Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TRAFFIC ALERT – Highway 74 in Peachtree City - DELAYS

A tanker truck has leaked oil on the southbound Lane of Highway 74 in Peachtree City from the northern city limits (Tyrone) to Kelly Drive (south of Highway 54). Public Works Crews are on scene to control the spill, and the Peachtree City Police Department is directing traffic.

One lane has been shut down, and efforts to address the incident may cause traffic delays into Friday afternoon. Drivers may wish to use alternate routes around or to Peachtree City.

Students Use Math to Ready for Spring Planting

A bright sunny day and some math was all it took to get the garden behind Rising Starr Middle ready for spring planting.

Exceptional students in Holly Monahan’s class have been maintaining the garden for several years, growing both vegetables and flowers. This year they got some help with soil preparation from Natalie Fields’ math students. The students calculated the area of each planter box to determine the proper amount of fertilizer neeed before planting.

School Superintendent Jeff Bearden happened to be visiting the school and got a quick lesson from the students on the calculations and the garden. Pictured (left to right) School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden, Hayden Long (behind planter), Kevin Khadkhodaian and Wright Hood.




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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Fayette County High Freshman’s Speaking Skills Make History

Winning a state championship is extraordinary for any student, but it is exceptional for a freshman competing at her first GHSA (Georgia High School Association) Literary State Meet.

Menaka Reddy of Fayette County High became the school’s first freshman to win the championship in the girls Extemporaneous Speaking division of the state competition. Her victory gave the school its third state championship in this division, and the first since 2002.

“This is a fantastic accomplishment for anyone, and especially a freshman,” says Jeffrey Miller, mathematics teacher and director of speech and debate at Fayette County High.

Contestants are rated on organization, analysis of topic, subject, reasoning, expression, diction, and delivery.

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Fayette County Students Selected for Governor’s Honors

A total of 18 students from the Fayette County’s high schools have been selected to attend this summer’s Governor’s Honors Program.

Judges selected the participants based on interviews and auditions of all statewide nominees. The following students were selected: (Fayette County High) Franklin Lowe, social studies. (McIntosh High) Logan Austin, communicative arts; Nicholas Chang, mathematics; Bridget Hempel, German; Jessica Morris, communicative arts; Ji-Soo Shin, mathematics; Ellen Smith, biology; and Courtney Stone, music/voice. (Starr’s Mill High) Robert Bacon, German; Katherine Fitzgerald, Spanish; Anthony Giertych, technology; Shane Mudrinich, music/voice; Chris Pham, Spanish; Haley Strauss, music/woodwinds; and Chase Thomaston, theatre. (Whitewater High) Roger Jewell, music/brass; Amy Melton, music/brass; and Sagar Pattani, social studies.

The Governor’s Honors Program provides intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students challenging and enriching educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school year. Activities give participants opportunities to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to become independent, life-long learners.

The selection process is lengthy and begins in the fall when teachers from each high school nominate students for outstanding performance in particular areas of study. The nominated students advance to county-level interviews where those for state consideration are selected.

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Educational Programs Receive Funding from Rotary

A $1,000 total donation from the Rotary Club of Peachtree City will be used to enhance learning opportunities for hundreds of students across the county.

The Fayette County Public School System’s Friends Mentoring and After School programs each received a $500 check as part of the Rotary Club’s initiative to support education and learning.

“We ask educators who know the needs and emerging trends, and if we can help in bringing resources for future learning, we are honored to do so,” says Karen Stephens, community service director for the club.
The donation will help fund the development of a math guidebook for mentors to get ideas for study materials and activities, and the purchase of training curriculum to assist After School Program sites in retaining or working toward receiving national accreditation.

This marks the third consecutive year that both programs have received donations from the Rotary Club of Peachtree City.

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Chick-fil-A is Cancer Wellness Walk Title Sponsor

Chick-fil-A has committed to be the title sponsor of the upcoming Cancer Wellness Walk in Peachtree City. Their generous support of the Walk will allow Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Fayette Hospital to continue to offer their services at no charge to cancer patients and their families.

Cancer Wellness offers comprehensive, complementary services and programs to anyone affected by cancer at any phase in his or her cancer journey. These services improve quality of life and promote health and well being at every phase in the cancer journey.

“There are so many services for those of us on the journey of recovery from cancer and I have personally benefitted from them. There are programs to help you during treatment as well as attaining a healthy lifestyle after cancer treatment,” said Lisa Hedenstrom, Chief Nursing Office at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “I sincerely feel so fortunate we have this.”

The Walk is the community benefit project of the 2010/2011 Leadership Fayette Class of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. It will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 beginning 9am with an 8:30 check-in. The Walk will start at Picnic Park/All Children’s Playground in Peachtree City, Georgia making a 5k loop around Lake Peachtree.

The Walk has also received platinum level sponsorships from Georgia Power, NCR and T & O Refrigeration; and gold sponsorships from Cargo Brokers International, Fellowship of Love Church, Heritage Automotive, Harris, Fritz and Associates, and The Southern Federal Credit Union.

To register to walk, please visit http://fayettechamber.org/wellness-walk/. Thank you for supporting our community and those who need our care and generosity.

