Monday, October 23, 2006
At $15.44 per year, bond is a 'minimal' investment in county's future
Roads to our future are now - I support a yes vote on the bond for transportation improvements in Columbia County.
Williams, not Roper, is the 'right man for the position' in superior court
Frank Spears almost had it right (letter, Oct. 15, Roper "exemplifies our conservative values' in race for judge"). There are indeed some outstanding men vying to be the next Superior Court judge. He just picked the wrong one.
County residents 'have much to celebrate' with Republicans on ballot
Columbia County residents have much to celebrate this election season. We have the best Republican candidates ever.
Second Amendment will be among casualties of Democrat takeover
If the Democratic Party takes over Congress in the November elections, America will forever radically be changed from today's society.
Church welcomes comedian
When Premier Productions contacted West Acres Baptist Church in Evans about playing host to Christian comedian Mark Lowry in concert Thursday, the church jumped at the chance.
Fort Gordon to go on display
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce members will have a chance to learn what Fort Gordon has to offer at a Thursday event.
Arts groups applaud new stages
Less than nine months ago, there was no major Columbia County venue to showcase the county's artistic talent.
Retailers, restaurants generate record taxes
Cheryl Jones, of Evans, says that for many of the things she needs, shopping at the stores at Mullins Crossing is more convenient than driving to Richmond County.
New churches being built
Some Columbia County churches are putting down new roots. Mark Nabholz, minister of music for Christ Church Presbyterian, says his congregation plans to move into its new 450-seat sanctuary near the intersection of Furys Ferry Road and Southern Pines Drive in January.
Artist is honored by peers
Members of a Columbia County arts organization gathered Monday to honor some of their own.
City celebrates library birthday
A century-old Harlem house was recognized Wednesday for its 25th birthday as the city's library.
11-year-old recovers from three-story fall
As Hunter Branscum passed the finish line at the Whiskey Road Race in Aiken on Oct. 7, his mother, Diane Ryals, proudly snapped his photo.
Teen focuses on improving community
As her high school years come to an end, Maple Dynan has had to scale back on the extracurricular activities she has always loved. But that doesn't mean the 17-year-old Lakeside High School senior is anything but busy.
School entrance open for now
Columbia County commissioners gave Augusta Christian Schools a 12-month reprieve Tuesday night concerning access to the school via a back entrance for football games and special events.
Spooky food drive is Saturday
Volunteers in area neighborhoods will be collecting food and donations Saturday for the annual It's Spooky to be Hungry food drive.
Weapons program helps prepare signal soldiers for combat situations
In peacetime, Signal Corps soldiers from Fort Gordon were able to focus on setting up and maintaining communications equipment.
Spouses, family members get firsthand experience of loved ones' military jobs
Rebecca Higgins had heard her husband talk about training at the 369th Signal Battalion's Forward Operating Base, and she'd even driven past there once. What went on there, she said, remained a mystery.
Get up and go
Businesses are being sought for booths at Trick or Treat so Others can Eat on Thursday, and for the Christmas craft fair at the county's tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 2.
Photos: Helping the children
A team of soldiers from the 345th Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Gordon recently donated school supplies to a newly built elementary school, Al Imam Primary School, in the Iraqi village of Bani Sa'ad.
Business newsmakers
Jay Jeffries, of Martinez, was awarded the Real Fathers Real Men prize from the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show on Oct 10. The prize recognizes men who provide a good example and make a difference in the lives of others. Jeffries, a meteorologist for NBC Channel 26, also is director of public relations and research at Paine College, holds a part-time position with Mays Mortuary and plays drums for Second Providence Baptist Church in North Augusta.
Newsmakers
Lucy Ann Pollard, of Appling, has recently become recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at the University of Georgia.
Photo: Ballet company becomes official
Stephen Jones, an Atlanta hip-hop artist, takes a short break from the international Mary J. Blige tour to visit his alma mater, the Columbia County Ballet, and clown around with some of the dancers after the company's inaugural performance in the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center. The ballet was named Official Resident Company by the Columbia County Commission. A plaque was presented at curtain time to directors Ron and Kathleen Jones by state Sen. Jim Whitehead. The ballet will debut its New Nutcracker in its new home theater in November.
Post Happenings
Post Happenings lists events, programs and other community notices from Fort Gordon. Send information to Fort Gordon Calendar, attention Ryan Wehmeyer, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928.
Property transfers
Choice One Home Builders Inc. to Toneisha F. Baker, 114 Brandimere Drive, $86,400.
