The Carnegie Introduces the Honor Book System

The Carnegie invites the public to participate in the honor book system. The honor books are donated for the purpose of trading and sharing reading experiences with others.

Honor book criteria:

• You loved the book (no dumping of titles no one would want to read, space doesn’t allow for that)
• Books need to be in excellent condition
• Hardback or paperback
• Fiction or non-fiction
• Adult, young adult or children’s books

Drop off donations and fill out a comment sheet at front desk.

Choose a book, take it with you and, upon completion, return it to the Carnegie with your comments in the space provided for the next person to enjoy. All books are one way donations and become part of the honor book system

“We are excited to introduce the honor book system to the Carnegie,” said Amy Mapel, Carnegie Media Coordinator. “I think it will enhance the reading opportunities for the Carnegie patron.”

About the Carnegie
Carnegie is one of the most historically significant structures in downtown Newnan and was built in 1904. The building served as a library until 1987 when a new facility was constructed on Hospital Road. With its iconic lighted sign that states the ‘City of Homes’ on top of the building, citizens recognize the Carnegie when they drive through historic downtown.

The Carnegie was funded by the city of Newnan’s General Fund and partly by 2007 Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The Carnegie’s cost to be renovated was over $1.5 million dollars to the city. For more information on the Carnegie, please visit www.ci.newnan.ga.us or email amapel@cityofnewnan.org

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Local Florist to Support Good Neighbor Day

Residents of Newnan and Coweta County will once again have the unique opportunity to meet each other and develop new friendships when Arthur Murphey Florist hosts its second annual Good Neighbor Day on Wednesday, September 9, 2008. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., Arthur Murphey Florist at 6 LaGrange Street in historic downtown Newnan will give away a minimum of 1500 roses in bunches of a dozen, absolutely FREE to anyone who visits the shop, while supplies last.

Anyone who picks up a dozen free roses will be asked to keep one of the roses and give the others away to 11 different people – spreading goodwill and friendship in the community. In keeping with the spirit of “Good Neighbor Day”, a donation of a non perishable food item for the local food bank would be appreciated but not required. All items collected will be taken directly to the Newnan Food Bank located at One Roof Ministries.

“This is an opportunity for us to motivate our community and get people to show friends, family and strangers how much they care,” says Hutch Murphey, owner. “Newnan and Coweta County is made up of friendly, caring people that can make an impact right here at home.”

Arthur Murphey Florist has been located in Historic downtown Newnan for over 60 years and was founded by Hutch’s father, Arthur “Doodle” Murphey. Murphey Florist is a full service FTD florist offering service to all of Coweta County.
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Coweta County Holding Millage Steady for 2009

The Coweta County Board of Commissioners voted last night to maintain or reduce the county’s millage rate for 2009.

“We are holding steady or, for the unincorporated area, slightly reducing the millage for 2009,” said Coweta County Commission Chairman Paul Poole. “We feel like it is extremely important that we keep our expenses to a minimum in the current economic market. Our citizens have tightened their belts and expect us to do the same – even while we invest in important infrastructure projects.”

This is the second year in a row that the Commission has either slightly reduced or kept the millage rate steady. The proposed rates are 7.66 for the incorporated areas, which is the same as last year, and 6.93 for the unincorporated areas, which is .05 mills less than last year. The net levy will increase by only $128,764 due to growth in the digest.

The difference in rates is due to the way insurance premium taxes are returned to the county and municipalities. Unincorporated property owners receive credit for the insurance premiums that are returned to the county. Cities and municipalities also receive this credit and can pass it along to their property owners on city tax bills.

Coweta citizens approved a $20 million Fire Bond last November that will vastly improve fire and public safety services in the county. The Fire bond will amount to roughly $28 in taxes for a $150,000 home. These dollars will be used to purchase new fire equipment, build two fire stations and purchase a new, countywide public safety communications system and should result in an improved ISO rating and lower insurance premiums for citizens.

Citizens in the unincorporated areas, along with the municipalities of Moreland, Turin and Sharpsburg, will see an additional line item on their tax bill for this fire bond. The municipalities of Grantville, Senoia and Haralson are participating in this Fire Bond as well and will include the cost on city tax bills.

The state has also made a change that will affect taxpayers. Since 1999, the Georgia General Assembly and the Governor have provided a credit on property tax bills called the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). In recent years, that credit resulted in a $200 - $300 reduction to property tax bills.

