Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Columbia County builders, contractors contribute to economy
As subcontracters in the plumbing business, we strongly disagree with The News-Times editorial Aug. 23 concerning Crown Builders.
Perhaps a better system would help firefighters locate hydrants
Here is a possible solution to the mother of no-brainers. In the technological world we live in there are probably several ways to address the "hidden" fire hydrants, but first a look at the cause and affect of the problem.
Nothing 'off-base' in comments on widely-known F-22 problems
The Aug. 17 letter by Jim Ball, "Columnist is 'off-base' in comments on Air Force F-22 fighter jet," referencing Tom Crawford's Aug. 12 commentary, is at best puzzling and at worst disingenuous.
Nothing to applaud in Crown 'skimming the cream off the top'
I am responding to the "opinion" piece on Crown Properties in the Aug. 23 News-Times. I am astounded at the sophomoric response to complaints and concerns about this company coming to town.
Learning Express moves to bigger, brighter store
A specialty toy store in Evans has found a new home less than half a mile from its former site. Learning Express Toys opens this week in a 2,300-square-foot building across from Club Car at 4158 Washington Road, in the same shopping center as PeachMac.
Events to recruit Girl Scouts
Columbia County girls are invited to learn more about the Girl Scouts at two upcoming rallies.
Fundraiser will benefit animals, accident victim
Heartsong Animal Rescue workers are hoping residents slurp spaghetti noodles at a fundraiser to help animal-rescue efforts and a Martinez family.
Recycling center to meet more demand
Columbia County residents will soon have another place to discard their recyclables when a new drop-off recycling center opens on Chamblin Road.
Park will hold family activities
There are lots of prizes up for grabs at Mistletoe State Park as its summer programs continue. Families will test their skills at games and survival techniques in the park's annual Family Survivor event scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 5.
Slight changes made to Bartram Trail plan
A request to change two sections in the Bartram Trail planned unit development was granted Thursday by the Columbia County Planning Commission. The minor revision applies to about 24 acres in sections four and five of Bartram Trail, off Columbia Road near Patriots Park.
Teacher wants gut reaction to dancing
Columbia County residents looking for some new dance moves can try belly dancing.
Selling a piece of history
In its heyday, the Martinez Community Club center served as a hub of activity. The building currently is being leased to the owner of a taekwondo studio, but members of The Community Club of Martinez, a nonprofit organization, have plans to sell the property at 3412 Old Petersburg Road.
Current events
The University Hospital Mobile Mammography Unit will be at the Evans Government Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Appointments are required by calling (706) 774-4149.
School councils
North Columbia Elementary will host its next school council meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 27.
Police blotter
A Columbia County jury on Friday convicted one of five men charged in a 2008 Grovetown home invasion and killing.
School Nutrition
Annie Hinds, of Stevens Creek Elementary, and other members of the Columbia County chapter of the Georgia School Nutrition Association participated in the Columbia County Back to School Festival on Aug. 1.
Adoption spotlight
These pets are available for adoption from Columbia County Animal Care and Control. For more information, call (706) 541-4077 or visit www.columbiacountyga.gov and follow the links to Animal Care and Control. Adult animals cost $25 to adopt, and puppies and kittens cost $20.
Newswmakers
Attending the Rotary District 6920 Conference in Augusta were members for the Group Study Exchange from Brazil:
First Day of School
Catherine Richards, kindergarten, and Caroline Richards, fifth grade, Greenbrier Elementary
Newsmakers
Mark Herbert Sr. was named a life director of the National Association of Home Builders at the association's 2009 spring board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C. Herbert is the owner of Herbert Homes Inc. in Evans and has been in the construction industry for more than 35 years.
Student newsmakers
The following students graduated May 16 in commencement ceremonies at the University of Georgia School of Law: Melissa Lang received a Juris Doctor degree with bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees. Lang is the daughter of James and Linda Lang of Martinez and a graduate of Evans High.
Get Up & Go
The Garden City Dulcimer Club is offering free lessons starting in September. Call (706) 868-0120.
Looking for a photo and socks
Billy Jackson is looking for a photo. And some socks. First, the photo. Billy and his father, state Sen. Bill Jackson, are working on a marker to accompany the Evans High School pillars and arch that they rescued from the old school site and moved over to the Evans library.
Editorial cartoon
Editorial cartoon for the Wednesday, August 26 Columbia County News-Times.
County defined by compassion, not cruelty
Just about everyone by now knows that Evans was recently named by Family Circle magazine as one of the top 10 places for families to live in the United States.
Grovetown should not lament loss
Grovetown High opened the 2009 football season Friday. Unfortunately, the Warriors had the task of playing one of the premier programs in the Southeast. The result was a 51-0 loss. Grovetown fans shouldn't hang their heads; Buford averaged 46.7 points per game during last year's playoffs.
Greenbrier pounds Grovetown in first meeting
Casey Dees is familiar with Greenbrier High's softball program. And Dees, a former Greenbrier coach, knows his first-year Grovetown High softball team cannot measure itself against the Wolfpack. The new county rivals played for the first time Aug. 20, with the Wolfpack winning 15-0 by run-rule.
Athlete Spotlight
Nick Sandlin picked the best spot possible to hit his first home run. Earlier in August, Georgia's Dixie Youth "O" Zone team was down 1-0 to Texas in the third inning of the championship game of the World Series. Sandlin's shot gave the Columbia County All-Stars a 2-1 lead en route the title.
Sports calendar
Lakeside High School cheerleading will play host to a "kiddie" camp Saturday at the high school. The camp is open to participants in pre-K to eighth grade and will run from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Cost is $30. For information, call Elizabeth McDaniel at (706) 863-0027.
Grovetown falls to Buford 51-0 in inaugural game
The situation for Grovetown High School's players, coaches and fans was placed in perspective Friday with a public address announcement during the fourth quarter.