Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield’s plea to the board of commissioners for a salary increase for deputies on road patrol from the November 6, 2017 meeting of board was neither approved or not approved Monday night.
During the November 6, 2017 meeting, Sheffield said in his presentation, “We are losing deputies due to pay. We had two that are moving to other counties, and if we don’t do something, I know of at least two or three more who will be leaving.”
At this Monday night’s meeting, Dodge County Commission Chair Dan McCranie brought the request back up during the old business. “What do we want to do?”
According to reports, since the first meeting in November, approximately four deputies had left the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
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Schools prepare for holiday season
By Becky Holland
Ready or not, parents, it is time for holiday breaks for students in the Dodge County School System. According to the system website, Thanksgiving break will be from November 20, 2017 – November 24, 2017.
On December 15, 2017, students will be released at 1:00 p.m. Christmas Break will be from December 18, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Teacher planning is scheduled for January 2, 2018.
During a phone interview with Dodge County School Superintendent Mike Hilliard on Monday, November 13, 2017, The Dodge County News asked what the October 18, 2017 called board meeting was for. According to the agenda, the meeting consisted of a short regular session where there was an approval of the agenda, and then the board immediately went into closed (executive) session. No reason was specified for the closed (executive) session.
When asked what that was for, Hilliard said, “It was more or less a fact-finding session for the board. They had several questions, so we answered them for them.” Hilliard did state that session did involve some personnel issues.
Hilliard stated that at the November 9, 2017 regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education all items that needed action were approved.
At the regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education on the following items on the agenda were approved: minutes of the October 12, 2017 and October 18, 2017 meetings, department reports, approval of special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) and board financial and FY 2018 state and federal budgets allotted for various programs.
[Full Story »]
Ready or not, parents, it is time for holiday breaks for students in the Dodge County School System. According to the system website, Thanksgiving break will be from November 20, 2017 – November 24, 2017.
On December 15, 2017, students will be released at 1:00 p.m. Christmas Break will be from December 18, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Teacher planning is scheduled for January 2, 2018.
During a phone interview with Dodge County School Superintendent Mike Hilliard on Monday, November 13, 2017, The Dodge County News asked what the October 18, 2017 called board meeting was for. According to the agenda, the meeting consisted of a short regular session where there was an approval of the agenda, and then the board immediately went into closed (executive) session. No reason was specified for the closed (executive) session.
When asked what that was for, Hilliard said, “It was more or less a fact-finding session for the board. They had several questions, so we answered them for them.” Hilliard did state that session did involve some personnel issues.
Hilliard stated that at the November 9, 2017 regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education all items that needed action were approved.
At the regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education on the following items on the agenda were approved: minutes of the October 12, 2017 and October 18, 2017 meetings, department reports, approval of special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) and board financial and FY 2018 state and federal budgets allotted for various programs.
[Full Story »]
Win Region Title
The Dodge County Indians have gone undefeated in regular season play and have won the Region 3AA championship. The Indians edged out the Bleckley County Royals Friday night to complete their perfect regular season. The Indians will be hosting the first round playoff game, opponent to be determined on November 10, 2017.
Queen crowned
Gabby Hall was awarded the title of Dodge County High School’s 2017 Homecoming Queen during halftime of the homecoming game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 20, 2017. Pictured above are (l-r), second runner-up Sailor Rogers escorted by Chandler Davis, homecoming queen Gabby Hall escorted by Conner Rye and first runner-up Tristynee Black escorted by Rodrick Hines. (Photo by Emory Rogers Photography)
Dennis named homecoming parade Grand Marshal
By Amy Mullis
When the 2017 homecoming parade starts its course toward downtown Eastman, the reason for recognition may be different, but anyone who has had ties to the Dodge County School System in the past 30 plus years will recognize the face of one waving from the lead car.
For her dedication to work for and love of Dodge County and the Dodge County School System, Dr. Melinda Dennis will ride as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Dennis began her educational career in Dodge County in 1987 as a high school English teacher. During her time at Dodge County High School, Dennis was honored as both the school and district Teacher of the Year for Dodge County High School. In 2000, Dennis shifted gears and moved into administration as the assistant principal at Dodge County Middle School.
