Wednesday, May 20, 2009
'Older generation" was right all along about enjoying high school
Now that I am a senior at the end of my senior year, I realize that some things are true. I'm sure you all know the older generation, and I'm sure that they've all told you that you should relish high school. I've come to realize that, hey, those guys were right.
Obama funds a study of drunken gay men, cuts funds to police
Far be it from me and tens of millions of others to say "I told you so," but Barack Obama is really starting to show what he is made of and where his priorities are, and, what he thinks of us.
Fixtures in school system among 50 calling it quits
No school, no Moores. After a combined 50 years of service in the Columbia County school system, Benji and Annette Moore decided to retire this year.
County's teacher of year says state honoree is 'role model'
Columbia County Teacher of the Year Michele Rigsby said Monday that she doesn't regret losing the state Teacher of the Year honor to Colquitt County educator Gwen Desselle. A 32-year veteran social studies teacher at Colquitt County High School, Desselle was selected for the state title at a banquet Friday at the Georgia Aquarium.
Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels help to ensure boaters' safety on lake
Clarks Hill Lake is a large lake, about 45 miles long, with a shoreline larger than California's coastline. The lake is sparsely populated along the shoreline and has relatively few recreational boats on it. This means that if you are a boater and develop a problem on the water, your chances of getting assistance are not very high.
Schools make gains on CRCT, graduation test
State school officials last week released the results of two benchmark tests -- the Georgia High School Graduation Test and the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests. Both tests showed improvements by Columbia County pupils in some areas, but lower performance in others.
Summer camps fit every interest, age
Parents wanting to keep their children active after school ends this week have a number of summer camp options. Camps offering taekwondo to drama to arts and crafts are included.
Reading plan boosts creativity
With summer break just around the corner, many pupils are planning days of swimming, vacations and playing -- and many will be reading. More than 2,000 Columbia County children included the Summer Reading Program on their summer agendas last year.
Current events
Columbia County's ninth annual Red, White and Blue Veterans Celebration will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday in front of the Justice Center in Evans.
Newsmakers
Michael Ridlehoover and Cody Pope, seniors at Evans High School, won first place and $1,000 in the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness essay contest this spring for area high school students.
Adoption spotlight
These pets are available for adoption from Columbia County Animal Care and Control. For information, call (706) 541-4077 or visit www.columbiacountyga.gov and follow the links to Animal Care and Control.
Top 3 essay
State Sen. Bill Jackson (left) visited Greenbrier High on Monday to congratulate freshman Kalinda Hathorn for placing third in the state in the Agriculture Day essay contest.
Police blotter
A former Columbia County sheriff's investigator accused of forging victims' names on official documents pled guilty and was sentenced to probation last week.
Summer camp calendar
Not listed? Send your camp information to newsroom@augustachronicle.com. Include Summer Camp in the subject line.
Fire safety demonstrations
Carter Munford, 5, of Evans, helps Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue firefighter Travis Young suit up during a fire safety event at Firehouse Subs in Evans.
Event recognizes sacrifice, service
When Columbia County Commission Chairman Jim Whitehead had a vision 10 years ago of a Memorial Day weekend event that would not only remember the fallen who have served our country, but would also recognize the service of those who still are with us.
Editorial cartoon
Editorial cartoon for the Wednesday, May 20, 2009 News-Times.
Road to the top must start here
Georgia's statewide elections are still more than a year away, but Columbia County already is becoming a popular place for visits from politicians wanting to move up a notch or two.
Ex-teammates meet in Gamecocks' sweep
After opening the season 31-7, the University of Georgia baseball team is limping home in the final few weeks.
Panther drill team nails down national crown
The Lakeside High School JROTC drill team took first in team exhibition at the national JROTC drill meet in Daytona, Fla., and finishing third overall. Lakeside's dual exhibition team of Joseph Davis and William Kenney finished second.
Athlete Spotlight: Brad Scammon & Ellen Bledsoe
A pair of Columbia County rowers have qualified to compete on a national stage. For Ellen Bledsoe, the trip will be her fourth. For Brad Scammon, the experience will be a new one.
Sports Newsmakers
Laura Tinney and Tim Rupert have a photo taken with University of Georgia head football coach Mark Richt at a meeting of the Augusta Bulldog Club at St. Mary's on the Hill Catholic Church.
Summers signs on with South Georgia
Phillip Summers was just glad to pitch again after recovering from a muscle injury he suffered during his junior season. Then, during his senior season, when a line drive slammed his throwing arm and resulted in a scene that horrified onlookers, Summers thought he was done.
Harlem coaches run baseball camp
Jimmie Lewis and Benjie Moore worked together several summers helping run baseball camps during the 1980s before they realized it was something they should do themselves.
Sports Calendar
Students zoned to attend Harlem High School in the fall who want to play football are asked to call coach Jimmie Lewis at (706) 564-4712 for summer workout information.