Due to financial strains on the state budget, the Georgia General Assembly and the Governor did not fund this credit for 2009 property tax bills. While the HTRG credit may someday be reinstated by the General Assembly, it is not expected to be considered again until state revenues increase significantly. Because of that credit not being funded, the average homeowner will have an increase on their tax bill.
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Electronics Recycling Day in Coweta County

Do you have electronics cluttering your basement or extra bedroom? Take care of that clutter. Bring your recyclable electronics to our special Electronics Recycling Day on August 1, 2009 from 8 am - noon at Thomas Crossroads Elementary, 3530 East Highway 34. Coweta County Environmental Management, Creative Recycling Systems of Georgia (CRS), and the Coweta County School System have partnered to provide a location for county residents to recycle obsolete and used electronic devices. Trailers will be set up in the parking lot to collect the items delivered that day.

The electronics items you bring will be recycled into valuable commodities which are circulated back into worldwide production. The items brought will be 100% recycled – plastic, wiring/glass/ all components. Not only does this reduce the volume of items taken to landfills, but it also keeps toxic metals out of landfills. The items will be collected and recycled by CRS. CRS has been an innovator in developing methods to process obsolete electronics with zero waste and less impact on the environment. CRS also takes the electronics left at the Coweta County Transfer Station for recycling.

ACCEPTED ITEMS (all accepted free of charge with the exception of televisions)Personal Computers (PCs), Monitors, LCD Screen / Flat Screen Monitors, VCRs, Radios, Stereos, DVD Players, Microwaves, Power Supplies, Rechargeable Batteries, Vacuums, Banking Equipment, Telephones, Pagers, Networking Equipment, Laptops, Keyboards, Mice, Power Cables, Medical Equipment (Non-Hazardous), Printers, Copy Machines, Fax Machines, Cell Phones, Transformers, Scanners, Portable Electronic Devices, Servers, HUBS, Ink Cartridges, Toner Cartridges, Remotes, Modems, Projectors, Cameras, Televisions (Processing Charge of $10).

UNACCEPTED ITEMS Refrigerators, Washer Machines, Clothes Dryers, Dish Washers, Mercury Containing Devices (Thermometers, Fire Alarms), Hazardous Chemicals / Materials, Light Bulbs, Florescent Tubes, Bio-Waste

In case you can’t make it out to this Recycling Day at Thomas Crossroads, you can bring these items to the Coweta County transfer station on Essie Mae Walker Road, which is off Ishman Ballard Road between Smokey Road and Franklin Highway (Hwy. 34 West). If you bring your recyclable electronics to the transfer station, please keep them separate from other trash to insure you are not charged. In addition, televisions are not recyclable if taken to the transfer station. They are treated as regular waste and charged as such.
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Win the Window in Downtown Newnan

Main Street Newnan premiered a new promotion called “Win the Window” at this year’s 4th of July festivities. The window will be located on South Court Square in the old Globe building.

The window, themed "Summer Stay-cation", is filled with items from Main Street merchants and is valued at over $1,000. Participants have the chance to win everything in the window.

“The merchants have all given really great items for the window, each item worth $50 or more!” said Samantha Hinze, Main Street President.

The first step to register for “Win the Window” is to view the window on South Court Square and read the list of participating merchants. Next, they will need to visit the participating merchant’s stores, find out the retail value of the items on display in the window and fill out those amounts on their entry form.

Once the entry form has been filled out completely, participants can submit their form into the drop box located on South Court Square by the window.

“Molly Morrow at M. Cole Design has come up with a really cool “Win the Window” logo which has been placed in the stores of participating merchants. So be on the look-out!” said Ashley Daniel, Main Street Coordinator.

The “Win the Window” promotion kicked off July 4th. The winner will be revealed Saturday, August 1 at Market Day on the square.

Participants must be 18 or older to register and all valid entry forms must be filled out completely. Only one entry form may be submitted per person.

For more information about Main Street Newnan or how to become a member of the organization visit www.mainstreetnewnan.com, call 770-253-8283 or email at adaniel@cityofnewnan.org.
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The City of Newnan Begins Its Mosquito Control Program In June

The Public Works Department will begin its mosquito management program in June and continue through September, fogging Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm to 10pm, weather conditions permitting. We use a truck mounted ULV (ultra low volume) aerosol fogger for spraying a synthetic pyrethroid product (a synthetic version of a natural insecticide produced by chrysanthemum flowers) to help control adult mosquito populations within the City. At this time, the Public Works Department does not have a program for larval monitoring or surveillance, nor does the Department use any larval control products.

We will accommodate special requests, including requests for not spraying near particular residences.

Residents and property owners can help abate existing mosquito breeding sources by clearing property of any potential breeding sites and preventing them from recurring. Here are some suggestions for what you can do help eliminate potential breeding grounds and increase your enjoyment of the outdoors:

Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, bottles or any water-holding containers
Fill in or drain low places in your yard
Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash to help drainage
Cover trash containers to keep water out
Repair leaky outside pipes and faucets
Empty plastic wading pools regularly and store them indoors when not in use
Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps
Change the water in bird baths and tray for plant pots at least once a week
Keep your grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed

Together we can eliminate potential breeding grounds and increase our enjoyment of the outdoors.

