Dodge County gynecologist Dr. George “Mack” Bird, III, age 59, appeared in the United State District Court for Georgia March 21, 2018, and pled guilty to the charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
United States assistant attorneys from the Savannah and Augusta offices told the The Dodge County News in a phone interview on Monday that both of the charges were federal felonies and each carried up to five years of
imprisonment each without the possibility of parole.
Bird also agreed to forfeit approximately $2.7 million in assets and property that were seized as part of the investigation, and were traceable to his crimes.
As reported in the June 10, 2015 issue of The Dodge County News, Bird was charged and arrested with the sale of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances with the intent to distribute, illegally written prescriptions and use of pre-signed prescriptions.
Those drugs included, but were not limited to, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on March 26, opioids (such as hydrocodone combination products), alprazolam (Xanax), carisoprodol (Soma), phentermine (Adipex), and phendimetrazine (Plegine).
[Full Story »]
Top Stories
Monkeys stolen
Three monkeys, valued around $4,000.00 each, have been reported stolen to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Glen Conley, the monkeys belong to Judy Milner, of Dodge County. Milner reported that one monkey had been stolen in February and two more were stolen in early March.
Conley told The Dodge County News on Tuesday during a phone interview that it appeared on both occasions that an individual or individuals had cut through the perimeter fence where the monkeys were kept.
Prior to the thefts, Conley said it appeared that someone had tried once before to steal the monkeys.
According to reports, a reward for information about the monkeys is being offered for information pertaining to the monkeys’ whereabouts and/or the theft.
Conley stated, for safety purposes, “If you see the monkeys, don’t try to capture them or touch them…call us first.”
Anyone with any information about the monkeys or the theft should contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-559-1130.
In other law enforcement news, from March 17, 2018 to March 19, 2018, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office made the following arrests:
James Harrelson, age 39, of Helena was charged with criminal trespass, simple assault- family violence and aggravated assault.
Johnathan Randall Howell, age 30, of Monticello, was charged with probation violation.
Shakkia Renee Hudson, age 35, of Dublin, was charged with theft by shoplifting.
Cedric Dwight Jenkins, age 22, of Warner Robins, was charged with probation violation and a bench warrant.
Tabitha Marie Lee, age 38, of Hawkinsville, was charged with a probation violation.
Timothy Sparrow, age 27, of Hawkinsville, was charged with a parole violation.
John Phillip Warner, age 27, of East Dublin, was charged with theft by receiving stolen property- felony, theft by taking – felony and burglary – first degree (felony).
Hataria Whitehead, age 20, of Lithonia, was charged with obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged on official duty which results in serious physical injury.
[Full Story »]
According to Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Glen Conley, the monkeys belong to Judy Milner, of Dodge County. Milner reported that one monkey had been stolen in February and two more were stolen in early March.
Conley told The Dodge County News on Tuesday during a phone interview that it appeared on both occasions that an individual or individuals had cut through the perimeter fence where the monkeys were kept.
Prior to the thefts, Conley said it appeared that someone had tried once before to steal the monkeys.
According to reports, a reward for information about the monkeys is being offered for information pertaining to the monkeys’ whereabouts and/or the theft.
Conley stated, for safety purposes, “If you see the monkeys, don’t try to capture them or touch them…call us first.”
Anyone with any information about the monkeys or the theft should contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-559-1130.
In other law enforcement news, from March 17, 2018 to March 19, 2018, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office made the following arrests:
James Harrelson, age 39, of Helena was charged with criminal trespass, simple assault- family violence and aggravated assault.
Johnathan Randall Howell, age 30, of Monticello, was charged with probation violation.
Shakkia Renee Hudson, age 35, of Dublin, was charged with theft by shoplifting.
Cedric Dwight Jenkins, age 22, of Warner Robins, was charged with probation violation and a bench warrant.
Tabitha Marie Lee, age 38, of Hawkinsville, was charged with a probation violation.
Timothy Sparrow, age 27, of Hawkinsville, was charged with a parole violation.
John Phillip Warner, age 27, of East Dublin, was charged with theft by receiving stolen property- felony, theft by taking – felony and burglary – first degree (felony).
Hataria Whitehead, age 20, of Lithonia, was charged with obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged on official duty which results in serious physical injury.
