18 JAN 07: SAM I AM?

Before we get to our main topic: warm greetings to those of you who are reading our blog at the Hurtsboro post office! We understand we're being printed out and posted there now - which makes me thankful I don't post my picture here as well.

More on the Hurtsboro hubbub later.... but FIRST:

"Your Sam's Club is moving to better serve you!" So said the promotional mailing I received a few days ago. But if I live downtown, and you're moving the club farther north, how does that better serve me? It is because you've put a gas station outside the new store, to make up the difference?

The new Sam's Club officially has its grand opening near Columbus Park Crossing today. But it actually opened for customers Wednesday morning -- with an "exclusive business preview." That failed effort to start a sports league still is paying small dividends....

The mailing from Sam's Club included a "one-day guest pass" to the building, with a ten-percent markup "service fee" on anything I would buy. But the biggest attraction to me was a "complimentary continental breakfast." The equation is simple: Single Guy + Free Food = Schedule Change.

The new Sam's Club is located on Whittlesey Boulevard, just past the intersection with Weems Road. The new Wal-Mart SuperCenter is next door, and will open next week. But be warned -- parking could be confusing at least, and messy at worst. That's because the parking spaces have more angles than some champion billiard players.

I turned right at what appeared to be the first entrance to Sam's Club from Whittlesey Boulevard -- and quickly found that was a big mistake. It's apparently an exit only, with lots of stripes where the entryway should be. I wound up going backwards on a couple of lanes leading to parking spaces -- which made me feel guilty, although most Columbus drivers probably won't care.

After finding a parking space without wrecking, I walked to the door of Sam's Club with my preview card. Amazingly, no one was at the front door or foyer tables to check me at about 9:15 a.m. For all they knew, I might have been an ordinary run-of-the-mill shopper....

Sam's Club promises "warehouse savings" on all sorts of items, from groceries to business supplies. But the first thing which struck me Wednesday was what was placed closest to the door -- shelves filled with high-definition and flat-screen TV sets. Customers won't want to leave the business waiting rooms, with those things everywhere.

Not far away was a display of Bose speakers for my computer. They're supposed to be acoustically superior, like those "wave radios" Paul Harvey has offered for years -- although I've wondered why you'd need such a pricy radio to hear him read the news.

The music played through Bose speakers didn't sound that different from the computer speakers I have -- the ones I only turn on when I must, to save on electricity. I only find them absolutely vital when I'm playing Windows "3D Pinball."

I'd been in Sam's Clubs a couple of times before, and knew part of the fun is the free food samples around the store. I picked up a microwave cheese stick, a slice of Atlanta Cheesecake, half a Snickers bar - and amazingly, none of that was the continental breakfast.

I was given a certificate as I entered for a free vision screening at the Sam's Club optical center. But when I went there, a woman walked me halfway across the store to a table I'd already visited for free lens cleaning. My vision HAD to be OK, because I read the instructions on the certificate perfectly....

After I read a couple of lines of letters with my glasses on, I was told my vision is 20/30 in my right eye. This means my right eye is weaker than my left. Don't tell my friends at church that - because I think some of them suspect I'm left-leaning already.

The Sam's Club "business preview" featured a table with office supplies. I couldn't help asking a man about a shredder on a table, "Is that the official shredder of the Government Center?"

But the big issue for me at a store like Sam's Club is the bottom line. Do you really save money with "warehouse club pricing?" I scribbled down some random prices:

+ Bananas in a bag: 98 cents. This might be worth buying, simply for the novelty of seeing bagged bananas in the produce section.

+ Ground chuck in a case: $1.41 per pound. That's pretty good - but frozen ground turkey at the new Wal-Mart will cost you 13 cents less, and be better for your bloodstream.

+ Diet Coke: a four-pack of two-liter bottles for $4.23. The Wal-Mart brand would save me more than $1.50 - and can you really tell them apart, over ice?

+ "Joint Juice Plus:" $18.88. This was in the health department - but I thought they only sold this stuff at nightclubs.

+ Walnut grill: $1,000. At that price, who would dare roll it off an enclosed porch -- even on a sunny day?

+ Sam's Club regular unleaded gasoline: $2.13 a gallon. Prices are drifting lower than that on the other side of Columbus - but where are the Kohl's and Sears stores down there?

I decided Wednesday what I had concluded several years ago, when it comes to Sam's Club -- it's not really for me. The "savings" really aren't that much. And I live in a relatively small apartment -- so buying items by the case eventually would mean I'd have no room for my legs under the kitchen table.

Oh yes, about that continental breakfast - it was served in the Sam's Club "café," and offered a nice mix of items. I enjoyed fruit, apple juice and chocolate chip muffins. But would you call Sam's Club to order a 16-inch large pizza for $7.97? Little Caesar's is a little lower....

E-MAIL UPDATE: Now we head back to Hurtsboro - and we knew one of Tuesday's e-mails would draw a response....

Richard:

I was pleased to see that a "concerned" citizen responded to my claims! I'm only disappointed that they weren't courageous enough to sign their name!

Now, let me clear up a couple of misquotes - and then get on to - as Joe Friday used to say. "The facts Maam; just the facts."

First of all, although accused - I'm not a racist - I've never attended a NASCAR event! And, I NEVER accused Micheal Bellamy of being a criminal!!! I merely said that he was imported to "Hurt"sboro to "sit" in on my particular trial. This is the second time that "Judge" white has called in outside help and recused himself when the cheese got too binding! So far, I've won one, and I'm still at the plate on the second one. Even if I lose, it will serve as an expose! I'm confused by the writer's statement of a possible civil action - since when are provable facts - grounds for litigation? And believe me! I have a stack of documents that I've been trying to get somebody to look at for more than two years!

Now, let me plead "guilty" or at least admit that some of the writer's claims are true. I've been labled unstable by some, especially when I point out the obvious. I've made many enemies in "Hurt"sboro's City Hall by uncovering the embezzlment of a large sum of municipal funds, asking for an audit of the Municipal Court, and questioning the employment of a police officer who wasn't qualified. There has been enough uncovered to warrant censure by the Ethics Commission and an action by the District Attorney! There's more, much more and I will gladly verify it - if I'm asked!

I also admit that I do live in a "Barn" and sleep in my kennel office. But I would wager a farthing that my domicile far exceeds the "Concerned" Resident's hovel!

The man who lays down with dogs

Constable R.J. Schweiger

I guess I put two of the Constable's messages together incorrectly. First he e-mailed the blog, suggesting two Hurtsboro city officials were "guilty of criminal acts." [4 Jan] Then he sent another e-mail, dropping the name of Michael Bellamy. Sometimes names can drift away from the spot where you're trying to drop them.

And uh-oh - who's bringing up a "race card" in Hurtsboro? If anyone is, the Constable may try to have that person arrested for gambling....

A Hurtsboro resident told me Wednesday R.J. Schweiger truly has made "many enemies" - and not merely at City Hall. He's reportedly been barred from almost every business in town, because he's threatened and filed so many lawsuits. This Constable sounds like a personal one-man armed gang -- only armed with court summonses.

This Hurtsboro resident, who is in a position to know, says R.J. Schweiger's real goal is for the Hurtsboro city government to be taken over by Russell County. Trouble is, Russell County Sheriff Tommy Boswell reportedly won't give Constable Schweiger any work to do. Boswell is apparently concerned the Constable might serve papers the way Jack Bauer enforces justice on "24."

In fact, this Hurtsboro resident does not want his/her name used because he/she is concerned R.J. Schweiger will come after them! The Constable might even call out the dogs - since we've now confirmed he has several.

By the way, Instant Message to Russell County Judge Michael Bellamy: Hi -- uh, your honor. We understand you're reading our blog now. I drive the speed limit as best I can when I'm in Phenix City - really.

We'll ring the bell to end today's round there - and move on to Tuesday's big vote at Columbus Council:

That settlement related to the Walker case is outrageous. Three men were detained four hours; that works out to over $10,000 an hour! I would volunteer for jail time at that rate! Granted, these men didn't "volunteer," but they did travel in a car matching the description.... which seems reasonably to give probable cause.

Note that the men had an incentive to settle. The lawyer usually gets a smaller share by contingency (e.g., 20% instead of 33%), and his expenses are fewer than if he took it to trial. Moreover, the full circumstances about the night would come out in testimony.

At least Councilors McDaniel and Davis have sense. The rest ought to find some "private funding" to pay off the men similar to how the Library Board discovered some funding to cover their breach of contract with the renowned painted-garbage sculptor.

