Headlines from second half of 2006 chronicle Wilkes events, people

Tiger Coach Russell Morgan celebrates a Tiger victory over the Lincoln County Red Devils, who went on to take the state championship in Class 2A.

The first six months of the year just past were chronicled in last week's edition of The News- Reporter. This week, the summary begins with the first week in July and includes highlights from the second half of 2006.

July 6, 2006 - Level One drought continues, EPD says; water use restrictions continue in Wilkes. . . . Great turnout fills The Square on the Fourth of July for fun and fireworks. . . . Volunteer drivers needed to help local folks get on the

road to recovery' from cancer. . . . Advance voting begins Monday for July 18 local primary election. Rotarians begin new year with new leadership.

July 13, 2006 - Voters to cast primary ballots in statewide election Tuesday. . . . City leaders dodge hot topics before packed house. . . . Editorial states 'The Real Disappointment' at meeting of city

council. . . . Local motorcyclists to raise funds for sheriff; 'Ride for Gary' set Saturday on The Square. . . . Early morning Fourth of July paraders were first to celebrate the day. . . . Council hears plea for cityfunded swimming pool.

July 20, 2006 - All Wilkes schools make AYP, but system doesn't. . . . Board of Education proposes tax increase; first public hearings scheduled for July 27. . . . County gives Chamber of Commerce the job of growing tourism in Wilkes. . . . John Howard, Danny Cosby in run-off for District 3 county seat. . . . Lion Mary Hubbard honored as Melvin Jones Fellow.

July 27, 2006 - Motorcycle riders raise thousands for Sheriff Gary Rogers. . . . High steel prices, low state aid puts new school complex at risk; tax hike won't be nearly enough. . . . Watchmakers Restaurant in The Fitzpatrick closes; Friedman family leaving Wilkes. . . . Washington-Wilkes Tiger Band camp warming up, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

August 3, 2006 - Board of Education devising 'exit strategy' to postpone school project. . . . School hearings see crowds. . . . Wilkes County tax hearings see little citizen participation. . . . Wilkes schools hold open house; some 1,750 students start Friday. . . . Check forgery ring arrests lead July law enforcement.

August 10, 2006 - Taxes higher despite lower millage rates; hike in most assessments called unfair by affected taxpayers. . . . Nathaniel Cullars Jr. arraigned in Federal court. . . . New school complex 'no longer viable;' taxes still rise. . . . Pliant Corporation out of bankruptcy; 'best of neighbors' in Wilkes County. . . . Local haberdashers preparing for 'Stepping Out in Style' fashion show.

August 17, 2006 - Anna Norman submits resignation as city councilman; council keeps city taxes from rising. . . . Movie finishes first days of local filming; local extras lined up for April production. . . . Four new county ordinances passed; less than .5% of taxes left uncollected. . . . Wallace Wheatley, 56, killed in accident Saturday. . . . New tourism director on the job. . . . Edward B. Pope Jr. declares candidacy for city council seat.

August 24, 2006 - Board of Education to terminate agreement with school builders. . . . New Medical Specialty Center will officially open August 31. . . . 'Pattern of harassment' charged in Cullars Jr. Federal pre-trial motion. . . . Greensboro Highway crash claims two lives. . . . Wills Memorial Hospital audit shows $450,000 gain.

August 31, 2006 - Mayor Burns takes Cullars off police committee. . . . Ashley Turner is new tourism director. . . . Community leaders face hard facts on attracting industry to Wilkes County. . . . Tigers will host Warren County in season opener Friday. . . . Governor Perdue salutes partnership's efforts on economic issues.

September 7, 2006 - Ed Pope Jr. elected to Washington City Council; actual election said not needed. . . . Vital second meeting set for 'Leadership Wilkes' October 28. . . . A fall full of festivals, shopping starts with Saturday's Cruise-In on The Square. . . . New Medical Specialty Center opens at Wills Memorial Hospital. . . . AirGeorgia backed by Channell could benefit Wilkes County airport.

September 14, 2006 - Homecoming queen to be crowned at halftime September 22. . . . Ed Pope Jr. takes a seat at City Council table; mayor announces town hall meeting October 2. . . . Friends to celebrate many contributions of Rev. G.L. Avery. . . . DOT to fix deadly intersection; Hwys 44 and 22 get 4-way stop.

September 21, 2006 - Tigers upset Lincoln County, 3-0. . . . Family at peace after murderer's confession in the death of Dolly Hearn. . . . Tourism director brags about Washington-Wilkes to state leaders. . . . Homecoming week being celebrated at Washington- Wilkes Comprehensive High School.

