http://newstimes.augusta.com/ Local news from The Columbia County News-Times en-us Copyright (c) 2009 The Augusta Chronicle. All rights reserved. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:18:28 -0500 5 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560053.shtml Jim Brown vividly remembers his involvement in a historic moment 51 years ago that truly was out of this world. Brown was a supervising engineer on Operation SCORE, which allowed President Dwight D. Eisenhower's voice to be the first message broadcast from an Earth-orbiting satellite. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560053.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:17 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559612.shtml Though fraternal twins Jacob and John Ekechukwu became Eagle Scouts in October, the similarities between them end there. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559612.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:21 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560040.shtml An Evans church that routinely conducts a community Easter sunrise service now is inviting the public to a candlelight Christmas service. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560040.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:12 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559615.shtml An Atlanta-based driver training school hopes to teach young motorists how to avoid such accidents and help Haley Van Pelt's family. Fear This Inc. will make a $1,000 donation for Haley's care if a class it is offering this weekend sells out. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559615.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:22 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560056.shtml Rachel Taylor can't recall the moment that made her an inspiration to so many. However, Rachel likely will never forget the recent afternoon when she was presented with the Living Well Award by Doctors Hospital during her chorus class. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560056.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:18 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559628.shtml While some children are holding out for their two front teeth, all that many Columbia County officials want for Christmas is a robust holiday shopping season to bolster sagging sales tax revenues. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559628.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:25 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560042.shtml Columbia County commissioners Tuesday adopted numerous personnel changes, including hiring more judges, transferring the animal control manager and granting raises. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560042.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:12 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559618.shtml Harlem High drama students were recognized last week by the Columbia County school board for winning another state title for their one-act play. Such accolades are becoming increasingly important as the school struggles to maintain its top-rated theater program. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/new_559618.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:22 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560057.shtml Thanks to a partnership between the school system and Mercedes-Benz of Augusta, Allison Palfy drives a Mercedes C300 to school every day. A year-long lease for the luxury car was included as part of her prize when the Cedar Ridge Elementary School teacher won county Teacher of the Year honors. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560057.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:19 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560048.shtml Jim Mayfield knows all about gardening gifts. He's been given his share of gardening-related Christmas gifts and has even helped shoppers find the perfect item for those on their shopping lists. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560048.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:15 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560047.shtml All the rain that we have received this fall has been a blessing because we needed the water. It has made planting and transplanting plants easier, and plants didn't need to be watered as much. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/new_560047.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:15 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560058.shtml Dear Santa, I don't know how you do it. Each year, lists of names need to be classified "naughty" or "nice." Each year, you get it done. How about a little help? Can your methods be applied to choosing athletes? http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560058.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:19 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559609.shtml On a team full of upperclassmen standouts, Greenbrier's Kailyn Blackmon probably did the most for the Wolfpack volleyball team. The Columbia County News-Times' Volleyball Player of the Year gained a mental edge on opponents and boasted a 90 percent save percentage. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559609.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:19 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560046.shtml The Evans High School boys basketball team knew the quality of its opponent Monday. With a 20-game region schedule, the 3-AAAA race is a long one. Along the way, there are tests like the one Evans faced last week. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560046.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:14 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559616.shtml The Greenbrier High School boys basketball team found itself in another tight contest Saturday at Grovetown. And when Wolfpack standout DeJon Britton fouled out with a minute remaining, Greenbrier could have folded again. But the Wolfpack held on to win 57-55, giving them a sweep of the Warriors. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559616.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:22 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560038.shtml The choice for this year's News-Times Football Player of the Year is going to be one of the toughest calls in a long time. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560038.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:11 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559608.shtml The Greenbrier Wolfpack baseball team has been as successful as any program in the state since the school opened its doors in 1996. Head coach Chris Wilkins and his staff will hold a two-day baseball camp Dec. 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the school. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559608.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:18 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560051.shtml Terry Ellis stood chatting with his wife Wednesday as he waited for his newest toy to be fine-tuned. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560051.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:16 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559631.shtml Evans High School stars Tony Davis and Troy Griffith both played their part last week against new county rival Grovetown, combining for 36 points to help Evans to a victory and 3-0 start in Region 3-AAAA. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559631.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:26 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560050.shtml The Glenn Hills and Lakeside girls teams entered Monday night's meeting as the last two remaining unbeatens in Region 3-AAAA. The season continued to go the Spartans' way during their 42-30 victory. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560050.