appeals granted by board of appeals june 27.
more here
Friday, June 29, 2007
iphone debuts this evening..
as much as i like all things apple, concerns about the cingular/att network in our area will cause me to stay on the sidelines for awhile.
what about you?
which firm is your wireless carrier? how is coverage here?
a gem from jim...
wooten in his ajc column this morning...
• These are “Profiles in Courage” days for Georgia’s Attorney General Thurbert Baker, who’s been given the bum’s rush to ignore the law as written in the Genarlow Wilson case. If a fraction of the energy and attention devoted to this case had been spent promoting marriage and responsible fatherhood, untold millions of young men might be spared his plight.
• These are “Profiles in Courage” days for Georgia’s Attorney General Thurbert Baker, who’s been given the bum’s rush to ignore the law as written in the Genarlow Wilson case. If a fraction of the energy and attention devoted to this case had been spent promoting marriage and responsible fatherhood, untold millions of young men might be spared his plight.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
longtime county employee honored...
j.w. walker was honored by the county today at a retirement banquet at the courthouse.
walker, the county road superintendent, retired after 46.5 years of service. he was lauded by commissioners and others and received several gifts, including a new fishing rod.
granum adds to 'to do' list....
jim granum (second from left) was appointed barnesville's municipal judge earler this year.
tuesday he took on more responsibility when he was elected president of the barnesville rotary club.
he is pictured with (l-r) his wife, ellen, outgoing president bert wall and donna turner, rotary assistant district governor.
what is the coolest automobile...
you have ever owned? why?
what cool auto would you like to own?
pictured above is a 1970 dodge challenger built to kill 18-year-old males.
link to interesting blog...
one of my favorites.
check out top three posts - including tech using the georgia game as bait to sell tickets.
more here
check out top three posts - including tech using the georgia game as bait to sell tickets.
more here
fletcher cops deal in drug case...
former lamar county teacher of the year mary c. fletcher has agreed to testify against two men who allegedly sold her marijuana at a stop n' cop drug market here in january.
in return, a single marijuana possession charge against fletcher was dropped.
more here
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
expect protestors across the interstate this evening...
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published on: 06/26/07
The Georgia state pardons and paroles board has denied clemency for John Hightower in the killings of his wife and two stepdaughters.
Parole board spokeswoman Scheree Lipscomb says the board denied clemency today, meaning the execution — for now — will go forward.
It is scheduled for 7 p-m today.
But Hightower still has appeals pending in state and federal court.
Hightower's attorneys are trying several last-minute appeals — including the clemency petition and a request to the U-S Supreme Court for a delay — to keep him from the death chamber.
Appeals lawyer Jack Martin asked a Superior Court judge yesterday to delay the execution on the grounds that the state's method of execution is inhumane. The judge denied that request.
Absent any relief, Hightower will be given a lethal injection tonight.
The 63-year-old Hightower was convicted for the July 12th, 1987, killings of his wife, Dorothy Hightower, and his two stepdaughters, Evelyn Reaves and Sandra Reaves, at a home in Milledgeville, in middle Georgia.
If carried out, the execution will be Georgia's first in nearly two years.
Published on: 06/26/07
The Georgia state pardons and paroles board has denied clemency for John Hightower in the killings of his wife and two stepdaughters.
Parole board spokeswoman Scheree Lipscomb says the board denied clemency today, meaning the execution — for now — will go forward.
It is scheduled for 7 p-m today.
But Hightower still has appeals pending in state and federal court.
Hightower's attorneys are trying several last-minute appeals — including the clemency petition and a request to the U-S Supreme Court for a delay — to keep him from the death chamber.
Appeals lawyer Jack Martin asked a Superior Court judge yesterday to delay the execution on the grounds that the state's method of execution is inhumane. The judge denied that request.
Absent any relief, Hightower will be given a lethal injection tonight.
The 63-year-old Hightower was convicted for the July 12th, 1987, killings of his wife, Dorothy Hightower, and his two stepdaughters, Evelyn Reaves and Sandra Reaves, at a home in Milledgeville, in middle Georgia.
If carried out, the execution will be Georgia's first in nearly two years.
j. c. corley dead at age 80 (updated funeral info)
j.c. corley, a fixture in the downtown barnesville business community for the past 57 years, died this morning following a stroke.
visitiation is wednesday 6-8 p.m. at williams funeral home. funeral is 2 p.m. thursday at first united methodist church.
send condolences online here
Monday, June 25, 2007
light turnout at public hearing...
on county commission-school board land swap tonight.
johnny poore, acting county manager, outlines one of the properties (above).
more here
former congressman jack flynt of griffin dead at 92...
anyone have memories of the congressman?
Former Ga. Rep. Jack Flynt Dies at 92
Associated Press
GRIFFIN, Ga. — John "Jack" Flynt Jr., a 12-term congressman who in the 1970s twice beat political newcomer Newt Gingrich, died on Sunday. He was 92.
He died early Sunday at his home in Griffin, according to Haisten McCullough Funeral Home.
A silver-haired, small-town patrician who was part of the Democratic establishment when that party dominated Southern politics, Flynt served in Congress from 1954 until his retirement in 1979.
He served on a variety of committees, including Appropriations, and was chairman of the House ethics committee. He defeated Gingrich in 1974 and 1976 before he retired and his seat was filled by Gingrich, who went on to become speaker.
Flynt was also a cavalry officer, prosecutor and bank founder. In 2001, the state Department of Transportation named a 17-mile section of state Highway 16 after him.
During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, was aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Robert W. Grow in France and was awarded the Bronze Star medal in 1944.
He was also a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and gave the keynote address at the group's annual meeting in 1958.
Former Ga. Rep. Jack Flynt Dies at 92
Associated Press
GRIFFIN, Ga. — John "Jack" Flynt Jr., a 12-term congressman who in the 1970s twice beat political newcomer Newt Gingrich, died on Sunday. He was 92.
He died early Sunday at his home in Griffin, according to Haisten McCullough Funeral Home.
A silver-haired, small-town patrician who was part of the Democratic establishment when that party dominated Southern politics, Flynt served in Congress from 1954 until his retirement in 1979.
He served on a variety of committees, including Appropriations, and was chairman of the House ethics committee. He defeated Gingrich in 1974 and 1976 before he retired and his seat was filled by Gingrich, who went on to become speaker.
Flynt was also a cavalry officer, prosecutor and bank founder. In 2001, the state Department of Transportation named a 17-mile section of state Highway 16 after him.
During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, was aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Robert W. Grow in France and was awarded the Bronze Star medal in 1944.
