The search for the new Dodge County school superintendent has now been narrowed to two candidates. The two applications that are being considered for the position are Thomas Michael Hilliard and Dr. Elvis B. Davis.
Hilliard is currently the Dodge County Middle School (DCMS) principal. Prior to DCMS, he was the North Dodge Elementary School principal.
Dr. Davis is currently the South Dodge Elementary School (SDES) principal and a U.S. Army veteran.
Approximately 16 applications were received by the board for the superintendent position. After reviewing the applications, the board interviewed three candidates Thursday, May 19th. Following the interviews, the board met for over two and a half hours and narrowed the decision to two applicants. Of the 16 applicants, 13 were received from outside of Dodge County.
Mark Driggers, chairman of the Dodge County Board of Education, said, “There were three great candidates with so much to offer, and it was tough to narrow it down.”
The next scheduled meetings for the Dodge County school board are Monday, June 6th and Tuesday, June 7th. The date was moved up from the regularly scheduled meeting date of Thursday, June 9th because of a school board conference in Savannah.
A final decision for Dodge County school superintendent position will be made on either Monday, June 6th or Tuesday, June 7th, according to chairman Driggers.
Top Stories - Topics from May, 2016
Incumbents reelected in Dodge races
It was a night for the incumbents in local Dodge County races. All of the incumbents that had opposition won reelection to their seats.
With all precincts reporting, including the absentee ballots, in the Dodge County Tax Commissioner’s race, incumbent Kay Graham won over newcomer Tonya Sheffield 1168 to 415.
In the Dodge County Coroner’s race, incumbent Joe Smith beat newcomer Dell Atkins 2729 to 666.
In the Dodge County Magistrate’s race, incumbent Lonnie Parkerson fended off two challengers to take his race without a runoff. Parkerson got 1967 votes to 888 for Jody Batts and 633 for Donny Stokes.
In the District 4 Dodge County School Board race, incumbent Ricky Hargrove defeated Rodney King in the closest race of the night 293 to 287. That race will automatically require a recount.
In Dodge County only, the Georgia State Representative race in District 149 was taken by incumbent Jimmy Pruett over newcomer Mitsy Peterson 1268 to 643.
The educational 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) passed in Dodge County 2257 to 1022. These totals (for the SPLOST only) do not include the absentees.
With all precincts reporting, including the absentee ballots, in the Dodge County Tax Commissioner’s race, incumbent Kay Graham won over newcomer Tonya Sheffield 1168 to 415.
In the Dodge County Coroner’s race, incumbent Joe Smith beat newcomer Dell Atkins 2729 to 666.
In the Dodge County Magistrate’s race, incumbent Lonnie Parkerson fended off two challengers to take his race without a runoff. Parkerson got 1967 votes to 888 for Jody Batts and 633 for Donny Stokes.
In the District 4 Dodge County School Board race, incumbent Ricky Hargrove defeated Rodney King in the closest race of the night 293 to 287. That race will automatically require a recount.
In Dodge County only, the Georgia State Representative race in District 149 was taken by incumbent Jimmy Pruett over newcomer Mitsy Peterson 1268 to 643.
The educational 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) passed in Dodge County 2257 to 1022. These totals (for the SPLOST only) do not include the absentees.
Early voting ends Friday; election set for May 24
Early voting and a request to have an absentee ballot mailed for the upcoming May 24, 2016 General Primary Election, Non-Partisan General Election and Special Election (E-SPLOST) will end at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2016.
According to Dodge County Chief Registrar Selma Grimes, as of Tuesday, May 17, a total of 115 absentee ballots have been mailed out. Of those 115 absentee ballots requested, 87 voters requested a democratic ballot and 28 requested a republican ballot.
Grimes also stated that 587 registered voters have voted in Dodge County since May 2 when early voting began. Three hundred thirty (330) voters requested a democratic ballot and 257 requested a republican ballot.
There approximately 11,000 active voters in Dodge County.
According to Dodge County Chief Registrar Selma Grimes, as of Tuesday, May 17, a total of 115 absentee ballots have been mailed out. Of those 115 absentee ballots requested, 87 voters requested a democratic ballot and 28 requested a republican ballot.
