By Taelor Rye
The Eastman council approved motions on a handful of projects for the city, the first of which being the construction of parking spaces at Sunset Park at the meeting on December 27. According to Cobb, the city has moved the fence of the park in some to reduce the size of the park itself, allotting space for the parking spots. The project was bid to Tomberlin and Tomberlin Construction LLC for the price of $3,900.00. A competing bid from Conley Construction was set at $4,500.00. This cost covers the supply and delivery of crushed concrete, which has a longer lifespan than asphalt of the same price, Cobb stated. City employees will create the 25 to 30 parking spots themselves.
Following a successful performance review of Jason Cobb’s tenure as city manager of Eastman, the Eastman City Council elected to raise his salary. The increase in pay is set to take effect during 2017.
[Full Story »]
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Succeed with your resolutions for 2017
By Bryan Golden
Almost 90% of Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution.
Less than 20% will succeed in accomplishing even one.
The beginning of the year is a great time for life improving resolutions. Common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, maintaining a budget, saving money, finding a better job, getting healthier, becoming more organized, and spending more time with family.
Whatever your resolutions, here are some specific strategies to help you succeed. First and foremost is to take the first step, which is to start. Without action, there will be no success. Action creates results. Intention alone will not work.
Have written goals stating what you want to accomplish. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want to live within a budget, what is the amount? If you want to continue your education, what school will you go to and which classes will you take?
Take small but consistent steps. Habits are formed by frequent repetition over time. Change occurs by the same process. A resolution is not all or nothing. Partial change is okay. Any progress in the desired direction, regardless of how small, is a success. Accomplishing a resolution is a process, not a one-time effort.
Positive goals are more effective than negative ones. Rather than saying you will eat less, resolve to have a healthier diet. Instead of spending less time at work you can endeavor to spend more time at home. Bad habits can’t just be eliminated; they have to be replaced by good ones.
[Full Story »]
Almost 90% of Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution.
Less than 20% will succeed in accomplishing even one.
The beginning of the year is a great time for life improving resolutions. Common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, maintaining a budget, saving money, finding a better job, getting healthier, becoming more organized, and spending more time with family.
Whatever your resolutions, here are some specific strategies to help you succeed. First and foremost is to take the first step, which is to start. Without action, there will be no success. Action creates results. Intention alone will not work.
Have written goals stating what you want to accomplish. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want to live within a budget, what is the amount? If you want to continue your education, what school will you go to and which classes will you take?
Take small but consistent steps. Habits are formed by frequent repetition over time. Change occurs by the same process. A resolution is not all or nothing. Partial change is okay. Any progress in the desired direction, regardless of how small, is a success. Accomplishing a resolution is a process, not a one-time effort.
Positive goals are more effective than negative ones. Rather than saying you will eat less, resolve to have a healthier diet. Instead of spending less time at work you can endeavor to spend more time at home. Bad habits can’t just be eliminated; they have to be replaced by good ones.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners hear concern over taxes
By Taelor Rye
Alfred Ford visited the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at its December 19 meeting regarding taxes paid on property within the county.
According to Ford, the property belonged to his great-grandparents since 1962. However, at some point, a relative “used it as collateral or something and lost” the land. “It was in my mom’s possession,” Ford noted, expressing confusion on how the other relative was even legally allowed to use the property as collateral in any arrangement. About two years ago, Ford visited the property and noticed that someone was building a structure on the land after having bought it through a series of sales.
With the help of county attorney John Harrington, Ford and his family were able to discover what actually happened. However, Ford stated that his mother paid taxes on the property for many years and that he has been paying taxes on it since the 1980s, paying the most recent installment just a few weeks ago.
“We would like to be refunded for something,” Ford told the board. “I don’t understand how, if the property is not in our name—why are we still getting billed for it, and why is it still getting paid?”
