News-Reporter

Council meets in retreat to tackle problems, consider future programs

BY KIP BURKE news editor — 11/27/2008

The Washington city government met in retreat last week, discussing a number of agenda items and taking action on several. Mayor Willie Burns, City Administrator Mike Eskew, City Attorney Barry Fleming, and City Clerk Debbie Danner met all day Friday with councilmen Pamela Eaton, Rev. G.L. Avery, Edward Pope Jr.

Baptists collect for children

11/27/2008

Rev. Chris Townsend fills a rental truck with cases of shoeboxes that Baptist churches around Wilkes County have been filling and collecting for weeks now as an outreach to needy children. Some 760 shoeboxes were donated and delivered to Samaritan's Purse, a worldwide charity of Franklin Graham.

Runoff vote on Tuesday, Dec. 2 to decide Probate, Senate seats

11/27/2008

After two weeks of early and advance voting, Wilkes County voters will return to the polls Tuesday to complete the 2008 election by voting in the run-off election for Wilkes Probate judge and for a seat in the U.S. Senate. In the Wilkes Probate Judge race, the runoff is between Kimberly Rainey, who got 26.96 percent of the vote, and Thomas Charping, with 22.95 percent.

Joe Barnett's fine cooking brings national attention to Washington, wild shrimp

By KIP BURKE, news editor — 11/27/2008

It's a good thing Joe Barnett's got such deep roots in Wilkes County, because show business keeps trying to snatch him up and tote him off. Barnett, increasingly well-known for both his award-winning cooking and his high-end drapery designs, will be hosting a film crew from The Food Network here in Washington in December.

Pope Center contract is subject of called meeting Wed. night

11/27/2008

The Washington City Council is convening a called meeting Wednesday evening, November 26, to consider two proposals for the operation and promotion of The Pope Center. The present contract with Washington Events Management runs out at the end of November, and until Friday's city retreat, only one proposal had been submitted from Gourmet Services, Inc.

Legislative Breakfast set Dec. 11; tickets available from Chamber

11/27/2008

Local residents will get a briefing on local, state, and national legislative activities from their elected representatives Thursday morning, December 11, at 8 a.m. at the annual Wilkes County Legislative Breakfast.

Floats, entries needed for Christmas Parade set for Sun. Dec. 14

11/27/2008

Floats and other entries are needed for the annual Washington-Wilkes Christmas Parade set for Sunday afternoon, December 14, at 3 p.m. Organizers say the parade will line up at The Pope Center on Lexington Avenue and will end at the Washington-Wilkes Elementary School on Robert Toombs Avenue.

Christmas play opens at Playhouse next week

11/27/2008

The Sanders Family will return to the Bolton Lunceford Playhouse for "Sanders Family Christmas" Thursday, December 4; Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 6, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 706-678-9582.

Love and Care in a Shoebox' to bring holiday gifts to many Wilkes seniors

11/27/2008

Gift shoeboxes are once again being collected for Wilkes County seniors, and this year organizer Margie Burke is aiming high. "This is our third year of doing 'Operation Love and Care in a Shoebox,'" she said. "The first year we collected about 60 boxes, last year we collected 120, and the total we need this year is about 175 to 200.

Award nominations needed for W-W Chamber's annual dinner

11/27/2008

Invitations and award nominations will be going out soon for the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet in January. The annual dinner is set for January 22, 2009, from 6:30-9 p.m. at The Pope Center. "We changed the annual banquet because of all the festivities in December," Chamber Director Ashley Barnett said.

Active duty soldiers visit Retro

11/27/2008

Richard Kibby welcomes more than 30 active U.S. military men and women who were treated to a little R&R at the Retro Cinema and Books last week. The troops, from all branches of the service, are undergoing rehab at the VA Medical Center in Augusta for wounds sustained in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Brunch and learn set Wednesday, Dec. 9 for breast cancer

11/27/2008

In honor of Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Week, the University Health Care System Breast Health Center, the Wilkes County Health Department and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to present a Breast Cancer Brunch and Learn at the Washington-Wilkes Parks and Recreation Department in Washington, on Wednesday, December 9, at 10 a.m.

