Town Abuzz: S. Ga. Airport To Be Named For Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter is no stranger to global conflicts; now he's the flashpoint in a small-town argument.

The airport in Americus, Ga., near Carter's hometown of Plains, is set to be renamed for the former president.

But some critics say that would erase local history.

The airport is named for Henry Souther, who helped develop it as a World War I military training base. Charles Lindbergh flew solo there for the first time, four years before piloting the Spirit of St. Louis from New York to Paris in 1927.

Flight instructor Rick Urash wrote to Carter, saying that if the airport is renamed there will be no reminder of Souther except his tombstone.

Carter wrote back, saying he had discouraged officials from naming the airport for him.