By Amy Mullis
On Saturday, May 30, 2020, when the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA astronauts and Crew Dragon members Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley took the signatures of five Dodge County High School (DCHS) alumnae along for the flight.
During the 2017-2018 school year, students in Ashley Jones Food Science class, as a part of the school’s NASA HUNCH program, competed in several rounds of culinary competition in their classes before a final team earned the honor of competing at the regional contest in Alabama and then advanced to the national competition at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
In Houston, the team, including Mary Hess, Marissa Hullender, Sarah Lee, Faith McDade and Michaela Mullis, prepared and served their space-ready breakfast meal for a live panel of judges and placed in the Top Ten against teams from all across the nation.
DCHS Principal Pam Melvin, who was assistant principal and CTAE director at the time, says it was an incredible experience.
“It was a sight to see all of the students working together so that they could play a part in feeding our astronauts on a space station,” she said. “You can’t understand the magnitude of it without being there to see it. Our small town was represented well with Mrs. Jones and her students.”
It was during their time in Houston that the girls and their chaperones, Jones, Melvin, then DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long, CTAE instructor Kathy Lewis and Charles Williams, toured the Space Center and signed flight-ready stowage lockers (SSLs) made by NASA HUNCH students from around the United States.
It was on those transport boxes that the Dodge County team’s names made it into space.
“The most recent SpaceX astronauts were sitting on these very boxes as they made their way to and returned from the International Space Station (ISS),” said Williams, executive director of the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority.
Hess, who was a senior the year the team went to Houston, reflected fondly on her experience with the HUNCH program and was excited to hear the news of the teams’ signatures taking flight.
[Full Story »]
Top Stories
Dodge man arrested for arson
On August 10, Laurens County Fire Department investigators charged Andrew Thomas Whittle, age 36, of Dodge County, with arson in the 1st degree, burglary, and terrorist threats. The charges stem from Whittle’s role in a July 23 structure fire at 209 Barrs Road near Dexter in rural Laurens County near the Dodge County border.
The Laurens County Fire Department responded to the fire in question just after 4:30 p.m. on the afternoon of July 23. Earlier that afternoon, Whittle had been involved in a domestic dispute, damaging the inside of a residence approximately one mile down the road in Dodge County. He was later detained by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office near the scene of the fire for acting erratic and making threatening statements to several individuals and turned over to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office for their pending charges from the earlier incident. During the course of the arrest, Whittle became violent and damaged two Dodge County Sheriff’s Office vehicles.
“Our investigators worked closely with the Laurens County Fire Department on this investigation,” said Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “After a number of interviews, written statements and other evidence, fire investigators were able to bring these charges forward to ensure that this dangerous individual is held accountable for his actions.”
Mr. Whittle is currently being held at the Dodge County jail without bond for additional charges, including terrorist threats, criminal trespass, two counts of obstruction of law enforcement, two counts of simple battery against law enforcement and two counts of criminal interference with government property.
Commissioner King’s fire investigations unit assisted the Laurens County Fire Department, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Dodge County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.
The Laurens County Fire Department responded to the fire in question just after 4:30 p.m. on the afternoon of July 23. Earlier that afternoon, Whittle had been involved in a domestic dispute, damaging the inside of a residence approximately one mile down the road in Dodge County. He was later detained by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office near the scene of the fire for acting erratic and making threatening statements to several individuals and turned over to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office for their pending charges from the earlier incident. During the course of the arrest, Whittle became violent and damaged two Dodge County Sheriff’s Office vehicles.
“Our investigators worked closely with the Laurens County Fire Department on this investigation,” said Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “After a number of interviews, written statements and other evidence, fire investigators were able to bring these charges forward to ensure that this dangerous individual is held accountable for his actions.”
Mr. Whittle is currently being held at the Dodge County jail without bond for additional charges, including terrorist threats, criminal trespass, two counts of obstruction of law enforcement, two counts of simple battery against law enforcement and two counts of criminal interference with government property.