Double-checking the math: if each of the three men is paid $125,000, they'll actually be paid more than $30,000 an hour. That's a scale almost on the order of what major league baseball teams are paying relief pitchers.

The city of Columbus has a special "reserve fund" for situations such as this settlement. In fact, wasn't a commercial jingle made about that? You know -- "Living off the grand reserve is what life was meant to be."

Our last e-mail is about one particular member of Columbus Council, whom we mentioned here Tuesday:

There is no medical degree required for some symptoms. Ms. Evelyn Turner-Pugh's Parkinsons has been visible to anyone that watched or attended a council meeting. I am glad to see how well she handles it and that she finally felt comfortable enough to announced it.

We certainly do wish the Mayor Pro-Tem well. Maybe she'll follow the lead of another person with Parkinson's disease -- and if she keeps winning elections, she'll join Muhammad Ali as an honorary captain at sports events.

We thank all of you who write us - and now we'll write a little more about Wednesday news:

+ GPB's "Lawmakers" reported Rep. Calvin Smyre of Columbus has flown to Washington, to lobby for full federal funding of health care programs such as PeachCare. He'd better hurry - because once House Democrats finish their "100-hour" agenda, they may be too tired to approve anything for weeks.

+ WRBL found a group of homeless people living under the Second Avenue Bridge. The city planned to put an eight-foot-high fence around the bridge, but Mayor Jim Wetherington has ordered that stopped for at least a month. This is amazing -- as the heart of the "Big Chief" actually seems to melt when the weather turns colder.

+ An executive with Sandman, Inc. told the evening news he tried to contact city revenue officials several times, about paying old landfill fees. But efforts to reach Craig Strain were unsuccessful - leading me to wonder if that shredder in his office had any pink strips, for phone messages.

+ Phenix City officials announced Stadium Drive will be widened, around South Railroad Drive. There will be more room for school buses in the morning and afternoon -- and a lot more room for drivers, as they head to a Wal-Mart SuperCenter about to lose a lot of business.

+ Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue proposed a $20.2 billion budget, saying it includes a three-percent raise for teachers. Does that mean their gift card next summer will have an extra $1.50 on it?

+ Clayton State swept Columbus State in a basketball doubleheader. The Cougar men's team played without a star player - who not only fractured his ankle, but somehow made WDAK announcer Scott Miller sick in the process.

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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© 2003-07 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.

17 JAN 07: PAST, LESS TENSE

Three-day weekends allow plenty of time to rest - but it also allows plenty of time for news to build up. Several big stories gushed out Tuesday like a volcano. And when our own breaking news gets shoved way down the page, the other stuff MUST be big....

Let's start with a big move in the Kenneth Walker case. Columbus Council voted 8-2 Tuesday to settle a lawsuit with the three men who were in a car with Walker on that fateful night in 2003. None of the four turned out to have drugs - but three of them could wind up with enough money to be tempted by them.

The three men with Kenneth Walker claimed their rights were violated, because Columbus authorities held them for four hours without charging them. But those three should have looked on the bright side - they could have been at a base in Cuba for four years.

City Attorney Clifton Faye recommended the city pay $125,000 to each of the three men in the car. He said that will save money, compared to how much the city could lose if a federal civil rights lawsuit goes to trial. Recalling what a grand jury decided about David Glisson, Fay must think it's the city's turn to lose in court.

Attorney Joseph Wiley spoke for the three plaintiffs, saying they decided to settle the case so Columbus can heal after the Kenneth Walker controversy. This may have surprised some people -- since the case has been out of the headlines so long, they thought the healing already happened.

(You may recall it was Joseph Wiley who called for a "cooling-off period" in the Kenneth Walker tension, after civil rights groups came close to boycotting Riverfest in 2005. Now he's worked out a legal settlement for three of Walker's friends. So can he donate some of his "cut" to help Riverfest reopen next year?)

But not every member of Columbus Council was in a mood to settle the lawsuit. Red McDaniel said he saw no reason to spend money on a settlement, if a jury didn't order the city to pay it. It looks like he's out of the running to promote Georgia Power's "Project Share" program.

Councilor Glenn Davis agreed that the city should NOT settle, and let the civil rights lawsuit go to trial. He declared Columbus residents could live with the decision of a jury. Oh really?! Have most people nationwide done that with the O.J. Simpson trial?

On the other hand, Councilor Wayne Anthony said continuing the civil rights lawsuit would leave a "negative component on our city." In more than three years, I've never heard the Kenneth Walker case compared with stereo systems before....

In one of his first comments as a Columbus Councilor, Jerry "Pops" Barnes said the city should admit "a wrong was done" in December 2003. I'm not sure a $125,000 settlement officially does that. I don't recall Sheriff Ralph Johnson even giving one of those "mistakes were made" speeches.

This settlement does NOT end the Kenneth Walker case completely. There's still a civil suit pending, filed by Walker's family against former deputy/shooter David Glisson. Based on what I've heard, Glisson remains unemployed - and he might wind up doing odd jobs for the family, to pay any damages.

CLASSIC BLOG: Another attorney represented Kenneth Walker's fellow passengers when the controversy erupted. We noted this when we attended a protest meeting, for the 6 Jan 04 blog entry:

Montgomery attorney Dwayne Brown represents the three other men with Kenneth Walker on the night their car was stopped on I-185. He wants a "special prosecutor" brought in from outside Columbus to handle the investigation. Someone should tell him that strategy didn't stop the property tax freeze.

Dwayne Brown argued the District Attorney's office can't be impartial in the Kenneth Walker case, because that office has to be linked with law enforcement to prosecute other cases. He makes a good point. So far there's no TV show called "Law WITHOUT Order."

Dwayne Brown also hinted the still-unnamed deputy who shot Kenneth Walker may have used excessive force once before. If they try to make spanking children an issue in this....

BLOG UPDATE: Back in the present and back at Columbus Council, City Manager Isaiah Hugley released a list Tuesday of which businesses are behind in paying landfill fees. They're actually more than "businesses" - because the Muscogee County School District owes almost $49,000. Is THAT what happened to all those missing textbooks?

A five-page report on companies behind in landfill fees shows the biggest tab was run up by The Sandman, at more than $324,000. Before some of you become enraged and demand tough punishment - I really don't want that giant trash bin outside my bedroom window again.

Several companies and agencies are surprisingly behind at least 60 days in their landfill fees:

+ Columbus State University. The Riverpark campus DID open three months later than planned, after all....

+ Dolly Madison. I wondered what happened to Hostess cupcakes, when the curly icing didn't come out quite right.

+ Georgia Power. "Always on" doesn't mean always on time.

+ Green Island Country Club. Why don't they simply recycle the golf balls from the water hazards, and sell them in the pro shop?

So who's to blame for the landfill fee-asco? A report from Muscogee County Sheriff Ralph Johnson finally went public Tuesday - as District Attorney Gray Conger said he'll file no charges "at this time." Perhaps closer to next year's primary, that could change....

Sheriff Ralph Johnson's investigation reveals former Revenue Division manager Craig Strain may have shredded documents in his office, days before leaving city employment. But the city has NO written rules on destroying documents - so for all we know, there may no longer be any proof Jim Wetherington won the mayoral election.

The Sheriff was unable to determine whether then-city Finance Director Angela Cole knew about what Craig Strain was doing. Strain reportedly wanted to resign a couple of times, but Cole wouldn't let him - in a classic case of Strained relations.

The Sheriff's investigation traced the problem with uncollected landfill fees back to 2003 - and then-City Manager Carmen Cavezza reportedly knew about it. If any of you want to get even with Cavezza for this, he's accepting the "One Columbus" award for unity at a dinner Thursday night.

Sheriff Ralph Johnson even found a case from five years ago, where a city finance employee wrote two bad checks to the city. This woman obviously is in the wrong job. She should work for the federal government, where deficit spending is allowed.

Despite all this, the District Attorney says evidence of negligence by city workers does NOT mean any crime was committed. We'll now see if any Columbus state lawmakers introduce bills to outlaw laziness and stupidity by municipal employees.

Former Mayor Bob Poydasheff said Tuesday night he agrees with Gray Conger's decision NOT to file charges. He noted Angela Cole was demoted from Finance Director, after "landfill-gate" became public knowledge last year. But if our e-mail is any indication, some people won't be happy until someone is "Cole-fired."

