Fayette Life

Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting re: New District Maps

2012-02-14T13:49:00.002-05:00

The Board of Commissioners of Fayette County will meet in a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room of the Fayette County Administrative Complex located at 140 Stonewall Avenue in Fayetteville.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the reapportionment of County Commission Districts in Fayette County. The Board is expected to take an action in regards to this issue. The public is invited to attend.

View Proposed District maps:

2012 Proposed BOC 5 District Map

2012 Proposed BOC 3 District Map

Ladies Night at the Peachtree City Home Depot

2012-01-26T12:03:00.000-05:00

I stopped in Home Depot a few days ago (they partnered with the Clothes Less Traveled to help get a donation of paint from Behr Paint) and was asked if I wanted to come to Ladies Night. Of course, my first question was "are you serving wine?". They're not, but they are serving food and drinks, plus they're giving away prizes!

What is Ladies Night at Home Depot? On Feb. 7th, 6 - 8 p.m., it's a FREE clinic on "How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash". I am definitely going for this class! There will be representatives on-site to answer questions about products used also.

The only thing you have to be willing to do is email or call to reserve your space. Call Kevin Hawkins, Store Manager, at 678-364-0163 x 100 or email kevin_hawkins@homedepot.com.

How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash
Tuesday, Feb. 7th
6 - 8 p.m.
Home Depot, Peachtree City
Prizes, Food & Drinks PLUS all ladies will receive a 10% Off coupon (max savings up to $50).

Murder suspect turns himself in...

2012-01-21T15:00:00.002-05:00

On January 21 Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators made an arrest in connection with a murder case on Greenview Circle that occurred on January 20, 2012. Investigators have arrested Jesus Ojeda Jimenez, 34, of Fayetteville charging him with Murder. Jimenez is currently in the Fayette County Jail where additional charges in the case may be forthcoming.

On January 20 Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance between Jimenez and his wife on Greenview Circle in north Fayette County. When Fayette County deputies arrived they discovered that Liliana Ruiz, 30, of Fayetteville had been fatally injured as a result of stabbing.

An eyewitness told Fayette deputies that the suspect in this case fled to a nearby residence. Acting on the eyewitness account, Fayette County deputies with the assistance of the Peachtree City Police Department and the City of Fayetteville Police Department established a perimeter around the residence.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators worked with negotiators in an attempt to contact the suspect inside the nearby residence. Fayette County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team members with the assistance of the Peachtree City and Fayetteville Special Response Team (SRT) entered into the nearby residence and was unable to locate the suspect.

On January 21 Jimenez turned himself into the Fayette County Jail to answer to these charges. Family members of Jimenez played a crucial part to his voluntary surrender. Jimenez is currently cooperating with investigators as to the events which had transpired in this case.

Investigators are not releasing any additional information at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Sad news, hearts go out to the family...

2012-01-21T11:46:00.000-05:00

On January 20th, 2012, at approximately 12:26pm, Peachtree City Police Department and Peachtree City Fire Department responded to a residence on Teal Vista in the Planterra Ridge subdivision reference a 6 year old girl who had received an injury to her throat by a pellet that had been discharged from a pellet rifle.

Upon arrival, the child was unconscious and in very critical condition as a result of this wound. Peachtree City Fire Department transported her to the Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, where the child passed away as a result of the injury. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family as they cope with unfortunate accident. No further information will be released out of respect for the family.

Murder suspect on the loose...

2012-01-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

On January 20, 2012 at approximately 7:52 PM Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Greenview Circle in north Fayette County. When Fayette County deputies arrived at 7:57 PM they discovered that a 30 year old Hispanic female had been fatally injured.

An eyewitness told Fayette deputies that the suspect in this case fled to a nearby residence. Acting on the eyewitness account, Fayette County deputies with the assistance of the Peachtree City Police Department and the City of Fayetteville Police Department established a perimeter around the residence.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators worked with negotiators in an attempt to contact the suspect inside the nearby residence. At 9:49 PM Fayette County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team members with the assistance of the Peachtree City and Fayetteville Special Response Team (SRT) entered into the nearby residence and was unable to locate the suspect.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Investigators have obtained criminal arrest warrants on Jesus Ojeda Jimenez, 34, of Fayetteville charging him Murder in connection with this case. Fayette Investigators have reason to believe Jimenez has strong connections to Mexico.

