“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out,” Ephesians 6:18. These words from the Bible are certainly a guide for us in this day of so many things going on in our world. Throughout the Bible, we have been instructed to pray without ceasing.
The Dodge County Baptist Association/WMU invites everyone to join them at the Dodge County Courthouse on Monday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. Prayers for our community, state, nation and world will be voiced by local pastors. They will address the issues of the breakdown of families, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the upcoming election, Israel, terroristic issues in the Middle East and Central Asia and other issues current today.
As Christians we know that the only answer to all of these plus many more is to pray to our Father in Heaven. When we come before God on our knees, humbling ourselves before him, he will hear our prayers and heal our nation and world. God invites us to come before him with our petitions as a means of stating our dependence on him and building our relationship with him.
Bring a lawn chair and a flashlight to be used as we lift the light and our prayers to God. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 through 5:18.
Top Stories - Topics from October, 2014

Early voting ends Friday, election Tuesday
Early voting for the November 4 election will come to an end on Friday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. Early voting is being held inside the Dodge County Courthouse in the hallway near the front door.
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4 and polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Several state races are on the ballot, constitutional amendments and a local countywide race for Dodge County Probate Judge. Three political newcomers are vying for the judgeship. They are Jody Batts, Al McCranie and Blake Rowland.
If none of the three candidates receives over 50 percent of the votes, there will be a runoff election and that race will be held on Tuesday, December 2.
Other statewide races with three candidates on the ballot could also cause a runoff election to be held.
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4 and polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Several state races are on the ballot, constitutional amendments and a local countywide race for Dodge County Probate Judge. Three political newcomers are vying for the judgeship. They are Jody Batts, Al McCranie and Blake Rowland.
If none of the three candidates receives over 50 percent of the votes, there will be a runoff election and that race will be held on Tuesday, December 2.
Other statewide races with three candidates on the ballot could also cause a runoff election to be held.

Dodge County receives health grant
Dodge County has been selected by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) to receive one of the employee Health Promotion and Wellness Incentive Grants awarded statewide to promote worksite programs designed to enhance the health and wellness of county employees and family members.
Awards are made to members of the ACCG Group Heath Benefits Program (GHBP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, based on a county’s commitment to employee health and demonstrated collaboration with other community groups and organizations engaged in health promotion.
[Full Story »]
Awards are made to members of the ACCG Group Heath Benefits Program (GHBP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, based on a county’s commitment to employee health and demonstrated collaboration with other community groups and organizations engaged in health promotion.
[Full Story »]
The Dodge County News turns 25
Sunday, October 19, 2014 marked the 25th year since The Dodge County News began publishing a newspaper in Dodge County.
After working at the Courier Herald in Dublin for three years, Chuck Eckles decided to start his own newspaper in Eastman. After researching starting a business for a year, he and his new bride, Cindy Mullis Eckles, started the newspaper in the old Mercer AA Drive In location on First Avenue.
Later, they moved to their current location at 226 Main Street. They then incorporated under the name Middle Georgia Publishing, Inc.
In January of 2007, Chuck and Cindy purchased The Times Journal newspaper in Eastman from Rosebud Publishing, Inc. and combined the two newspapers.
Middle Georgia Publishing also purchased the Mid State Shoppers’ Guide in Cochran in September of 2013.
After working at the Courier Herald in Dublin for three years, Chuck Eckles decided to start his own newspaper in Eastman. After researching starting a business for a year, he and his new bride, Cindy Mullis Eckles, started the newspaper in the old Mercer AA Drive In location on First Avenue.
Later, they moved to their current location at 226 Main Street. They then incorporated under the name Middle Georgia Publishing, Inc.
In January of 2007, Chuck and Cindy purchased The Times Journal newspaper in Eastman from Rosebud Publishing, Inc. and combined the two newspapers.
Middle Georgia Publishing also purchased the Mid State Shoppers’ Guide in Cochran in September of 2013.

Fall Festival is set for Saturday
The Fall For Dodge Festival will be held on Saturday, October 25, in downtown Eastman from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce, Middle Georgia State College, Nana’s Place Crafts and Small Gifts, Alcoa, Rescare Homecare, Rhine Discount Drugs, Ron Daniels, Graphic Packing International and Southside Market sponsor this annual event.
There will be lots to do for the entire family. There will be games, characters, bounce houses, a gladiator joust, rock wall, face painting, Carter’s Rock-n-Rides, festival food and more. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. and continuing until 5:00 p.m. will be live music and dancing. A disc jockey will provide music from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and trick or treating will take place form 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Live performances throughout the day will include Georgia Peach Academy, Paid in Full, Alaina Bond, Tyndal Mitchell, Body Blast Fitness and The Drama Scene.
[Full Story »]
There will be lots to do for the entire family. There will be games, characters, bounce houses, a gladiator joust, rock wall, face painting, Carter’s Rock-n-Rides, festival food and more. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. and continuing until 5:00 p.m. will be live music and dancing. A disc jockey will provide music from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and trick or treating will take place form 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Live performances throughout the day will include Georgia Peach Academy, Paid in Full, Alaina Bond, Tyndal Mitchell, Body Blast Fitness and The Drama Scene.
[Full Story »]

