A Dodge County man is wanted by several law enforcement agencies for various warrants, including a charge of fleeing and attempting to elude law officers in a vehicle.
Fredrick Herman Holton, age 38, of Eastman, is at large after being involved in a crash that was a result of a nearly five-mile chase involving Holton and law officers from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastman Police Department and the Oconee Drug Task Force.
According to Col. Mike Patterson of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, around noon on January 19, another agency went to serve a parole warrant on Holton, who fled the scene in his vehicle. The chase was initiated around Golf Course Road just north of Eastman.
[Full Story »]
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Buddy Pittman is elected Eastman council chairman
The Eastman City Council held their first meeting of 2018 on Tuesday, January 9 at the Eastman City Hall Council Chambers and elected officers for the new year.
The council elected Buddy Pittman as the new city council chairperson. Previously, Raymond Mullis had held that position for many years. The council then elected Raymond Mullis as vice chairman. They then elected Prince Dawson as the council chaplain. Rita Llop was elected as the council attorney and Joey Marchant was elected as the city recorders court judge.
The council approved replacing a “soft start” on the Rocky Springs pump station that was damaged by water from Hurricane Irma. The cost will be $6,500.00, but city manager Jason Cobb told the council that the city would be reimbursed the cost from funds available through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s Hurricane Irma relief funds.
The council rescheduled their Monday, January 22 regularly scheduled meeting to Monday, January 29 due to the Mayor’s Day conference in Atlanta from January 19-22.
The council elected Buddy Pittman as the new city council chairperson. Previously, Raymond Mullis had held that position for many years. The council then elected Raymond Mullis as vice chairman. They then elected Prince Dawson as the council chaplain. Rita Llop was elected as the council attorney and Joey Marchant was elected as the city recorders court judge.
The council approved replacing a “soft start” on the Rocky Springs pump station that was damaged by water from Hurricane Irma. The cost will be $6,500.00, but city manager Jason Cobb told the council that the city would be reimbursed the cost from funds available through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s Hurricane Irma relief funds.
The council rescheduled their Monday, January 22 regularly scheduled meeting to Monday, January 29 due to the Mayor’s Day conference in Atlanta from January 19-22.
Commissioners won’t fund farmers market
After giving a little glimmer of hope at Tuesday’s meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners regarding the continuation of operation of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, the commissioners shot down requests for financial assistance at Wednesday’s budget approval meeting.
Tuesday night, commissioner Brian Watkins made the following motion, “I make a motion that the north west side of the Dodge County Courthouse be opened up each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the use of vendors to display and sell their products to the public with the understanding that Dodge County will not/does not insure the quality, fitness, suitability, or safety of any products sold there. The vendors shall not be allowed to set up any sales areas on the courthouse steps or at any entrance, the park area or the soldier memorial areas.”
After Watkins made the motion, commissioner Terry Niblett seconded the motion. The vote to approve the motion was unanimous.
On Wednesday, commissioner Karen Cheek, prior to the board’s approval of the 2018 proposed county budget, which cut out any financial support to the farmers’ market, made a motion to make an amendment to the budget to include support of $3,035.00 to help the farmers’ market stay open.
Cheek said that she believed Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmers’ Market, had compiled with the board’s wishes of adjusting the financial request she made to the board. “She has even said that we could pay half of that and I think she did an excellent job.”
Flanagan had stated during the public hearing part of Wednesday’s meeting the following: “at the first public hearing I was requested to adjust the monies to a point to where we could continue operating the market as in accordance to the charter … I have carved it down to the bare minimum.”
[Full Story »]
Tuesday night, commissioner Brian Watkins made the following motion, “I make a motion that the north west side of the Dodge County Courthouse be opened up each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the use of vendors to display and sell their products to the public with the understanding that Dodge County will not/does not insure the quality, fitness, suitability, or safety of any products sold there. The vendors shall not be allowed to set up any sales areas on the courthouse steps or at any entrance, the park area or the soldier memorial areas.”
After Watkins made the motion, commissioner Terry Niblett seconded the motion. The vote to approve the motion was unanimous.