The board met in executive session regarding the matter but did not make any motion once they returned to the general session.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market (DCFM) announced to the board that the farmer’s market’s partnership with the Wholesome Wave Georgia program had been approved. Flanagan stated that every Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) dollar spent at the farmer’s market allows the purchaser two dollars worth of produce.
[Full Story »]
Alfred Ford visited the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at its December 19 meeting regarding taxes paid on property within the county.
According to Ford, the property belonged to his great-grandparents since 1962. However, at some point, a relative “used it as collateral or something and lost” the land. “It was in my mom’s possession,” Ford noted, expressing confusion on how the other relative was even legally allowed to use the property as collateral in any arrangement. About two years ago, Ford visited the property and noticed that someone was building a structure on the land after having bought it through a series of sales.
With the help of county attorney John Harrington, Ford and his family were able to discover what actually happened. However, Ford stated that his mother paid taxes on the property for many years and that he has been paying taxes on it since the 1980s, paying the most recent installment just a few weeks ago.
“We would like to be refunded for something,” Ford told the board. “I don’t understand how, if the property is not in our name—why are we still getting billed for it, and why is it still getting paid?”
The board met in executive session regarding the matter but did not make any motion once they returned to the general session.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market (DCFM) announced to the board that the farmer’s market’s partnership with the Wholesome Wave Georgia program had been approved. Flanagan stated that every Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) dollar spent at the farmer’s market allows the purchaser two dollars worth of produce.
[Full Story »]
Eastman man dies after setting himself on fire
An Eastman man has died after he poured gasoline on himself and then set himself on fire.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith said that Michael Coney, a 42 year old black male, of a Habitat Lane, Eastman address, died at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Doctors Hospital in Augusta on Tuesday, December 13 as a result of massive burns over 97 percent of his body.
On Monday night, December 12 around 10:30 p.m., the Eastman Police and Eastman Fire Department responded to a call at the Hop In on Oak Street where a subject had set himself on fire. According to witnesses, the man went into the store to purchase a small amount of gas, which the clerk stated she thought he had a gas can outside.
Once the pump was turned on, the man poured gas all over the front of his clothing. He then set his clothes on fire. The man was transferred by helicopter to the burn center in Augusta.
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests made from December 5, 2016 through December 13, 2016.
Brenton Gibson, age 32, of Chester, was arrested for printing, executing, negotiating checks, drafts, orders, debit card.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00. [Full Story »]
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith said that Michael Coney, a 42 year old black male, of a Habitat Lane, Eastman address, died at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Doctors Hospital in Augusta on Tuesday, December 13 as a result of massive burns over 97 percent of his body.
On Monday night, December 12 around 10:30 p.m., the Eastman Police and Eastman Fire Department responded to a call at the Hop In on Oak Street where a subject had set himself on fire. According to witnesses, the man went into the store to purchase a small amount of gas, which the clerk stated she thought he had a gas can outside.
Once the pump was turned on, the man poured gas all over the front of his clothing. He then set his clothes on fire. The man was transferred by helicopter to the burn center in Augusta.
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests made from December 5, 2016 through December 13, 2016.
Brenton Gibson, age 32, of Chester, was arrested for printing, executing, negotiating checks, drafts, orders, debit card.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00. [Full Story »]
Stringer addresses the alcohol issue at the recreation department
Dodge County Recreation Board Chairman Dr. Chip Stringer went before the board to address the “no alcohol” at the recreation department item that has been on the commissioner’s agenda for that past two meeting.
Dr. Stringer explained that there is a no alcohol policy for the day-to-day business operations at the department. He explained to the commissioners that for private events held at the Alcoa building and other facilities, the board did have a lease agreement in place. He stated that because of the incident that happened in February 2014 the board had readdressed their policy and now groups that wanted to have alcohol during their function had to go before the board requesting permission and that additional restrictions were in place for those events.
Dr. Stringer told commissioners that in 2015, the revenue from the rental of the facilities at the recreation department exceeded $12,000.00 and in 2016, the revenue from rental of the facilities is under $6,000.00. He stated that the revenue was funneled back into the program for the children for equipment, uniforms and other necessary needs.
