Sunday, December 7, 2008
Voucher proposal would 'cripple' public schools or boost private
I do not know if this initiative is, at worst, a veiled attempt to cripple the capacity to provide quality public education to all students in Georgia (and I make no such accusation) or, at best, an attempt to provide private school options to a few more parents.
Many lots have Christmas trees
Although this time of year is often thought of as a joyous and bright occasion, the Christmas holidays can turn tragic if seasonal decorations are not properly maintained.
Garden clubs donate rakes, 2 wheelbarrows to Habitat
It's the season for giving, and local gardeners have done their share with a recent donation of tools to the Augusta chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
It's all in the size of the root ball when time for transplanting trees
The cold weather that has hit our area the past few weeks has been a blessing. You might not think so, especially if you like hot weather, but your plants are benefiting from this cold.
Master's Way church finds home on Blanchard Road
After worshiping in three different locations for the past 2 1/2 years, members of Master's Way Christian Church now have a permanent place to call home.
Hometown gifts make great presents
With Christmas just weeks away, the task hanging over many shoppers' heads is finding the perfect gift for everyone on that holiday list. For those seeking gifts with a Columbia County connection, a wide selection is available -- if you know where to look.
Vacation photos
Andy and Joanne Kingery visited the Grand Canyon in September.
Time capsule
As reported 38 years ago in t The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 1974:
Property transfers
Robert C. Brown to National Residential Nominee Inc., 5120 Saddle Circle, $145,900.
Divorces
Laura Kathleen Swanson and Matthew Lee Swanson, Nov. 24, 2008.
Current events
The 43rd Annual Columbia County Merchants Association Christmas Parade will be 2-4 p.m. today, starting from Evans Town Park on Ronald Reagan Drive and following Washington Road and Belair Road to Bel Air Elementary.
Police blotter
Grovetown police are investigating an early Wednesday break-in at Grovetown City Hall in which the city's safe was hauled off.
Newsmakers
The Martinez-Evans Little League Braves won first place and had an undefeated season in fast-pitch softball, and the machine pitch Yankees won the Martinez-Evans Little League Fall Baseball championship at Crawford Creek Park.
Adoption spotlight
These pets are available for adoption from CSRA Happy Tails Rescue Inc., a nonprofit licensed animal rescue group committed to the welfare of stray and unwanted dogs and cats in the CSRA.
DUIs
Rafel Salas-Tzompaxtle, 21, of the 300 block of Applecross Drive in Martinez, was charged with driving under the influence on Sept. 25, 2008, and was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Lakeside Middle School First Nine Weeks Honor Roll
New businesses
Mural artist Brian Stewart, of Martinez, painted whimsical scenes of Augusta on the walls at the new Mellow Mushroom, which opened Monday on Washington Road in Evans. S
Marriage Licenses
William Timothy Mooney and Evelyn Elizabeth Motlow applied for a marriage license Oct. 22, 2008, and were married Nov. 8, 2008, in Augusta.
Editorial cartoon
Editorial cartoon for Sunday, December 7, 2008.
Keeping view of big picture
The small staff of a small newspaper can't be everywhere. We know we won't make it to each individual meeting or event. We try to make up for that by keeping an eye on the big picture. But that doesn't mean our absence isn't felt when something happens and we aren't there.
Remembering Jennette 'Bob' Smith
When you are the sixth girl in the family, there has to be at least one tomboy. Or so explained Jennette Smith, about why everyone except her children and high school classmates called her "Bob."
Want better relations? Grow up
Based on our nation's tendency to nurse grudges, the chances that the next four years will see more mature human interaction aren't very good. But if there is anything the election of the nation's first black president can help, this is it:
Former Knights' standout is trying to find his niche
Former Evans High School basketball standout Matt Clark is in his second season at The Citadel. The forward worked hard this off-season to add 10 to 15 pounds of muscle to his frame in hopes of preparing him for the long collegiate season.
Accolades continue to roll in for area's top softball players
High school softball season has been in the books for a while now. Area fields are quiet after a few months with the sound of aluminum bats and gloves popping.
Evans forward makes his mark in Knights' win
Lakeside High School guard Rosbie Mutcherson could only shake his head when explaining what the Panthers tried to do during their region opener against Evans on Tuesday.
Panthers beat Knights to take region opener
Evans High School girls basketball coach Tim Whitfield tried his best to prepare his team for Lakeside's half-court pressure before the squads met Tuesday. But the Panthers were able to use it to their advantage and held off the Knights' late push to win 39-28.
Sports calendar
The Georgia Rockers 14U fastpitch team is seeking three or four girls to complete the roster. For information, call Chuck Faulkner at (706) 373-3459.