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Fayette’s STARS Are Announced

The Fayette County Public School System congratulates the following high school seniors and their selected teachers for being named to the 2011 STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) program.

Fayette County High, Mary Grace Ernst (student), Jan Daniel (teacher); McIntosh High, Brahma Natarajan (student and regional winner), Mary Wilde (retired J.C. Booth Middle science teacher); Sandy Creek High, Poonim Daya (student), Monica Dorner (teacher); Starr’s Mill High, Justin Buchanan (student), Dr. Stephen Clark (teacher); and Whitewater High, Kaitlyn Chapman (student), Cathy Nix (teacher).

The STAR program honors Georgia's outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. During the past 53 years, the STAR Program has honored more than 22,000 high school seniors.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, Inc. was selected in 1994 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the state STAR program in association with the Chamber and the Georgia Department of Education.

All STAR students and their teachers will be honored at the PAGE STAR Banquet on April 18 in Atlanta.

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Students’ Skills Earn Awards at State Competition; Two Headed for National Conference

Six Sandy Creek High students earned gold, silver and bronze medals at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference for their abilities in the areas of Job Skill Demonstration, Graphic Design and Communication, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Automotive Service and Diesel Equipment Technology.

Bringing home gold medals were Gavin Baswell (Job Skill Demonstration) and Chanelle Smith-Walker (Georgia SkillsUSA Brochure).

Silver winners include Chanelle Smith-Walker (Georgia SkillsUSA Promotional Graphic) and Marissa Shenkle (Extemporaneous Speaking).

Bronze medals went to Robbie Chontos (Graphic Communications), Jason Fore (Automotive Service Technology), and Donovan Ivey (Diesel Equipment Technology).

Gold medal winner Gavin Baswell, along with his instructor/advisor, Matt Turner, will compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, MO in June.

Addie Davis, current Sandy Creek High SkillsUSA chapter president and state treasurer, was elected to a slate of officers for another year of service at the state level. She, along with her instructor/advisor, Jeff Dykes, will represent SkillsUSA Georgia as a member of the State Officer Team.

Additional students who competed at the state level include: Rachel Barnes (Pre-school Teaching Assistant), Haley Hester (Photography), Saridh Galvan (Math Concepts 9th/10th Grade), Alex Lynch (Job Skill Demonstration), Jonathan Strickland (Screen Printing), and Alex Whitlock (Automotive Brakes).

Support from the following local industry partners helped send Sandy Creek’s SkillsUSA members to competitions this year: Cooper Lighting, Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta, Theo Automotive, Tri-Star Automotive, and Gunnin Graphics. To become a supporter or learn more about SkillsUSA at Sandy Creek, contact Jeff Dykes at dykes.jeffrey@fcboe.org or Matt Turner at turner.matt@fcboe.org.

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Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Cleaning? Find Cash in Your Closet? Maybe a Stash in Your Junk Drawer?

If you’re like most Americans, you have a couple old, unused cellphones stashed in your home. You may even have a handful of used ink cartridges.

Did you know it takes about a gallon of oil to make an ink cartridge? Or, that 12 are thrown away every second, along with four cellphones. That’s cash—and resources—just going in the trash! That’s a shame, because some of these items can be reused, most contain parts that can be recycled, and many are made of metals that can be harmful to the environment.

To help you come clean, the J.C. Booth Middle School Science Team is collecting old, unused electronics. In return, you will be pumping cash into their classroom programs.

You can drop off these items year round in the school’s office, or send them with a student:

· ink and toner cartridges from printers and postage machines

· cellphones and PDAs

· graphing and scientific calculators

· iPods and digital cameras

· laptops and GPS devices

· game consoles and handheld units

· video games and DVDs (in their original cases)

Collected items are sent to Cartridges for Kids®, a reputable electronics recycler that rewards the school’s PTO with cash. Even better, CFK is EPA registered and offers Department of Defense approved data wiping. When possible, items are refurbished for reuse. Otherwise, they are broken down for recycling in CFK’s Loveland, Colo., plant. It’s good to know, that instead of heading to the landfill like 500 million other cellphones and ink cartridges each year, your items will be sent to CFK for rewards that support education.If you have many items to donate, or would like to start a collection at your workplace, please contact Terri Borden at (770) 573-9937 or PTCrecycles@gmail.com. To learn more today, visit www.jcbooth.org/recycling.html. J.C. Booth Middle School is located at 250 Peachtree Pkwy S.

CSX Repair/Crossing Closure Schedule Changed

CSXT's plans to begin work on Tyrone's RR crossing repairs for this week got "derailed", so work is not scheduled to begin now until Monday March 28. The work is scheduled to continue through Thursday March 28.

The affected crossings are as follows:

Senoia Rd. Railroad Crossing
East Crestwood Road Railroad Crossing
Valleywood Rd. Railroad Crossing
Tyrone Rd. Railroad Crossing
Handley Road Railroad Crossing
Swanson Road Railroad Crossing

New Peachtree City Building Permit Fees Go Into Effect April 4

New fee structure bases many fees on project valuation

On February 17, 2011, the Peachtree City Mayor and Council adopted a new fee structure for Peachtree City’s building and inspection permits. Those fees will go into effect for all permits purchased on April 4, 2011, or later.