Dr. Stringer stated that they (the board) did a survey of six other recreation departments with their annual budget and got eligible child populations numbers from the Georgia Parks and Recreation Department and that Dodge County is relatively underfunded.
The comparison went as follows: Dodge, $166,500.00 with 5078 eligible children; Jeff Davis, $365,000,00 with 4159 eligible children; Screven, $470,000.00 with 3692 eligible children; Dooly, $250,000.00 with 3163 eligible children; Evans, $213,000.00 with 2838 eligible children; Bleckley, $141,900.00 with 2952 eligible children and Pulaski, $155,000.00 with 2582 eligible children.
Dr. Stringer concluded that as a board, they are appointed to manage and run the recreation department and ask that they be allowed to do that in the best ways they see fit.
The commissioners took no action on the issue. Dodge County Farmer’s Market Chairperson Sharon Cobb-Flanagan went before the Dodge County Commissioners with an update on the farmer’s market. She stated that 11 vendors and 96 visitors at the farmer’s market on Saturday, December 3 and that the Santa stroll and run brought in additional people. Walk of Georgia sponsored the Santa stroll and run.
Flanagan stated that a cooking demonstration and live music were on the calendar for this Saturday, December 10 if weather permitted. She added that some vendors stated that they would be staying later than the scheduled market hours because of the annual Christmas parade ending at the courthouse.
Flanagan presented the commissioners with the 2016 annual report and financial statement to commissioners with the understanding that commitments and expenses had been accounted for.
She ended by telling commissioners that she wanted to do a “lessons learned” on what we learned over the last months at the farmer’s market and that vendors would be adding their input.
Flanagan ended by presenting T.I. Papel with a plaque for going above and beyond in all his volunteering efforts, being highly respected in the community, dedicated to the purpose of the farmer’s market, keeping an eye on the vendors and his input being more than its weight in gold. She added that she appreciated all he has done for the farmer’s market in Dodge County including the vendors.
Oconee Judicial Circuit Public Defender Steve Harrison went before the commissioners requesting $8,200.00 to be added to his budget to assist him in hiring a competent qualified attorney to replace attorney Stephanie Burton. Burton was selected as the new full time juvenile court judge for the Oconee circuit in September of this year.
Harrison told commissioners that six counties within the circuit fund his office and it has two budgets (an operating budget and an employee budget). He explained to commissioners since the office opened in 2005 he had not approached the board about additional funds and that he actually had returned unused funds from each year from his operating budget to the six counties that his office serves.
[Full Story »]
Dr. Stringer explained that there is a no alcohol policy for the day-to-day business operations at the department. He explained to the commissioners that for private events held at the Alcoa building and other facilities, the board did have a lease agreement in place. He stated that because of the incident that happened in February 2014 the board had readdressed their policy and now groups that wanted to have alcohol during their function had to go before the board requesting permission and that additional restrictions were in place for those events.
Dr. Stringer told commissioners that in 2015, the revenue from the rental of the facilities at the recreation department exceeded $12,000.00 and in 2016, the revenue from rental of the facilities is under $6,000.00. He stated that the revenue was funneled back into the program for the children for equipment, uniforms and other necessary needs.
Dr. Stringer stated that they (the board) did a survey of six other recreation departments with their annual budget and got eligible child populations numbers from the Georgia Parks and Recreation Department and that Dodge County is relatively underfunded.
The comparison went as follows: Dodge, $166,500.00 with 5078 eligible children; Jeff Davis, $365,000,00 with 4159 eligible children; Screven, $470,000.00 with 3692 eligible children; Dooly, $250,000.00 with 3163 eligible children; Evans, $213,000.00 with 2838 eligible children; Bleckley, $141,900.00 with 2952 eligible children and Pulaski, $155,000.00 with 2582 eligible children.
Dr. Stringer concluded that as a board, they are appointed to manage and run the recreation department and ask that they be allowed to do that in the best ways they see fit.