Because of ideal weather conditions, the mosquito population this spring and summer are predicted to be a bumper crop.

Mosquitoes are an all-too familiar summer nuisance, but much worse, they can carry West Nile virus or Eastern Equestrian Encephalitis for humans and heartworms for pets. West Nile virus can result in serious illness and sometimes death. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other mammals and is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird.

If you have any questions, comments or requests, please call the Public Works Department at 770-253-1823 or email Michael Klahr; Public Works Director at mklahr@cityofnewnan.org.
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City of Newnan Police and Fire Complete Special Incident Response Training

Some of the city of Newnan’s Police and Fire personnel were able to complete Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings (IRTB) training at the Energetic Research and Testing Center in Socorro, New Mexico. The police staff who attended was Deputy Chief Rodney Riggs and Detective Danny McDonald. The Newnan Fire Marshall Ricky Ayers and Captain John Byrom and was also able to attend.

The four hour performance level IRTB course provides basic information on explosive and incendiary devices that could be used as terrorist weapons. Classroom topics include:

Understanding the terrorist threat
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
Safety issues
Departmental or agency policies to ensure compliance with local requirements
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided all the funding for the public safety personnel to attend. It was no cost to the city for the travel and training opportunity.

“One of the most important aspects of this training is recognizing First Responders, local police officers and firefighters, may be able to detect unusual activity or devices, before solid intelligence is developed by State or Federal agencies, concerning an imminent bomb attack. In reviewing case studies of previous terrorist bombings, the terrorists' methods of identifying targets, recruiting associates, obtaining funds and materials and training for their attacks were discussed. This training gives the First Responder a basis for developing intelligence in their local areas, to prevent such attacks, said City of Newnan Police Deputy Chief Rodney Riggs.

EMRTC provides world class training in explosives, firearms and explosive site safety in association with The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The U.S. State Department and other Federal and State agencies. Our course instructors are recognized worldwide as top explosives and WMD experts. EMRTC's facilities include a 40-square-mile field laboratory that includes over 30 separate test sites, gun ranges and research laboratories to use for training field exercises. The Center is a division of New Mexico Tech. For more information please log onto www.emrtc.nmt.edu.
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Annual Spring Taste of Newnan April 16

Main Street Newnan will host the Annual Spring Taste of Newnan on Thursday, April 16 from 5-8:30pm. This event gives people an opportunity to sample specialties of the best restaurants and caterers in the area.

Approximately 60 vendors will be set up around the Historic Courthouse Square. North Court, South Court and West Washington will be closed off to allow for vendor booths and walking space.

“Taste of Newnan gets bigger and better every year and has become a tradition for many families,” said Linda Kee, Director of Business Development.

New this year, The Braves Around Town, a mobile fan experience for the Atlanta Braves, will be setting up a speed pitch booth and a Braves t-ball booth in the Kidz Corner.

“Having The Braves Around Town Street Team come to Taste of Newnan is going to be so much fun for kids of all ages! It’s just one more great reason to come out with the family and enjoy a night in Downtown Newnan!” said Main Street Coordinator Ashley Chalker.

Live entertainment will be provided on the square. 92.5 The Bear will be hosting Southern Pride on South Court Square and J93 will be hosting A True Story on North Court Square.

“We have been looking forward to this event since the Fall Taste of Newnan! It truly is so much fun!” said Chalker.

Those planning to attend can purchase their tokens now. R.S. Mann Jewelers, Musicology, Bank of Coweta, 34 Madison, Brothers Ltd., The Wellness Center of Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Costume Shop, Scott’s Bookstore, Hit the Trail, Smart Solutions, Morgan Jewelers and Full Circle Toys and Collectibles will be pre-selling tokens until the day of the event.

“Our sponsors and Main Street members make these family oriented events possible in downtown. A special thanks goes to our sponsors The Preserve at Greison Trail, Food Lion, Newnan Utilities and Coweta EMC,” said Chalker.

All Main Street Newnan events are free and open to the public. For more information about Main Street Newnan or how to become a member of the organization visit www.mainstreetnewnan.com, call 770-253-8283 or email at achalker@cityofnewnan.org.
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Special ‘Artist of the Month Display’ at Newnan City Hall for April for GA Cities Week April 20-25

The ‘Artist of the month’ at City Hall helps kick off Georgia Cities Week for the month of April. There are seven artists being featured for the month of April. All the artwork being displayed this month celebrates the City of Newnan.

