Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

50 C Ee Volume 125— M0. 33 12 Pages Johnson named HTJ editor Houston Times-Journal owner Bob Tribble announces that James A. “Jj” Johnson has been named gener al manager and editor of the news paper. Johnson, former managing editor of The Perry Times from 1989-1993, will begin his duties at the newspa per Jan. 3, 1995. Johnson, who has been in the news paper business for more than 22 years, has spent the last 23 months at The Daily Sun in Warner Robins, where he has been both news editor and man aging editor of the paper. “I am delighted with the opportunity In the spirit... Dooly inmates receive cards from children during holidays By LARRY HITCHCOCK New* Editor Except for the white uniforms worn by the four men and the sub ject matter, I could have been talk ing to a group of businessmen or friends. The group sat on one side of the classroom and Debby Olds and I sat on the other. We were talking about Christmas cards. Most folks take Christmas cards for granted, but for almost a thou sand men at the Dooly Correctional Institution just outside Unadilla, a Christmas card is a treasure. The treasures came from school children in Houston. Crisp and Dooly counties. Children from first through fifth grades made individual cards which were delivered to the prison and placed in each inmate's Christmas package, along with a pair of socks, some candy from Bob’s Candy Co. and other items. "I haven't had a Christmas card in 21 years," Inmate D (prison regula tions require that inmates identities not be disclosed) said. "What they did was a precious thing that touched a lot of the guys in here. When we received the cards, there were a lot of guys, really jaded guys who don't normally even speak to other inmates, Tunning around showing their cards to other in mates." "It was really an uplifting experi ence for me," InmateX said, "to think that a child who didn't even know me took time to make this card for me.” "The cards showed us that there are people in the community who care. The children reached out to us with these cards," Inmate B said. His Christmas card was more than a card to Inmate A. "I feel like the Georgia National Fair adds to list of awards The Georgia National Fair, already a .smashing success for Middle Georgia farmers and fairgoers, has added five awardsirom its peers to its growing list of accolades. Michael Froehlich, executive director of the fair, said the Georgia National Fair took four out of seven wins in the agricultural programs competition and took first place in the competitive exhibits display category. The Georgia National Fair competed against other fairs in the 250,001-500,000 annual attendance category. The Perry fair took first place awards for agricultural program for the fair-going public; video of overall agricultural programs; video of a special event for exhibitors or fair-going public (school field trip program); premium list for competitive events for exhibitors' use; and competitive exhibits display (Georgia Living Center). The awards were received during the annual convention of the International Association of Fairs schedule-7A Houston Times- Journal to return to Perry and work with some of the finest people in the world,” John son said. “Perry is a very special place, with wonderful people, a beautiful countryside, and an attitude of mak ing good things happen.” He said he is looking forward to work ing with all Paryans in making the Tvnes- Joumol a quality community newspa per which reflects the community. “I believe readers and advertisers want and expect a good paper. I hope to work with the existing staff to cre ate that type of newspaper, one which benefits readers and one which advertisers finds is useful in bring ing them new business.,” Johnson said. card was a gift from someone I didn't know," he said. "I just wanted to go and share it with other guys in my dormitory." The cards were all hand-made. None were bought and just signed. The children were encouraged to create their own holiday greetings. "There were a lot of 'Merry Christmas and Happy New Year' messages," Mrs. Olds, the institu tion's volunteer resources coordina tor, said. "But there were a lot of wishes for the inmates to make something out of their lives so that when they finish their time here, they won't do anything that will put them back here." "One card I saw said 'Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Stay Out'," Inmate D said. "The guy that got it was really touched because he felt someone on the out side was pulling for him to stay out of prison. "Elementary school kids are just getting to that stage of their life where what they do can set then course for life. They still have a chance to do the right thing. The kids can still be reached. I made a decision 20 years ago and I'm still dealing with it," Inmate D said. "Children are important to a lot of guys in here," Inmate C said. "Our own kids suffer when we're in here. The messages on the cards were an inspiration to most of us." "The cards really touched the hearts of most of the guys here," Inmate B said. "If they (the in mates) have children of their own, they have to reflect on their own child. It (the card) makes them think about getting their life straight after they get out so they won't