Four years later, Dennis’ course took another turn - one that took her out of Dodge County for the first time in her career in education.
She became the principal for Wheeler County Middle School and then served as the director of both the Alternative Learning Center and the Patriot Academy for Student Success with the Wilcox County schools. Her time away from home was short-lived, as she returned to Dodge County in 2011 to serve as the superintendent of schools until her retirement in 2016.
“I am a product of the Dodge County Schools. I was a student, teacher, school and district level administrator in this system, and it will always mean more to me than words can express,” she said. “From various perspectives, I have witnessed its growth and improvement for more than four decades. I am honored that the homecoming committee selected me, and I will always be proud to represent Dodge County High School and the Dodge County School System.”
Dodge County High School Principal Dr. Susan Long, whose relationship with Dennis stretches back to early in both of their careers in education, is very excited to have Dennis represent the school in this week’s parade.
“Dr. Dennis is the ultimate professional and educator,” Long said. “[She] is a class act, and she has always been a positive influence and motivator. We are honored to have her as our homecoming parade Grand Marshal.”
Recently, Dennis began using her expertise in education in a new way.
In January of this year, she was appointed to serve as the Georgia Department of Corrections Director of Academic Education, a role through which she now oversees the operations and oversight of academic programming of nearly 52,000 felony offenders across the state of Georgia.
[Full Story »]
When the 2017 homecoming parade starts its course toward downtown Eastman, the reason for recognition may be different, but anyone who has had ties to the Dodge County School System in the past 30 plus years will recognize the face of one waving from the lead car.
For her dedication to work for and love of Dodge County and the Dodge County School System, Dr. Melinda Dennis will ride as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Dennis began her educational career in Dodge County in 1987 as a high school English teacher. During her time at Dodge County High School, Dennis was honored as both the school and district Teacher of the Year for Dodge County High School. In 2000, Dennis shifted gears and moved into administration as the assistant principal at Dodge County Middle School.
Four years later, Dennis’ course took another turn - one that took her out of Dodge County for the first time in her career in education.
She became the principal for Wheeler County Middle School and then served as the director of both the Alternative Learning Center and the Patriot Academy for Student Success with the Wilcox County schools. Her time away from home was short-lived, as she returned to Dodge County in 2011 to serve as the superintendent of schools until her retirement in 2016.
“I am a product of the Dodge County Schools. I was a student, teacher, school and district level administrator in this system, and it will always mean more to me than words can express,” she said. “From various perspectives, I have witnessed its growth and improvement for more than four decades. I am honored that the homecoming committee selected me, and I will always be proud to represent Dodge County High School and the Dodge County School System.”
Dodge County High School Principal Dr. Susan Long, whose relationship with Dennis stretches back to early in both of their careers in education, is very excited to have Dennis represent the school in this week’s parade.
“Dr. Dennis is the ultimate professional and educator,” Long said. “[She] is a class act, and she has always been a positive influence and motivator. We are honored to have her as our homecoming parade Grand Marshal.”
Recently, Dennis began using her expertise in education in a new way.
In January of this year, she was appointed to serve as the Georgia Department of Corrections Director of Academic Education, a role through which she now oversees the operations and oversight of academic programming of nearly 52,000 felony offenders across the state of Georgia.
[Full Story »]
Police, deputies make arrests
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests from October 3, 2017 through October 10, 2017.
Amanda Pate, age 30, of Eastman was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00.
Antwan Parker, age 27, of Cochran, was arrested for simple battery and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Albert Purvis, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Jesus Cruz, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Chasity King, age 24, of Dexter, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Tami Kilgore, age 33, of Vale, North Carolina, was arrested for two counts of shoplifting less than $500.00.
Robert Lewis, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for no tag and driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Jessica Brown, age 27, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests from September 25, 2017 through October 10, 2017.
Juan A. Alejos, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Tasha Ann Allen, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation and possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, less than one ounce.