Cities across Georgia will be celebrating Georgia Cities Week, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to showcase and celebrate cities and the many services they provide. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.

“Downtown Beauty” by Ellie Farrington
Ellie traveled from Maine to Georgia to be introduced to painting in oils through Tom Powers and the Newnan-Coweta Recreation Department. Perhaps best known for her paintings of flowers and ocean scenes, this painting is a departure from those themes. “Downtown Beauty” depicts the Court Square during a show sponsored by the Newnan-Coweta Art Association when antique cars were also on display.

“Goldens on the Square” by Dana Johnson
A native Texan, Dana digs into her roots of ranchers, teachers, artists, churchgoers and misfits. She paints on-site when possible, capturing the feel of the moment. Her goal is to depict scenes which elicit an emotional response. “Paint outside, everyday!” is her motto. She takes advantage of every day of good weather. Painting on the Square in Newnan, she saw the light reflected on Goldens in a way that intrigued her.

“The Carnegie Library” by Jenny Jones
Jenny is a native of Newnan and a Newnan High School graduate. Working from her own travel photography, she paints landscapes with a lot of color. She also paints the ocean and buildings. She especially loves to paint lighthouses. She went to the library often as a child and has vivid memories of those times. She even remembers the details of the interior. Painting is very relaxing for her and when asked if she is attending art class, her response is “Try and stop me!”

“The Stately Ole Tree at the Newnan Senior Citizen Center” by Lee Long
A native of Carroll County, Lee has been painting almost thirty years. While winning awards, both cash and ribbons, she has continued to serve in leadership positions in several arts related associations. This stately old tree which stood in front of the Senior Citizen Center intrigued her because she imagined the history it had witnessed.

“New Faces and Familiar Places” by Linda “Rusty” Sharp Framed Print
Another Texan, Rusty, has a mostly Louisiana background. The whimsical nature of this painting also reflects her take on life. It is a mixed media of graphite, watercolor and pen and ink that tickles the memory of those familiar with downtown Newnan. Her prints are available framed and unframed.

“Water Tower from Old Coweta Fairground” by Rebecca Wayne
Rebecca closely observes the things around her and artistically presents them from her own viewpoint. She challenges herself with a variety of styles and mediums. She is originally from Ohio and has a degree in Earth Science Education. Her keen eye for detail is reflected in her artwork. The water tower was observed on the day that the tornado heavily damaged Atlanta. The view is from south to north.

“Remembered Sweet Spot” by Jean Westbrook
Growing up in Newnan, Jean left after graduating high school, but returned twenty-five years later. She started art classes at “the old art house” and found it a great place for friendship, good food and new ideas for painting. Most of the artists she met are still her friends and painting buddies. Precious memories of this place always make her smile.
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City of Newnan Occupational Taxes Due April 1st

For business owners, 2009 Occupational Tax Certificate Renewals (formerly Business Licenses) are due to the City of Newnan by April 1st.

“The penalty for late returns starts at 11.5%, with an additional 1.5% penalty per month thereafter,” says City Finance Director Katrina Cline. “We have mailed out approximately 2.300 renewals packets this year. Tax returns, including appropriate taxes, must received by the Finance Department by April 1st. Postmarks are not acceptable. There are no extensions or exceptions.”

Taxes can be paid in person at City Hall or by mail, as long as there are no changes to the information. Be sure to submit the renewal forms with the payment if paying by mail. Please call the city’s Finance department at 770-254-2351 if you have questions or need additional information.
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Newnan-Coweta Historical Society Announces Tour of Homes For April 25

Antique Show & Appraisal Fair Also Held On Same Day

One of the best known and most highly anticipated of all the annual events in the City of Newnan is the Tour of Homes sponsored by The Newnan-Coweta Historical Society (NCHS). This year The Tour of Homes will be held in conjunction with an Antique Show and Appraisal Fair.

2009 Tour of Homes

Saturday, April 25, 2009 10AM – 5PM
Advance Tickets $12.00; Day of Tour $15.00
Please call 770-251-0207 for information & tickets
We accept Visa and Master Charge
Tickets also available from:
Coweta County Convention & Visitors Center
100 Walt Sanders Memorial Drive
770-254-2627
Scott’s Book Store
28 S Court Sq, Newnan
(770) 253-2960
Tickets include Antique Show And Appraisal Fair at The Train Depot History Center, Saturday, April 25, 2009

2009 Spring Tour of Homes

Gibson/Starr/Sides Home - Circa 1900 at 29 Temple Ave
Arnall-Mann Home/Welden Financial - Circa 1924 at 75 Jackson St
Cantwell Home - Built 2002 at 55 Jackson St
Farmer/Davis Home - Circa 1885 at 70 Jackson St
Jones/ Paulk Home - Circa 1900 at W. Hwy 16