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:16 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559624.shtml Evans will face off at Cross Creek starting at 7 p.m. on Friday. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559624.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:24 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560060.shtml The Jordan River Foundation 5K Classic will be held Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. at Lakeside High School's track. Cost is $20. There will also be a shorter run for children 13 and younger. For information, call Amala Sarvepalli at (706) 877-0136. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560060.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:20 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559630.shtml On Nov. 7, the Lakeside High School varsity cheerleaders again captured the region championship. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559630.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:25 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560032.shtml NASCAR driver Free Pennington holds his son, Chase, as he poses for a photo by his car with Evan Charney (from left), Tyler Nelson, Sarah Charney, Luke Charney and Gracie Kate Pennington during the grand opening Wednesday of the new Food Lion grocery store on Columbia Road. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560032.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:13 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559620.shtml Haydens International Gymnastics Academy gymnasts competed in the 2009 Georgia State Meet at the Roswell Recreation Center in Roswell, Ga., on Nov. 14-15. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559620.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:23 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560030.shtml The Augusta Arsenal Gunners U12 girls team played up an age group in the James Island Cup soccer tournament in Charleston, S.C., and won the U13 Black Division championship. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560030.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:13 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560034.shtml The Columbia County Girls U12 soccer team won the Fall 2009 Division Championship. They were undefeated with one tie. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/spo_560034.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:14 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559629.shtml The Georgia Rockers fast pitch softball team is looking for players for its 8-under "coach-pitch" travel team for the 2010 season. Girls must be 7-8 years old Jan. 1 to be eligible. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/spo_559629.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:25 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560077.shtml Columbia County officials have done an outstanding job this year of lowering employee costs across the board while reorganizing and streamlining county departments. But there just is no way to avoid the perception that government workers are seeing light at the end of the recession tunnel a lot sooner than working stiffs in the private sector. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560077.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:03:01 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559743.shtml Even in tough times, the generosity of Columbia County residents should make us all proud of this community. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559743.shtml Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:23:18 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560075.shtml Columbia County commissioners were just brimming with pre-Christmas generosity the other night when they granted county employees a 2 percent raise. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560075.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:03:01 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559744.shtml For the past several years, I've been among those in the trenches mounting a defense against the "War on Christmas." http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559744.shtml Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:23:18 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560074.shtml My wife, Lisa, had just walked out the door to "do a little Christmas shopping." And so it began. For the next two weeks, there would be carefully implanted hints and whispered secrets accompanied with the traditional, "You'll never guess!" http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560074.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:03:01 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559742.shtml To those of you who have read my column over the years, you are probably expecting an interview from somebody at the North Pole. Not this year. This column is for you. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559742.shtml Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:23:17 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560029.shtml Editorial cartoon for the Sunday, December 22, 2009 Columbia County News-Times. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/opi_560029.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:10 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559607.shtml his holiday season, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and skates are likely to make the wish list of many children, teens and adults. The gift idea that's often missing on those holiday gift lists? A helmet. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559607.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:18 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559606.shtml Editorial cartoon for the Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Columbia County News-Times. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/opi_559606.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:13 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560054.shtml An Appling man was arrested Wednesday afternoon on firearms charges at a Graniteville, S.C., elementary school. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560054.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:17 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559623.shtml The following accounts were taken from reports from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Reports are available at www.columbiacountyso.org: http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559623.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:24 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560043.shtml Ballerina Julia Foley Morgan will perform an original ballet solo, Breath of Heaven , as part of the worship service at 10:30 a.m. today at Church of the Holy Comforter, 473 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez. The church also will hold Christmas Eve services at 5:30 and 11 p.m. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560043.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:13 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559611.shtml The NASCAR Nationwide/ARCA series race team, Free American Racing, along with driver Free Pennington, will display race cars and equipment during the grand opening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today of the Food Lion on Columbia Road at Lewiston Road. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559611.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:21 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560039.shtml CSRA Happy Tails Rescue Inc. is a nonprofit, licensed animal rescue group. Adoptions are held each Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at Tractor Supply Co. on Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez. For information or to adopt, call Barb at (706) 955-0438 or go to www.csrahappytails.com. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560039.