E-MAIL UPDATE: Let's get away from all these Columbus scandals -- and head to another place with some, in Russell County:

Richard,

Just wanted to let you know that Bob Scheiger is a convicted criminal. He has been convicted of practicing law without a license in the Hurtsboro Municipal Court. He has appealed this conviction. He has made numerous accusations against many people in this town from the guy who owns the hardware store to the guy that owns the only gas station in town, to the police department and also the mayor. Unfortunately he doesn't get his facts right before he starts spewing his venom. If he continues on the path he is going he will not only be a convicted criminal but he will also be sued for what little he does have. By the way the man lives in a barn and sleeps on top of a dog kennel. He needs to get help and stop harassing the good people of Hurtsboro.

A concerned citizen of Hurtsboro

So let me get this straight - you're saying the "Constable" is a con, and not very stable?!

This e-mailer DOES have his/her facts right - as your blog confirmed Tuesday Constable Robert Schweiger faces a February 6 arraignment in Russell County Court. He was found guilty in Hurtsboro Municipal Court in November not only of an unauthorized law practice, but contempt of court -- which could mean he doesn't have much future in mediation work, either.

First of all, I'm a bit surprised Hurtsboro even HAS a Municipal Court. As small a town as that is -- does it meet at the hardware store, with a hammer used instead of a gavel?

We went to the Russell County Courthouse to check the records on Constable Robert Schweiger - and a poster on the court clerk's office window noted the staff is barred from giving legal advice. The Alabama Chief Justice says it's against state law. So is the Constable in trouble, for telling someone to sue the gas station owner?

The court report suggests Constable Robert Schweiger actually was arrested in November. If I read it correctly, he had to post a $552 bond. Perhaps it's one dollar for every resident of Hurtsboro he's accused of breaking the law.

The court records also revealed Constable Robert Schweiger is 76, and filed a small claims court case two years ago against Hurtsboro Mayor Shirley Tarver. It did NOT say anything about him living in a barn -- but I keep waiting to hear about how BRAC at Fort Benning will bring new subdivisions to Hurtsboro.

The upcoming Russell County arraignment reminds me of a Robert Schweiger e-mail which I have NOT posted here [4 Jan] -- the one naming two people he considers "criminals." Perhaps it's time to name one of the people he's accusing: Russell County Judge Michael Bellamy. Bellamy can recuse himself, ignore the accusation completely - or clear Schweiger, and leave his jaw dragging the floor.

It happens that on the day we heard from this "concerned citizen," the controversial Constable wrote us again:

Richard:

You may recall my admission of total surprise and gratitude when I found that you had mentioned my name on your BLOG. That euphoria was eclipsed by your announcement that I was your "Official "Hurt"sboro Correspondent!

" That announcement prompts one to ask? "Why does anyone need news from "Hurt"sboro?" Here's the answer.

"Hurt"sboro's problems are about to become Russell County's problems! That means folks all over the County will have to dig into their pockets and County Agencies will be splitting their resources to include the needs of "Hurt'sboro's citizens! County Officials are quite aware of the impending disaster (I've warned them) and they sure don't want it to happen!

The doomsdayers are saying; "Let it Happen!' I hold the veiw; "That it is never too late!" Only time will tell who is right.

There are many reasons that this situation exists, but the primary cause is; "mare" Tarver and the City Council. Since publicity seems to be the only thing that gets the "mare's" attention and stirs outside agencies to act - it's time to air the dirty laundry, and sweep out City Hall.

I've been fortunate enough to espouse my views on the OPINION pages of several area newspapers, but I'm certain your BLOG reaches out to a lot more people.

Thanks!

Constable R.J. Schweiger

OK, your Constableship -- we're airing that dirty laundry right here. And we hope you realize that even the accusers might be wearing some....

I can almost predict what R.J. Schweiger will write us about what we're posting today. He'll call the two counts against him "trumped up," in an effort to silence him. But the way things are going, maybe all sides will be convicted - and the entire population of Hurtsboro will fill the Russell County Jail.

At this point, we must make an important disclosure. Constable Robert Schweiger is a "blog patron." He's sent a financial donation to this blog, just as anyone is welcome to do. But we post e-mails from our readers, whether they donate or not. And what we've posted today is rooted in an old message of truth from the Beatles - money can't buy you love.

If you're ready for a break after all of this, I don't blame you - so stretch your legs, and come back for some other brief notes from Tuesday:

+ Fort Benning Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan appeared on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," and claimed Iraqi army commanders are pocketing paychecks from "ghost soldiers" - personnel who were killed in action or went AWOL. If any soldiers really have become ghosts, they're not scaring the insurgents very well at all.

+ Arthur Sumbry Junior was sworn in, as Russell County's new coroner. He makes history for two reasons. He's the first African-American coroner in Russell County - and he's probably the first coroner who dares to call himself by the nickname "Pee Wee." [True!}

+ Developers of The Phenixian project on the Phenix City riverfront announced it's on schedule to begin construction in June. The condominium building will be ten stories high - so if kayaking in the Chattahoochee River doesn't prove adventurous enough for tourists, they could try platform diving.

(Developers added The Phenixian condominiums will have a hot tub and barbecue grills. This may prove awkward for some east Alabama residents - as their instinct would tell them to fill the tub with ice, beer and soda.)

+ The Broadway musical "The Producers" opened a three-night stand at the RiverCenter. How frustrating this must be for the audience - as "Springtime for Hitler" comes to town at the same time real winter weather returns.

+ Georgia football coach Mark Richt shared his Christian testimony on a Billy Graham TV special. Richt revealed before becoming a coach, he was fired from a bartending job. Maybe he thought a "CC and Seven" required kicking an extra point.

+ Congratulations to Margaret Johnson, who marked 50 years of work at WRBL! And they say there's no job security in the television business. If you simply answer phones and handle paperwork instead of going on the air, you're fine....

SCHEDULED THURSDAY: E-mail about the Mayor Pro-Tem.... and our day of "clubbing"....

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, make a PayPal donation, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 3460 (+ 81, 2.4%)

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© 2003-07 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.

16 JAN 07: DAY OF DISCOVERIES

Sometimes you go to an event for one thing, and wind up taking home many others. That happened to me Monday, when I attended the Martin Luther King Day "Unity Service." And no, I didn't see anyone selling souvenir T-shirts with King's picture on them - as this is Columbus, not Atlanta.

It's easiest for me to simply list the discoveries I made during Monday's service at Metropolitan Baptist Church....

1. The new Columbus Mayor Pro-Tem has Parkinson's Disease. Evelyn Turner Pugh said so, as she offered official greetings from the city government. And her left hand shook as she said it - with no sign that she'd crushed her hand on a door.

"It's a mild case," Evelyn Turner Pugh explained to the audience. "I don't let it slow me down." Indeed - as I never noticed her showing signs of Parkinson's before, at Columbus Council meetings or the downtown bank where she works. In fact, a little hand-shaking might straighten out some of those crinkled dollar bills.

When I asked around about Evelyn Turner Pugh's condition Monday, one person told me there was some doubt she would accept the Mayor Pro-Tem position last week. But she's taking on the duty, even with Parkinson's -- which may confirm her once and for all in Columbus as a "mover and a shaker."

Evelyn Turner Pugh joins other public officials who have served while battling Parkinson's Disease. Take former Attorney General Janet Reno, who didn't let the disability become a personal weakness. Or have you noticed how she was never romantically linked to former President Clinton?

2. Columbus city officials don't turn out in large numbers for King Day Unity Services. Evelyn Turner Pugh stood in for Mayor Jim Wetherington. The only other Councilor there was Wayne Anthony - and no, he did NOT announce he's running for mayor in 2010.

3. At least one Muscogee County School Board member is feeling a bit guilty. James Walker admitted during the service he felt convicted by the "Unity Breakfast" earlier in the day -- and now wants to become "a man of more action." I didn't realize he was abstaining on so many school board votes.

James Walker encouraged the audience to become involved in the Columbus tutorial programs started by the late Lonnie Jackson. As Walker put it: "The district can't do it all...." Somehow, the "No Child Left Behind" program doesn't seem to agree with this....

4. Bus rides in Columbus used to cost ten cents. I learned this during remarks by Archbishop Horace Leonard of "Miracle Deliverance, the Triumph Dominion Church & Ministries Worldwide, Inc." -- a church name that's more like ten dollars than ten cents.

Horace Leonard recalled the efforts years ago to allow integrated dining in Columbus, at stores such as H.L. Green and Kresge. Today, of course, everything has changed. H.L. Green is out of business -- and Church's Chicken doesn't even bother putting restaurants north of 23^rd Street.

5. Even though Martin Luther King Day is now a holiday, some people still have trouble getting to the noon-hour service on time. Perhaps when Metropolitan Baptist Church finally builds a parking lot, a place can be reserved for the President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

6. Some church pastors have an amazing knowledge of popular music. The guest speaker at the Unity Service certainly did. Why, Pastor C. McGill Brown ripped off more words to "Rapper's Delight" than I've heard anyone do in years.... [True!]