Investigators are not releasing any additional information at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any additional information please notify Detective B. Rowan at the Fayette County Sheriff Office 770-716-4755 / brentr@fayettecountyga.gov

It's Kiwanis Pancake Time!

2012-01-17T19:54:00.002-05:00

Over 150,000! That's the number of pancakes consumed by hungry participants over the past 19 years during Kiwanis Pancake Saturday. Now it's time to add to that number. On Saturday, January 28th the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City presents its 20th Annual Pancake Saturday, touted by many as "Peachtree City's Premier Mid-Winter Social Event". Approximately 3000 persons are expected to attend.

The function will be held in the cafeteria of McIntosh High School on Walt Banks Road. Serving hours are from 7:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT menu consists of fluffy pancakes, zesty sausage, orange juice, milk, coffee and tea. The cost is $6.00 per person. Kids under 3 eat for free. Takeouts are available as well as plenty of free parking. Tickets are available from Kiwanis members or may be purchased at the door. Should snow or ice conditions exist, the event will be held the following Saturday.

The occasion is a family affair with an emphasis on entertaining children. Of course adults will also have a great time visiting with friends and neighbors. Clowns from New Hope Baptist Church will make balloon animals and provide their usual antics for the guests. Helium-filled balloons will also be distributed by youthful volunteers. Free face-painting will be provided by Key Club members from area high schools. A pancake eating contest for kids under 12 will be held around 11:00 AM with the winner receiving a Target gift card. Flapjack the Raccoon, the Kiwanis mascot, will keep a close lookout for curious kids. Various Police and Fire Department vehicles will be parked outside for children (and adults, too) to investigate. Among the vehicles are fire trucks, the Public Education Unit fire safety bus, a police squad car, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trailer.All profits generated by ticket sales will be returned to the area through charitable donations and community service projects. Among many projects oriented towards our youth, the Kiwanis Club is proud to be the sole sponsor of the D.A.R.E. drug awareness program for fifth graders in six Peachtree City elementary schools. The Kiwanis motto is "Serving The Children Of The World". To see photos from last year’s pancake extravaganza visit the following website: www.peachtreecitykiwanis.org.

Armed Robbery at Verizon Wireless

2012-01-12T12:28:00.000-05:00

Two males wearing masks robbed the Verizon Wireless store located at 105 Promenade Parkway, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.

On Thursday, January 12, 2012 at approximately 09:12, two black males wearing dark clothes and masks entered the Verizon Wireless store on Promenade Parkway.

The men displayed pistols and demanded phones. The men left the store with an undetermined number of cell phones.

They were seen getting into a white Kia or Hyundai with a red drive out tag. The car was last seen going north on Georgia Highway 85. There were no customers in the store at the time. No one was injured.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fayetteville Police Department at 770-461-4441.

Martin Luther King Day Parade - Traffic Delays

2012-01-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

Traffic delays are expected for the Martin Luther King Day Parade. The Fayetteville Police Department would like to advise motorists to expect traffic delays during the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade this Monday, January 16th. The parade, organized by the Fayette County branch of the NAACP, will take place between 11:00 A.M. and noon. The primary delays will be on Ga. Highway 85 southbound near downtown and Ga. Highway 54 westbound near downtown. The parade begins and ends it route at the Fayette County High School parking lot. If you have any question, you may contact Major Kevin Gooding, Patrol Division Commander @ (770)719-4202.

Fayette Sheriffs Make Undercover Drug Bust

2012-01-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotic’s Team (TNT) Investigators made an arrest on January 9, 2012 in connection with an undercover drug buy on North Lake Drive that occurred earlier that day. TNT Investigators have arrested Reese J. Neely, 26, of Peachtree City, and charged him with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine and Sale of Methamphetamine.

This case involved an undercover TNT investigator purchasing approximately (1) gram of methamphetamines from Neely in a parking lot located on North Lake Drive in Peachtree City. Neely was taken into custody after the methamphetamines were purchased for $120.00 by the TNT investigator. After taken into custody, Neely was found to be in possession of an additional (1) gram of methamphetamine and (1) gram of crack cocaine.