Commissioner King’s fire investigations unit assisted the Laurens County Fire Department, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Dodge County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.
Coronavirus cases are over 220 in Dodge
Coronavirus cases in Dodge County have jumped by 32 in the last week, according to the Georgia South Central Health District.
Cases in Dodge County have now reached 221 as of presstime on Tuesday, August 11 with three deaths contributed to the disease.
In surrounding counties, Bleckley County has 242 cases with nine deaths. Laurens County has 951 cases with nine deaths. Telfair County has 281 cases with 10 deaths. Wilcox County has 184 cases with 19 deaths. Wheeler County has 94 cases with one death reported.
It is imperative that citizens wear masks, social distance at least six feet, wash hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds and stay home if at all possible to help curb the spread of the disease.
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic or your local federally qualified healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Cases in Dodge County have now reached 221 as of presstime on Tuesday, August 11 with three deaths contributed to the disease.
In surrounding counties, Bleckley County has 242 cases with nine deaths. Laurens County has 951 cases with nine deaths. Telfair County has 281 cases with 10 deaths. Wilcox County has 184 cases with 19 deaths. Wheeler County has 94 cases with one death reported.
It is imperative that citizens wear masks, social distance at least six feet, wash hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds and stay home if at all possible to help curb the spread of the disease.
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic or your local federally qualified healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Coronavirus cases near 200 in Dodge
Coronavirus cases in Dodge County are close to the 200 mark, according to the Georgia South Central Health District.
Cases in Dodge County have now reached 189 as of presstime on Tuesday, August 4 with three deaths contributed to the disease.
In surrounding counties, Bleckley County has 133 cases with three deaths. Laurens County has 762 cases with four deaths. Telfair County has 253 cases with seven deaths. Wilcox County has 167 cases with 18 deaths. Wheeler County has 84 cases with one death reported.
Citizens are asked to wear masks, social distance at least six feet, and to wash hands as often as possibly for at least 20 seconds to help curb the spread of the disease.
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic, or your local federally qualified healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Cases in Dodge County have now reached 189 as of presstime on Tuesday, August 4 with three deaths contributed to the disease.
In surrounding counties, Bleckley County has 133 cases with three deaths. Laurens County has 762 cases with four deaths. Telfair County has 253 cases with seven deaths. Wilcox County has 167 cases with 18 deaths. Wheeler County has 84 cases with one death reported.
Citizens are asked to wear masks, social distance at least six feet, and to wash hands as often as possibly for at least 20 seconds to help curb the spread of the disease.
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic, or your local federally qualified healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Schools opening delayed again
After last week’s announcement from the Dodge County School Board that the opening of Dodge County Schools had been moved from August 6 to August 13, the school board met in a called meeting on Monday, July 27 and have now moved the opening of schools to September 8.
Staff will report as originally scheduled on August 3.
This extra planning time will give teachers and staff additional time to prepare for extra safety measures. The system is providing two instructional options so that you can choose the best option for your student:
1. A traditional face-to-face option
The traditional face-to-face option is like regular school only with extra precautions added. [Full Story »]
Staff will report as originally scheduled on August 3.
This extra planning time will give teachers and staff additional time to prepare for extra safety measures. The system is providing two instructional options so that you can choose the best option for your student:
1. A traditional face-to-face option
The traditional face-to-face option is like regular school only with extra precautions added. [Full Story »]
Schools opening are moved back
By Dr. Susan Long
Dodge County School
Systems superintendent
A little over four months ago, we were all anticipating a regular week with all of the usual items on our agendas, and then almost out of nowhere it seems, COVID-19 showed up. Who would have ever thought that something like a virus could change the way we do business in such a short amount of time! I want to thank you for your support and understanding as we have worked to respond to the unexpected invasion of COVID-19. I am very proud of the way our Dodge County students, parents, employees, and leaders handled the demands we were faced with to protect everyone as we continued to educate and feed our students during the most unusual of circumstances.
