By John McCoy
At Dodge County High School (DCHS), getting people involved with student life is among the top priorities of the faculty and recently $44,000.00 was granted by AT&T to open doors for more students to do just that.
This money grant, which was written by Dr. Susan Long, DCHS principal and Dr. Melinda Dennis, Dodge County school superintendent, will be invested in several different programs. The Missoula Children’s Theatre program will come to Dodge County schools and serve as a workshop for the county’s future actors. Then, the students will put on a production of their own and there is a possibility that the workshop participants will be treated by going to see a major production.
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Miss Chieftain chosen
April Rudshaugen (center left) was named Miss Chieftain 2015 at the pageant held at the Magnolia Theatre on Saturday, November 22 in Eastman. Other award winner were (l-r) Jade Honeycutt, (4th runner up); Kylie Erwin, (People’s Choice Award and evening gown award); Madelyn Pruitt, (2nd runner up); April Rudshaugen, (Miss Chieftain 2015 and interview award); Jaycie Rollins, (1st runner up and talent award); Anna Kate Hickman, (3rd runner up); Brianna Sparrow, (Mrs. Gina Cook Award and Miss Congeniality); and Faith Hartley, (Miss Photogenic). (Photo by Emory Rogers Photography)
Miss Chieftain Pageant is set for Saturday night
The 37th annual Dodge County High School (DCHS) Miss Chieftain Pageant will be held November 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Theater. Tickets will be $12.00 advanced and $15.00 at the door. Seating is limited, so if you want to guarantee yourself a seat, you will need to see any Miss Chieftain Contestant, the yearbook staff or Darci Rogers about your advanced tickets. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
This year there are 16 lovely contestants in Miss Chieftain. The contestants’ day will begin with the interviews at 1:00 p.m. in the DCHS Media Center. The Chieftain Staff will be hosting a reception for the girls also.
Brooke Best, last year’s queen has been busy choreographing the opening number dance. The masters of ceremony will be former Miss Chieftain Queens, Sarah Ashley Winans and Allie Griffis. The night will be full of excellent entertainment, including our reigning Miss Chieftain, Best. [Full Story »]
This year there are 16 lovely contestants in Miss Chieftain. The contestants’ day will begin with the interviews at 1:00 p.m. in the DCHS Media Center. The Chieftain Staff will be hosting a reception for the girls also.
Brooke Best, last year’s queen has been busy choreographing the opening number dance. The masters of ceremony will be former Miss Chieftain Queens, Sarah Ashley Winans and Allie Griffis. The night will be full of excellent entertainment, including our reigning Miss Chieftain, Best. [Full Story »]
Commissioners approve holiday schedule change
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to change the Christmas holiday schedule for county employees on Monday, November 17, 2015.
Commissioners set the holiday schedule in January of this year giving county employees Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. At the recommendation of interim county manager Bobby Peacock, commissioners voted unanimously to give all county employees one half day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and a full day on the day after Christmas (December 26).
Dodge County Emergency Manager Director Stanley Stephens explained that an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) grant had been applied for $39,575.00. According to commission chairman Dan McCranie funds that would come through the state from the federal government for the grant would be in the amount of $33,638.75 and the local match cash/in-kind money that would come from Dodge County would be $5,936.25.
Stephens requested that the commissioners accept the grant and a letter be composed on county letterhead (signed by the commissioners) stating that they supported the grant.
McCranie stated that the fund would have to be used for upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center. Some of the items on the upgrade list were chairs, tables, TV monitors, desktop and laptop computers, public address system, intercom system, miscellaneous intercom, telephone, computer and TV cables along with other items.
The commissioners voted unanimously to support the grant.
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Commissioners set the holiday schedule in January of this year giving county employees Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. At the recommendation of interim county manager Bobby Peacock, commissioners voted unanimously to give all county employees one half day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and a full day on the day after Christmas (December 26).
Dodge County Emergency Manager Director Stanley Stephens explained that an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) grant had been applied for $39,575.00. According to commission chairman Dan McCranie funds that would come through the state from the federal government for the grant would be in the amount of $33,638.75 and the local match cash/in-kind money that would come from Dodge County would be $5,936.25.
Stephens requested that the commissioners accept the grant and a letter be composed on county letterhead (signed by the commissioners) stating that they supported the grant.
McCranie stated that the fund would have to be used for upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center. Some of the items on the upgrade list were chairs, tables, TV monitors, desktop and laptop computers, public address system, intercom system, miscellaneous intercom, telephone, computer and TV cables along with other items.
The commissioners voted unanimously to support the grant.
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Early voting for runoff begins today
Early voting begins today, Wednesday, November 19 at 9:00 a.m. for the Special Runoff Election for Dodge County Probate Judge to fill the unexpired term of retired probate judge John Kelly.
Early voting will continue until Wednesday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dodge County Courthouse. The polls will be closed each day from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Absentee ballots are now available and can be mailed out through Wednesday, November 26. Absentee ballot request forms must be picked up at the Dodge County Registrar’s office in the Dodge County Courthouse.