Fayetteville Police Nab Griffin Man for Burglary

2012-01-10T16:56:00.000-05:00

On January 7, 2012 Fayetteville Police arrested Stephen Michael Jones, 21 of Griffin, after receiving a call from an alert citizen about a suspicious person in the Lakeside on Redwine subdivision. Fayetteville patrol officers responded to the area and spotted Jones pushing a bicycle which was later confirmed to have been stolen from a residence in the subdivision. Jones dropped the bicycle and fled on foot but was captured shortly after in a pick up truck he had hidden for his escape. Jones was also found in possession of numerous other items he had taken from the home. Jones is charged with Burglary, Loitering and Prowling, and Obstruction. Fayetteville Police are investigating the possibility that Jones has been involved in other crimes in the area.

School Board Agrees to District Voting

2012-01-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

After a careful review of all of its options, the Board of Education has taken steps to resolve the litigation filed by the NAACP and local citizens. Under the existing local constitutional amendment, which has been in place since 1970, the board is responsible, after every census, for revising election districts from which board members are selected. The plan developed and unanimously approved by the board for the new districts has been agreed to by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit and provides for districts that are compact and follow existing voting precinct lines to the maximum extent possible while still meeting the requirements of the Constitution that each voter be equally represented.

The board has also agreed to ask the court to enter a consent order that will change the election of board members from an at-large process to one where the voters of each election district elect their own representative. In making this decision, the board realizes that there are valid and convincing policy arguments on both sides of this position and they have heard from constituents favoring both sides. But after considering those arguments, the advice of its legal counsel, and the cost of the litigation in this time of financial austerity facing the school district, the board is convinced that this is the right action for the school district and the community.

False Alarm Ordinance

2012-01-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

The City Fayetteville will be implementing a false alarm ordinance.

The Fayetteville Police Department answered 2066 police-related alarm calls in 2011. 1656 of those alarms, approximately 80%, were false activations, the result of operator error or a malfunctioning alarm system. The alarm call numbers for 2009 and 2010 also consistently show that 75% - 80% of the alarms that the Fayetteville Police Department responds to are false activations.

Response to alarm calls represents a significant expenditure of police resources. It only makes sense that real time and money could be saved if alarm system users were more aware of this problem and took steps to prevent false activations. The City of Fayetteville has drafted an ordinance that will address the false alarm problem by requiring the responsible involvement of alarm users and alarm companies.

The first public reading of the proposed false alarm ordinance will be at next week's Fayetteville City Council meeting at 7:00 PM on January 19th, 2012.

If you use an alarm system at your business or private residence it is important that you know about the new ordinance. The Fayetteville Police Department will advertise important dates and opportunities to learn about the ordinance requirements in the next several weeks.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Major Kevin Gooding, Patrol Division Commander at (770)719-4202.

Free Parenting Seminar “Raising Christ-Like Kids in a Crazy World”

2012-01-09T13:02:00.003-05:00

Free Parenting Seminar “Raising Christ-Like Kids in a Crazy World” featuring author and national speaker Jeff Reed on Saturday, January 21st from 9 AM – 12 Noon at Peachtree City United Methodist Church, 400 Windgate Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Free childcare provided. For information or questions, contact Brian Loper at 770 487-6499. www.ptcumc.org

Peachtree City Library to Close over MLK Jr. Weekend

2012-01-08T18:32:00.002-05:00

Peachtree City Library will be closed from Friday, January 13 through Monday, January 16, due to a major upgrade to the PINES system. Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) plans to shutdown their servers Thursday evening in order to perform the upgrade over the MLK Jr. weekend. PINES will be "offline" - meaning both staff and patrons will be unable to access the circulation system or catalog during that time.

Library patrons are asked to refrain from returning materials in the book drop until the library reopens on Tuesday, January 17. No late fees will accrue over the weekend.

For more information, contact Peachtree City Library at 770-631-2520 or visit us on the Web at www.peachtree-city.org/library

PTC Police ask for help from potential gun shot incident witnesses

2011-11-25T06:03:00.000-05:00

On November 23, 2011 at approximately 11:00 pm, Officers with the Peachtree City Police Department responded to 404 Abbey Road, Peachtree City, Ga reference a reported gun shoot wound. Upon arrival, Officers met with the victim, a 36 year old Hispanic male, who stated that an unknown subject had shot him in the hand. A witness on the scene described the suspect as a light skinned, possibly white male in his 20’s, who was wearing a grey hoodie. The gun shot was at close range and the bullet went through the victim’s left hand. The victim was transported to Piedmont-Fayette Hospital where he received treatment and was released.

