The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of June 17, 2019 – June 25, 2019:
Kierra Range, age 23, of Dublin, was arrested for criminal trespass business, shoplifting more than $500.00, battery and theft by deception.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for violation of juvenile probation.
Amber Purvis, age 27, of Alamo, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Jonsey Wiggins, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for leaving scene of accident with injury and damage, Driving under the influence (DUI) drugs less safe and failure to maintain lane.
Jorge Barrera-Sanchez, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for DUI-alcohol 0.10gm or more, 20 or over and driving while unlicensed or expired/new resident.
Paul Henley, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (family violence).
Franshawn Evans, age 28, of Douglas, was arrested for giving false name/address/date of birth to officer and FTP bench warrant.
[Full Story »]
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Deputies and police make arrests
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for June 5, 2019 through June 17, 2019:
Mark Adams, age 46, of East Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
David Bowman, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
Zack Cornell Branch, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, possession of drug related object, suspended license and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
Terrance Lachon Carr, age 39, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Chavez Lajuan Cross, age 24, of Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Blake Harrell, age 52, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Sabrina Hendrix, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated assault.
Heather Hopwood, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, criminal trespass and possession and use of drug related objects.
Jessie Hopwood, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession and use of drug related objects and criminal trespass.
Amanda Huett, age 34, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for probation violation.
William Alfred Jackson, age 65, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possessing of marijuana and possession of cocaine.
Daniel Carlton Jones, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Josiah Emmanuel King, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Darrell Glenn McCoy, age 27, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Janet Grover McGhee, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for felony theft by taking.
Corey Eudell Mincey, age 35, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated stalking.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
[Full Story »]
Mark Adams, age 46, of East Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
David Bowman, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
Zack Cornell Branch, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, possession of drug related object, suspended license and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
Terrance Lachon Carr, age 39, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Chavez Lajuan Cross, age 24, of Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Blake Harrell, age 52, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Sabrina Hendrix, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated assault.
Heather Hopwood, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, criminal trespass and possession and use of drug related objects.
Jessie Hopwood, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession and use of drug related objects and criminal trespass.
Amanda Huett, age 34, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for probation violation.
William Alfred Jackson, age 65, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possessing of marijuana and possession of cocaine.
Daniel Carlton Jones, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Josiah Emmanuel King, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Darrell Glenn McCoy, age 27, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Janet Grover McGhee, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for felony theft by taking.
Corey Eudell Mincey, age 35, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated stalking.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
[Full Story »]
Eastman police make arrests
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of June 4, 2019 – June 11, 2019:
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Lafeyette Butler, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, driving while license suspended/revoked, no insurance and open container violation.
Charles Davis, Jr., age 51, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, driving while license suspended/revoked, reckless driving, headlight requirements and fleeing/attempting to elude police.
Jimmy Ashley, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (aggravated) and rape-strong arm.
Malik Harris, age 23, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass, business.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
Cathedral Facison, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for theft of lost or mislaid property and theft by receiving stolen property.
Tara Hamm, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Michael Smith, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related object, drugs to be kept in original container and possession of schedule II drugs.
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Lafeyette Butler, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, driving while license suspended/revoked, no insurance and open container violation.
Charles Davis, Jr., age 51, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, driving while license suspended/revoked, reckless driving, headlight requirements and fleeing/attempting to elude police.
Jimmy Ashley, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (aggravated) and rape-strong arm.
Malik Harris, age 23, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass, business.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
Cathedral Facison, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for theft of lost or mislaid property and theft by receiving stolen property.
Tara Hamm, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Michael Smith, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related object, drugs to be kept in original container and possession of schedule II drugs.
Dodge woman dies in vehicle wreck
A Dodge County woman has died as the result of a two vehicle accident in Chester.
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Geraldine Davis, age 79, of a 954 West Chicken Road address, died after the pickup truck in which she was a passenger ran up under an 18 wheeler trailer.