Candidates vying for the judgeship are William J. “Jody” Batts and Al McCranie.
The winner of the election will take office as soon as the election is certified.
All registered voters in Dodge County are eligible to vote in the runoff election.
Early voting will continue until Wednesday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dodge County Courthouse. The polls will be closed each day from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Absentee ballots are now available and can be mailed out through Wednesday, November 26. Absentee ballot request forms must be picked up at the Dodge County Registrar’s office in the Dodge County Courthouse.
Candidates vying for the judgeship are William J. “Jody” Batts and Al McCranie.
The winner of the election will take office as soon as the election is certified.
All registered voters in Dodge County are eligible to vote in the runoff election.
Honor Veterans
On Tuesday, November 11, the Dodge County High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), along with students and faculty of Dodge County High School, recognized local veterans at a ceremony held in the school gymnasium. There were speeches by JROTC cadets on the significance of Veterans Day and music from the Marching Chiefs. Many local veterans were in attendance. (Photo by Tracey Graham)
Eastman man dies in one vehicle wreck
An Eastman man died as the result of a one vehicle accident on Glyen Hickman Road at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, November 9.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Christopher David Coursey (age 28), of 491 Ocmulgee Church Road, was traveling west on Glyen Hickman Road in a Chevrolet pickup truck. The truck ran off the left side of the roadway and Coursey over corrected. The truck then traveled back across the road to the right shoulder.
At the intersection of Bay Springs Church Road, the truck overturned several times ejecting the driver.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith pronounced Coursey dead at the scene at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Coursey worked at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder on the Plainfield Fire Department.
Coursey was not wearing a seat belt. He was on his way home and was approximately three miles from home when the accident occurred.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Christopher David Coursey (age 28), of 491 Ocmulgee Church Road, was traveling west on Glyen Hickman Road in a Chevrolet pickup truck. The truck ran off the left side of the roadway and Coursey over corrected. The truck then traveled back across the road to the right shoulder.
At the intersection of Bay Springs Church Road, the truck overturned several times ejecting the driver.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith pronounced Coursey dead at the scene at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Coursey worked at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder on the Plainfield Fire Department.
Coursey was not wearing a seat belt. He was on his way home and was approximately three miles from home when the accident occurred.
Dodge Superior Court disposes of cases
Many cases were heard recently in Dodge Superior Court. The following are the results of those cases.
Tori Simmons was charged with one count misdemeanor unlawful distribution of distilled spirits and one count misdemeanor alcohol license violation and under First Offenders Act (FOA) was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine per count. Simmons was also charged with one count of violation of landlord’s duties as to utilities and under FOA was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine.
Derrick Antone was charged with one count felony sale of cocaine, which was reduced to possession of cocaine and was sentenced to four years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine.
Brannon Matthew Wrease was charged with two counts felony aggravated assault and sentenced to serve five years.
Anthony Lamar Hickman was charged with one count terroristic threats and acts and under FOA was sentenced to seven months probation with credit for time served in county jail.
Margaret Kristina Graham was charged on two counts felony theft by taking and sentenced to 30 years probation and ordered to pay a fine, to be determined and pay restitution, to be determined.
Arthur L. Ellis, Jr. was charged with one count felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, which was reduced to possession of cocaine and was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine.
Jordan Smith was charged with two counts felony statutory rape and under FOA was reduced to felony sexual battery and sentenced to five years probation per count to run consecutive to prior count and ordered to pay a $600.00 fine per count. He was charged with one count felony burglary which was reduced to felony theft by taking and sentenced to 10 years probation to run concurrent with prior, ordered to pay a $800.00 fine and serve 180 days in a probation detention center.
Malik Shaheem Harris was charged with two counts felony first degree burglary and was sentenced to five years probation per count to run concurrent with prior; was charged with one count felony cruelty to children first degree and sentenced to 10 years probation and ordered to pay an $800.00 fine; and charged with two counts felony burglary first degree and sentenced to 10 years probation per count and ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine per count.
William Sheppard was charged with one count misdemeanor sexual battery and sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $600.00 fine.
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Tori Simmons was charged with one count misdemeanor unlawful distribution of distilled spirits and one count misdemeanor alcohol license violation and under First Offenders Act (FOA) was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine per count. Simmons was also charged with one count of violation of landlord’s duties as to utilities and under FOA was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine.
Derrick Antone was charged with one count felony sale of cocaine, which was reduced to possession of cocaine and was sentenced to four years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine.
Brannon Matthew Wrease was charged with two counts felony aggravated assault and sentenced to serve five years.
Anthony Lamar Hickman was charged with one count terroristic threats and acts and under FOA was sentenced to seven months probation with credit for time served in county jail.
Margaret Kristina Graham was charged on two counts felony theft by taking and sentenced to 30 years probation and ordered to pay a fine, to be determined and pay restitution, to be determined.