Peachtree City requires a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. Individual permits are also required when changing any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. Finally, permits are required for replacing siding or roofs, or building a fence or swimming pool.

Cities are permitted to recoup costs associated with services, administration and overhead within the Building Department by assessing permit fees. Peachtree City staff worked with SAFEbuilt, the agency with which Peachtree City contracts for building inspections, to review the City’s building permit fee structure last year. Under the city’s existing fee structure, permit fees are based on a square footage calculation of residential projects and a project valuation method for commercial projects. Furthermore, commercial fees are set at a flat rate per $1,000 in valuation. The purpose of reviewing the fees was to provide a standard method of calculation for both permit types as well as recognize that economies of scale for larger projects should result in a lower fee per $1,000 as projects grow in value.

In February, staff proposed changing the City’s residential fee calculation to the valuation method used for commercial projects. Construction values are based on the contract to perform work or by the Building Valuation Table published by the International Code Council twice per year. In addition, staff’s proposal replaced the flat rate fee schedule for a graduated fee schedule based on the 2006 International Building Code (IBC).

Community Development Director David Rast said, “The new fee structure for building permits is a complete revision of how the fee is calculated. Previously, the rate was based on project square footage, and now it is based on total project valuation.” The resulting structure means that, while some fees are higher, some are also lower.

A key component of the newly approved structure is a set fee for any work done without obtaining the proper permit. Permits obtained after work has begun were set at double the standard fee amount to encourage people to obtain permits at the correct time.

Residents and contractors can view the new permit fee schedule on Peachtree City’s web site at www.peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?NID=918.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

National Winners Get Thousands

Whitewater High DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) students and their advisor, Krystin Glover, will collect nearly $4,000 in award money at the DECA International Career Development Conference in April.

DECA is an organization that prepares students for careers in marketing, management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Thousands of entries poured in from across the country in pursuit of one of the national awards. The school’s award recipients will be recognized on stage in Orlando, Florida for the following achievements: Five-Star Business Award, Whitewater High School Store, $1,000; Otis Spunkmeyer Student Award, Mikayla Stewart, $1,000; Publix Supermarkets Student Award, Erin Mahlbacher, $1,000; and Otis Spunkmeyer Advisor Award, Krystin Glover, $800.

The DECA International Career Development Conference is the highlight of the DECA year. Fourteen thousand high school students, advisors, businesspersons and alumni gather for several days of DECA excitement. In addition to competitive events, many students and advisors participate in a variety of leadership and career advancing academies.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

McIntosh's Natarajan Is a Regional STAR

McIntosh High School senior Brahma Natarajan is shinning brightly these days, she has been named the 2011 STAR winner for Region 3B.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia's outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. During the past 53 years, the STAR Program has honored more than 22,000 high school seniors.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, Inc. was selected in 1994 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the state STAR program in association with the Chamber and the Georgia Department of Education.

The State STAR student and teacher will be announced at the PAGE STAR Banquet on April 18 in Atlanta.

This latest recognition is in addition to Natarajan being selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidate. April will be a significant month for her, that’s when semifinalists for the program will be announced.

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Drunk Driving and Texting on Agenda for Forum Set for March 29

The second and last Juvenile Justice/Community Awareness Forum scheduled for this school year will be held Tuesday, March 29 at Whitewater High beginning at 7 p.m. The forum is being co-sponsored by the Fayette County Public School System and the NAACP.

Just in time for spring break, discussion topics will include drinking and driving, and texting while driving. Whitewater High School students will introduce additional discussion topics at the forum. A panel of juvenile judges and attorneys, heads of law enforcement, and school officials will lead the discussion.

All eighth grade and high school students and their parents are encouraged to attend to receive important information on many hot-button legal issues facing teens. The event is free and open to the public.
Attendance is highly encouraged, especially for high school students and their parents. The forum provides an opportunity for teens to become more knowledgeable about legal issues pertaining to them.

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Monday, March 21, 2011

Athletes Showcase Skills at Special Olympics

Ben Tyrell triumphantly holds up the Olympic torch, signaling the opening of the games.


Fayette County special athletes demonstrated their skills and sportsmanship at the annual Fayette County Special Olympic Games held Friday at Starr’s Mill High.

Over 230 Olympians from the county’s public schools and the Joseph Sams School converged on the field of the Starr’s Mill High stadium to participate in various sporting events.

Former student Lani Demello and Deputy Superintendent Fred Oliver served as grand marshals of the Parade of Athletes. Starr’s Mill High Olympian Ben Tyrell formally opened the games with the symbolic lighting of the Olympic flame. Fellow Olympian Ike Kamulu sang the Star Spangled Banner.

As athletes arrived, the high school’s cheerleaders and drum team greeted them with fanfare. Throughout the day the Olympians enjoyed snacks and entertainment in the Olympic Village that was operated by the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

More than 300 volunteers from the Starr’s Mill High PALS Club, an extracurricular social organization whose members help students acclimate to the school, were on hand to assist athletes and operate the different stations around the field. Various clubs and classes gathered in the stands throughout the day to cheer on the athletes.