Krenar Menyr Hyse, age 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, was driving a 2007 Volvo 18 wheel tractor and box trailer north on Carolina Street in Chester and had stopped at the intersection with Georgia 126. He then attempted to cross Georgia 126 onto Georgia 257.
Dusty Eugene Collins, age 38, of Montrose, was driving a 2018 Nissan Frontier pickup south on Georgia 126 and ran into the left side of the trailer. Collins had to be extricated from the vehicle with the Jaws of Life by first responders. He was flown to a Macon hospital by helicopter.
Davis also had to be extricated from the pickup truck with the Jaws of Life by first responders. She was taken to Dodge County Hospital by Heartland Emergency Medical Services and later died from her injuries. Hyse was not injured.
The accident happened at approximately 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of May 28, 2019 – June 4, 2019:
[Full Story »]
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Geraldine Davis, age 79, of a 954 West Chicken Road address, died after the pickup truck in which she was a passenger ran up under an 18 wheeler trailer.
Krenar Menyr Hyse, age 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, was driving a 2007 Volvo 18 wheel tractor and box trailer north on Carolina Street in Chester and had stopped at the intersection with Georgia 126. He then attempted to cross Georgia 126 onto Georgia 257.
Dusty Eugene Collins, age 38, of Montrose, was driving a 2018 Nissan Frontier pickup south on Georgia 126 and ran into the left side of the trailer. Collins had to be extricated from the vehicle with the Jaws of Life by first responders. He was flown to a Macon hospital by helicopter.
Davis also had to be extricated from the pickup truck with the Jaws of Life by first responders. She was taken to Dodge County Hospital by Heartland Emergency Medical Services and later died from her injuries. Hyse was not injured.
The accident happened at approximately 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of May 28, 2019 – June 4, 2019:
[Full Story »]
Graduation set for Friday night
On Friday, May 31, members of Dodge County High School’s (DCHS) graduating Class of 2019 will celebrate personal and academic achievements by walking across the stage and receiving diplomas at Memorial Stadium.
The graduating class of DCHS includes 187 students, 46 earning the title of honor graduate and being awarded a gold stole. These students, over the course of their four years in high school, have taken two units of the same foreign language, a unit of intro to business technology, a half unit of speech, and have earned a cumulative academic average of 94 or higher. Additionally, students who do not have a 94 average but have maintained a 90 average and have scored 1260 or higher on the verbal and math sections on the SAT, or 26 or better on the ACT, will also have the distinction of graduating with honors.
Receiving additional academic honors with distinction will be the class’s valedictorians and salutatorians. Mary Beth Dopson and Jacey Dowdy are the co-valedictorians. Annie Knight and Austin Roberson are the co-salutatorians.
“We at Dodge County High School are very proud of the graduating class of 2019,” says principal Dr. Susan Long. “We have seen them grow from ninth graders into young men and women, and we are assured that they will make a positive impact in the world wherever their futures lead them.”
[Full Story »]
The graduating class of DCHS includes 187 students, 46 earning the title of honor graduate and being awarded a gold stole. These students, over the course of their four years in high school, have taken two units of the same foreign language, a unit of intro to business technology, a half unit of speech, and have earned a cumulative academic average of 94 or higher. Additionally, students who do not have a 94 average but have maintained a 90 average and have scored 1260 or higher on the verbal and math sections on the SAT, or 26 or better on the ACT, will also have the distinction of graduating with honors.
Receiving additional academic honors with distinction will be the class’s valedictorians and salutatorians. Mary Beth Dopson and Jacey Dowdy are the co-valedictorians. Annie Knight and Austin Roberson are the co-salutatorians.
“We at Dodge County High School are very proud of the graduating class of 2019,” says principal Dr. Susan Long. “We have seen them grow from ninth graders into young men and women, and we are assured that they will make a positive impact in the world wherever their futures lead them.”
[Full Story »]
Hodges named interim superintendent
The Dodge County Board of Education has named former Dodge County High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Rex Hodges as interim school superintendent.
