Sunday, November 11, 2007
County 'deserves better' than coach's example set in cheating scandal
Columbia County's school leaders have always demanded high standards of conduct for all of their employees, and coaches, teachers and principals have been fired for far less serious infractions than that committed by Grooms.
Vietnam veteran takes WWII veterans to memorial
More than 60 years after the end of World War II, a memorial was dedicated in Washington D.C. to soldiers of that war.
Decorated veteran shares WWII story
His service in World War II is not something Grovetown resident Willard C. Smith likes to talk about.
116 students receive AP scholar awards
A total of 116 Columbia County students who took Advanced Placement course exams in May 2007 earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level exams.
Veterans: Albert Shaw
Of Albert Shaw's seven-member mortar squad, only one man returned from World War II unscathed.
Award nominations accepted
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tickets available for annual event
Tickets are going quickly for the four performances of Abilene Baptist Church's 29th annual Singing Christmas Tree.
Veterans: Owen Smitherman
Owen Smitherman saw the world and World War II from the deck of a Navy ship. The west Augusta man, who recently moved from Martinez, spent nearly three years on the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore in the Pacific Ocean.
Veterans: Gus Phillips
For Gus Phillips, World War II was a tough time that he prefers not to talk about.
Be sure to aerate for cold
It's expected that the grass on the front lawn is going to turn brown and go dormant this time of year, but what should homeowners do to ensure that their lawn is prepared for the much cooler weather still ahead?
Teenager credits faith, family values for her success thus far
If there's one thing that Kaitlyn Frits knows, it's that discipline and a strong faith are key to achieving success.
Chamber to host meet-and greet
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will put the spotlight on Harlem's business community Monday evening with a meet-and-greet at one of the city's newest attractions.
Stories of Story make good conversation at party roast
Instead of just sitting down to a plate of spaghetti, Buck Story walked into a surprise roast at Monday's Democratic Party dinner.
Project total less than expected
It turns out there's a silver lining for Columbia County taxpayers after the headaches caused by the failed Wildwood Park boat ramp extensions at Clarks Hill Lake, county officials say.
Fresh perspective voted in for Grovetown city council
Grovetown residents elected an incumbent and a newcomer to fill the city council's two open seats in Tuesday's municipal election.
Wildflowers can brighten, define landscape
In the spring and summer, there are numerous flowers in bloom. Just like the article last week which talked about flowering bulbs, there are other plants in flower at this time of the year.
'The New Nutcracker' set to sweep audiences off feet
In more than 40 years of dance, Ron Jones has encountered many professionals who dread the Christmas season.
DUIs
Catherine Renee Cowell, 33, of the 4500 block of Shawnee Drive in Martinez, was charged with driving under the influence Sept. 16, 2007, and was fined $810.
Current events
The Augusta-Richmond County Historical Society is seeking veterans of World War II for videotaped interviews as part of the veterans history project. Volunteers to interview also are needed. For information, call (706) 738-8242.
Photos: Travel galley
John and Kathy Leysath (left) and Mary and Steve Philips took a two-week cruise from San Diego to Hawaii on Celebrity's Summit to celebrate their wedding anniversaries.
Adoption Showcase
Heartsong Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations to continue the rescue effort. Located in Martinez, we rescue from 10 counties. All animals are current on their vaccinations, (age appropriate). All dogs are microchipped.
N. Columbia Elementary Honor Roll
First nine weeks honor roll for N. Columbia Elementary.
Divorces
Shelly Bryant and David Bryant, Sept. 27, 2007
Photos: Around the area
Actor Erik Estrada (right), who portrayed Frank "Ponch" Poncherello on the 1977-1983 TV show CHiPs, poses for a photo with Jamie Champion, of Evans, and his daughter Polly, 5.
Photos: Halloween costumes
Kirsten Ganther (from left), Baillee Ganther and Taylor Gaffney donned costumes for Halloween.
Veterans Day parade gallery
Retired Lt. Cmdr. C. E. Strange, of the Coast Guard, a World War II veteran, is handed a card by Evans Elementary fourth-grader Dawson Richardson during the ceremony and parade.
Police Blotter
Weapons charges have been dropped against an Evans man whose girlfriend Columbia County authorities say committed suicide on Oct. 21 using the man's gun at his Rivershyre home.
Evans Middle School Honor Roll
First nine weeks honor roll for Evans Middle School.
Property Transfers
Jane D. Thompson to Clara L. Hairston, 4038 Rosedale Place, $149,000.
Photo: Pirates go undefeated
The Martinez-Evans Little League (machine pitch) Pirates baseball team went undefeated all season and won the championship 14-2.
Photo: Graham to compete for crown
Amber Graham, of Harlem, will compete for the title of Ms. Abraham Baldwin at the 39th annual Ms. ABAC contest on Nov. 20 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Graham is an agricultural transfer major, sponsored by the Agriculture Division Rowdies.
Time Capsule
As reported 47 years ago in The Columbia News, Thursday, Nov. 10, 1960:
Photo: First fishing trip
"Papa Doug" Wilson enjoys Joseph Wilson's first fishing trip to a pond in Stapleton, Ga., while Joseph's father, Patrick, catches the highlights on camera.
Remembering the USS O'Reilly
On Oct. 19 I traveled to Albany, N.Y. to visit The USS Slater, a decommissioned World War II Destroyer Escort Ship which now serves as The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum.
Support our veterans every day
It is a fitting honor that just this week, President Bush signed a bill renaming Augusta's Veterans Administration hospital after the late U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood.
We aren't all cheaters here
Dear Effingham County High School: Though it might be hard for you to believe, Columbia County high schools aren't full of cheaters. Really - we promise.
Basketball's first challenge is shortage
A pair of Columbia County football teams have reached postseason play this year.
Squad is ready for state title
Greenbrier High School's competitive cheerleaders brought home a Region 3-AAAA championship last weekend. They did it the hard way.
Lakeside's play should not tarnish good coach
The Lakeside High School football team's final offensive play of 2007 will never be remembered for the nice interception an Effingham County player made to keep his team's playoff hopes alive. Instead, the memories of an ill-advised, illegal play will haunt Lakeside.
Sports calendar
The Georgia Rockers 10U travel team is looking for girls ages 9-10 interested in playing fastpitch softball for the 2008 season. For more information, call Ike Branch at (706) 373-9581 or (706) 860-3886.
Harlem's Beard commits to Francis Marion U.
Harlem High School outfielder Carlos Beard has verbally committed to play baseball at Francis Marion University. The Patriots play in the talent-laden Peach Belt Conference and have produced several recent Major League draft picks.