He was also a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and gave the keynote address at the group's annual meeting in 1958.
support delta's direct route from atl to china....
if you so desire. this could help with the recruitment of additional chinese investment in barnesville-lamar county.
sign online petition here
sign online petition here
expanding on earlier vfw debate...
in the thread under another post...
were investigators correct in raiding the local vfw club the day before the memorial day weekend or should they have left the old veterans alone?
apparently authorities were tipped to the fact there was liquor at the bar there when the club is licensed to sell beer and wine only?
many think the vets have earned the right to some privacy and say the tipster was a person removed from the club by members for overindulging himself.
what do you think?
were investigators correct in raiding the local vfw club the day before the memorial day weekend or should they have left the old veterans alone?
apparently authorities were tipped to the fact there was liquor at the bar there when the club is licensed to sell beer and wine only?
many think the vets have earned the right to some privacy and say the tipster was a person removed from the club by members for overindulging himself.
what do you think?
since some apparently still care, are the braves...
done for the season after four shutouts in their last six games and a open feud involving stars john smoltz and chipper jones?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
victim of accidental shooting identified (updated info) ...
as rip moore, 37, of barnesville.
according to preliminary reports, moore was handling a .45 caliber pistol that he was unfamiliar with and it discharged, striking him once in the chest.
moore was lifeflfighted to grady hospital in atlanta. the shot passed through his body without hitting any vital organs.
moore underwent three hours of emergency surgery and was stable at last report. he is expected to fully recover.
the incident occurred at moore's home on harris drive in barnesville at about 10:30 p.m. last night.
barnesville police investigator dickie carreker reported the .45 was loaded with 'hardball' ammunition. had the amo been of any other type, moore would be dead.
"he is the luckiest guy in the history of lamar county," carreker added.
according to preliminary reports, moore was handling a .45 caliber pistol that he was unfamiliar with and it discharged, striking him once in the chest.
moore was lifeflfighted to grady hospital in atlanta. the shot passed through his body without hitting any vital organs.
moore underwent three hours of emergency surgery and was stable at last report. he is expected to fully recover.
the incident occurred at moore's home on harris drive in barnesville at about 10:30 p.m. last night.
barnesville police investigator dickie carreker reported the .45 was loaded with 'hardball' ammunition. had the amo been of any other type, moore would be dead.
"he is the luckiest guy in the history of lamar county," carreker added.
Friday, June 22, 2007
nine more busted at barnesville 'stop n cop' drug mkt...
yesterday. this open air market was located at the intersection of parkview drive and 12th street in barnesville.
surveillance was run by sgt. al moltrum of the bpd and assistant commander alan mcwhorter of the narcotics task force.
one alleged seller was busted and one is on the run.
other eight arests were of alleged customers.
more here
surveillance was run by sgt. al moltrum of the bpd and assistant commander alan mcwhorter of the narcotics task force.
one alleged seller was busted and one is on the run.
other eight arests were of alleged customers.
more here
funeral pocketbook thief busted...
after someone who knew the man involved saw the surveillance photo here. the man is identified as kenneth chuck blair, a 44-year-old career criminal.
blair was arrested in fort valley this morning by milner police chief brad white. white has a line on the whereabouts of blair's female companion and officers are clsoing in on her at present.
the maroon honda accord the pair were in was - big surprise! - stolen.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
reward offered for photos...
two tech total people were towing the georgia tech rambling wreck (an old car) to a wedding this past weekend and overturned, wrecking the wreck.
this apparently happened on I-75 in neighboring monroe county.
the fine folks at the georgia sports blog are offering a $100 bounty for photos of the wrecked wreck. if you have them, get in touch @ news@barnesville.com
this apparently happened on I-75 in neighboring monroe county.
the fine folks at the georgia sports blog are offering a $100 bounty for photos of the wrecked wreck. if you have them, get in touch @ news@barnesville.com
voting irregularities probe going to attorney general...
at the request of the state elections board after it heard from investigator steve mcbryer today in atlanta.
it was revealed that failed 2006 candidates ann turner and rick mccreary filed the complaint(s) that led to the probe.
specifically singled out regarding the absentee ballot process were three local party organizers.
after attorney general thurbert baker completes 'further fact-finding', the case will be referred back to the seb.
in the photo are secretary of state karen handel (left) and elections board memeber j. randloph evans (right).
more here
dirtbags of the day vol 2...
these fine folks allegedly stole several pocketbooks during the funeral of florine weldon and went out to eat on the proceeds.
more here
shoot to kill, imho.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
another ingle coming to gordon
israel ingle will coordinate recreation facilities at gordon and spearhead the development of a men's basketball team.
ingle, 23, has a sports mgt. degree from kennesaw state where dad, tony, is head basketball coach. the elder ingle coached at gordon in the late 1980s. gordon has a club team now and will be playing college teams on a limited schedule beginning this fall. interest in basketball at gordon is surging.
new hotel/motel coming to town...
according to this sign at the town center development where walgreen's is going up at the intersection of highways 18 & 341.
wendy's was supposed to be part of this development but is struggling nationally and may be out.
anybody stayed at a microtel lately? reports?
college football can't get here soon enough...
but larry munson says he is 50-50 on calling games this fall. munson is now 84 years young.
clip above never gets old, fwiw.
citizens to meet with attorney this week...
over ag. authority lawsuit. the meeting with attorney william g. johnston III will occur at the home of a private citizen.
this information came out of last night's meeting of the concerned citizens of lamar county where members quizzed county commission chairman jay matthews on several matters.
more here
this information came out of last night's meeting of the concerned citizens of lamar county where members quizzed county commission chairman jay matthews on several matters.
more here
Monday, June 18, 2007
consolidation of county/municipal services...
do you feel the consolidation of county/municipal services would save taxpayers money?
police and fire departments are obvious choices but what other services would you like to see combined?
water departments?
solid waste disposal?
planning and zoning?
discuss.
police and fire departments are obvious choices but what other services would you like to see combined?
water departments?
solid waste disposal?
planning and zoning?
discuss.
not your normal sunday cookout....
for father's day, dale richard ziolkowski (above) allegedly torched a trailer on bulldog court.
tech fan, apparently.
details in the 06.19.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
341/grove st. accident update....
two cars in the main collision. a third car subsequently clipped one of those cars. one car ended up in the citgo parking lot.
two lifeflight choppers were called in. one driver, identified as hollis geiger of barnesville, was ejected and suffered head injuries.
he was flown to the macon medical center and is in stable condition there at present. another victim was flown to grady hospital in atlanta.
for details, see the 06.19.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
two lifeflight choppers were called in. one driver, identified as hollis geiger of barnesville, was ejected and suffered head injuries.
he was flown to the macon medical center and is in stable condition there at present. another victim was flown to grady hospital in atlanta.
for details, see the 06.19.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
tired of controversy? take heart. bikini contests...
are cool in barnesville....
