Wright T. Harrell, Sr. will be honored at the annual Pondtown Festival as the grand marshall for 2017 on Saturday, April 8 in Rhine.
Harrell has been married to Jerry Stuckey Harrell for 65 years. They have two children: Wright Harrell, Jr. “Wrighty” of Rhine and Cindy H. Jursick of Moultrie and five grandchildren: Tom, Kelly, Tyler Bracket, Jason and Anna Jursick and two great grandchildren.
Harrell was born and raised around Mitchell Fire Department. He attended Union School and later attended Rhine High School graduating in 1946. In January of 1955, Harrell joined the Army and less than a year later he was granted honorable discharge where he was stationed in Germany. After leave, Harrell went to work at a pulpwood yard.
Eleven years after graduating high school in 1957, Harrell and Stuckey married and made their home in Rhine. In 1962, he purchased a wood yard. His duties at the wood yard were to unload wood, book keep and measuring trucks while doing 90 percent of everything that was done. In 1991, Harrell retired from the wood yard and the doors were closed. He also delivered mail for ten years at the Rhine Post Office. Harrell is the owner and operator of W.T. Harrell Pulpwood in Rhine.
[Full Story »]
Top Stories
Eastman YDC requests community involvement
By Taelor Rye
Misty Winter, director of the Eastman Youth Development Campus (YDC), and Kiwarren Reese, regional volunteer coordinator from the central office in Atlanta, visited the Eastman City Council at its March 27 meeting to discuss updates to the program and to request community involvement.
Winter began by discussing the changes that have taken and continue to take place at the YDC, stating that, over the past three to four months, the center has been transitioning into more of a vocational and educational building “geared toward reentry services.” Specifically, Winter noted that the center is adding programs for culinary arts, medical coding and billing, horticulture and Microsoft Office suite, among others.
Barbering is set to start April 1, and the YDC is looking into partnering with the aviation school for other options. In the meantime, Winter added that the center is looking for instructors for auto tech and construction.
The YDC also holds soft-skill group sessions concerning topics such as tying a tie and holding mock interviews “to better prepare them for the outside world,” according to Winter.
Winter also stated, “It’s a pleasure to see them grasping the things that we instill in them.”
The current population of the YDC is 64 “lower-risk youth,” often in their first time at the YDC.
In addition, the YDC is looking to hold more community service learning projects, allowing the youth to give back to the community. Winter said, “This is a great community that I would like to see more involved with Eastman YDC.”
Reese noted that the YDC took some of the young men in the YDC to volunteer at the food bank in Macon.
Reese said, “My plea to the council and to the community… is to really show some support by soliciting volunteers to go out… and talk with the kids that are looked for [in the real world]… because, at some point, they’re coming home.”
Winter closed by stating that the YDC is looking for members for its advisory council, which meets quarterly, as well as correctional officers for the center.
Concerning a speed limit reduction request, Eastman City manager Jason Cobb stated that he is in talks with Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield and Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield to figure out a plan of action, with an expectation to finalize the plan by the next city council meeting.
[Full Story »]
Misty Winter, director of the Eastman Youth Development Campus (YDC), and Kiwarren Reese, regional volunteer coordinator from the central office in Atlanta, visited the Eastman City Council at its March 27 meeting to discuss updates to the program and to request community involvement.
Winter began by discussing the changes that have taken and continue to take place at the YDC, stating that, over the past three to four months, the center has been transitioning into more of a vocational and educational building “geared toward reentry services.” Specifically, Winter noted that the center is adding programs for culinary arts, medical coding and billing, horticulture and Microsoft Office suite, among others.
Barbering is set to start April 1, and the YDC is looking into partnering with the aviation school for other options. In the meantime, Winter added that the center is looking for instructors for auto tech and construction.
The YDC also holds soft-skill group sessions concerning topics such as tying a tie and holding mock interviews “to better prepare them for the outside world,” according to Winter.
Winter also stated, “It’s a pleasure to see them grasping the things that we instill in them.”
