An Eastman woman died after the car she was driving, a 2013 Nissan Rogue, hit a train on Monday, February 1. Magdalene “Maggie” Pruett, age 72, of Eastman, was driving west on Wilson Woodard Road and the train was traveling north on the railroad tracks. Pruett failed to yield the right of way to the train at the crossing. Her vehicle traveled onto the railroad tracks and the train struck Pruett’s car in the driver’s side door. After the impact, the train dragged the vehicle approximately 1,763 feet before coming to a control rest.
The crossing does not have railroad crossing arm bars but there are railroad crossing signs on the westbound and southbound side, approximately 13 feet from the tracks and the signs are clearly visible before the crossing.
[Full Story »]
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Traffic stop ends with drug arrests
Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies recently made a significant drug bust in Chauncey as the result of a traffic stop. Deputy Robert Bowen stopped the vehicle on Highway 341 near the Jaybird Helena Dirt Road in Chauncey for failing to maintain lane on Sunday, January 24, 2016.
Upon approach of the car Bowen observed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver, Travors Sentell Luke (age 20) and a passenger identified as Javon Quinterius Rogers (age 20) were the only occupants in the car and both had Alabama drivers license. The driver stated he was tired from the long day of driving from Phoenix City, Alabama and was headed to Perry, which was about an hour north of our current location. Luke explained that the vehicle belonged to a friend and was not his. The deputy asked to search the car, a 2002 Chevrolet Sonic, and was given permission by the driver.
[Full Story »]
Upon approach of the car Bowen observed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver, Travors Sentell Luke (age 20) and a passenger identified as Javon Quinterius Rogers (age 20) were the only occupants in the car and both had Alabama drivers license. The driver stated he was tired from the long day of driving from Phoenix City, Alabama and was headed to Perry, which was about an hour north of our current location. Luke explained that the vehicle belonged to a friend and was not his. The deputy asked to search the car, a 2002 Chevrolet Sonic, and was given permission by the driver.
[Full Story »]
Law enforcement agencies make arrests; 911 agency urges updates
The following arrests were reported by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office for the dates January 12, 2016 through January 18, 2016.
Donald Richards – 1/12/16 – one count possession of drug related object.
Brenton A. Gibson – 1/13/16 – one count pedestrian under the influence (PUI).
Bradley D. Burnam – 1/14/16 – one count conversion of payments for real property.
Dontavious Mayfield – 1/15/16 – one count sexual battery and one count obstruction of officer. [Full Story »]
Donald Richards – 1/12/16 – one count possession of drug related object.
Brenton A. Gibson – 1/13/16 – one count pedestrian under the influence (PUI).
Bradley D. Burnam – 1/14/16 – one count conversion of payments for real property.
Dontavious Mayfield – 1/15/16 – one count sexual battery and one count obstruction of officer. [Full Story »]
Former Eastman City Manager receives Lifetime Service Award
Eastman City Manager, Beatrice Edge, received the Lifetime Service Award from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in recognition of her 48 years of service to the city. The award was presented to Edge at the Eastman City Council Meeting on December 29, 2015.
According to the city’s clerk, Edge, who is the first female city manager, has worked for Eastman longer than any known city employee. [Full Story »]
According to the city’s clerk, Edge, who is the first female city manager, has worked for Eastman longer than any known city employee. [Full Story »]
Arleen Wilcox named grand marshal for MLK Jr. parade
United Concerned Citizens for Unity and the local chapter of the NAACP will be hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK Jr.) parade on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
All parade entrants must be lined up by 12:00 noon. Parade line up will be on Second Avenue near the Eastman post office. All vehicles must be clean and presentable. All late entries will line up at the end of the line.
First, second and third place trophies will be awarded based on originality, parade theme observance and creativity. Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: floats, trucks and cars. No dogs will be allowed due to safety reasons. [Full Story »]
All parade entrants must be lined up by 12:00 noon. Parade line up will be on Second Avenue near the Eastman post office. All vehicles must be clean and presentable. All late entries will line up at the end of the line.
First, second and third place trophies will be awarded based on originality, parade theme observance and creativity. Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: floats, trucks and cars. No dogs will be allowed due to safety reasons. [Full Story »]
Presents check
The Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary held its annual Christmas dinner at the Dodge County Hospital on December 8, 2015. The auxiliary took this time to present a check to the Dodge County Hospital CEO, Kevin Bierschenk in the amount of $10,000.00. These funds were made possible from the support of the Dodge County community in the efforts of the auxiliary throughout the year. The money will be used for purchase of mobile IV pumps for the hospital. Shown above: (l-r) are Bierschenk as he receives a check from the auxiliary treasurer Floyd Booth and auxiliary president Joann Bray.
