A Dodge County High School senior was killed in a one vehicle accident on Sunday, August 28.
Anthony Erick Craddock, age 18, died when he apparently lost control of the car he was driving, ran off the roadway and hit a tree.
Craddock and two passengers were traveling toward Eastman on Fair Haven Road when he apparently lost control of the car, ran off the right side of the road, ran through a ditch and hit a tree. The vehicle then caught on fire. Craddock was not able to get out of the vehicle.
The two passengers were injured. The male passenger was taken to Dodge County Hospital and the female passenger was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Macon. The accident happened at approximately 8:16 p.m.
Further details from the Georgia State Patrol were not available at presstime.
Top Stories - Topics from August, 2016
Eastman council remembers Smith, commends community
By Taelor Rye
At its August 21 meeting, the Eastman City Council discussed that, following the murder of Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith, the community came together in a somewhat unexpected capacity.
City manager Jason Cobb stated, “What I want to do on behalf on the city is tell the community thank you for the support that we received here. It was, I’d say, one of the darkest hours of this city, and the community came together in a way that I’d never seen in my ten years of living here.”
City council members Ronnie Woodard and Milton Johnson echoed the sentiment of other councilors, as Woodard stated, “I was proud to be a member of this community and this county.” Johnson said, “It was a very profound event for me as well,” detailing his emotional response to Smith’s interment.
City council member Buddy Pittman relayed, “That was probably one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever seen and situations that I’ve ever participated in… The citizens of Eastman and Dodge County should be commended.” Pittman continued by praising local law enforcement as well as law enforcement representatives from other areas.
City council member Prince Dawson stated, “I was real proud to see the way the entire community came together and the way they supported each other – the police department, the community – and see how something that could have gone the other way became a shining star of what Dodge County and the City of Eastman can be.”
Chairman Raymond Mullis went on to note the strength and efforts of two individuals, saying, “We had two people that worked with the city that went beyond their position… That’s Mrs. Becky (Sheffield, Eastman Chief of Police) and Jason Cobb.”
Mullis then presented Sheffield with a framed copy of a picture of her receiving a folded American flag at the burial on behalf of his family.
Sheffield remarked, “Without a doubt, I would have never dreamed how the people of Dodge County came out.”
Regarding city manager Jason Cobb, she continued, “God knows I can’t say enough about Jason… Y’all will never know how much I appreciate what y’all did… I hope to God that I never have to go through anything like this again because this has been a trying time.” [Full Story »]
At its August 21 meeting, the Eastman City Council discussed that, following the murder of Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith, the community came together in a somewhat unexpected capacity.
City manager Jason Cobb stated, “What I want to do on behalf on the city is tell the community thank you for the support that we received here. It was, I’d say, one of the darkest hours of this city, and the community came together in a way that I’d never seen in my ten years of living here.”
City council members Ronnie Woodard and Milton Johnson echoed the sentiment of other councilors, as Woodard stated, “I was proud to be a member of this community and this county.” Johnson said, “It was a very profound event for me as well,” detailing his emotional response to Smith’s interment.
City council member Buddy Pittman relayed, “That was probably one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever seen and situations that I’ve ever participated in… The citizens of Eastman and Dodge County should be commended.” Pittman continued by praising local law enforcement as well as law enforcement representatives from other areas.
City council member Prince Dawson stated, “I was real proud to see the way the entire community came together and the way they supported each other – the police department, the community – and see how something that could have gone the other way became a shining star of what Dodge County and the City of Eastman can be.”
Chairman Raymond Mullis went on to note the strength and efforts of two individuals, saying, “We had two people that worked with the city that went beyond their position… That’s Mrs. Becky (Sheffield, Eastman Chief of Police) and Jason Cobb.”
Mullis then presented Sheffield with a framed copy of a picture of her receiving a folded American flag at the burial on behalf of his family.
Sheffield remarked, “Without a doubt, I would have never dreamed how the people of Dodge County came out.”