C. McGill Brown is a pastor in Savannah, who used to attend Columbus College. He recalled how he used to join classmates for football on Sundays at Lakebottom Park. Nowadays, they might be more likely to gather down the street at Loco's to follow fantasy football teams.

C. McGill Brown brought a unique perspective to this year's King Day message - because he was born in 1969, one year after Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated. You know you're officially old when the church pastor is ten years younger than you are....

But I digress: C. McGill Brown said the church he pastors in Savannah was visited by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963. In fact, King presented excerpts from his "I Have a Dream" speech there - one month before it was given in full in Washington. So even preachers back then practiced the idea of "test marketing."

C. McGill Brown's focus was on teaching the next generation about the Martin Luther King legacy. But he offered other "aside" comments as well - gaining big applause at one point when he criticized pants worn below the waist. Yup, this truly was a Baptist church....

7. WRBL's Teresa Whitaker seems to show up at the Unity Service all the time - but very seldom does a photographer show up with her. Maybe she's keeping a hidden camera in her purse.

8. Away from the Unity Service, I was reminded that some people kept working on the Martin Luther King holiday. Construction workers finished up loose ends on the Columbus State University "Riverpark" campus downtown. At least, I'm assuming that - although maybe some performance artists are tearing apart the new building already, as a comment against educational elitism.

E-MAIL UPDATE: Since we're still in a "King Day" mode, here's a message about our Monday entry:

I enjoyed learning about Judge Johnson's contribution to the movement.

I do wonder why you chose to express "surprise" that he was a GOP supporter/member. Is your observation based on the fact that the Dems had a lock on the politics of Alabama and the South generally, or is it that an "eeeeevil" Republican would side with King and the NAACP?

If it is the latter, I wish to remind you that it was the Republican minority in Congress that consistently voted to support the advances in civil rights and the Democrats (especially those from Dixie) who fought this each step of the way - even upon JFK's demise.

If not for the GOP's overwhelming support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, LBJ (the great Majority Leader who failed to advance the rights agenda whilst in Congress) would have had nothing to sign.

So, Richard, please 'splain yourself.

Best,

Ed Joyce

Watch your "Ed-iting," Mr. Joyce. I didn't say I was surprised that Frank Johnson was a Republican. I wrote "YOU may be surprised." If you're not - well, this is a blog, not an episode of "Lost."

Given the way civil rights debates are framed across the U.S. today, I think some people would be surprised to find a "young Republican" was in Martin Luther King's corner 50 years ago. But remember, the G.O.P. is the party of Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, J.C. Watts - and where was Georgia pizza magnate Herman Cain in the last election, anyway?

Now before I fall asleep watching NBC's new yawningly-quiet "Poker After Dark," let's check other Monday items:

+ The high temperature in Columbus was 76 degrees F. I'd never gone running outdoors in the morning on King Day before, but this year I did -- and remember, running outside truly IS "free at last."

+ A new Red Robin Gourmet Burgers restaurant opened near Columbus Park Crossing. With a name like Red Robin, you'd think they would wait until March or April for the grand opening - but maybe the managers knew something about this warm winter that no one else did.

+ The Yahoo Real Estate web site showed a developer is offering five-bedroom homes in the new River Crest subdivision on River Road for $586,000. How wealthy do they think the Kia workers in West Point will be?

+ Bob Riley was inaugurated for a second term as Alabama governor. His speech was short on specific plans, but long on emphasizing courage - even saying parents showed courage by sending their children to school. If that sounds far-fetched, remember: dropouts can hold a lot of peer pressure.

+ ESPN's "SportsCenter" went to Tuscaloosa to interview new Alabama football coach Nick Saban. Saban revealed former coach Gene Stallings called him a couple of weeks ago, encouraging him to take the job. The reporter should have asked if Mike Dubose and Mike Price called Saban as well....

COMING THIS WEEK: This Hurtsboro thing is about to get very ugly.... and a sneak peek at a new Columbus club....

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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15 JAN 07: THE OTHER BIG FRANK

A happy Martin Luther King Day to you. This could have been the fourth three-day holiday weekend in a row - but for some reason, the calls for making Elvis Presley's January 8 birthday a national holiday never caught on.

Did your church congregation do anything special this weekend to remember M.L.K. Day? He never came up in the place where I worship. Some people consider the holiday a bit like Labor Day - a day given to the liberals, to balance out Memorial Day and Veterans Day for flag-waving conservatives.

The calendar on our announcement table at church didn't have much written on it in 2006. A teenager noted Labor Day was when Steve Irwin was killed. And someone else wrote on October 30: "BIRTHDAY, FRANK M. JOHNSON, TRUE FATHER OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT." No, we didn't mark that day, either - and to be evenhanded, we didn't mark Halloween the next day.

I think I know who wrote in the birthday of Frank Johnson. The man told me about Johnson a year or two ago, when I wished him a happy King Day. It was the first I'd heard of Johnson -- and I actually tried to pay attention to those "Black History Month" messages they used to show on TV.

It turns out Frank Minis Johnson was a white man -- a federal judge from central Alabama. "He did more to advance the civil rights movement than Doctor King ever did," my friend at church told me. And here's the most amazing thing - my friend is African-American. It's as strange as today's Atlanta M.L.K. anniversary featuring Senator Saxby Chambliss.

I did a Wikipedia search this weekend to see if my friend was right about Judge Frank Johnson. Sure enough, his biography features a Bill Moyers quote that he "altered forever the face of the South." But then again, so did whoever decided to build the Aflac tower on Wynnton Road....

Judge Frank Johnson actually made the cover of "Time" magazine for some of his rulings in Alabama. One of his first decisions was to order the integration of Montgomery's public transportation system in 1956. Well, it actually WAS integrated back then - because all races were allowed on the same buses, only with different seats.

It was Judge Frank Johnson who used a Macon County, Alabama case to order the desegregation of Alabama's public schools in 1963. I'm not sure if Tuskegee University has achieved racial balance yet, but....

It was Judge Frank Johnson who ordered the Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights march to proceed in 1965. He overruled Governor George Wallace, even though they went to law school together at the University of Alabama. Somewhere, Don Siegelman may be feeling a little bit of deja vu.

And it was Judge Frank Johnson who ruled in 1966 that Alabama's "poll tax" was unconstitutional. Democrats truly were in charge of state politics then - even putting taxes on some people's votes.

Given those rulings, you may be surprised to learn Judge Frank Johnson was a Republican. He was a delegate to the party's convention in 1948, only to be nominated for F.B.I. Director by President Carter almost 30 years later. Considering George Wallace's son is now a Republican, maybe political power hasn't changed as much in Alabama as we thought.

My friend at church would tell you without Judge Frank Johnson's rulings, Martin Luther King's marches and protests would have amounted to nothing. I contend without the King marches and protests, Judge Frank Johnson would have had nothing to rule on. It's probably a "chicken-and-egg" argument - and in the South, it's still more likely to happen on radio talk shows than at church.

But my friend has a valid point about the civil rights movement in general. The reforms which took place in this country since 1954 have been almost entirely due to rulings by white judges. From schools in Topeka and Little Rock to polling places in the South - why, all those judges could be listed on a single Taylor County plaque.

So if you're a white person who still isn't sure what to do about this holiday after more than 20 years, maybe you should think today about the white judges who ruled in Martin Luther King Junior's favor. They assisted in that dream - and they were sly enough to dodge all the batons and fire hoses.

By the way, you may have read or heard that all banks are closed for M.L.K. Day - but that's not so. The SunTrust branch inside the Bradley Park Drive Publix store is open. A sign posted inside says it's "as a convenience to our customers." As high-priced as some items at Publix are, I guess this makes sense....

E-MAIL UPDATE: Sometimes readers combine several of our topics into one message. That saves disk space, you know....

Richard, I was rather surprised to read your disrespectful comments about Ft. Mitchell. Do you realize how many of our military heroes are buried in the VA cemetery there? Since they are unable to complain to you I thought I would do it for them!

And about those area civilians who got their pictures taken with the President at Ft. Benning - I wonder if they had to pay (donate) the usual $5,000 or was it that they had already donated the $5,000 before the visit and that's why they got invited.

And why should the city of Columbus give the companies that are delinquent with their landfill fees 60 days or more before charging a late fee? The average citizen has to pay late fees to their credit card companies if they are one day late! And how about the average citizen having to pay late fees and penalties for paying their property taxes late, or their utility bills late? Sounds to me like the city officials are giving one group (landfill users) a break!