First baby born
Kahtalia Renee A. Bray, born January 2, 2016, was the first baby of 2016 born at Dodge County Hospital (DCH). Kahtalia weighed five pounds 14.8 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is the daughter of Daisha Bray and Kelvin Clay. A special “thank you” goes to the following businesses for their donation for the gift basket for the first baby: Coleman’s Hardware and Gifts, Destiny Fitness, DCH New Directions, Georgia Theatre Company, Martha Sheldon Florist, The Frozen Bean, Village Pizza and the Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary. Pictured above (front row, l-r) Kahtia Bray (big brother), Kahtalia Bray; Daisha Bray; and Jessica Roland, LPN; and (back row, l-r) Kelvin Clay (father) and Tracey Horne, RN.
Child flown to Macon after wreck
An eight year old Eastman boy was injured in a one vehicle automobile accident and had to be transported by Air Evac helicopter to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Will Westbrook (age 8), was ejected from the 2006 Kia Rio in which he was a passenger after the car overturned on a dirt road.
William Randy Durden (age 30), of Eastman was driving the Kia too fast for conditions east on E.B. Mullis Road. The car began to spin in a counterclockwise rotation and traveled onto the north shoulder where it struck the ditch embankment. The car then began to overturn and struck a tree.
Durden told the trooper that a deer ran into the roadway causing him to brake and lose control. The report stated that where Durden told the trooper that a deer came onto the road showed no signs of a deer.
Durden was injured, but refused transport by ambulance to the hospital.
Brett Durden (age 6), and Brooklyn Durden (age 4), were also passengers in the vehicle and were slightly injured, but were not transported to the hospital by ambulance.
None of the occupants were wearing seat belts.
All the occupants of the vehicle were from a 160 Reedy Branch Road address.
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Will Westbrook (age 8), was ejected from the 2006 Kia Rio in which he was a passenger after the car overturned on a dirt road.
William Randy Durden (age 30), of Eastman was driving the Kia too fast for conditions east on E.B. Mullis Road. The car began to spin in a counterclockwise rotation and traveled onto the north shoulder where it struck the ditch embankment. The car then began to overturn and struck a tree.
Durden told the trooper that a deer ran into the roadway causing him to brake and lose control. The report stated that where Durden told the trooper that a deer came onto the road showed no signs of a deer.
Durden was injured, but refused transport by ambulance to the hospital.
Brett Durden (age 6), and Brooklyn Durden (age 4), were also passengers in the vehicle and were slightly injured, but were not transported to the hospital by ambulance.
None of the occupants were wearing seat belts.
All the occupants of the vehicle were from a 160 Reedy Branch Road address.
Chase ends in wreck
A car chase resulted in a wreck on Sunday, December 27 at approximately 8:15 a.m. Katherine O’Nell Smith (age 37), of Wilmington, North Carolina, was driving a 1997 Honda Accord north on Georgia 341 near South Dodge Elementary and a Georgia State trooper attempted to stop her for speeding. Smith would not stop and began to speed up. She headed into Eastman and ended up on West Main Street. She ran the stop sign at the intersection of 5th Avenue and tried to make a right turn. But, due to her excessive speed, she was unable to make the turn and ended up going along the railroad track by the side the railroad depot. She lost control due to the loose gravel and slammed into the train depot’s dock. She was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol and has been issued approximately 10 citations. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)
Sheriff says, "Don’t get on river"
Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield wants the citizens of Dodge County to be aware that due to the heavy rains in the state, the Ocmulgee River and many of the creeks in our county are flooded. Please avoid any area that has been closed due to the flooding and don’t cross an area that is covered by water, there may be danger lurking underneath. Remember: turn around, don’t drown. At this time, citizens should also not try to swim or boat in the Ocmulgee River. The water is moving extremely fast and is a major danger.
Sheriff Lynn Sheffield and Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield would like to warn citizens of Dodge County of recent thefts involving breaking into vehicles. Over the last week the Eastman Police Department has reports of over 30 vehicles which had been entered and multiple items taken, including two guns. Please make sure to secure your vehicle when it is parked and remove any valuables and keys from the parked vehicle. Locking the doors is the first step in keeping your valuables and vehicle from being stolen. If you see suspicious persons or activities, please call 911 immediately.
The following arrests were reported by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office for the dates December 22, 2015, 2015 through December 28, 2015.
Ruthey C. Haney – 12/22/15 – one count obstruction of law and one count false report of a crime.
Charles Ben Sheffield – 12/22/15 – one count driving under the influence (DUI).
Robert C. Neuman – 12/24/15 – one count obstruction of law enforcement.