The current population of the YDC is 64 “lower-risk youth,” often in their first time at the YDC.
In addition, the YDC is looking to hold more community service learning projects, allowing the youth to give back to the community. Winter said, “This is a great community that I would like to see more involved with Eastman YDC.”
Reese noted that the YDC took some of the young men in the YDC to volunteer at the food bank in Macon.
Reese said, “My plea to the council and to the community… is to really show some support by soliciting volunteers to go out… and talk with the kids that are looked for [in the real world]… because, at some point, they’re coming home.”
Winter closed by stating that the YDC is looking for members for its advisory council, which meets quarterly, as well as correctional officers for the center.
Concerning a speed limit reduction request, Eastman City manager Jason Cobb stated that he is in talks with Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield and Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield to figure out a plan of action, with an expectation to finalize the plan by the next city council meeting.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners OK servers for E-911
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners approved a request from Dodge/Wilcox E-911 Director Dianne Millwood to purchase new servers for the center.
Director Millwood went before the commissioners at their regular meeting explaining that the E-911 center works off two servers that have been in place since 2004 and that one of the servers was down last week and can not be repaired. She presented the board with a proposal to purchase two new servers from Baker Audio and
E-911 Cad Mapping for a total of $130,692.30. According to the contract, half of the money is due when ordering the servers and the remainder after installation.
Millwood went on to tell commissioners that when the new system was installed, the citizens of Dodge and Wilcox counties will not be without any of the services provided by the center. Laurens County E-911 has agreed to help at any time during the installation process.
Interim county manager Bobby Peacock told commissioners that the funds to replace the servers were available through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax capital improvements fund. Commissioner Jr. Howell made the motion, which was seconded by commissioner Brian Watkins, to approve the request. The motion passed with all commissioners voting for the motion.
[Full Story »]
Director Millwood went before the commissioners at their regular meeting explaining that the E-911 center works off two servers that have been in place since 2004 and that one of the servers was down last week and can not be repaired. She presented the board with a proposal to purchase two new servers from Baker Audio and
E-911 Cad Mapping for a total of $130,692.30. According to the contract, half of the money is due when ordering the servers and the remainder after installation.
Millwood went on to tell commissioners that when the new system was installed, the citizens of Dodge and Wilcox counties will not be without any of the services provided by the center. Laurens County E-911 has agreed to help at any time during the installation process.
Interim county manager Bobby Peacock told commissioners that the funds to replace the servers were available through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax capital improvements fund. Commissioner Jr. Howell made the motion, which was seconded by commissioner Brian Watkins, to approve the request. The motion passed with all commissioners voting for the motion.
[Full Story »]
Dr. Byrd indicted on federal charges
A federal grand jury sitting in Savannah returned a 176-count indictment against George Mack Bird, III, age 58, a Georgia physician who operated a medical practice in Dodge County and a diet clinic in Laurens County.
According to the indictment, Bird instructed certain of his employees to dispense and distribute various controlled substances and highly addictive opioids using prescription forms that he had pre-signed in violation of federal law. The indictment further alleged that, because Bird rarely saw or examined his patients, he directed his employees to utilize pre-printed medical notes to give the appearance that patients had been thoroughly examined, when in fact, they had not. Bird’s unlawful dispensation scheme was remarkably lucrative, generating more than $4.5 million in proceeds, according to the grand jury. The indictment alleged that Bird and others conspired to illegally launder those proceeds by using them to pay for the operating expenses of Bird’s clinics.
[Full Story »]
According to the indictment, Bird instructed certain of his employees to dispense and distribute various controlled substances and highly addictive opioids using prescription forms that he had pre-signed in violation of federal law. The indictment further alleged that, because Bird rarely saw or examined his patients, he directed his employees to utilize pre-printed medical notes to give the appearance that patients had been thoroughly examined, when in fact, they had not. Bird’s unlawful dispensation scheme was remarkably lucrative, generating more than $4.5 million in proceeds, according to the grand jury. The indictment alleged that Bird and others conspired to illegally launder those proceeds by using them to pay for the operating expenses of Bird’s clinics.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners help with July 4 fireworks
By Taelor Rye
Raymond Mullis of the Eastman City Council visited the board to request funds for the July 4 fireworks, following up last year’s show, which Mullis stated was “the best we’ve ever had.”