The commissioners took no action on the issue. Dodge County Farmer’s Market Chairperson Sharon Cobb-Flanagan went before the Dodge County Commissioners with an update on the farmer’s market. She stated that 11 vendors and 96 visitors at the farmer’s market on Saturday, December 3 and that the Santa stroll and run brought in additional people. Walk of Georgia sponsored the Santa stroll and run.
Flanagan stated that a cooking demonstration and live music were on the calendar for this Saturday, December 10 if weather permitted. She added that some vendors stated that they would be staying later than the scheduled market hours because of the annual Christmas parade ending at the courthouse.
Flanagan presented the commissioners with the 2016 annual report and financial statement to commissioners with the understanding that commitments and expenses had been accounted for.
She ended by telling commissioners that she wanted to do a “lessons learned” on what we learned over the last months at the farmer’s market and that vendors would be adding their input.
Flanagan ended by presenting T.I. Papel with a plaque for going above and beyond in all his volunteering efforts, being highly respected in the community, dedicated to the purpose of the farmer’s market, keeping an eye on the vendors and his input being more than its weight in gold. She added that she appreciated all he has done for the farmer’s market in Dodge County including the vendors.
Oconee Judicial Circuit Public Defender Steve Harrison went before the commissioners requesting $8,200.00 to be added to his budget to assist him in hiring a competent qualified attorney to replace attorney Stephanie Burton. Burton was selected as the new full time juvenile court judge for the Oconee circuit in September of this year.
Harrison told commissioners that six counties within the circuit fund his office and it has two budgets (an operating budget and an employee budget). He explained to commissioners since the office opened in 2005 he had not approached the board about additional funds and that he actually had returned unused funds from each year from his operating budget to the six counties that his office serves.
[Full Story »]
Eastman proposes $6.7 million budget
By Harley Gatlin
The Eastman City Council held a meeting Monday, November 28 at the Eastman City Hall with chairman Raymond Mullis presiding.
The first order of business addressed was the 2017 proposed general operations budget. The budget is proposed to be $6,746,105.00, that being operating and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds. The general budget was said to be about $3.6 million, which is a nine percent decrease from last year’s due to removing and separating SPLOST and general funds. Cobb stated, “Other than this there are no big changes or major adjustments being made.”
Raymond Mullis excused himself for the discussion of item six seeing he was related to the subject and turned it over to vice chairman Buddy Pittman. Item six is the first reading for annexation of GLH Development Properties, LLC. The annexation is for the 9.64 acres located on Griffin Avenue and across from Wal-Mart. This space has been an ongoing topic for proposed commercial use, but the company specifically wants it to have access to city services including: sewer, water and trash services. All voted in favor of the first reading, pending the county’s approval.
The second addition to the agenda item seven is that of a proposed 5-K run put on by the Dodge County High School student council. The 5-K would begin at First Baptist Church and would not include state routes. The race will take place on December 17, 2016 with all the council voting in favor of the motion.
The minutes of the November 14, 2016 regular meeting were all approved.
Charles Williams, director of Eastman-Dodge Chamber of Commerce, had nothing new to bring to the council but stated,” Lots of good projects are in the works, but I have nothing to share with you this evening and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.”
The bid for the workers compensation insurance for 2017 was analyzed. The council has only received one bid from the Georgia Municipal Association for a bid premium in the amount of $98,949.00. “This is a substantial increase from the amount before,” explained Jason Cobb, city manager, “however, we have had two substantial claims with those two being worker comp claims from police officers in the past few months.” The motion was approved for the workers compensation bid.
A decision had to be made on an engineer for the renovations on the vacant lot next to the Magnolia Theater on Main Street. The city sent out requests for qualifications for architecture firms and had received three back, including Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Carter Watkins and Associates and David Woodburn. Cobb recommended Goodwyn Mills Cawood stating, “We have already selected them to complete the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in 2017.” The council approved Goodwyn Mills Cawood as the engineer to renovate the vacant lot.