Wills Lunch and Learn hears safety message

11/27/2008

Wilkes County Emergency Management Agency Director Alan Poss spoke to the Wills Memorial Hospital Lunch and Learn group last week. Poss spoke on how to make homes safe from fire dangers and on how to deal with dangerous weather, and displayed the weather alert radio that he recommends for every home.

Brown Bag program applications to be taken December 3-4

11/27/2008

Applications for the 2009 Brown Bag program sponsored by the Golden Harvest Food Bank will be taken at the Wilkes County Senior Center, 108 Marshall St., Washington, from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, December 3 and 4.

Bazaar, luncheon set for December 6 at Episcopal Church

11/27/2008

The Episcopal Church Women of the Church of the Mediator will be serving their traditional luncheon on Saturday, December 6, at 11:30 a.m., at the Parish House. The Country Kitchen, offering baked goods, candies, condiments, jellies, and hand-crafted items, will open at 10:30 a.m.

Supervision rate is coming down

11/27/2008

Mary F. Booth, Program Development Consultant for Risk Reduction Services with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), was the guest speaker at the regular meeting of the Washington Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, November 18.

Pet of the week

11/27/2008

This young gray and yellow cat is sweet. She is spayed and vaccinated and ready to go to a lifetime home with lots of love. Visit or call the Washington- Wilkes Animal Shelter at 358 Brown Drive, or call 706-678-CATS for more information. Hours are 3:30- 5:30 p.m.

FBLA activities recognize American Enterprise

11/27/2008

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed November 15 as American Enterprise Day to promote appreciation of the American Free Enterprise System and its benefits.

English department makes curriculum changes

11/27/2008

The English department at Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School, in an attempt to better prepare students for the challenges of life after high school, has implemented several changes to the existing curriculum. One of the changes is the movement toward standardsbased portfolios: the collection of a student's best work.

Jeanie R. Collins is Supervisor of the Year' for DFCS

11/27/2008

Jeanie R. Collins was named "Supervisor of the Year" at the annual Catalyst for Care Placement Conference held in Augusta on November 13. Collins was nominated for the award by Wilkes County DFCS Director Sharon Williamson. Collins began her career with DFCS in 1987 as the receptionist for the Wilkes County office.

Students of the Month named at W-WCHS

11/27/2008

Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School Student of the Month recipients are (front row, l-r) Courtney Gunter, science; Shakelia Mahoney, physical education; Saprina Kearney, Family and Consumer Science; Myaka Bell, band; Victoria McClendon, social studies; Itzel Paschal, Business and Computer Science; (back row) Rachel Shirley, Healthcare Science; Jaiquanna Gladmon, Spanish; Broderick Norman, English; Evan Harrison, math/ college prep; Haley Long, English; and Megan Gowen, Agriculture Education. Not pictured, Seth Canterbury, math/tech prep.

Christmas Tour of Homes spotlights two newer homes

By Sharon Vreland — 11/27/2008

This week we're putting the spotlight on two of our newer Christmas Tour homes. In 1912 Mrs. Lorenzo Smith, widow of the town buggy maker, pur- chased a lot between the homes of her two sons, R.R. and Harry Smith. She contracted J.B. Chafin to design and build her "Colonial Cottage." The home boasts five fireplaces and 14-foot ceilings.

Aging agency sets hearing, discussion on services offered

11/27/2008

The CSRA Regional Development Center Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will be holding a public hearing on January 14 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Wilkes County Senior Center located at 109 Marshal Street in Washington.

Georgia's jobless rate reflects the highest unemployment in 16 years

11/27/2008

The Georgia department of Labor (GDOL) says that the unemployment rate in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) rose to a preliminary unadjusted rate of 7.1 percent in September, 1.3 percentage points over the year from September 2007. The jobless rate in the CSRA rose two-tenths of one percentage point from a revised 6.9 percent in August.

