
Robert H. Riddle to Nicholas D. Redfern and LeeAnne L. Redfern, 4025 Wynmore Court, $114,000.

Police blotter
Three teens attending summer school at Evans High School were charged with marijuana possession Wednesday morning.

Newsmakers
These Augusta Christian Schools students received recognition for achievement at the school's annual Honors Night program May 8.

Divorces
Harvey A. Newman and Sara M. Newman, June 21, 2006

Newsmakers
Jamie Lauren Emert graduated cum laude from Georgia Southern University on May 6.

Divisive case ends with a whimper
There is one thing in the recent turmoil at Greenbrier Elementary School about which everyone can agree: The episode polarized the school more than any other in recent memory.

Independence won here, too
Anyone with even the slightest stirrings of patriotism should be heartened that there are no longer enough hours on July 4 to handle Independence Day.

Just another scary day at the beach
On the fourth day of an uneventful week at the beach, I lounged at the water's edge. The sun tiptoed across ripples on the horizon, making ships look melty as they approached the north channel of the Savannah River.

Wedding takes precedence over sports
I'm getting married in six days.

Patriots win division tourney in Columbia
The Columbia County Patriots United Under-9 Boys select soccer team recently won the Sandlapper Division Tournament in Columbia.

Honors pile up for baseball standouts
In recent weeks I have tried to keep readers updated on the many honors that have been bestowed on our county's top baseball players, including Josh Whitaker of Augusta Christian, who was selected to display his talents at the East Coast Showcase in Wilmington, N.C.

Hank Aaron backs Augusta Players
The name of the game was different for Hank Aaron this past Monday when he visited Jones Creek Golf Course, but the attention and awestruck looks on spectators' faces were the same.

Sports calendar
The Augusta FireBall, a Premier Development League soccer team, will play host to the Nashville Metros today at 7 p.m. at Patriots Park. Tickets at the gate are $8 for adults and $5 for students and members of the military. Children ages 4 and under are free. For more information call (706) 513-0866.

Putt-Putt tourney likes county spot
Columbia County's handful of public and private golf courses will take a back seat this week to their miniature counterpart.