Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Change in Harlem alcohol ordinance helps save small business
I wish to give my perspective in reference to comments that recently have appeared in The News-Times concerning Harlem's Red Oak Manor and the change in the alcohol ordinance concerning the distance allowed between businesses and churches.
Critics of accused stalker should remember he has a family, too
This is a response to the stories about stalking. It is amazing to me how this community has convicted someone just from what's been written in the media.
It's 'shocking' that firearms are allowed where president speaks
I am numb with shock! How could it be accepted that weapons are being displayed in crowds where our president is speaking?
Teen spends summer in Uganda
Most college students likely would prefer to spend the summer after their freshman year loafing around their parents' homes or vacationing on a sunny beach. But one Evans woman chose to spend her first college break working in a third-world African country gaining career experience and perspective.
Two more picnic pavilions planned
A recently constructed pavilion at the Columbia County Memorial Gardens has been so popular among residents that two more covered structures are planned for that area.
Lakeside student has lofty ambitions
Will Christian recently turned flying into a family legacy. The 16-year-old Lakeside High junior undertook his first solo flight. Since then, he has taken more solo flights and, with his instructor, flown from Augusta to Athens, Ga., and back.
County hires firm to lobby projects
When Georgia's legislative session starts in January, Columbia County will have some extra help in Atlanta. The county commission recently engaged Oglethorpe Public Affairs to lobby on its behalf with state and federal lawmakers.
Virginia Tech band to honor Lakeside grad
The Virginia Tech marching band will perform during a Friday football game at Lakeside High School in remembrance of a fallen bandmate.
Election qualifying is set
Anyone interested in running for a Grovetown City Council seat can qualify for the November election this week.
Military newsmakers
Kimberly R. Adkins has graduated from the Army ROTC Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The Augusta State University student is the daughter of Daniel R. and Von R. Adkins of Harlem and a 2007 graduate of Thomson High School.
School Councils
Greenbrier High School: 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Feb. 9 and May 11.
Current events
The Columbia County Extension Service Gardening at Lunch series continues at noon today with a composting session. Future programs include Fragrant shrubs, Oct. 7; Winter-blooming plants, Nov. 11; and Gardening on a shoestring, Dec. 2. For more information, call (706) 868-3413.
Police blotter
A large alligator, presumed to have been the carcass found more than a week ago in an Evans pond, is alive.
Newsmakers
Daniel L. Welsh, a rising senior from Evans, has been named to the Dean's List for the second semester at Virginia Military Institute. Welsh, who is majoring in economics and business, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Welsh.
Newsmakers
Ron Lewis (right), a member of the Augusta West Rotary Club, became chairman of the Georgia Rotary Student Program's District 6920 on July 24. With him are Hamsa Thota (left), St. Simons Island Rotary's outgoing chairman, and Jim Drake, Savannah South Rotary Club.
Vacation photos
Carla Lawson, 6, and her sister Americus, 3, look for shells after the tide goes out at Hilton Head Island, S.C. Carla and Americus took a summer break with their grandparents, Ronald and Joyce Cooper, of Martinez.
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.
Editorial cartoon
Editorial cartoon for the Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Columbia County News-Times.
Jesus lizards and 'Big Boy'
There's a particular species of Central American reptile known as the "Jesus Lizard," so called because of its ability to walk on water. That lizard has nothing on Big Boy, the gator that was resurrected from the dead.
Better fire service is a valuable gift
Columbia County officials will gather this morning at Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue Engine Co. 13 to rededicate the fire station and unveil a plaque.
Grovetown looks good in school's first victory
It was great to get 2009 off to a good start. I was a perfect 3-0 with my selections in what was admittedly a fairly easy trio of games. This week will be a little tougher, but we'll give it a try.
Pigskin picks
Week One saw a total of 84 entries, with nine qualifiers getting all 10 correct; 21 qualifiers getting nine correct; 23 qualifiers getting eight correct; and 17 qualifiers getting seven correct.
Race results
Brandon Carpenter got his first win at Gordon Park in a Crate Late Model. The Columbia County resident has won in other classes.
Coach expects team to improve
Lakeside High softball coach Christina Steflik was out with an illness and could not make the Panthers' region game at home Aug. 27 against Josey.
Athlete Spotlight: Lady Warriors Softball
The softball team became the first program at Grovetown High School to record a victory, beating the Academy of Richmond County, 19-4, on Aug. 27.
Aiken Cup winners
The Georgia-South Carolina Bulls U-10 soccer team won the prestigious Aiken Cup on Aug. 30.
Glenn Hills transfer OK'd at Evans
Craig Garr knelt on the Evans High football practice field last Thursday, a gray Knights practice shirt helping him blend with the rest of the team as it prepared for Friday's opener with rival Greenbrier.
Traveling Tomahawks
A bus of Rotarians from the following clubs -- Martinez Evans, Columbia County, Augusta and Augusta South -- got together for a bus trip to a recent Braves baseball game in Atlanta. A percentage of the proceeds from ticket sales went to the Polio Plus campaign.
Evans scores 28 unanswered to beat Greenbrier
Evans High School's attempt at a second consecutive undefeated football season started with everyone getting involved. The Knights beat rival Greenbrier 28-7 on Friday behind a series of breakout games from several players.
Sports calendar
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at El Valle Mexican Restaurant in the West Town shopping center in Martinez. For more information, contact John VanOsdol at (864) 391-2170.