Photo: Greyhound of the week
Sparky, 10 months old, is a real pleasure to have around. He is a playful boy who is friendly with other dogs and cats. He would be a wonderful addition to a family with kids. Sparky has been neutered, is up to date on all vaccinations and is house trained. All he needs is a loving home. You can meet Sparky and other retired racing greyhounds at Pet-A-Fair at Julian Smith Casino on Oct. 29 or PetCo on Nov. 11. If you are interested in seeing Sparky, please call Jeanne McGee at (706) 796-1708 or go to www.csragreyhoundadoptions.org . Thank you to Evans Out Patient Care for sponsoring CSRA Greyhound Adoptions. [CAPTION]
Military newsmakers
Army Sgt. 1st Class Roderick R. Taylor has been inducted into the Sgt. Audie L. Murphy Club, a club formed in 1986 in honor of the Army's World War II most decorated combat soldier, Audie Leon Murphy.
Things to do
Groves First Baptist Church will hold homecoming services beginning at 11 a.m. today, followed by a meal. Revival will be gin at 6 p.m.
School councils
The Riverside Middle School Council will meet at 3 p.m. in the media center Oct. 30, Nov. 27, Jan. 29, Feb. 26 and April 30. For information, call (706) 868-3714.
Photo: Taking a bumpy ride
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. Bring or mail a photo to our office at 4272 Washington Road, Suite 3B, Evans, GA 30809, or e-mail photos to cnt@newstimesonline.com
Photo: Bees take Dixie Boys championship
The Bees are the 2006 Columbia County Recreation Department Dixie Boys champions. Team members are Zach Lewer (front row, from left), Shane Wyatt, Austin Metcalf, Chad Gilliland, Evan Crane and A.J. Kelley; coach Charlie Blackwell (back row), Ben Morgan, Will Perfect, Hunter Hamilton, Kip Custer, Corey Rosamond, Chris Gresham and coach Billy Kelly. Not shown are Chris Cruz and Clayton Perry.
Photo: Harlem High students honored
Thirty-five young women participated in the Miss Harlem High School pageant Sept. 30. Shown after the contest are Brooke Summers (from left), second runner-up; Janine DeMichele, the winner; and Devin Beacher, first runner-up. Not shown is Haylee McCoy, who was named Miss Spirit. All of the contestants raised $500 for breast cancer research.
Photos: Halloween festivities
Brittney Maclaury, 9, (left) and Mason Lilly, 5, ride ponies at Wesley United Methodist Church's Pumpkin Patch in Evans.
Photo: Teacher organization visits D.C.
A leadership delegation from the state's largest teacher organization, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, included Dr. Allene Magill, executive director (from left); Margaret Price, legislative manager; U.S. Rep. Charles Norwood; President Anna Brown; and President-elect Judy Teasley, a former Columbia County educator.
Current events
Absentee voting is under way at the Columbia County Board of Elections Office, 630 Ronald Reagan Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For information, call (706) 868-3355.
Police blotter
The following accounts were taken from reports filed with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.
Divorces
Joy Mason Price and Marc Renold Price, Oct. 6, 2006.
Seniors calendar
The Seniors Calendar lists items of interest to senior citizens.
Just bring all the candy to me
We now pause for a news flash: Halloween will be celebrated this year on Oct. 31, by decree of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.
It's Spooky to be Hungry time once again
Across the community, citizens are choosing sides. They're picking candidates for various elections, deciding which party to back, evaluating bond referendums.
Cashing in on chain mail
On Jan. 5, my spouse, a kindhearted man, who also loves to receive anything other than invoices in the mail, asked one of his employees to retype the plea and send one copy to each of the 10 local businesses on the list he compiled.
Sports calendar
Monday is the registration deadline for the MCG Kidney Transplant Program Golf Tournament, which will be held Nov. 6 at Jones Creek Golf Club. Sign-in for the captain's choice tournament takes place at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9.
Evans has area title in volleyball
Evans' 3-0 sweep over Greenbrier in the Area 2-AAAA Volleyball Tournament finals Tuesday secured the first volleyball area championship for the Lady Knights.
Prep calendar
High school sports calendar for the upcoming week.
Tennis results
Results from Sunday's West Lake Weapons vs. Mach Miracles tennis competition
Bulldog's dream job
Like any other Georgia Bulldog fan, Ray Fulcher has often entered a weekend wondering who will be the starting quarterback for his favorite college football team.
County teams pull out stops for state playoffs
Playoff time is quickly approaching for a few of our local teams. Actually, it's more than a few teams.
Golf pro should get credit for tournament
The fifth annual Tournament of Wishes Golf Event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation was completed last week and was a smashing success - as in record-smashing.