Callaway Christmas by candlelight set for Dec. 12, 13, 14

11/27/2008

The Callaway Plantation Christmas Candlelight Tour will be held Friday, December 12, from 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; and Sunday, December 14, from 1-5 p.m.

'A country boy gets a front row seat to history' - Walker describes encounter with president-elect

By Keneth Walker — 11/27/2008

Many of the events in life have much to do with timing. A week ago I traveled to Chicago for Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine annual award dinner. I arrived in the unseasonably warm windy city on a Thursday. While watching CNN, I learned that President-Elect Barack Obama would be giving his first press conference as President- Elect on Friday.

Tignall News

By CAROLYN GAMMON Please call 706-285-2736 — 11/27/2008

After changing a light bulb last week I couldn't understand why the bulb did not work when it was a new bulb. My husband comes along and says it might help to turn on the switch. This is the person writing your Tignall news and makes plenty of mistakes. So you see, when I put in the paper about Evelyn and Tommy Rambo attending the festival and they were from Greenville, S.

RAYLE NEWS

By Bonnie Boatwright Call 274-3264 — 11/27/2008

My news is short this week because of the holiday. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the blessings God gives us. It is a time to get together with family and friends and share in those blessings with a good meal, love, and giving thanks.

Lundberg News

By SAMILLE SHERRER Please call 706-678-7363 — 11/27/2008

In the absence of our pastor, Rev. O'Neal Martin, Tommy Harwell of Warrenton was guest speaker at Clifford's Grove Baptist Church Sunday. He preached a very good message from the book of Romans. ƒMrs.

Heritage Health Care residents enjoy visits with family, friends

11/27/2008

Visiting Mrs. Bernice McAvoy were Gail Galbreath, Ronnie McAvoy, Frances Ogletree, and Joyce Blackburn. ƒSally Hopkins and John Ivey visited Mrs. Elizabeth Ivey. ƒBilly Tutt and Alice Samuels visited Henry Butler and Welborn Avery. ƒMrs. Carrie Johnson's visitors were Alice Smith and Virginia Price. ƒGuests of Mrs.

WPD sponsors 'Gifts for Children' again

11/27/2008

The Washington Police Department will again sponsor its annual "Gifts for Children" campaign this Christmas. "Christmas time is a wonderful time for many families; however, there are families that are in such poverty, they cannot afford to purchase gifts for their children at Christmas time," said Assistant Chief of Police Theodosia Glenn.

Keeping an eye on codes and ordinances

11/27/2008

David Vanhart, building official for the City of Washington, told members of the Washington Rotary Club about the many codes and ordinances he works with to make sure all structures, properties, and signs within the city limits are up to proper specifications and comply with zoning regulations.

Christmas kettle campaign begins this week

11/27/2008

Over most of the world, the familiar red shield logo of the Salvation Army is immediately recognized and respected for its compassionate aid freely extended to people in need.

Native heritage to be celebrated Nov. 28-29 at Mary Willis Library

11/27/2008

National Native American Heritage Month will be celebrated at the Mary Willis Library on Friday, November 28, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, November 29, from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There will be discussions on American Indian history and culture.

Teens avoid serious injury in Thursday crash

11/27/2008

The Office Cat

11/27/2008

There are so many things to be thankful for this year. The ones I have listed are not organized or in any order. They are just as I thought of them and wrote them down. I'm sure I've left out the most important one. Here are some things I'm thankful for ...

Just a thought

By GARY TOOLE — 11/27/2008

Someone said, "If we treated our Bible like we do our cell phone then we would be better people," because folks carry their cell phone everywhere they go and some have even got them attached to their head.

Book Review

Reviewed by PEGGY BARNETT — 11/27/2008

ER, Gray's Anatomy, Private Practice, Scrubs -- clearly the public likes doctor stories. When a doctor writes about his own career, it is especially interesting. Sandeep Jauhar has written about his training, with the emphasis on the grinding experience of being an intern. One wonders when the TV writers think time can be found for all those shenanigans.

