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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.

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.

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).
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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.
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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.
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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)

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)

Four-football goal posts will be a new addition at the Dodge County Recreation Department in the near future. Dodge County Recreation Director Travis Niblett went before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners requesting funding for the goal posts.

Niblett told commissioners that the recreation department did not have any goal posts currently and he felt the upgrade would add to the future football players in Dodge County. He submitted bids from Hobbs Sporting Goods for $4774.90, R&S Sports for $6,148.00 and The Sports Shop for $6,900.00.

According to interim county manager Bobby Peacock, the funds are available through the Special Purchase Local Option Sales Tax.

Commissioner Jr. Howell made the motion, seconded by Brian Watkins to accept the low bid and allow Niblett to purchase the goal posts. Commissioners Karen Cheek, Dan McCranie, Howell and Watkins all voted in favor the purchase. Commissioner Terry Niblett abstained from voting.

Sharon Cobb Flanagan, of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market Authority, informed commissioners that she had presented a letter requesting funding for the farmer’s market for 2017. She added that on October 1, a pumpkin painting contest will be held and on October 8, a pie eating contest is scheduled. [Full Story »] 

Servants of God Ministry made a special presentation to the Eastman Police Department at the Eastman City Council meeting on Monday, September 12, at Eastman City Hall Council Chambers. Ladies of the ministry presented two framed signature mattes of most of the law enforcement officials that attended Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith’s funeral on Thursday, August 18, 2016, to the Eastman Police Department. Officer Smith was gunned down by a suspect on Main Street in Eastman as he responded to a suspicious person report on Saturday, August 13, 2016. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)

The Eastman Police Department is experiencing another rash of vehicle break-ins. Some vehicles have had the windows broken, so please remove items from your vehicles at night. Please make sure all of your firearms serial numbers are recorded, in case you do have theft, the serial numbers can be entered as stolen. If you see anyone suspicious in your neighborhood please call 911 immediately.

The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrest made from September 6, 2016 through September 13, 2016.

Lorena Trice, age 26, of Cochran, was arrested for license: driving while license suspended/revoked, and speeding.

Johnnie Fluellen, age 38, of Eastman, was arrested for financial transaction card theft and financial transaction card fraud.

Erica Stidhum, age 29, of Chester, was arrested for giving false name/address/date of birth to officer and license: driving without license.

Earl Robertson, age 53, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation and headlight requirements.

Clifton Harrell, age 49, of Eastman, was arrested for battery(family violence) and cruelty to children 1st degree.

Charles Sheffield, age 17, of Eastman, was arrested for affray.

Arnesia Rozier, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for battery(family violence).

Juvenile, age 15, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, affray and disorderly conduct.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrest made from September 6, 2016 to Sept 9, 2016.

Huriah Kareem Bledsoe, age 37, of Warner Robins, was arrested for a bench warrant.

Tabatha Murray, age 41, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.

This is one of many trees and limbs that were downed by Hurricane Hermine in Dodge County on Friday, September 2. This huge Oak tree fell across Fifth Avenue near the Citizens Bank in Eastman. Traffic was detoured for approximately an hour as Eastman Street Department employees cleared the roadway. (Photo by Chuck Eckles)

The Dodge County Board of Education has announced that because of pending bad weather on Thursday night and Friday, September 1 and 2, ALL Dodge County schools will be closed on Friday, September 2.
The football game between Dodge County and West Laurens on Friday, September 2 at 7:30 p.m. is still on at this time.

A Dodge County High School senior was killed in a one vehicle accident on Sunday, August 28.

Anthony Erick Craddock, age 18, died when he apparently lost control of the car he was driving, ran off the roadway and hit a tree.

Craddock and two passengers were traveling toward Eastman on Fair Haven Road when he apparently lost control of the car, ran off the right side of the road, ran through a ditch and hit a tree. The vehicle then caught on fire. Craddock was not able to get out of the vehicle.

The two passengers were injured. The male passenger was taken to Dodge County Hospital and the female passenger was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Macon. The accident happened at approximately 8:16 p.m.

Further details from the Georgia State Patrol were not available at presstime.

By Taelor Rye
At its August 21 meeting, the Eastman City Council discussed that, following the murder of Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith, the community came together in a somewhat unexpected capacity.

City manager Jason Cobb stated, “What I want to do on behalf on the city is tell the community thank you for the support that we received here. It was, I’d say, one of the darkest hours of this city, and the community came together in a way that I’d never seen in my ten years of living here.”

City council members Ronnie Woodard and Milton Johnson echoed the sentiment of other councilors, as Woodard stated, “I was proud to be a member of this community and this county.” Johnson said, “It was a very profound event for me as well,” detailing his emotional response to Smith’s interment.

City council member Buddy Pittman relayed, “That was probably one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever seen and situations that I’ve ever participated in… The citizens of Eastman and Dodge County should be commended.” Pittman continued by praising local law enforcement as well as law enforcement representatives from other areas.

City council member Prince Dawson stated, “I was real proud to see the way the entire community came together and the way they supported each other – the police department, the community – and see how something that could have gone the other way became a shining star of what Dodge County and the City of Eastman can be.”

Chairman Raymond Mullis went on to note the strength and efforts of two individuals, saying, “We had two people that worked with the city that went beyond their position… That’s Mrs. Becky (Sheffield, Eastman Chief of Police) and Jason Cobb.”

Mullis then presented Sheffield with a framed copy of a picture of her receiving a folded American flag at the burial on behalf of his family.

Sheffield remarked, “Without a doubt, I would have never dreamed how the people of Dodge County came out.”

Regarding city manager Jason Cobb, she continued, “God knows I can’t say enough about Jason… Y’all will never know how much I appreciate what y’all did… I hope to God that I never have to go through anything like this again because this has been a trying time.” [Full Story »]