Glad to see that Doug Kellett is reading your blog. Many of us out there in radio-land are still waiting patiently for WRCG management to get smart and put him back on the air. Have they forgotten how popular his talk show was for years? The L-E article reported that WRCG was losing money and that's why they had to let one employee go. Do they not understand that a popular talk show host could bring them many more advertisers which would lead to increased revenue?

Thanks for letting me vent.

Sincerely, One of your" West Columbus" (Alabama) readers

Starting from the top: I have nothing against the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery [12 Jan]. But by comparison, Fort Benning has much more than a cemetery. It has thousands of soldiers and a nice PX. Fort Mitchell has a scenic back-door entrance to Benning - but when I drove there recently, I didn't even see a Spectrum store.

It would be interesting to know all the civilians who made the "pass list" for lunch with President Bush. News reporters from places large and small were there -- but alas, your blog was not invited. Maybe if I added links to Fox News and the Drudge Report....

This reader may not realize "grace periods" such as 60 days for landfill payments are commonplace in the business world. I've dealt with it in my online ventures - where if you're impatient with a customer, you may wind up without one.

(Hasn't this reader heard the commercials where stores offer "90 days, same as cash?" I've actually thought about going to these stores, and trying to buy something with three calendar pages.)

As for Doug Kellett: that "endorsement" quote we post from time to time admittedly is several months old. Since he's no longer on WRCG, he may not read this blog anymore. Or then again, he may be using our jokes on other radio stations - knowing we can't tune them in.

If Doug Kellett really WAS popular, WRCG wouldn't have abandoned him last year in less than six months. I'm told "TalkLine" had much better ratings than his afternoon talk show. Of course, my source for that information is Robbie Watson - and we all know how unbiased she is....

The thought occurred over the weekend that with WRCG's continuing signal problems, maybe it should copy other "talk radio" stations and simulcast its signal on FM. But Archway Broadcasting has three successful FM stations now, so which one would have to change? Should they swap "Bob and Sheri" for Robbie and Harry?

If all that is not enough to ponder on a holiday weekend, here's some more from the weekend....

+ The high temperature in Columbus reached 74 degrees F., just below the record set in 1950. This was before I was born - so did anyone at Auburn University complain about global warming way back then?

+ WYBU TV-16's "Public Agenda" featured two Columbus natives who appear in the new movie, "Stomp the Yard." I admittedly don't go to movies much anymore - but I'm amazed garden clubs and landscapers haven't raised objections to this film.

+ Atmore, Alabama police reported a man was shot in an argument -- an argument about the height of the late singer James Brown. Maybe if Brown had rejected the nickname "Godfather of Soul," we wouldn't have had violence like this.

+ The Columbus State University cheerleading team did well at a national meet in Orlando. The "small co-ed" team finished second in the nation. The "large co-ed" team finished third. But I'm not sure how much weight the large team has to lose, to be considered small.

+ South Carolina embarrassed Alabama in women's basketball 95-35. Does Nick Saban REALLY have to make recruiting trips over the next three weeks?

+ Instant Message to Burger King: Maybe this is a personal subject, but I'm going to ask anyway. Why are the men in the Whopper household shaped like burgers, while the women look like ordinary people? Has anyone done genetic research into this?

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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14 JAN 07: LET'S GET GROWING

Today's title is borrowed from an old television and radio gardening show in Kansas City. We're applying it to Columbus, because a new report shows this area is in for strong economic growth in the next few years. The faster Mayor Wetherington decides the city budget needs a sales tax increase, the better....

The economic outlook comes from experts at the University of Georgia. They came to town Friday, and predicted the Columbus area will grow strongly over the next two years. The Fraternal Order of Police is wondering if the UGA group also brought an updated pay plan.

While the University of Georgia economists expect moderate growth nationwide this year and next, they believe Columbus will top that. The growth should be SO dramatic that.... well, have you seen all the trees budding around town this month?

If you follow the news at all, you can probably guess what will fuel the strong economic expansion in Columbus. There's Fort Benning and BRAC, the growth at Aflac, and the Kia plant's.... uh.... hey, Mr. Kia Executive! Come up with a car name which rhymes with BRAC and Aflac.

Put the big three projects together, and the University of Georgia projects 15,000 new jobs for the Columbus area in coming years. Let's all hope the local mills time their layoffs properly....

The University of Georgia experts say the troop shifts to Fort Benning will mean more than two billion dollars in new construction on post, and millions more off-post. You already can see signs of this -- although for some odd reason, they're building a Waffle House in Ladonia and NOT on Victory Drive.

One growth area you might not expect is in "hospitality." The University of Georgia experts say it will increase 25 percent in Columbus in the next few years -- so if you tried and failed to rent out your house for the 1996 Olympics, another chance could be coming.

Economists also note an interesting reversal of population trends. Retired people are moving to Georgia and Alabama, instead of going all the way to Florida. They can spot the effects of global warming as well as anybody....

In fact, the Eufaula Tribune had a story several months ago about fed-up Floridians moving to the Lake Eufaula area to escape hurricanes. How many of them called the Chamber of Commerce to complain, after a tornado hit Barbour County homes last week?

Mike Gaymon of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce says it was good to hear University of Georgia experts confirm what his office has been projecting. But I know there are still skeptics, who doubt the area will grow as much as projected -- and many of them probably will complain, when the roads in their neighborhoods suddenly become overcrowded.

Given this good economic news, it was no surprise that WRBL's Saturday night news showed an "opportunity fair" by the Society of Women Entrepreneurs. The goal was to prepare female business owners for all the coming growth. For instance: order plenty of items in khaki green for the Fort Benning families....

E-MAIL UPDATE: It's now official - we have a new correspondent in Hurtsboro, and he's writing us again:

Richard:

Sorry that you had to take extreme measures to obtain a copy of the "Citizen" [8 Jan] - but I'm glad you did! Look at it this way - it was much easier than a bumper push from "Hurt"sboro, and a better bargain to boot!

I've got a thought to run by you. There's a lot of conversation these days about discomfort and cruelty.in every aspect of modern day life - let me give an example.

If an individual goes fishing and lands a big fish; the Outdoor journals headline the acheivment, and PETA condemns it! What about the poor worm? Through no fault of its own it's caught between a rock and a hard place! If a fish doesn't swallow it, it's dumped along the shore for disposal by the birds.

The parable applies equally well to Journalists and "Whistle Blowers." If you tell it "like it is," your bound to make someone unhappy! I'm just a rookie at this "justice" business - but I've discovered that the process of going from the bottom up - stalls along the way. The process of going from the top down, never gets started. And, only a mixture of the two will sometimes succeed.

I giot my ears "boxed" today - for going over someone's head. They got the impression I was looking over their shoulder (I was) and they didn't like it! My patience had worn thin. I had waited almost two years on this particular matter; and I will not wait much longer to see it corrected!

I stuck my nose into this "slop" jar of my own volition - I expect to get some bumps and bruises along the way, and only time will determine the outcome. In the meantime, I'm going to arbitrate a cause for the worms.

Constable R.J. Schweiger

The Constable's parable has a flaw or two. For one thing, plenty of people fish with plastic bait these days - even though I haven't heard People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals stick up for earthworms.

So why can't a Russell County Constable look over someone's shoulder? The new mayor of Columbus has promised to do it, when necessary -- but then again, Jim Wetherington is the man in charge. Based on what I've heard and read about Hurtsboro, I'm not sure a constable is in charge of anything there.

Yes, patience is a virtue when it comes to resolving government problems. Remember, the Republicans waited more than five years before they impeached President Clinton.

We have one more e-mail -- and it's about the current President, who visited Fort Benning this past week:

The Atlanta Journal ,Fri paper,quoted Gen Wojdakowski as having told his troops they were not to talk about the Pres.speech...They are out putting their lives on the line to protect our Constitutional rights and yet they don't even have First Amendment rights...Where is the ACLU?

Rights? Do you really think soldiers have first amendment rights? This reminds me of a story my Pastor tells, of a teenager who became fed up with his parents' rules and orders at home - so he decided to get even with them. He ran off and joined the Marines....

I thought I saw a few Fort Benning soldiers on TV Thursday night, talking about the President's visit. But then, talking about his visit is different from talking about his speech -- and you don't dare criticize the Commander-in-Chief for being unable to pronounce "nuclear."

By the way, did you hear Mayor Jim Wetherington talk about what happened when he shook hands with President Bush? The "Big Chief" told WRBL the President said: "Me and Sanford [Bishop] have been talking about you." So what did they say? Do they think the mayor needs to loosen up, too?