As you know, there continues to be concerns and questions related to how schools plan to reopen in August 2020. While we are in the business of educating, our first priority is the safety of our students and our employees. The Dodge County Schools Return-to-School Team has been working diligently to assess the situation and to develop our plan to reopen schools. After much consideration and with guidance from local health officials, the CDC, and parent and staff feedback from surveys, our schools are preparing to start the 2020-2021 school year as planned on
August 3 for staff. Originally, schools were to open on August 6, but the calendar has been adjusted, and students will return to school on August 13. This extra planning time will give teachers and staff additional time to prepare for extra safety measures. The system is providing two
instructional options so that you can choose the best option for your student:
1. A traditional face-to-face option
The traditional face-to-face option is like regular school only with extra precautions added.
[Full Story »]
Dodge County School
Systems superintendent
A little over four months ago, we were all anticipating a regular week with all of the usual items on our agendas, and then almost out of nowhere it seems, COVID-19 showed up. Who would have ever thought that something like a virus could change the way we do business in such a short amount of time! I want to thank you for your support and understanding as we have worked to respond to the unexpected invasion of COVID-19. I am very proud of the way our Dodge County students, parents, employees, and leaders handled the demands we were faced with to protect everyone as we continued to educate and feed our students during the most unusual of circumstances.
As you know, there continues to be concerns and questions related to how schools plan to reopen in August 2020. While we are in the business of educating, our first priority is the safety of our students and our employees. The Dodge County Schools Return-to-School Team has been working diligently to assess the situation and to develop our plan to reopen schools. After much consideration and with guidance from local health officials, the CDC, and parent and staff feedback from surveys, our schools are preparing to start the 2020-2021 school year as planned on
August 3 for staff. Originally, schools were to open on August 6, but the calendar has been adjusted, and students will return to school on August 13. This extra planning time will give teachers and staff additional time to prepare for extra safety measures. The system is providing two
instructional options so that you can choose the best option for your student:
1. A traditional face-to-face option
The traditional face-to-face option is like regular school only with extra precautions added.
[Full Story »]
Police, deputies make arrests
The Eastman Police Department made the following arrests the week of July 7 through July 14, 2020.
Harry Dolce, age 22, of East Dublin, was arrested for criminal trespass-private.
Joel Holmes, age 48 of Flowery Branch, was arrested for damage to property-business second degree.
Tommy Hames, age 54, of Eastman, was arrested for theft by taking.
Jacquez Redman, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct, possession and use of drug related objects, cruelty to children in the third degree and stalking (aggravated).
Herman Brown, age 31 of Eastman, was arrested for firearms-possession of convicted felon.
Ashli Griffith, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)-alcohol less safe and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Micheal Rostro, age 22 of Eastman, was arrested for pedestrian under the influence (PUI), obstructing law enforcement officers and DUI-less safe.
Callie Pittman, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for possession (purchase alcohol under age 21).
Eric Reese, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, public drunkenness, battery (simple), criminal trespass-business and disorderly conduct.
Herman Brown, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for firearms-possession by convicted felon.
Scottie Harrell, age 52, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, public drunkenness and criminal attempt.
Brittish Level, of Eastman, was arrested for drugs-marijuana sales/deliver/distribute.
Tabatha Murray, 45, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass-private.
Jimmy Hilliard, age 21, of Eastman, was arrested for terroristic threats, cruelty to children- first degree, cruelty to children-third degree and battery (family violence).
The Eastman Police Department made the following arrests from June 24 through July 7, 2020.
Christopher Durham, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for FTP bench warrant.
David Hattaway, age 30, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.
Miguel Hernandez, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for license-driving while unlicensed or expired/new resident, DUI-alcohol less safe and failure to maintain lane.
[Full Story »]
Harry Dolce, age 22, of East Dublin, was arrested for criminal trespass-private.
Joel Holmes, age 48 of Flowery Branch, was arrested for damage to property-business second degree.
Tommy Hames, age 54, of Eastman, was arrested for theft by taking.