Jurors selected for court term
Names have been chosen for the October term of the Dodge County Traverse Jury. If you see your name on the following list and have not been notified by mail, you should call the Dodge County Clerk of Court at 478-374-2871.
The following people should report to the Dodge County Courthouse for traverse jury duty at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2014.
Lanna Floyd Alexander, Judy Westbrook Allen, Charles M. Ashley, Thomas Henry Barron, Jr., Lindsey Ryen Bearden, Jessica Nicole Bedsole, Sherry G. Belcher, Jami Lea Black, Walter Leslie Bracewell, Patty Mae Branch, Tiffany Nicole Brantley, Aaron E. Braswell, Donna Lynn Brown, Jacqueline M. Brown, James Donald Brown, Shirley Tom Brown, Charles Frederick Bryan, Shanequa Shakira Burns, Mariam Bullard Butler, Michelle Butler.
Ryan Marcell Calhoun, Christy Celia Cheek, Eschol Lee Clark, Kevin John Clouse, Celeste V. Coleman, Shandriqua J. L. Coley, Patricia Powell Connell, Charles Jae Coody, Kelli Couey, Michael D. Crane, Rhonda S. Curtis, Brandon Joshua Daniel, Shavanda Jenithia Dassie, Kimberly Nicole Davis, Tracy Mullis Davis, Tim Lee Downey, Kelly Jean Dunlap, Kayla Leanne Dykes.
Mark M. Edwards, Latasha N. Felder, Daniel Curtis Fordham, Charles William Fore, Jr., Josie Michelle Foskey, Makacha Chardai Garbit, Christopher Lee Gibbs, Claude Bryant Godfrey, Glen Dale Gooch, Sr., Beverly Ann Green, Renata Antionette Guyton, Jesse Lee Hardy, Priscilla Harrington, Dylan Martin Hatfield, Kimberly Helms, Harley Danielle Henson, Lennard McKinley Herring, Glenda Mullis Herron, Dykes Stanford Hilliard, John Richard Hilliard, Patricia Diane Hopwood, Felicia Ann Howell, Angela Dawn Hubbard, Frank Mack Huff.
[Full Story »]
The following people should report to the Dodge County Courthouse for traverse jury duty at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2014.
Lanna Floyd Alexander, Judy Westbrook Allen, Charles M. Ashley, Thomas Henry Barron, Jr., Lindsey Ryen Bearden, Jessica Nicole Bedsole, Sherry G. Belcher, Jami Lea Black, Walter Leslie Bracewell, Patty Mae Branch, Tiffany Nicole Brantley, Aaron E. Braswell, Donna Lynn Brown, Jacqueline M. Brown, James Donald Brown, Shirley Tom Brown, Charles Frederick Bryan, Shanequa Shakira Burns, Mariam Bullard Butler, Michelle Butler.
Ryan Marcell Calhoun, Christy Celia Cheek, Eschol Lee Clark, Kevin John Clouse, Celeste V. Coleman, Shandriqua J. L. Coley, Patricia Powell Connell, Charles Jae Coody, Kelli Couey, Michael D. Crane, Rhonda S. Curtis, Brandon Joshua Daniel, Shavanda Jenithia Dassie, Kimberly Nicole Davis, Tracy Mullis Davis, Tim Lee Downey, Kelly Jean Dunlap, Kayla Leanne Dykes.
Mark M. Edwards, Latasha N. Felder, Daniel Curtis Fordham, Charles William Fore, Jr., Josie Michelle Foskey, Makacha Chardai Garbit, Christopher Lee Gibbs, Claude Bryant Godfrey, Glen Dale Gooch, Sr., Beverly Ann Green, Renata Antionette Guyton, Jesse Lee Hardy, Priscilla Harrington, Dylan Martin Hatfield, Kimberly Helms, Harley Danielle Henson, Lennard McKinley Herring, Glenda Mullis Herron, Dykes Stanford Hilliard, John Richard Hilliard, Patricia Diane Hopwood, Felicia Ann Howell, Angela Dawn Hubbard, Frank Mack Huff.
[Full Story »]

Eastman council raises taxes by one mill
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Eastman City Council voted unanimously to raise their millage rate.
After holding three public meetings on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. and on Monday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. and at 5:00 p.m. at Eastman City Hall, the council voted unanimously to raise their millage rate for 2014 from six mills to seven mills.At an eariler council meeting last month, Eastman City Manager Bea Edge told the council that revenues for the city were down, and therefore the increase in revenue was needed.The extra mill will bring in approximately $110,000.00 in additional revenue for the city.
Before the city could raise the millage rate, they had to hold three public meetings to hear public input. No Eastman citizens attended the meetings.
After holding three public meetings on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. and on Monday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. and at 5:00 p.m. at Eastman City Hall, the council voted unanimously to raise their millage rate for 2014 from six mills to seven mills.At an eariler council meeting last month, Eastman City Manager Bea Edge told the council that revenues for the city were down, and therefore the increase in revenue was needed.The extra mill will bring in approximately $110,000.00 in additional revenue for the city.
Before the city could raise the millage rate, they had to hold three public meetings to hear public input. No Eastman citizens attended the meetings.