Photo Source:  Fayette County Board of Education

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Saturday, March 19, 2011

Military Cookout Benefits U.S. Troops

The rising costs of gas and goods and services didn’t slow down donations for local troops at the ninth annual Military Cookout hosted by the Fayette County Public School System’s Transportation Department.

The cookout raised over $2,600, about a $100 increase over last year. Gift cards will be purchased with the proceeds for Fayette’s men and women who are serving in any branch of the U.S. Military worldwide. Bus drivers Linda Mosley and Susan Voyles, whose idea it was to start the cookout following the 9-11 terrorists attacks, say they are grateful for the community’s support.

“This function has provided for our American heroes who have so bravely and proudly defended this country and her freedoms. For that, there are no words to express our gratitude. Because of these men and women, this country remains the greatest nation on earth. May God bless you, and may God bless America,” says Mosley.

Local merchants, community members and school system employees step up each year to donate goods, services or their time to make the event successful. There have been a number of businesses and individuals that have made donations all nine years including Autera Health Clinic, Alan Vigil Ford, Classic Landscapes Incorporated, Bella Bronze, Salon Bliss, Permanent Beauty Solutions, Andy’s Nursery, Petro Flame Incorporated, The Way of the House by Amanda Pearly, Brenda Mask, Robert Shays, Mask Service Center, Miles Ace Hardware, Jafra, Second Hand Sam’s, and Cutie Pye Bakery.

To have a gift card sent to a U.S. Military member, mail his or her name and address where stationed to “The Troops,” 210 Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Please include a local contact name and telephone number.

This cookout was extra special for Mosley and Voyles since both have said it will be their last. A tremendous amount of work goes into planning the yearly event, and now that it is established, they are ready to hand over the reins to their fellow colleagues.

“We want to spend more time with our families. This has been a great run, but after nine years we feel the time has come for us to step down,” says Mosley.

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Friday, March 18, 2011

Fayette County Time Changes Next Year for Middle and High Schools

An additional 20 minutes of high school instructional time for 2011-2012, approved by the school board on March 15, brings new start and end times for middle schools, and a different end time for high schools.

The school system decided to adjust the start times between middle and high schools in an effort to reduce traffic congestion, especially at the South Complex (Rising Starr Middle and Starr’s Mill High) and the North Complex (Flat Rock Middle and Sandy Creek High). Currently, all middle schools start at 8:25 a.m. and end at 3:40 p.m. All high schools begin at 8:40 a.m. and release at 3:20 p.m.

Next year, middle school will start and end 10 minutes earlier, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. High school will begin at the same time, 8:40 a.m., but will release 20 minutes later at 3:40 p.m.

Elementary start and end times will remain unchanged, 7:45 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

The changes for middle and high school will go into effect when classes resume after the summer break on August 8, 2011.

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Eight WHS Band Students Perform at All-State

Musicians from the Whitewater High School Band program performed with the best of the best earlier this month in Savannah as members of the 2011 Georgia Music Educator’s Association All-State Band/Orchestra.

The students are Laura Dudley (French Horn), Carly Grayson (Flute), Lauren Milner (French Horn), Amy Melton (French Horn), Jay Newsome (Saxophone), Anna Rainwater (French Horn), and Kyle Vice (Trumpet).

Being selected for an All-State ensemble is no easy task. Students must pass two rigorous, competitive auditions to earn one of the coveted spots. More than 3,000 students across Georgia auditioned.

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Town of Tyrone is holding “Century of Treasures” Yard Sale

The Tyrone Centennial Committee is having a kick off for The 100 year Celebration for 2011.

The Town of Tyrone Centennial Committee is holding the largest yard sale in Tyrone on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 9AM – 2PM. The yard sale is being held at Shamrock Park, 941 Senoia Rd. Tyrone GA 30290. We are still taking applications for participants to sell their items. The booth space is $25.00 for a 12 x 12 spot. You must provide your own table and tent. It is open to the community to sell items and shop for treasures. A bouncy house, sponsored by Kids Fun Jump, will be available for children and food vendors will also be available. Come on and join the fun!

For more information about participating in the Century of Treasures or other events offered in the Town of Tyrone, please contact:

Town of Tyrone Recreation Department
145 Commerce Drive
Tyrone, GA 30290
(770) 487-4694

Whitewater’s TSA Team Ranked Top 10 in State

Technology students at Whitewater High were fierce competitors at the annual Georgia TSA (Technology Student Association) State Conference, earning their team an overall seventh place state ranking.

The ranking was based on the number of wins and placement levels of individual team members. The following students earned top three placements in their competition areas: Katie Cassidy, first place, prepared presentation; Breanna Summers and Jevan Hutson, first place, debating technological issues; Katie Cassidy, second place, outstanding student; Jevan Hutson, second place, extemporaneous presentation; Francisco Obregon, second place, flight endurance; Guppy Stott, second place, technology bowl (written competition); and Jason Menko, third place, technical sketching and application.

As the second place winner in the outstanding student competition, Katie Cassidy was awarded a $500 scholarship.

The team also had outstanding performances in other areas of competition, placing fifth through 10th in biotechnology design, chapter team, construction renovation, digital video production, engineering design, fashion design, and technology bowl.