Political Cartoon

11/27/2008

Vox Pop

11/27/2008

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it is easy to remember to be thankful for family, freedom, and health. What other particular things are you especially thankful for this year?

Unlike the versatile old pickup truck, U.S. auto industry can't be fixed with hay wire

By LORAN SMITH columnist — 11/27/2008

With all the dire forecasts, the stock market slump, and the voice of abundant doomsayers, I often fret that things will get a lot worse before there is any improvement with the economy. Sadly, the gr e edy gang who influenced the mess won't suffer.

In the South, Thanksgiving and football are forever connected, heart and soul

By KIP BURKE news editor — 11/27/2008

Thanksgiving is always connected heart and soul with football, especially if you're from Alabama, so if you'll indulge me, I'll reminisce. Like football, the big Thanksgiving dinner was either a home game or away.

Lady Tigers recognized at annual banquet

11/27/2008

Special awards were presented at the annual W-WCHS Tiger Girls Softball team's banquet by coaches Becky Wilson (left) and Rob Jackson to (l-r) Hannah Ward, Most Improved Player; Nikki Freeman, Best Offensive Player; Cayla Gilland, Coaches Award; Yakira Banks, Best Defensive Player; and Lindsey Guin, Most Valuable Player.

Washington-Wilkes Tigers 2008-2009 Wrestling Schedule

11/27/2008

Washington-Wilkes Tigers Boys and Girls 2008-2009 Basketball Schedule

11/27/2008

Washington-Wilkes Middle School 2008 Tiger Basketball Schedule

11/27/2008

SOUTHERN FRIED FOOTBALL

with CLAUDE CLEATS — 11/27/2008

Notes on the weekend past: Citadel scored more points on Florida than South Carolina did. Georgia Tech's pounding of Miami may indicate that the Jackets are the ACC's best team. The ACC's best team may not get to play for the conference championship.

Leroy Moore Jr.

11/27/2008

Funeral services for Leroy Moore Jr., 63, of Washington were held Saturday, November 22, 2008, at the Springfield Baptist Church, Washington, with Rev. G.L. Avery officiating. Interment was in City West Cemetery, Washington. He died Thursday, November 13.

H. Paul Davisson

11/27/2008

Funeral services for H. Paul Davisson, 99, of Crawfordville, formerly of Grand Blanc, Michigan, were held Saturday, November 22, 2008, at the Hill Funeral Home, Grand Blanc, Michigan, with Rev. Hank Messing officiating. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery. He died Tuesday, November 18, at his home in Crawfordville.

New Beginnings

11/27/2008

Logan Thaxton Orr Jonathan Orr and February Choe of Rayle announce the birth of their son, Logan Thaxton Orr, on Saturday, October 25, at Athens Regional Medical Center. Logan weighed 7 lbs. 12 ozs. and was 21 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Arnold and Chong Lester of Washington.

Alyssa Stewart entertained at bridesmaids' luncheon Nov. 22

11/27/2008

Alyssa Stewart, whose marriage to Jeffrey Roth will be an event of November 29, was entertained at a bridesmaids' luncheon Saturday, November 22, at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington. Hostesses for the occasion were the prospective bridegroom's aunt, Carol Finley, and cousins, Kim Finley and Erin Clayton, all of Watkinsville.

Krystal Louise Gurley, Marvin Wayne Henderson Jr. exchange marriage vows on Saturday, October 25

11/27/2008

Krystal Louise Gurley and Marvin Wayne Henderson Jr. of Thomson exchanged wedding vows in a lovely double-ring ceremony Saturday, October 25, at one o'clock in the afternoon in Thomson at the Thomson Depot. Rev. Judy Brostrom of North Augusta, S.C., officiated.

