The Dodge County Grand Jury convened in June and returned the following indictments:
James Edwin Brisco was indicted on one count felony aggravated child molestation, two counts child molestation, one count felony rape and one count felony enticing a child for indecent purposes.
Ariel Smith was indicted on three counts felony cruelty to children first degree.
David Smith was indicted on one count felony murder and one count felony cruelty to children first degree.
Kaiko Smith was indicted on one count felony malice murder, two counts felony murder, one count felony cruelty to children first degree and one count felony cruelty to children second degree.
Karen Michelle Anderson was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault and one count felony false statements/writings, concealment of facts.
Ysheia Ke’Asia Willis was indicted on one count felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and one count misdemeanor marijuana less than one ounce.
Michael David Williams was indicted on one count felony theft by taking.
Shad Edward Spires was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault, one count felony false imprisonment and one count felony criminal damage to property in the second degree.
William Lee Fowler was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault and one count felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged.
Clayton Boutwell was indicted on one count felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count misdemeanor drugs not in original container.
Kenny Demario Lyons was indicted on one count felony terroristic threats and acts, one count misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, one count felony cruelty to children in the third degree or subsequent, one count misdemeanor marijuana less than one ounce and one count misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
Theresa Danielle McLendon was indicted on one count felony entering auto, one count felony possession of cocaine, one count misdemeanor obstruction of officers, one count misdemeanor theft by taking, two counts misdemeanor forgery fourth degree, one count felony identity theft fraud, one count misdemeanor giving false name, address, birthdate to law enforcement officers and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Britten Alisha Mullis was indicted on one count felony entering an auto, one count misdemeanor theft by taking and one count misdemeanor forgery fourth degree.
Monroe White was indicted on one count felony entering an auto, one count misdemeanor theft by taking and one count misdemeanor forgery fourth degree.
Altonio Carmel Byars was indicted on one count felony theft by shoplifting, one count felony possession tools for the commission of a crime, one count misdemeanor criminal trespass and one count misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
[Full Story »]
Top Stories - Topics from June, 2014
Gresston Fire Department wins training giveaway
Action Training Systems (ATS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) announced Gresston Volunteer Fire Department as one of the 50 winners of the 2014 ATS/NVFC $250K Training Giveaway. The announcement comes during International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week, which this year focuses on the importance of all personnel receiving adequate training with the theme of “Train Like You Fight.”
The 50 winning departments will each receive a one-year subscription for 20 learners and one administrator to the Essentials of Fire Fighting series via the ATS Online Learning Management System. This totals nearly $250,000 worth of online training. The series contains 33 interactive courses, streaming video, and PowerPoints to teach Firefighter I and II skills and prerequisite knowledge. Essentials of Fire Fighting teaches to the current NFPA 1001 standards and can be used as a training resource to simplify technical knowledge and reinforce training objectives. The department administrator can track the progress of up to 20 students through the program. All applicants also receive a 10% discount off of any ATS training program. [Full Story »]
The 50 winning departments will each receive a one-year subscription for 20 learners and one administrator to the Essentials of Fire Fighting series via the ATS Online Learning Management System. This totals nearly $250,000 worth of online training. The series contains 33 interactive courses, streaming video, and PowerPoints to teach Firefighter I and II skills and prerequisite knowledge. Essentials of Fire Fighting teaches to the current NFPA 1001 standards and can be used as a training resource to simplify technical knowledge and reinforce training objectives. The department administrator can track the progress of up to 20 students through the program. All applicants also receive a 10% discount off of any ATS training program. [Full Story »]
Child drowns in family pool
Eastman rescue, Dodge County Emergency Medical Services and Dodge County deputies were called to a Log Cabin Road address at approximately 4:51 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 to a call of a juvenile not breathing.
When medical personnel arrived, they found that a 19 month old girl had drowned in a family swimming pool. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was immediately started and was continued until the child arrived at Dodge County Hospital by ambulance.