Aszey Lovell Anderson, age 34, of Warner Robins, was arrested for speeding in excess of maximum limits (state speed and zone limits) and suspended license.
Brian Alexander Brooks, age 20, of Savannah, was arrested for obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers and felony interference with government property.
James Donald Burnam, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for illegal stop and/or stand and/or park where prohibited; failure to signal lane change or turn; failure to maintain lane; driving of the wrong side of an undivided street; suspended license; failure to obey stop sign; expired for no registration or title; failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle; motorcycle equipment not properly used; too fast for conditions and/or prima facie speed; obstructing or hindering law enforcement law enforcement officers; fleeing or attempting to elude police officers and no insurance.
Santiago Bush, age 21, of Albany, was arrested for a bench warrant.
Brandon Mikel Conner, age 32, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Andrew Christopher Ellis, age 47, of Eastman was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender and/or failure to comply with requirements and/or providing false information and a failure to register bench warrant.
Michael Fred Flanders, age 58, of Chauncey, was arrested for possession and use of drug related objects and possession of methamphetamine.
Sherry Hardy, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
[Full Story »]
Amanda Pate, age 30, of Eastman was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00.
Antwan Parker, age 27, of Cochran, was arrested for simple battery and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Albert Purvis, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Jesus Cruz, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Chasity King, age 24, of Dexter, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Tami Kilgore, age 33, of Vale, North Carolina, was arrested for two counts of shoplifting less than $500.00.
Robert Lewis, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for no tag and driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Jessica Brown, age 27, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests from September 25, 2017 through October 10, 2017.
Juan A. Alejos, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Tasha Ann Allen, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation and possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, less than one ounce.
Aszey Lovell Anderson, age 34, of Warner Robins, was arrested for speeding in excess of maximum limits (state speed and zone limits) and suspended license.
Brian Alexander Brooks, age 20, of Savannah, was arrested for obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers and felony interference with government property.
James Donald Burnam, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for illegal stop and/or stand and/or park where prohibited; failure to signal lane change or turn; failure to maintain lane; driving of the wrong side of an undivided street; suspended license; failure to obey stop sign; expired for no registration or title; failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle; motorcycle equipment not properly used; too fast for conditions and/or prima facie speed; obstructing or hindering law enforcement law enforcement officers; fleeing or attempting to elude police officers and no insurance.
Santiago Bush, age 21, of Albany, was arrested for a bench warrant.
Brandon Mikel Conner, age 32, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Andrew Christopher Ellis, age 47, of Eastman was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender and/or failure to comply with requirements and/or providing false information and a failure to register bench warrant.
Michael Fred Flanders, age 58, of Chauncey, was arrested for possession and use of drug related objects and possession of methamphetamine.
Sherry Hardy, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
[Full Story »]
Over 2,000 attend annual air show
By Becky Holland
More than 3,000 people were expected to attend the Third Annual Heart of Georgia Air Show at the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport in Eastman Saturday. Clouds and questionable weather brought in a little more than 2,000 people.
Attendees enjoyed touring the aviation college as well as trying out the flight simulator and other interactive exhibits. They also were able to tour a passenger airplane. Eight food vendor trucks were on site as well.
Hosted by Middle Georgia State University, and presented by Kenocoa Aerospace, the family-friendly event was set to have aerobatic performances by pilots, like Jimmy Burke, Buck Roetman, The Silver Wings, The Twin Tigers and Gary Ward.
Ward was to be the grand finale. A native of north Georgia, he began his air show career in 1998 in a Pitts S2-B. In 1999, he moved to the Giles 202 and in 2006, he became the first pilot to begin flying air shows in the awesome new MX2. While waiting for the weather to clear, attendees were able to view all of the airplanes that would be used in performances. Ward’s was a popular one for viewing.
[Full Story »]
More than 3,000 people were expected to attend the Third Annual Heart of Georgia Air Show at the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport in Eastman Saturday. Clouds and questionable weather brought in a little more than 2,000 people.
Attendees enjoyed touring the aviation college as well as trying out the flight simulator and other interactive exhibits. They also were able to tour a passenger airplane. Eight food vendor trucks were on site as well.