September 28, 2006 - Janet Hall Pharr is Wilkes County's first Master Teacher. . . . Ground broken for Edward B. Pope Community Center renovation; new venue will attract groups for meetings. . . . Diundra Doughty named W-WCHS Homecoming Queen. . . . "Steel Magnolias" to open Friday night at The Playhouse. . . . Wilkes County gets community development grant; $160,599 to be used to extend water and sewer.

October 5, 2006 - Mule Days, Rayle Ramble next weekend will give locals and visitors plenty to see. . . . Natalie Nicole Williams to speak at Mt. Carmel Baptist Youth Day. . . . Senior Assistant District Attorney Bill Doupe speaks at Teen Fling 2006. . . . New pilot development program introduced at town hall meeting.

October 12, 2006 - Leadership Wilkes follow-up meeting sees questions answered, new projects planned. . . . Kiwanis Club spruces up two playgrounds. . . . Wilkes County rock dig yielding world class amethysts; history being made here. . . . Mule Days, Rayle Ramble to feature music, fun, and more.

October 19, 2006 - Art show, Tignall festival just two weeks off. . . . Tax billing errors to be corrected this week. . . . Georgia black mayors to confer in Washington Friday; Melba Moore sings Thursday. . . . Wilkes Teachers of the Year honored by Board of Education. . . . Rotary Pancake Supper will be Friday night.

October 26, 2006 - Advance voting starts Monday for November 7 election. . . . Chamber of Commerce sets awards dinner for next Thursday. . . . Speeders won't get any slack on Halloween night, police say. . . .Black mayors enjoy Washington, convention.

November 2, 2006 - Old International Paper sawmill property to become industrial park. . . . Advance voting well underway for Tuesday's General Election. . . .I'd Rather Be In Tignall Fall Festival and Washington Downtown Art Show will fill the weekend. . . . Kids get Trunks of Treats sponsored by First Baptist on The Square prior to Halloween.

November 9, 2006 - Strong Wilkes turnout of voters mirrors state, favors Horgan. . . . Chamber of Commerce salutes volunteers, businesses, citizens at 2006 awards dinner. . . .Memorial dedication to be held on The Square for Marine Lance Cpl. Phil Scarborough., . . . Fall art show and sale "a true success;" Dolores McAvoy's works earn first prize.

November 16, 2006 - Jury still out; Smith facing rape charges in 2004 attack on beloved school teacher. . . . Tigers are region champs for the first time in six years. . . . Tax assessment questions fill county commission's meeting. . . . Memorial on Wilkes County courthouse lawn dedicated to fallen Marine.

November 23, 2006 - Glit- Microton announces Wilkes plant closing; Wilkes PDA looking for new industrial tenants. . . . Board of Education salutes Tiffani Andrews, Wilkes County Teacher of the Year. . . . Willie Smith convicted of kidnap and rape; sentenced to two life terms plus 20 years. . . . Carlton Norris announces candidacy for Washington mayor. . . . Tiger kicker Mark Tench sets a new school record for field goals in a career.

November 30, 2006 - Lawmakers to brief Wilkes citizens at legislative breakfast. . . . Angel Tree needs last-minute help or some children may be forgotten. . . . Short-change scammers at work in Wilkes County; experts say they're experts at fast-talking con game. . . . Lewis family films Christmas program here. . . . Run-off election set for Tuesday.

December 7, 2006 - Wilkes legislators tell about upcoming session. . . . This weekend's Christmas Tour of Homes will include many other events. . . . Shoppers descend on Washington for small-town Christmas shopping. . . . First United Methodist packs food and gift boxes for 130 families to be delivered Saturday.

December 14, 2006 - City to cut down old oak on The Square; landscaping to include new willow oaks. . . . Christmas Tour brings company to town; many volunteers made weekend possible. . . . State of Georgia deletes Sandtown, Aonia, and 500 others saying our small towns 'just clutter up' the state map.

December 21, 2006 - Wills Memorial Hospital is accredited by national Joint Commission study. . . . Rev. Lamar Davenport, prominent minister and funeral director, dies. . . . County Commission honors J.M. Sherrer; 40 years of service 'some kind of record.' . . . Washington Police Department's 'Gifts for Children' set to help Santa make Christmas better for 250 kids. . . . Washington- Wilkes churches schedule special Christmas Eve services.

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