Monday, November 6, 2006
'Now is the time to act' for citizens who have 'had enough': vote Nichols
Have Columbia County property owners had enough of pro-growth, out-of-control county government? If so, now is the time to act.
Bond priorities 'heavily weighted' to fixing problems of 'chaotic growth'
This is in reference to the upcoming bond issue as presently developed by the County Commission. The bond appears heavily weighted in favor of correcting problems created by the hasty and chaotic growth in Evans.
Voters should reject 'entire bond proposal,' vote against incumbents
Columbia County's commissioners obviously do not want what the voters want, and they apparently don't give a hang whether or not you like it. Why do they blithely ignore the voters' desire? They seem to meekly comply with the desires of developers, builders, real estate sales people and any others widely profiting from the growth situation we now are in.
Despite some poor planning issues, county's bond should still pass
My husband and I are seniors on fixed incomes and residents of Columbia County for almost a year, having moved from Augusta. I am writing to support passage of the four issues in the bond referendum, despite the anticipated tax increase.
'Separate fact from fiction' in worker's abrupt departure from campaign
The recent article concerning my campaign was most interesting. Hopefully this letter will help the voters separate fact from fiction. James Hanby, my former chief of staff, agreed to a fee for a job completed and he failed to finish that task and quit six weeks early. Of 128 days that he was involved in the campaign, he was absent 33 days with no illness involved.
Republicans and their defenders display 'the height of hypocrisy'
This country is great because her citizens are guaranteed the right to freedom of speech. But with that should come some responsibility from those who enable that freedom to be used to misinform. The Columbia News-Times did such a disservice when publishing Floyd Brown's letter in the Sunday Oct. 22 edition.
Holley 'will represent us with a servant's heart and a leader's head'
In response to the recent articles on the Congressional candidates for the 10th District, I appreciate a candidate willing to directly speak to the issues which we working people of Georgia face daily.
Muns would make decisions 'with best interests of children in mind'
Lee Muns is the obvious choice for school board chairman. He is a member of our community, has past school board experience, and is committed to the children of Columbia County.
Thigpen has experience, but Nichols has 'vision' for growing county
A key characteristic I have looked for in the past for anyone (developers, commissioners, county employees, citizens in general) is vision. The News-Times editorial in the race noted Scott Nichols' vision. His opponent offers experience in various appointed positions, but not vision, and I have not seen any demonstrated by him.
Brother has 'vested interest' in success of county's school system
In January, I closed my growing law office of 10 years to come here to Afghanistan to serve as an infantry officer with the 41st Brigade Combat Team. It was a stand I chose to take for the people of my community, my country and for my own sense of personal duty and honor.
Hammond is 'consensus-builder,' will take schools 'from good to great'
I am pleased to join many others who have expressed their support of Lawrence Hammond for chairman of the Columbia County School Board.
Commission seat, bond issue top ballot
Two candidates are running for a soon-to-be open seat on the Columbia County Commission in Tuesday's general election.
Board of Education Chairman race
Candidate profiles and a question and answer session with candidates Lee Muns, Lawrence Hammond and Regina Buccafusco.
Columbia County Commission candidates
Candidate profiles and a question and answer session with candidates Scott Nichols and Ron Thigpen.
Coroner was man of the people
Columbia County's longest-serving elected official was laid to rest Saturday.
Dancer leads master classes to keep ballet active in area
Karen Brown asked the ballet students to do more than properly perform the techniques.
School board leader will be elected
For the first time, Columbia County voters can elect the chairman of the school board - a post previously was filled internally by a board vote.
Blackburn faces newcomer in District 2
The District 2 race for the Columbia County Board of Education pits incumbent Mildred "Mickie" Blackburn against political newcomer Alma "Sissy" Hobbs.
Ministry gets its own building
A Harlem outreach ministry celebrated its first permanent location Wednesday with ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremonies.
County has equipment on way for special events
Those renting Columbia County facilities will soon have some new rentable amenities for their special events.
Runner finds moving to new cities isn't a hurdle
When Calyssa Lawyer moves to a new town and enrolls in a new school, she does one thing that she must to get used to her new surroundings: She makes the best of it.
Halloween drive generates food pantry conflict
Without much fanfare or publicity, a county food bank started its own drive to scare up food for the hungry this Halloween at the same time as the regional It's Spooky to Be Hungry drive.
County officials hoping for new traffic light by holidays
By the end of the year, Columbia County officials say a new traffic signal will help improve one Washington Road intersection.
Evans resident campaigns against bond referendum
YeSun Wiltse is not the most physically imposing character, but she says she stands in opposition to the county's Capital Improvement Projects bond referendum and she's putting up some of her own money in hopes that it fails.
Early voting strong
Many Columbia County voters aren't waiting until Tuesday's General Election to cast their ballots - they've already voted.
Columbia County School Board race
Candidate profiles and a question and answer session with Alma Hobbs and Mildred Blackburn.
Health calendar
The Health Calendar is a listing of support groups, activities and lectures.
Photo: A fish tale
Jacob Lane (from left), Hunter Boose, Kenneth Boose Sr. and Kenneth Boose Jr. pose with their catch from a recent trip to Thurmond Lake with Capt. Daniel Ladow, of Ace Striper Guide. The group caught 34 stripers and hybrids.
Greyhound of the week
Ten-month-old Sparky is playful with children and friendly with dogs and cats. He has been neutered, is up to date on his vaccinations and is house-trained. You can meet Sparky and other retired racing greyhounds at PetCo on Saturday.