[Full Story »]
Accused cop killer pleads not guilty
Royheem Deeeds, age 26, accused of killing Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith in August of 2016, appeared in a Dodge County Superior Court last week for his arraignment, and he entered a plea of not guilty to the nine charges he was indicted for by a grand jury.
Those charges include two counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, three counts of possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer, two counts of felony murder, one count of malice murder and one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
Represented by a team of attorneys from the Capital Defender’s Office, Deeds signed his plea of not guilty on March 8, 2018.
Deeds is accused of shooting and killing Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith when Smith responded to a suspicious person call at the intersection of Smith and Main Streets on August 13, 2016. According to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), officer Smith, just days short of his 31st birthday, was shot as he exited his police car.
Smith had joined the Eastman Police Department in February 2011. Smith was able to fire back at Deeds, but Deeds still was able to flee the scene. Smith died from his injuries at the hospital.
Two days later, Deeds was found in Nassau County, Florida, in a car driven by his sister at a traffic stop.
In May of 2017, the prosecutors informed the court that they were seeking the death penalty against Deeds.
Last Thursday’s arraignment, according to Dodge County District Attorney Tim Vaughn, was just the next step in the process. [Full Story »]
Those charges include two counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, three counts of possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer, two counts of felony murder, one count of malice murder and one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
Represented by a team of attorneys from the Capital Defender’s Office, Deeds signed his plea of not guilty on March 8, 2018.
Deeds is accused of shooting and killing Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith when Smith responded to a suspicious person call at the intersection of Smith and Main Streets on August 13, 2016. According to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), officer Smith, just days short of his 31st birthday, was shot as he exited his police car.
Smith had joined the Eastman Police Department in February 2011. Smith was able to fire back at Deeds, but Deeds still was able to flee the scene. Smith died from his injuries at the hospital.
Two days later, Deeds was found in Nassau County, Florida, in a car driven by his sister at a traffic stop.
In May of 2017, the prosecutors informed the court that they were seeking the death penalty against Deeds.
Last Thursday’s arraignment, according to Dodge County District Attorney Tim Vaughn, was just the next step in the process. [Full Story »]
Suspect in multi-county armed robberies arrested
A collaboration between several law enforcement agencies, including the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastman Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, brought one suspect in a multi-county armed robbery investigation into custody last week.
Lifranklin Tyrone McMillian, age 18, last known address was Helena, was charged after admitting to his involvement in multiple armed robberies in Laurens, Telfair and Dodge Counties.
The first of the armed robberies in Laurens County occurred on February 22, 2018, at the County Line Package Store in Cadwell, with four more to follow, – two at Flash Foods in Milan and Dexter.
According to a press release from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Quick Stop in Chester on February 8, 2018. Authorities say that the store clerk reported a black male entered the store armed with an aerosol can and a butane lighter. The clerk stated to the deputies that the offender demanded money from the register. Once the offender obtained the money, he fled the store on foot.
Ten days later, on February 18, 2018, deputies from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a similar report of an armed robbery at the Kuntry Mart in Gresston.
[Full Story »]
Lifranklin Tyrone McMillian, age 18, last known address was Helena, was charged after admitting to his involvement in multiple armed robberies in Laurens, Telfair and Dodge Counties.
The first of the armed robberies in Laurens County occurred on February 22, 2018, at the County Line Package Store in Cadwell, with four more to follow, – two at Flash Foods in Milan and Dexter.
According to a press release from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Quick Stop in Chester on February 8, 2018. Authorities say that the store clerk reported a black male entered the store armed with an aerosol can and a butane lighter. The clerk stated to the deputies that the offender demanded money from the register. Once the offender obtained the money, he fled the store on foot.
Ten days later, on February 18, 2018, deputies from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a similar report of an armed robbery at the Kuntry Mart in Gresston.
[Full Story »]
Qualifying for school, commission board seats will start on March 5
Qualifying for school, commission board seats starts March 5.
Four seats are up for election for the Dodge County Board of Education and two seats are up for the Dodge County Board of Commissioners for the upcoming May 22 General Primary and Non-Partisan election.
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners has four commission district seats and a commission chair. The District 2 and 3 seats for the board of commissioners are up for election. Terry Niblett holds the District 2 position and Brian Watkins holds the District 3 position, currently. No official word has been announced yet as to if Niblett and Watkins will be throwing their hats back in the ring or not.