Sedrick J. Spikes – 12/27/15 – one count pedestrian under the influence (PUI)
Jerry L. Brown – 12/27/15 – one count battery.
Sheriff Lynn Sheffield and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish the citizens of Dodge County a happy and safe New Year.
The Eastman Police Department made the following arrest for the week of December 23 through December 29.
Willie Flowers, age 68, 303 Vine Street, Dublin, one count shoplifting more than $500.00, one count obstructing law enforcement officers, and one count parole violation. [Full Story »]
Sheriff Lynn Sheffield and Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield would like to warn citizens of Dodge County of recent thefts involving breaking into vehicles. Over the last week the Eastman Police Department has reports of over 30 vehicles which had been entered and multiple items taken, including two guns. Please make sure to secure your vehicle when it is parked and remove any valuables and keys from the parked vehicle. Locking the doors is the first step in keeping your valuables and vehicle from being stolen. If you see suspicious persons or activities, please call 911 immediately.
The following arrests were reported by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office for the dates December 22, 2015, 2015 through December 28, 2015.
Ruthey C. Haney – 12/22/15 – one count obstruction of law and one count false report of a crime.
Charles Ben Sheffield – 12/22/15 – one count driving under the influence (DUI).
Robert C. Neuman – 12/24/15 – one count obstruction of law enforcement.
Sedrick J. Spikes – 12/27/15 – one count pedestrian under the influence (PUI)
Jerry L. Brown – 12/27/15 – one count battery.
Sheriff Lynn Sheffield and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish the citizens of Dodge County a happy and safe New Year.
The Eastman Police Department made the following arrest for the week of December 23 through December 29.
Willie Flowers, age 68, 303 Vine Street, Dublin, one count shoplifting more than $500.00, one count obstructing law enforcement officers, and one count parole violation. [Full Story »]
Dodge agent is accused of insurance fraud
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced recently that an insurance agent who owned and operated Charles Robinson Insurance Agency in Eastman, was arrested for insurance fraud.
Bleckley County law enforcement officers arrested Macie Anedra Yawn (age 27), of Cochran, for ten counts of insurance fraud on December 15.
According to the investigation by Hudgens’ Fraud Division, she was the sole agent. Allegedly, Yawn took payments intended to pay for insurance premiums and converted the money for her benefit.
Though the investigation uncovered numerous incidents where Yawn pocketed premium payments, there could be more individuals affected. Consumers who believe Ms. Yawn may have defrauded them can contact the Department of Insurance for more information.
“Alleged actions like Ms. Yawn’s not only damaged the trust consumers placed in her as an insurance agent, but also make everyone’s insurance premiums go up,” Commissioner Hudgens said.
Insurance fraud is a felony that carries a penalty of two to ten years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or, potentially, both.
If you have any questions, please call the Georgia Department of Insurance at (404) 656-2070 or toll free at (800) 656-2298.
Bleckley County law enforcement officers arrested Macie Anedra Yawn (age 27), of Cochran, for ten counts of insurance fraud on December 15.
According to the investigation by Hudgens’ Fraud Division, she was the sole agent. Allegedly, Yawn took payments intended to pay for insurance premiums and converted the money for her benefit.
Though the investigation uncovered numerous incidents where Yawn pocketed premium payments, there could be more individuals affected. Consumers who believe Ms. Yawn may have defrauded them can contact the Department of Insurance for more information.
“Alleged actions like Ms. Yawn’s not only damaged the trust consumers placed in her as an insurance agent, but also make everyone’s insurance premiums go up,” Commissioner Hudgens said.
Insurance fraud is a felony that carries a penalty of two to ten years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or, potentially, both.
If you have any questions, please call the Georgia Department of Insurance at (404) 656-2070 or toll free at (800) 656-2298.
Fire Takes Man's Life
An Eastman man lost his life in an early morning fire in Eastman at 5809 Park Drive on Saturday, December 19. Eastman firefighters were notified of the blaze at approximately 6:19 a.m. When they arrived, the singlewide mobile home was engulfed in flames. Three people were in the trailer at the time of the fire. Angela Andrews and Tom Hanes escaped the fire, but Andrew Allen (age 59) was not able to escape. Hanes was injured and taken to Dodge County Hospital after he exited the trailer by a window and hit his head. An investigation revealed that the fire was started by a space heater in the living room of the trailer. (Photo by Cindy Eckles)
Picks Up Letters
Santa Claus was in Eastman recently to pick up all the letters that children sent in to The Dodge County News. While here, he sat for a while and read some of the letters. Then, quick as a flash, he took the letters and dashed off back to the North Pole to get the toys ready to deliver to all the good boys and girls. A special thanks to Delton Perdue for making sure Santa came by the newspaper to pick up the letters from all our children. (Photo by Cindy Eckles)
Jason Cobb chosen as top candidate for city manager
By Taelor Rye
Of the three finalists for the upcoming position of Eastman City Manager, the Eastman City Council has selected Jason Cobb as its top candidate to succeed the incumbent Bea Edge.