Arthur L. Ellis, Jr. was charged with one count felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, which was reduced to possession of cocaine and was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine.
Jordan Smith was charged with two counts felony statutory rape and under FOA was reduced to felony sexual battery and sentenced to five years probation per count to run consecutive to prior count and ordered to pay a $600.00 fine per count. He was charged with one count felony burglary which was reduced to felony theft by taking and sentenced to 10 years probation to run concurrent with prior, ordered to pay a $800.00 fine and serve 180 days in a probation detention center.
Malik Shaheem Harris was charged with two counts felony first degree burglary and was sentenced to five years probation per count to run concurrent with prior; was charged with one count felony cruelty to children first degree and sentenced to 10 years probation and ordered to pay an $800.00 fine; and charged with two counts felony burglary first degree and sentenced to 10 years probation per count and ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine per count.
William Sheppard was charged with one count misdemeanor sexual battery and sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $600.00 fine.
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Runoff needed in the race for probate judge
In the race for Dodge County Probate Judge, a runoff will be needed to declare a winner as none of the three candidates received more than 50 percent of the votes cast.
Al McCranie and Jody Batts will face off in the Tuesday, December 2 runoff election, as they received the two highest vote totals.
With all precincts reporting, but unofficial totals, Al McCranie received 2554 votes (or 49.43 percent), Jody Batts received 1372 votes (or 26.55 percent) and Blake Roland received 1232 votes (or 23.84 percent).
Al McCranie and Jody Batts will face off in the Tuesday, December 2 runoff election, as they received the two highest vote totals.
With all precincts reporting, but unofficial totals, Al McCranie received 2554 votes (or 49.43 percent), Jody Batts received 1372 votes (or 26.55 percent) and Blake Roland received 1232 votes (or 23.84 percent).
Prayer event set at Dodge courthouse
“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out,” Ephesians 6:18. These words from the Bible are certainly a guide for us in this day of so many things going on in our world. Throughout the Bible, we have been instructed to pray without ceasing.
The Dodge County Baptist Association/WMU invites everyone to join them at the Dodge County Courthouse on Monday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. Prayers for our community, state, nation and world will be voiced by local pastors. They will address the issues of the breakdown of families, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the upcoming election, Israel, terroristic issues in the Middle East and Central Asia and other issues current today.
As Christians we know that the only answer to all of these plus many more is to pray to our Father in Heaven. When we come before God on our knees, humbling ourselves before him, he will hear our prayers and heal our nation and world. God invites us to come before him with our petitions as a means of stating our dependence on him and building our relationship with him.
Bring a lawn chair and a flashlight to be used as we lift the light and our prayers to God. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 through 5:18.
The Dodge County Baptist Association/WMU invites everyone to join them at the Dodge County Courthouse on Monday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. Prayers for our community, state, nation and world will be voiced by local pastors. They will address the issues of the breakdown of families, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the upcoming election, Israel, terroristic issues in the Middle East and Central Asia and other issues current today.
As Christians we know that the only answer to all of these plus many more is to pray to our Father in Heaven. When we come before God on our knees, humbling ourselves before him, he will hear our prayers and heal our nation and world. God invites us to come before him with our petitions as a means of stating our dependence on him and building our relationship with him.
Bring a lawn chair and a flashlight to be used as we lift the light and our prayers to God. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 through 5:18.
Early voting ends Friday, election Tuesday
Early voting for the November 4 election will come to an end on Friday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. Early voting is being held inside the Dodge County Courthouse in the hallway near the front door.
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4 and polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Several state races are on the ballot, constitutional amendments and a local countywide race for Dodge County Probate Judge. Three political newcomers are vying for the judgeship. They are Jody Batts, Al McCranie and Blake Rowland.
If none of the three candidates receives over 50 percent of the votes, there will be a runoff election and that race will be held on Tuesday, December 2.
Other statewide races with three candidates on the ballot could also cause a runoff election to be held.
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4 and polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Several state races are on the ballot, constitutional amendments and a local countywide race for Dodge County Probate Judge. Three political newcomers are vying for the judgeship. They are Jody Batts, Al McCranie and Blake Rowland.
If none of the three candidates receives over 50 percent of the votes, there will be a runoff election and that race will be held on Tuesday, December 2.
Other statewide races with three candidates on the ballot could also cause a runoff election to be held.
Dodge County receives health grant
Dodge County has been selected by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) to receive one of the employee Health Promotion and Wellness Incentive Grants awarded statewide to promote worksite programs designed to enhance the health and wellness of county employees and family members.
Awards are made to members of the ACCG Group Heath Benefits Program (GHBP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, based on a county’s commitment to employee health and demonstrated collaboration with other community groups and organizations engaged in health promotion.
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Awards are made to members of the ACCG Group Heath Benefits Program (GHBP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, based on a county’s commitment to employee health and demonstrated collaboration with other community groups and organizations engaged in health promotion.
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