At its last meeting, the city council approved the upfront payment of $10,600.00 for July 4 fireworks. The early payment allows the city to save money that would otherwise be spent with a later payment.
However, companies that donated upwards of $3,700.00 for the fireworks last year have decided not to donate so far this year, Mullis stated. Therefore, he asked that the board of commissioners donate $3,000.00 to supplement the $1,000.00 that the chamber of commerce has donated.
Commissioner Karen Cheek asked whether the payment could be covered by the contingency fund, which county manager Bobby Peacock confirmed.
During his visit, Mullis also shared that the yellow flags on Eastman roads such as Oak Street and Griffin Avenue denote areas that will be repaved by the state.
County attorney John Harrington provided an update on an audit of the Rural Fire Department, discussing the potential of mandating such an audit for funds given to the county fire departments.
Harrington stated that, since the county is the steward of fire department money such as Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and Special-Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds, the board can require information about money spent.
In addition to LOST and SPLOST funds, Peacock said that the county distributes $90,000.00 to be distributed among the nine fire departments, funds that come from the general budget. The question at hand is whether money from the general budget should be audited, as SPLOST and LOST funds are already closely monitored. [Full Story »]
Raymond Mullis of the Eastman City Council visited the board to request funds for the July 4 fireworks, following up last year’s show, which Mullis stated was “the best we’ve ever had.”
At its last meeting, the city council approved the upfront payment of $10,600.00 for July 4 fireworks. The early payment allows the city to save money that would otherwise be spent with a later payment.
However, companies that donated upwards of $3,700.00 for the fireworks last year have decided not to donate so far this year, Mullis stated. Therefore, he asked that the board of commissioners donate $3,000.00 to supplement the $1,000.00 that the chamber of commerce has donated.
Commissioner Karen Cheek asked whether the payment could be covered by the contingency fund, which county manager Bobby Peacock confirmed.
During his visit, Mullis also shared that the yellow flags on Eastman roads such as Oak Street and Griffin Avenue denote areas that will be repaved by the state.
County attorney John Harrington provided an update on an audit of the Rural Fire Department, discussing the potential of mandating such an audit for funds given to the county fire departments.
Harrington stated that, since the county is the steward of fire department money such as Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and Special-Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds, the board can require information about money spent.
In addition to LOST and SPLOST funds, Peacock said that the county distributes $90,000.00 to be distributed among the nine fire departments, funds that come from the general budget. The question at hand is whether money from the general budget should be audited, as SPLOST and LOST funds are already closely monitored. [Full Story »]
Tractor Trailer Overturns
A tractor trailer driver was taken to Dodge County Hospital after the truck she was driving turned over on the Terry Coleman Parkway on Monday, February 27 at approximately 12:02 p.m. Brittany Tarhera Hamilton, age 31, of Mount Vernon, was driving a 2009 International ProStar Premiu tractor and trailer south on the Terry Coleman Parkway between Edna Moore Road and the Rhine Highway. A rear tire on the trailer blew out and the truck and trailer rolled over on the passenger’s side, and slid down the roadway. The trailer hit the guard rail, tearing it loose and the truck skidded down the median. The accident blocked the southbound lane for approximately five hours. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)
Man shot after shooting at officers
A Gresston man was shot after he shot at law enforcement officials.
According to Special Agent in Charge of the Eastman Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) office Scott Whitley, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 10, probation officer Terry Hood had gone to 147 Wilson Woodard Road Lot 2 in Gresston to do a routine home check on Kyle Hudson “Hut” Coleman, age 24, who was on probation. Hood knocked on the door of the mobile home several times, but no one answered.
About that time, Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy Kirk Hartwell was driving by the trailer. Coleman ran out the back door of the trailer and Hood and Hartwell chased him.