Regarding city manager Jason Cobb, she continued, “God knows I can’t say enough about Jason… Y’all will never know how much I appreciate what y’all did… I hope to God that I never have to go through anything like this again because this has been a trying time.” [Full Story »]
Eastman Police Officer Smith laid to rest
Eastman Police Officer Tim “Turtle” Smith was laid to rest Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The funeral service, which was held at the Dodge County High School Gymnasium, began at 2:00 p.m.
Over 2,500 people were in Dodge County Thursday to pay their respects and to honor Smith’s family. Law enforcement officers from New York, Chicago, Colorado, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina and throughout the state of Georgia were in attendance.
Chris Rogers, Smith’s cousin, gave the eulogy during the service. Rogers told mourners that Smith knew he wanted to be a police officer from the time he was a child growing up in Bacon County. Smith followed the footsteps of his grandfather as well as his father in the field of law enforcement.
Rogers also stated that after the incident Smith knew his time was limited as he told emergency personnel in the back of the ambulance to tell Chelsea (Clark) he loved her.
Pastor Dahl McDermitt, Jr. officiated over the service remembering Smith as being a family man who would rather help someone than lock them up.
[Full Story »]
Over 2,500 people were in Dodge County Thursday to pay their respects and to honor Smith’s family. Law enforcement officers from New York, Chicago, Colorado, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina and throughout the state of Georgia were in attendance.
Chris Rogers, Smith’s cousin, gave the eulogy during the service. Rogers told mourners that Smith knew he wanted to be a police officer from the time he was a child growing up in Bacon County. Smith followed the footsteps of his grandfather as well as his father in the field of law enforcement.
Rogers also stated that after the incident Smith knew his time was limited as he told emergency personnel in the back of the ambulance to tell Chelsea (Clark) he loved her.
Pastor Dahl McDermitt, Jr. officiated over the service remembering Smith as being a family man who would rather help someone than lock them up.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners mourn loss of officer Tim Smith
By Taelor Rye
Members of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners recognized the life and service of fallen Eastman police officer Tim Smith at the top of the August 15 board meeting.
As part of her devotional, commissioner Karen Cheek shared, “He had a legacy. He was a family man, and he was a church man. He was a servant; he served people, and he protected us. He will be missed, and this is the type of life that you lead – one that leaves an impression on those that are left behind. I think he did that.”
Cheek then held a moment of silence, one held “not only for him and his family, but for all of the law officers and public servants that serve us all the time that we take so for granted.”
Following the moment of silence and prayer, commissioner William Howell, Jr. added, “A lot of times, we take these police officers for granted… These people are hurting. They’ve been through a lot… Families are hurting. When you see them in the upcoming weeks, give them a hug, and give them your support. They put their lives on the line for us every day of the week.”
Smith, who was with the Eastman Police Department for five years, was shot when responding to a call concerning a suspicious person after coming upon the figure and exiting his vehicle. Suspect Royheem Delshawn Deeds has been arrested for the shooting.
According to county manager Bobby Peacock, Smith’s visitation will take place at the Dodge County High School Gymnasium in Eastman at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 18, with the funeral following at 2:00 p.m. the same day.
Commissioners lamented that the called meeting to set the upcoming fiscal year’s millage rate has also long been set for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, noting that advertised, called meetings of this nature follow a specific set of procedures that legally must be upheld.
County attorney John Harrington explained to the commissioners, “Those notices are very strict. Even though you’re not actually changing it (the millage rate), you’ve got to have it (the meeting), and you’ve got to do it the right way.”
He continued, “I certainly mean no disrespect to officer Smith, and I know none of the people on this board does… We are disappointed in that (conflict), but we don’t have a lot of choice. We will make it as quick as we can to allow us all to pay our respects as we see fit.”
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market relayed that, at the most recent Dodge-Eastman Chamber of Commerce meeting, discussions were held concerning the upcoming Hometown Heroes Day for September 11, a recognition of the services of first responders.
[Full Story »]
Members of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners recognized the life and service of fallen Eastman police officer Tim Smith at the top of the August 15 board meeting.
As part of her devotional, commissioner Karen Cheek shared, “He had a legacy. He was a family man, and he was a church man. He was a servant; he served people, and he protected us. He will be missed, and this is the type of life that you lead – one that leaves an impression on those that are left behind. I think he did that.”