Due to lack of information and limited cooperation, the department is asking that anyone who witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding this shooting contact us as soon as possible. Please call the Fayette County E911 Center at 770-461-4357 to report any information while the department’s offices are closed.

Firefighters and EMTs at Station #10 Thanked by DAR

2011-09-07T12:05:00.000-04:00

Firefighters and EMT personnel at Station #10 on Seay Rd in Fayette County were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for protecting our community by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Shown are Dianne Hudson, Firefighter EMT Travis Hooker, and James Waldrop Regent Betty Harrah.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville.

City of Fayetteville Proclaims Constitution Week with DAR

2011-09-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

Fayetteville Mayor Ken Steele recently proclaimed September 17-23 Constitution Week in Fayetteville. Susan Sloan of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution also presented the city of Fayetteville a certificate of appreciation for the city's ongoing support of the Constitution.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville.

Armed Robbers Hit Peachtree City Target

2011-08-31T11:43:00.001-04:00

On August 30, 2011 at approximately 10:00 PM, Peachtree City Police Department was dispatched to Target, located at 1209 North Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, Ga reference an ARMED ROBBERY. While the store employees were attempting to close for the evening, two males entered the store, displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, threatened several employees and customers, and ordered the employees to open several cash registers. The offenders were able to take an undisclosed amount of cash from the registers.

SUSPECT #1 is possibly a white male who was wearing black clothing and had a black t-shirt wrapped around his head. This subject displayed the firearm. Additionally, he was carrying a blue backpack. SUSPECT #2 has a medium complexion and is possibly a Hispanic male or black male who was wearing black clothing and a red t-shirt wrapped around his head. Additionally, he was carrying a gray backpack.

Both suspects were in Target for a short period of time and fled on foot. No vehicle description is available.

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

Fayette County Sheriff's Investigators Make Arrests in Armed Robbery

2011-08-25T20:06:00.000-04:00

Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators made an arrest on August 24 in connection with an armed robbery case which occurred on August 3, 2011. Investigators have arrested Thaddeus Deonte Fowler, 20, of Clarkston and charged him with two (2) counts of Armed Robbery, Burglary, two (2) counts of Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree, two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault and two (2) counts of Kidnapping.

This case involved Fowler and a second suspect, Arnold Floyd Jr., 20 of Union City entering into a residence on Revina Trail in north Fayette County where they held a 16 and 12 year old at gun point and proceeded to steal approximately $4,000.00 worth of items from inside the home. The two victims were not injured during the assault.

The victims in this case helped Fayette Investigators positively identify the two suspects which led to the arrest of Floyd at his Union City home on August 3, 2011. Fowler turned himself in at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office on August 24, 2011.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators took additional criminal arrest warrants on a suspect arrested on August 12, 2011 in connection with an attempted theft that occurred on North 85 Parkway earlier that day. Investigators have arrested Jaritt Ramon Ortiz, 22, of Griffin and charged him with Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime, five (5) counts of Criminal Damage in the 2nd Degree and five (5) counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft. Ortiz is currently in the Fayette County Jail.

The case involved on August 12, 2011 Ortiz entering onto the premises of a business located on North 85 Parkway and attempting to steal recyclable metal from five (5) air conditioning units at that location. Fayette County Deputies with the assistance of the Fayetteville Police Department responded to the North 85 Parkway business when an alarm was activated because of the attempted theft. Ortiz was located by responding deputies near the premises of the North 85 Parkway business and was arrested for Loitering and Prowling at the time of the incident.

Market Day in Downtown Fayetteville (Aug 20)

2011-08-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, August 20 is the third Downtown Fayetteville Market Day event for 2011 and offers a variety of handmade and homegrown items. Along with 59 vendors, Fayetteville Main Street wants to encourage everyone to come out to the Gazebo in Downtown Fayetteville and browse through a wide selection of local vendors showcasing their unique products. Everything from jewelry, jellies, flowers, and birdhouses to fresh vegetables and breads are available for sale to the public. Half Shell restaurant will also be there serving “tasty” chili dogs and other items from their menu.