Coleman ran by the Gresston Congregational Holiness Church and into a cemetery, where he began to shoot at the officers. Both officers returned fire and a bullet hit Coleman in the head area.
It is not known which officer hit Coleman. A ballistics test will have to be run on the bullet to determine that.
An Air Evac helicopter was called to the scene and Coleman was airlifted to the Medical Center Navicent Health in Macon.
Officials do not know why Coleman ran or began shooting at the officers.
According to Special Agent in Charge of the Eastman Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) office Scott Whitley, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 10, probation officer Terry Hood had gone to 147 Wilson Woodard Road Lot 2 in Gresston to do a routine home check on Kyle Hudson “Hut” Coleman, age 24, who was on probation. Hood knocked on the door of the mobile home several times, but no one answered.
About that time, Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy Kirk Hartwell was driving by the trailer. Coleman ran out the back door of the trailer and Hood and Hartwell chased him.
Coleman ran by the Gresston Congregational Holiness Church and into a cemetery, where he began to shoot at the officers. Both officers returned fire and a bullet hit Coleman in the head area.
It is not known which officer hit Coleman. A ballistics test will have to be run on the bullet to determine that.
An Air Evac helicopter was called to the scene and Coleman was airlifted to the Medical Center Navicent Health in Macon.
Officials do not know why Coleman ran or began shooting at the officers.
County approves Colony Bank for a line of credit
Colony Bank submitted the lowest bid for a fixed interest rate for the $1.5 million line-of credit that was reviewed by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at their meeting on Monday, February 6, 2017.
County commissioner chairman Dan McCranie opened bids from the Bank of Eastman, Citizens Bank and Colony Bank during the meeting. The Bank of Eastman submitted a bid of 2.8%; Citizens Bank a bid of 4.0% and Colony Bank a bid of 2.59%.
Board member Terry Niblett made the motion to accept the lowest bid of interest from Colony Bank, which was seconded by board member Brian Watkins. The motion passed unanimously. Board member Jr. Howell was not in attendance at the meeting.
Small Business Administration representative Burton Boone went before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners informing them that he would be in the area to assist businesses that were affected by the recent storm that hit adjoining Wilcox County. Boone told commissioner that low interest disaster loans were available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that were damaged or destroyed during the storm.
[Full Story »]
County commissioner chairman Dan McCranie opened bids from the Bank of Eastman, Citizens Bank and Colony Bank during the meeting. The Bank of Eastman submitted a bid of 2.8%; Citizens Bank a bid of 4.0% and Colony Bank a bid of 2.59%.
Board member Terry Niblett made the motion to accept the lowest bid of interest from Colony Bank, which was seconded by board member Brian Watkins. The motion passed unanimously. Board member Jr. Howell was not in attendance at the meeting.
Small Business Administration representative Burton Boone went before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners informing them that he would be in the area to assist businesses that were affected by the recent storm that hit adjoining Wilcox County. Boone told commissioner that low interest disaster loans were available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that were damaged or destroyed during the storm.
[Full Story »]
Johnson resigns from Eastman City Council
By Taelor Rye
After thee years of service on the Eastman City Council, Milton Johnson announced his resignation on January 30.
Johnson explained, “I have an opportunity that – being who I am – I have to jump and go for… Many of you know me and know that I’m a person that feels that, when opportunities present themselves, you must go after them aggressively.”
“I want to thank the community, district one, for the trust that they had in me with electing me,” Johnson went on additionally thanking his fellow council members and city manager Jason Cobb for the roles that they have played in his life.
Johnson closed, “It’s definitely been a privilege and my sincere honor, and I know Eastman won’t miss a beat. I’m proud that I was part of the council.”
After Johnson’s announcement, Cobb on behalf of the city presented him with a plaque that read, “Presented to Milton Johnson in appreciation of your commitment and faithful service on Eastman City Council, January 2014 – January 2017 by the City of Eastman Council and its employees.”