"we'll be able to have one anytime we want to in the future," reports steve godwin, owner of the lie-brary.
details in the 06.19.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
"we'll be able to have one anytime we want to in the future," reports steve godwin, owner of the lie-brary.
details in the 06.19.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
multiple reports of a serious accident here last night...
at the intersection of highway 341 and grove street. at least one victim lifeflighted at appx. 11:30 p.m.
we have no further details at present but are seeking them out.
we have no further details at present but are seeking them out.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
commission approves land deal with city, school board...
the commission voted 3-1 with george brown opposed to trade the school system 17 acres adjacent to the bus barn and its share of the bus barn to the school system for summers field.
it voted 3-2 with brown and commissioner bennie horton opposed to convey summers field to the city for a portion of the ag. authority assets including the 12 acres on the north side of roberta drive and $404,781 in former ag. authority funds. the county will relocate the rodeo arena on the 12 acres within 24 months but continue to operate the wetlands trail there.
the city and county will sell the 67 acres on the south side of roberta drive and split the proceeds. that land is highly valuable to developers.
the school system will retain the right to use summers field for football games until it can build an on-campus stadium on the land it acquired from the county.
the county will move its operations from the bus barn to the old county barn on grove street.
in depth coverage here
it voted 3-2 with brown and commissioner bennie horton opposed to convey summers field to the city for a portion of the ag. authority assets including the 12 acres on the north side of roberta drive and $404,781 in former ag. authority funds. the county will relocate the rodeo arena on the 12 acres within 24 months but continue to operate the wetlands trail there.
the city and county will sell the 67 acres on the south side of roberta drive and split the proceeds. that land is highly valuable to developers.
the school system will retain the right to use summers field for football games until it can build an on-campus stadium on the land it acquired from the county.
the county will move its operations from the bus barn to the old county barn on grove street.
in depth coverage here
ag. authority deal struck?....
deal designed to end the controversy expected to be finalized tonight.
but, will the controversy end?
more here donedeal?
but, will the controversy end?
more here donedeal?
dirtbags of the day award winners...
By BILL POOVEY
Associated Press Writer
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Investigators found a crying 6-year-old boy tied up in a sweltering car at a suburban restaurant after employees reported seeing a man take the child outside and return without him to finish eating.
Police believe the boy, whose name was not released, was tied up for about 30 minutes while the outside temperature was in the 80s Saturday in Ringgold, Ga., about 13 miles southeast of Chattanooga, Sgt. John Gass said Tuesday.
"He was sitting up in between the two front seats and he was crying," Gass said. "He had a rope tied to one of his ankles. The child was just sweating, just soaking."
The boy's mother, Rachel Gilchrist, 35, and her companion, Raymond Minchew, 61, both of Sandy Springs, Ga., were arrested Saturday and charged with cruelty to children and concealing a weapon. Police found a handgun in the car.
Gilchrist remained in custody Tuesday at the jail in Catoosa County, Ga. Minchew was released Monday on $5,000 bail.
The couple contended the boy had misbehaved, although witnesses at the Cracker Barrel restaurant disagreed, Gass said.
"It doesn't matter what the child did. No child needs to be taken out and put in a vehicle, left alone and put in the heat," Gass said.
He said the boy was placed in state protective custody.
"I am glad somebody called," Gass said. "We don't know what else might be going on. I'm just glad the little man is not with them anymore."
An employee at the restaurant said Tuesday that company policy did not allow staff members to comment.
Associated Press Writer
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Investigators found a crying 6-year-old boy tied up in a sweltering car at a suburban restaurant after employees reported seeing a man take the child outside and return without him to finish eating.
Police believe the boy, whose name was not released, was tied up for about 30 minutes while the outside temperature was in the 80s Saturday in Ringgold, Ga., about 13 miles southeast of Chattanooga, Sgt. John Gass said Tuesday.
"He was sitting up in between the two front seats and he was crying," Gass said. "He had a rope tied to one of his ankles. The child was just sweating, just soaking."
The boy's mother, Rachel Gilchrist, 35, and her companion, Raymond Minchew, 61, both of Sandy Springs, Ga., were arrested Saturday and charged with cruelty to children and concealing a weapon. Police found a handgun in the car.
Gilchrist remained in custody Tuesday at the jail in Catoosa County, Ga. Minchew was released Monday on $5,000 bail.
The couple contended the boy had misbehaved, although witnesses at the Cracker Barrel restaurant disagreed, Gass said.
"It doesn't matter what the child did. No child needs to be taken out and put in a vehicle, left alone and put in the heat," Gass said.
He said the boy was placed in state protective custody.
"I am glad somebody called," Gass said. "We don't know what else might be going on. I'm just glad the little man is not with them anymore."
An employee at the restaurant said Tuesday that company policy did not allow staff members to comment.
opinion piece by beth tessmer in today's macon telegraph...
for newcomers, tessmer is a former barnesville police captain in prison for the shooting death of her husband...
Two-strikes law not cause for overcrowding
I'm trying to be fair, but I believe your opinion pieces concerning the reasons for an aging and overcrowded prison population are misleading. To help prove my point that the majority of the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, I did a random, mini-survey of 19 incarcerated women.
Ten are white and nine are black. Three are serving time for drug possession, three for forgery, three for robbery, two for felony shoplifting, two for theft, one for identity fraud, one for burglary, one for armed robbery, one for sexual assault, one for aggravated assault, and one for murder.
Of those, none are under the "two strikes" law, two have mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, and three are under a judges order to serve their entire sentence. The older inmate convicted of murder has already served six years beyond the time her seven- year sentence called for because life sentences are being ever extended.
The Parole Decision Guidelines System was enacted and intended to help the board make a more consistent, soundly based, prompt and explainable parole decisions. The guidelines consider age, education, employment, convictions, incarcerations, parole and probation failures, drug involvement and forgery or burglary involvement to calculate a parole success score. This score and the crime severity level determines an inmates recommended months to serve. The Board may depart from the Guidelines and make an independent decision using the full discretion given to it by Georgia law.
The survey revealed that for the 14 inmates who fall under their control, the board departed from the guidelines 100 percent of the time. All fourteen are serving between four and 74 months more than the guidelines call for. If the board does not trust their own system, change it or abolish it, but judges, district attorneys and defense lawyers use it to negotiate plea agreements and decide sentences. That's unfair.
I did not include myself in the survey because I am not eligible to be considered for parole until January 2012. Those who care about me think I'm crazy to dare to write anything negative about the folks who will eventually consider my freedom, but I feel compelled to speak out anyway.
Beth Tessmer is a prison inmate in Hawkinsville.
Two-strikes law not cause for overcrowding
I'm trying to be fair, but I believe your opinion pieces concerning the reasons for an aging and overcrowded prison population are misleading. To help prove my point that the majority of the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, I did a random, mini-survey of 19 incarcerated women.
