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By Taelor Rye

Eastman City Manager Bea Edge moved for swift action on relocating water lines on Park Street from 9th Avenue to 10th Avenue, with city council chairman Raymond Mullis calling the issues of the water lines an emergency at the Eastman city council meeting on June 22.

Right now, the water lines on this stretch of land run very shallowly under the paved road, only around three feet underground. The issue with such low-implemented water lines is that, in the hot summer, the sun more easily heats the water running through the lines, causing the water being supplied to the homes to be too hot, more often than not.

The council agreed to bypass the more traditional bidding process due to the urgency of the situation, choosing Mark Studstill based on his bid of $15,924.00, instead of waiting for competing bids. According to Edge, Studstill – whom the council has already chosen to work on other projects, such as one for the Transportation Improvement Act – will be able to work on this problem at the end of next week, and the work will last approximately two weeks.

City council member Buddy Pittman agreed to the more accelerated action, stating that the problem “has been an ongoing thing for several years.”

Concerning the approval to advertise the sale of old city police cars from the last city council meeting on June 8, Edge suggested that the council first rescind this motion. The reason for her suggestion was that the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department had placed a considerable bid. [Full Story »] 

Eight people were lucky that no-one was seriously injured in a four-vehicle accident on Friday, June 19, 2015. Vehicles driven by Jasmine Telen Mitchell, age 19, of Eastman; Amanda Dawn Gay, age 33, of Eastman; John Thomas Tipton, age 70, of Glenwood and Russell Elliott Jones, age 46, of Eastman were all traveling north of College Street, with Jones in front. Tipton, Gay and Mitchell were following behind (in that order), according to the Georgia State Patrol report. The report went on to state that Jones reported being stopped because the vehicle in front of him was stopped, waiting for southbound traffic to clear, in order to turn left. Tipton stopped behind Jones, Gay stopped behind Tipton, but Mitchell was following too closely and struck Gay in the rear, forcing her forward into the rear of Tipton, and then Tipton struck the rear of Jones. After the impact, Jones’ vehicle rolled forward and came to rest facing northbound. The other three vehicles came to rest facing northbound against one another. Dodge County EMS and Eastman Rescue responded to the accident. (Photo by Cindy Eckles)

Ray Lacount Allen, age 60, of Statesboro was trapped in the 2001 Freightliner tractor trailer that he was driving and had to be extricated with the Jaws of Life after he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Georgia 165 and Georgia 27 in Chauncey, and the vehicle crossed the roadway and ran into a tree and the railroad embankment. Allen was taken to Dodge County Hospital. The accident happened at approximately 11:44 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. The scene was not cleared until approximately 4:00 p.m. the next afternoon. (Photo by Chuck Eckles),

By Taelor Rye
Dodge County School Superintendent Dr. Melinda Dennis formally recommended increasing the millage rate to 14 mills at the Dodge County Board of Education meetings on June 8 and 9, noting that, even if Dodge County meets this percentage, the county will still be in the bottom 15 percent of all counties in the state, in terms of millage rates. To clarify, Dennis added that, for every $100,000.00 of taxes currently paid, the new rate would only add an extra $40.00 or so each year. Without this increase, Dodge would lose the equalization funding of $2 million. Hearings on this potential change will be on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on Monday, June 29, at 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Lawanda Gillis gave instructional updates, including the results of a staff survey on professional learning and information regarding the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) camp at Mercer University this week. Gills further recognized Dodge County High School for again becoming a U.S. News & World Report bronze award winner.

Jack Taylor spoke about renovations to Dodge County Middle School, where infrastructure will also be adapted to support more modern modes of technology. Tonya Brown also addressed the board with updates about special education / students with disabilities.

North Dodge Elementary School Artists of the Month include Ja’Vonna Hamilton, Rhett Meadows, Kate Peacock and Alexander Teratol. These artists’ pieces will adorn Dennis’ office wall for the month of June.