On the Dodge County Board of Education, the following seats are up for election; District 1, District 3, District 5 and District 7. Roscoe Bennett, Robert Peacock, Mark Driggers and Shirley Ikedionwu currently hold these seats respectively. Dodge County School Superintendent Mike Hilliard told The Dodge County News on the phone Monday that he had not received official word if any of the incumbents would be running for re-election or if there would be any opposition as qualifying for election had yet to open.
Qualifying begins March 5 and ends March 9. For a candidate’s name to appear on the ballot, candidates must qualify for office, which basically means they must be a registered voter in Dodge County, live in a district if that office requires it, and pay a qualifying fee.
Four seats are up for election for the Dodge County Board of Education and two seats are up for the Dodge County Board of Commissioners for the upcoming May 22 General Primary and Non-Partisan election.
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners has four commission district seats and a commission chair. The District 2 and 3 seats for the board of commissioners are up for election. Terry Niblett holds the District 2 position and Brian Watkins holds the District 3 position, currently. No official word has been announced yet as to if Niblett and Watkins will be throwing their hats back in the ring or not.
On the Dodge County Board of Education, the following seats are up for election; District 1, District 3, District 5 and District 7. Roscoe Bennett, Robert Peacock, Mark Driggers and Shirley Ikedionwu currently hold these seats respectively. Dodge County School Superintendent Mike Hilliard told The Dodge County News on the phone Monday that he had not received official word if any of the incumbents would be running for re-election or if there would be any opposition as qualifying for election had yet to open.
Qualifying begins March 5 and ends March 9. For a candidate’s name to appear on the ballot, candidates must qualify for office, which basically means they must be a registered voter in Dodge County, live in a district if that office requires it, and pay a qualifying fee.
Dumpsters top county agenda
Complaints about trash and a city’s plea for help against crime were at the integral points of discussion at Monday night’s meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
Chester Mayor Glynn Pittman appeared before the board to ask for help in eliminating crime in the rural city.
Pittman told the board, “I don’t normally come here to ask for anything as we try to handle things in Chester without having to bother anyone.”
“But, I have got to have some help,” he explained. “I am not here to bash the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office or Lynn Sheffield…they have a lot to do and are doing the best they can with what they have. I tried to research and find out more before coming here. I am not here to complain. I am here hoping you can give me some guidance on what to do.”
According to Pittman, the crime rate has increased in Chester. In the last few weeks, Pittman said, “We had a camp house broken into, the apartments have had windows broken out and residents’ homes have been vandalized.” He added that there have been several robberies on Phillips Street, and Pittman said the Shorty’s Quick Stop, “the only store we have in town was robbed.” Someone walked in with an aerosol can and a lighter and walked away with cash.
“I just don’t know what to do. We need some help,” Pittman pleaded.
Dodge County Commission Chair Dan McCranie told Pittman that the commissioners would look into the situation and will get back with him. “I am not real sure how that works with a city getting a police force…last year, the sheriff came before us, and we gave him an increase in his budget.”
[Full Story »]
Chester Mayor Glynn Pittman appeared before the board to ask for help in eliminating crime in the rural city.
Pittman told the board, “I don’t normally come here to ask for anything as we try to handle things in Chester without having to bother anyone.”
“But, I have got to have some help,” he explained. “I am not here to bash the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office or Lynn Sheffield…they have a lot to do and are doing the best they can with what they have. I tried to research and find out more before coming here. I am not here to complain. I am here hoping you can give me some guidance on what to do.”
According to Pittman, the crime rate has increased in Chester. In the last few weeks, Pittman said, “We had a camp house broken into, the apartments have had windows broken out and residents’ homes have been vandalized.” He added that there have been several robberies on Phillips Street, and Pittman said the Shorty’s Quick Stop, “the only store we have in town was robbed.” Someone walked in with an aerosol can and a lighter and walked away with cash.
“I just don’t know what to do. We need some help,” Pittman pleaded.
Dodge County Commission Chair Dan McCranie told Pittman that the commissioners would look into the situation and will get back with him. “I am not real sure how that works with a city getting a police force…last year, the sheriff came before us, and we gave him an increase in his budget.”
[Full Story »]
Police, deputies make arrests
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests from January 30, 2018 through February 13, 2018.
Mitchell Payne, age 32, of Eastman, was arrested for pedestrian under the influence (PUI).
Walter Harper, age 58, of Eastman, was arrested for giving a false name and/or address and/or date of birth to an officer.
