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The Dodge County High School 2016-2017 Homecoming Court members are (l-r) Faith Manning, escorted by Morgan Beck; Haley Pavesich, escorted by John Roberts; Camryn Studstill, escorted by Crosse Bearden; Zaebian McDuffie, escorted by Jacob Brinson; Margaret Simmons, escorted by Colt McCranie; Kiley Dix, escorted by Caymon McCranie; Macy Rogers, escorted by Cody Oxford; Haley Holloway, escorted by Craig Barton; Jurnee Powell, escorted by Christian Spears; Madelyn Pruitt, escorted by Clayton Scarborough; and Maegan Yawn, escorted by Phillip Powell. The homecoming queen will be announced during halftime of the homecoming football game Friday night. The Dodge County Indians will be playing Northeast. See pages 7A, 8A, 9A and 10A in this edition for more court member biographies, more photos and well wishes from local businesses, family and friends. (Photo by Emory Rogers Photography)

Four-football goal posts will be a new addition at the Dodge County Recreation Department in the near future. Dodge County Recreation Director Travis Niblett went before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners requesting funding for the goal posts.

Niblett told commissioners that the recreation department did not have any goal posts currently and he felt the upgrade would add to the future football players in Dodge County. He submitted bids from Hobbs Sporting Goods for $4774.90, R&S Sports for $6,148.00 and The Sports Shop for $6,900.00.

According to interim county manager Bobby Peacock, the funds are available through the Special Purchase Local Option Sales Tax.

Commissioner Jr. Howell made the motion, seconded by Brian Watkins to accept the low bid and allow Niblett to purchase the goal posts. Commissioners Karen Cheek, Dan McCranie, Howell and Watkins all voted in favor the purchase. Commissioner Terry Niblett abstained from voting.

Sharon Cobb Flanagan, of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market Authority, informed commissioners that she had presented a letter requesting funding for the farmer’s market for 2017. She added that on October 1, a pumpkin painting contest will be held and on October 8, a pie eating contest is scheduled. [Full Story »] 

Servants of God Ministry made a special presentation to the Eastman Police Department at the Eastman City Council meeting on Monday, September 12, at Eastman City Hall Council Chambers. Ladies of the ministry presented two framed signature mattes of most of the law enforcement officials that attended Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith’s funeral on Thursday, August 18, 2016, to the Eastman Police Department. Officer Smith was gunned down by a suspect on Main Street in Eastman as he responded to a suspicious person report on Saturday, August 13, 2016. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)

The Eastman Police Department is experiencing another rash of vehicle break-ins. Some vehicles have had the windows broken, so please remove items from your vehicles at night. Please make sure all of your firearms serial numbers are recorded, in case you do have theft, the serial numbers can be entered as stolen. If you see anyone suspicious in your neighborhood please call 911 immediately.

The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrest made from September 6, 2016 through September 13, 2016.

Lorena Trice, age 26, of Cochran, was arrested for license: driving while license suspended/revoked, and speeding.

Johnnie Fluellen, age 38, of Eastman, was arrested for financial transaction card theft and financial transaction card fraud.

Erica Stidhum, age 29, of Chester, was arrested for giving false name/address/date of birth to officer and license: driving without license.

Earl Robertson, age 53, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation and headlight requirements.

Clifton Harrell, age 49, of Eastman, was arrested for battery(family violence) and cruelty to children 1st degree.

Charles Sheffield, age 17, of Eastman, was arrested for affray.

Arnesia Rozier, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for battery(family violence).

Juvenile, age 15, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, affray and disorderly conduct.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrest made from September 6, 2016 to Sept 9, 2016.

Huriah Kareem Bledsoe, age 37, of Warner Robins, was arrested for a bench warrant.

Tabatha Murray, age 41, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.

This is one of many trees and limbs that were downed by Hurricane Hermine in Dodge County on Friday, September 2. This huge Oak tree fell across Fifth Avenue near the Citizens Bank in Eastman. Traffic was detoured for approximately an hour as Eastman Street Department employees cleared the roadway. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)