Time capsule

As reported 29 years ago in the pages of The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times , Wednesday, May 2, 1979:

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Fees hit $120,000

Columbia County has collected $120,680 in planning department fees during the first quarter of 1979, according to figures released by the planning office.

The fees include charges for building permits, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections, subdivision reviews, rezoning applications, occupation taxes and miscellaneous fees.

The amount represents a substantial increase above the $101,670 collected for the same period in 1978.

Top grads named

Harlem High School has announced its top students for the 1978-79 school year. Victor Lee Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin E. Johnson of Harlem, is valedictorian. Kenneth Alvin Riddleberger Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Riddleberger Sr. of Appling, is salutatorian.

Augusta Christian Schools has announced its top students for the 1978-79 school year. Gail Ann Williams, daughter of Ann G. Williams of Augusta, is valedictorian. Carolyn May Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt Johnson of Augusta, is salutatorian.

General visits

Fort Gordon Commanding Maj. Gen. William J. Hilsman recently completed a two-day visit of all public schools in Columbia County.

Hilsman, who also is the commandant of the U.S. Army Signal School at Fort Gordon, was warmly received by the students and staff members of the Columbia County system. About 1,200 students in Columbia County schools have parents who are in the military service or are civilian employees of the military.