Betty Wright, age 56, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass on business property and shoplifting, less than $500.00.
Harold Sheriff, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Mildred Grimm, age 60, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Chelsea Walker, age 27, of McRae, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00 and possession of methamphetamine.
Kelsey Williams, age 18, of Helena, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00.
Michael Dobson, age 43, of McRae, was arrested for battery and residential burglary, forced entry.
Alonzo Washington, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Stephen Howell, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated assault (other weapon); possession and use of drug related objects; probation violation and hindering the apprehension or punishment of a suspect.
Victoria Wilcox, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for possession and use of drug related objects and probation violation.
Russell Hall, age 43, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of marijuana, one ounce or less; a failure to pay bench warrant and possession of a dog at large and/or nuisance animal.
Donald Dassie, age 61, of Eastman, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Brandon Parker, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass on business property; shoplifting, less than $500.00 and probation violation.
Nelly Dupree, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct and terroristic threats and acts.
Jessica Dupree, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct and aggravated stalking.
Amanda Adair, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked. [Full Story »]
Mitchell Payne, age 32, of Eastman, was arrested for pedestrian under the influence (PUI).
Walter Harper, age 58, of Eastman, was arrested for giving a false name and/or address and/or date of birth to an officer.
Betty Wright, age 56, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass on business property and shoplifting, less than $500.00.
Harold Sheriff, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Mildred Grimm, age 60, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Chelsea Walker, age 27, of McRae, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00 and possession of methamphetamine.
Kelsey Williams, age 18, of Helena, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00.
Michael Dobson, age 43, of McRae, was arrested for battery and residential burglary, forced entry.
Alonzo Washington, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Stephen Howell, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated assault (other weapon); possession and use of drug related objects; probation violation and hindering the apprehension or punishment of a suspect.
Victoria Wilcox, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for possession and use of drug related objects and probation violation.
Russell Hall, age 43, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of marijuana, one ounce or less; a failure to pay bench warrant and possession of a dog at large and/or nuisance animal.
Donald Dassie, age 61, of Eastman, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Brandon Parker, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass on business property; shoplifting, less than $500.00 and probation violation.
Nelly Dupree, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct and terroristic threats and acts.
Jessica Dupree, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct and aggravated stalking.
Amanda Adair, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked. [Full Story »]
Maci Harrell named STAR student
By MaKylla Underwood
Because of her remarkable score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Dodge County High School (DCHS) senior Maci Harrell has been named the Dodge County High School STAR Student for the 2017-2018 school year.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is co-sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. To be recognized as a STAR student, high school seniors must obtain the highest score on a single test date on the two-part SAT and be in the top ten percent of their respective senior class based on grade point average.
“I was pretty excited to receive this award,” stated Harrell. “My oldest sister, [Mindy] was STAR Student, and it’s an honor to have repeated that a decade later.”
Following her recognition as STAR Student, Harrell nominated a teacher who inspired her the most throughout her high school career; world history teacher Hudson Christian was nominated as Harrell’s STAR Teacher.
“[His] class was always the one I looked forward to, and now it’s the one class I’m going to miss,” added Harrell.
[Full Story »]
Because of her remarkable score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Dodge County High School (DCHS) senior Maci Harrell has been named the Dodge County High School STAR Student for the 2017-2018 school year.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is co-sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. To be recognized as a STAR student, high school seniors must obtain the highest score on a single test date on the two-part SAT and be in the top ten percent of their respective senior class based on grade point average.
“I was pretty excited to receive this award,” stated Harrell. “My oldest sister, [Mindy] was STAR Student, and it’s an honor to have repeated that a decade later.”
Following her recognition as STAR Student, Harrell nominated a teacher who inspired her the most throughout her high school career; world history teacher Hudson Christian was nominated as Harrell’s STAR Teacher.
“[His] class was always the one I looked forward to, and now it’s the one class I’m going to miss,” added Harrell.
[Full Story »]
Holton runs, wrecks, and arrested, again
An Eastman man is in custody at the Dodge County Law Enforcement Center after a car chase and crash involving area law enforcement agencies on January 25, 2018.
Frederick Herman Holton, age 38, was arrested after he made a second attempt to flee from law enforcement officers. The first attempt was on January 19, 2018 as reported in last week’s edition of The Dodge County News. Holton had tried to evade an area law enforcement agency who had attempted to serve a parole warrant on him.