Jacquez Redman, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct, possession and use of drug related objects, cruelty to children in the third degree and stalking (aggravated).
Herman Brown, age 31 of Eastman, was arrested for firearms-possession of convicted felon.
Ashli Griffith, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)-alcohol less safe and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Micheal Rostro, age 22 of Eastman, was arrested for pedestrian under the influence (PUI), obstructing law enforcement officers and DUI-less safe.
Callie Pittman, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for possession (purchase alcohol under age 21).
Eric Reese, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, public drunkenness, battery (simple), criminal trespass-business and disorderly conduct.
Herman Brown, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for firearms-possession by convicted felon.
Scottie Harrell, age 52, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, public drunkenness and criminal attempt.
Brittish Level, of Eastman, was arrested for drugs-marijuana sales/deliver/distribute.
Tabatha Murray, 45, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass-private.
Jimmy Hilliard, age 21, of Eastman, was arrested for terroristic threats, cruelty to children- first degree, cruelty to children-third degree and battery (family violence).
The Eastman Police Department made the following arrests from June 24 through July 7, 2020.
Christopher Durham, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for FTP bench warrant.
David Hattaway, age 30, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.
Miguel Hernandez, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for license-driving while unlicensed or expired/new resident, DUI-alcohol less safe and failure to maintain lane.
[Full Story »]
Fireworks cancelled for Eastman, Milan
There will be no fireworks display this year in Eastman.
The Eastman City Council met at their regular meeting on Monday, May 11 and voted unanimously to cancel the July 4 fireworks show for this year.
They sited the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancellation, but do expect for the fireworks show to return in 2021.
The City of Milan has also cancelled their fireworks show for 2020.
The Eastman City Council met at their regular meeting on Monday, May 11 and voted unanimously to cancel the July 4 fireworks show for this year.
They sited the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancellation, but do expect for the fireworks show to return in 2021.
The City of Milan has also cancelled their fireworks show for 2020.
March leads to confrontations
A peaceful march from the old Fred’s parking lot to the Dodge County Courthouse for approximately 30 Black Lives Matter (BLM) marchers turned into a verbal altercation after they arrived at the Confederate Monument on the courthouse grounds at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
The BLM marchers confronted a group of people that were at the monument to protect it and the Confederate battle flag. Words were thrown back and forth until law enforcement came in and diffused the situation several times. The argument went on for approximately an hour and everyone finally left the courthouse at approximately 9:00 p.m.
The marchers said they would return on Tuesday, June 22 at 12:00 noon.
Approximately 20 of the BLM people showed up at the courthouse grounds on Tuesday. Before anyone arrived, law enforcement had barricaded off the monument and flag, and several streets leading to the courthouse.
The BLM group was told to stay in front of the courthouse and the other group was told to stay at the back of the courthouse. There was one verbal altercation between the BLM group and another person who came to the front of the courthouse before presstime. Law enforcement diffused the situation and lead the man who came to the front of the courthouse away in handcuffs.
As of presstime at 2:00 p.m., the demonstration was still ongoing and was expected to last until between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.
Eastman Police officers, Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies and deputies from Telfair County, Bleckley County, Pulaski County, Laurens County, Houston County and possibly other departments plus Georgia State Patrolmen from several posts were at the courthouse to keep the peace.
The BLM marchers confronted a group of people that were at the monument to protect it and the Confederate battle flag. Words were thrown back and forth until law enforcement came in and diffused the situation several times. The argument went on for approximately an hour and everyone finally left the courthouse at approximately 9:00 p.m.
The marchers said they would return on Tuesday, June 22 at 12:00 noon.
Approximately 20 of the BLM people showed up at the courthouse grounds on Tuesday. Before anyone arrived, law enforcement had barricaded off the monument and flag, and several streets leading to the courthouse.
The BLM group was told to stay in front of the courthouse and the other group was told to stay at the back of the courthouse. There was one verbal altercation between the BLM group and another person who came to the front of the courthouse before presstime. Law enforcement diffused the situation and lead the man who came to the front of the courthouse away in handcuffs.