City council member Buddy Pittman commented, “I really do hate to see you go, but like you said, knowing the person you are, you’re going to go halfway across the United States and tackle that and come back a more knowledgeable person. I thank you for your wisdom and input, and we have made strides. We’ve gotten a lot of things done, and there are projects in place that are going to carry on. We are going to miss you.”
Chairman Raymond Mullis added, “You’ve been an asset to this council, and I’ve enjoyed working with you.”
The meeting was followed by a reception in Johnson’s honor. Johnson’s resignation is set to take effect when his successor is appointed.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market announced to the council that the market has hired a new market manager, Patty Martin, and encouraged everyone to visit her at the farmer’s market this weekend.
The farmer’s market, which has been open for three weeks following the New Year and a bout of extremely cold weather, has seen vendors in the single digits and customers in the double digits but has had good sales nonetheless, Flanagan stated.
The winter hours for the farmer’s market are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and featured items for sale include greens, onions, turnips, green and red cabbage, kale and collards, among others.
A project in conjunction with Dodge County High School will see students come on different Saturdays to show off what they have made with locally grown produce. Students will share recipes and explain how they made the products.
[Full Story »]
After thee years of service on the Eastman City Council, Milton Johnson announced his resignation on January 30.
Johnson explained, “I have an opportunity that – being who I am – I have to jump and go for… Many of you know me and know that I’m a person that feels that, when opportunities present themselves, you must go after them aggressively.”
“I want to thank the community, district one, for the trust that they had in me with electing me,” Johnson went on additionally thanking his fellow council members and city manager Jason Cobb for the roles that they have played in his life.
Johnson closed, “It’s definitely been a privilege and my sincere honor, and I know Eastman won’t miss a beat. I’m proud that I was part of the council.”
After Johnson’s announcement, Cobb on behalf of the city presented him with a plaque that read, “Presented to Milton Johnson in appreciation of your commitment and faithful service on Eastman City Council, January 2014 – January 2017 by the City of Eastman Council and its employees.”
City council member Buddy Pittman commented, “I really do hate to see you go, but like you said, knowing the person you are, you’re going to go halfway across the United States and tackle that and come back a more knowledgeable person. I thank you for your wisdom and input, and we have made strides. We’ve gotten a lot of things done, and there are projects in place that are going to carry on. We are going to miss you.”
Chairman Raymond Mullis added, “You’ve been an asset to this council, and I’ve enjoyed working with you.”
The meeting was followed by a reception in Johnson’s honor. Johnson’s resignation is set to take effect when his successor is appointed.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market announced to the council that the market has hired a new market manager, Patty Martin, and encouraged everyone to visit her at the farmer’s market this weekend.
The farmer’s market, which has been open for three weeks following the New Year and a bout of extremely cold weather, has seen vendors in the single digits and customers in the double digits but has had good sales nonetheless, Flanagan stated.
The winter hours for the farmer’s market are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and featured items for sale include greens, onions, turnips, green and red cabbage, kale and collards, among others.
A project in conjunction with Dodge County High School will see students come on different Saturdays to show off what they have made with locally grown produce. Students will share recipes and explain how they made the products.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners take no action on request for recreation budget hike
Dodge County Recreation Department Chairman of the Board Dr. Chip Stringer and Oconee Judicial Circuit Public Defender Steve Harrison both went before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners requesting they change the proposed budget they approved on December 29, 2016.
Dr. Stringer went before the commissioners requesting an appeal to their budget. He stated that they (the recreation department board) were not contacted when the commissioners met for their budget meeting and missed it and did not have any input and stressed that their budget was cut. He went on to remind commissioners that when he went before them at their December meeting, he explained how surrounding counties contributions towards their recreation departments compared to Dodge County.
Dr. Stringer stressed that Dodge County’s contribution was low, reminding board members that Dodge was paying $33.00/child; Bleckley County, $48.00/child and Pulaski County, $60.00/child. He went on to tell commissioners of the successes that the recreation department has hosted GRPA sub-district and district tournaments in softball, baseball and football and sent five teams to compete in state tournaments. The tournaments we hosted also brought revenue into Dodge County, stated Dr. Stringer.