Antique Show And Appraisal Fair

TRASH OR TREASURE?What's it worth?
The Newnan-Coweta Historical Society presents, in conjunction with our Annual Spring Tour of Homes, an Antiques Show and Sale and an opportunity to learn the value of one of your prized possessions.. Expert appraisers will be on hand to provide a casual, verbal estimate of the value of that family heirloom or the prized collectible. Certified written appraisals also available on many items.Saturday, April 25, 2009 10:00AM - 5:00PMDepot History Center60 East Broad Street, Newnan, GeorgiaVerbal appraisal fee - $2.00 For information: Dan Dietz (770-251-6245)

Information on this and other NCHS events can be found on their website or by contacting Tom Redwine at nchs@newnanbiz.net or at the Museum at 770-251-0207.
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Busy Weekend in Downtown Newnan

Main Street Newnan’s Spring Art Walk , Charles Wadsworth and Friends Concert and Major Motion Picture filming

This year’s Charles Wadsworth & Friends concert takes on special significance as it serves as a celebration of acclaimed pianist and musician Charles Wadsworth’s 80th birthday. This year’s concert will be this Saturday. This year also marks a turning point in Wadsworth’s career as he approaches an octogenarian status and looks forward to a less rigorous schedule. Wadsworth stated, “I’ve been involved in the Festival in Spoleto, Italy, for 50 years now and in the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston for well over 30 years. I’ve enjoyed touring, but it’s involved traveling from one city to another, often without a break, and much of it has been international traveling for extended periods.”

“We could not be more excited to have a concert of this caliber returning to Newnan,” said Gina Snider, city of Newnan public information officer.

Tickets for the 7:30 pm event will be available at Scott’s Bookstore in Newnan, Morgan’s Jewelry in Ashley Park, and the Bank of Coweta at Thomas and at the window the night of the concert. General seating adult tickets are $20 and Senior/Student tickets are $15.

Main Street Newnan will host the Annual Spring Art Walk on Friday from 5-8pm. The event is a walking gallery show that takes guests into the stores of Downtown merchants to enjoy local art, refreshments and great conversation. The Art Walk will begin at Flint Gallery of Panoply on Greenville Street. Maps will be available at participating merchants with artist locations and information about the evening’s events.

“This is the biggest show we have had since the event started five years ago” said Linda Kee, Director of Business Development. “It’s exciting to see how much the Art Walk has grown.” Musicology will be providing live entertainment along the square. There will also be live music at Espresso Lane, Gridiron Grill, Ten East Washington and The Alamo. This year’s Art Walk is sponsored by The Preserve.

All Main Street Newnan events are free and open to the public. For more information about Main Street Newnan or how to become a member of the organization visit www.mainstreetnewnan.com, call 770-253-8283 or email at achalker@cityofnewnan.org.

A major motion picture, "Zombieland," is scheduled for this weekend to shoot scenes in Newnan for the upcoming horror/comedy starring Woody Harrelson. Filming is scheduled to begin in downtown on Saturday. Shooting will take place on a portion of Greenville Street in the vicinity of East Broad Street and the Court Square. Shooting will also take place at a home on Wilcoxon Street and on LaGrange Street at the railroad overpass.

“We want to invite citizens to come out and experience downtown Newnan at its best with all the different wonderful events going on, said Gina Snider, city of Newnan public information officer. Citizens should be advised there will be some street closings on Sunday but detour routes will be provided.”

“Zombieland” is a production of Sony Pictures and Zombieland Productions, LLC. The film is directed by Ruben Fleischer. The post-apocalyptic film has been described as "Dumb and Dumber" meets zombies.
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Coweta County and the City of Grantville to Dedicate Renovated Ballpark

Dedication of the newly renovated Grantville Ballpark will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 9:45 am. The approximately $2 million renovation was funded by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and, not only resulted in a beautiful, new 4- field ball park for South Coweta County, but also provided some of the infrastructure needed for the soon to be built Grantville branch of the Coweta County Public Library System

The day will begin with a parade of the South Coweta Baseball Association teams at 9 am beginning at Grantville City Hall and ending at the newly renovated ballpark on Colley Street. After cutting the ribbon to allow everyone in, a short dedication program will be held on the front, t-ball field featuring Coweta County Commissioner Tim Lassetter and Grantville Mayor Casey Houston. They will then turn the field over to South Coweta Baseball Association president Greg Chambers for Opening Day festivities. The program will end around 10:30 with the throwing of the season’s “First Pitch” from Commissioner Tim Lassetter to South Coweta Baseball Association player William Strickland.

