Halloween has become a hugely popular time for fun and festivities, but with it comes the potential for a variety of fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages everyone to take these simple precautions to stay safe without sacrificing that fun.
“Halloween brings an opportunity to wear fun costumes, decorate our homes, and eat too much candy,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “However, without proper safety precautions, we run the risk of turning good times into the wrong kind of scary ones.”
According to NFPA research, between 2012 and 2016, decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 800 reported home structure fires per year, resulting in an average of two civilian deaths, 34 civilian injuries and $11 million in direct property damage. The decoration was too close to a heat source such as a candle or equipment in almost half of these fires.
NFPA offers these tips to stay safe during the spooky season:
Costumes: Avoid fabric that billows or trails behind you, as these can easily ignite. If you are making your own costume, avoid loosely woven fabrics like linen and cotton, which can be very flammable.
[Full Story »]
Top Stories - Topics from October, 2019
Authorities make arrests
The Eastman Police Department made the following arrests from October 5, 2019 through October 22, 2019.
Nakia Girtman, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Charles Piccione, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
Juvenile, age 16, of Rhine, was arrested for being unruly.
Angela Butler, age 62, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended/revoked and headlight requirements.
Michael Chatting, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended/revoked, being a habitual violator and having no brake lights or working turn signals.
Mitchell Payne, age 34, of Eastman, was arrest for criminal attempt.
Willie King, age 60, of Eastman was arrested for shoplifting less that $500.00 and criminal trespass – business.
Danny Rozar, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reports the following arrests from September 30 to October 22.
Booker T. Adams, age 72, of Rhine, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) – alcohol/controlled substance present in blood/urine and possession of open alcohol container.
William Donnie Brown, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested on a bench warrant.
Rhonda Lynn Clark, age 50, of Rhine, was arrested for probation violation.
Christopher Denard Durham, age 32, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Tyronza Clarance Facison, age 41, of Eastman, was arrested for simple battery.
Brenton Antwan Gibson, age 36, of Chester, was arrested for probation violation.
Joshua Bray, age 34, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated stalking and probation violation.
Altaron Lamont Gooch, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
[Full Story »]
Nakia Girtman, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Charles Piccione, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
Juvenile, age 16, of Rhine, was arrested for being unruly.
Angela Butler, age 62, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended/revoked and headlight requirements.
Michael Chatting, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended/revoked, being a habitual violator and having no brake lights or working turn signals.
Mitchell Payne, age 34, of Eastman, was arrest for criminal attempt.
Willie King, age 60, of Eastman was arrested for shoplifting less that $500.00 and criminal trespass – business.
Danny Rozar, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reports the following arrests from September 30 to October 22.
Booker T. Adams, age 72, of Rhine, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) – alcohol/controlled substance present in blood/urine and possession of open alcohol container.
William Donnie Brown, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested on a bench warrant.
Rhonda Lynn Clark, age 50, of Rhine, was arrested for probation violation.
Christopher Denard Durham, age 32, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Tyronza Clarance Facison, age 41, of Eastman, was arrested for simple battery.
Brenton Antwan Gibson, age 36, of Chester, was arrested for probation violation.
Joshua Bray, age 34, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated stalking and probation violation.
Altaron Lamont Gooch, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
[Full Story »]
Sting nets drugs and seven arrests
An early morning operation conducted by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Eastman Police Department, Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Tri-County Swat Unit yielded seven arrests.
The early morning operation, with approximately 30 officers, was conducted under the cover of darkness to provide officers with the element of surprise. Two houses in the Sunset area of Eastman were raided simultaneously and searched for drugs and guns.
Suspected drugs were found in both residences and four persons with outstanding warrants from surrounding law enforcement agencies were taken into custody.
Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield and Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield once again displayed their willingness to work with other agencies to fight the drug problem in Dodge County. Sheriff Sheffield and chief Sheffield would like to thank the participating agencies for their help in fighting the drug problem in Dodge County because it is a nationwide problem that affects all the citizens of Dodge County.
Miles Ivory was arrested on three counts of sale of methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and one outstanding warrant from the Eastman Police Department.