According to city clerk Ivelyn Lampkin, while no final decision concerning the position has been made, the council is moving forward with and focusing on Cobb, pending final checks into his references. An ultimate decision will be made and announced by the year’s end, she stated.
Cobb is presently the community development planner at the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission, whose basic mission is “to provide professional advice and assistance to its member governments and the State of Georgia, and to encourage cooperation in the areas of comprehensive planning… community and economic development, historic preservation, local government administration and management, aging services, geographic information system services, workforce investment, and coordinated transportation.”
Cobb has also served as the president of SEK Inc., managing five convenience stores, including Dairy Queen franchises. Additional work history includes being a production facilitator at Acuity Brands Lighting in Cochran and a juvenile probation/parole specialist for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Alongside Cobb, the other two finalists interviewed last week were Tony Winborn and Dan McCranie.
Winborn’s employment history includes being the director of investigations and enforcement for the Georgia Composite Medical Board and the chief deputy sheriff for the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
McCranie, sitting chairman of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, is also the business manager for Martha Sheldon Flowers & Events, LLC. His work history includes being the president of McCranie Lumber Co. Inc., and a council member for the Eastman City Council.
Of the three finalists for the upcoming position of Eastman City Manager, the Eastman City Council has selected Jason Cobb as its top candidate to succeed the incumbent Bea Edge.
According to city clerk Ivelyn Lampkin, while no final decision concerning the position has been made, the council is moving forward with and focusing on Cobb, pending final checks into his references. An ultimate decision will be made and announced by the year’s end, she stated.
Cobb is presently the community development planner at the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission, whose basic mission is “to provide professional advice and assistance to its member governments and the State of Georgia, and to encourage cooperation in the areas of comprehensive planning… community and economic development, historic preservation, local government administration and management, aging services, geographic information system services, workforce investment, and coordinated transportation.”
Cobb has also served as the president of SEK Inc., managing five convenience stores, including Dairy Queen franchises. Additional work history includes being a production facilitator at Acuity Brands Lighting in Cochran and a juvenile probation/parole specialist for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Alongside Cobb, the other two finalists interviewed last week were Tony Winborn and Dan McCranie.
Winborn’s employment history includes being the director of investigations and enforcement for the Georgia Composite Medical Board and the chief deputy sheriff for the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
McCranie, sitting chairman of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, is also the business manager for Martha Sheldon Flowers & Events, LLC. His work history includes being the president of McCranie Lumber Co. Inc., and a council member for the Eastman City Council.
Dodge County Hospital named top hospital
By Taelor Rye
Dodge County Hospital’s convenience and excellence qualify it as one of Georgia’s hidden gems and one of its top small hospitals, according to “Georgia Trend.”
An article from its December issue – “Georgia’s Hidden Gems” by Mary Anne Dunkin – offers a breakdown of the state’s top hospitals, divided by size and ranked by aggregated information including “patient experience, outcomes of care, process of care, and efficiency and value of the services rendered,” Dunkin writes. This information was taken from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Number six on the list, Dodge County Hospital (DCH), is considered a small hospital due to its bed count – fewer than 100.
In response to the honor, Dodge County Hospital CEO Kevin Bierschenk stated; “We could not have done it without the hard work and dedication of our staff and physicians at Dodge County Hospital. I am proud to be part of the DCH family. We try to treat every patient as if they are our own family member.”
Dodge County Hospital proves that patients truly can receive quality service right here at home.
Dodge County Hospital’s convenience and excellence qualify it as one of Georgia’s hidden gems and one of its top small hospitals, according to “Georgia Trend.”
An article from its December issue – “Georgia’s Hidden Gems” by Mary Anne Dunkin – offers a breakdown of the state’s top hospitals, divided by size and ranked by aggregated information including “patient experience, outcomes of care, process of care, and efficiency and value of the services rendered,” Dunkin writes. This information was taken from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Number six on the list, Dodge County Hospital (DCH), is considered a small hospital due to its bed count – fewer than 100.
In response to the honor, Dodge County Hospital CEO Kevin Bierschenk stated; “We could not have done it without the hard work and dedication of our staff and physicians at Dodge County Hospital. I am proud to be part of the DCH family. We try to treat every patient as if they are our own family member.”
Dodge County Hospital proves that patients truly can receive quality service right here at home.
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