Cheek then held a moment of silence, one held “not only for him and his family, but for all of the law officers and public servants that serve us all the time that we take so for granted.”
Following the moment of silence and prayer, commissioner William Howell, Jr. added, “A lot of times, we take these police officers for granted… These people are hurting. They’ve been through a lot… Families are hurting. When you see them in the upcoming weeks, give them a hug, and give them your support. They put their lives on the line for us every day of the week.”
Smith, who was with the Eastman Police Department for five years, was shot when responding to a call concerning a suspicious person after coming upon the figure and exiting his vehicle. Suspect Royheem Delshawn Deeds has been arrested for the shooting.
According to county manager Bobby Peacock, Smith’s visitation will take place at the Dodge County High School Gymnasium in Eastman at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 18, with the funeral following at 2:00 p.m. the same day.
Commissioners lamented that the called meeting to set the upcoming fiscal year’s millage rate has also long been set for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, noting that advertised, called meetings of this nature follow a specific set of procedures that legally must be upheld.
County attorney John Harrington explained to the commissioners, “Those notices are very strict. Even though you’re not actually changing it (the millage rate), you’ve got to have it (the meeting), and you’ve got to do it the right way.”
He continued, “I certainly mean no disrespect to officer Smith, and I know none of the people on this board does… We are disappointed in that (conflict), but we don’t have a lot of choice. We will make it as quick as we can to allow us all to pay our respects as we see fit.”
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market relayed that, at the most recent Dodge-Eastman Chamber of Commerce meeting, discussions were held concerning the upcoming Hometown Heroes Day for September 11, a recognition of the services of first responders.
[Full Story »]
Eastman police officer murdered
A suspect is in custody after he allegedly shot and killed Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 13.
According to authorities, officer Smith responded to a suspicious person report on Main Street near Smith Street. When officer Smith arrived in the area, he noticed a black male. Officer Smith stopped his car, got out and confronted the subject and was shot by the suspect. Officer Smith was hit, but returned fire, missing the suspect.
The suspect left the scene and officer Smith called into 911 that he had been shot.
Emergency Medical Services and Eastman Fire Department Rescue responded to the scene. Officer Smith was taken to Dodge County Hospital where he died of his wound.
Law enforcement officials immediately began a search for the suspect. Before long, approximately 75 law enforcement officials from all over middle Georgia and some other areas converged on Eastman to offer their assistance in the search for the suspect. Officers followed leads all night and the next day trying to locate the suspect.
The suspect was identified as Royheem Delshawn Deeds, age 24, of the Dodge-Telfair area.
An alert was put out for Deeds.
As the result of a tip, just before 1:00 a.m. on Monday, August 15, the U.S. Marshal’s Service notified the Nassau County, Florida Sheriff’s Office that it was possible that Deeds was headed out of Folkston, Georgia on U.S. 1 into Florida and may be headed towards Gainesville, Florida in a gold Nissan Altima with a Georgia tag. [Full Story »]
According to authorities, officer Smith responded to a suspicious person report on Main Street near Smith Street. When officer Smith arrived in the area, he noticed a black male. Officer Smith stopped his car, got out and confronted the subject and was shot by the suspect. Officer Smith was hit, but returned fire, missing the suspect.
The suspect left the scene and officer Smith called into 911 that he had been shot.
Emergency Medical Services and Eastman Fire Department Rescue responded to the scene. Officer Smith was taken to Dodge County Hospital where he died of his wound.
Law enforcement officials immediately began a search for the suspect. Before long, approximately 75 law enforcement officials from all over middle Georgia and some other areas converged on Eastman to offer their assistance in the search for the suspect. Officers followed leads all night and the next day trying to locate the suspect.
The suspect was identified as Royheem Delshawn Deeds, age 24, of the Dodge-Telfair area.
An alert was put out for Deeds.
As the result of a tip, just before 1:00 a.m. on Monday, August 15, the U.S. Marshal’s Service notified the Nassau County, Florida Sheriff’s Office that it was possible that Deeds was headed out of Folkston, Georgia on U.S. 1 into Florida and may be headed towards Gainesville, Florida in a gold Nissan Altima with a Georgia tag. [Full Story »]
BREAKING NEWS: EASTMAN POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Royheem Delsawn Deeds, age 24, of the Dodge-Telfair area is wanted for one count of murder of Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith.