Grimes also stated that 587 registered voters have voted in Dodge County since May 2 when early voting began. Three hundred thirty (330) voters requested a democratic ballot and 257 requested a republican ballot.
There approximately 11,000 active voters in Dodge County.
Dodge deputies injured while subduing student
On Friday, May 13, 2016, Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gordon called for assistance at the Dodge County High School. Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy Clint English arrived to find deputy Gordon on the floor of one of the school’s hallways.
Across the hall from deputy Gordon was the student he had been attempting to subdue.
The 16 year old male student had allegedly assaulted deputy Gordon, during which deputy Gordon sustained a broken leg. Deputy English, Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy Jermayne Hamilton and Dodge County Criminal Investigations Department Officer (CID) Glen Conley placed the student into custody with him allegedly resisting arrest and shouting threats to all officers with extremely strong language.
To gain control of the student, deputy Hamilton and officer Conley took him to the ground, and in doing so, both deputies sustained minor injuries to their arms.
Deputy Gordon was taken to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin and was later released, but is pending surgery. Deputy Hamilton and officer Conley did not sustain debilitating injuries and remain on duty.
The case has been turned over to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
Across the hall from deputy Gordon was the student he had been attempting to subdue.
The 16 year old male student had allegedly assaulted deputy Gordon, during which deputy Gordon sustained a broken leg. Deputy English, Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy Jermayne Hamilton and Dodge County Criminal Investigations Department Officer (CID) Glen Conley placed the student into custody with him allegedly resisting arrest and shouting threats to all officers with extremely strong language.
To gain control of the student, deputy Hamilton and officer Conley took him to the ground, and in doing so, both deputies sustained minor injuries to their arms.
Deputy Gordon was taken to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin and was later released, but is pending surgery. Deputy Hamilton and officer Conley did not sustain debilitating injuries and remain on duty.
The case has been turned over to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
Georgia Military College to open Friday
By Charles Williams
Georgia Military College is opening in Eastman this FRIDAY. Did you read that correctly? Did you let it sink in?
A community college right here in Eastman Georgia and it starts this week with an official ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday. You might want to attend. It starts at 10:00 Friday morning. Macy Pruett will be singing the National Anthem. You really should be there to experience history in the making.
Now, what is GMC? Will there be marching and military training and parades? No, not on the Eastman Campus.Yes, it is happening in Milledgeville at their main campus and students from here might decide to go there and take advantage of that opportunity and everything that comes with it.
However, the Eastman Campus, like Dublin and Warner Robins, and their other ten branch locations is a community college. It’s co-ed! It is not a Military school but instead a place where you, whatever age you are, may earn your associates degree. You can be accepted without an SAT or other standardized testing. It’s a place of learning that is affordable, well managed, and recognized as a center for education.
We are so fortunate to have Georgia Military College locate it’s 13th community college in Eastman Georgia.
Make plans to come and celebrate Friday morning, 10:00! The new facility is next to the Murrell Memorial Library on Legion Drive in Eastman.
Georgia Military College is opening in Eastman this FRIDAY. Did you read that correctly? Did you let it sink in?
A community college right here in Eastman Georgia and it starts this week with an official ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday. You might want to attend. It starts at 10:00 Friday morning. Macy Pruett will be singing the National Anthem. You really should be there to experience history in the making.
Now, what is GMC? Will there be marching and military training and parades? No, not on the Eastman Campus.Yes, it is happening in Milledgeville at their main campus and students from here might decide to go there and take advantage of that opportunity and everything that comes with it.
However, the Eastman Campus, like Dublin and Warner Robins, and their other ten branch locations is a community college. It’s co-ed! It is not a Military school but instead a place where you, whatever age you are, may earn your associates degree. You can be accepted without an SAT or other standardized testing. It’s a place of learning that is affordable, well managed, and recognized as a center for education.
We are so fortunate to have Georgia Military College locate it’s 13th community college in Eastman Georgia.
Make plans to come and celebrate Friday morning, 10:00! The new facility is next to the Murrell Memorial Library on Legion Drive in Eastman.
