50 years ago: May 20, 1975

Dublin Courier Herald

Dublin City Council adopted an ordinance on Monday night changing the method of electing the mayor and aldermen. The vote, brought on by a suit challenging the former system as unconstitutional, was unanimous. Under the new plan, the City Council will retain its four wards and three at-large posts, but all elections will be decided by a plurality without a runoff. Any eligible voter within the City of Dublin regardless of the ward in whch he resides will be able to vote in each of the races for mayor, aldermen a-large, and ward aldermen.

The new plan is considered unacceptable to the suit petitioners who have expressed a desire for single member districts in which the aldermen are elected only by the voters of the district.

However, if the new plan receives Justice Department approval, which is the next step, the new ordinance will likely stand.

An example under the new ordinance: if five persons seek the city council post from the First Ward, voters from across Dublin will be allowed to cast their votes for one of the five. When the votes are counted and none of the five candidates has a majority, the candidate with the highest tally will win.

Under the former system, if none of the five candidates drew over 50 percent of the balloting, the top two candidates would be locked in a runoff. There will be no runoffs under the new system.

City Attorney Jim Hilburn, who drafted the new ordinance, said he feels the new system will assure the election of at least one black councilman, and possibly two.

Two Blacks, Richard Sheffield and Lavonia Dixon, brought the original suit asking Federal District Court Judge Alexander Lawrence to stop the city’s November election. Lawrence denied the petition, but left the case open. Their attorney, Steven Granberg of Macon, recently requested of Judge Lawrence a three-judge panel to decide the case. In his request, Granberg asserted that the city has made no move since November to rectify its election problems.

The suit claimed that a change in the city’s election laws was made without approval by the Justice Department, as required by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Therefore, the change was illegal,the plaintiffs claimed.

Interestingly, the motion to adopt the new ordinance was made by Alderman Ed Martin and seconded by Alderman Joel Radney. The elections of both councilmen were challenged by the November suit.

COMMISSIONERS BUY C&S BUILDING

Laurens County Commision this morning cleared the way for purchasing the former Citizens and Southern Bank building for $425,000.

In addition, the deal includes assuming a $450 a month lease on the bank’s former installment loan faciliy and parking lot behind both buildings. The parking lot and one-story installment loan building belong to the Lassiter Estate Co. Attorney H. Dale Thompson said C&S has the authority to transfer the lease which expires in eight years.

Plans call for the complex being used as a courthouse annex. No specific offices have been selected for location in the building, but the Department of Family and Children Services and the Board of Education are two possiblilities.

It is no secret among the commissioners that FCS is the favorite for relocation, but department officials are said to be reluctant toward moving. This leaves the school board as a more likely bet.

Neither Miss Essie Mae Cobb, FCS Director, nor William P. Johnson, School Superintendent, were available for comment this morning.

If neither department moves into the building, some other agencies which the county houses will probably move into the building. There are also plans to relocate the Court Square Station of the Post Office into the building.

Jim Park, President of the C&S Bank of Dublin, said he will have to confer with the bank’s comptroller before the purchase can be made final.

At the meeting this morning, Commissioner Robert Beacham moved to instruct Commissioner Herbert Fordham to sign a revenue sharing check for the purchase of the building. The motion was seconded by Commi ssioner Tal Fuqua.

The purchase of the C&S building was one of several recomendations made by a citizens property committee appointed by the commissioners.

Another committee suggestion, renovation of two Madison Street buildings to be used by Veterans Services and Dublin Service League, will be discusssed at the June 3 meeting of the commissioners. The two buildings are owned jointly by the City of Dublin and the county.

WEST LAURENS STUDENTS HONORED

Four West Laurens students were presented with the Presbyterian College Junior Academy Achievement Awards in recognition of superior scholastic attainment. They were Gary Lord, Denise Perry, Janet Miller, and Jim Kemp.

Mr. J.A. Woodard, Principal, made the presentation and he also

presented Cerificates of Merit to Kathy Fountain, Jeanette Terrence, Denise Perry, Mona Miller, Janet Miller, Gary Lord, Mike Fountain, Tim Wright, D.C. Mullis, Phillip Coleman, Jim Kemp, and Tim Stuckey. These were from the State of Georgia and the University of Georgia.

MRS. WILDES 

PRESENTS RECITAL

Mrs. Wendell Wildes will present her students in a spring recital on Sunday, May 25, at 3:30 p.m. in the Dexter Baptist Church, Dexter.

Statuettes of famous composers will be presented to those students having practiced the required number of minutes during the months of February, March, April and May. A trophy will be presented to the “Outstanding Pianist of the Year.”