Student performance at the state level determined those advancing to the national conference in Dallas, Texas this June. Whitewater’s national competitors are Breanna Summers, Jevan Hutson, Katie Cassidy, Francisco Obregon, Jason Menko, Tyler Etchart, Will Dent, Ashley Larrow, Callie Sheffer, Avery Dingler, and Guppy Stott.

Georgia TSA’s annual state conference provides students opportunities beyond the traditional classroom and laboratory setting, allowing them to add to their increased knowledge and understanding of an ever-changing technical world.

Carolyn Smith, engineering and technology teacher, is Whitewater’s TSA advisor.

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Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief

Peachtree City has a lot of connections to Japan. With the businesses in our Industrial Park and nearby Newnan, many local residents have friends and family enduring the after-effects of the disasters last Friday. City Hall has received calls inquiring about local relief efforts, and we will publish information as it becomes available. Currently, we only have information on the national relief efforts. Some of the agencies providing relief efforts include:

Salvation Army – www.salvationarmyusa.org

Red Cross - www.redcross.org

Doctors Without Borders - www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Save the Children - www.savethechildren.org

World Vision - www.worldvision.org

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation - www.searchdogfoundation.org

Monday, March 14, 2011

Traffic won't be joyful around The Fred today and tomorrow!

There's been a little back and forth about when Gospel Truth Pictures would be filming Joyful Noise at The Fred, but it looks like they've settled on today and tomorrow.

Here's the last info we rec'd from the PTC Police Dept.:

I have included the original email sent on Friday as reference. I apologize, but the production company has returned to their original filming date of Monday 3/14 at The Fred. I have copied the press release below for you to use.

PEACHTREE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL PRESS RELEASE
March 13, 2011

On Monday, March 14th, 2011, Gospel Truth Pictures will be filming a scene from the upcoming movie Joyful Noise at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater (The Fred). The Peachtree City Police Department is expecting traffic delays to occur in this area beginning as early as 5:00am. It is estimated that as many as 2,000 extras will be arriving in Peachtree City that morning as the scenes being filmed require an audience. Tuesday March 15th, 2011 has been scheduled as the "rain date" for this event.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY:

Huddleston Elementary is directly across the street from The Fred and Fayette County Schools are currently in session. Parking at Huddleston Elementary is PROHIBITED. Motorists and pedestrian participants are asked to remain off school property as the safety and security of our students is paramount. The speed limit within the school zone is strictly enforced at the posted times, and no exception will be made on Monday or Tuesday.

The production company has secured Dogwood Church, Heritage Church, Providence Church, and Peachtree City Christian Church for off site parking, and they will be providing a shuttle service to and from The Fred for the extras. Anyone intending on participating in this event is asked to use the off site parking so that the roadways near The Fred can remain open and as free from traffic congestion as possible.

All motorists who must travel in the area of The Fred between 5:00am and 9:00pm are asked to be patient when delays are experienced. If motorists can use alternate routes they are asked to do so. The production company has hired Peachtree City Police Department Officers to assist with traffic control and security for the event.

Alternate route and detour information if necessary:

Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is located at 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. This is midway between Highway 74 and Peachtree Parkway on McIntosh Trail. Alternate entrances to several subdivisions around The Fred are located on Peachtree Parkway or Highway 74. Motorists can also use Crosstown Drive and Highway 54 when necessary to travel between Peachtree Parkway and Highway 74.

Tyrone PD: Important information regarding Nixle.com and citizen notifications!

The Tyrone Police Department joined Nixle in April 2009 in order to ensure that we had the capability to provide our citizens with pertinent information and emergency notifications. We were the first agency in Georgia and the 16th in the United States to sign on with them and we were assured at the time that this was a free service and that it would remain that way.

Now that they have over 6,000 member agencies, Nixle has decided to begin charging all of its members for their services effective April 29, 2011. According to the email we received, our initial year would cost $1495 and each additional year would cost $3000. As you can imagine, these costs are simply not feasible for an agency of our size - especially in our current economy - so I have decided against budgeting for this expense.

This service has proven extremely positive with our citizens as we currently have a subscriber list of over 700 and we continue to receive very positive feedback from you for the information that we put out. Consequently, I have integrated a no-cost method into our new website that will allow us to continue to provide you with these updates.

Please visit www.tyronepd.org and you will find two sections in the right column of the homepage entitled 'Subscribe' and 'SMS Text Message'. Enter your email into the form under subscribe and your cell phone number/Mobile Carrier under SMS Text Message. All of our messages will be posted to our site and a notification will be sent to all subscriber emails and any emergency notifications will be sent to both your email and cell phone as a text message*.

As always, we will never share your information with 3rd parties and we will never send you messages that are not related to Town information, police/criminal activity, or actual emergencies in progress.

I apologize for any inconveniences that this may cause and I hope that all of our current subscribers will make the switch so that we can continue to provide you with important information about your community.

We will continue posting to Nixle and our website until the cut-off date of April 29, 2011. All notifications will be sent through www.tyronepd.org after that date.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about this message or this new method.

Respectfully,
Chief Brandon Perkins

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Pageant Crowns Winners, Raises Funds for Relay for Life

Pageant goers and participants enjoyed a day of beauty and fun while helping support one of Fayette County's largest cancer research and prevention fundraising events.

