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After an investigation into the armed robbery of the Hop-In convenience store, Eastman police have arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery. The robbery occurred on April 12, 2014 at approximately 3:35 a.m.

William Thomas Jolly (age 34), and Rashad Marquis Mincey (age 18), were arrested by Eastman police and charged with armed robbery of the Hop-In store. In addition, Jolly was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault.

The Eastman Police Department made the following arrests recently.

Juvenile, age 14, unruly (one count).

William Pittman, age 59, 749 TJ Sappington, Eastman, shoplifting less than $500.00 (one count).

Vickey Parker, age 28, 69 Eastside Court Drive #614, Eastman, disorderly conduct (one count).
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Brown’s Farm at Chauncey, Inc. has been named Dodge County’s Conservationist of the Year by the Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District. The award was presented at the district’s annual program for their achievements in soil and water conservation.

Brown’s Farm at Chauncey, Incorporated is located in southern Dodge County and is operated by Roger, Jenny, Jaye, and Caitlin Brown. Brown’s Farm at Chauncey presently manages 600 acres of farmland. Almost all of the crop land and pasture is irrigated with center pivots using remote monitoring and control equipment. All center pivot irrigation systems on the farm have been retrofitted with low pressure sprinklers with drops and are utilized through an injection system to provide fertilization and chemigation. Their row cropping includes conservation tillage, terraces, water outlets and grass waterways. Wells and ponds are also being used for irrigation practices. Brown’s Farm participated in the cost share program with the NRCS and Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission to build an irrigation pond to aid in supplying water to their pivots. Besides row cropping, they manage a 100 pure bred Black Angus herd, permanent pastures, timberland and a beginning silvopasture. Brown’s Farm also participates in several experimental projects through NRCS and UGA; the current project is Alfalfa interseeded into a permanent Bermuda grass pasture. Brown’s Farm is cost sharing with the NRCS in a Hoop House program to be managed by Jenny Brown. The Brown’s goal is to manage and improve the land while utilizing all available conservation practices. [Full Story »] 

The 63rd Annual National Day of Prayer will be observed on Thursday, May 1, 2014. A Solemn Assembly for Prayer will be observed at 12:00 noon at the Dodge County Courthouse on Thursday, May 1, 2014. Christians across Dodge County are encouraged to participate in this special time of prayer or organize your own prayer group for the day.

The Day of Prayer is an opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power come to our country as we call on citizens to humbly come before Him in prayer. The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans. The theme for 2014 is One Voice, United in Prayer, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. [Full Story »] 

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp wants to remind Georgians they must be registered to vote by April 21st in order to participate in the May 20th Primary Election.

“Every Georgian should have the opportunity to vote in the May 20th Primary Election,” said Kemp.  “The good news is that it is easier than ever to get registered to vote or to change your registration information.”

Georgians with a valid Georgia driver’s license can go online and register at: https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/#no-back-button.
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Eastman Police were called to an armed robbery at the Hop-In convenience store on Oak Street at 3:40 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.

While other police and Dodge County sheriff’s units searched the area for the suspect, Eastman Police Officer Jason Park was told by the store clerk that she had been waiting on a customer at the counter when a masked black man carrying a firearm came through the front door.

The masked man began yelling orders to get on the ground. The clerk was holding a dollar bill in her hand and the masked man snatched it from her. He then went to the counter and opened the cash register.
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By Cindy Eckles

Dodge County Commissioner Jr. Howell told commissioners that in the past week, a couple of Eastman City Council members had approached him stating that they were ready to give the county their property at the recreation department since they were not paying any of the bills, and also give them (the county) their recreation board appointments. According to Howell, they (the city council members) asked that the county send them an official letter from the board of commissioners requesting that the property and recreation department board appointments be given to the county.

Howell then made his request in the form of a motion before the commissioners.

Commission chairman Dan McCranie stated that because of the Service Delivery Strategy, the county pays the government portion of the recreation department budget. He stated that because of the Service Delivery Strategy, what was split between the city and the county was not totally paid by the county.

Before Howell’s motion was seconded, county attorney John Harrington asked commissioners to amend Howell’s motion as stated because he thought that the authority (recreation department) was created through legislation as well as locally, which would require some application to the legislature. Harrington suggested that, “together with the request of the city and to file any appropriate documents with any other government entity” be added to Howell’s motion. Howell accepted the recommendation from Harrington and commissioner Brian Watkins seconded the motion. [Full Story »]