The attempt to revive the child failed and McKinley Faith Adkinson, died late Thursday afternoon.
Authorities said the girl’s 10-year-old sibling also was at home with a 19-year-old babysitter when the girl was found in the pool. Authorities are investigating the incident.
When medical personnel arrived, they found that a 19 month old girl had drowned in a family swimming pool. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was immediately started and was continued until the child arrived at Dodge County Hospital by ambulance.
The attempt to revive the child failed and McKinley Faith Adkinson, died late Thursday afternoon.
Authorities said the girl’s 10-year-old sibling also was at home with a 19-year-old babysitter when the girl was found in the pool. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Cities recognized for ethics ordinance
Eastman, LaGrange and Peachtree Corners were recognized for earning the “Cities of Ethics” designation at the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention June 23 in Savannah. The cities join more than 200 cities that have received the City of Ethics designation.
Also, the cities of Baxley, Blairsville, Byron, Cedartown, Cochran, Covington, Douglas, Hahira, Hawkinsville and St. Marys were recertified as Cities of Ethics. In addition, the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission was designated as an “Organizations of Ethics.” [Full Story »]
Also, the cities of Baxley, Blairsville, Byron, Cedartown, Cochran, Covington, Douglas, Hahira, Hawkinsville and St. Marys were recertified as Cities of Ethics. In addition, the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission was designated as an “Organizations of Ethics.” [Full Story »]
Commissioners question sheriff about his budget
Dodge County Commissioners questioned Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield about his budget at their regular meeting on Monday, June 16, 2014.
Commissioner Cheek questioned the increase referring to the number of overtime hours jailers were accumulating, housing expense increase and medical expense increase.
Sheriff Sheffield explained that his department was training jailers and once they were trained they were going to other counties to work because of increase in pay. The sheriff’s department is working with seven to eight jailers, working 12 hours shifts, to ensure the safety of the inmates.
Cheek questioned if there was a problem with scheduling and requested that Sheffield look into it. [Full Story »]
Commissioner Cheek questioned the increase referring to the number of overtime hours jailers were accumulating, housing expense increase and medical expense increase.
Sheriff Sheffield explained that his department was training jailers and once they were trained they were going to other counties to work because of increase in pay. The sheriff’s department is working with seven to eight jailers, working 12 hours shifts, to ensure the safety of the inmates.
Cheek questioned if there was a problem with scheduling and requested that Sheffield look into it. [Full Story »]
School board makes administrative changes
New administrative faces will be seen at the Dodge County Middle School (DCMS), North Dodge Elementary School (NDES) and South Dodge Elementary School (SDES) beginning the 2014-2015 school year.
Dodge County Board of Education members voted unanimously to promote North Dodge Elementary School Principal Mike Hilliard as the new middle school principal and Davey Sheffield will be moving to the administrative offices as the new director of student records and teacher support services representative. NDES Assistant Principal Cindy Screws was promoted to principal.
SDES Assistant Principal Russ Bazemore was given a lateral transfer as the new assistant principal at NDES and Dana Brown was given a lateral transfer as the new assistant principal at SDES.
[Full Story »]
Dodge County Board of Education members voted unanimously to promote North Dodge Elementary School Principal Mike Hilliard as the new middle school principal and Davey Sheffield will be moving to the administrative offices as the new director of student records and teacher support services representative. NDES Assistant Principal Cindy Screws was promoted to principal.
SDES Assistant Principal Russ Bazemore was given a lateral transfer as the new assistant principal at NDES and Dana Brown was given a lateral transfer as the new assistant principal at SDES.
[Full Story »]
Madden resigns as chamber president
Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Judy H. Madden turned in her letter of resignation to the chamber board on June 13, 2014 stating that her last day would be Friday, June 27, 2014.