[Full Story »]
One Injured
An Eastman woman was injured and taken to Dodge County Hospital after a one vehicle accident at approximately 5:26 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2. The accident happened on Edna Moore Road approximately .2 miles south of Georgia 27. Sonya Danner Coleman, age 35, was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe C1500 south on Edna Moore Road. According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Coleman was driving too fast for conditions and failed to maintain her lane, running off the west side of the road, striking a trash can, then traveled into the ditch and hitting an embankment which caused the vehicle to start flipping and ending up on its top. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)
Eastman council says no to increase
By Taelor Rye
Following the lead of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, the Eastman City Council similarly has voted not to increase the property tax rate to benefit the Dodge-Eastman Development Authority’s push for economic development through the creation of a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Site. The council’s decision came at its regular meeting on August 8.
Council member Milton Johnson stated that the county’s decision not to increase its millage rate was a smart decision. If both the city and county were to increase their respective tax rates, he noted, then those in the city limits would be hit doubly with tax increases.
Looking into Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds may be better for the county, paired with a tax increase for the city, as city SPLOST funds are more tied up with current projects, Johnson said.
Still, the major reason for the decision, according to comments from council members, was community outcry to the proposal, largely due to incomplete education on the proposal as a result of the accelerated time frame.
Council member Buddy Pittman noted, “At this time… the county’s not willing to go ahead and move forward with it… I think there’s still a lot of questions from people from the county and city. We need to do something to educate them more.”
Pittman continued that the council does need to do something to help the development authority in its endeavor, but that raising the tax rate may not be the best solution for all involved.
“I think there are some other options available… Right now, I still have not heard anybody except somebody in this room that thinks that this is a good idea,” he explained.
Additionally, Sharon Cobb Flanagan stated, “The effort and energy to push on this one mill is good, and the time that is required to get something like that communicated to a community is vast… Initially, the support for economic development is necessary to grow the community if you want to bring businesses in and increase the economy. To do something like that, from my perspective, takes a lot of effort and a lot of time.”
Further, Flanagan opined, “To build this community, we have to think about the future, and that requires long-term planning, and long-term planning requires an understanding that there’s a long-term financial commitment to support all the resources,” explaining that helping future generations requires not only action but also time.
“For me, there has not been enough time to understand it,” she closed.
Charles Williams of the development authority thanked the council for its time and effort, redirecting attention to city-owned land at the Eastman airport as well as to available grant opportunities that would still require a local participation percentage.
“The communities that grow are the communities that fund growth,” he underscored. “How we fund it, I don’t know. Probably the fair way for everybody concerned would be the city raising the millage rate, and I understand everybody’s reservations. I understand that it’s been put together quickly.”
Emphasizing the unique benefits of a GRAD Site rather than just a speculative building, he said, “If on the day a company comes to town and looks, what they have is an empty field, and there’s no water, sewage or anything coming to it, they’re probably not even going to look very much – if they even come… We have to be doing something toward it.”
Closing the item out, Pittman reiterated, “For me, something needs to be done,” calling on the city, the county and the development authority to continue moving forward with the idea by working more closely together.
The council approved a property tax notice agreement with QS/1, the business responsible for sending out tax notices for the city. [Full Story »]
Following the lead of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, the Eastman City Council similarly has voted not to increase the property tax rate to benefit the Dodge-Eastman Development Authority’s push for economic development through the creation of a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Site. The council’s decision came at its regular meeting on August 8.
Council member Milton Johnson stated that the county’s decision not to increase its millage rate was a smart decision. If both the city and county were to increase their respective tax rates, he noted, then those in the city limits would be hit doubly with tax increases.
Looking into Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds may be better for the county, paired with a tax increase for the city, as city SPLOST funds are more tied up with current projects, Johnson said.
Still, the major reason for the decision, according to comments from council members, was community outcry to the proposal, largely due to incomplete education on the proposal as a result of the accelerated time frame.