Clark gets dazzling treatment
By Cindy Eckles
Rose Fale Clark is one of five special women who were honored at the sixth annual Dazzle and Dine event in Atlanta hosted by the Atlanta Falcons and Belk.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Falcons held their annual event on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 to honor five breast cancer survivors.
The event started with a lot of pampering, where the ladies were treated to a day of relaxation, which included getting their hair and makeup done. They then moved to dinner where the ladies arrived in a limousine and were greeted by cheers from Atlanta Falcon players.
After the dinner, each of the recipients received recognition from Atlanta Falcon players and received gifts that included Falcons gear and a shopping spree at Belk. Belk and the National Football Foundation will also give each recipient a donation towards the foundation of their choice.
[Full Story »]
Rose Fale Clark is one of five special women who were honored at the sixth annual Dazzle and Dine event in Atlanta hosted by the Atlanta Falcons and Belk.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Falcons held their annual event on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 to honor five breast cancer survivors.
The event started with a lot of pampering, where the ladies were treated to a day of relaxation, which included getting their hair and makeup done. They then moved to dinner where the ladies arrived in a limousine and were greeted by cheers from Atlanta Falcon players.
After the dinner, each of the recipients received recognition from Atlanta Falcon players and received gifts that included Falcons gear and a shopping spree at Belk. Belk and the National Football Foundation will also give each recipient a donation towards the foundation of their choice.
[Full Story »]

REACH scholars named at high school
In October 2012, Dodge County Middle School hosted a scholarship signing ceremony for their first REACH scholars. In 2013, four more Dodge County Middle School students were selected as REACH scholars. On September 24, 2014, the signing ceremony was held for the third group of scholars.
Those scholar recipients were: Emari Moore, Miracle Odum, Jamari Walker and Trent Williams.
Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal visited the Dodge County Middle School on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 to help recognize the students. According to Deal, out of the 159 counties and 181 school systems in the state of Georgia, 23 systems are giving out REACH scholarships this year.
Previous recipients of the REACH scholarships were Robert Bush, Delila Svendson, Danisha Walker, Jamera Mitchell, Ashley Kilpatrick, Jayla Mitchell, Destanee Holliman and Jonathan Johnson.
[Full Story »]
Those scholar recipients were: Emari Moore, Miracle Odum, Jamari Walker and Trent Williams.
Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal visited the Dodge County Middle School on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 to help recognize the students. According to Deal, out of the 159 counties and 181 school systems in the state of Georgia, 23 systems are giving out REACH scholarships this year.
Previous recipients of the REACH scholarships were Robert Bush, Delila Svendson, Danisha Walker, Jamera Mitchell, Ashley Kilpatrick, Jayla Mitchell, Destanee Holliman and Jonathan Johnson.
[Full Story »]

Authorities serve warrant, make arrest
On Monday, October 5, 2014, the Eastman Police Department along with the Dodge County Sheriff’s office and the Georgia State Patrol SWAT team, served a warrant on a residence on Ada Street.
The search warrant was for the residence of Fredrick Holton, age 35, of 5804 Ada Street, for forgery and identity theft.
The suspect was not at his residence, but was found at his girlfriend’s residence on Main Street. Once the suspect was placed into custody, a search of the house was done. Several stolen guns, drugs and jewelry were found. [Full Story »]
The search warrant was for the residence of Fredrick Holton, age 35, of 5804 Ada Street, for forgery and identity theft.
The suspect was not at his residence, but was found at his girlfriend’s residence on Main Street. Once the suspect was placed into custody, a search of the house was done. Several stolen guns, drugs and jewelry were found. [Full Story »]

Jones pleads guilty to manslaughter
A Milan man plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of his brother-in-law that occurred more than 15 years ago.
Ricky Lamar Jones, Jr. was sentenced to 17 years in prison in Dodge Superior Court last week for the death of William Marcus Walters (age 48).
According to sources close to the case, Walters, an Ohio native and a drifter, who had lived in various places in the United States during his life, showed up at his sister’s home sometime in late 1997 or early 1998 on Sweet Home Church Road.
[Full Story »]
Ricky Lamar Jones, Jr. was sentenced to 17 years in prison in Dodge Superior Court last week for the death of William Marcus Walters (age 48).
According to sources close to the case, Walters, an Ohio native and a drifter, who had lived in various places in the United States during his life, showed up at his sister’s home sometime in late 1997 or early 1998 on Sweet Home Church Road.
[Full Story »]
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