City election times announced at council

Barnesville city council announced the election times for Wards 2, 4 and 5 at the Monday, Aug. 10 meeting.Council gave notice of the Nov. 3 general election at the Barnesville Civic Center at 685 Forsyth St. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for four-year terms. Absentee ballots are available at the board of elections office. All candidates must pay a $45 qualifying fee and apply with the city clerk at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m.Free AIDS testingThe Rev. Harold J. Banks of Bethel AME Church addressed council about a domestic abuse and AIDS awareness rally called “We Want to Live.” It will be held Saturday, Aug. 29 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Participants will gather at the E.P. Roberts Center and march at the courthouse where several speakers will be part of the event. Free AIDS testing will be offered.Councilman Chris High-tower proclaimed Aug. 29 as “We Want to Live” day in Barnesville. Speakers will give presentations on how domestic abuse and AIDS are affecting people.”Both these diseases are killing our community,” said Hightower. “These diseases affect every race, every creed and every social status and we want to help educate the public about them.”Drivers bewareCouncilwoman Anne Claxton spoke to citizens about the dangerous intersection at highways 341 and 18. Mayor Peter Banks urged drivers to be particularly careful at that intersection.”It’s usually not the intersection but the people in the cars, so please encourage all citizens to pay attention when driving,” he said.Joyce Farmer of the Barnesville-Lamar County Humane Society, announced the group was approved by the agriculture department and is now certified. She added 40 pets were spayed and neutered in July. The next spay-neuter clinic will be held Aug. 20. Call 770-358-4569 for information.Jenny Hobbs, owner of the Rumble Seat Inn bed and breakfast talked about loud music and traffic on Forsyth Street. ”I’m at my wits end with all the noise and drag racing up and down,” said Hobbs. “It’s really embarrassing that everybody sees this side of Barnesville when they come to stay.”