Hodges just recently retired from Dodge County High School (DCHS).
The board voted 5-2 to hire Hodges. Dodge County Board of Education Chairman Jessie Mincey and board member Shirley Ikedionwu voted against hiring Hodges. The board gave Hodges a one year contract.
Mincey stated, “Mr. Hodges brings a lot to the table for our system. He has held many positions throughout his career while working his way up the ladder of success. He has taught for many years in the classroom and was previously a part of the DCHS administration team as an assistant principal. He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership values with him. When current superintendent Mr. Ward announced his retirement for May 31, the board started planning and preparing for a superintendent search. Mr. Hodges was named interim superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year and we will open the superintendent’s position in January of 2020. The applicant selected will began on July 1, 2020.
Some other candidates for interim superintendent were discussed by the board in executive session, but those names were not released.
Hodges will begin his duties on June 1, 2019.
In the last month, board of education members have accepted numerous resignations, retirements and accepted recommendations and transfers.
[Full Story »]
Hodges just recently retired from Dodge County High School (DCHS).
The board voted 5-2 to hire Hodges. Dodge County Board of Education Chairman Jessie Mincey and board member Shirley Ikedionwu voted against hiring Hodges. The board gave Hodges a one year contract.
Mincey stated, “Mr. Hodges brings a lot to the table for our system. He has held many positions throughout his career while working his way up the ladder of success. He has taught for many years in the classroom and was previously a part of the DCHS administration team as an assistant principal. He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership values with him. When current superintendent Mr. Ward announced his retirement for May 31, the board started planning and preparing for a superintendent search. Mr. Hodges was named interim superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year and we will open the superintendent’s position in January of 2020. The applicant selected will began on July 1, 2020.
Some other candidates for interim superintendent were discussed by the board in executive session, but those names were not released.
Hodges will begin his duties on June 1, 2019.
In the last month, board of education members have accepted numerous resignations, retirements and accepted recommendations and transfers.
[Full Story »]
Man charged in girlfriend’s death
A Dodge County man has been charged with murder for allegedly killing his girlfriend and setting his car on fire. Michelle Bazemore, age 50, was found inside the burned car.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) served a murder warrant on Doug Sheriff, age 48, on Thursday, May 9 at the Dodge County jail where he is currently incarcerated and charged with arson in the burning of his vehicle.
A dead body was found inside the burned vehicle under the Gum Swamp bridge on Georgia 117 (Dublin Highway) on Saturday, July 28, 2018.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Office in Eastman arrested Doug Sheriff, of Eastman, on Saturday, July 28, for one count of arson in connection with a burned white BMW vehicle.
According to then Eastman GBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Whitley, “Saturday morning, deputies with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call concerning a burning car under the bridge.”
Whitley explained that a motorist traveling over the bridge was alarmed over a burning smell and stopped to investigate and called 911. The Eastman Fire Department and Dodge County deputies were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firemen found the BMW under the bridge in flames. After extinguishing the fire, firemen and deputies discovered a body in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
An autopsy was performed on the body at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur to determine the identity of the body, cause of death and cause of the fire.
Bazemore was reported to be Sheriff’s girlfriend. Sheriff was taken into custody at the GBI office in Eastman and transported to the Dodge County jail.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) served a murder warrant on Doug Sheriff, age 48, on Thursday, May 9 at the Dodge County jail where he is currently incarcerated and charged with arson in the burning of his vehicle.
A dead body was found inside the burned vehicle under the Gum Swamp bridge on Georgia 117 (Dublin Highway) on Saturday, July 28, 2018.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Office in Eastman arrested Doug Sheriff, of Eastman, on Saturday, July 28, for one count of arson in connection with a burned white BMW vehicle.
According to then Eastman GBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Whitley, “Saturday morning, deputies with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call concerning a burning car under the bridge.”