The Market opens at 10am and runs until 2pm. Subsequent Market Days will be held on the third Saturday of every month, now through September, and on the fifth Saturday of October.

Any vendors wishing to participate in future Market Days should call 770-719-4173. The criteria for Market Day is anything handmade or home grown.

For info on other planned events in Downtown Fayetteville, please check the Main Street Event Calendar at www.fayetteville-ga.gov

Candidates Can Qualify For Peachtree City Municipal Election Week of August 29 – September 2

2011-08-08T20:42:00.002-04:00

Candidates qualifying for Peachtree City’s November 8 General Election begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 29, and will run through 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 2. All candidates who run for office must come to City Hall to fill out a Candidate Affidavit and pay the $180 Qualifying Fee between those dates. The two seats up for election are Post 1, currently held by Eric Imker, and Post 2, currently held by Doug Sturbaum.

Prior to qualifying or accepting any campaign contributions, candidates must also file a Declaration of Intent to Accept Campaign Contributions (DOI form) with the City.

City Clerk Betsy Tyler said, “We have a packet of information available at City Hall for anyone considering running for one of the two Council posts this fall.” Tyler continued, “One of the new requirements that the State has advised us about is the need to have the DOI on file before the qualifying fee is paid because, even if a candidate does not accept contributions from others, the qualifying fee is considered a personal contribution to the campaign.”

Candidates for office must keep careful records of contributions to campaigns and file reports regularly with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission (GGTCFC), and should review the applicable state laws and regulations that set forth the requirements for such reports. The public can review candidate reports at GGTCFC’s website, http://ethics.georgia.gov/.

The November 8 General Election will also include a bond referendum question asking the voters to decide whether to allow alcohol package sales on Sunday.

If a run-off is necessary because no candidate for City Council receives over 50% of the vote, the run-off election will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The last day for voters to register to be eligible to vote in the election is Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

Fayetteville Announces Effort to Curb False Alarms

2011-08-04T22:01:00.002-04:00

The City of Fayetteville is working on an alarm ordinance.

The Fayetteville Police Department answered 2,212 police-related alarm calls in 2010. 1,652 of those alarms were false activations, the result of operator error or a malfunctioning alarm system. The numbers for 2009 are similar, 1,833 false alarms out of 2,297 alarm calls.

Response to alarm calls represents a significant expenditure of police resources. It only makes sense that real time and money could be saved if alarm system users were more aware of this problem and took steps to prevent false activations. After consulting with an advisory group recognized by the International Association of Chief’s of Police (IACP) and following the model of other Georgia communities, the City of Fayetteville has decided to draft a city ordinance that will address the false alarm problem and create a more efficient and effective police response to legitimate alarms.

In the coming months, there will be advertisements in the local newspapers, the City of Fayetteville web site, Facebook, and other media sites about the false alarm ordinance and the registration process that will required of each user.

The first important dates to mark on your calendar will be the upcoming City Council meetings in which the ordinance is presented for discussion and approval. We will advertise those dates as soon as they are scheduled.

Peachtree City UPDATES Week of August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

Council Workshop Tomorrow on Dividend Drive Paving, Loring Lane Traffic Concerns

The Mayor and City Council will hold a workshop on Tuesday, August 2, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall to discuss traffic concerns at Peachtree Parkway/Loring Lane (Kedron Hills) and the Dividend Drive pavement evaluation. The public is welcome.

Council Meets Thursday

The Mayor and City Council meet this Thursday, August 4, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The agenda includes reconsideration of the intergovernmental agreement with Fayette County for E-911 (minor revision), a Resolution to Censure Mayor Haddix, and the possible dissolution of the Development Authority of Peachtree City. The complete agenda and packet are available at www.peachtree-city.org/councilagenda, and the public is welcome... The meeting will be streamed live and available on demand at www.peachtree-city.org/video.

National Night Out Tomorrow Night at DRAKE FIELD (Note Location Change)

The Peachtree City Police Department is hosting National Night Out, a crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, on Tuesday, August 2, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be at Drake Field by City Hall and the PTC Library. Numerous public safety agencies have committed their assets for the event, including Fire Department ladder trucks, helicopters, police vehicles, and other public safety equipment. Children can also compete in a scavenger hunt for prizes donated by local merchants. For more information, visit http://peachtree-city.org/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=1845.