Ten are white and nine are black. Three are serving time for drug possession, three for forgery, three for robbery, two for felony shoplifting, two for theft, one for identity fraud, one for burglary, one for armed robbery, one for sexual assault, one for aggravated assault, and one for murder.
Of those, none are under the "two strikes" law, two have mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, and three are under a judges order to serve their entire sentence. The older inmate convicted of murder has already served six years beyond the time her seven- year sentence called for because life sentences are being ever extended.
The Parole Decision Guidelines System was enacted and intended to help the board make a more consistent, soundly based, prompt and explainable parole decisions. The guidelines consider age, education, employment, convictions, incarcerations, parole and probation failures, drug involvement and forgery or burglary involvement to calculate a parole success score. This score and the crime severity level determines an inmates recommended months to serve. The Board may depart from the Guidelines and make an independent decision using the full discretion given to it by Georgia law.
The survey revealed that for the 14 inmates who fall under their control, the board departed from the guidelines 100 percent of the time. All fourteen are serving between four and 74 months more than the guidelines call for. If the board does not trust their own system, change it or abolish it, but judges, district attorneys and defense lawyers use it to negotiate plea agreements and decide sentences. That's unfair.
I did not include myself in the survey because I am not eligible to be considered for parole until January 2012. Those who care about me think I'm crazy to dare to write anything negative about the folks who will eventually consider my freedom, but I feel compelled to speak out anyway.
Beth Tessmer is a prison inmate in Hawkinsville.
letter to editor from muslim in usa today...
No excuse for anti-Muslim prejudice
Carolyn Zezima - Evanston, Ill.
I was absolutely horrified by the poll results cited in a recent article. USA TODAY reported that "39% of respondents to the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll said they felt at least some prejudice against Muslims." It said that 39% also "favored requiring Muslims, including U.S. citizens, to carry a special ID 'as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States.' " Further, the poll found that about one-third of respondents "said U.S. Muslims were sympathetic to al-Qaeda, and that 22% said they wouldn't want Muslims as neighbors" ("USA's Muslims under a cloud," Cover story, Life, Aug. 10).
How can these respondents live with themselves?
Do these 39% fear and hate the Muslim "boogeyman" so strongly they would demonize Muslims by invoking the use of special IDs similar to practices during the Holocaust? If 39% of our country don't mind throwing out the constitutional rights of our fellow citizens, what's next? Internment? Indeed, why stop at Muslims? In this climate of fear, every outsider is seen as a potential threat. But who are the real Americans and who are the outsiders?
Terrorism exists. It has and probably always will. Every country and ethnicity has had to deal with it. But that is no excuse for this hatred.
I watched 9/11 unfold in real time from my office window about 40 blocks north in Manhattan. And though I was safe, I didn't know it at the time. My initial reaction was anger, finger-pointing and mistrust. But as a civilized New Yorker, I calmed down and moved on. I will still get on planes, go to major tourist attractions, oppose our invasion of Iraq, welcome all good people, including Muslims, into my life and continue to fight for the America those 39% seem willing to trade away for some false sense of security.
Like the remaining 61%, I will not sit quietly and let this infectious disease of fear and mistrust contaminate my soul or destroy my country.
Carolyn Zezima - Evanston, Ill.
I was absolutely horrified by the poll results cited in a recent article. USA TODAY reported that "39% of respondents to the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll said they felt at least some prejudice against Muslims." It said that 39% also "favored requiring Muslims, including U.S. citizens, to carry a special ID 'as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States.' " Further, the poll found that about one-third of respondents "said U.S. Muslims were sympathetic to al-Qaeda, and that 22% said they wouldn't want Muslims as neighbors" ("USA's Muslims under a cloud," Cover story, Life, Aug. 10).
How can these respondents live with themselves?
Do these 39% fear and hate the Muslim "boogeyman" so strongly they would demonize Muslims by invoking the use of special IDs similar to practices during the Holocaust? If 39% of our country don't mind throwing out the constitutional rights of our fellow citizens, what's next? Internment? Indeed, why stop at Muslims? In this climate of fear, every outsider is seen as a potential threat. But who are the real Americans and who are the outsiders?
Terrorism exists. It has and probably always will. Every country and ethnicity has had to deal with it. But that is no excuse for this hatred.
I watched 9/11 unfold in real time from my office window about 40 blocks north in Manhattan. And though I was safe, I didn't know it at the time. My initial reaction was anger, finger-pointing and mistrust. But as a civilized New Yorker, I calmed down and moved on. I will still get on planes, go to major tourist attractions, oppose our invasion of Iraq, welcome all good people, including Muslims, into my life and continue to fight for the America those 39% seem willing to trade away for some false sense of security.
Like the remaining 61%, I will not sit quietly and let this infectious disease of fear and mistrust contaminate my soul or destroy my country.
reader suggested question re: drinking age...
should georgia and other states lower the legal drinking age to 18?
should soldiers old enough to die for their country be old enough to legally consume alcohol?
should soldiers old enough to die for their country be old enough to legally consume alcohol?
Monday, June 11, 2007
city council approves land swap referendum..
clearing the way for an end to the ag. authority assets controversy, pending a vote by the county commission tomorrow night.
the city is expected to accept summers field from the county in exchange for all or part of the current/former assets of the ag. authority.
the school system has agreed to trade the commission one acre of land near the bus barn on roberta drive for summers field.
see barnesville.com for more info.
the city is expected to accept summers field from the county in exchange for all or part of the current/former assets of the ag. authority.
the school system has agreed to trade the commission one acre of land near the bus barn on roberta drive for summers field.
see barnesville.com for more info.
towaliga circuit judge tommy wilson orders genarlow wilson freed...
read more here
judge wilson said genarlow wilson's imprisonment for consensual oral sex with a 15 year old amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.
genarlow wilson has been in prison for over two years.
attorney general thurbert baker says the state will appeal judge wilson's order.
your comments?
judge wilson said genarlow wilson's imprisonment for consensual oral sex with a 15 year old amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.
genarlow wilson has been in prison for over two years.
attorney general thurbert baker says the state will appeal judge wilson's order.
your comments?
school board says no millage increase...
sets budget at $17.9 million. of that, $6.425 million to come from lamar property taxpayers.
public hearing on budget is 06.19.07 @ 6 p.m. @ lcchs media center.
read more here
public hearing on budget is 06.19.07 @ 6 p.m. @ lcchs media center.
read more here
havana's museum of the revolucion...
among the best preserved items at the museum is this jet engine from an american U-2 spy plane. the U-2 was shot down over cuba on october 27, 1962 by a surface-to-air missile similar to the one in the photo. the pilot, major rudolf anderson jr. of greenville, s.c., was killed.
film shot by anderson and other U-2 pilots revealed the presence of soviet nuclear missiles in cuba, triggering the cuban missile crisis.
for more, see this week's geiger's counter in print and online later today at barnesville.com
day of prayer for agriculture...
edwin foshee (left) and durant wilmot were among the approximately 40 people on hand this morning at the lamar county farm bureau office to pray for rain.
the prayer was offered by rev. garth forster under promisingly cloudy skies. there is a 60% chance of rain today and a 40% chance tonight. isolated to scattered thunderstorms are forecast through friday.
bypass project 71% complete...
if you drive in the bypass area along gordon road or highway 18/41 toward forsyth, expect to be rerouted soon.
see barnesville.com for more info.
see barnesville.com for more info.