Hosted by Middle Georgia State University, and presented by Kenocoa Aerospace, the family-friendly event was set to have aerobatic performances by pilots, like Jimmy Burke, Buck Roetman, The Silver Wings, The Twin Tigers and Gary Ward.
Ward was to be the grand finale. A native of north Georgia, he began his air show career in 1998 in a Pitts S2-B. In 1999, he moved to the Giles 202 and in 2006, he became the first pilot to begin flying air shows in the awesome new MX2. While waiting for the weather to clear, attendees were able to view all of the airplanes that would be used in performances. Ward’s was a popular one for viewing.
[Full Story »]
Two killed in wreck
A man and woman were killed when the 18 wheeler they were in ran into a Dodge County trash truck. The accident happened at approximately 11:23 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26 at the intersection of the Chauncey Rhine Highway and the Milan Eastman Highway at Mt. Ararat Church. It appeared that the trash truck was headed toward Milan on the Milan Eastman Highway and failed to yield the right of way to the 18 wheel truck that was headed toward Chauncey on the Chauncey Rhine Highway at the stop sign at the intersection of the two roads. The man driving the 18 wheeler and a woman passenger were killed. The driver of the trash truck was injured and was taken to Dodge County Hospital by Dodge County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The 18 wheel truck had a Randall Stubbs Trucking, Inc. logo on the door. The names of the deceased were not given out due to next of kin being notified. Dodge County EMS, the Chauncey Fire Department, the Milan Fire Department, Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies and the Georgia State Patrol responded to the accident. Full details of the wreck were not available from the Georgia State Patrol as of presstime. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)
100 new jobs coming to Dodge County
Kencoa Group, LLC, a strategic aerospace holdings company, announced on September 15, 2017 that it has completed the acquisition of Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters, LLC (HGMC), an Eastman based tier-1 supplier of precision machined and sheet metal fabricated components for the aerospace industry. The acquisition was effective January 1, 2017 and moving forward, the company will be officially conducting business as Kencoa Aerospace, LLC.
HGMC began serving customers in 1998 with a vision of manufacturing advanced fabricated components for the aerospace industry and serving as an economic development driver for the Middle Georgia community of Eastman-Dodge County. Over that time, the company forged many long-term partnerships with customers such as Boeing Defense and Space, Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Aerospace and many others requiring creative solutions, on-time service and quality excellence.
Commenting on the acquisition, Kencoa Aerospace President and native of Georgia, Jason Premo said, “As part of Kencoa Group, we are now able to further advance the vision to achieve even greater opportunities for our employees, community and most importantly, our customers. We intend to enhance and expand these relationships by further investing in our people, capabilities and capacity, providing even greater added value and extraordinary service.”
Kencoa Aerospace also collaborated with Georgia Economic Development to explore available incentive programs and has committed to adding 100 new jobs over a four-year period, in addition to $2 million in capital investment. At the time of this release, the company is ahead of schedule, having already hired 16 new employees and installed over $1.6 million in new advanced manufacturing equipment.
“Kencoa Aerospace has unlocked an incredible opportunity to capitalize on Georgia’s strong manufacturing and aerospace industries,” said GDEcd Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Aerospace products are the number one export from Georgia, and our leadership position in this sector will help maintain a competitive edge in the global market. I look forward to the success Kencoa will have in Dodge County.”
HGMC began serving customers in 1998 with a vision of manufacturing advanced fabricated components for the aerospace industry and serving as an economic development driver for the Middle Georgia community of Eastman-Dodge County. Over that time, the company forged many long-term partnerships with customers such as Boeing Defense and Space, Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Aerospace and many others requiring creative solutions, on-time service and quality excellence.
Commenting on the acquisition, Kencoa Aerospace President and native of Georgia, Jason Premo said, “As part of Kencoa Group, we are now able to further advance the vision to achieve even greater opportunities for our employees, community and most importantly, our customers. We intend to enhance and expand these relationships by further investing in our people, capabilities and capacity, providing even greater added value and extraordinary service.”