“This is a terrific new ballpark,” said Tim Lassetter, Commissioner, district two. “We are so pleased to be able to open this park and we’re even more pleased to have had such a great working relationship between the county and folks at the City of Grantville.”

The City of Grantville has park property that adjoins this Coweta County Recreation property. In support of the project, the city donated five acres to complete the county portion of this park and also funded one half of the estimated engineering costs.

The improvements made to the park are the result of many hours of labor – particularly from the Coweta County Public Works Division. There was significant grading, clearing and demolition that had to be done to get this space ready for the facility. The use of prison and county skilled labor is estimated to have saved about $1 million in the total cost of this facility.

Improvements to the park include: four baseball fields, a full service comfort station with concession stand, restrooms and pressbox/scorekeeper room. They also include a new parking lot and lighting. In addition, the work that was done included a significant portion of shared infrastructure with the soon to be built library – including parking, water, sewer, stormwater, fire protection and a new connecting road.

The total project and improvements represent about $2 million – about $800,000 of which is in shared infrastructure with the library. Architect Kip Oldham designed the comfort station, engineering firm Clough Harbour did the site engineering and planning and Astra Group was the general contractor for the fields.

“SPLOST is vital to projects like these. Because Coweta County voters have continued to support SPLOST, we’ve been able to build projects like these – projects that add so much to our community,” said Lassetter.

SPLOST – the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – is a one cent sales tax that Coweta voters must approve every 6-7 years. SPLOST dollars must be spent on capital projects, like this one. SPLOST allows the county to build this type of facility without adding the building cost to the general budget. Because it is a sales tax, anyone who shops in Coweta helps fund these projects. And as Coweta has become a regional shopping destination, shoppers from across central Georgia have contributed to these projects.
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The City of Newnan Fire Department Attends Bomb Threat Creditability Training at GEMA

The city of Newnan Fire department sent fifteen members of their team to Bomb Threat Training at GEMA.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) presented "Managing School Bomb Threats," a free class for education and law enforcement professionals. Topics covered planning for a bomb threat, how to identify a credible threat, search techniques, and adjudication of a bomb threat suspect. The seminar included with an explosives demonstration.

With the right tools and training, authorities can properly evaluate the threat and determine the best course of action, says Newnan Fire Chief Whitley.

GEMA School Safety Unit provides services that help schools have a safe and secure school year. GEMA’s school safety coordinators offer training and technical assistance to educators, emergency management and public safety personnel. This includes site surveys, classes on weapons screening, school bus safety, gangs bullying, exercise design, bomb threat management and school crises. For more information on GEMAS’s School Safety Unit visit www.gema.ga.gov or call 1-800-TRY-GEMA. For more information on specific risks within the city limits and how to prepare for them, contact Newnan Fire Department at 770-253-1851.
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Keep Newnan Beautiful's Great American Cleanup 2009

Keep Newnan Beautiful is joining national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful (KAB) in the Great American Cleanup as they campaign for a cleaner, greener America. This year Keep Newnan Beautiful has a goal of having as many volunteers as possible.

Keep Newnan Beautiful will host its Great American Cleanup on March 14, 2009. The Cleanup will kick off at 9 am behind Newnan City Hall located 25 LaGrange Street. We’ll break into groups, go pick up litter, then meet back at City Hall for lunch. Come join us for a wonderful time making our community a better, cleaner place to live. To register or for more information, contact Cleatus Phillips at cphillips@cityofnewnan.org or call 770.253-2682 ext. 228

Here in Newnan and across the nation, volunteers will rally to fight dirty streets, waterways and public spaces by removing litter and illegal dump sites, greening up parks, schoolyards and other public spaces, holding recycling drives, hosting educational events, painting-out graffiti, and more.

“This year Keep Newnan Beautiful has an ambitious goal of having as many volunteers as possible. We would love to have at least 200 volunteers, it is a great cause for our community. Litter affects everyone in the community. So come on out and join us,” says Cleatus Phillips, Community Development Director.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

“Finding ways to improve the nation’s communities – and our overall environment – is not only one of Keep America Beautiful’s main objectives, but it’s also a topic that is increasingly top-of-mind with most Americans,” said Matthew McKenna, president of Keep America Beautiful. “In its 24th year, the Great American Cleanup continues to be a vehicle for volunteers across the country, driving them to take a hands-on approach to sustainability by conducting cleanups, recycling drives, tree and flower plantings and other community improvement activities.”