Iris Garden Club members meet at Parish House

11/27/2008

The Iris Garden Club met at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator Parish House Tuesday morning, November 11. Prior to the business meeting, members enjoyed delicious refreshments, coffee and juice served by hostesses, Norma Hopkins, Nancy McAvoy, Oleta McAvoy and Patsy Winn.

Dr. Randall Edmunds presents program to retired educators

11/27/2008

The Lincoln-Wilkes Retired Educators (LWREA) held its November meeting at the office of the Lincolnton County Board of Education Thursday, November 13. Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools Dr.

Jackson Pope celebrates birthday

11/27/2008

Jackson Pope, son of Pembroke and Chrissie Pope of Canton, celebrated his third birthday on October 26 and celebrated with a construction theme party at his home. Jackson's construction theme birthday cake was made by his aunt, Melisa Tucker of Washington. It was enjoyed with ice cream after a lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, coleslaw and chips.

Bennett presents program on herbs at Kettle Creek DAR meeting Nov. 17

11/27/2008

Evelyn Bennett was guest speaker at the Kettle Creek Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, meeting Monday, November 17, at the Washington Woman's Club. Mrs. Bennett presented the program, "Cooking with Herbs". She is the former owner and chef of Another Thyme Café, the renowned restaurant on The Square in Washington, for 21 years.

News-Reporter to publish annual 'Christmas Tree Babies' edition

11/27/2008

On December 25, The News- Reporter will publish its 35th annual Christmas Tree Babies edition. The full color feature will include children born to Wilkes County families during 2008 whose announcements appeared in The News-Reporter.

Gresham-Saggus WOM group meets

11/27/2008

The Rhetta Gresham-Terry Bennett Saggus Women on Mission met Thursday afternoon, November 13, in the Jesse Mercer Chapel of First Baptist Church. Gladys Reese, facilitator, presided and led the ladies in the WMU Watchword.

Washington Personal Mention

11/27/2008

Visiting several days with Tom and Betty Merritt and celebrating with an early Thanksgiving dinner were their son, Bob Merritt of Atlanta, and granddaughter, Kristin Merritt of Birmingham, Ala.

T.J. and Friends Foundation presents checks

11/27/2008

Representing the T.J. and Friends Foundation, Pastor Gail Seibert presents a $500 check to cancer patient Carrie Gresham, as Terri Graves receives a similar check from Blake Thompson, the foundation's Wilkes County Representative. The foundation covers seven counties to help assist in the financial burdens of cancer patients undergoing treatments. To donate to T.J. and Friends Foundation, contact Blake Thompson at the Wilkes County EMS or go to the website TJandFriendsFoundation.com.

Honoring mother, remembering father

11/27/2008

Joining other Wilkes County families, Lavenia Henderson places a brick at the entrance to Wills Memorial Hospital. She and her sister Carol Burt, who was not present, placed the brick in honor of their mother, Louise D. Burt, and in memory of their father Addison Burt.

New novel Gullytown released this week by local author Lane

11/27/2008

Gullytown, a new novel written by Terri Lane of Washington, was officially released on November 22. Shawn Street of PublishAmerica says, "The book tells the story of main character, Tammy Long, and her journey filled with lies and deceit from the people she trusts most.

Kindergarteners thank the McAvoys for farm visit

11/27/2008

Some 125 kindergarteners and teachers from Washington-Wilkes Primary School gathered Tuesday to express their thanks to Marvin and Oleta McAvoy for the visit they enjoyed at the McAvoys' MarLeta Farms. "The students enjoyed the experience as they learned about community helpers, farm animals, and the milking process," said Darren Pharr.

In memory of Lucille Albea

11/27/2008

Thomas Albea and his daughter Yvonne accept a memorial brick from Essex Manufacturing business office workers and Wadine Cosby in memory of wife and mother Lucille Albea.

Don't Forget

11/27/2008

The Lions Club is selling tickets for the raffle of a cedar chest made by Bobby West, to be given to a lucky winner on December 1. Tickets are $1.