[Full Story »]
The Eastman City Council held a meeting Monday, November 28 at the Eastman City Hall with chairman Raymond Mullis presiding.
The first order of business addressed was the 2017 proposed general operations budget. The budget is proposed to be $6,746,105.00, that being operating and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds. The general budget was said to be about $3.6 million, which is a nine percent decrease from last year’s due to removing and separating SPLOST and general funds. Cobb stated, “Other than this there are no big changes or major adjustments being made.”
Raymond Mullis excused himself for the discussion of item six seeing he was related to the subject and turned it over to vice chairman Buddy Pittman. Item six is the first reading for annexation of GLH Development Properties, LLC. The annexation is for the 9.64 acres located on Griffin Avenue and across from Wal-Mart. This space has been an ongoing topic for proposed commercial use, but the company specifically wants it to have access to city services including: sewer, water and trash services. All voted in favor of the first reading, pending the county’s approval.
The second addition to the agenda item seven is that of a proposed 5-K run put on by the Dodge County High School student council. The 5-K would begin at First Baptist Church and would not include state routes. The race will take place on December 17, 2016 with all the council voting in favor of the motion.
The minutes of the November 14, 2016 regular meeting were all approved.
Charles Williams, director of Eastman-Dodge Chamber of Commerce, had nothing new to bring to the council but stated,” Lots of good projects are in the works, but I have nothing to share with you this evening and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.”
The bid for the workers compensation insurance for 2017 was analyzed. The council has only received one bid from the Georgia Municipal Association for a bid premium in the amount of $98,949.00. “This is a substantial increase from the amount before,” explained Jason Cobb, city manager, “however, we have had two substantial claims with those two being worker comp claims from police officers in the past few months.” The motion was approved for the workers compensation bid.
A decision had to be made on an engineer for the renovations on the vacant lot next to the Magnolia Theater on Main Street. The city sent out requests for qualifications for architecture firms and had received three back, including Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Carter Watkins and Associates and David Woodburn. Cobb recommended Goodwyn Mills Cawood stating, “We have already selected them to complete the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in 2017.” The council approved Goodwyn Mills Cawood as the engineer to renovate the vacant lot.
[Full Story »]
Three arrested in shooting death
Three arrests have been made in connection with the shooting death of Abdul Lucas. Lucas was shot to death at his residence in Rhine on November 1 while in the presence of immediate family members. On November 18, Dodge County deputies arrested Lucas’ step-son Antoine Squire on one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Also arrested on one count each of false statements were Lucas’ step-daughter Destiny Rogers and widow Donna Lucas. These individuals originally told law enforcement that Donna Lucas was the one who shot and killed Abdul Lucas; however, the investigation has resulted in Squire being charged as the alleged shooter.
The arrests were made simultaneously at the Lucas residence at 52 Cleveland Lane in Rhine.
The investigation was conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the GBI at 478-374-6988 or the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-559-1130.
Also arrested on one count each of false statements were Lucas’ step-daughter Destiny Rogers and widow Donna Lucas. These individuals originally told law enforcement that Donna Lucas was the one who shot and killed Abdul Lucas; however, the investigation has resulted in Squire being charged as the alleged shooter.
The arrests were made simultaneously at the Lucas residence at 52 Cleveland Lane in Rhine.
The investigation was conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the GBI at 478-374-6988 or the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-559-1130.
Incumbent commissioners reelected to seats
The general election for the State of Georgia and United States President was held on Tuesday, November 8.
Two local races were on the ballot for Dodge County. The following are the results of several races in Dodge County only.
In the Dodge county commission chairman’s race, incumbent Dan McCranie won with 3,882 votes to political newcomer George Thompson’s 2,712 votes.
In the race for Dodge county commissioner in District 1, incumbent Jr. Howell won with 1,033 votes over Charles Dennis’ 977 votes.