As of presstime at 2:00 p.m., the demonstration was still ongoing and was expected to last until between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.
Eastman Police officers, Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies and deputies from Telfair County, Bleckley County, Pulaski County, Laurens County, Houston County and possibly other departments plus Georgia State Patrolmen from several posts were at the courthouse to keep the peace.
County won’t release bids
Dodge County accepted a bid from Colony Bank for a line of credit at 2.89% at their meeting on Monday, June 15.
No bids were opened at the meeting. When asked who the other banks were and what their percentage rates were, county clerk Kim Smith wrote in an email to The Dodge County News that “One of the dilemmas we had when getting bids was the banks didn’t want to bid because they didn’t want their names and rates being published afterward.”
Bids were not submitted from the Bank of Eastman and Citizens Bank, however, bids were submitted from financial institutions from outside of Dodge County.
According to Georgia Press Association Attorney David Hudson in Atlanta, the bids are public record and should have been opened in public.
In past years, The Dodge County News has always been given all the bids on the county’s line of credit.
Board member Brian Watkins made the motion to accept the bid from Colony Bank, which was seconded by board member Terry Niblett. The motion passed unanimously. Board members Jr. Howell and Karen Cheek were not in attendance at the meeting.
Commissioners did discuss beginning their search for a new county manager. The advertisement for the position is on Page 8 of this edition of The Dodge County News.
The next regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
No bids were opened at the meeting. When asked who the other banks were and what their percentage rates were, county clerk Kim Smith wrote in an email to The Dodge County News that “One of the dilemmas we had when getting bids was the banks didn’t want to bid because they didn’t want their names and rates being published afterward.”
Bids were not submitted from the Bank of Eastman and Citizens Bank, however, bids were submitted from financial institutions from outside of Dodge County.
According to Georgia Press Association Attorney David Hudson in Atlanta, the bids are public record and should have been opened in public.
In past years, The Dodge County News has always been given all the bids on the county’s line of credit.
Board member Brian Watkins made the motion to accept the bid from Colony Bank, which was seconded by board member Terry Niblett. The motion passed unanimously. Board members Jr. Howell and Karen Cheek were not in attendance at the meeting.
Commissioners did discuss beginning their search for a new county manager. The advertisement for the position is on Page 8 of this edition of The Dodge County News.
The next regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Robinson, Cranford win offices
With 16 adjudicated votes and possible provisional votes not counted, political newcomer Brian Robinson has defeated incumbent Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield. He outdistanced Sheffield by 2,450 to 2,175 votes.
Political newcomer Tom Cranford defeated incumbent Lonnie Parkerson by 3,645 to 1,600 votes to win in the Dodge County Chief Magistrate’s race.
In the Dodge County Commissioner’s race in District 1, Sharon Cobb Flanagan, at presstime, was ahead of incumbent William “Jr” Howell by 748 to 729 votes. This race, as of presstime, has not been decided. The winner will face off against democrat John Battle in the November General Election.
In the Dodge County Commissioner’s race in District 4, incumbent Karen Cheek defeated Brandon Thomas by 460 to 343 votes.
In Dodge County School Board District 2, incumbent Jessie Mincey defeated Roy Grenade by 558 votes to 168 votes.
In Dodge County School Board District 4, Michelle Wahl defeated Rodney King 516 to 299 votes.
In the Georgia Senate race, in Dodge County only, Carden Summers won against Spud Bowen 2548 to 1665 votes. Final vote totals from other counties were not available at presstime.
In Georgia House of Representatives, Robert Pruitt won against Chris Steverson, in Dodge County only, 2674 to 1856 votes. Final vote totals from other counties were not available at presstime.
A precinct breakdown for Dodge County only will be printed in next week’s edition of The Dodge County News.
Political newcomer Tom Cranford defeated incumbent Lonnie Parkerson by 3,645 to 1,600 votes to win in the Dodge County Chief Magistrate’s race.