Whitley explained that a motorist traveling over the bridge was alarmed over a burning smell and stopped to investigate and called 911. The Eastman Fire Department and Dodge County deputies were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firemen found the BMW under the bridge in flames. After extinguishing the fire, firemen and deputies discovered a body in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
An autopsy was performed on the body at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur to determine the identity of the body, cause of death and cause of the fire.
Bazemore was reported to be Sheriff’s girlfriend. Sheriff was taken into custody at the GBI office in Eastman and transported to the Dodge County jail.
Dodge school superintendent resigns
Dodge County School Superintendent Michael Ward has resigned his position.
At Monday night’s board meeting, May 6, Ward presented the board with a letter that stated, “It has been my sincere honor to serve as superintendent of Dodge County schools. I am gracious for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, parents and community. After much reflection, prayer and discussions with my family, I have decided to retire. I have missed many milestones with my children and opportunities to support my wife in raising our two boys.
Although I appreciate the excellent evaluation from the board and a verbal commitment to extend my contract with an increase in salary, my family needs must come first. I am hopeful that each board member can understand just how important family is particulary when younger children are involved.
I do not want to leave the district in a lurch to find a new superintendent; however, my last day will be on May 31, 2019. As stated in my contract, the board will pay me for any unused vacation days. I currently have 10 unused vacation days available.”
[Full Story »]
At Monday night’s board meeting, May 6, Ward presented the board with a letter that stated, “It has been my sincere honor to serve as superintendent of Dodge County schools. I am gracious for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, parents and community. After much reflection, prayer and discussions with my family, I have decided to retire. I have missed many milestones with my children and opportunities to support my wife in raising our two boys.
Although I appreciate the excellent evaluation from the board and a verbal commitment to extend my contract with an increase in salary, my family needs must come first. I am hopeful that each board member can understand just how important family is particulary when younger children are involved.
I do not want to leave the district in a lurch to find a new superintendent; however, my last day will be on May 31, 2019. As stated in my contract, the board will pay me for any unused vacation days. I currently have 10 unused vacation days available.”
[Full Story »]
Safeguard from medical identity theft
Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, causing financial ruin and damaging credit histories that can take months or years to repair. Unfortunately, a specific type of identity theft is on the rise: medical identity theft. What is medical identity theft, and how does it differ from a classic case of identity theft?
Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information in order to obtain medical care, buy drugs or submit fake billings to Medicare in your name, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Unlike financial identity theft—which occurs when someone illegally uses your personal financial information to empty your bank account or rack up charges on credit cards taken out in your name—medical identity theft can have other serious consequences and is more difficult to clear up. Any type of treatment, diagnosis or surgery that occurs with a stolen identity could become a part of your medical record. This could affect your access to medical care, insurance benefits and the acquired debts could end up on your credit report.
For someone to commit medical identity theft, your Social Security number isn’t necessarily needed as your name, birthday and address could be enough. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission offer the following advice to help prevent your medical information from falling into the wrong hands:
• Watch out for red flags. Signs of medical identity theft may include receiving a bill for medical services you never received, medical collection notices on your credit report you don’t recognize or a call from a debt collector about a medical debt you don’t owe. If you see a mistake, contact your health insurance provider and report it.
• Keep copies of your medical records. Keep copies of your medical history, receipts and/or bills from treatments or doctor visits. [Full Story »]
Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information in order to obtain medical care, buy drugs or submit fake billings to Medicare in your name, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Unlike financial identity theft—which occurs when someone illegally uses your personal financial information to empty your bank account or rack up charges on credit cards taken out in your name—medical identity theft can have other serious consequences and is more difficult to clear up. Any type of treatment, diagnosis or surgery that occurs with a stolen identity could become a part of your medical record. This could affect your access to medical care, insurance benefits and the acquired debts could end up on your credit report.
For someone to commit medical identity theft, your Social Security number isn’t necessarily needed as your name, birthday and address could be enough. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission offer the following advice to help prevent your medical information from falling into the wrong hands:
• Watch out for red flags. Signs of medical identity theft may include receiving a bill for medical services you never received, medical collection notices on your credit report you don’t recognize or a call from a debt collector about a medical debt you don’t owe. If you see a mistake, contact your health insurance provider and report it.