The new mayor finds a place in other holiday weekend news....

+ The annual Martin Luther King Junior "Parade of Excellence" rolled through downtown Columbus and Phenix City. Mayor Jim Wetherington took part, saying, "I want to represent all the people of Columbus, Georgia." Someone needs to remind the new mayor he doesn't need to campaign anymore.

+ Tickets went on sale at the RiverCenter for a Taylor Hicks concert February 28. I assume Mayor Wetherington will be at this event, too - since he'd support anything involving a patrol, even if it's a "Soul Patrol."

+ The Columbus Symphony Orchestra staged a concert with the percussion group "Chix With Stix." I saw this name on a billboard, and thought it was a new item on the menu at Krystal.

+ The "Real Time" telecast on NBC-38 found Cascade Hills Church Pastor Bill Purvis interviewing and recommending a cardiologist -- in the middle of a sermon. I thought only the small-budget churches on AM radio did that, with sponsorships from beauty parlors and funeral homes.

+ The Columbus Civic Center hosted two nights of Pro Bull Riding. Or as they might call it on prime-time television - "Dancing With the Steers."

(I jogged by the Cow Palace Civic Center Friday afternoon, and could tell the PBR Tour had arrived. The smell gave it away - but thankfully, no waves of flies did.)

+ Georgia Tech head football coach Chan Gailey interviewed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Somehow, I don't think this is the right fit for him. Someone named "Gailey" would sound more appropriate in Miami than in Pittsburgh.

+ Instant Message to the Auburn Kroger store: You're kidding, right? I mean, selling Easter candy in mid-January - a month before Valentine's Day?! I know we've had a mild winter, but really....

BURKARD'S BEST BETS: Gas for $1.99 a gallon at Summit on U.S. 280 in south Opelika.... Parisian quitting-business discounts now at 40 to 60 percent.... and the Columbus Civic Center might be in the market for air freshener....

COMING MONDAY: Are we marking the wrong civil rights activist's birthday?....

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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12 JAN 07: TANKS FOR NOTHING?

Two big meetings in the Columbus area Thursday appeared different, but actually had some things in comment. Both involved top leaders with controversial ideas. Both had plenty of critics, accusing the leaders of making big mistakes. And both had "Forts" - although I think most people respect Fort Benning much more than Fort Mitchell.

Fort Benning was the focus of President Bush, during a five-hour visit Thursday. He tried to encourage Third Brigade soldiers for their upcoming mission in Iraq - but couldn't exactly come out and tell them directly they're going early, in March. That's the way to make the Sergeants do the dirty work.

A deployment schedule was posted on the Defense Department's web site, indicating the Third Brigade will be deployed in Iraq in March. But this may not be all bad. Soldiers can arrive just in time to celebrate the fourth anniversary of their invasion.

President Bush arrived at Fort Benning during the lunch hour, and he sat down to eat with soldiers in Freedom Hall. But then suddenly, the White House staff ordered TV cameras be turned off - because they don't want video shown of the President eating. Why not?! We already know there's a family history, against eating broccoli....

(But then again, remember when the President's father became ill at a state dinner in Japan? This may be a clever White House strategy against "The Daily Show" and David Letterman.)

The TV cameras came back on when President Bush spoke to the audience at Freedom Hall. Did you notice the man with glasses in a suit and tie, sitting with soldiers behind the President? It was Muscogee County Republican Party leader Rob Doll - as if Fort Benning soldiers are driving Nissan Sentras, instead of Humvees.

I'm told other noteworthy, non-military people from Columbus were at Fort Benning for lunch with the President:

+ Former Mayor Bob Poydasheff - making full use of his veterans' benefit.

+ Police Chief Ricky Boren - picking a curious time to recruit new officers.

+ Chamber of Commerce President Mike Gaymon - perhaps trying to encourage military spouses to get autographs of the President, then open collectors' shops.

The President focused in his speech on the upcoming buildup of U.S. military personnel in Iraq. He admitted events in 2006 did not turn out as he anticipated - and I don't think he was talking about the Congressional election there.

President Bush declared the military buildup he's ordering in Iraq is based on advice from top officers, instead of "focus groups." But couldn't a meeting of generals be called a focus group -- especially if they're all focused on saluting the Commander-in-Chief?

The President repeated a joke he made in Tuskegee last year, when he told the mayors of Columbus and Phenix City: "Fill the potholes." Only then he added, "I'm not suggesting there are any" - apparently because he doesn't want a repeat of Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford asking for federal highway money.

After lunch, the President watched a demonstration of Fort Benning's infantry in action. It included a jump by Silver Wings paratroopers -- graphically illustrating what's happened to Mr. Bush's popularity in the last year or so.

After a private meeting with the families of fallen soldiers, President Bush shook hands and posed for pictures with Fort Benning troops before flying back to Washington. Several soldiers noted it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" -- specially since they're not likely to have $5,000 to donate for the privilege anytime soon.

About 35 protesters gathered outside the Fort Benning gates before President Bush arrived. Columbus Police told them to move, because they didn't have a permit to demonstrate. Catholic Priest Roy Bourgeois could make extra money, helping these picketers as a consultant.

The demonstrators actually had permission to picket at Fort Benning Road and Victory Drive, and that's what they did. Some of them carried signs declaring President Bush a liar - as if there are politicians in this country who are NOT?!?!

Someone pointed out to me the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition could only get 35 people together outside Fort Benning, while S.O.A. Watch draws protesters by the thousands. That's true - but Thursday's protesters only had three days, to organize after Mr. Bush's visit was announced. It's hard to criticize the President, when you have trouble getting off work.

The protesters apparently were not the only ones who were denied access to Fort Benning. I'm told a news crew from Atlanta's WSB-TV was barred from entering, because its satellite truck had an expired license plate. If the soldiers have to pass inspection, it's only fair that the journalists interviewing them do.

After Phenix City Mayor Jeff Hardin met the President at Fort Benning, he went back home for an evening meeting about combining water service with Fort Mitchell and Russell County. That meeting attracted about 100 people, most of them against it - which may show how much our area still supports its soldiers.

Did you see WRBL's coverage of the Phenix City public hearing? Who was the alleged genius who brought a bottle of Deer Park water to a meeting on the local water service -- and put it on the counter, where the City Council normally sits? There's political correctness, but then there's simple logical common sense.

Most of the people at Thursday night's hearing opposed a merger of Phenix City's water service with Russell County and Fort Mitchell. It's as if the critics think the Russell County water system is run by school teachers....

Some opponents of the water merger fear the result will be higher water bills. But Phenix City Mayor Jeff Hardin said that will NOT be the case, because the city will have millions of dollars to retire old debts. He'd better be right - or else the crowd at the meeting will retire their old mayor.

But Mayor Jeff Hardin admitted for the first time a water consolidation could cost some Phenix City Water Works employees their jobs. It's only fitting that the truth is coming one drip at a time, isn't it?

More public hearings are planned in the weeks ahead, and the Phenix City Council is unlikely to vote on a water consolidation before the spring. So there's plenty of time for creative protesters to make water balloons, paste the mayor's face on them, and stick needles in them outside City Hall.

Amidst all of this, some other news occurred Thursday as well:

+ Phenix City Police reported nearly every home in an unfinished new subdivision had its copper wiring stolen the other night. I'm starting to wonder if burglars will break into homes to steal jars of pennies, instead of electronic gear.

+ Muscogee County State Senator Seth Harp endorsed a bill allowing local votes on Sunday alcohol sales. Harp explained to lawmakers he's for the "separation of church and state" - so he must attend a church which only serves grape juice during communion.

+ The Columbus Civic Center floor was covered with dirt. A weekend of Pro Bull Riding begins tonight. The "monster trucks" appear next weekend. And sometime in between, Callaway Gardens should hold a flower show.

+ Instant Message to Bill Heard Chevrolet: About that "distressed merchandise sale" you're having - I think the cars would be a lot less distressed, if "Madman Dan" wasn't yelling around them so much.

COMING SOON: How e-mail will look 30 years from now.... yes, we have a preview of it....

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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11 JAN 07: ENTER STAGE LEFT?

Finally it makes sense! Now I understand why the annual report from Cascade Hills Church shows it hosts all sorts of Northside High School events. It's NOT really because 90 percent of the student body is Baptist....

I didn't realize until Wednesday that when Northside High School was built five years ago, one key part was left out. It doesn't have an auditorium -- which should shut up some of the Columbus South parents. You see, students in the other side of town actually are disadvantaged.

