Monday, June 30, 2008
Vote for Barry Fleming would be 'beneficial to each one of us'
We have known Barry Fleming all of his life. He is a faithful Christian and a devoted son, husband and father.
Criticism of Benedict 'misleading'; answers have been 'thorough'
Barry Paschal's June 22 column was a bit critical and misleading of Lee Benedict, my choice for House District 118.
Federal stimulous check will be needed to pay rising local taxes
I read with amusement the recent editorial lambasting the Columbia County residents upset over their property tax appraisals. We should be happy with a 5 to 8 percent increase each year.
Benedict has 'spirit needed to really reform sorry government'
Whether you like or dislike Lee Benedict, you must admit that he displays the spirit that is needed to really reform our sorry government - not just government at the state level, but also at the federal level.
County's first Wal-Mart is now a 'one-stop-shop'
Longtime employees of the Martinez Wal-Mart cheered Wednesday morning as they cut the ribbon to one of the largest stores in the Southeast.
To properly manage plants during a drought, soil maintenance is key
With the lack of rain, I am getting a lot of requests for information on how to help plants survive the drought.
Students create video games
To avoid the heat, Colin Goldman recently sat in front of a computer and played a video game.
New sentence for rape caseJudge rescinds sentence in statutory rape case
The prosecutor in a statutory rape case said the District Attorney's Office hopes to establish a state precedent with an appeal to a judge's recent decision.
A place where everyone can playPlayground a popular spot
The new and improved playground at Blue Ridge Elementary School is only getting better.
Organic gardens 1st topic of series
For the next six months, those with a green thumb can supplement their lunches with gardening tips.
Harlem's gardening society is recognized
Pioneer Garden Club in Harlem is celebrating 50 years of community beautification this month and has been honored by the city with a proclamation.
Educator retires after 40 years
Phyllis Means doesn't remember when she became the Columbia County school system's director of elementary student learning.
Young detectives learn tricks of trade during Spy Tek camp
Four aspiring sleuths were hard at work making periscopes during a recent Science Adventure camp at the Augusta Jewish Community Center.
Drug violations decline in schools
The Columbia County school system is on its way to filling teaching vacancies for 2008-09.
Preschool Registrations
The Church of the Most Holy Trinity in downtown Augusta is accepting registration for children walking through age 4 for the mother's day out program beginning in August. Classes meet from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Practice makes perfect for anchors
There are basically two reasons to anchor. First is to attach your boat to the bottom of the lake as you enjoy lunch, fishing or you spend the night. In other words, to enjoy your nautical experience.
Newsmakers
Cary H. Rivers has been named the director of Development and Outreach for Augusta Christian Schools. Rivers is a board member of the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club and MAU Inc., former advisory board chairman of First Bank of Augusta, former board member of Westminster Schools of Augusta and is owner/partner of Adventure Crossing.
Quilt giveaway
Members of Philadelphia United Methodist Church (left) of Harlem give a quilt to A'mya Coleman, 8 (center), and her grandmother, Dianna Dorn, at the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center Wednesday afternoon. The quits were made by the Busy Bees, a quilting club at the church.
Newsmakers
Madeleine Shapiro, 8, looks on as sceince camp instructor Dotti Blackburn secures her periscope which is one of their projects for the week at the Augusta Jewish Community Center June 19, 2008 in Evans, Ga.
Business Newsmakers
Anita Conley, of Harlem, has achieved the position of Mary Kay independent national sales director.
Marriage Licenses
Thomas Edward Hodges Jr. and Jennie Lynn Pill applied for a marriage license Feb. 15, 2008, and were married April 4, 2008, in Evans.
Military Newsmakers
Army Pfc. Carlo J. Masaracchia II has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. Masaracchia is the son of Tina Masaracchia, of Evans, and is a 2007 graduate of Evans High School.
Pro fisherman, pro Columbia County
Pro angler J. Todd Tucker, who travels about 38,000 miles each year competing in major fishing tournaments, will be serving as an ambassador for Columbia County and the Clarks Hill Partnership by promoting the area as a major outdoor recreation venue. His newly designed boat, which features a map of Thurmond Lake and promotional material about Columbia County, was unveiled Wednesday at Rhinehart's Oyster Bar in Evans during a reception that was organized by the county's Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Clarks Hill Partnership, whose members include Columbia, McDuffie, Wilkes, Warren and Lincoln counties, is an organization working to promote the Georgia side of the lake and its potential to accommodate new industry and residents. Tucker, of Moultrie, Ga., will take his boat on pro tours that include BASS and FLW series events.
Adoption Showcase
Nat is a 10-week-old silver tabby with a beautiful coat and a sweet disposition. He is up-to-date on his shots, has been neutered and is ready for a permanent home.
Property Transfers
W.S. Harris & Associates Inc. to Hope E. Campbell, 1179 Indian Springs Trail, $200,160.
Father of the Year
Robert Thurman (second from right), vice president of Queensborough National Bank, and Barry Paschal, publisher of the Columbia County News-Times (far right), present the Columbia County Father of the Year award to Grady Callison (center). Joining Mr. Callison are family members Jessica Black, holding Bailey Black, 2; Nancy Callison; Nicole Callison and Ty Black, 14 months. The annual award also is sponsored by Cudos.
Police Blottter
The following accounts were taken from reports from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Additional reports are available at www.columbiacountyso.org:
class Reunions
The Harlem High School class of 1988 will hold its 20-year reunion Oct. 10-11.
Authority ready to receive Resumes
Resumes have started arriving for applicants hoping to fill the soon-to-be vacant position of executive director of the Columbia County Development Authority.
Time Capsule
As reported 44 years ago in The Columbia News, Thursday, June 25, 1964:
Masterful guard
Dennis M. Perry Sr. has been working at Augusta National for 19 years as a gallery guard. This photo was taken during a hail delay.
Divorces
Richard Earl Webb and Roberta Daye Webb; June 6, 2008.
School-start mandate bites the dust
When State School Superintendent Kathy Cox spoke this past week to the annual conference of the Georgia School Boards Association, her follow-up remarks on her idea to force conformity of school start dates could be summed up like this:
Good to be rid of 'Teflon Doc'
If there is anyone's name I am really sick of hearing, it is Jerry Jackson Lee.
Vick astounds, shoots 65
Former Greenbrier High School star Rich Poythress and his University of Georgia teammates just completed a season they will never forget.
Preference, not weather, helps regions win baseball
A graphic shown on ESPN during the deciding game of the College World Series showed how the event has been dominated by Southern and West Coast schools.
Greenbrier dominates opening day Williams' 70 tops in 16-18 group
The first day of the Columbia County Junior Golf Championship belonged to the 13-15 age group.