During that event, Holton led law officers from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastman Police Department and the Oconee Drug Task Force on an almost five mile chase beginning around Golf Course Road north of Eastman. Holton ended up crashing his vehicle on Free Gift Church Road.
Law enforcement officials got Holton out of the car, and he was taken to Dodge County Hospital and was later transferred to a hospital in Macon. It was at the Macon hospital that Holton, according to Col. Mike Patterson of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, walked out of the hospital around 4:00 a.m. Holton was considered at large until the chase on Thursday, January 25, 2018.
It was at 7:12 a.m. Thursday that a second car chase that involved Holton and area law enforcement agencies occurred. This one also resulted in a crash on Isham Springs Road in Rhine, just north of Georgia Highway 87.
According to a report from the Georgia State Patrol, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Walt Turner, in an effort to get Holton to stop, attempted to maneuver around the right side of the 2017 Chevrolet Impala Sedan that Holton was driving. Holton’s Impala’s right side struck the front left of Turner’s vehicle.
After the impact, Holton continued driving. He was arrested later. Both he and a 28-year-old female passenger had no apparent injuries and were not transported for medical treatment. No injuries were reported for Turner either.
“He is being held on a variety of charges from several law enforcement agencies,”Patterson explained.
Charges against Holton included obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers, reckless driving, receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon or felony first offender, fleeing or attempting to elude police officer, aggravated assault, attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia Controlled Substance Act-felony, failure to maintain lane, speeding in excess of maximum limits (state speed and zone limits), failure to obey stop sign, failure to yield right of way to school bus, criminal interference with government property, four counts of cruelty to children - criminal negligence/causes excessive physical/mental pain-2nd degree and simple battery.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrested from January 22, 2018 through January 30, 2018.
Allison N. Boone, age 27, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Otis Leon Carr, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of marijuana, less than one ounce and parole violation.
Kiley Nicole Cooper, age 38, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Jorge Garcia, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
Tierra George, age 22, of Cadwell, was arrested for theft by shoplifting.
[Full Story »]
Frederick Herman Holton, age 38, was arrested after he made a second attempt to flee from law enforcement officers. The first attempt was on January 19, 2018 as reported in last week’s edition of The Dodge County News. Holton had tried to evade an area law enforcement agency who had attempted to serve a parole warrant on him.
During that event, Holton led law officers from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastman Police Department and the Oconee Drug Task Force on an almost five mile chase beginning around Golf Course Road north of Eastman. Holton ended up crashing his vehicle on Free Gift Church Road.
Law enforcement officials got Holton out of the car, and he was taken to Dodge County Hospital and was later transferred to a hospital in Macon. It was at the Macon hospital that Holton, according to Col. Mike Patterson of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, walked out of the hospital around 4:00 a.m. Holton was considered at large until the chase on Thursday, January 25, 2018.
It was at 7:12 a.m. Thursday that a second car chase that involved Holton and area law enforcement agencies occurred. This one also resulted in a crash on Isham Springs Road in Rhine, just north of Georgia Highway 87.
According to a report from the Georgia State Patrol, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Walt Turner, in an effort to get Holton to stop, attempted to maneuver around the right side of the 2017 Chevrolet Impala Sedan that Holton was driving. Holton’s Impala’s right side struck the front left of Turner’s vehicle.
After the impact, Holton continued driving. He was arrested later. Both he and a 28-year-old female passenger had no apparent injuries and were not transported for medical treatment. No injuries were reported for Turner either.
“He is being held on a variety of charges from several law enforcement agencies,”Patterson explained.
Charges against Holton included obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers, reckless driving, receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon or felony first offender, fleeing or attempting to elude police officer, aggravated assault, attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia Controlled Substance Act-felony, failure to maintain lane, speeding in excess of maximum limits (state speed and zone limits), failure to obey stop sign, failure to yield right of way to school bus, criminal interference with government property, four counts of cruelty to children - criminal negligence/causes excessive physical/mental pain-2nd degree and simple battery.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrested from January 22, 2018 through January 30, 2018.
Allison N. Boone, age 27, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Otis Leon Carr, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of marijuana, less than one ounce and parole violation.
Kiley Nicole Cooper, age 38, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Jorge Garcia, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
Tierra George, age 22, of Cadwell, was arrested for theft by shoplifting.