Adriene Hall was arrested on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and violation of oath of office by a public officer. Hall was a corrections officer for the Dodge County Jail at the time of her arrest.
Jerrell Burch was arrested on three counts of sale of methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine and one count of possession of drug related objects.
[Full Story »]
The early morning operation, with approximately 30 officers, was conducted under the cover of darkness to provide officers with the element of surprise. Two houses in the Sunset area of Eastman were raided simultaneously and searched for drugs and guns.
Suspected drugs were found in both residences and four persons with outstanding warrants from surrounding law enforcement agencies were taken into custody.
Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield and Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield once again displayed their willingness to work with other agencies to fight the drug problem in Dodge County. Sheriff Sheffield and chief Sheffield would like to thank the participating agencies for their help in fighting the drug problem in Dodge County because it is a nationwide problem that affects all the citizens of Dodge County.
Miles Ivory was arrested on three counts of sale of methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and one outstanding warrant from the Eastman Police Department.
Adriene Hall was arrested on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and violation of oath of office by a public officer. Hall was a corrections officer for the Dodge County Jail at the time of her arrest.
Jerrell Burch was arrested on three counts of sale of methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine and one count of possession of drug related objects.
[Full Story »]
Grand jury returns many indictments
The Dodge County Grand Jury recently handed down the following indictments on September 30, 2019.
James Inez Dupree was indicted for one count of felony rape.
Jonesy Ray Wiggins was indicted for one count of felony assault and two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony).
Moises Ramirez-Romero was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a felony (16-4-1), one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged in crime, one count of felony willful interference with emergency medical professionals and one count of sexual battery.
Darrell Bonds was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a rape.
Benjamin James Jackson was indicted for one count of child molestation.
Justin Marie Mullis was indicted for four counts of child molestation.
Demarcus Reshawn McClinton was indicted for one count of felony aggravated assault.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for one count of forgery in the first degree.
Corey Willis was indicted for 66 counts of felony forgery in the second degree.
Bobby Lee Swint, Jr. was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony) and one count of criminal trespass.
Johnny Harris Tuff was indicted for one count of felony sale of cocaine.
Jack Elmer Holt, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce), one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of weaving over roadway.
Kayla Lee Williams was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce) and one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Angela W. Butler was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) drugs, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked, one count of speeding, one count of tail lights and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Randi Kristin Daniels was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol and drugs, one count of weaving over roadway, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container and one count of open container violation.
Stephino Demaris Harrell was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
James Derek Bridges was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Callie Deanne Spires was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Lafeyette Bernard Butler was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony terroristic threats and acts, one count of misdemeanor hindering person making emergency call, one count of misdemeanor theft by taking, one count of misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass and five counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children in the third degree – first or second.
Joshua Antoinne Johnson was indicted for one count of felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Kellie Lee Muncher was indicted for two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of felony fleeing/attempting elude an officer for a felony, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of headlight requirements.
Nakeata Cierra Strange was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
Tyus Rasheed Turnage was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
James Bernard Bray was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana.
Jonathan Lamon Wilcox was indicted for one county of felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon.
Ted Eugene Brantley was indicted for two counts felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon.
Cole Bailey was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Brandon Michael Fountain was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Megan Hailey Persinger was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Johnny Paul Grilliot was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Dusty Hankinson was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Paul John Bentley, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana and one count of misdemeanor passion and use of drug related objects.
Sandy Ray English was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Fallon Munch was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Tracy Rammage was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Michelle Williams was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Shaquail Latrice Dixon was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Shakya V. Wright was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for two counts of felony forgery first degree.
Lance Prentice Gilbert was indicted for one count of felony burglary (second degree) and one count of felony theft by taking.
Jimmy Leon Paul was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Joshua Kade Daniels was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
Anna Leigh Stewart was indicted for one count of felony cruelty to children (first degree).
Todd Jermaine Wilcox was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Daniel Clinton Jordan was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of no proof of insurance.
[Full Story »]
James Inez Dupree was indicted for one count of felony rape.
Jonesy Ray Wiggins was indicted for one count of felony assault and two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony).
Moises Ramirez-Romero was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a felony (16-4-1), one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged in crime, one count of felony willful interference with emergency medical professionals and one count of sexual battery.