• Keep copies of your medical records. Keep copies of your medical history, receipts and/or bills from treatments or doctor visits. [Full Story »]
New football coach hired
In a called school board meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, the Dodge County Board of Education named Ken Cofer as head football coach and athletic director. coach Cofer replaces coach Rex Hodges who recently retired.
Cofer comes back to Dodge County after spending 2016 and 2017 on Hodges’ staff. He spent the 2018 season at Wilcox County as head coach and they advanced to the Class A State tournament. Coach Cofer has been in coaching for 23 years. He has previously held head coaching stints in Cook and Bacon County.
Coach Cofer received the job over several good candidates, according to Dodge County School Superintendent Michael Ward. “We picked coach Cofer because he carried himself so well and he focuses well on the student athlete”. Ward added, “you will have a hard time finding a guy that does more for kids than Coach Cofer”. Superintendent Ward also stated that coach Cofer was completely vetted prior to being recommended to the board.
When asked why he returned to Dodge County, coach Cofer said, “it’s the work ethic of these young men that brought me back. I will miss Wilcox but I know the new coaches will do a great job”. Coach Cofer said this team would spend a lot of time in the weight room. “We are going to use our strength and speed to our advantage,” said Cofer. On offense, we are going to run a “smash mouth spread”, we are going to be fast and get things done. It’s going to be a little different,” he said.
Cofer comes back to Dodge County after spending 2016 and 2017 on Hodges’ staff. He spent the 2018 season at Wilcox County as head coach and they advanced to the Class A State tournament. Coach Cofer has been in coaching for 23 years. He has previously held head coaching stints in Cook and Bacon County.
Coach Cofer received the job over several good candidates, according to Dodge County School Superintendent Michael Ward. “We picked coach Cofer because he carried himself so well and he focuses well on the student athlete”. Ward added, “you will have a hard time finding a guy that does more for kids than Coach Cofer”. Superintendent Ward also stated that coach Cofer was completely vetted prior to being recommended to the board.
When asked why he returned to Dodge County, coach Cofer said, “it’s the work ethic of these young men that brought me back. I will miss Wilcox but I know the new coaches will do a great job”. Coach Cofer said this team would spend a lot of time in the weight room. “We are going to use our strength and speed to our advantage,” said Cofer. On offense, we are going to run a “smash mouth spread”, we are going to be fast and get things done. It’s going to be a little different,” he said.
Two dump sites to be shut down
At the recommendation of Dodge County Manager Spence Barron, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to close two of the approximately 18 dumpster sites in Dodge County.
Barron stated that he and commissioner Terry Niblett met with members of the Litter Free Dodge Committee last week to try and come up with a solution to the problem of illegal dumping and littering going on in Dodge County, and that the problem was getting worse by the week.
Because of household trash, household items (mattresses, refrigerators, stoves, etc.), do-it-yourself construction materials and miscellaneous yard debris from Bleckley and Pulaski Counties, the two most problematic dumpster locations were the Dubois and Ben Giddens Road dumpster sites. Barron added that it has gotten so bad, that road crew employees were being pulled several days per week to help sanitation employees.
Barron proposed to the board, “Let’s try something new. It will involve shutting down the Dubois and Ben Giddens dumpster sites, but at the same time we will open up the transfer station on Dodge Avenue starting 12 hours a day (7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.) and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, or whatever Dodge County Public Works Supervisor Richard Harrell and the board think is best.”
Our goal with closing these sites is to reduce the amount of out of county trash while still giving the people a place to go to dump their refrigerators, mattresses and furnishings instead of piling them up all over the county.
Since the surrounding counties have gone to a fee payment system for trash, the people who do not want to pay in Bleckley and Pulaski County are bringing their garbage over to Dodge County to dump it.