In the Dodge County Commissioner’s race in District 1, Sharon Cobb Flanagan, at presstime, was ahead of incumbent William “Jr” Howell by 748 to 729 votes. This race, as of presstime, has not been decided. The winner will face off against democrat John Battle in the November General Election.
In the Dodge County Commissioner’s race in District 4, incumbent Karen Cheek defeated Brandon Thomas by 460 to 343 votes.
In Dodge County School Board District 2, incumbent Jessie Mincey defeated Roy Grenade by 558 votes to 168 votes.
In Dodge County School Board District 4, Michelle Wahl defeated Rodney King 516 to 299 votes.
In the Georgia Senate race, in Dodge County only, Carden Summers won against Spud Bowen 2548 to 1665 votes. Final vote totals from other counties were not available at presstime.
In Georgia House of Representatives, Robert Pruitt won against Chris Steverson, in Dodge County only, 2674 to 1856 votes. Final vote totals from other counties were not available at presstime.
A precinct breakdown for Dodge County only will be printed in next week’s edition of The Dodge County News.
Elections set for Tuesday
The Presidential Preference Primary, General Primary and Nonpartisan General Elections are set for Tuesday, June 9, 2020.
Several local and state elections are up for consideration.
In the election, you will have to declare whether you are a Democrat, Republican or if you just want to vote in the Nonpartisan elections.
In local races, for Dodge County Sheriff, incumbent Lynn Sheffield and Brian Robinson are running on the Republican ballot. For Dodge County Chief Magistrate Judge, incumbent Lonnie Parkerson and Tom Cranford are running as Republicans.
For Dodge County Commissioner District 1, incumbent WT “Jr” Howell and Sharon Cobb Flanagan are running as Republicans. John Battle is running as a Democrat and has no opposition. He will face off in November against the winner between Howell and Flanagan.
In Dodge County School Board District 2, incumbent Jessie Mincey and Roy Grenade are running and are Nonpartisan. In Dodge County School Board District 4, Rodney King and Michelle Wahl are running and are Nonpartisan.
In Georgia State Senate District 13, incumbent Carden Summers and Spud Bowen are running as Republicans.
For the Georgia House of Representatives District 149 seat, Robert Pruitt and Chris Steverson are running as Republicans.
The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9.
Approximately 2,300 absentee ballots were mailed to voters in Dodge County and so far, approximately 1,300 have been mailed back in.
As of Tuesday, June 2, approximately 840 people had early voted in Dodge County. The last day to early vote is Friday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m.
There are 11,550 registered voters in Dodge County.
Several local and state elections are up for consideration.
In the election, you will have to declare whether you are a Democrat, Republican or if you just want to vote in the Nonpartisan elections.
In local races, for Dodge County Sheriff, incumbent Lynn Sheffield and Brian Robinson are running on the Republican ballot. For Dodge County Chief Magistrate Judge, incumbent Lonnie Parkerson and Tom Cranford are running as Republicans.
For Dodge County Commissioner District 1, incumbent WT “Jr” Howell and Sharon Cobb Flanagan are running as Republicans. John Battle is running as a Democrat and has no opposition. He will face off in November against the winner between Howell and Flanagan.
In Dodge County School Board District 2, incumbent Jessie Mincey and Roy Grenade are running and are Nonpartisan. In Dodge County School Board District 4, Rodney King and Michelle Wahl are running and are Nonpartisan.
In Georgia State Senate District 13, incumbent Carden Summers and Spud Bowen are running as Republicans.
For the Georgia House of Representatives District 149 seat, Robert Pruitt and Chris Steverson are running as Republicans.
The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9.
Approximately 2,300 absentee ballots were mailed to voters in Dodge County and so far, approximately 1,300 have been mailed back in.
As of Tuesday, June 2, approximately 840 people had early voted in Dodge County. The last day to early vote is Friday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m.
There are 11,550 registered voters in Dodge County.