Peachtree City to have Community Garden

Want to learn more about organic gardening? Harvest your own vegetables? Peachtree City will have a Community Garden off Kelly Drive (just east of Hwy 74 and Hip Pocket). The Mayor and Council approved an agreement with Fresh South, Inc., the non-profit organization that hosts the Peachtree City Farmers Market. Plots can be reserved (8 X 10, $100/year; or 8 X 20, $175/year) and will include soil with an ideal mixture for successful organic gardening, along with the initial seedlings. Several handicap accessible garden plots will also be available. Fundraising is also underway with the goal of having the garden ready for spring planting in April 2012. For more information, visit www.ptcfarmersmarket.org.

Library Returns to Fall Hours on August 8

With the reopening of school, the Peachtree City Library will institute its fall and winter hours of operation on Monday, August 8. The library will be open Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

2011 Municipal Election – Qualifying August 29 – September 2

Peachtree City will hold a general municipal election on Tuesday, November 8, for City Council Post 1 (Imker) and Post 2 (Sturbaum). Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, must be a qualified elector of the City, and must have continuously resided in Peachtree City for at least six months immediately preceding the election. Qualifying will open at 8:30 a.m. on August 29, and will close at 4:30 p.m. on September 2. The qualifying fee is $180. Candidates must also file a Notice of Candidacy with the City Clerk’s office prior to accepting any campaign contributions. An information packet for prospective candidates is available at City Hall.

You’re Invited – PTC History Time Line Presentation – August 7 or 9

Peachtree City residents are invited to attend one of two meetings next week to learn more about the History Time Line, a community project to help preserve Peachtree City’s history. Peachtree City’s History Time Line has been envisioned to provide a physical presence at City Hall Plaza that will allow our community to reflect on our past, document our history, and inspire our successors. The History Time Line Committee invites the public to a brief presentation about this special project and to obtain input and ideas moving forward. The presentation will be made at City Hall on Sunday, August 7, at 4:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m.

Reminder: Parking at City Hall & Library

Many groups and individuals use the parking lot at City Hall and the Library. Cyclists, runners, and carpoolers are reminded that upper level parking around the fountain is reserved for City Hall and Library visitors during the workweek. Please use the lower parking lot at Drake Field or at the All Children’s Playground for non-City Hall/Library visits.

Fayette County Schools start Monday, August 8 – Orientation on August 4

Please drive with caution in the mornings as students wait for the bus. The Fayette County Board of Education has posted the orientation schedule for new students and parents on their web site at http://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/News/DetailNews..aspx?S=4067&NTID=1&NID=1652 .

Seeking Volunteers for Peachtree City Planning Commission

Peachtree City is seeking volunteers to serve on the Peachtree City Planning Commission. One seat is up for renewal, and an additional alternate will be appointed. Applicants must have lived in Peachtree City for at least six months. The application is available at www.peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?nid=155 and must be submitted to City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2.

Planning Commission meets Monday, August 8

The Peachtree City Planning Commission will meet on Monday, August 8, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome. The agenda includes the Landscape Plan for SANY America, the City’s “Tree Ordinance.” A workshop session will include discussion of the concept plat for McIntosh Village retail outlots (formerly Line Creek retail center) and potential future ordinance amendments for thrift stores in GI General Industrial, parking requirements for golf carts in retail, commercial and office zoning districts, tree replacement requirements, maintenance requirements for new landscape plans, tree pruning standards, and building setbacks in ER Estate Residential.

Project Updates:

Library Lower Level Entrance CLOSED for Repairs - The lower level entrance to the PTC Library remains closed due to cracks in the masonry. The area has been barricaded for safety reasons until repairs are completed. Please use the main entrance to the Library upstairs until further notice.

Don’t Forget . . .

Peachtree City CVB Meeting – Monday, August 1, 4:30 p.m. – The Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold a special called meeting and strategic planning workshop on Monday, August 1, 4:30 p.m., at the Amphitheater Cast House (behind Public Works, 209 McIntosh Trail). The regular meeting on July 20 was cancelled. The public is welcome.

City Council Workshop – Tuesday, August 2, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, to discuss traffic concerns at Peachtree Parkway/Loring Lane (Kedron Hills) and the Dividend Drive pavement evaluation. The public is welcome.