Council member Buddy Pittman noted, “At this time… the county’s not willing to go ahead and move forward with it… I think there’s still a lot of questions from people from the county and city. We need to do something to educate them more.”
Pittman continued that the council does need to do something to help the development authority in its endeavor, but that raising the tax rate may not be the best solution for all involved.
“I think there are some other options available… Right now, I still have not heard anybody except somebody in this room that thinks that this is a good idea,” he explained.
Additionally, Sharon Cobb Flanagan stated, “The effort and energy to push on this one mill is good, and the time that is required to get something like that communicated to a community is vast… Initially, the support for economic development is necessary to grow the community if you want to bring businesses in and increase the economy. To do something like that, from my perspective, takes a lot of effort and a lot of time.”
Further, Flanagan opined, “To build this community, we have to think about the future, and that requires long-term planning, and long-term planning requires an understanding that there’s a long-term financial commitment to support all the resources,” explaining that helping future generations requires not only action but also time.
“For me, there has not been enough time to understand it,” she closed.
Charles Williams of the development authority thanked the council for its time and effort, redirecting attention to city-owned land at the Eastman airport as well as to available grant opportunities that would still require a local participation percentage.
“The communities that grow are the communities that fund growth,” he underscored. “How we fund it, I don’t know. Probably the fair way for everybody concerned would be the city raising the millage rate, and I understand everybody’s reservations. I understand that it’s been put together quickly.”
Emphasizing the unique benefits of a GRAD Site rather than just a speculative building, he said, “If on the day a company comes to town and looks, what they have is an empty field, and there’s no water, sewage or anything coming to it, they’re probably not even going to look very much – if they even come… We have to be doing something toward it.”
Closing the item out, Pittman reiterated, “For me, something needs to be done,” calling on the city, the county and the development authority to continue moving forward with the idea by working more closely together.
The council approved a property tax notice agreement with QS/1, the business responsible for sending out tax notices for the city. [Full Story »]
Commissioners say no to tax increase
By Taelor Rye
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted not to raise the tax millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year at its meeting on August 1.
The Eastman-Dodge County Development Authority has proposed a raise of the millage rate in an attempt to encourage economic development throughout the county.
Although the county moved not to raise its rate, the Eastman City Council has yet to adopt its tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, likely to be decided at its meeting on August 8.
The board also voted to approve Cindy Eckles as the new member of the board of tax assessors, tabling a vote on nominee Faye Jessup until the next meeting.
County manager Bobby Peacock requested permission to advertise the sale of a 2007 Dodge Charger, which the board approved.
Charles Williams, of the development authority, discussed with the board the option of local power companies EMC and Georgia Power developing interest in dark fiber optics, relaying that Dodge County is the only county in the area that has not contributed financially to a recent feasibility study.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market Authority gave a summation of the recent farmer’s market, noting that attendance and the number of vendors has recently dipped due to a number of reasons including heat-related health issues, family reunions, tax-free weekend and vacations, among others.
The board’s next meeting will take place on Monday, August 15 at 6:00 p.m.
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted not to raise the tax millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year at its meeting on August 1.
The Eastman-Dodge County Development Authority has proposed a raise of the millage rate in an attempt to encourage economic development throughout the county.
Although the county moved not to raise its rate, the Eastman City Council has yet to adopt its tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, likely to be decided at its meeting on August 8.
The board also voted to approve Cindy Eckles as the new member of the board of tax assessors, tabling a vote on nominee Faye Jessup until the next meeting.
County manager Bobby Peacock requested permission to advertise the sale of a 2007 Dodge Charger, which the board approved.
Charles Williams, of the development authority, discussed with the board the option of local power companies EMC and Georgia Power developing interest in dark fiber optics, relaying that Dodge County is the only county in the area that has not contributed financially to a recent feasibility study.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market Authority gave a summation of the recent farmer’s market, noting that attendance and the number of vendors has recently dipped due to a number of reasons including heat-related health issues, family reunions, tax-free weekend and vacations, among others.
The board’s next meeting will take place on Monday, August 15 at 6:00 p.m.
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