County manager Barron continued by telling board members and citizens that he had gone through the budget, and for sanitation alone, $546,000.00 was budgeted for 2019. With all the trash coming in from other counties, Barron estimated an additional $142,000.00 of road department resources would be needed to help the sanitation department keep up with everything Bleckley and Pulaski are dumping in these northern dumpsters (Dubois and Ben Giddens sites).
Barron also asked commissioners to give him permission to hire either two or three part-time employees to monitor the remaining county dumpster sites and to staff the transfer station on Dodge Avenue. These individuals would also have the authority to write citations to violators. He stated that all of the rules would be published in The Dodge County News, put on the Dodge County and Litter Free Dodge Facebook pages and the Dodge County Commissioner website. The changes would go into effect on May 1, 2019.
Commissioner Niblett made the motion to accept Barron’s proposal to shut down the Dubois and Ben Giddens dumpster sites, to open the transfer station additional hours, and to hire two to three individuals part-time to help with the litter problem. It was seconded by commissioner Cheek. Before the vote was taken, commissioner Brian Watkins clarified that the Dodge County transfer station and Dodge County dumpster sites were only for Dodge County citizens. Anyone from another county that goes to the transfer station will be turned away and if they are seen dumping at the other locations they will be cited. The motion passed unanimously.
Barron also asked the commissioners for permission to reinstate the Probation Community Service program using individuals working off their community service hours for DUI’s (driving under the influence) and other misdemeanors sentences. These individuals could pick up trash beside the road or around the dumpsters. “It will take some work to figure it all out, but I would like to try to put it together,” Barron stated. No action was taken on this request.
[Full Story »]
Barron stated that he and commissioner Terry Niblett met with members of the Litter Free Dodge Committee last week to try and come up with a solution to the problem of illegal dumping and littering going on in Dodge County, and that the problem was getting worse by the week.
Because of household trash, household items (mattresses, refrigerators, stoves, etc.), do-it-yourself construction materials and miscellaneous yard debris from Bleckley and Pulaski Counties, the two most problematic dumpster locations were the Dubois and Ben Giddens Road dumpster sites. Barron added that it has gotten so bad, that road crew employees were being pulled several days per week to help sanitation employees.
Barron proposed to the board, “Let’s try something new. It will involve shutting down the Dubois and Ben Giddens dumpster sites, but at the same time we will open up the transfer station on Dodge Avenue starting 12 hours a day (7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.) and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, or whatever Dodge County Public Works Supervisor Richard Harrell and the board think is best.”
Our goal with closing these sites is to reduce the amount of out of county trash while still giving the people a place to go to dump their refrigerators, mattresses and furnishings instead of piling them up all over the county.
Since the surrounding counties have gone to a fee payment system for trash, the people who do not want to pay in Bleckley and Pulaski County are bringing their garbage over to Dodge County to dump it.
County manager Barron continued by telling board members and citizens that he had gone through the budget, and for sanitation alone, $546,000.00 was budgeted for 2019. With all the trash coming in from other counties, Barron estimated an additional $142,000.00 of road department resources would be needed to help the sanitation department keep up with everything Bleckley and Pulaski are dumping in these northern dumpsters (Dubois and Ben Giddens sites).
Barron also asked commissioners to give him permission to hire either two or three part-time employees to monitor the remaining county dumpster sites and to staff the transfer station on Dodge Avenue. These individuals would also have the authority to write citations to violators. He stated that all of the rules would be published in The Dodge County News, put on the Dodge County and Litter Free Dodge Facebook pages and the Dodge County Commissioner website. The changes would go into effect on May 1, 2019.
Commissioner Niblett made the motion to accept Barron’s proposal to shut down the Dubois and Ben Giddens dumpster sites, to open the transfer station additional hours, and to hire two to three individuals part-time to help with the litter problem. It was seconded by commissioner Cheek. Before the vote was taken, commissioner Brian Watkins clarified that the Dodge County transfer station and Dodge County dumpster sites were only for Dodge County citizens. Anyone from another county that goes to the transfer station will be turned away and if they are seen dumping at the other locations they will be cited. The motion passed unanimously.