In the presidential election, republican Donald Trump took Dodge County with 5,021 votes compared to democrat Hillary Clinton’s 1,839 votes and to libertarian Gary Johnson’s 138 votes. [Full Story »]
Two local races were on the ballot for Dodge County. The following are the results of several races in Dodge County only.
In the Dodge county commission chairman’s race, incumbent Dan McCranie won with 3,882 votes to political newcomer George Thompson’s 2,712 votes.
In the race for Dodge county commissioner in District 1, incumbent Jr. Howell won with 1,033 votes over Charles Dennis’ 977 votes.
In the presidential election, republican Donald Trump took Dodge County with 5,021 votes compared to democrat Hillary Clinton’s 1,839 votes and to libertarian Gary Johnson’s 138 votes. [Full Story »]
Wife allegedly shoots husband
The Eastman office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigtion (GBI) is looking into the shooting death of Abdul Lucas, age 48, of Rhine.
Dodge County deputies were called to the Lucas residence at 52 Cleveland Lane near Rhine on Tuesday, November 1 at approximately 10:04 p.m. Lucas’ wife, Donna, had called 911 and told them that her husband had been shot.
When deputies arrived, they found that Abdul was desceased. The sheriff’s office called for the GBI to investigate.
According to the GBI, Donna Lucas and two teenage children were present at the time of the shooting. Donna Lucas allegedly shot her husband with a handgun.
The shooting has been attributed to domestic violence that had been going on at the home.
No charges have been filed because the GBI is still actively investigating the shooting.
Dodge County deputies were called to the Lucas residence at 52 Cleveland Lane near Rhine on Tuesday, November 1 at approximately 10:04 p.m. Lucas’ wife, Donna, had called 911 and told them that her husband had been shot.
When deputies arrived, they found that Abdul was desceased. The sheriff’s office called for the GBI to investigate.
According to the GBI, Donna Lucas and two teenage children were present at the time of the shooting. Donna Lucas allegedly shot her husband with a handgun.
The shooting has been attributed to domestic violence that had been going on at the home.
No charges have been filed because the GBI is still actively investigating the shooting.
Clark receives life in Barlow murder
Arthur Lawton Clark has been found guilty of felony murder in the shooting death of Sonnie Barlow on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 by a Dodge County jury in October. Clark was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years. He received the additional 20 years for aggravated assault.
Clark will be eligible for parole after 30 years in prison.
The incident occurred when, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, Sonnie Barlow, age 59, of Eastman was shot twice in the chest after an alleged argument at 14 Fountain Road on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Barlow was supposedly arguing with Lawton Clark, age 64, of Eastman, and was trying to get him to leave the property when Clark allegedly took out a small caliber handgun and shot Barlow twice.
When deputies arrived, they found that Clark had left the scene in a green Camaro. Dodge County deputies Mike Patterson and Donald Helms began a search for the vehicle and located it near the intersection of New Union Church Road and Golden Road, where Clark was taken into custody.
Clark will be eligible for parole after 30 years in prison.
The incident occurred when, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, Sonnie Barlow, age 59, of Eastman was shot twice in the chest after an alleged argument at 14 Fountain Road on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Barlow was supposedly arguing with Lawton Clark, age 64, of Eastman, and was trying to get him to leave the property when Clark allegedly took out a small caliber handgun and shot Barlow twice.
When deputies arrived, they found that Clark had left the scene in a green Camaro. Dodge County deputies Mike Patterson and Donald Helms began a search for the vehicle and located it near the intersection of New Union Church Road and Golden Road, where Clark was taken into custody.
Fall for Dodge Festival set for Saturday
It’s time for the 17th annual Fall for Dodge Festival. Downtown Main Street is decorated beautifully with fall decorations to help get us in the spirit. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the lamppost-decorating contest; everyone did an amazing job. The winners will be announced the evening of the festival.