The national Great American Cleanup takes place from March 1- May 31 annually. This year, an expected 3 million volunteers will get involved and campaign for a ‘cleaner, greener America’ by participating in 30,000 community improvement activities and educational workshops happening in over 17,000 communities nationwide. All will spread the message of individual responsibility to keep America’s communities clean, green and beautiful.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. The Great American Cleanup is one of its many programs that encourage people to care for communities through volunteer participation. To join the Great American Cleanup and campaign for a cleaner, greener America visit www.kab.org
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Kristina L. Adams Named Newnan City Hall Artist for the month of February

Kristina L. Adams is named Newnan-Coweta Art Association’s Artist of the Month for the month of February. Her work will be displayed at Newnan City Hall for the month of February.

Kris is a displaying member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and a member of the Newnan Coweta Arts Association. Kris’s paintings are in private and public collections across the United States, Canada and Japan. This past fall she had two paintings chosen for the Georgia national fair in Perry Georgia. Her paintings are full of bright bold colors from abstract to realism. Using large brushes and lots of water her paintings are pretty loose. She says art doesn't always have to be serious; it just needs to be fun. She works in a series, and is best known for two larger than life women in swimsuits; fondly know as Miss Bea & Stella. Other series have been of fish, turtles, landscapes, over sized fruits, vegetables, lighthouses, sofas and animals.

You may recognize Kris from the Watercolor by Kristina show that she did on Newnan Utilities last year. Her work can be seen around town at Andre’s off the Square, Espresso Lane, Ten East Washington, and the Weber Eye clinic. She displays at the annual NCAA spring show on the square and at the annual NCAA Christmas show in November at the Rail Road depot in down town Newnan.

Kristina is a member of the Newnan-Coweta Art Association. NCAA meets the third Thursday each month (from September through May) at the Harriet Alexander Art Center on Hospital Road at 7:00 p.m. visitors and new members are welcome.
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Coweta County Commission passes new Ordinances

The Coweta County Commission passed two ordinances on January 26, 2009 that regulate adult, sexually-oriented products and businesses in the county.

The first is a new ordinance for sexually oriented businesses. This ordinance completely replaces the old one and, while similar, does have some specific differences.

The new sexually oriented businesses ordinance retains the threshold of 25% for a business to be considered an adult bookstore. However, it does not mention some of the items that were in the old ordinance because they are dealt with in the obscenity ordinance, and it more clearly defines the 25% rule. One of the goals of the ordinance is to “regulate. . . . sexually oriented business through a narrowly tailored ordinance designed to serve the substantial government interest in preventing the negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses.”

The ordinance does this by designating a business as an adult bookstore if it meets one of the following criteria:
- at least 25% of the displayed merchandise is characterized by the emphasis upon specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or
- At least 25% of the wholesale value of the displayed merchandise consists of the above mentioned items; or
- At least 25% of the retail value of the displayed merchandise consists of the above mentioned items; or
- At least 25% of the establishments revenues derive from the sale or rental, for any form of consideration, of the foregoing items; or
- At least 25% of the floor space for the display, sale and rental of the above mentioned items; or
- The establishment maintains at least 500 sq. ft. of its floor space for the display, sale, and/or rental of the foregoing items; or
- The establishment regularly offers for sale or rent at least 2000 of the foregoing items; or
- The establishment regularly features the foregoing items and advertises itself as a business that caters to adult sexual interests; or
- The establishment maintains an adult arcade.

The ordinance also changed the locations that are lawful for a sexually oriented business. The new ordinance requires that any sexually oriented business must be at least 1,000 feet from the parcel of any other sexually oriented business or any establishment licensed to sell alcohol at the premises. The ordinance also requires that any sexually oriented business be at least 1,000 feet from any parcel occupied by a school, religious institution, public park, recreation facility, licensed day-care center, or property used or zoned for residential purposes.

The second is a new obscenity ordinance. This is the first such ordinance for Coweta County. The state of Georgia had a similar statute that was struck down in 2006 because of its prohibition on advertising. The Coweta County ordinance does not address advertising and would therefore fall under other court cases approving obscenity laws similar to obscenity ordinance adopted by Coweta County. Because the State of Georgia has not yet replaced the state obscenity statute, it was appropriate for the county to include this regulation in our update of regulations regarding sexually oriented businesses.

Contrary to some earlier reports, this ordinance does NOT ban condoms or lubricants. This ordinance makes it unlawful for anyone to commercially “distribute or possess with the intent to distribute . . . any obscene material or any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs." Unlike sex toys, condoms are primarily used for contraception and disease. They are not, and cannot under governing law, be subject to the obscenity ordinance.