Dr. Stringer explained that during 2016, operating funds had to be used to do maintenance and repairs that do not qualify for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) such as plumbing repairs, irrigation, repainting concession stands, security system at Aloca building and adding speed bumps.
The recreation department took over their own maintenance in 2016 to help reduce their costs according to Dr. Stringer. He told commissioners their number of gallons of gas used was up, but that was where their budget had been cut. He explained that fuel prices were lower in 2016 than in 2015 and by all indication, fuel prices were beginning to increase in 2017. There are cosmetic issues and safety issues that need to be addressed at the current recreation department. Dr. Stringer requested a $30,000.00 increase in their operating budget, which would raise the cost per child to $38.00. No action was taken on the request.
Bids were presented to the board members from the recreation department for a new commercial grade lawn mower and new netting that goes behind the backstops totaling $27,978.00. The board of commissioners approved this request after interim county manager Bobby Peacock confirmed that SPLOST funds were available for the recreation department to purchase these items. Commissioner Terry Niblett abstained from voting.
Oconee Judicial Circuit Public Defender Steve Harrison then went before the board stating that he went before the board in December requesting an increase and that his budget had been decreased approximately $5,600.00. With the decrease, Harrison informed commissioners that his supplement since 2005 had also been decreased and he was taking it personally.
[Full Story »]
Dr. Stringer went before the commissioners requesting an appeal to their budget. He stated that they (the recreation department board) were not contacted when the commissioners met for their budget meeting and missed it and did not have any input and stressed that their budget was cut. He went on to remind commissioners that when he went before them at their December meeting, he explained how surrounding counties contributions towards their recreation departments compared to Dodge County.
Dr. Stringer stressed that Dodge County’s contribution was low, reminding board members that Dodge was paying $33.00/child; Bleckley County, $48.00/child and Pulaski County, $60.00/child. He went on to tell commissioners of the successes that the recreation department has hosted GRPA sub-district and district tournaments in softball, baseball and football and sent five teams to compete in state tournaments. The tournaments we hosted also brought revenue into Dodge County, stated Dr. Stringer.
Dr. Stringer explained that during 2016, operating funds had to be used to do maintenance and repairs that do not qualify for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) such as plumbing repairs, irrigation, repainting concession stands, security system at Aloca building and adding speed bumps.
The recreation department took over their own maintenance in 2016 to help reduce their costs according to Dr. Stringer. He told commissioners their number of gallons of gas used was up, but that was where their budget had been cut. He explained that fuel prices were lower in 2016 than in 2015 and by all indication, fuel prices were beginning to increase in 2017. There are cosmetic issues and safety issues that need to be addressed at the current recreation department. Dr. Stringer requested a $30,000.00 increase in their operating budget, which would raise the cost per child to $38.00. No action was taken on the request.
Bids were presented to the board members from the recreation department for a new commercial grade lawn mower and new netting that goes behind the backstops totaling $27,978.00. The board of commissioners approved this request after interim county manager Bobby Peacock confirmed that SPLOST funds were available for the recreation department to purchase these items. Commissioner Terry Niblett abstained from voting.
Oconee Judicial Circuit Public Defender Steve Harrison then went before the board stating that he went before the board in December requesting an increase and that his budget had been decreased approximately $5,600.00. With the decrease, Harrison informed commissioners that his supplement since 2005 had also been decreased and he was taking it personally.
[Full Story »]
First babies born
Twin baby girls, born January 1, 2017, were the first babies of 2017 born at Dodge County Hospital. Anastastia Kaye Smith weighed five pounds 3.4 oz. and was 17.75 inches long. Her sister Analina Faye Smith weighed five pounds and 12.5 oz. and was 19 inches long. Anastastia and Analina are the daughters of Shannon Smith. A special “thank you” goes to the following businesses for their donation for the gift basket for the first babies: Coleman Gifts and Framing, Dinone Roger’s Designs, Georgia Theatre Company, Martha Sheldon Florist, Piddlin Peddler, the staff at first station at Dodge County Hospital, Tammy Hughes, Village Pizza and the Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary. Pictured above are Shannon Smith with Anastastia and Analina and Dr. Lou Barker.