This Saturday, October 29, from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., downtown Eastman will be filled with rides, games and activities that will excite kids of all ages! This year’s festival will feature excellent local, live entertainment, which includes the Georgia Peach Dance Academy, Southern Pride Cloggers, Messengers, Destiny Fitness Zumba demonstrations, Spoken For, and more.
Trick-or-treat will take place at the Fall for Dodge Festival from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and this year we are proud to announce the first ever helicopter candy drop sponsored by MGSU during trick-or-treat downtown. Trick-or-treat will take place in participating neighborhoods following the festival. Please make sure trick-or-treaters are of appropriate age (no adults, please).
[Full Story »]
This Saturday, October 29, from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., downtown Eastman will be filled with rides, games and activities that will excite kids of all ages! This year’s festival will feature excellent local, live entertainment, which includes the Georgia Peach Dance Academy, Southern Pride Cloggers, Messengers, Destiny Fitness Zumba demonstrations, Spoken For, and more.
Trick-or-treat will take place at the Fall for Dodge Festival from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and this year we are proud to announce the first ever helicopter candy drop sponsored by MGSU during trick-or-treat downtown. Trick-or-treat will take place in participating neighborhoods following the festival. Please make sure trick-or-treaters are of appropriate age (no adults, please).
[Full Story »]
Dr. Rahn named Distinguished Citizen
Dr. James “Jim” Rahn was named this year’s Distinguished Citizen at the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Chamber Affair held on Thursday, October 6. The annual event awards community members and businesses that go above-and-beyond throughout the year, honors Leadership Dodge graduates and highlights the accomplishments of Eastman-Dodge County as a whole.
The evening was catered by CortLee’s Classic Catering, decorated by Martha Sheldon Flowers and Events, awards by Piddlin’ Peddler and featured a silent auction with items donated by numerous businesses in Dodge County.
This year, seven community awards were given to acknowledge the major accomplishments of the recipients. Award winners were as follows: Business of the Year – Graham and Studstill General Contractors, Inc.; Spotlight Award – Derek Hutchinson; Paul Beebe Community Service Award – Stephanie Burton; Special recognition thank you for 40 years of service – J&J Printing and Office Supplies, Inc.; Agriculture Award - Walker and Watkins Farm, Special recognitions for 20 years of service – Middle Georgia State University Aviation and Distinguished Citizen – Dr. Rahn.
[Full Story »]
The evening was catered by CortLee’s Classic Catering, decorated by Martha Sheldon Flowers and Events, awards by Piddlin’ Peddler and featured a silent auction with items donated by numerous businesses in Dodge County.
This year, seven community awards were given to acknowledge the major accomplishments of the recipients. Award winners were as follows: Business of the Year – Graham and Studstill General Contractors, Inc.; Spotlight Award – Derek Hutchinson; Paul Beebe Community Service Award – Stephanie Burton; Special recognition thank you for 40 years of service – J&J Printing and Office Supplies, Inc.; Agriculture Award - Walker and Watkins Farm, Special recognitions for 20 years of service – Middle Georgia State University Aviation and Distinguished Citizen – Dr. Rahn.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners hear about air show
By Taelor Rye
Henry Whitfield, director of Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA) Cochran and Eastman campuses, visited the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at the board’s meeting on October 3rd to give details concerning the upcoming 2016 Heart of Georgia Air Show on Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The air show, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the MGA School of Aviation as well as the 50th anniversary of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport, is anticipated to take place in a more favorable environment than last year’s, which saw unfortunate issues with weather for a few hours.
“Last year, it was a tough day to be at an air show… It rained most of the day,” Whitfield stated, “but fortunately, at about noon, the clouds disappeared, and the crowds appeared.”
Whitfield went on to thank the board of commissioners, the Eastman City Council and the airport authority for sponsoring the event.
In addition, Alcoa has given a $15,000.00 educational grant for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in association with the air show. Due to the assistance of the grant, one activity at the air show will be a STEM educational showcase, which “will showcase STEM activities and careers through interactive exhibits, a flight simulator, and interactions with instructors, pilots, and other professionals in the aviation industry.”