Mike Harrell, Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Executive Committee stated, “On behalf of the executive committee of the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce, we are very thankful to have had Judy come in and bring us to the point we are at today. We feel she has done an excellent job, and we wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors. We look forward to hearing good things from her in the future.” [Full Story »]
Mike Harrell, Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Executive Committee stated, “On behalf of the executive committee of the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce, we are very thankful to have had Judy come in and bring us to the point we are at today. We feel she has done an excellent job, and we wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors. We look forward to hearing good things from her in the future.” [Full Story »]
Chauncey School turns 100 in October
By Theron McCranie
With the coming of another end of a school year, memories of a school ending many years ago come to mind. It was the spring of 1989. Many of the faculty members stood in front of the impressive, historical Chauncey School as the last yellow school bus filled with excited young people and pulled away from the school. Of course the teachers were excited for the summer break as well, but then the realization that, as the yellow bus faded from sight, there would be none to return in the fall. The quietness that had fallen upon the halls of the school was there to stay. Although I did not attend school in Chauncey, I did have the privilege to teach there for six years. Also, my alma mater, Rhine School was destined for the same fate. However, in the fall we would all be together in new schools with new friends.
Through the generosity of the Dodge County School System, the city of Chauncey was able to acquire the Chauncey School building. A restoration committee was formed and fundraising began. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised and donated. All of the money has been used to restore the historical old building and although much has been done, there is still much work that is needed. Just last year the Georgia Trust for Historical Places named the Chauncey School to its list of Places in Peril, signifying not only how important the building is historically but also the danger it may face if we do not continue our work.
[Full Story »]
With the coming of another end of a school year, memories of a school ending many years ago come to mind. It was the spring of 1989. Many of the faculty members stood in front of the impressive, historical Chauncey School as the last yellow school bus filled with excited young people and pulled away from the school. Of course the teachers were excited for the summer break as well, but then the realization that, as the yellow bus faded from sight, there would be none to return in the fall. The quietness that had fallen upon the halls of the school was there to stay. Although I did not attend school in Chauncey, I did have the privilege to teach there for six years. Also, my alma mater, Rhine School was destined for the same fate. However, in the fall we would all be together in new schools with new friends.
Through the generosity of the Dodge County School System, the city of Chauncey was able to acquire the Chauncey School building. A restoration committee was formed and fundraising began. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised and donated. All of the money has been used to restore the historical old building and although much has been done, there is still much work that is needed. Just last year the Georgia Trust for Historical Places named the Chauncey School to its list of Places in Peril, signifying not only how important the building is historically but also the danger it may face if we do not continue our work.
[Full Story »]
Fishing Rodeo a huge success
By Christine Mullis
Another generation takes to the Lake at the 31st Annual Dodge County Kids Fishing Rodeo held at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area.
Saturday, June 07, 2014, started out overcast, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the 174 registered children who came to out-fish and out-cast their brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors.
This year the rodeo saw some rule changes that included all of the children being able to fish at the same time the entire rodeo duration of 8:30-11:30. Fishing from the piers and shore was also allowed, as well as all types of fish being permitted to be caught, not just catfish.
Another difference this year was our award system. Only the winner of each age group was acknowledged, as opposed to prior years, where we awarded first, second and third of each group. This year, in the 11-15 group, Vincent Mann, 14, received a medal, a rod with reel and a tackle box for bringing in a bass that weighed 685 grams. For the 7-10 group, 8-year old Jakyla Nicely received a medal, fishing rod and a tackle box for the 484 gram catfish she presented at the weigh-in station. Taking home a trophy for the Largest Fish Overall, and a medal for winning his age group, was 5-year old Maddox Mullis. He presented a bass weighing in at a whopping 840 grams. He, too, received a fishing rod and a tackle box for his efforts. Congratulations to the winners! [Full Story »]
Another generation takes to the Lake at the 31st Annual Dodge County Kids Fishing Rodeo held at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area.
Saturday, June 07, 2014, started out overcast, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the 174 registered children who came to out-fish and out-cast their brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors.