Darrell Bonds was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a rape.
Benjamin James Jackson was indicted for one count of child molestation.
Justin Marie Mullis was indicted for four counts of child molestation.
Demarcus Reshawn McClinton was indicted for one count of felony aggravated assault.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for one count of forgery in the first degree.
Corey Willis was indicted for 66 counts of felony forgery in the second degree.
Bobby Lee Swint, Jr. was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony) and one count of criminal trespass.
Johnny Harris Tuff was indicted for one count of felony sale of cocaine.
Jack Elmer Holt, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce), one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of weaving over roadway.
Kayla Lee Williams was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce) and one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Angela W. Butler was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) drugs, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked, one count of speeding, one count of tail lights and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Randi Kristin Daniels was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol and drugs, one count of weaving over roadway, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container and one count of open container violation.
Stephino Demaris Harrell was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
James Derek Bridges was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Callie Deanne Spires was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Lafeyette Bernard Butler was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony terroristic threats and acts, one count of misdemeanor hindering person making emergency call, one count of misdemeanor theft by taking, one count of misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass and five counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children in the third degree – first or second.
Joshua Antoinne Johnson was indicted for one count of felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Kellie Lee Muncher was indicted for two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of felony fleeing/attempting elude an officer for a felony, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of headlight requirements.
Nakeata Cierra Strange was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
Tyus Rasheed Turnage was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
James Bernard Bray was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana.
Jonathan Lamon Wilcox was indicted for one county of felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon.
Ted Eugene Brantley was indicted for two counts felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon.
Cole Bailey was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Brandon Michael Fountain was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Megan Hailey Persinger was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Johnny Paul Grilliot was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Dusty Hankinson was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Paul John Bentley, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana and one count of misdemeanor passion and use of drug related objects.
Sandy Ray English was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Fallon Munch was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Tracy Rammage was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Michelle Williams was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Shaquail Latrice Dixon was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Shakya V. Wright was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for two counts of felony forgery first degree.
Lance Prentice Gilbert was indicted for one count of felony burglary (second degree) and one count of felony theft by taking.
Jimmy Leon Paul was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Joshua Kade Daniels was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
Anna Leigh Stewart was indicted for one count of felony cruelty to children (first degree).
Todd Jermaine Wilcox was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Daniel Clinton Jordan was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of no proof of insurance.
[Full Story »]
Graduation rate tops the RESA district and beats the state average
“Dedicated to Our Desire to Graduate Everyone” is not just a trite motto for Dodge County High School (DCHS). It is a pledge each teacher, staff member and administrator makes each day to their students, and it’s one that once again has rendered great gains for the school.
A recent report from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DCHS’s 2019 graduation rate, 97.4% surpasses the state average of 82% and places the school at the top of its RESA District.
DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long was elated to hear these results and quick to give credit to the school’s staff and students for their commitment. In a staff-wide email, Long said, “Thank you so much for ALL you do at DCHS! You make great things happen, and I am honored to be here with you each day!
Long added that the school’s success is the result of the students’ and staff’s “dedication, encouragement, and expertise.”
According to the GaDOE press release, the overall state average is at an all-time high, increasing a total of 12 percentage points since 2012.
DCHS, with its 97.4% graduation rate, ranks among the 71 Georgia school districts with a recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent and only 24 districts with recorded rates at or above 95%.
“I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. [Full Story »]
A recent report from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DCHS’s 2019 graduation rate, 97.4% surpasses the state average of 82% and places the school at the top of its RESA District.
DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long was elated to hear these results and quick to give credit to the school’s staff and students for their commitment. In a staff-wide email, Long said, “Thank you so much for ALL you do at DCHS! You make great things happen, and I am honored to be here with you each day!
Long added that the school’s success is the result of the students’ and staff’s “dedication, encouragement, and expertise.”
According to the GaDOE press release, the overall state average is at an all-time high, increasing a total of 12 percentage points since 2012.
DCHS, with its 97.4% graduation rate, ranks among the 71 Georgia school districts with a recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent and only 24 districts with recorded rates at or above 95%.
“I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. [Full Story »]
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