Personnel actions included the resignation of Dana H. Brown from Dodge Pre-K, Chris Bryan from DCHS, Marie Smith as a bus driver, Albertha Charles as a DCMS custodian and Jana Mullis as a human resources / payroll clerk.

Meghan McCranie resigned as DCHS assistant softball coach, Deb Mitchell resigned as DCHS assistant girls’ basketball coach, and Sheena Orange resigned as DCHS head girls’ basketball coach.

Roger Smith was recommended as a substitute bus driver, pending final requirements. Cindy Conner was approved as a DCMS guidance counselor.

Approved leaves of absence include Peggy Dillard and Brittany Fuller.

Open positions for advertisement include Pre-K teacher, DCHS science teacher, DCHS special education teacher, human resources / payroll clerk and contracted part-time paraprofessional for Wee Injuns at DCHS.

A multitude of extra-curricular positions and supplements were approved, with more coming soon.
[Full Story »] 

By Taelor Rye
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners has moved to waive penalties and interest on back taxes for Mosquito Creek Properties, LLLP from 2005 to 2011 due to an error from the county.

At the June 15 meeting, attorney Ross Schell, of James-Bates-Brannan-Groover, LLP, represented Mosquito Creek, stating that both the county and city had overlooked assessment for Mosquito Creek. According to Schell, Mosquito Creek noticed the error in 2012, fully paying taxes based on the 2012 assessment but not yet paying the taxes from 2005 to 2011, which were initially due in December 2012.

Schell explained that the assessment and appeal times had passed and that bills were initiated but that Mosquito Creek became involved in negotiations to create a plan to pay the back taxes. The agreement set was for two years, with two more payments to be made: one in August of this year and the final one due next year.

Schell also stated that, because the property was not assessed until 2012, it “cannot be billed” for the time period of 2005 to 2011. However, he stated that Mosquito Creek was indeed billed extra despite the error on the county’s part.

When commissioner Brian Watkins requested clarification, Schell specified that Mosquito Creek is not requesting to waive the taxes themselves, but solely the penalties and interest imposed from the years during which the property was not assessed.

As precedent, Schell stated that the city applied no interest or penalties, as the fault did not lie with Mosquito Creek, but with the city. Similarly, commissioner Terry Niblett added that the board policy in the past has been to waive penalties and interest if the fault is the county’s.

The board also approved the reappointment of two current library board members, Mike Pruitt and Prentice Thomas, at the request of Anne Bowen, director of the Eastman branch of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System. Bowen relayed that the two “would like to see all (the) problems resolved” during their time on the board.

County manager Bobby Peacock presented that the county requested bids for 10.25 miles of roads to be resurfaced under a contract for the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG).
[Full Story »] 

By Taelor Rye
Middle Georgia State College will become Middle Georgia State University on July 1, according to Henry Whitfield, director of the institution.

At the Eastman City Council meeting on June 8, Whitfield presented the upcoming university’s proclamation, gaining the approval of the council.

The proclamation not only called attention to the institution as Georgia’s only public school of aviation, but also noted the Eastman campus’s proximity to the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport, commending the college’s ability to “transform individuals,” according to Whitfield.

Additionally, Whitfield announced July 8 as Middle Georgia State University Day, with an event at the university to be held.

The city council meeting also saw the approval of a detainee contract with Pulaski State Prison.

City Manager Bea Edge announced that the proposed contract was for two details, together at a cost to the city of $79,000.00 per year. The contract stipulates that, for cancellation, either party must simply provide seven days written notice.