The sixth annual Miss South Fayette County Beauty Pageant, held at Brooks Elementary on March 5, raised $1,500 to benefit Relay for Life. Each year the pageant’s proceeds are donated to a worthy cause; this marks the first year the funds have gone to Relay for Life.


Of course, the highlight of the pageant was crowning the winners. This year’s recipients are Laney Sutherland, Petite Miss South Fayette County; Annabella Orndorff of Crabapple Lane Elementary, Tiny Miss South Fayette County; Elizabeth Skibiel of Brooks Elementary, Little Miss South Fayette County; Ava Hope Payne of Brooks Elementary, Young Miss South Fayette County; Sydney Raines of Whitewater Middle, Junior Miss South Fayette County; and Cymbre Davis of Whitewater Middle, Miss South Fayette County.

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Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Fayette’s First Army JROTC Seeks Cadets/Instructors

History is in the making as the Fayette County Public School System brings its second ever Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program online next year.

After years of waiting for approval from the U.S. Army ROTC, Fayette County High finally got the go ahead to offer the Army JROTC program for the 2011-2012 school year. This marks the second JROTC program for the school system; Air Force JROTC was established at Sandy Creek High nine years ago.

High school JROTC programs focus on leadership and character development in students. The Army JROTC curriculum develops young people’s leadership skills while also teaching self-management, health and problem solving skills. Its mission is to inspire students to set a course for success by teaching them to be self-reliant, motivated to complete their education, and to be successful, productive citizens. There is no obligation to join the military for students who participate in JROTC.

High school students who want to be among the first cadets in the Army JROTC class can make plans to enroll in the program now. Although housed at Fayette County High, Army JROTC is open to any high school student (grades 9-12) in the Fayette County Public School System.

Students who live outside the Fayette County High attendance area can request a school transfer to participate in the program. Students must be enrolled at Fayette County High to take the Army JROTC course.

The transfer request deadline is April 1. The school transfer form and information is available on the school system’s website, www.fcboe.org.

The school system is also looking for a Senior Army Instructor and Army Instructor to teach the program for the 2011-2012 school year. Application instructions and position requirements are available on the website.

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Science Projects Advance to State/International Competition

Ninety-nine percent of the Fayette County projects that advanced to the Griffin RESA Regional Science and Engineering Fair earned placements, and one of them was selected to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

A total of 25 of the 31 projects that were selected for the regional fair brought home first place honors. The first place winners are eligible to attend the State Science and Engineering Fair April 1-2 at the University of Georgia.

Middle school first place winners include (Bennett’s Mill) Laura Phillipp; Dale Chapman; Nicholas Powell; Matthew Harmon; Michael Koenig, Matthew Melatti, Hudson Huber; Ian Belwood, Tiana Sherman; (J.C. Booth) Jonathan Ciecka; Amelia Traylor; Benjamin Naber; (Flat Rock) Ellie Klarl; Preston Earle; (Rising Starr) Annefloor de Groot, Brooke Wade; and (Whitewater) Sarah Chapman, Stephanie Johnson.

High school first place winners include: (Fayette County) Areesha Ikram, Nageen Merchant, Donna Pham; Menaka Reddy; Omar Martinez-Uribe, Dae Kim; Sarika Reddy, Malika Reddy; (McIntosh) Hannah Mason, Leslie Sellers; (Starr’s Mill) Jessica Richey; Vivian Nguyen, Mynah Holloway; Rebekah Livingston; Morgan Caola; and (Whitewater) Drew Halbert, Tommy Erbe; Austin Dill.

Other placements include: (Bennett’s Mill Middle) Jamie DeCicco, Jordan Watson, second place; (J.C. Booth Middle) Lianna Arcelay, second place; (Fayette Middle) Anna Franklin, second place; (Rising Starr Middle) Emilia Ruzicka, third place; and (Sandy Creek High) Helen Davidson, second place.
The science fair judges selected first place winners Mynah Holloway and Vivian Nguyen from Starr’s Mill High to automatically advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, California May 8-13.

Special awards from various organizations and institutions were also given to the following teams and individuals: (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association) Ellie Klarl, Flat Rock Middle, and Areesha Ikram, Nageen Merchant, Donna Pham, Fayette County High; (Association for Women Geoscientists) Jessica Richey, Starr's Mill High; (Genius Olympiad) Areesha Ikram, Nageen Merchant, Donna Pham, Fayette County High; (Georgia BioGENEius Challenge) Meneka Reddy, Fayette County High; (I-Sweep-Outstanding Sustainability Award) Hannah Mason, Leslie Sellers, McIntosh High; (I-Sweep-Recognition Award) Areesha Ikram, Nageen Merchant, Donna Pham, Fayette County High; (Mu Alpha Theta) Mynah Holloway, Vivian Nguyen, Starr's Mill High; (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Sarah Chapman, Whitewater Middle; (National Society of Professional Engineers) Tommy Erbe, Drew Halbert, Whitewater High; (U. S. Army) Morgan Caola , and Mynah Holloway, Vivian Nguyen, Starr's Mill High; (U.S. Air Force) Rebekah Livingston, and Mynah Holloway, Vivian Nguyen, Starr's Mill High; and Areesha Ikram, Nageen Merchant, Donna Pham, Fayette County High; (U.S. Navy/ U.S. Marine Corps) Ellie Klarl, Flat Rock Middle, and Mynah Holloway, Vivian Nguyen, Starr's Mill High.