This year the rodeo saw some rule changes that included all of the children being able to fish at the same time the entire rodeo duration of 8:30-11:30. Fishing from the piers and shore was also allowed, as well as all types of fish being permitted to be caught, not just catfish.
Another difference this year was our award system. Only the winner of each age group was acknowledged, as opposed to prior years, where we awarded first, second and third of each group. This year, in the 11-15 group, Vincent Mann, 14, received a medal, a rod with reel and a tackle box for bringing in a bass that weighed 685 grams. For the 7-10 group, 8-year old Jakyla Nicely received a medal, fishing rod and a tackle box for the 484 gram catfish she presented at the weigh-in station. Taking home a trophy for the Largest Fish Overall, and a medal for winning his age group, was 5-year old Maddox Mullis. He presented a bass weighing in at a whopping 840 grams. He, too, received a fishing rod and a tackle box for his efforts. Congratulations to the winners! [Full Story »]
Body found near Jay Bird identified
A woman’s body, that was found near Jay Bird Springs, has been identified by the Georgia Crime Lab.
Using fingerprints, the body was identified as Patricia Lynn McDaniel Durden (age 36) of a Jay Bird Springs Road address, according to the Eastman office of the Georgia Bureau of investigation (GBI).
On Tuesday, May 27 at sometime after noon, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department and the GBI were called to Jay Bird Springs Road where the body of the woman had been found.
The body was back in a wooded area past Jay Bird Springs Resort at a place formerly known as “The Hill” or “Budweiser Hill”. She had been reported as missing for about a week.
The body was sent to the Georgia Crime Lab for identification and to find the cause of death. The cause of death is not known yet, but authorities do not believe any foul play was involved.
Using fingerprints, the body was identified as Patricia Lynn McDaniel Durden (age 36) of a Jay Bird Springs Road address, according to the Eastman office of the Georgia Bureau of investigation (GBI).
On Tuesday, May 27 at sometime after noon, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department and the GBI were called to Jay Bird Springs Road where the body of the woman had been found.
The body was back in a wooded area past Jay Bird Springs Resort at a place formerly known as “The Hill” or “Budweiser Hill”. She had been reported as missing for about a week.
The body was sent to the Georgia Crime Lab for identification and to find the cause of death. The cause of death is not known yet, but authorities do not believe any foul play was involved.
Coleman is named new EMS director
Dodge County Interim Manager Bobby Peacock announced the hiring of Rickie Coleman as the new Emergency Medical Service (EMS) director effective June 9, 2014.
Peacock stated, “Rickie Coleman was named the EMS director for Dodge County effective June 9, 2014, replacing Annette Huff who has retired after serving well in the position for a number of years.” He went on to say, “Rickie is well qualified for this position and we believe he will do an outstanding job.” [Full Story »]
Peacock stated, “Rickie Coleman was named the EMS director for Dodge County effective June 9, 2014, replacing Annette Huff who has retired after serving well in the position for a number of years.” He went on to say, “Rickie is well qualified for this position and we believe he will do an outstanding job.” [Full Story »]
Sheriff warns of phone scams
In response to the growing number of phone scam reports, Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield is notifying the citizens of Dodge County about this growing criminal activity.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, along with many other law enforcement agencies, has received numerous complaints from citizens advising that they have been the targets of a telephone scam. The caller identifies himself/herself as a member of the warrant division and advises the victim that he/she did not respond to a jury summons and that to avoid arrest, he/she can pay the associated fines using a pre-paid debit card, usually a Green Dot card. [Full Story »]
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, along with many other law enforcement agencies, has received numerous complaints from citizens advising that they have been the targets of a telephone scam. The caller identifies himself/herself as a member of the warrant division and advises the victim that he/she did not respond to a jury summons and that to avoid arrest, he/she can pay the associated fines using a pre-paid debit card, usually a Green Dot card. [Full Story »]
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