Eastman council gives up their share of the recreation department
By Taelor Rye
The council moved to approve a resolution and quit-claim of the deed between Eastman and Dodge County regarding the Eastman-Dodge Recreation Commission (EDRC), therefore relinquishing its stake in the Eastman-Dodge County Recreation Department on the Dublin Highway. Additionally, the city’s three seats on the commission are given up as well.
The county requested such action some time ago, city attorney Rita Llop stated. This action relates to the specific city ordinance that formed the EDRC.
Jonathan Guyton, Jr., requested further information on how this action would impact his desired work on Sunset Park in Eastman, and city council member Milton Johnson clarified that, because the ordinance only refers to property jointly owned by both the city and Dodge County, Sunset Park and other city-only-owned parks are unaffected.
City council member Prince Dawson reiterated this fact, adding that the official liaison between the city and Sunset Park is the Dodge County Christian Ministerial Alliance and that further requests, suggestions and questions should go through that organization, per chain of command.
Specifically, the ministerial alliance will meet at the Progressive Association Building by North Street and 14th Avenue on Tuesday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss concerns from community members.
Charles Williams, director of the chamber of commerce, reminded councilors of Georgia Military College’s (GMC) grand opening of its upcoming Eastman branch on this Friday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m.
Williams also noted that, while GMC in Milledgeville has a military junior college program, the school as a whole is a liberal arts junior college. As such, its Eastman branch will function as a community college with the same purpose, not by necessity a military organization.
Williams also spoke on behalf of Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, relaying news concerning the most recent farmer’s market, which was attended by over 300 people.
The farmer’s market on Saturday, May 14, will feature the return of musical guest Morning Train as well as the well-received cooking demonstration, both of which were highlights of the inaugural farmer’s market.
Additionally, EBT has been approved for the farmer’s market, with some vendors already prepared to accept EBT; soon, all vendors will be capable.
The city council approved a motion to bid out a project concerning the relocation of water lines for Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) streets. The project is a continuation of 2015’s projects, coinciding with those LMIG and Transportation Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) projects.
[Full Story »]
The council moved to approve a resolution and quit-claim of the deed between Eastman and Dodge County regarding the Eastman-Dodge Recreation Commission (EDRC), therefore relinquishing its stake in the Eastman-Dodge County Recreation Department on the Dublin Highway. Additionally, the city’s three seats on the commission are given up as well.
The county requested such action some time ago, city attorney Rita Llop stated. This action relates to the specific city ordinance that formed the EDRC.
Jonathan Guyton, Jr., requested further information on how this action would impact his desired work on Sunset Park in Eastman, and city council member Milton Johnson clarified that, because the ordinance only refers to property jointly owned by both the city and Dodge County, Sunset Park and other city-only-owned parks are unaffected.
City council member Prince Dawson reiterated this fact, adding that the official liaison between the city and Sunset Park is the Dodge County Christian Ministerial Alliance and that further requests, suggestions and questions should go through that organization, per chain of command.
Specifically, the ministerial alliance will meet at the Progressive Association Building by North Street and 14th Avenue on Tuesday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss concerns from community members.
Charles Williams, director of the chamber of commerce, reminded councilors of Georgia Military College’s (GMC) grand opening of its upcoming Eastman branch on this Friday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m.
Williams also noted that, while GMC in Milledgeville has a military junior college program, the school as a whole is a liberal arts junior college. As such, its Eastman branch will function as a community college with the same purpose, not by necessity a military organization.
Williams also spoke on behalf of Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, relaying news concerning the most recent farmer’s market, which was attended by over 300 people.
The farmer’s market on Saturday, May 14, will feature the return of musical guest Morning Train as well as the well-received cooking demonstration, both of which were highlights of the inaugural farmer’s market.
Additionally, EBT has been approved for the farmer’s market, with some vendors already prepared to accept EBT; soon, all vendors will be capable.
The city council approved a motion to bid out a project concerning the relocation of water lines for Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) streets. The project is a continuation of 2015’s projects, coinciding with those LMIG and Transportation Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) projects.