Friday, June 08, 2007
why do you suppose people protest at the g-8...
summit when it does absolutely no good?
what is their agenda? do they have an agenda?
what is their agenda? do they have an agenda?
good time for a SPLOST??????....
maybe not but the school board will put one before the voters september 19 to raise up to $14 million for a football facility with all the trimmings, improvements to lcchs and debt reduction.
the board also approved trading the county summers field for an acre of land adjacent to the current bus barn where the new field will be built.
indications are the land swap designed to end the controversy over the current/former (depending on your point of view) assets of the ag. authority will be finalized.
the barnesville city council has set another meeting for june 11 to discuss the matter in executive session. the council was reportedly close to a decision earlier this week.
if the city okays the swap, the county could finish it up at its june 12 regular meeting.
see barnesville.com for more info.
the board also approved trading the county summers field for an acre of land adjacent to the current bus barn where the new field will be built.
indications are the land swap designed to end the controversy over the current/former (depending on your point of view) assets of the ag. authority will be finalized.
the barnesville city council has set another meeting for june 11 to discuss the matter in executive session. the council was reportedly close to a decision earlier this week.
if the city okays the swap, the county could finish it up at its june 12 regular meeting.
see barnesville.com for more info.
look closely and see if you recognize...
a barnesvillian in this video from the official atlanta hawks website.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
conviction in lamar related ecstacy case...
huge lab was located here, according to federal authorities...
LEAD DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN GEORGIA’S LARGEST
ECSTASY MANUFACTURING CASE
Marc Noblitt Sentenced After Recapture and Extradition From Germany
Atlanta, GA - MARC EUGENE NOBLITT, 39, formerly of Riverdale, Georgia,
was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Clarence Cooper for orchestrating
the largest ecstasy manufacturing operation prosecuted in Georgia. Overall, the
manufacturing conspiracy established and operated at least seven ecstasy laboratories in
the Atlanta area starting in 1998 and continuing until the organization was dismantled by
federal agents in November 2003.
“This is the first prosecution of this kind in Georgia, and one of the few instances
in the entire Southeastern United States where drug dealers manufactured their own
ecstasy,” said David. E. Nahmias. “It’s a difficult chemical process that requires a high
level of sophistication to complete. It’s rare to find a single ecstasy lab, and this group
had several operating at once. This prosecution involves some intelligent, highly-educated
young people who used their college degrees to unleash a dangerous, addictive drug on
the community,” Nahmias said. “The case also shows that drug dealers cannot run and
hide to avoid being prosecuted, as we will find them and bring them to justice.”
NOBLITT was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by
five years of supervised release, and fined $5,000 to pay for the costs of his extradition
from Germany. NOBLITT was convicted of these charges on February 22, 2007.
According to Nahmias and the information presented in court: The identified and
charged ringleaders of the ecstasy operation were NOBLITT and MICHAEL OGBURN,
of Atlanta. OGBURN committed suicide after his arrest in November 2003. NOBLITT
cut off an electronic monitoring bracelet and jumped bond before his trial was to begin in
February 2005. He was recaptured on April 22, 2006, in Cologne, Germany, and
extradited back to the United States, where he entered a non-negotiated plea of guilty on
February 22, 2007. With the exception of NOBLITT all the remaining defendants had
entered guilty pleas and were sentenced in 2005.
2
NOBLITT and OGBURN began manufacturing ecstasy in small laboratories
inside residences in Atlanta and in smaller towns outside the city such as Jonesboro, and
Rex, Georgia, from 1998 through 2001. Afterward, NOBLITT and OGBURN discovered
it was more lucrative to train others to establish ecstasy laboratories on their behalf and
obtain the finished product at a discount. Through all the labs, NOBLITT and
OGBURN’s organization manufactured an estimated 44 kilograms of ecstasy, which was
then packed into gelatin capsules or pressed into tablets and distributed in Atlanta and
elsewhere. At the close of the investigation in 2003, agents busted two laboratories
operated by individuals who were manufacturing ecstasy for distribution by NOBLITT
and OGBURN; these laboratories were operating inside residential homes in Buckhead
and Barnesville, Georgia. These laboratories contained enough chemicals and equipment
to manufacture an additional 10-20 kilograms of ecstasy powder.
According to the evidence, the discovery of the Barnesville lab was key to the
prosecution of the case. On September 16, 2003, drug investigators working for the
Lamar County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
received a complaint from a neighbor about unusual odors coming from a house in
Barnesville, Georgia. The agents searched the house and discovered a functioning
ecstasy laboratory, described by DEA as the largest in Georgia history. Agents arrested
ADAM MORTON, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, in connection with that laboratory, and the
investigation immediately tied the lab to NOBLITT and OGBURN. Four months later, in
January 2004, agents busted another operating lab tied to the organization, located in
house at 25 Lakeland Drive, which sits in a residential neighborhood in Buckhead just off
Roswell Road.
Taken together, the laboratories manufactured enough ecstasy to make almost
600,000 ecstasy tablets, with a street value of approximately $10 million.
The evidence showed that the NOBLITT and OGBURN organization benefitted
from a surge in the popularity of ecstasy among club-going young adults in the late
1990's. The surge in ecstasy use coincided with a growth in the popularity of rave parties
and dance clubs in Atlanta and across the United States.
The investigation showed that NOBLITT first initiated the plan to manufacture
ecstasy with a high school friend, HOWARD BRADSHAW, 37, of Atlanta, who had
earned a chemistry degree from Georgia Tech. NOBLITT later taught the procedure for
manufacturing ecstasy to ALVIN CHOI, 30, of Atlanta, who graduated with a chemistry
degree from Emory University. BRADSHAW and CHOI both entered guilty pleas in the
case in 2005.
The investigation showed that in July 2001, OGBURN and NOBLITT were
manufacturing ecstasy in the basement of NOBLITT’s residence in Riverdale when a
container of chemicals exploded in OGBURN’s face. Investigators obtained hospital
records showing that OGBURN received treatment for serious burns and lacerations on
his face and arms.