Edge also specified that these detainees were also responsible for working on the cemetery and complimented the work thus far.
[Full Story »] 

The Dodge County Grand Jury convened in June and returned the following indictments:
Cody Mullis was indicted on one count felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon; one count felony burglary first degree; and one count felony theft by taking.
Kenneth Hugh Collins was indicted on one count felony forgery third degree.
Bennie Gordon was indicted on one count misdemeanor forgery fourth degree.
Brandon Dykes was indicted on one count felony entering auto.
Skekita Clemons was indicted on one count felony deposit account fraud (bad checks) $1,500.00 or more and two counts misdemeanor deposit account fraud less than $1,499.99.
Whitney Walker was indicted on one count felony financial transaction card theft and five counts felony financial transaction card fraud.
Kelvin Wilcox was indicted on one count felony criminal damage to property in the second degree and one count misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
Zacchaeus Wilcox was indicted on one count felony interference with government property; one count felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged; and one count misdemeanor criminal attempt to commit a misdemeanor.
John Tuff was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault and one count misdemeanor obstructing or hindering persons making emergency telephone calls.
Daniel Jones was indicted on one count felony burglary first degree.
Amy Thompson was indicted on one count felony burglary first degree.
Wendell Mullis was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault and one count misdemeanor escape.
Jennifer Woodrum was indicted on one count felony theft by taking.
Dustin Mullis was indicted on one count felony theft by taking.
Billy Adams was indicted on one count felony child molestation.
Chance Thames was indicted on one count felony burglary first degree.
Robert Turner was indicted on one count felony burglary first degree.
Woodrow Powell was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault.
Clay Bearden was indicted on one count felony theft by taking and one count misdemeanor theft by deception.
Calvin Rawls was indicted on two counts felony enticing a child for indecent purposes; two counts felony child molestation; and two counts felony statutory rape.
Kenneth Deshotel was indicted on two counts felony incest; two counts felony rape; and two counts felony child molestation.
Duwan Scott was indicted on one count felony habitual violator; one count misdemeanor knowingly driving motor vehicle on suspended or canceled; one count no proof of insurance; and one count open container violation.
Timothy Howell was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked; one count no proof of insurance; and one count misdemeanor knowingly driving motor vehicle on suspended or canceled.
Michael Tuff was indicted on one count felony criminal damage to property in the second degree.
Arthur Clark was indicted on one count felony malice murder; two counts felony murder; one count felony aggravated assault; one count felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon; and one count possession/manufacture/distribution/etc. of marijuana.
David Leon King was indicted on one count felony interference with government property.
David Dewain Strickland was indicted on two counts aggravated child molestation; one count felony statutory rape; and one count felony child molestation.
Jill Filichia was indicted on one count felony aggravated assault; one count felony terroristic threats and acts; one count felony burglary; and one count misdemeanor criminal trespass.
Mark Gibson was indicted on one count felony terroristic threats and acts.
Bradley Burnam was indicted on one count felony theft by conversion of payment for property improvement.
Rengia Henderson was indicted on one count felony theft by shoplifting and one count felony hindering apprehension or punishment of a criminal.
Tony Linder was indicted on one count felony theft by shoplifting and one count misdemeanor giving false name, address, birthdate to law enforcement officers.
Kenneth McLendon was indicted on one count felony theft by shoplifting.
Jordan Rollins was indicted on three counts felony burglary first degree.
Damien Walker was indicted on one count felony failure to register as sex offender/failure to comply.
David Ronald Harrell was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine; one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects; one count felony driving while license suspended or revoked; one count operating vehicle without valid tag; and one count brake lights and turn signals required.
Harly Helton was indicated on one count felony possession of methamphetamine and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
John Scott Wilson was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine; one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects; and one count misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
Jahquil Sudler was indicted on one count felony burglary first degree.
Walter Harper was indicted on one count felony theft by shoplifting.
Damon Brown was indicted on one count felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged.
William Parks was indicted on one count felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged and one count misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
Kelly Burnam was indicted on one count felony possession/manufacture/distribution/etc. of marijuana; one count felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count felony use of communication facility in commission of a felony; and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Chasity NeSmith was indicted on one count felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; one count felony possession of methamphetamine; and one count felony possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Devon Whipple was indicted on one count felony kidnapping and three counts misdemeanor cruelty to children in the third degree.
Rodney Dixon was indicted on one count felony illegal substance within 1,000 feet of public facility/housing authority; one count misdemeanor marijuana less than one ounce; and one count misdemeanor criminal trespass.
Daniel Walker was indicted on one count felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and one count misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
James Thomas Manus Jr. was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine; one count misdemeanor driving under influence of drugs; one count misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked; and one count misdemeanor drugs not in original container.
Jack Elmer Holt Jr. was indicted on one count felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; one count felony possession of a Schedule III controlled substance; one count felony possession of methamphetamine; one count misdemeanor marijuana less than one ounce; and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Jerry Olive Little III was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count felony possession of a Schedule III controlled substance; one count felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon; and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Barbara Salyer was indicted on one count felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Steve Howell was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Sara Harrell was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine and one count misdemeanor marijuana less than one ounce.
Brandi Hulett was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine; one count felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempted crime; one count misdemeanor theft by shoplifting; and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Angela McDaniel was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine; one count misdemeanor giving false name, address, birthdate to law enforcement officer; and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Lonnie Cline was indicted on one count felony possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance; one count misdemeanor drugs not in original container; one count tail lights; and one count no proof of insurance.
Lewis Sapp was indicted on one count felony possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance and one count misdemeanor drugs not in original container.
Lee Jerald Gay was indicted on one count felony weapons on school safety zones, buildings, grounds.
Robert Price was indicted on one count felony perjury.
Christopher Ryan Harvey was indicted on one count felony possession/manufacture/distribution of drugs within 1,000 feet of schools; one count felony possession/manufacture/distribution/etc. of marijuana; and one count misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Will Southerland was indicted on one count sale of methamphetamine and one count felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
Lindsey Williams was indicted on two counts felony sale of methamphetamine and one count felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
Kevin Shurling was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Whitney Williams was indicted on one count felony attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia controlled substance act.
James Bass was indicted on one count felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon; and one count misdemeanor marijuana less than one ounce.
[Full Story »] 