Piano students participating are Pam Bell, Bonnie Brasell, Glynis Brown, Guynelle Brown, Kathy Cauley, Sherry Cauley, Greg Clark, Tish Clark, Kay Coleman, Leann Collins, Tim Daniels, Karen Davis, Pam Diers, Lisa Faircloth, Cindy Fountain, Melody Fountain,

Terri Garnto, Patti Giddens, Sandy Lord, Tracy Lord, Patti Miller,Vonda Moron, Karen Mullis, Gary Patisaul, D’Netra Ricks, Shelia Slaughter, Rachel Snyder, Cassandra Thomas, Karen Tipton, Sharon Ward, D’Andrea Watson, Monica Wildes, and Marnie Willis.

Wayne Lord, guitarist, will also play.

The public is cordially invited.

GAE TEACHERS RETIRING

Retiring Georgia Association of Education teachers were presented gifts from the professional teachers association and certificates of merit from the school system at the monthly meeting of the Georgia Association of Educators at West Laurens Junior High School yesterday. 

Teachers who were recognized were these:

Alma Curry – 42 years

Althea Beard – 38 years

Bertha Rozar – 35 years

Lara Mae Snell – 33 years

Connie Poole – 35 years

Grace Bedingfield – 31 years

Sara Hadden – 31 years

OES INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS

Dublin Chapter No. 175 OES had an installation ceremony of the 1975-76 officers at the April 10 meeting at the Masonic Temple, 502 Academy Avenue. Candle lighters were Eddie Smith and Brian Turner.

The following officers were installed:

Gloria Smith- Worthy Matron

E.B. Smith – Worthy Patron

Sara White – Associate Matron

James Gregory – Associate Patron

Clyde Mason – Secretary

Virginia Harville – Treasurer

Jane Carter – Conductress

Billie Young – Chaplain

Bea Claxton – Organist

Clara Smith –  Adah

Laura Rogers – Ruth

Vera Shiver – Esther

Lara Picone – Martha

Susie Hollis – Electa

Almarye Leake – Warden

Ruth Hodges – Sentinel

Sweetheart for the 1975-76 term will be Alisa Leake, and Jimmy Bell will be the Mascot.

A reception was held after the installation ceremony in the banquet hall, which was beautifully decorated in pink and green.

Approximately 200 guests attended.

WOMEN’S DAY SPEAKER

The Annual Women’s Day observance of the First African Baptist Church was held on Sunday, May 18.

The speaker for the occasion was Mrs. P.M. Joiner, who is the guidance counselor at East Laurens High School. She was chosen to serve on the International Consultation in Christian Education Board and was elected to the National Board of Christian Education. She is also chairman of both the state and local Board of Christian Education. 

The theme for the meeting was “A Natural Woman,” and Mrs. Joiner spoke at the 11:00 a.m. service.

The women of the church were in charge of all services from Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. through the evening service at 6:30 p.m

ENGAGEMENTS

Hattaway – Newman

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hattaway of Dublin announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Gloria Jean Hattaway to Timothy Eugene Newman, son of Mrs. Madie Newman and the late Mr.Donald Newman of Wrightsville.

The wedding will be held on June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at the home of the bride-elect, 1402 Peach Street, Dublin, Georgia. 

Mr. Newman is in the United States Army, and the couple will make their home in Augusta.

Green – Hall

Mr. and Mrs. Joel L. Green of Montrose are proud to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Sheila, to Gene M. Hall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman L. Hall, Sr. of Dexter.

The bride-elect attended West Laurens High School and is presently employed with Laurens Park Mill.

Mr. Hall is a graduate of Dexter High School and is also employed with Laurens Park Mill.

The wedding is planned for June 28 at 8:00 p.m. at the Walnut Creek Baptist Church. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the church.

No invitations will be sent, but all friends and relatives are invited to attend.

Roberts – Everett

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Roberts announce the engagement of their daughter, Fay Harris, to Alonza Everett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Everett of Dublin.

The wedding will be solemnized on June 4th at 5:30 p.m. at Wilkes Chapel.

Dixon – Gay

Mr. and Mrs. Buford H. Dixon of Route 5, Dublin, announce the engagement of their daughter, Vicki Lynn Dixon, to Graden Alan Gay, son of Mrs. Jackie Couey of Hazelhurst and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Gay of Cadwell.

The bride-elect is a senior a at West Laurens High School. The groom-elect is a graduate of Laurens High School and attended Abraham Baldwin Agriclture College.

The wedding will be on July 6 at Union Springs Baptist Church.

No formal invitations will be sent. All friends and relatives are invited to attend.

Wyatt – Lowery

Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Wyatt of Route Five, Dublin, announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca Ann, to Jack Lowery, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lowery of Rentz.

The bride elect is a student at West Laurens High School.

The groom-elect is self-employed at Lowery Food Center in Dudley.

The wedding will take place on June 2 at 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Rentz.

No formal announcements will be mailed, but all friends and relatives are invited.

Yancey – Veal

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Don Yancey of Dublin announce the engagement of their daughter, Rita, to Douglas Lewis Veal, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lewis Veal, Sr. of Dublin.