In addition, the investigation showed that in November 2001, OGBURN was the
victim of a home invasion robbery committed by members of the “Diablos” gang, which
targeted high-level drug dealers for robberies while wearing Fulton County Deputy
Sheriff uniforms. During the robbery, members of the Diablos gang handcuffed and beat
OGBURN, locked him inside a closet, and stole $30,000 in cash and two kilograms of
ecstasy powder. The members of the Diablos gang later were arrested and prosecuted by
the Atlanta U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Other defendants already sentenced in the case include:
ADAM MORTON, 28, of Atlanta Georgia, seven years and five months in prison
(sentenced in Macon, Georgia); JEFFREY ANDERSON, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, five
years in prison; RAYMOND RAWLS, 28, Atlanta, Georgia, seven years, one month in
prison; SCOTT LASSITER, 32, of Atlanta, four years and nine months in prison; TORRE
SEATON, 33, Smyrna, Georgia, two years and six months in prison; JOHN MASKEW,
26, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, three years, one months in prison; JOEY LEE, 37, of
Kennesaw, Georgia, two years, three months in prison; ALVIN CHOI, 30, of Atlanta,
Georgia, three years of probation; HOWARD BRADSHAW, 37, of Atlanta, three years
of probation.
LEAD DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN GEORGIA’S LARGEST
ECSTASY MANUFACTURING CASE
Marc Noblitt Sentenced After Recapture and Extradition From Germany
Atlanta, GA - MARC EUGENE NOBLITT, 39, formerly of Riverdale, Georgia,
was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Clarence Cooper for orchestrating
the largest ecstasy manufacturing operation prosecuted in Georgia. Overall, the
manufacturing conspiracy established and operated at least seven ecstasy laboratories in
the Atlanta area starting in 1998 and continuing until the organization was dismantled by
federal agents in November 2003.
“This is the first prosecution of this kind in Georgia, and one of the few instances
in the entire Southeastern United States where drug dealers manufactured their own
ecstasy,” said David. E. Nahmias. “It’s a difficult chemical process that requires a high
level of sophistication to complete. It’s rare to find a single ecstasy lab, and this group
had several operating at once. This prosecution involves some intelligent, highly-educated
young people who used their college degrees to unleash a dangerous, addictive drug on
the community,” Nahmias said. “The case also shows that drug dealers cannot run and
hide to avoid being prosecuted, as we will find them and bring them to justice.”
NOBLITT was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by
five years of supervised release, and fined $5,000 to pay for the costs of his extradition
from Germany. NOBLITT was convicted of these charges on February 22, 2007.
According to Nahmias and the information presented in court: The identified and
charged ringleaders of the ecstasy operation were NOBLITT and MICHAEL OGBURN,
of Atlanta. OGBURN committed suicide after his arrest in November 2003. NOBLITT
cut off an electronic monitoring bracelet and jumped bond before his trial was to begin in
February 2005. He was recaptured on April 22, 2006, in Cologne, Germany, and
extradited back to the United States, where he entered a non-negotiated plea of guilty on
February 22, 2007. With the exception of NOBLITT all the remaining defendants had
entered guilty pleas and were sentenced in 2005.
2
NOBLITT and OGBURN began manufacturing ecstasy in small laboratories
inside residences in Atlanta and in smaller towns outside the city such as Jonesboro, and
Rex, Georgia, from 1998 through 2001. Afterward, NOBLITT and OGBURN discovered
it was more lucrative to train others to establish ecstasy laboratories on their behalf and
obtain the finished product at a discount. Through all the labs, NOBLITT and
OGBURN’s organization manufactured an estimated 44 kilograms of ecstasy, which was
then packed into gelatin capsules or pressed into tablets and distributed in Atlanta and
elsewhere. At the close of the investigation in 2003, agents busted two laboratories
operated by individuals who were manufacturing ecstasy for distribution by NOBLITT
and OGBURN; these laboratories were operating inside residential homes in Buckhead
and Barnesville, Georgia. These laboratories contained enough chemicals and equipment
to manufacture an additional 10-20 kilograms of ecstasy powder.
According to the evidence, the discovery of the Barnesville lab was key to the
prosecution of the case. On September 16, 2003, drug investigators working for the
Lamar County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
received a complaint from a neighbor about unusual odors coming from a house in
Barnesville, Georgia. The agents searched the house and discovered a functioning
ecstasy laboratory, described by DEA as the largest in Georgia history. Agents arrested
ADAM MORTON, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, in connection with that laboratory, and the
investigation immediately tied the lab to NOBLITT and OGBURN. Four months later, in
January 2004, agents busted another operating lab tied to the organization, located in
house at 25 Lakeland Drive, which sits in a residential neighborhood in Buckhead just off
Roswell Road.
Taken together, the laboratories manufactured enough ecstasy to make almost
600,000 ecstasy tablets, with a street value of approximately $10 million.
The evidence showed that the NOBLITT and OGBURN organization benefitted
from a surge in the popularity of ecstasy among club-going young adults in the late
1990's. The surge in ecstasy use coincided with a growth in the popularity of rave parties
and dance clubs in Atlanta and across the United States.
The investigation showed that NOBLITT first initiated the plan to manufacture
ecstasy with a high school friend, HOWARD BRADSHAW, 37, of Atlanta, who had
earned a chemistry degree from Georgia Tech. NOBLITT later taught the procedure for
manufacturing ecstasy to ALVIN CHOI, 30, of Atlanta, who graduated with a chemistry
degree from Emory University. BRADSHAW and CHOI both entered guilty pleas in the
case in 2005.
The investigation showed that in July 2001, OGBURN and NOBLITT were
manufacturing ecstasy in the basement of NOBLITT’s residence in Riverdale when a
container of chemicals exploded in OGBURN’s face. Investigators obtained hospital
records showing that OGBURN received treatment for serious burns and lacerations on
his face and arms.
In addition, the investigation showed that in November 2001, OGBURN was the
victim of a home invasion robbery committed by members of the “Diablos” gang, which
targeted high-level drug dealers for robberies while wearing Fulton County Deputy
Sheriff uniforms. During the robbery, members of the Diablos gang handcuffed and beat
OGBURN, locked him inside a closet, and stole $30,000 in cash and two kilograms of
ecstasy powder. The members of the Diablos gang later were arrested and prosecuted by
the Atlanta U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Other defendants already sentenced in the case include:
ADAM MORTON, 28, of Atlanta Georgia, seven years and five months in prison
(sentenced in Macon, Georgia); JEFFREY ANDERSON, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, five
years in prison; RAYMOND RAWLS, 28, Atlanta, Georgia, seven years, one month in
prison; SCOTT LASSITER, 32, of Atlanta, four years and nine months in prison; TORRE
SEATON, 33, Smyrna, Georgia, two years and six months in prison; JOHN MASKEW,
26, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, three years, one months in prison; JOEY LEE, 37, of
Kennesaw, Georgia, two years, three months in prison; ALVIN CHOI, 30, of Atlanta,
Georgia, three years of probation; HOWARD BRADSHAW, 37, of Atlanta, three years
of probation.
new barbecue restaurant coming...
reports are steve duncan will open an o.b.'s barbecue in the space currently occupied by big chic when it moves to its new location where milam's gulf formerly stood.
opening tentatively set for mid-august.
there have also been reports that a new shane's rib shack will open here soon.
opening tentatively set for mid-august.
there have also been reports that a new shane's rib shack will open here soon.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
augusta chronicle on graduation behavior...