Whitfield explained that students located outside the Dodge County area will be offered transportation support through their school systems, as the school is offering travel grants to teachers who will be bringing students in order to cover the cost of bus drivers and fuel.
Another feature of the air show is a cruise-in, Mike Flanagan explained, which encourages interested participants to “bring your antiques, low riders, rat rods, classics, late models, customs, hot rods, motorcycles, old tractors and any other cool ride you have.”
Each participant in the cruise-in will receive a participation medallion, and there will be prizes for several classes of vehicle.
The following individuals and groups are slated to hold narrated air show performances: Gary Ward, Greg Koontz and the Alabama Boys, Larry King, Chefpitts Airshows, Buck Roetman, Silver Wing Parachute Demonstration Team and the Georgia State Patrol.
[Full Story »]
Henry Whitfield, director of Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA) Cochran and Eastman campuses, visited the Dodge County Board of Commissioners at the board’s meeting on October 3rd to give details concerning the upcoming 2016 Heart of Georgia Air Show on Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The air show, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the MGA School of Aviation as well as the 50th anniversary of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport, is anticipated to take place in a more favorable environment than last year’s, which saw unfortunate issues with weather for a few hours.
“Last year, it was a tough day to be at an air show… It rained most of the day,” Whitfield stated, “but fortunately, at about noon, the clouds disappeared, and the crowds appeared.”
Whitfield went on to thank the board of commissioners, the Eastman City Council and the airport authority for sponsoring the event.
In addition, Alcoa has given a $15,000.00 educational grant for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in association with the air show. Due to the assistance of the grant, one activity at the air show will be a STEM educational showcase, which “will showcase STEM activities and careers through interactive exhibits, a flight simulator, and interactions with instructors, pilots, and other professionals in the aviation industry.”
Whitfield explained that students located outside the Dodge County area will be offered transportation support through their school systems, as the school is offering travel grants to teachers who will be bringing students in order to cover the cost of bus drivers and fuel.
Another feature of the air show is a cruise-in, Mike Flanagan explained, which encourages interested participants to “bring your antiques, low riders, rat rods, classics, late models, customs, hot rods, motorcycles, old tractors and any other cool ride you have.”
Each participant in the cruise-in will receive a participation medallion, and there will be prizes for several classes of vehicle.
The following individuals and groups are slated to hold narrated air show performances: Gary Ward, Greg Koontz and the Alabama Boys, Larry King, Chefpitts Airshows, Buck Roetman, Silver Wing Parachute Demonstration Team and the Georgia State Patrol.
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Homecoming queen chosen
The Dodge County High School 2016-2017 homecoming queen was announced at halftime of the football game on Friday, September 30, 2016. Chosen as homecoming queen was Jurnee Powell, escorted by Christian Spears (c), first runner up was Haley Holloway, escorted by Craig Barton (l) and second runner up was Camryn Studstill, escorted by Crosse Bearden (r). (Photo by Cindy Eckles)
Homecoming court announced
The Dodge County High School 2016-2017 Homecoming Court members are (l-r) Faith Manning, escorted by Morgan Beck; Haley Pavesich, escorted by John Roberts; Camryn Studstill, escorted by Crosse Bearden; Zaebian McDuffie, escorted by Jacob Brinson; Margaret Simmons, escorted by Colt McCranie; Kiley Dix, escorted by Caymon McCranie; Macy Rogers, escorted by Cody Oxford; Haley Holloway, escorted by Craig Barton; Jurnee Powell, escorted by Christian Spears; Madelyn Pruitt, escorted by Clayton Scarborough; and Maegan Yawn, escorted by Phillip Powell. The homecoming queen will be announced during halftime of the homecoming football game Friday night. The Dodge County Indians will be playing Northeast. See pages 7A, 8A, 9A and 10A in this edition for more court member biographies, more photos and well wishes from local businesses, family and friends. (Photo by Emory Rogers Photography)
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