The Griffin RESA Regional Science and Engineering Fair is a regional competition among middle and high schools in the Griffin RESA region that consists of Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties.

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Tuesday, March 08, 2011

New Course Textbook Available for Public Review

The textbook recommended for the new high school math course, Mathematics of Finance, is on display for public review and comment at the LaFayette Educational Center located at 205 LaFayette Avenue in Fayetteville.

The textbook will be available for review and comment through April 18 during regular office hours. The board of education will vote on the adoption of the textbook at the regular business meeting on April 19.
Mathematics of Finance is an option to Math 4 in the senior year of study.

The standards for this course were adopted by the Georgia Department of Education in November, and counts as a core unit of mathematics toward earning a high school diploma. Fayette County will offer the course next year to high school seniors.

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Monday, March 07, 2011

Several entering autos occurred in Planterra 3/5-3/6

Vehicles left unlocked.

During the evening hours of 3/5 through 3/6, several vehicles in Planterra Ridge subdivision were entered and items were stolen from them. Currently, it has been determined that a purse and a GPS unit were stolen; however, there could be more vehicles involved in this incident. The primary street that these incidents occurred on was Plantain Terrace.

All vehicles entered were left unlocked. Citizens are reminded to lock their vehicle and secure their property to help prevent becoming a victim of this crime.

Suspicious male witnessed taking pictures of juveniles in Mark Style 3/5

On March 5, 2011 between 4:50pm and 5:20pm, a suspicious male approached several juveniles who were playing in the Mark Style subdivision, asked if he could take their pictures, and then proceeded to take pictures with what is described as a “nice digital camera”. The mothers of the juveniles were near by and observed this occur. As they walked towards the male to confront him, they stated that he quickly walked away. The Peachtree City Police Department was notified of the incident and responded to the incident location. A description of the suspicious male was provided and is listed below this narrative. Immediately after the incident, Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate a subject fitting the description. Additionally, residents in the area were spoken with and none could remember seeing a subject meeting this description in the Mark Style area. From the time of the incident through the evening of March 6, Officers were directed to patrol the cart paths and roadways of the Braelinn area in an attempt to locate the subject, or locate a resident who may have witnessed someone fitting the description. The subject was not located during these saturated patrols.

Suspect description

White male, late 50’s to 60 years of age. Approximately 5’8” to 5’10” tall. Heavy set with a protruding stomach. White or gray beard that is well kept and approximately 3” in length. The subject is bald on top, with shoulder length white/gray hair that is curling upwards on the ends beginning around his ears.

On March 5, 2011, he was described as wearing a white t-shirt with blue lettering on the front, blue jeans and a bright red jacket.

The Police Department would like to remind everyone to please call 911 immediately if something suspicious is witnessed. Please do not attempt to locate pictures and identify people until an officer has arrived as doing this can significantly interfere with the ability to use statements of identification if and when a case appears before a judge. The most important things that you can do to help the police are the following:

1) Make sure you are safe
2) Remember as much information about the suspect as possible. What he/she was wearing, age, height, and anything that describes the person
3) Remember vehicle information - type, make, model, tag number, color, and anything else that would help us find the vehicle
4) If it's a golf cart, please obtain the decal number. Make, model, color, 2, 4, or 6 seater, gas/electric, and anything else that made the cart stand out.

If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in this or other incidents, please contact the Peachtree City Criminal Investigations Division at 770-631-2510, or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline at (770) 487-6010. You may remain anonymous.

Public Information Officer – Captain Rosanna Dove

Saturday, March 05, 2011

Winston Churchill’s Descendent Delivers Special Invitation to Fayette County High

Choral Director Richard Prouty accepts the formal invitation to perform at the London International Choral Festival from Lord Mayor Duncan Sandys.

A visit of historical proportions took place on Friday at Fayette County High.

Sir Winston Churchill’s great grandson, Duncan Sandys, and also the Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster, made a personal appearance to invite the school’s chorus to perform in the London International Choral Festival taking place in London, England December 27, 2011-January 4, 2012.

The choral festival is being held in conjunction with the London New Year's Parade. This will be the first official event in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebration, honoring 60 years on the throne. This milestone will also mark the first official event leading up to London hosting the 2012 Olympics.

As the Queen's representative, Lord Mayor Sandys serves in a largely ceremonial role as the 'First Citizen' of the city of Westminster, an inner London borough that occupies much of the central area of London. At the age of 35, he is the youngest person to achieve the high office. Lord Mayor Sandys works hard to maintain the memory of his great grandfather Sir Winston, who led the allies to victory in World War II.

After delivering the official invitation, Lord Mayor Sandys presented several gifts to school officials including the Coat of Arms of the City of Westminster to Fayette County High School Principal Charles Warr and a set of etched Westminster crystal tumblers to Choral Director Richard Prouty.

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Friday, March 04, 2011

Workshop for College Bound Students with Disabilities

High school students with disabilities, and their parents and educators, are invited to attend a workshop, Transition to Post-Secondary Options, on March 15 at Whitewater High from 6:30-8 p.m.

