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Three Dodge County commissioners asked county attorney John Harrington to approach Oconee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tim Vaughn to request that he investigate the issues surrounding the proposed Dodge County boat landing project to determine if any criminal acts were or may have been perpetrated that would be punishable under Georgia law.

Commissioners Jr. Howell, Carl Hosford and Brian Watkins instructed Harrington to do so. Harrington, in turn, wrote a letter to district attorney Vaughn on Tuesday, October 26.

The letter was in reference to potential criminal conduct regarding the proposed Dodge County boat landing. [Full Story »] 

A runoff will be needed to determine the winner of the District 3 Dodge County Board of Education seat between incumbent Rocky Stuckey, who got 396 votes, and Dee Yearty, who received 338 votes. Charles Dennis, who also ran for the position, received 239 votes.

In school board District 5, Mark Driggers was the winner defeating incumbent Neil Spradley 646 to 323 votes.

In school board District 4, Richard Hargrove was the winner defeating Kahn T. Wahl 412 to 374 votes.

In school board District 1, Prentice Bennett, Jr. was the winner defeating incumbent Doug Martin 448 to 317 votes.

In school board District 7, incumbent Shirley Ikedionwu was the winner defeating Karen Butler 305 to 146 votes.

For Dodge County commission District 2, Terry Niblett defeated challenger Jessie Mincey by a tally of 674 to 568 votes. [Full Story »] 

Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies participated in firearms training last week.

Dodge County Sheriff Jeff Hinson stated that firearms training is one of the most critical areas of training for a peace officer.


Hinson said, “The vast majority of officers go their entire career and never have to fire a shot in the line of duty.

However, incidents occasionally occur when a deputy may have to use their weapon to save the life of an innocent citizen or even their own life.”


Hinson went on to point out that deputies in the neighboring counties of Crisp, Houston, Laurens and Wheeler have had to use their firearms in recent years to defend themselves. [Full Story »] 

For the past few years, the annual Eastman Lions Parade has been held at 6:00 p.m. in the evening.

Due to numerous requests, the parade will be scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2010 this year.

For many years, the parade was held at 1:00 p.m. and then was changed to an evening parade.

Parents of younger children and some of the school groups have expressed a desire to see the parade returned to afternoon scheduling.

The 2010 Christmas Parade Grand Marshall will be Lawrence W. “Dubby” Coffee, Jr.

The Eastman Lions Club is sincerely appreciative for any positive feedback offered, and truly appreciates all of the local participation in the parade. [Full Story »] 

The Eastman/Dodge County Airport Authority has donated chain link fence to the Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter (FHAS), after the Federal Aviation Administration deemed the fencing obsolete for airport use.




John Clements donated the use of his trailer and county employees and prisoners loaded the fence.




FHAS President Tony Burnham stated, “I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from the Dodge County community, individuals, businesses, civic groups and governments, by joining together to get the shelter built. On behalf of the Faithful Hearts Board and membership, my sincere thanks.”

The 2010/2011 Dodge County High School Homecoming Queen was crowned at halftime of the Dodge County-Dublin football game on Friday, October 22.

Miranda Driggers (center) was chosen by the student body as the queen.

She was escorted by Russell Selph, Jr.

First runner up (l) was Bridgette Coleman, who was escorted by Eric Bruemmer.

Second runner up (r) was Michelle Mitchell, who was escorted by Tarlon Jenkins.

(Photo by Emory Rogers Photography)

The annual Fall Festival will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Eastman.

Sponsored by the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchant’s Council, the fall festival unites the community in a night of fun, trick-or-treating and family activities.

The downtown decoration contest kicked off Tuesday, October 12, 2010 and lasts through Thursday, October 28, 2010.

Awards include best overall and kid’s choice.

Children are invited to vote for their favorite store front or lamp post with ballots available at Coleman’s Gifts and Framing, J and J Printing, Jonathan’s, Perfect Hearts Children’s Boutique and the Chamber of Commerce. [Full Story »] 

A Brunswick man was injured when he apparently ran off the roadway and lost control of his 2003 Dodge 2500TK pickup, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Sulaiman Mateen Saleem (58), was driving north on Georgia 27 in the right lane.

He attempted to pass another vehicle in the left lane, ran off the roadway into the median and overturned several times.

Rescue personnel had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate Saleem from the truck.

He was taken to Dodge County Hospital.

The accident happened at approximately 4:53 p.m. on Friday, October 15.

(Photo by Misty Tompkins)