Barron also asked the commissioners for permission to reinstate the Probation Community Service program using individuals working off their community service hours for DUI’s (driving under the influence) and other misdemeanors sentences. These individuals could pick up trash beside the road or around the dumpsters. “It will take some work to figure it all out, but I would like to try to put it together,” Barron stated. No action was taken on this request.
[Full Story »]
Woman arrested for man’s murder
On Monday, April 8, 2019, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation that occurred earlier on this date at 38 Indigo Lane in Eastman.
A 911 call was received at approximately 12:23 p.m. after family members returned home and found Gary Peacock, age 62, deceased inside the residence.
Cassi Roosa, age 24, was arrested for the murder of Peacock. Roosa resided at the residence with Peacock’s step-son.
Roosa has been charged with one count of malice murder, one count of felony murder and one count of aggravated assault. Roosa is being held at the Dodge County Law Enforcement Center.
An autopsy will be performed by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.
If anyone has information about this case, please contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-374-8131.
At the time of the murder, the Eastman Police Department was actively seeking to find Roosa in connection to a domestic dispute that occurred on Sunday, April 7. That incident involved the beating of a 58 year old female with a lamp at 5740 Main Street.
At the time of the murder on Monday, April 8, the Eastman Police Department was waiting on deputies (because the address was in the county and not in the city) to go with them to 38 Indigo Lane where it was believed Roosa may be.
Deputies were currently tied up with a fatality wreck on the Cochran Highway.
A 911 call was received at approximately 12:23 p.m. after family members returned home and found Gary Peacock, age 62, deceased inside the residence.
Cassi Roosa, age 24, was arrested for the murder of Peacock. Roosa resided at the residence with Peacock’s step-son.
Roosa has been charged with one count of malice murder, one count of felony murder and one count of aggravated assault. Roosa is being held at the Dodge County Law Enforcement Center.
An autopsy will be performed by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.
If anyone has information about this case, please contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-374-8131.
At the time of the murder, the Eastman Police Department was actively seeking to find Roosa in connection to a domestic dispute that occurred on Sunday, April 7. That incident involved the beating of a 58 year old female with a lamp at 5740 Main Street.
At the time of the murder on Monday, April 8, the Eastman Police Department was waiting on deputies (because the address was in the county and not in the city) to go with them to 38 Indigo Lane where it was believed Roosa may be.
Deputies were currently tied up with a fatality wreck on the Cochran Highway.
Authorities investigate murder, stabbing
An Eastman woman has died after she and another woman were stabbed early Monday morning.
Althea Etheridge, age 60, of Eastman, was found stabbed to death in a 2004 Ford Expedition near the corner of First Avenue and Calahan Street in Eastman. Another woman, Alexia Williams, age 38, was also stabbed and was flown by helicopter to Navicent Health in Macon where she was listed in stable condition.
The incident happened at approximately 4:28 a.m. on Monday, April 1. The Eastman police requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to assist in the case.
The vehicle had run into a tree on Calahan Street. The GBI is possibly looking for a black male in connection with the case.
If anyone has information regarding the case, they are asked to contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or the Eastman Police Department at 478-374-7788.
Althea Etheridge, age 60, of Eastman, was found stabbed to death in a 2004 Ford Expedition near the corner of First Avenue and Calahan Street in Eastman. Another woman, Alexia Williams, age 38, was also stabbed and was flown by helicopter to Navicent Health in Macon where she was listed in stable condition.
The incident happened at approximately 4:28 a.m. on Monday, April 1. The Eastman police requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to assist in the case.
The vehicle had run into a tree on Calahan Street. The GBI is possibly looking for a black male in connection with the case.
If anyone has information regarding the case, they are asked to contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or the Eastman Police Department at 478-374-7788.