I picked up a Cascade Hills report a couple of years ago, which showed the church hosted several Northside High School activities. A dinner theatre was held there. National Honor Society members were inducted there. Even Northside's "Career Day" was held there - although I'm not sure if Cascade Hills would have been in trouble if it promoted a career in the ministry.

Those Northside High School events and others were moved to Cascade Hills Church because the school lacks an auditorium. Apparently the building plans didn't even include a stage in the gymnasium -- which is amazing, because the University of Georgia even remembered to put one in its gym.

The online "school profile" for Northside High shows it has 583 computers. It doesn't mention the lack of an auditorium - but you'd think the students taking special architecture courses could draw up plenty of potential blueprints.

An auditorium at Northside High School apparently cost too much five years ago. The Muscogee County School District is considering whether to build one now -- and it would cost an estimated six million dollars. Of course, the district could hire two new head football coaches with that money....

The use of Cascade Hills Church by Northside High does more than raise intriguing church-state questions. It indicates an obvious effort to avoid Brookstone School, which is even closer to Northside. Don't Brookstone parents pay property taxes, which fund public education? Renting Brookstone facilities would be like the economic circle of life.

The Muscogee County School Board is looking at other potential construction projects. One involves renovating the old Baker Middle School. That would cost only about $200,000 - so maybe the southside parents can gripe after all, about work being done on the cheap.

E-MAIL UPDATE: Two Wednesday items inspired a reader to comment:

To the person who said you were writing too much about the local news lady leaving..Well,it is your blog..I think you can write what you want....

Perhaps the Ga legislator who wants an investigation of the Augusta facility should look into our landfill problem..Some one needs to be accountable,even if is the businesses who knew they owed the money..We know nothing is going to be done to the people or person with the local gov't..Is not shredding gov't papers a criminal offense?..If I committ a criminal offense while on the job and I change jobs or retire am I not going to be prosecuted? I think it should at the bottom and move up the chain of command..If it happened under your watch you are responsible..

Now hold on here! How do we "know" nothing is going to be done to city employees over "landfill-gate?" The District Attorney may have learned something from the Kenneth Walker case -- and maybe this time, he won't leave it in the hands of somebody from Albany.

I'm not really sure if shredding government documents is a "criminal offense" or not. If the Government Center has paper shredders, they must be there for a reason -- and it can't be for handling the City Manager's hate mail.

Investigations such as the landfill fee-asco tend to go as the e-mailer suggests. They start at the bottom, then move up the chain of command - and sooner or later, only the big fish is left without a plea bargain.

(Some people in this country are naive about this, and think the top-level officials should be prosecuted first. But enough about the talk of impeaching President Bush....)

Now for other whispers from a wintry Wednesday:

+ The Associated Press reported Third Brigade soldiers from Fort Benning will be sent to Iraq sooner than planned. This may not be a bad thing. They'll go to Baghdad early - and once Democrats start showing their clout in Congress, they'll be pulled out and decommissioned early.

+ City Planning Director Rick Jones announced a public-private agreement to build an access road through the Bunker Hill neighborhood, connecting St. Mary's Road to Old Cusseta Road. Apparently Northstar Drive north to Steam Mill Road isn't a good enough escape route - and residents haven't figured out how to get through the winding roads they have already.

+ Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue presented his "State of the State" address. One of his goals for this year is a tourism program called "Go Fish Georgia." That's the way to stay ahead of the trend! Gin rummy must be the next poker....

(Governor Perdue told lawmakers if Georgia was an independent country, it would have the 17^th-largest economy in the world. And with oil imports increasing the "national" trade deficit, the poverty rate might be even higher.)

+ Alabama House Republican leader Mike Hubbard of Auburn complained he's been removed from a state budget committee for political reasons. He ought to be thankful - because now he can devote all his time to Republican news releases and planning inaugurations.

+ Instant Message to Freeway Auto Credit on Manchester Expressway: Are things really THAT bad? When you put a six-line disclaimer about Freeway Ford below your main sign, that seems pretty bad....

SCHEDULED FRIDAY: We'll watch two big events.... one at Fort Benning, the other in Phenix City....

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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10 JAN 07: OPEN MIKE DAY

Mike Gaymon must have declared Tuesday his "day of living dangerously." He made some curious comments on radio. He tried a new idea in Columbus business meetings. And in the evening, he may have done something really daring - and driven from Columbus to Phenix City.

Mike Gaymon is the President of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce - and he's also the host of the weekly WDAK radio talk show "Viewpoint." Tuesday was talk show day, and he began the program with a very strange reference to a Georgia murder case. It was almost like Gaymon had a "Rush Limbaugh moment...."

Mike Gaymon told the WDAK "Morning Show" team he'd found a new use for antifreeze -- then brought up a woman accused of poisoning her husband with the stuff. It seemed like he was trying to joke about the case. But the way he dropped the topic, it seemed like his co-hosts were nodding their heads "NO" vigorously.

If this wasn't strange enough, Mike Gaymon made this comment while St. Luke United Methodist Church Pastor Hal Brady was in the studio! Brady was the guest of the morning on "Viewpoint." If Gaymon had a guest from Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, I might understand what he said....

Pastor Hal Brady was a different sort of guest for "Viewpoint," because Mike Gaymon usually interviews politicians or business leaders. In fact, I tuned in Tuesday simply to see if Gaymon might have Bob Poydasheff on again - for his exclusive first interview as an ex-mayor.

During his chat with Hal Brady, Mike Gaymon revealed he's a "P.K." This must have puzzled most WDAK listeners for a moment - who thought the initials meant place-kicker, instead of "preacher's kid."

After Viewpoint was over, Mike Gaymon went to the RiverCenter. He presided over the "annual meeting" of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber actually has meetings and events all year long - but I think this is the one where everyone officially approves him by acclamation.

For decades, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce has held its annual meeting in the evening with a nice banquet. This year, the meeting was moved to Bill Heard Hall at the RiverCenter -- where you can't even take a cup of water inside, to throw at a snobby opera diva.

The Chamber of Commerce annual meeting was moved from the Trade Center to the RiverCenter to make it more accessible to members. An evening banquet would have cost about 60 dollars. Mike Gaymon said the meeting in a theater was free, so there you.... hey, hold it! If small business members have to close doors to attend the meeting, isn't it costing them money in lost sales?

Mike Gaymon explained it's better for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to conduct meetings more like corporate stockholder meetings. Of course it is - because people who vote "no" are more easily seen, when they're not hiding at a round table behind a big vase full of flowers.

Some traditions have not changed for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The annual "Jim Woodruff Jr. Award" was given to retired Synovus chairman Jim Blanchard. You have to say he was a visionary - because the Synovus sign remains the most visible advertisement along the Riverwalk.

BLOG UPDATE: Tuesday also was a big day for Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington, as he presided over his first Columbus Council meeting. Wetherington admitted to WRBL he forgot a few times to push buttons which turn on microphones. Wait until he realizes that's one of the biggest areas of power he really has.

Columbus Council gave Evelyn Turner Pugh the title of Mayor Pro-Tem. Jim Wetherington called Pugh the "most knowledgeable member" of the Council. Yet with her background in banking, she somehow didn't realize something didn't add up at the landfill?!

"Landfill-gate" was a big issue again Tuesday. Councilors suggested new rules, to put late fees on companies more than 60 days behind in paying landfill fees. The Mayor and City Manager wanted to allow 90 to 120 days of grace -- but the Council apparently wants to show it's tougher than the ex-Police Chief.

City Manager Isaiah Hugley said he'll reveal next week which companies are more than 60 days behind in paying landfill fees. Reporters might be able to find out sooner than that. Stop everyone entering the Government Center wearing sunglasses - because they might be trying to hide their identities, as they pay up.

E-MAIL UPDATE: A "POP3 User" (we usually only drink one at a time) sent us this Tuesday:

This is the 1st time I've been to the Columbus blog, its very good I will be back , but to much info on Jade Hindman, letys do more info on the hard poor working stiffs in the Chattahoochee Valley who don't make the Big money

Thank you for the nice words, and the constructive criticism. If any poor working stiffs want to invite me to their farewell parties, I'll be glad to come by and share in your saltine crackers and Hawaiian Punch.

You might even find some hard poor working stiffs embedded in our wrap-up of other Tuesday news:

+ Chattahoochee County commissioners confirmed to WXTX "News at Ten" they've dropped plans to establish a police department. Uh-huh. Yeah, right. That's what they say now -- before the meth dealers show up, and the undercover operation begins.

