Your Houston County Headlines for Tuesday Morning, June 5, 2012

Your Houston County Weather: More of the same – mostly cloudy, with a chance of scattered afternoon storms, highs in the mid 80’s.

Warner Robins City Council held the first reading of its Fiscal Year 2013 budget yesterday during the first of two public hearings. The financial plan comes in at around $71,280,000. Of the near $36 million portion that is the general fund, 56 percent goes to public safety, 15 percent to public works, five percent to recreation, and 19 percent to general government business. Another public hearing will take place later this month. The budget, if approved, kicks in July 1st. Meanwhile, in other council matters, the group decided to remove what they call the “outdated” overlay zoning on the Russell Parkway extension and approved giving the 21st Century Partnership $35,000.

The recent graduation services of Veterans High School has drawn criticism from a national group. The Freedom from Religion Foundation based in Wisconsin says the speech given by Houston County School Superintendant Dr. Robin Hines violated separation of church and state, as did the invocation and music selection at the ceremony. They’re demanding the school system apologize and pledge not to do it again. No comment from the local school board.

Air Force Reserve Command officials cut a ceremonial ribbon last week marking the completion of a new headquarters building at Robins Air Force Base. The structure will house about 400 occupants beginning June 15. Its all part of a planned headquarters complex for the command to consolidate seven off-base and on-base facilities at the location.

Folks over in Twiggs County talking about a shocking crime. It seems that over the weekend a suspect broke into a home there, tied up the resident, then used a pair of scissors heated on the stove to torture the victim. While details remain sketchy Sheriff’s Deputies say they have made arrests in the case.

Houston County is now home to three finalists in the Georgia Family Friendly Partnership Award. Linwood, Miller, and Parkwood Elementary Schools are all competing for the recognition that annually goes to a Title One campus which fosters a welcoming environment by encouraging parent involvement in student learning.