Classless of 2007
Unruly audiences at high school graduations get failing marks
Been to a graduation lately?
The pomp and circumstance has been replaced by romps and circuses.
Some in the audience dress like they're at a luau. Others bring air horns and carry on as if they're at a professional wrestling event. Some cheer for their little babies so loud and long that the next hard-working graduate doesn't get his or her moment in the sun.
How incredibly self-absorbed and crass.
Boorish behavior has nearly taken over graduations.
It makes you wonder if there are any special occasions left, any milestones that aren't muddied by the classless.
Is this just the fate of a society that revels in having peanut shells on restaurant floors? Or is there any hope for dignity left?
The fine folks at Galesburg High thought so, anyway. Officials at the Illinois school, after a particularly indecorous graduation in 2005 that nearly led to fights in the stands, required students and parents to sign a contract promising to be dignified this year. The punishment for violators: no diplomas, at least for the time being - and eight hours of community service work to get them later.
Five students received just such a punishment this year, bringing the requisite outrage and indignation and shock from folks who knew the rules going in and violated them.
Of course, no consequence in 21st century America goes into effect without an appeal. We hope the school sticks to its guns.
In fact, we wish the policy would be imported here.
We understand you're excited about your little baby getting a diploma. It's wonderful. It's a big deal. We get it already.
But truth be known, when you whoop and wail and turn graduation into a contest to see whose student is more loved and appreciated, that makes it less special, not more. Ceremonies such as graduations and weddings are meant to be formal and dignified. That's what makes them special: The decorum is what separates a ceremony from a ballgame or a night at the pub. It's what gives the event meaning and significance. It cries out, "This is a special moment!" Save the whooping for afterward.
And what are we teaching our children when school officials pronounce all these rules of decorum and then simply sit there and watch them be violated several hundred times over? The kids have to wonder which rules in life are real and which are facades.
For the life of us, we don't understand why school superintendents or board of education members don't promise unruly audiences that they'll shut down graduations in progress if folks don't come to order and respect not only the dignity of the moment but the sensibilities of those around them.
Is there no special occasion anymore?
From the Tuesday, June 05, 2007 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
Unruly audiences at high school graduations get failing marks
Been to a graduation lately?
The pomp and circumstance has been replaced by romps and circuses.
Some in the audience dress like they're at a luau. Others bring air horns and carry on as if they're at a professional wrestling event. Some cheer for their little babies so loud and long that the next hard-working graduate doesn't get his or her moment in the sun.
How incredibly self-absorbed and crass.
Boorish behavior has nearly taken over graduations.
It makes you wonder if there are any special occasions left, any milestones that aren't muddied by the classless.
Is this just the fate of a society that revels in having peanut shells on restaurant floors? Or is there any hope for dignity left?
The fine folks at Galesburg High thought so, anyway. Officials at the Illinois school, after a particularly indecorous graduation in 2005 that nearly led to fights in the stands, required students and parents to sign a contract promising to be dignified this year. The punishment for violators: no diplomas, at least for the time being - and eight hours of community service work to get them later.
Five students received just such a punishment this year, bringing the requisite outrage and indignation and shock from folks who knew the rules going in and violated them.
Of course, no consequence in 21st century America goes into effect without an appeal. We hope the school sticks to its guns.
In fact, we wish the policy would be imported here.
We understand you're excited about your little baby getting a diploma. It's wonderful. It's a big deal. We get it already.
But truth be known, when you whoop and wail and turn graduation into a contest to see whose student is more loved and appreciated, that makes it less special, not more. Ceremonies such as graduations and weddings are meant to be formal and dignified. That's what makes them special: The decorum is what separates a ceremony from a ballgame or a night at the pub. It's what gives the event meaning and significance. It cries out, "This is a special moment!" Save the whooping for afterward.
And what are we teaching our children when school officials pronounce all these rules of decorum and then simply sit there and watch them be violated several hundred times over? The kids have to wonder which rules in life are real and which are facades.
For the life of us, we don't understand why school superintendents or board of education members don't promise unruly audiences that they'll shut down graduations in progress if folks don't come to order and respect not only the dignity of the moment but the sensibilities of those around them.
Is there no special occasion anymore?
From the Tuesday, June 05, 2007 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
macon telegraph on graduation behavior....
It's unfortunate, but a certain percentage of Bibb's residents have made it painfully clear they either never learned how to behave responsibly in certain circumstances, or perhaps they just refuse to do so. This is a continuing problem at some Bibb County public school graduation ceremonies that were disrupted by persons who demonstrated a week ago they have little or no concern for others.
It's not acceptable to disrupt graduation ceremonies with shouting, screaming or firing blasts on air horns, but a significant number of those attending ceremonies held at the Coliseum for Central, Westside and Hutchings Career Center, acted as if this were appropriate. While this type of behavior is not limited to Bibb County, or just high school graduations, the Bibb County school board's central office staff is meeting today about the problem. Let's hope the staff recommends the board adopt enforceable ground rules to keep these ceremonies from becoming boisterous.
There are three important changes that should be considered.
First, and most important, since it appears the most serious disruptions took place when students not actually graduating were permitted to "walk" with those receiving diplomas, this "walking" should be abolished. While the board says there are no current plans to change, this policy needs serious reconsideration. As Westside High School art teacher Polly Sheehan noted, "The board should say if you don't graduate, you don't walk." She's absolutely right. There's no reason to permit students who have not met state graduation requirements to take part in graduation ceremonies. They haven't earned it.
Second, the school board should employ a sufficient number of law enforcement officers inside the Coliseum and give them strict instructions as to what is permissible and what is not. No boisterous actions, no air horns, no screaming. Instructions from the podium are to be followed. Those who violate the rules should be escorted out the door. No exceptions.
Third, strictly limit the number of tickets given to those who are graduating. While some schools permit 10 tickets, this may be too many. A maximum of five, which would accommodate two parents and three others, might be more appropriate. And the BOE should ensure that tickets cannot be easily reproduced, since it appears some tickets may have been copied to admit more than the allotted number.
While these measures would be harsh, they deserve serious consideration. Too many people have demonstrated they do not understand the protocol of graduation ceremonies. It is a solemn recognition of accomplishment, not a three-ring circus.