+ The Ledger-Enquirer updated the "Stocking Strangler" murder appeal with the big headline: "HEARING ON GARY'S TEETH." I saw this, and wondered which local dentist was being sued.

+ The evening news interviewed a "graduation coach" at Jordan High School - a woman named Jimmie Johnson. You'd think all she has to do is borrow quotes from that OTHER coach Jimmy Johnson. He won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys, after all....

+ Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue called for higher fines for excessive and habitual speeders. The Governor confessed he's a speeder himself - perhaps hurrying to as many land sale closings as he can.

(Governor Perdue said he wants the money from higher speeding fines allocated to trauma centers. Huh - you mean the state won't offer grant money to improve Atlanta Motor Speedway?)

+ The Columbus Cottonmouths crushed Jacksonville on the road 7-2, with assistant Tyler Keller coaching behind the bench. Head coach Jerome Bechard was somewhere else in the Jacksonville Coliseum -- either taking notes for future games, or hiding from an arrest warrant on an old battery charge.

+ New Alabama football coach Nick Saban was introduced to the crowd at a Tuscaloosa basketball game - and the Crimson Tide went on to beat his old school Louisiana State, 71-61. As much money as they're paying Saban, he should inspire as many teams to victory as he can.

(I figured an important matchup in this game would be between Alabama's Alonzo Gee and L.S.U.'s Tack Minor. Any musician would tell you there's nothing quite like a Gee-Minor key.)

+ A Georgia House member called for an audit of the state's Golf Hall of Fame in Augusta, claiming $13 million in state money is missing. Step one: drag the lakes. Step two: rake the sand traps....

+ Instant Message to the man I saw pedaling a bicycle down the middle of South Lumpkin Road, in the center turn lane: There's an old Archie Campbell joke along those lines - only the children in his neighborhood thought he actually might be dumb enough to do that.

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, make a donation, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 3311 (+ 106, 3.3%)

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© 2003-07 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.

9 JAN 07: RUNDOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE?

If you missed our appearance on WLTZ's "Rise N Shine" Monday morning, we talked about several things. One caller tried to complain to me about a newspaper delivery man driving by at 5:00 a.m. playing loud rap music. Hey, look on the bright side - you might not need an alarm clock anymore.

The hottest topic on Rise N Shine was something I never expected - a few secluded blocks along the Chattahoochee River. People in the Bibb City neighborhood don't want to claim them. Other people say something should be done about them. And if the blocks were in Phenix City, officials probably would have bought them out by now for high-rise condos.

You'll find this area by taking a drive down First Avenue to either Riverside Drive or 27^th Street, then turning toward the Chattahoochee. I made this drive Monday, after hearing callers talk about it - and I promise, you won't slide into the river if your brakes fail.

(The current map in the BellSouth Yellow Pages shows a "McLihenney Elementary School" not far from this area. Maybe AT&T needs to bring in that new way of doing business....)

A caller to Rise N Shine said she took visitors to Riverside Drive recently to show off the Riverwalk, and was appalled by the houses she saw there. She wondered how anyone possibly could live under those conditions. I concluded more Columbus residents live that way than she realizes -- and people need to leave Green Island Hills more often.

Even before you turn off First Avenue, there's a house which clearly has seen better days. Perhaps this is one of the places described by callers as a makeshift shelter for homeless people. It certainly looks like the pile of junk in the backyard has been mined by every antique mall in town.

I turned west at Riverside Drive, and was greeted to my right by a "BAD DOG" sign. I didn't take a picture of the big dog standing on the other side of the fence -- because it might accuse me of drive-by shooting.

Instead, I snapped a picture of homes on the left side of Riverside Drive - houses presumably with a back porch overlooking the river. They looked old to me, but NOT necessarily rundown eyesores. Maybe the residents don't want visitors to think about how valuable their properties really are.

We exited Riverside Drive by driving up 27^th Street. The houses appear old and small, but tight spacing should be expected in an older neighborhood such as that. Many cities have streets which look like that - and actually might be considered "historic district" material. Those law offices and art galleries on Broadway simply are spoiled.

(There actually was a rental car parked along 27^th Street, outside one of the houses. And it didn't look like it was rented by some land developer from metro Atlanta - since a paper tag clearly was visible, inviting thieves.)

The initial caller to Rise N Shine wondered what could be done to clean up this neighborhood. Then someone else called to report Columbus city government is NOT allowing new permits in that part of town. So at least the Baker Village residents aren't likely to move there....

I suppose the owners of the homes around Riverside Drive could be reported to Environmental Court. But from what I saw Monday, not many of the old houses really looked dilapidated. I wouldn't be afraid to live there - as long as that "bad dog" was keeping all the criminals out.

E-MAIL UPDATE: We apparently need to clarify one of our notes from Sunday....

Are you serious? The Veterans Parkway Winn Dixie is closing? Oh no..my favorite store on that side of town..

No no no! I did NOT say that supermarket definitely is closing. The line about "guessing the date" when it will close was the punch line. Perhaps packing too much of a punch, in this case....

My point was that the opening of a Sam's Club and a Wal-Mart SuperCenter near Columbus Park Crossing over the next two weeks is supposed to kill all the businesses around it. At least, that's what some critics in Midland say - which makes you wonder why Kohl's even bothered to open a store.

But consider what's happened in Phenix City in recent years. A Winn-Dixie, a FoodMax and a Save-a-Lot all closed on the 280 Bypass once a Wal-Mart SuperCenter opened. Two of those storefronts remain empty - and the Phenix City Police are making sure the former Club Roc doesn't sell beer and wine, even on Sunday afternoons.

So while we watch for the "quitting business" signs to be trucked over from Parisian, let's check other musings from a busy Monday:

+ White House officials announced President Bush will visit Fort Benning Thursday, hours after his big televised speech on Iraq. If a fleet of cargo jets arrives during the day Wednesday, I guess we'll know which direction he's taking....

(Mayor Jim Wetherington told WRBL he has NOT been invited yet to the President's speech at Fort Benning. In fact, he had to give the White House staff his Social Security number for screening! And you STILL think the mayoral race was non-partisan?)

+ In a pre-emptive strike, Katie Couric brought the CBS Evening News to Fort Stewart. Couric seemed surprised when Third Infantry Division Commander Rick Lynch said his soldiers will use the best equipment available. What did she expect - shotguns bought from an Army-Navy Surplus Store?

+ Falcon's Tattoos owner Fred Sibary told the evening news he had to move his shop to Veterans Parkway, because Columbus city zoning no longer allows new tattoo parlors on Broadway. Why was this change made? Tattoo needles are a great crime prevention tool....

+ Students spent their first day at the new downtown "Riverpark" campus of Columbus State University. One student said she felt like she was in Chicago or Boston, not Columbus. So when is C.S.U. starting an ice hockey team?

+ Sonny Perdue was sworn in for a second term as Georgia's Governor. He said he had a "2020 vision" for the state's future, with smaller classes in schools and college students receiving the HOPE Scholarship - at colleges where they may mass together in larger classes, then party non-stop all weekend.

(Governor Perdue made a point of taking the oath of office on a Bible opened to Joshua 24:15. Some Republicans may have longed for him to quote verse 20 - which says if you serve strange gods, the Lord will "do you hurt and consume you.")

+ In perhaps the most stunning note of the new Georgia legislative session, Gerald Bryant announced he's retiring from GPB's "Lawmakers" for health reasons. Bryant anchored the program 22 years - long enough to see Zell Miller zig and zag an estimated 50 times.

+ Aides to Alabama Congressman Artur Davis said he will NOT challenge Jeff Sessions for the U.S. Senate next year. Instead, Davis plans to run for statewide office in 2010 - once more people can figure out who he is.

+ Bobby Petrino was introduced as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. This move from the University of Louisville has several advantages. For one thing, Auburn trustee Bobby Lowder won't have to fly for Petrino's next job interview.

(Bobby Petrino will earn about $4.8 million a year as the Falcons' head coach. I think he should celebrate by going to a top-dollar restaurant, and give Nick Saban a thank-you dinner.)

+ Meanwhile, Georgia Tech head coach Chan Gailey admitted he's been interviewed for the top job with the N.F.L. Miami Dolphins. This is getting confusing! Where is Jim Mora Jr. going to coach -- Georgia Tech or Louisville?

+ Instant Message to Florida head football coach Urban Meyer: Who called to congratulate you first? President Bush, to continue a tradition -- or Tommy Tuberville, for proving his point?

This blog had more than 28,000 visits in 2006, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 3205 (+ 72, 2.3%)

If you mention this blog in public, please be polite enough to let me know.

© 2003-07 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.