[Full Story »]
Chase leads to wreck, arrest, escape
A Dodge County man is wanted by several law enforcement agencies for various warrants, including a charge of fleeing and attempting to elude law officers in a vehicle.
Fredrick Herman Holton, age 38, of Eastman, is at large after being involved in a crash that was a result of a nearly five-mile chase involving Holton and law officers from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastman Police Department and the Oconee Drug Task Force.
According to Col. Mike Patterson of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, around noon on January 19, another agency went to serve a parole warrant on Holton, who fled the scene in his vehicle. The chase was initiated around Golf Course Road just north of Eastman. [Full Story »]
Fredrick Herman Holton, age 38, of Eastman, is at large after being involved in a crash that was a result of a nearly five-mile chase involving Holton and law officers from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastman Police Department and the Oconee Drug Task Force.
According to Col. Mike Patterson of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, around noon on January 19, another agency went to serve a parole warrant on Holton, who fled the scene in his vehicle. The chase was initiated around Golf Course Road just north of Eastman. [Full Story »]
Buddy Pittman is elected Eastman council chairman
The Eastman City Council held their first meeting of 2018 on Tuesday, January 9 at the Eastman City Hall Council Chambers and elected officers for the new year.
The council elected Buddy Pittman as the new city council chairperson. Previously, Raymond Mullis had held that position for many years. The council then elected Raymond Mullis as vice chairman. They then elected Prince Dawson as the council chaplain. Rita Llop was elected as the council attorney and Joey Marchant was elected as the city recorders court judge.
The council approved replacing a “soft start” on the Rocky Springs pump station that was damaged by water from Hurricane Irma. The cost will be $6,500.00, but city manager Jason Cobb told the council that the city would be reimbursed the cost from funds available through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s Hurricane Irma relief funds.
The council rescheduled their Monday, January 22 regularly scheduled meeting to Monday, January 29 due to the Mayor’s Day conference in Atlanta from January 19-22.
The council elected Buddy Pittman as the new city council chairperson. Previously, Raymond Mullis had held that position for many years. The council then elected Raymond Mullis as vice chairman. They then elected Prince Dawson as the council chaplain. Rita Llop was elected as the council attorney and Joey Marchant was elected as the city recorders court judge.
The council approved replacing a “soft start” on the Rocky Springs pump station that was damaged by water from Hurricane Irma. The cost will be $6,500.00, but city manager Jason Cobb told the council that the city would be reimbursed the cost from funds available through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s Hurricane Irma relief funds.
The council rescheduled their Monday, January 22 regularly scheduled meeting to Monday, January 29 due to the Mayor’s Day conference in Atlanta from January 19-22.
Commissioners won’t fund farmers market
After giving a little glimmer of hope at Tuesday’s meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners regarding the continuation of operation of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, the commissioners shot down requests for financial assistance at Wednesday’s budget approval meeting.
Tuesday night, commissioner Brian Watkins made the following motion, “I make a motion that the north west side of the Dodge County Courthouse be opened up each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the use of vendors to display and sell their products to the public with the understanding that Dodge County will not/does not insure the quality, fitness, suitability, or safety of any products sold there. The vendors shall not be allowed to set up any sales areas on the courthouse steps or at any entrance, the park area or the soldier memorial areas.”
After Watkins made the motion, commissioner Terry Niblett seconded the motion. The vote to approve the motion was unanimous.
On Wednesday, commissioner Karen Cheek, prior to the board’s approval of the 2018 proposed county budget, which cut out any financial support to the farmers’ market, made a motion to make an amendment to the budget to include support of $3,035.00 to help the farmers’ market stay open.
Cheek said that she believed Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmers’ Market, had compiled with the board’s wishes of adjusting the financial request she made to the board. “She has even said that we could pay half of that and I think she did an excellent job.”
Flanagan had stated during the public hearing part of Wednesday’s meeting the following: “at the first public hearing I was requested to adjust the monies to a point to where we could continue operating the market as in accordance to the charter … I have carved it down to the bare minimum.”
[Full Story »]
Tuesday night, commissioner Brian Watkins made the following motion, “I make a motion that the north west side of the Dodge County Courthouse be opened up each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the use of vendors to display and sell their products to the public with the understanding that Dodge County will not/does not insure the quality, fitness, suitability, or safety of any products sold there. The vendors shall not be allowed to set up any sales areas on the courthouse steps or at any entrance, the park area or the soldier memorial areas.”