Mullis requests commissioners to remove dumpster
Eastman City Council Chairman Raymond Mullis went before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners requesting that they consider moving the dumpster site located on Airport Road.
Mullis stated that the city was working hard to get new businesses to go out to the airport area, but that there were some problems. He added that the city had cleaned up the roadway from inside the city limits out to the airport. Mullis presented photos of the trash site located on the Airport Road.
Mullis stated, “We do not need a trash dump in the industrial park.”
The dumpster site is located off the Airport Road with trees surrounding it just past the airport.
The commissioners took no action on the request.
Interim county manager Bobby Peacock requested commissioners approve to solicit a line of credit from the local banks for 1.5 million dollars. Peacock stated that the amount requested went down from the $2.7 million in 2016. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Chairman of the annual Bible reading marathon, Lydia Daniels, went before the commissioners requesting financial assistance of $1,500.00 to help with this year’s marathon. Daniels told commissioners that the funds would be used to purchase flags, a podium, a new tent and chairs. [Full Story »]
Mullis stated that the city was working hard to get new businesses to go out to the airport area, but that there were some problems. He added that the city had cleaned up the roadway from inside the city limits out to the airport. Mullis presented photos of the trash site located on the Airport Road.
Mullis stated, “We do not need a trash dump in the industrial park.”
The dumpster site is located off the Airport Road with trees surrounding it just past the airport.
The commissioners took no action on the request.
Interim county manager Bobby Peacock requested commissioners approve to solicit a line of credit from the local banks for 1.5 million dollars. Peacock stated that the amount requested went down from the $2.7 million in 2016. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Chairman of the annual Bible reading marathon, Lydia Daniels, went before the commissioners requesting financial assistance of $1,500.00 to help with this year’s marathon. Daniels told commissioners that the funds would be used to purchase flags, a podium, a new tent and chairs. [Full Story »]
Eastman council approves several projects for the city
By Taelor Rye
The Eastman council approved motions on a handful of projects for the city, the first of which being the construction of parking spaces at Sunset Park at the meeting on December 27. According to Cobb, the city has moved the fence of the park in some to reduce the size of the park itself, allotting space for the parking spots. The project was bid to Tomberlin and Tomberlin Construction LLC for the price of $3,900.00. A competing bid from Conley Construction was set at $4,500.00. This cost covers the supply and delivery of crushed concrete, which has a longer lifespan than asphalt of the same price, Cobb stated. City employees will create the 25 to 30 parking spots themselves.
Following a successful performance review of Jason Cobb’s tenure as city manager of Eastman, the Eastman City Council elected to raise his salary. The increase in pay is set to take effect during 2017.
[Full Story »]
The Eastman council approved motions on a handful of projects for the city, the first of which being the construction of parking spaces at Sunset Park at the meeting on December 27. According to Cobb, the city has moved the fence of the park in some to reduce the size of the park itself, allotting space for the parking spots. The project was bid to Tomberlin and Tomberlin Construction LLC for the price of $3,900.00. A competing bid from Conley Construction was set at $4,500.00. This cost covers the supply and delivery of crushed concrete, which has a longer lifespan than asphalt of the same price, Cobb stated. City employees will create the 25 to 30 parking spots themselves.
Following a successful performance review of Jason Cobb’s tenure as city manager of Eastman, the Eastman City Council elected to raise his salary. The increase in pay is set to take effect during 2017.
[Full Story »]
Succeed with your resolutions for 2017
By Bryan Golden
Almost 90% of Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution.
Less than 20% will succeed in accomplishing even one.
The beginning of the year is a great time for life improving resolutions. Common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, maintaining a budget, saving money, finding a better job, getting healthier, becoming more organized, and spending more time with family.
Whatever your resolutions, here are some specific strategies to help you succeed. First and foremost is to take the first step, which is to start. Without action, there will be no success. Action creates results. Intention alone will not work.
