Looking Back

10 years ago: April 1, 1998

Former Waynesboro Mayor and Hospital Authority Chairman G. Bates Hagood died at the age of 90.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office began arresting almost 40 people suspected of selling drugs to undercover officers. Sheriff Greg Coursey said the buys were videotaped for evidence in court.

25 years ago: March 30, 1983

Demolition of the interior of the Burke County Court House was complete and rebuilding was set to begin.

Burke County School Superintendent James D. Smith invited the public's input as to the curriculum of the new comprehensive high school. Citizens were asked to select three top choices from 18 suggested vocational courses which could be taught at the school.

S.G.A.'s Fred Beauman was named Coach of the Year by Augusta sports writers after taking his basketball team to the state playoffs.

50 years ago: April 3, 1958

Ben Brooks, owner of Ben Brooks 5 & 10 Cent Store, was elected president of the newly formed Waynesboro Merchants Association. Other officers included John Mosley, Martin Dolin, Don McClellan, John Dent, Billy Russell and Louis Pintchuck.

75 years ago: March 31, 1933

Bonnie Dixon defeated Hillis Buxton to become the first woman mayor of Girard.

Officials reported that 308 schools in Georgia had been forced to close due to a lack of funds.

Local deputies Henry Tinley and R.M. Carter assisted federal authorities in a raid on a 100-gallon whiskey still.