It's not acceptable to disrupt graduation ceremonies with shouting, screaming or firing blasts on air horns, but a significant number of those attending ceremonies held at the Coliseum for Central, Westside and Hutchings Career Center, acted as if this were appropriate. While this type of behavior is not limited to Bibb County, or just high school graduations, the Bibb County school board's central office staff is meeting today about the problem. Let's hope the staff recommends the board adopt enforceable ground rules to keep these ceremonies from becoming boisterous.
There are three important changes that should be considered.
First, and most important, since it appears the most serious disruptions took place when students not actually graduating were permitted to "walk" with those receiving diplomas, this "walking" should be abolished. While the board says there are no current plans to change, this policy needs serious reconsideration. As Westside High School art teacher Polly Sheehan noted, "The board should say if you don't graduate, you don't walk." She's absolutely right. There's no reason to permit students who have not met state graduation requirements to take part in graduation ceremonies. They haven't earned it.
Second, the school board should employ a sufficient number of law enforcement officers inside the Coliseum and give them strict instructions as to what is permissible and what is not. No boisterous actions, no air horns, no screaming. Instructions from the podium are to be followed. Those who violate the rules should be escorted out the door. No exceptions.
Third, strictly limit the number of tickets given to those who are graduating. While some schools permit 10 tickets, this may be too many. A maximum of five, which would accommodate two parents and three others, might be more appropriate. And the BOE should ensure that tickets cannot be easily reproduced, since it appears some tickets may have been copied to admit more than the allotted number.
While these measures would be harsh, they deserve serious consideration. Too many people have demonstrated they do not understand the protocol of graduation ceremonies. It is a solemn recognition of accomplishment, not a three-ring circus.
Monday, June 04, 2007
still no ag. authority deal...
the barnesville city council spent an hour and 15 minutes in executive session tonight, emerging with the news that no deal has been reached on the land deal to resolve the ag. authority controversy.
the executive session was couched under the terminology of "discussing the future acquisition of real estate".
see barnesville.com for more info.
the executive session was couched under the terminology of "discussing the future acquisition of real estate".
see barnesville.com for more info.
ag. authority enabling legislation amendment...
from 1999 granting it tax exempt 501(c)(3) status and governing distribution of its assets upon dissolution...
check it out here agbill.
check it out here agbill.
ag. authority breaks silence...
says county official was contacted about operating authority facilities on a one-year (presumably trial) basis prior to deal with city. no response was received.
for details, see the 6.05.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
for details, see the 6.05.07 print edition of the herald-gazette.
dance recitals draw crowds...
ozier's school of dance in barnesville held its annual recitals over the weekend at the gordon fine arts auditorium, drawing huge crowds.
lead dancer and instructor holly latimer (above) wept after being presented with flowers by her young students. latimer is moving to savannah to complete her degree in early childhood education. she is a gordon graduate.
insightful opinion piece from augusta newspaper...
Suspicions confirmed
Flight passengers were rightly frightened, not discriminatory
Saturday, June 02, 2007
You won't hear much about it - because it doesn't reflect poorly on America - but a new report says passengers weren't crazy or discriminatory when they reported suspicious behavior by a group of Muslims on a 2004 flight.
An inspector general's report says air marshals had spotted suspicious behavior before the group of 13 even boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 327 from Detroit to Los Angeles.
And, in fact, several of the Muslims had records of either criminal or suspicious behavior, and one had been investigated in a similar incident in January that year. Eight of the other 12 had previously been probed for criminal or suspicious behavior.
The suspicious behavior on Flight 327 included appearing to count passengers; moving quickly toward the cockpit, before darting into a lavatory; suspiciously long and chronic lavatory stays; asking for seat belt extenders where none was necessary; keeping flight attendants busy with service requests; one man signaling a thumbs-up to another, who responded with a cutting motion across the throat as if to say "no"; they were overheard talking about Osama bin Laden and terrorism and condeming America for killing Saddam Hussein; air marshals and others noticed nervous behavior; and they repeatedly switched seats, after air marshals observed them in the terminal acting as if they didn't know each other.
"It was almost as if they were intentionally trying to get kicked off the flight," another passenger is quoted as having said.
A former air marshal said, "It appeared rehearsed, coordinated and planned. It was menacing activity."
Yet, the Council on American-Islamic Relations has tried to punish passengers on the plane for reporting the suspicious behavior, using the American judicial system as a weapon.
Meanwhile, they have the audacity to accuse frightened passengers of Islamophobia.
New York Congressman Peter King has introduced a bill that would protect passengers from harassing lawsuits for reporting suspicious behavior. It should pass, and quickly. And it should contain a guarantee that anyone who wants to leave a plane after observing suspicious behavior should be able to re-book a flight without penalty.
You're not crazy for wanting to reach your destination safely. And you shouldn't be sued for trying.
From the Saturday, June 02, 2007 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
Flight passengers were rightly frightened, not discriminatory
Saturday, June 02, 2007
You won't hear much about it - because it doesn't reflect poorly on America - but a new report says passengers weren't crazy or discriminatory when they reported suspicious behavior by a group of Muslims on a 2004 flight.
An inspector general's report says air marshals had spotted suspicious behavior before the group of 13 even boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 327 from Detroit to Los Angeles.
And, in fact, several of the Muslims had records of either criminal or suspicious behavior, and one had been investigated in a similar incident in January that year. Eight of the other 12 had previously been probed for criminal or suspicious behavior.
The suspicious behavior on Flight 327 included appearing to count passengers; moving quickly toward the cockpit, before darting into a lavatory; suspiciously long and chronic lavatory stays; asking for seat belt extenders where none was necessary; keeping flight attendants busy with service requests; one man signaling a thumbs-up to another, who responded with a cutting motion across the throat as if to say "no"; they were overheard talking about Osama bin Laden and terrorism and condeming America for killing Saddam Hussein; air marshals and others noticed nervous behavior; and they repeatedly switched seats, after air marshals observed them in the terminal acting as if they didn't know each other.
"It was almost as if they were intentionally trying to get kicked off the flight," another passenger is quoted as having said.
A former air marshal said, "It appeared rehearsed, coordinated and planned. It was menacing activity."
Yet, the Council on American-Islamic Relations has tried to punish passengers on the plane for reporting the suspicious behavior, using the American judicial system as a weapon.
Meanwhile, they have the audacity to accuse frightened passengers of Islamophobia.
New York Congressman Peter King has introduced a bill that would protect passengers from harassing lawsuits for reporting suspicious behavior. It should pass, and quickly. And it should contain a guarantee that anyone who wants to leave a plane after observing suspicious behavior should be able to re-book a flight without penalty.
You're not crazy for wanting to reach your destination safely. And you shouldn't be sued for trying.
From the Saturday, June 02, 2007 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
Atlanta TB traveler
his new bride tests negative, family tests negative, father in-law has phd in TB research... CDC hits panic button - why?
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