repeat." and Expositions in Las Vegas. Judging took place in October in Springfield, Mo. The Georgia National Fair was in the same classification at the West Virginia and Kansas State Fairs and the Alameda County (Calif.) Fair. "Agricultural and competitive exhibits are the backbone of a fair," Froehlich said. "This international recognition is fantastic, especially when you realize the Georgia National Fair is only five years old. "We are very proud and honored by this international acclaim and recognition," Froehlich said. The Georgia National Fairground and Agricenter was also awarded the 1994 Women's Professional Rodeo Association Indoor Rodeo Best Ground award for the Georgia National Rodeo which was held last February. "To achieve the goal of being an educational source for agriculture and to be singled out as a leading agricultural fair confirms the Georgia National Fair’s commitment to agriculture and ag breakfast Official Legal Organ for Houston County, City of Perry and the State of Georgia Johnson will be taking the place of interim manager and editor Brigette Loudermilk, who has served since the death of Jim Kerce earlier in December. “I have a high respect for both Jim and Brigette. They have both worked very hard to provide a good newspaper for Perry and south Houston Coun ty. I hope to learn as much as possi ble from what they have done and build on that for the future,” Johnson said. “I learned a great deal about news papering from competing with and working with Jim Kerce. I know I can never fill his shoes, but I promise to ’Hrwh H imiißKr >l* ' • ‘W3i K \ 1M HH Vi " '**'* \ j| _ l«Mt ,;v » ] jffPly 1 ' Inmates at Dooly Correctional Institute look over some of tire handmade Christmas cards they received from Kings Chapel and Morningside elementary School students in Houston County. Inmate A said, "I'm just grateful to have something given to me from someone other than the prison staff, from someone in the 'free world'. The cards the children made were a big thrill for me and a lot of the other guys in here." 7he four men wanted to make sure the school children in the two Houston County schools that par ticipated in the project, Morning side and Kings Chapel elementary schools, knew that they had re ceived the cards and really appreci ated them. Sometime after the chil dren return to classes after the holi days, there will be a more tangible "Thank You” from the inmates given to each school. "The card really made an impact on me,” Inmate D said. "I'll keep it in my photo album.” Community involvement with programs at the institution is an ■ Hanging the awards won by the Georgia National Fair in the offices of the Georgia National Fair and Agricenter are, from left, Dale Redeker, agricultural/youth director; Marcia Johnson, agricultural programs coordinator; Lora Arledge, Georgia Living Center director; and Michael Froehlich, executive director of the fair. education in Georgia," Froehlich said. Froehlich praised Dale Redeker, agriculture/youth director; Marcia- Johnson, agricultural programs BRAWL >94 Full local sports coverage appears on — 6A [ M I® Tg m y;x-■; r SHg : B fl m jfl do the best job I can for our readers and advertisers. I look forward to reac quainting with many friends,” he said. important part of the rehabilitation program. Mrs. Olds said she was looking for volunteers who would be willing to come to the prison and talk to the inmates about such "everyday things” as how to fill out a job application or how to conduct yourself at an interview. Mrs. Olds is looking for a choir director who could help with a singing group. "The inmates here are looking to better themselves," Inmate B said. "They just need some direction on how to do it in today's society." Knowing the children at Morning side and Kings Chapel schools cared enough to make the Christmas cards was a step in the right direc tion, the inmates said. "This will help the guys look forward to other community volun teer projects," Inmate B said. "We're all human beings here," Inmate D said. "We hope to be able to give something back some day." _ IJh AM 4M> iM lIU * coordinator; and Lora Arledge, Georgia Living Center director, for Uieir efforts in bringing the Georgia National Fair the international honors. Jj Johnson Looking back... The year in review The first six months Looking back at 1994 in southern Houston County and the City of Peny: January As 1994 opened, both Mayor Jiin Worrall and County Commission Chairman Sherrill Stafford placed discussions of consolidation of services high on the list of things to consider in the new year. As the year ends, the two governmental bodies are still going their separate ways. Plans for Perry's own television station, WPGA-TV on channel 58, were on track as the new year opened. Station general manager Lowell Register was optimistic that the station would be on the air by April 1. The Federal Aeronautics Administration had approved the site of the proposed station's tower in Twiggs County. Perry High School wood working teacher Charles Culpepper retired after 31 years. The county commission considered asking the state Legislature to make it legal for a portion of each traffic and criminal fine be allocated to help pay for 911 services. Ernest C. Barrett of Perry was in stable but critical condition at