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:11 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559622.shtml 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. The fee for puppies and kittens is $20. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559622.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:24 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560037.shtml A group from Abilene Baptist Church, led by Dr. Bill Harrell, the pastor, took a tour of sites in the Holy Land from Oct. 19-28. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560037.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:15 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559632.shtml As reported 45 years ago in the pages of The Columbia News, Thursday, Dec. 10, 1964: http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559632.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:26 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560052.shtml The Abilene Baptist Church choir performed its Living Christmas Tree concert Dec. 11-13. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560052.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:17 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559627.shtml Lunch menus for students attending Columbia County schools. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559627.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:24 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560059.shtml Brandi Crocker, of Spartanburg, S.C., shows Dr. Rich Cartie, a pediatric doctor at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center, a doll she picked out for her twin sister at the Evans Walmart during Making Christmas Bright, a Shop with a Doc event. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560059.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:20 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559610.shtml Pupils who won bicycles from Academy Sports were allowed to ride in the hallway for a few minutes after the ceremony. Academy Sports donated 26 bicycles to Westmont Elementary. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559610.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:19 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560045.shtml Belair Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Jessica Williams kisses Daisy, a 1-year-old Bethlehem donkey, after her pupils raised $552, the most raised by any class, for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The school raised nearly $3,600. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560045.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:14 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559619.shtml Santa Claus and Harlem City Councilman Tom Blalock waved to the crowd during the Christmas parade Saturday. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559619.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:23 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560031.shtml Rogelio and Kathy Abrahams and their daughter Rachel look over the artwork at the Brookwood Elementary School student art show on Dec. 10. All pupils from Brookwood participated and the school had about 500 guests come to view the art. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560031.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:13 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559617.shtml Harlem resident Joette Stokes volunteered at Harlem Fire Department's barbecue chicken dinner Saturday. The event was held during the annual Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem festival. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559617.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:22 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560041.shtml Harlem High School class of 1989, is planning a reunion April 24 at Red Oak Manor in Harlem. E-mail harlemreunion89@live. com, or search for Harlem High class of 1989 on Facebook. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560041.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:12 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559621.shtml Jamiah Hudson (second from right), of Appling, is in the production of A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta through Dec. 24. Jamiah is playing the role of Belinda Cratchit. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559621.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:23 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560049.shtml http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560049.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:16 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559625.shtml Evans High School: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 and May 20. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559625.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:24 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560036.shtml The Larry Bray Memorial Foundation presented University Health Care Foundation a check for $18,000 for University Hospital's Diabetes Services. The donation will be used for its Camp Juliet program for children with diabetes. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560036.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:15 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559626.shtml http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559626.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:24 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560035.shtml Bishop Moore, a sixth-grader at Columbia Middle School, received an award for placing second in the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Statewide Fire Safety Essay Contest. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560035.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:14 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559613.shtml The Army Corps of Engineers will accept real Christmas trees for recycling as fish habitat from Friday to Jan. 5 at Riverside Middle School on Furys Ferry Road in Evans. Call (800) 533-3478. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/odd_559613.shtml Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:50:21 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560033.shtml The Rotary Club is seeking student applicants for an expenses-paid study trip to Norway next summer. For information, call Pam Lightsey at (706) 729-2484, or e-mail plightsey@aug.edu. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560033.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:29:14 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560044.shtml Angie Thomas Dye and Jackie Lawson Fitzgerald, Nov. 19, 2009. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560044.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:13 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560055.shtml John K. Eskew to Kimberly A. Wooten and Matthew S. Deufel, 2122 Magnolia Parkway, $180,000. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/odd_560055.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:35:18 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/let_560076.shtml While December brings holiday cheer, the holiday season unfortunately will bring highway tragedy for some. The Christmas travel period can be deadly both here in Georgia and across the country. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/20/let_560076.shtml Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:03:01 -0500 http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/let_559741.shtml Pull the Plug PAC is an independent political action committee. Our mission is simple: We plan to help end U.S. Representative Paul Broun Jr.'s career as an elected official in Washington D.C. http://newstimes.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/16/let_559741.shtml Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:23:17 -0500