National Night Out – Tuesday, August 2, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Drake Field (between the Library and Lake Peachtree). Join the PTC Police, Fire, Fayette County Sheriff’s, and Georgia State Patrol at this crime/drug prevention event. See ladder trucks, helicopters, police vehicles, and other public safety equipment.

Peachtree City Council Regular Meeting – Thursday, August 4, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome.

American Red Cross Blood Drive – Friday, August 5, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (note time change), at The Gathering Place, 203 McIntosh Trail.

Bryan Adams “Bare Bones Tour” @ The Fred – Friday, August 5. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.; concert begins at 8:00 p.m. More information and tickets at www.amphitheater.org.

Peachtree City History Time Line Presentation – Sunday, August 7, 4:00 p.m., at City Hall. The History Time Line Committee will review the plans for this project to commemorate Peachtree City’s past and inspire its future generations. Alternate date is Tuesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome to either event.

Peachtree City History Time Line Presentation – Tuesday, August 9, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The History Time Line Committee will review the plans for this project to commemorate Peachtree City’s past and inspire its future generations. The public is welcome.

Carriage Lane Presbyterian Charity Yard Sale – Friday & Saturday, August 12 & 13. Community yard sale to benefit Ranch on Jesus Orphanage Ministries, Uganda, East Africa. Electronics, furniture, children’s items, clothing, and more. Hours: Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.’ Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Donated items welcome Monday, August 8, - Wednesday, August 10. Carriage Lane is at the corner of Hwy 54 East and Walt Banks.

Tour of Faith Rally / Bike Ride / 5K & 10 K Run – Saturday, August 13, at Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center and area paths. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m., rides begin at 8:00 a.m., and walks begin at 8:30 a.m. Benefiting Wellspring Living and Miles for Smiles. More information and registration at www.ffcpromotions.com.

Meet the Author: Donny Bailey Seagraves – Sunday, August 14 at the Peachtree City Library. The Friends of the Library present Donny Bailey Seagraves, author of Gone from These Woods, Sunday, August 14, at 1:30 p.m. Ms. Seagraves will read from and discuss her book in a program that is expected to last an hour. She will also sign copies of the book, which is available at the Omega Bookstore in the Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center. For information, visit www.peachtree-city.org/library.

Peachtree City Council Regular Meeting – Thursday, August 18, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome.

10,000 Maniacs & Edwin McCain@ The Fred – Saturday, August 20. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.; concert begins at 8:00 p.m. More information and tickets at www.amphitheater.org.

Youth Basketball Registration – Saturday & Sunday, August 21 – 22, 27 – 28, at Kedron Fieldhouse Gym. Registration is for boys and girls grades 1 – 12, $135 for Fayette county residents (check or cash only, discounts for three or more players in the same family). Registration is 12:00 - 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. For more information or directions, visit www.ptcyba.org.

Girl Scout Membership Drive - Sunday, August 21, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., at the Peachtree City First Presbyterian Church, 206 Willowbend Road. Local girls and their families are invited to come participate in a fun activity, meet new friends and sign-up for Girl Scouts. For more information, visit www.peachtreecitygirlscouts.org..

District 3 Job Fair – Monday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Coweta County Fair Grounds (275 Pine Road, Newnan). Representatives from various businesses in the 3rd Congressional District, including manufacturing, small businesses, and more, will attend. For more information, or to have your business represented, contact Andy Bush or Robb Nichols at 770-683-2033.

Kidz Fest / Food Fest / Help Fest – Saturday, August 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Shakerag Knoll, 191 McIntosh Trail. Free rides & games, great food, and sign up to volunteer in your community. For more information, visit www.peachtree-city.org/recreation.

Departure: Journey Tribute Band @ The Fred – Saturday, August 27. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.; concert begins at 8:00 p.m. More information and tickets at www.amphitheater.org.

Fairways of Freedom Golf Tournament – Monday, August 29, at Flat Creek Club. This charity golf event will benefit deployed service members through the non-profit organization HeroBox.org. Registration of $100 includes cart, range balls, box lunch, beverages, raffle ticket, gift bag, and ticket to awards dinner, which will feature the raffle and silent auction with memorabilia from Chipper Jones, John Smolz, Hank Aaron, Matt Ryan, Mickey Mantle, and many more! Visit www.herobox.org for more information.