Perry Hospital after he was allegedly shot by Tommie Strowder, also of Perry, during an argument. Strowder was chargee wuh aggravated assault and released on $50,000 bond. The Perry City Council named members and chairmen of its many committees at the first meeting of the year. Chairmen named were: Hervia Ingram, Intergovernmental Committee; Ralph Gentry, Economic Development and Growth Committee; James Moore, Administrative and Finance Committee; Charles Lewis, Public Safety; Bobby Glover, Public Works - Utilities - Sanitation Committee; and Buddy Roper, Community Development Overview Committee. Georgia Labor Commissioner David Poythress visited the Perry office and said space limitations would soon force the state to look for a new location for the facility. He also said the office would remain in Perry. Planning for the annual Dogwood Festival began with the dates to be from March 27 through April 2. Linda Easterly was named director of nursing at Perry Hospital. The Houston County Health Department issued a rabies alert after five wild animals which attacked pets were found to be rabid. The Perry High School debate team took four first place trophies at the West Georgia College debate tournament. The Houston County Board of Education, in a 3-3 tie vote with new member Gary McClure abstaining, will continue to be elected in party-based elections. Chairman Zell Blackmon had advocated non-partisan elections. Work began on the old Perry High School building as plans to turn the facility into new headquarters for the board of education got under way. Trudie Warren received the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Community Service Award and Jeanette Arrington received the group's Volunteer of the Year Award at the chamber's annual meeting. Perry Hospital Administrator Jim Peak presented the Hospital Authority with an sll.B million budget for 1994-95. Six students from Perry High School were nominated for the Governor's Honors program. Included were Britt Barrett in music; Michael Ray Marks in visual arts: Jason Niederkorn in technology; Sean Reynolds in theater; Kaneatra Simmons in communicative arts; x t o t eatures Classified 12A Joyce Compton 4A Deaths 2A Sports 6A Phil Clark 6A Church News 5A Legals 10A Wedding 5A Guest Column 4A Remember when4A WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 28,1994 and Hillary Smith in science. February The city council approved a request to allow United Cable Co. to delete WSB from its programming and institute a board of education channel. The Houston Home Journal and the Perry Times were merged Feb. 1 when Houston Publications, Inc., a new corporation, purchased both papers. Owners of the corporation are Robert Tribble and Daniel and Julie Evans. The combined paper will be called the Houston Times- Journal. The Board of Education announces a new anti-violence program will be taught in county middle and high schools. Shiranda Mims was crowned Miss Perry High. Harvey’s Supermarket announced it would close the Perry store Feb. 27. U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop visited Perry High School and encouraged seniors to continue their education. Passage of the Brady Bill by Congress brought on a rush of handgun purchases in Perry. March Fairfield Inn, owned by the Marriot Corp., celebrated its grand opening in Perry at the old Shoney's Inn location on Perimeter Road. Shiranda Mims, Katie Stephens and Rachel Lee Elliott were the top winners in the first annual Kiwanis Club Talent Show. Save Our Students, a citizens group, announced a public meeting to gather support for a new middle school for southern Houston County. The Board of Education voted against a new middle school for the Perry area. The Board of Education approved a new five-district alignment. Perry will be represented by one member. There will be two at-large members elected in addition to the five members chosen by districts. Houston County schools will receive more than $1.5 million from the Georgia State Lottery. Jennifer Ann Gladu was named Perry High School's STAR student and she chose James Henry Soles as her STAR teacher. James Harold Swift was selected as Westfield School's STAR student and he chose William Gottwald as his STAR teacher. They were honored by the Perry and Warner Robins chambers of conunerce. The Perry Recreation Department moved into its new headquarters in Rozar Park. The new Perry Parkway, which connects 1-75 at the Thompson Road exit with U.S. 341, was officially opened to traffic. Sophomore Holly Hartley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hartley of Fort Valley, was crowned Miss Westfield. The county commission voted to invite Peach, Bleckley and Pulaski counties to use the Houston County landfill to dispose of their garbage. School Supt. Tony Hinnant told the group of concerned citizens, Save Our Students, that there would not be a new middle school built in the Perry area. Heather Jo Wilder, daughter of Joyce Wilder of Perry and Bill Wilder of Cornelia, was crowned Miss Dogwood as the 1994 Dogwood Festival got under way. April Perry Hospital marked its 25th anniversary on April 2 and held its celebration April 23. The county commission decided to hire a full-time fire chief for the county. The City of Perry announced Please see REVIEW, page 9A