After Watkins made the motion, commissioner Terry Niblett seconded the motion. The vote to approve the motion was unanimous.
On Wednesday, commissioner Karen Cheek, prior to the board’s approval of the 2018 proposed county budget, which cut out any financial support to the farmers’ market, made a motion to make an amendment to the budget to include support of $3,035.00 to help the farmers’ market stay open.
Cheek said that she believed Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmers’ Market, had compiled with the board’s wishes of adjusting the financial request she made to the board. “She has even said that we could pay half of that and I think she did an excellent job.”
Flanagan had stated during the public hearing part of Wednesday’s meeting the following: “at the first public hearing I was requested to adjust the monies to a point to where we could continue operating the market as in accordance to the charter … I have carved it down to the bare minimum.”
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Dodge County citizens discuss 2018 resolutions
Every year around January 1, as tradition dictates, pens and pencils and paper are put to good use. People start making resolutions for the new year.
New Year’s resolutions are said to have first been implemented more than 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. Reported to have held the first recorded celebrations to mark the new year, the Babylonians made promises to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed as they crowned a new king.
According to history, these promises could have been considered the forerunners of what we know as ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’
Making promises to change and improve ourselves has become such a mainstay at the transition to a new year, that it is rare to see someone who doesn’t at least verbalize thoughts of change.
A group of Dodge County citizens shared their resolutions for 2018 with The Dodge County News via social media.
through like grains of sand.”
Driggers continued, “I really do not make resolutions anymore, in the past I never did them for more than two weeks. I do pray that I will take better care of myself and be able to be around to enjoy my family and my precious granddaughter.”
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New Year’s resolutions are said to have first been implemented more than 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. Reported to have held the first recorded celebrations to mark the new year, the Babylonians made promises to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed as they crowned a new king.
According to history, these promises could have been considered the forerunners of what we know as ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’
Making promises to change and improve ourselves has become such a mainstay at the transition to a new year, that it is rare to see someone who doesn’t at least verbalize thoughts of change.
A group of Dodge County citizens shared their resolutions for 2018 with The Dodge County News via social media.
through like grains of sand.”
Driggers continued, “I really do not make resolutions anymore, in the past I never did them for more than two weeks. I do pray that I will take better care of myself and be able to be around to enjoy my family and my precious granddaughter.”
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Commissioners face concerns over 2018 proposed budget
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners faced a lot of ‘whys’ on Friday, December 22 during the public hearing to present the proposed budget for the county for 2018.
More than two dozen people filled the room Friday afternoon to have their questions regarding proposed budget cuts for the upcoming year to the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
During the public comment session, responses to questions were limited, and commissioners Dan McCranie and Terry Niblett, and interim county manager Bobby Peacock, were the only voices heard representing the board, except once when county attorney John Harrington was called to answer a concern about public notification of the work session held on December 18 prior to the regular meeting of the board.
Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, led the charge of concerns and questions regarding several issues revolving around the proposed budget.
In the proposed budget, the commission board had looked into cutting funding for the farmer’s market out completely.
Flanagan pled for that not to happen. “The farmer’s market has brought numerous outside individuals into the community…several of them to your grounds. They have not noticed the beautiful courthouse before and they love your grounds.” Flanagan said.
She also presented facts in regards to the boost to the local economy that the market has helped bring about since its implementation. Flanagan mentioned that those volunteers and board members with the Dodge County Farmer’s Market had worked very hard to keep “events low key where there would be not extra maintenance for the county.”
Bill Grimes spoke on behalf of keeping the farmer’s market going. “We moved here in May, and part of the reason we did is because of the farming in the area…we come and get our fresh vegetables at the market…having the farmer’s market here helps with the tax dollars for Dodge County,” he said.
JoAnn Rozier stated, “The Dodge County Farmer’s Market is a great asset to the farmers and the people of Dodge County.”
Patty Martin, a vendor and volunteer with the farmer’s market, was passionate with her plea. “What we do brings in different types of people to the community, and brings in revenue to the county,” she said and asked the board to consider saving the market.
“The main commerce for Dodge County is family...and we have lots of small family farms…what Sharon has asked is for the very minimal help from you all,” Mike Flanagan said.
Lynn Sullivan stood, and spoke volumes. “Why take away something that is so right?”