Kencoa Aerospace also collaborated with Georgia Economic Development to explore available incentive programs and has committed to adding 100 new jobs over a four-year period, in addition to $2 million in capital investment. At the time of this release, the company is ahead of schedule, having already hired 16 new employees and installed over $1.6 million in new advanced manufacturing equipment.
“Kencoa Aerospace has unlocked an incredible opportunity to capitalize on Georgia’s strong manufacturing and aerospace industries,” said GDEcd Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Aerospace products are the number one export from Georgia, and our leadership position in this sector will help maintain a competitive edge in the global market. I look forward to the success Kencoa will have in Dodge County.”
Irma inpacts Dodge
Tropical storm Irma made a large impact on Dodge County on Monday, September 11. High winds and stronger wind gusts toppled many trees and broke off limbs in Dodge County, including this large Oak tree at 5225 Main Street in Eastman that fell on an apartment house owned by Terry Niblett. Several other houses in the county also had trees fall on them. Many people were without power from early Monday into Tuesday. Before Irma arrived, people in Dodge County filled up their cars and cans with gas in anticipation of the storm, causing gas shortages. Many gas stations were out of gas. Grocery stores also ran out of many food items as people prepared for the worst. Power company and clean up crews were out Monday and Tuesday trying to get power restored and move trees and debris from roadways. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)
Please stay off the roads.
Eastman and Dodge County officials are asking that everyone stay at home and do not get out on the roads. There are many power lines down and it is dangerous if you encounter one. Please be safe and stay at home until the power companies can clear the downed lines.
Football game postponed
The football game scheduled tonight between Appling County and Dodge County has been postponed until further notice.
Dodge County Schools Closed
Dodge County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, 2017 and Tuesday, September 12, 2017 for students and staff, due to inclement weather expected from Hurricane Irma.
City candidates qualify for November 7 election
The cities of Eastman, Milan and Chauncey recently held qualifying for elected positions in each city.
In the City of Eastman, the candidate qualifying for the city council seat for District 1 was incumbent candidate Sebrina Williams, whom is unopposed. Eddie G. Driggers qualified to oppose incumbent candidate Prince A. Dawson, who currently holds the council seat for District 5.
In the City of Milan, the mayoral position and five council seats are up for election. For mayor, the qualifying incumbent Jimmy Kirkland went unopposed.
There were six candidates qualifying for five council seats, including two left vacant by Cricket Williamson and Robin Ussery. The qualifying candidates were incumbent Glenda Taylor, incumbent Chad Puckett, incumbent Cyler Jones, William Keith Holt, Bruce Hampton and Neal Smith, Jr.
For the City of Chauncey, three council seats are available for election. Three candidates qualified for the three positions, including incumbent Theron McCranie, incumbent Stephen L. Shepherd and J.B. Carr. There is one open seat left by Aaron Howard, who did not qualify for re-election.
General elections for Eastman, Milan and Chauncey will be held on November 7, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Early voting will begin on Friday, October 6 and will run through Friday, November 3.
In the City of Eastman, the candidate qualifying for the city council seat for District 1 was incumbent candidate Sebrina Williams, whom is unopposed. Eddie G. Driggers qualified to oppose incumbent candidate Prince A. Dawson, who currently holds the council seat for District 5.
In the City of Milan, the mayoral position and five council seats are up for election. For mayor, the qualifying incumbent Jimmy Kirkland went unopposed.
There were six candidates qualifying for five council seats, including two left vacant by Cricket Williamson and Robin Ussery. The qualifying candidates were incumbent Glenda Taylor, incumbent Chad Puckett, incumbent Cyler Jones, William Keith Holt, Bruce Hampton and Neal Smith, Jr.
For the City of Chauncey, three council seats are available for election. Three candidates qualified for the three positions, including incumbent Theron McCranie, incumbent Stephen L. Shepherd and J.B. Carr. There is one open seat left by Aaron Howard, who did not qualify for re-election.
General elections for Eastman, Milan and Chauncey will be held on November 7, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Early voting will begin on Friday, October 6 and will run through Friday, November 3.
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