The Eastman Police Department recently took delivery of seven new 2015 Ford Explorer police vehicles. The new vehicles will replace some of the older police cars in the fleet. Shown with the new vehicles are (l-r) Eastman Police Sgt. William Cooper and Eastman Police Patrolman Terry Davis. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)

The Dodge County Board of Education plans to raise property taxes in 2015 by 16.86 percent.

The millage rate in 2014 was 11.998, but will rise to a proposed 14 mills in 2015.

The board of education is raising the millage rate due to a Georgia law that requires them to raise the millage rate at least one half percent per year until a rate of 14 mills is reached.

Since 2003, when the state began its “austerity reductions,” the general fund for the county school system has been shrinking. Each year the system has reached into their reserves because the state has kept funds that the system had earned based on student enrollment. To help with the budget crunch, the school system has increased class sizes, decreased teaching positions, and eliminated some of the positions for classified employees. Employees began furlough days in 2009-2010 and had 46 furlough days before the conclusion of the 2013-2014 school year.

During these years, the Dodge County School System has operated with one of the lowest millage rates in the state. Last year, the legislature passed a law that forces the school system’s hand in raising the millage rate or sacrificing equalization funds. The system receives over two million dollars in equalization funding that they can’t afford to lose.

In addition, new expenses have come with this year’s legislative session. For the first time, the school system will pay excise tax on fuel, and the employee portion of the classified employee health insurance will increase $150 per person per month beginning in January. Prices continue to increase in power and fuel, and the general fund continues to shrink.

Public hearings will be held on June 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on June 29, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.

Several months ago, an investigation was initiated concerning information about the operation of an illegal “pill mill” operation by Dr. George Mack Bird.

On June 3, 2015, the Oconee Drug Task Force, along with assistance from the Savannah Office of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the DEA Diversion Unit, Oconee Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Eastman Police Department and Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on the offices of Women’s Health, P.C. and Dr. Mack Bird in Eastman. Additionally, the Oconee Drug Task Force, DEA and DEA Diversion Unit, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office, executed search warrants on the offices of A New You Weight Loss, another medical office for Dr. Bird, and the home of Dr. Bird.