The workshop is designed to help parents and educators guide young people with disabilities in making appropriate decisions about higher education options. Attendees will learn about the Georgia college/university application process for students with disabilities, discuss criteria and support for accommodations, as well as distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate accommodations, receive information about resources on post secondary options and address concerns and issues. A portion of the workshop will be devoted to assistive technology.

The Regents Center for Learning Disorders and the Metro South Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) are sponsors of the workshop. For more information, call Amor Kok, a counselor with the Fayette County Public School System, 770-900-1110 or email kok.amor@mail.fcboe.org.

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Wednesday, March 02, 2011

The 2nd Annual Breast Cancer 1-Day Walk Features Entertainment by Erica Nicole

Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 9:00 am, opening ceremonies will begin for The 2nd Annual Breast Cancer 1-Day Walk, held at Picnic Park, located on Peachtree City’s beautiful Lake Peachtree at 151 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, GA.

Curb Records national recording artist and country music singer Erica Nicole will be performing songs throughout the event including her number one country hit “Somebody Like Me” and “Drive It Away”, a song written by a local member of the Young Survivor’s Breast Cancer Support Group about a friend’s journey with breast cancer.

A $25 registration fee/donation includes a free t-shirt, lunch, and entertainment. Proceeds from the Walk will provide programs, services, and supplies for breast cancer patients in our local and surrounding areas in Georgia. Registration for the Breast Cancer 1- Day Walk is available online at http://bc1daywalk.kintera.org/ or by phone at (770) 487-4396.

The BC 1-Day Walk will offer many opportunities for breast cancer survivors, their families, supporters, and friends to connect and fellowship. Walkers should check-in at 8:00 am to receive their free t-shirts, shop for breast cancer themed items, and visit exhibitor booths prior to the walk. Walkers are urged to walk the 3.7 mile “Path of Hope” while raising funds. Golf cart rides will be provided. The day will end with a “Pink Rose Ceremony” in honor of participating survivors. Much more than a walk... The Breast Cancer 1-Day is about Awareness and Celebration!

The BC 1-Day Walk will also feature a Breast Wellness Village sponsored by Piedmont Fayette Hospital. B’Rest Stops along the path and B’Rest Camp Exhibits will be featured by various sponsors, including: Healthfield Hospice, Immediate Care Centers of Georgia, LLC, Renewal at Beautiful Additions, Health Concepts, MyGofer at Kmart, and The Avenue Peachtree City. Prizes and other items sponsored by Holiday Inn Express, Soroptimist International, Women’s Specialists of Fayette, Custom Tees by Design, Minuteman Press Peachtree City, LeFleur Florist, Panda Express, and Rita’s Italian Ice,.

All donations to the BC 1-Day Walk will reach many Georgia breast cancer patients, focusing on young survivors, through the programs of The Breast Cancer Survivors’ Network, Inc. (BCSN). The BCSN is directed by Janet Beebe, a 28 year breast cancer survivor. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Department at the Medical College of Georgia’s Cancer Research Center in Augusta, Georgia, where researchers are currently studying metastatic breast cancer.

The mission of the BCSN is to provide assistance, education, and positive support services to patients before, during and after diagnosis/treatment for and recovery of breast cancer. Services of the BCSN target the underserved and underinsured. BCSN Hope Closets provide free after surgery supplies (prostheses, bras, wigs, etc.) as well as financial services for breast cancer patients in need. The largest Hope Closet is located in Peachtree City at BCSN headquarters.

For additional information about the 2011 Breast Cancer 1-Day Walk or the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Network, Inc. please contact: BreastCancer1DayWalk@bcsn.me or call: 770-487-4396. For information about programs offered by the BCSN, see www.bcsurvivorsnetwork.org.

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PTC First Presbyterian Kindergarten and Preschool Registration Opens March 7

Registration for the PTC First Presbyterian Kindergarten and Preschool will open to the general public March 7 on a first come first serve basis.  Morning classes are offered for children ages 2-5.   The purpose of the school is to nourish spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth in the students. Individual teaching is stressed so each child progress at their own speed.

To receive an application or to tour the facility located in the heart of Peachtree City, call 770-487-3699. The Peachtree City First Presbyterian Kindergarten and Preschool has been serving Fayette County  families for over 40 years. 

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Blaze's Masquerade Gall Set for March 19

Sara Harp Minter Elementary proudly announces their upcoming pageant "Blaze's Masquerade Ball" on Saturday, March 19th, 2011 in the Sara Harp Minter cafeteria. The pageant is open to young ladies 0-18 years old.

This is the fourth year that the school has held the pageant which proceeds the elementary school.

Beautiful rhinestone crowns, sashes, and trophies will be awarded! For more information, please contact Eileen Corley at corley.eileen@mail.fcboe.org or Tiffany Gilreath at gilreath.tiffany@mail.fcboe.org or you may call 770-716-3914.

You may also visit the school's website www.saraharpminter.org to download an application.

Pictured are the 2010 Masquerade Queens, Bailey Barrett, Trinity Skeeto, Delaney Mueller, Madison Mueller, and Kylie Hastings.

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