Photo: County ballet cuts ribbon, unveils new logo
The Columbia County Ballet, located at 639 Furys Ferry Road, held a ribbon cutting and unveiled a new logo in August. The Columbia County Ballet was recently named official resident company of the new Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center in Columbia County's new multimillion-dollar library.
Things to do
American Legion Post 192, in Evans, will hold a pot luck dinner from 5:30 p.m. Tuesday until the food runs out. Cost is $5 per plate. The Legion also will hold a barbecue, at $5 per plate, starting at 2 p.m. Saturday. For information, call (706) 863-8728.
Photo: It's time for the fair
Appling residents Alison Atkinson (left) and Samantha Olson, both 17, ride the Himalaya on opening night at the 41st annual Columbia County Fair. The fair, which takes place at the Columbia County Fairgrounds on Columbia Road, runs through Nov. 11. Although the admission prices vary each day, the parking is free.
Divorces
Nicky Ann Teston and Randy Weldon, Oct. 27, 2006.
Photo: Girls raise money for project
Junior Girl Scout Troop 133 sold coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts at the Wesley United Methodist Church yard sale to help fund the troop's Bronze Award Project. The girls pictured are Ashley Fraley (back row, from left), Mariah Pope, Kimberly Stewart, Alley Cranata, Shelby Rogers, Amy Allen (front row, from left) and Keegan Miller.
School councils
The North Columbia Elementary School Council will meet at 4 p.m. on Jan. 4 and March 1.
Property transfers
GB Development LLC to Latonya R. Fortune, 638 Brook Trail, $89,000.
Stevens Creek Elementary School Honor Roll
First nine weeks honor roll for Stevens Creek Elementary School.
Community Calendar
The Rocky Creek Neighborhood Association meet at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month at Ascension Lutheran Church.
Newsmakers
Sarah Lowe, a member of the varsity hunt seat competition squad for the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, competed in the Varsity Equestrian National Championship in Albuquerque, N.M., in April.
Get up and go
The Augusta-area AARP Tax-Aide program is accepting applications from volunteers to help seniors and others prepare income taxes Feb. 1-April 15. For information, call district coordinator Bill Kozel at (706) 210-3048.
Photo: Lakeside golf team gets championship rings
The Lakeside High School Golf Team received their State AAAA Golf Championship rings Oct. 20 before the Lakeside vs. Glynn Academy football game. Principal Jeff Carney and Columbia County Board of Education Superintendent Tommy Price presented the rings to the team.
Photos: Halloween fun
Jaida Jenkins, 5, is ready to fight Halloween crime. She is Jaden's sister and a kindergartner at Martinez Elementary School.
Current events
The Democratic Party of Columbia County will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in Building A of the Columbia County Government Complex.
Columbia County sample ballot
Uncontested races are not included on this sample but appear on all ballots. On the actual touch-screen ballot, each race also includes space for write-in candidates.
School lunches
Columbia County school lunch menus for the upcoming week.
South Columbia Elementary Honor Roll
First nine weeks honor roll for South Columbia Elementary School.
Police Blotter
The following accounts were taken from reports filed with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.
Photo: Portman's Music opens
Jerry Portman (center), owner of Portman's Music Superstore, cuts the ribbon during the grand opening Thursday of the new store in Columbia Plaza in Martinez.
Time capsule
As reported 37 years ago in The Columbia News, Thursday, Oct. 30, 1969:
Photo: Trick-or-treat
DeAngelo Seard, 15 months, of Evans, rides in Hardy Point/Bay Pointe subdivision for trick-or- treating.
Seniors calendar
The Seniors Calendar lists items of interest to senior citizens.
Why we endorse
It is the policy of The Columbia County News-Times to evaluate local candidates and offer to our readers the benefit of our careful consideration by voicing our opinions on those candidates.
A review of all News-Times endorsements
Here are all of The News-Times' recommendations for all local races:
Tommy King set example
This sort of puts it all in perspective. Political junkies are spazzing out over absentee voting, early voting, regular voting, unleaded voting, burning up the phone lines and e-mails wondering what kind of dirt will spill onto their candidate or off of their opponent in the final days of the election season.
Vote David Roper for Superior Court judge
Most political posts test the endurance of candidates and the patience of voters. With terms of two or four or six years, those seeking office never really quit running. Elected positions become perpetual-motion machines, requiring office-holders to campaign unceasingly to keep their jobs.
Greenbrier hits the mat
Wrestling season began this past week as Monday marked the first official practice day for Georgia High School Association schools.
Pigskin picks
Each winner, drawn from the week's qualifiers, receives a Pigskin Picks Koozie and a $10 Rhinehart's gift certificate. Prizes may be picked up at The News-Times office during office hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Trio still trying to lift wings of Eagles
Georgia Southern has struggled to a 3-5 record under first-year coach Brian Vangorder. The Eagles play in an extremely tough conference and usually get their opponents' best effort because of their history of success at the NCAA 1-AA level.
Basketball tryouts are trying time for players
Basketball tryouts began in high schools across Columbia County last week. For many potential athletes, the three to four days of tryouts can be a pressure-packed time.
Teams score highlights amid many fumbles in football season
Let's be honest. It hasn't exactly been the greatest football season Columbia County has ever seen.
Major League Baseball players will be featured at clinic
Area high school baseball players will soon have a chance to work with Major League Baseball players in the inaugural Augusta Baseball Clinic at Lake Olmstead Stadium.
Sports calendar
The Augusta Baseball Clinic will take place at Lake Olmstead Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 18, for students in grades 7-12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Major League Baseball players Tim Drew and Stephen Drew and Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Tom Hume and several Major League Baseball draft picks will be on hand as instructors.