As a result of the search warrants, Dr. Mack Bird (age 56), was arrested and charged with sale of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances with intent to distribute, illegally written prescriptions and use of pre-signed prescriptions. Jennifer Douglas (age 34), who was the registered nurse employed by Dr. Bird, was also arrested and charged with two counts of sale of a Schedule IV controlled substance. Both Dr. Bird and Douglas were taken to the Dodge County jail Dr. Byrd is being held without bond. Douglas has posted a $20,000.00 bond and has been released. Additional charges and more arrests may be forthcoming.

Additionally, $971,788.00 in cash, two office buildings, a house, four vehicles and approximately $3 million in additional assets were seized.

Jurors have been drawn for the June 9, 2015 term of Dodge County Superior Court. Traverse jurors are to report to the Dodge County Courthouse at 8:45 a.m. on June 9. Jurors are reminded not to bring cell phones to the courthouse.

If you see your name on the list below and have not been notified by mail, please call the Clerk of Superior Court immediately at 478-374-2871.

Amber Jane Adams, Shelia H. Anderson, Michael Anthony Asbell II, Marshall Sterling Averett, Jonathan Kennon Beck, Kimberly Anne Bennett, James Robert Bohannon, William Loys Bond Jr., Joni Amanda Bowen, Linda H. Boyd, Cameron Lee Brantley, Wendy Marie Braswell, Mark Christopher Bratcher, Jennifer Elizabeth Brown, Jenny B. Brown, Nashon Lantez Brown, Philip Austin Brown, Gary Burch, Gregory Marquis Butler.

David Charles Carr, Bruce Adam Chancy, Rosa Fale Clark, Andrew G. Cobb, Tamkia Shauntell Coley, Marla McDuffie Craig, Bunny Cheryl Crawford, Otis Faye Cross Jr., W.J. Daniell, Chadwick Monroe Dennis, Jesse Keith Dennis Jr., Shelia Renee Dinkins, Frances L. Dixon, Brandy Lea Dowdy, Alex Lamar Dupree, Ashley Priscilla Dupree, Laura Taylor Faulk, Cathy Ann Fennell, Portia Renae Fordham, Joseph Bryant Gilbert, Geneveland Graham, Miesha Shanta Greene, Gail Adams Hall, Jackie Tyrone Hall, Chelsea Cobb Hart, Stephen C. Hawn.
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The Dodge County High School Class of 2015 graduated during commencement exercises Friday night, May 29, 2015 at Memorial Stadium with 203 graduates receiving diplomas, 35 of them with honors. Speakers included valedictorian Gracie Snyder, salutatorian Griffin Law, third highest graduate Taylor Thomas and fourth highest graduate Tyndal Mitchell. (Photo by Cindy Eckles)

Firemen were called to the home of John and Prescilla Harrington at 840 8th Avenue in Eastman at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. When firefighters arrived, they found the fire had started on the second story of the brick house in the master bedroom. Firemen from Eastman and Dodge Correctional Institute (Dodge CI) fought the blaze for approximately three hours. There was heavy fire damage to the bedroom and the immediate area, heavy heat and smoke damage to the entire second foor and smoke daamage to the first floor. Eastman fire engines 8, 9 and 10, the Eastman rescue truck and a fire engine from Dodge CI responded. (Photo by Cindy Eckles)

Firemen were called to the home of Charlie and Wanda Lancaster at 2066 Lancaster Road near the Pulaski County line on Saturday, May 30. When firefighters arrived, they found the fire had started in the rear of the home. Firefighters fought the fire for approximately four hours. The house was a total loss. The cause of the fire was not known at presstime. Firefighters from Gresston, the Pulaski County Fire Department and the Dodge County tanker responded to the fire. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)