The ordinance defines “material” to includes magazines, videos, DVDs, etc., but requires that the specific material in question cross the line from indecent to legally obscene. The Coweta ordinance uses a commonly accepted definition of obscenity that has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

Both of these ordinances are designed to balance the interests of protected speech with the recognized community interests in preventing commercial distribution of obscenity and in controlling the negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses. The obscenity ordinance essentially replaces a Georgia law that was in effect for thirty years, and the sexually oriented business ordinance reflects an update to a similar ordinance passed almost ten years ago. The ordinances are supported by a number of studies showing the detrimental effects of sexually oriented businesses. More complete information on the studies can be found on the Coweta County Website.
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M*A*S*H at Newnan Community Theatre Company

A Mobile Army Surgical Unit from the Korean War has moved onto the Newnan Community Theatre Company's main stage for just six performances. M*A*S*H, the famous 4077th, is taking a brief tour in Newnan for the theatre's first show of their 2009 Season.

Richard Hooker wrote about his experiences as a surgeon during the Korean War. His book eventually became a movie, TV series, and play. Much loved and probably best well-known was the TV series, starring Alan Alda. The play (by Tim Kelly) features the characters now so famous - Hawkeye, Hot Lips Houlihan, Father Mulcahy, Trapper John, and Frank Burns.

One of the challenges for this production has been recreating Korean War-era barracks and hunting down older uniforms. The show is being directed by NCTC's managing director, Rick Olsen. This is Olsen's directorial debut. As a history buff and U.S. Air Force Retiree, Olsen was a good fit to direct this show.

The cast includes 25 adults, both NCTC veterans and newcomers. Darren Mathews, head of NCTC's Improv group, N.I.T.W.I.T.S., is portraying Hawkeye. JohnPaul Phillips is his buddy, Duke, and Chaz Ferguson is Trapper John. New to NCTC is John Chappell, portraying Col. Henry Blake. Also new to NCTC is Bill Monroe as Capt. Frank Burns. Last seen as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Sam Gentry is Father Mulcahy. NCTC veteran actor Amy Beachaum is Margaret Houlihan.

Rounding out the cast is Reynolds Allen (Gen. Hammond), Scott Pollak (Cap. Waldowski), Stephen Pye (Ugly), RaShaan Smith (Spearchucker), Jamie French (Sgt. Devine), Christian Pollak (Radar), Brian Walsh (Pvt Lopez), Duck Kingsenamongkhol (Ho-Jon), Judie Hardin (Bridget), Heather Hyde (Janice), Megan Martin (Louise), Sarah Jordan (Nancy), Renee Gentry (Mercy), Brenda Naughton (Ruth), Kristin Owens (Mitzi), Kelsey Gentry (Fritzi), and Ashlee Sims (Agnes).

M*A*S*H will be performed only six times. Opening night is Friday, January 23rd at 8 pm. Performances following are: Saturday, January 23 at 8 pm; Sunday, January 25 at 2:30 pm; Thurday, January 29 at 8 pm; Friday, January 30 at 8 pm; and Saturday, January 31 at 8 pm.

Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the theatre at (770) 683-6282. You can purchase tickets in advance by visiting their website at newnantheatre.com. Newnan Community Theatre Company is located at 24 First Avenue in downtown Newnan.
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Senator Seabaugh to Host Page Day at Capitol

State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) will host his annual Page Day at the Capitol for students from his district, sixth grade and above, on Thursday, February 12, 2009. The students will serve as pages for the Senate on that day.

“I encourage students, particularly those interested in civics and government, to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to experience the legislative process first-hand,” Sen. Seabaugh said. “This is a chance for students to experience American politics and watch the state legislature work.”

Pages are granted access to the Senate Chamber for the day and are responsible for delivering messages to the senators on the floor. They may also be called on by senators to run special errands. Each page is sponsored by their local senator. They will receive a certificate, $10 honorarium and are scheduled to have their pictures taken with Lt. Governor Cagle and Senator Seabaugh.

Parents and teachers who would like to nominate students to serve as pages should contact Sen. Seabaugh’s office at 404-656-6446. Students must be 12 years of age or older. The day will count as an excused absence from school. Please submit any page requests as soon as possible. There are only five slots that remain available this year and students will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.
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Bring One for the Chipper

If your family enjoys a live, cut Christmas tree, do your part to keep it beneficial to us all – bring it to the Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Drop Off. Trees are either chipped into mulch OR are used to provide habitat and protection for fish in area lakes and rivers. This keeps the trees out of landfills and keeps them useful.

Drop off dates:

Saturday, January 3, 2009 – Coweta County Temple Avenue Recreation Facility (the Old Fairgrounds) 9 am – 4 pm
December 29 – January 3 – All 12 Coweta County Compactor sites (hours and locations at http://www.coweta.ga.us/Index.aspx?page=368 )

Seedlings will be given to all who bring in a tree – but only at the Temple Avenue location where Coweta 4-Hers will be assisting.
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