Ongoing:

Peachtree City Yard Sales – Peachtree City yard sales are listed on the City web site at http://www.ptcgovernment.org/hometown. Yard sale signs are available at City Hall for 50 cents.

Peachtree City Street & Path Maps – New full-color maps available for $2 at City Hall, 151 Willowbend Rd., and the PTC Visitors Center on McIntosh Trail.

Recreation Activities Catalog & Online Registration – The Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Activities Catalog is available online at www.peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?NID=177. Online registration is at www.peachtree-city.org/activenet.

Outdoor Burning Ban in effect – May 1 – September 30. State law prohibits outdoor burning of yard debris during these months.

Recycling - The Peachtree City Recycling Center on Rockaway Road accepts yard waste and recyclables Wednesdays, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Keep PTC Beautiful also operates the Recycling Stations at Public Works, which are open 24/7 and include a used book drop box.

Peachtree City Farmers Market – Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the new Aberdeen Village Center location.

Bingo – Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. (except major holidays) at the Commemorative Air Force – Dixie Wing Hangar at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (1200 Echo Ct. in Peachtree City). Snack bar and prizes.

Community Safety Alert

2011-08-01T20:37:00.002-04:00

The Police Department is investigating three daytime residential burglaries that took place on July 25th and July 29th, 2011. The burglaries occurred at the Camden Apartments located at 100 Merrick Drive in Peachtree City. Items taken in the burglaries included electronics and other miscellaneous property. The burglars accessed each residence forcibly by kicking in the front door. On July 25th, two African American males were observed at the Building 11 crime scene just prior to the burglary. The persons of interest are described as six feet tall and weighing approximately 200 lbs or more. One of the subjects was wearing a red in color plaid vest and a tan shirt. The burglaries occurred when the residences were unoccupied

In order to promote community safety, the police department would like to remind our citizens to report any suspicious activity to the police department immediately. Additionally, it is important for you to secure your residence and be observant of your surroundings, especially as it relates to your neighborhood and neighbors. If you have a security alarm system, activate the alarm when you are away.

You can contact the Peachtree City Police Department at 770-487-8866 or Fayette County 911 Center at 770-461-4357 if you observe any suspicious activity, including individuals loitering in neighborhoods or looking into vehicles. If it seems suspicious to you, it is probably something that our police department needs to check.

Camp Gets Students Ready for School

2011-07-27T20:16:00.002-04:00

With just one week left before school starts, J.C. Booth Middle is already abuzz with students as sixth graders flock to Camp Warrior.

The camp provides an in-depth orientation, tackling some of the common issues students new to middle school worry about the most: opening lockers, changing classes, finding rooms, and making friends.

The 2011 sixth grade class is the first to participate in the camp, which was developed by counselors Terese Benefield and Lynda Manwearing. About 260 of the school’s approximately 320 sixth graders signed up to participate in one of the three half day camps held July 26, 27 and 28.

“We had done shadowing in the past, but that didn’t give us enough time with the students,” says Benefield. “We have six feeder elementary schools coming into Booth. We mixed the students up over the three days so that they could get know others outside of their elementary school.”

Campers were divided into four tribes, Apalachee, Oconee, Muskogee and Cherokee. The tribal groups participated in a scavenger hunt to help them become familiar with the school, worked collaboratively on tasks to build relationships, practiced opening lockers, and learned from other students about how to be successful in middle school.

Booth’s 8th grade student ambassadors in the Warrior Blazer program assisted with the camp. Eighth grader Madeline Hervey, who helped check students in on the first day, thinks the camp is a great way to ease anxiety during the first week of school.

“I wish we could have had this when I started sixth grade. Although students worry about their lockers and changing classes, those things come easily after the first day. The biggest worry is making friends and who to sit with at lunch. This camp is a great opportunity for them to get a head start on those things,” says Madeline.

Thanks to Booth’s business partners, the expenses of the camp were covered by donations. Each camper received a T-shirt plus school supplies that are recommended for all students. The school’s business partners that helped sponsor the camp are AJAKO, ClubZ! In-Home Tutoring, Huntington Learning Center, Mathnasium, Mahaffey Orthodontics, Artworks on the Square, McPherson Orthodontics, Walmart, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and Camden Apartments.