Recreation baseball, softball are cancelled
Due to continued concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Dodge County Recreation Department, out of concern for the health participants, parents and grandparents, has made the decision to cancel the baseball and softball spring/summer season.
The recreation department will be giving each participant in the programs a credit/refund for the full amount paid for the season. If anyone would prefer to have a refund rather than a credit, please contact the recreation department.
The recreation department will announce updated plans as more information is given to them by the CDC and DPH. Activities will resume when it has been deemed safe to return.
Please keep checking on our website and Facebook pages for these updates.
If you have any other questions please give the office a call at 478-374-4696 or 478-374-4698. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The recreation department will be giving each participant in the programs a credit/refund for the full amount paid for the season. If anyone would prefer to have a refund rather than a credit, please contact the recreation department.
The recreation department will announce updated plans as more information is given to them by the CDC and DPH. Activities will resume when it has been deemed safe to return.
Please keep checking on our website and Facebook pages for these updates.
If you have any other questions please give the office a call at 478-374-4696 or 478-374-4698. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Parade set for graduating seniors
A parade has been set for the 2020 Dodge County High School graduating seniors.
The parade will happen on Friday, May 22 and will leave the Dodge County High School student parking lot at 6:00 p.m. Senior officers will lead the parade.
The parade will follow the traditional homecoming parade route through Eastman. Parents and community members can park along the parade route and show their support for the graduating seniors. The parade is sponsored by the senior parents.
Those participating in the parade must be at the Dodge County High School student parking lot by 5:30 p.m. The parade will leave the parking lot promptly at 6:00 p.m. All vehicles must be decorated school appropriately (no profanity or derogatory remarks). Throwing items from vehicles throughout the parade is prohibited.
Anyone with questions or concerns should contact Jennifer Peacock at jenniferpeacockgsu@gmail.com.
Come show our 2020 graduating seniors how much we love them and how proud we are of them.
The parade will happen on Friday, May 22 and will leave the Dodge County High School student parking lot at 6:00 p.m. Senior officers will lead the parade.
The parade will follow the traditional homecoming parade route through Eastman. Parents and community members can park along the parade route and show their support for the graduating seniors. The parade is sponsored by the senior parents.
Those participating in the parade must be at the Dodge County High School student parking lot by 5:30 p.m. The parade will leave the parking lot promptly at 6:00 p.m. All vehicles must be decorated school appropriately (no profanity or derogatory remarks). Throwing items from vehicles throughout the parade is prohibited.
Anyone with questions or concerns should contact Jennifer Peacock at jenniferpeacockgsu@gmail.com.
Come show our 2020 graduating seniors how much we love them and how proud we are of them.
Uvalda man dies in shooting incident
On Monday, May 11, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Eastman Office (GBI) was requested by the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a homicide that occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. A shooting incident occurred at a residence located at 596 East Oak Street in McRae-Helena.
Preliminary information indicates that Clint Eugene Hart, age 45, of Uvalda, was asked to leave the residence by James (Jimmy) Richard Joines, Jr., age 50, of Eastman, and a confrontation occurred that led to Joines allegedly shooting and killing Hart. Joines is a relative of the homeowner of where the incident occurred. Joines alleges he acted in self-defense. Joines is cooperating with investigators and no charges have been filed at this time.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Hart at the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler. A thorough and complete investigation will be conducted. At the conclusion of the investigation, the complete case file will be provided to the Oconee Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or Telfair County Sheriff’s Office at 229-868-6621.
Preliminary information indicates that Clint Eugene Hart, age 45, of Uvalda, was asked to leave the residence by James (Jimmy) Richard Joines, Jr., age 50, of Eastman, and a confrontation occurred that led to Joines allegedly shooting and killing Hart. Joines is a relative of the homeowner of where the incident occurred. Joines alleges he acted in self-defense. Joines is cooperating with investigators and no charges have been filed at this time.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Hart at the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler. A thorough and complete investigation will be conducted. At the conclusion of the investigation, the complete case file will be provided to the Oconee Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or Telfair County Sheriff’s Office at 229-868-6621.
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