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More than two dozen people filled the room Friday afternoon to have their questions regarding proposed budget cuts for the upcoming year to the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
During the public comment session, responses to questions were limited, and commissioners Dan McCranie and Terry Niblett, and interim county manager Bobby Peacock, were the only voices heard representing the board, except once when county attorney John Harrington was called to answer a concern about public notification of the work session held on December 18 prior to the regular meeting of the board.
Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, led the charge of concerns and questions regarding several issues revolving around the proposed budget.
In the proposed budget, the commission board had looked into cutting funding for the farmer’s market out completely.
Flanagan pled for that not to happen. “The farmer’s market has brought numerous outside individuals into the community…several of them to your grounds. They have not noticed the beautiful courthouse before and they love your grounds.” Flanagan said.
She also presented facts in regards to the boost to the local economy that the market has helped bring about since its implementation. Flanagan mentioned that those volunteers and board members with the Dodge County Farmer’s Market had worked very hard to keep “events low key where there would be not extra maintenance for the county.”
Bill Grimes spoke on behalf of keeping the farmer’s market going. “We moved here in May, and part of the reason we did is because of the farming in the area…we come and get our fresh vegetables at the market…having the farmer’s market here helps with the tax dollars for Dodge County,” he said.
JoAnn Rozier stated, “The Dodge County Farmer’s Market is a great asset to the farmers and the people of Dodge County.”
Patty Martin, a vendor and volunteer with the farmer’s market, was passionate with her plea. “What we do brings in different types of people to the community, and brings in revenue to the county,” she said and asked the board to consider saving the market.
“The main commerce for Dodge County is family...and we have lots of small family farms…what Sharon has asked is for the very minimal help from you all,” Mike Flanagan said.
Lynn Sullivan stood, and spoke volumes. “Why take away something that is so right?”
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Cochran Highway widening begins
A much anticipated widening project of U.S. Highway 23 (Cochran Highway) has started as many drivers have noted due to barrels and signs along roadway have appeared.
According to Dodge County Interim County Manager Bobby Peacock, he got the word that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had awarded the contract for a widening project along that area.
Peacock said that Everett Dykes Grassing Company, Inc. had been given the go-ahead to begin the work on the project. “They have been talking about this for a long time.”
When asked specifically what the project was, Peacock told The Dodge County News on the phone Tuesday, “It is going to be a four lane road.”
Peacock said he was told the project would take about “two years to complete.”
GDOT Communications’ Specialist Kyle Collins sent a statement from GDOT after The Dodge County News reached out to GDOT for further information.
“This is the largest statewide construction contract … it was awarded at $44 million for 9.5 miles of widening on US 21/State Route (SR) 87 from Log Cabin Road to south of State Route (SR) 257 in Dodge and Bleckley Counties,” Collins’ statement read. The proposed completion date for the project is Halloween, October 31, 2021.
Collins explained, “The project will begin with an existing three-lane section and transition to two 12-foot-wide southbound lanes and one 12-foot-wide northbound lane between the SR 87 Spur and County Road (CR) 8/CR 137. Then transition to two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot-wide flush median with an urban shoulder, and will continue to County Road 133.”
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According to Dodge County Interim County Manager Bobby Peacock, he got the word that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had awarded the contract for a widening project along that area.
Peacock said that Everett Dykes Grassing Company, Inc. had been given the go-ahead to begin the work on the project. “They have been talking about this for a long time.”
When asked specifically what the project was, Peacock told The Dodge County News on the phone Tuesday, “It is going to be a four lane road.”
Peacock said he was told the project would take about “two years to complete.”
GDOT Communications’ Specialist Kyle Collins sent a statement from GDOT after The Dodge County News reached out to GDOT for further information.
“This is the largest statewide construction contract … it was awarded at $44 million for 9.5 miles of widening on US 21/State Route (SR) 87 from Log Cabin Road to south of State Route (SR) 257 in Dodge and Bleckley Counties,” Collins’ statement read. The proposed completion date for the project is Halloween, October 31, 2021.
Collins explained, “The project will begin with an existing three-lane section and transition to two 12-foot-wide southbound lanes and one 12-foot-wide northbound lane between the SR 87 Spur and County Road (CR) 8/CR 137. Then transition to two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot-wide flush median with an urban shoulder, and will continue to County Road 133.”
[Full Story »]
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