Miss Yancey will graduate from West Laurens High School in June and is presently employed at Friedman’s Jewelers.

Mr. Veal is employed by J.P. Stevens, Co. Inc.

The wedding will be solemnized on June 27 at 8:00 p.m. at Poplar Spsrings North Baptist Church, Dublin.

The reception will be held at the home of the bride.

No formal invitations will be sent, but all friends and relatives are invited to attend.

TROUPE 1551 PRESENTS AWARDS

On Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, Thespian Troupe 1551 of East Laurens High School presented its fifth major production, “A Spell of Evil.” 

During Saturday night’s performance, students competed for Best Actor or Actress and Best Supporting Actor or Actress awards. 

Karen McAfee was named Best Actress, and Wayne Nix was chosen Best Supporting Actor.

The Director’s Award was given to Joby Jenkins for his dedication and service to the Troupe. Ricky Sammons and Wayne Nix also received service awards.

Judy Brown received the Drama medal for taking on dual roles after Sue Spivey, another member of the cast, was taken to the hospital shortly before Saturday’s perfomance

Other members of the cast also received trophies. They included Gail Waters, Ron Chambers, Brenda Jefferson, Martha Williams, James Giddens, Charles Moss, and Sue Spivey.

The entire production, under the direction of Mrs. Genola A. Burke, was a success, and Troupe 1551 wishes to thank everyone connected with it.

WEST LAURENS GOLFERS WIN CROWN

The West Laurens golf team, under Coach Wendell Wildes, won the Region 3-A South title on Monday at Little Ocmulgee State Park.

Shooting a 342, the Raiders were 17 strokes ahead of challengers, Cochran and Mt. DeSales, who both finished at 359. Cochran won a playoff with the Cavaliers to claim second place.

The Raider’s Ben Knight tied Don McDuffie of Telfair for medalist honors with 81, but lost on the first hole of a playoff.

Next on the agenda for the Raider linksters, who finished second in only one regular season match, is the state tournament at Tara Country Club in Jonesboro. Making the trip to state will be Knight, Dan Rowe, Mark Fountain, Tim Stuckey, Mike Fountain, and Wayne Lord.

West Laurens scores were Knight, 81; Dan Rowe, 86; Mark Fountain, 87; Tim Stuckey 88; Mike Foutain 89; and Wayne Lord, 98.

DUBLIN BAND BOOSTERS HOLD BANQUET

Dublin High School Band Boosters honored junior and senior high band members on Thursday night and installed new officers at the first annual Boosters’ Banquet with more than 200 in attendance at the Dublin Junior High Cafeteria.

Junior High award winners were Mollie Baldwin, most improved player; Beth Wyatt, Director’s Award; and Jarvis McCall, most technially developed musician. The awards were presented by Boston Harrell, Director.

From the Senior High, Connie Mercer won the Outstanding Musician Award, “hands down and going away, “according to director James Hall. She also was selected by the band members as the Dublin Irish Band’s Outstanding Bandsman.

Jo Ellen Lowery won the Director’s Award. Susan Wagner was given the Booster Club’s Appreciation Award.

Verlyn Thomas received the Distinguishsed Musician Certificate, which was presented by Sgt. Randy Brown of the U.S. Marine Corps.

All members of the junior and senior high bands were presented certificates for participation in the band program this year. Several members of the junior band earned medals.

Also recognized were the senior members of the Dublin High Band, Ellen Williams, Gloria Hobbs, Debbie Hudson, Janet Taylor, Hazel Howell, Verlyn Thomas, James Hawkins, Keith Smith, and Barbara Stevenson.

The new Band Boosters officers for 1975-76 were installed by Mrs. Jane Metts and are Mrs. Bill McLees, President; Charles Manning, Vice President; Arves McCall, Secretary; and Wallace Miller, Treasurer.

Committee chairmen for 1975-76  were also named and include Nell Howell, publicity; Bobbie Hawkins, concesion stand; Jim Shoptaw, ways and means, Bebe Hood, chaperones; and Mrs. Tyrus Gaillard, uniforms.

Outgoing club President, James Hudson, presided and was given a plaque in appreciation of his work during the past year.

NURSING HOME WEEK

Dublin Mayor Robert E. Cochran signed a Proclamation naming May May 11 – 18 as Dublin Nursing Home Week. Beginning on Mother’s Day, the week honored the residents and patients in long term care fcilities and reocgnized the services these facilities provide the community.

On hand for the signing of the Proclamation were the following: 

Diane Lord, – Groveland Director of Nurses

Faye Massey – Groveland Activities Director

Sarah Beers – Supervisor of the VA nursing home care unit

Bob Dougherty – Groveland Administrator

Frankie  Hogan – Dublinair Activities Director

Larry Shriver – Dublinair Director

H.A. Wallace – Dublinair Administrator

Charles Robinson, Jr. – May’s Medical Center Administrator

Gerri Peters – May’s Director of Nursing.