[Full Story »]
Reads the Bible
The Fourth Annual Bible Reading Marathon Week began on Friday April 29 at 6:00 a.m. at the Dodge County Courthouse with opening ceremonies provided by Rev. Dr. Rick Mitchell as the keynote speaker and Jamboree Graham, a fourth grade student at North Dodge Elementary as the first reader. The marathon consisted of reading the entire Bible from Genesis through Revelation by many volunteers throughout the week. Coordinator of the events was Dr. Lydia Daniels. The marathon concluded at midnight on the night of Wednesday May 4. (Photo by Cameron Hardin)
Commissioners approve funds for fire department
By Taelor Rye
Lee Kirkland of the Rural Fire Department (RFD) approached the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at its May 2nd meeting to request the use of Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds to purchase new equipment for its radio system.
Kirkland stated that the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department (SD), the Eastman Police Department (EPD), and Eastman Fire Department (EFD), Dodge County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the RFD have all been in talks to consider changing companies, having been unsatisfied with the now-defunct provider of radio control equipment.
Based on the findings of a contracted company, Kirkland reported that its analysis reveals a need for an upgrade on the RFD’s paging system.
Specifically, the RFD requests funds for new antennas to replace the current functioning antennas, which are over 20 years old. However, according to Kirkland, the lifespan of antennas ranges from 12 to 14 years on average.
While most of the communication equipment is stationed on the Ocmulgee EMC tower, the paging system is situated on the water tower in the Industrial Park – “not the best in the world,” Kirkland remarked.
The RFD’s proposed plan is to place the new equipment on the water tower on Legion Drive, where EPD’s equipment is already stationed. Together with EPD, EFD and EMS, the RFD could relocate the existing structure in the Industrial Park to house the equipment, provided that EMS also decides to relocate its own equipment. Otherwise, RFD would need to pay for new housing of the equipment.
Therefore, RFD requested up to $15,000.00 to pay for the new communication equipment and the possibility of the new housing structure; the bid for the new equipment is roughly $12,000.00, and the approximate price of a potential new structure would be $3,000.00.
County attorney John Harrington asked about the need for new antennas, pointing out that all calls stem from E911 anyway. Kirkland responded that different governmental bodies communicate on different frequencies and that different departments within each body (for example, the different branches of the Dodge County Fire Department) communicate on different tones as well.
[Full Story »]
Lee Kirkland of the Rural Fire Department (RFD) approached the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at its May 2nd meeting to request the use of Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds to purchase new equipment for its radio system.
Kirkland stated that the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department (SD), the Eastman Police Department (EPD), and Eastman Fire Department (EFD), Dodge County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the RFD have all been in talks to consider changing companies, having been unsatisfied with the now-defunct provider of radio control equipment.
Based on the findings of a contracted company, Kirkland reported that its analysis reveals a need for an upgrade on the RFD’s paging system.
Specifically, the RFD requests funds for new antennas to replace the current functioning antennas, which are over 20 years old. However, according to Kirkland, the lifespan of antennas ranges from 12 to 14 years on average.
While most of the communication equipment is stationed on the Ocmulgee EMC tower, the paging system is situated on the water tower in the Industrial Park – “not the best in the world,” Kirkland remarked.
The RFD’s proposed plan is to place the new equipment on the water tower on Legion Drive, where EPD’s equipment is already stationed. Together with EPD, EFD and EMS, the RFD could relocate the existing structure in the Industrial Park to house the equipment, provided that EMS also decides to relocate its own equipment. Otherwise, RFD would need to pay for new housing of the equipment.
Therefore, RFD requested up to $15,000.00 to pay for the new communication equipment and the possibility of the new housing structure; the bid for the new equipment is roughly $12,000.00, and the approximate price of a potential new structure would be $3,000.00.
County attorney John Harrington asked about the need for new antennas, pointing out that all calls stem from E911 anyway. Kirkland responded that different governmental bodies communicate on different frequencies and that different departments within each body (for example, the different branches of the Dodge County Fire Department) communicate on different tones as well.
[Full Story »]
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