Have written goals stating what you want to accomplish. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want to live within a budget, what is the amount? If you want to continue your education, what school will you go to and which classes will you take?
Take small but consistent steps. Habits are formed by frequent repetition over time. Change occurs by the same process. A resolution is not all or nothing. Partial change is okay. Any progress in the desired direction, regardless of how small, is a success. Accomplishing a resolution is a process, not a one-time effort.
Positive goals are more effective than negative ones. Rather than saying you will eat less, resolve to have a healthier diet. Instead of spending less time at work you can endeavor to spend more time at home. Bad habits can’t just be eliminated; they have to be replaced by good ones.
[Full Story »]
Almost 90% of Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution.
Less than 20% will succeed in accomplishing even one.
The beginning of the year is a great time for life improving resolutions. Common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, maintaining a budget, saving money, finding a better job, getting healthier, becoming more organized, and spending more time with family.
Whatever your resolutions, here are some specific strategies to help you succeed. First and foremost is to take the first step, which is to start. Without action, there will be no success. Action creates results. Intention alone will not work.
Have written goals stating what you want to accomplish. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want to live within a budget, what is the amount? If you want to continue your education, what school will you go to and which classes will you take?
Take small but consistent steps. Habits are formed by frequent repetition over time. Change occurs by the same process. A resolution is not all or nothing. Partial change is okay. Any progress in the desired direction, regardless of how small, is a success. Accomplishing a resolution is a process, not a one-time effort.
Positive goals are more effective than negative ones. Rather than saying you will eat less, resolve to have a healthier diet. Instead of spending less time at work you can endeavor to spend more time at home. Bad habits can’t just be eliminated; they have to be replaced by good ones.
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Commissioners hear concern over taxes
By Taelor Rye
Alfred Ford visited the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at its December 19 meeting regarding taxes paid on property within the county.
According to Ford, the property belonged to his great-grandparents since 1962. However, at some point, a relative “used it as collateral or something and lost” the land. “It was in my mom’s possession,” Ford noted, expressing confusion on how the other relative was even legally allowed to use the property as collateral in any arrangement. About two years ago, Ford visited the property and noticed that someone was building a structure on the land after having bought it through a series of sales.
With the help of county attorney John Harrington, Ford and his family were able to discover what actually happened. However, Ford stated that his mother paid taxes on the property for many years and that he has been paying taxes on it since the 1980s, paying the most recent installment just a few weeks ago.
“We would like to be refunded for something,” Ford told the board. “I don’t understand how, if the property is not in our name—why are we still getting billed for it, and why is it still getting paid?”
The board met in executive session regarding the matter but did not make any motion once they returned to the general session.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market (DCFM) announced to the board that the farmer’s market’s partnership with the Wholesome Wave Georgia program had been approved. Flanagan stated that every Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) dollar spent at the farmer’s market allows the purchaser two dollars worth of produce.
[Full Story »]
Alfred Ford visited the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at its December 19 meeting regarding taxes paid on property within the county.
According to Ford, the property belonged to his great-grandparents since 1962. However, at some point, a relative “used it as collateral or something and lost” the land. “It was in my mom’s possession,” Ford noted, expressing confusion on how the other relative was even legally allowed to use the property as collateral in any arrangement. About two years ago, Ford visited the property and noticed that someone was building a structure on the land after having bought it through a series of sales.
With the help of county attorney John Harrington, Ford and his family were able to discover what actually happened. However, Ford stated that his mother paid taxes on the property for many years and that he has been paying taxes on it since the 1980s, paying the most recent installment just a few weeks ago.
“We would like to be refunded for something,” Ford told the board. “I don’t understand how, if the property is not in our name—why are we still getting billed for it, and why is it still getting paid?”
The board met in executive session regarding the matter but did not make any motion once they returned to the general session.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market (DCFM) announced to the board that the farmer’s market’s partnership with the Wholesome Wave Georgia program had been approved. Flanagan stated that every Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) dollar spent at the farmer’s market allows the purchaser two dollars worth of produce.
[Full Story »]
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