Law enforcement takes a student after a message
A Dodge County High School student is in the hands of local law enforcement after sending a message to another student referencing taking a gun to school on Monday, March 11. (Editor’s note: Because the student is 16 years old and a juvenile, the name can not be printed in the newspaper)
According to Dodge County School Superintendent Michael H. Ward, a law enforcement officer was notified after the message became known by another student on Monday night. Local law enforcement went to the home of the student and were informed by the parents that there was no gun available to the student.
The student was allowed to ride the bus and go to school on Tuesday but was taken into custody by Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies after additional information was discovered.
Superintendent Ward stated that because of the misinformation on social media, local law enforcement personnel returned to the high school again on Thursday, March 14 to talk with students about the incident.
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According to Dodge County School Superintendent Michael H. Ward, a law enforcement officer was notified after the message became known by another student on Monday night. Local law enforcement went to the home of the student and were informed by the parents that there was no gun available to the student.
The student was allowed to ride the bus and go to school on Tuesday but was taken into custody by Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies after additional information was discovered.
Superintendent Ward stated that because of the misinformation on social media, local law enforcement personnel returned to the high school again on Thursday, March 14 to talk with students about the incident.
[Full Story »]
Two arrested in triple murder
Two men have been arrested and charged in the deaths of three Chauncey residents.
According to law enforcement reports, Ronnie Wayne Hackle, Jr., age 27, Mercedes Maelyn Hackle, age 17 and Bobbie Lynn Moore, age 22, had been missing from their Chauncey residence since Tuesday, March 12, after Moore’s car was found burned off of Highway 135 at the Alapaha River near the Atkinson County line in Berrien County.
None of the three had responded to attempts to make contact with them. The three lived off a dirt road in Chauncey.
By Thursday, March 14, all three deceased bodies had been found. All three bodies were found just miles from where the car was discovered. The bodies were sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab to be identified and later were identified as the three persons that were missing. Wayne Hackle and Bobbie Lynn Moore’s bodies were found in Atkinson County on Wednesday, March 13 and Mercedes Hackle’s body was found in Berrien County on Thursday, March 14.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said Jonathan Douglas Vann, age 20, of Nashville, has been charged in Atkinson County with two counts of malice murder in the deaths of Wayne Hackle, Jr. and Bobbie Lynn Moore. Vann is also being charged with malice murder in Berrien County in the death of Mercedes Hackle and arson in regards to the burned vehicle, according to the GBI.
A second person has been arrested in the case and is charged with concealing the death of another in Berrien County and was also charged with two counts of concealing the deaths of another person in Atkinson County. He is Keyante Greene, age 25.
According to law enforcement reports, Ronnie Wayne Hackle, Jr., age 27, Mercedes Maelyn Hackle, age 17 and Bobbie Lynn Moore, age 22, had been missing from their Chauncey residence since Tuesday, March 12, after Moore’s car was found burned off of Highway 135 at the Alapaha River near the Atkinson County line in Berrien County.
None of the three had responded to attempts to make contact with them. The three lived off a dirt road in Chauncey.
By Thursday, March 14, all three deceased bodies had been found. All three bodies were found just miles from where the car was discovered. The bodies were sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab to be identified and later were identified as the three persons that were missing. Wayne Hackle and Bobbie Lynn Moore’s bodies were found in Atkinson County on Wednesday, March 13 and Mercedes Hackle’s body was found in Berrien County on Thursday, March 14.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said Jonathan Douglas Vann, age 20, of Nashville, has been charged in Atkinson County with two counts of malice murder in the deaths of Wayne Hackle, Jr. and Bobbie Lynn Moore. Vann is also being charged with malice murder in Berrien County in the death of Mercedes Hackle and arson in regards to the burned vehicle, according to the GBI.
A second person has been arrested in the case and is charged with concealing the death of another in Berrien County and was also charged with two counts of concealing the deaths of another person in Atkinson County. He is Keyante Greene, age 25.
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