On Wednesday, commissioner Karen Cheek, prior to the board’s approval of the 2018 proposed county budget, which cut out any financial support to the farmers’ market, made a motion to make an amendment to the budget to include support of $3,035.00 to help the farmers’ market stay open.
Cheek said that she believed Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmers’ Market, had compiled with the board’s wishes of adjusting the financial request she made to the board. “She has even said that we could pay half of that and I think she did an excellent job.”
Flanagan had stated during the public hearing part of Wednesday’s meeting the following: “at the first public hearing I was requested to adjust the monies to a point to where we could continue operating the market as in accordance to the charter … I have carved it down to the bare minimum.”
[Full Story »]
Dodge County citizens discuss 2018 resolutions
Every year around January 1, as tradition dictates, pens and pencils and paper are put to good use. People start making resolutions for the new year.
New Year’s resolutions are said to have first been implemented more than 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. Reported to have held the first recorded celebrations to mark the new year, the Babylonians made promises to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed as they crowned a new king.
According to history, these promises could have been considered the forerunners of what we know as ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’
Making promises to change and improve ourselves has become such a mainstay at the transition to a new year, that it is rare to see someone who doesn’t at least verbalize thoughts of change.
A group of Dodge County citizens shared their resolutions for 2018 with The Dodge County News via social media.
through like grains of sand.”
Driggers continued, “I really do not make resolutions anymore, in the past I never did them for more than two weeks. I do pray that I will take better care of myself and be able to be around to enjoy my family and my precious granddaughter.”
[Full Story »]
New Year’s resolutions are said to have first been implemented more than 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. Reported to have held the first recorded celebrations to mark the new year, the Babylonians made promises to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed as they crowned a new king.
According to history, these promises could have been considered the forerunners of what we know as ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’
Making promises to change and improve ourselves has become such a mainstay at the transition to a new year, that it is rare to see someone who doesn’t at least verbalize thoughts of change.
A group of Dodge County citizens shared their resolutions for 2018 with The Dodge County News via social media.
through like grains of sand.”
Driggers continued, “I really do not make resolutions anymore, in the past I never did them for more than two weeks. I do pray that I will take better care of myself and be able to be around to enjoy my family and my precious granddaughter.”
[Full Story »]
Commissioners face concerns over 2018 proposed budget
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners faced a lot of ‘whys’ on Friday, December 22 during the public hearing to present the proposed budget for the county for 2018.
More than two dozen people filled the room Friday afternoon to have their questions regarding proposed budget cuts for the upcoming year to the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
During the public comment session, responses to questions were limited, and commissioners Dan McCranie and Terry Niblett, and interim county manager Bobby Peacock, were the only voices heard representing the board, except once when county attorney John Harrington was called to answer a concern about public notification of the work session held on December 18 prior to the regular meeting of the board.
Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, led the charge of concerns and questions regarding several issues revolving around the proposed budget.
In the proposed budget, the commission board had looked into cutting funding for the farmer’s market out completely.
Flanagan pled for that not to happen. “The farmer’s market has brought numerous outside individuals into the community…several of them to your grounds. They have not noticed the beautiful courthouse before and they love your grounds.” Flanagan said.
She also presented facts in regards to the boost to the local economy that the market has helped bring about since its implementation. Flanagan mentioned that those volunteers and board members with the Dodge County Farmer’s Market had worked very hard to keep “events low key where there would be not extra maintenance for the county.”
Bill Grimes spoke on behalf of keeping the farmer’s market going. “We moved here in May, and part of the reason we did is because of the farming in the area…we come and get our fresh vegetables at the market…having the farmer’s market here helps with the tax dollars for Dodge County,” he said.
JoAnn Rozier stated, “The Dodge County Farmer’s Market is a great asset to the farmers and the people of Dodge County.”
Patty Martin, a vendor and volunteer with the farmer’s market, was passionate with her plea. “What we do brings in different types of people to the community, and brings in revenue to the county,” she said and asked the board to consider saving the market.
“The main commerce for Dodge County is family...and we have lots of small family farms…what Sharon has asked is for the very minimal help from you all,” Mike Flanagan said.
Lynn Sullivan stood, and spoke volumes. “Why take away something that is so right?”
[Full Story »]
More than two dozen people filled the room Friday afternoon to have their questions regarding proposed budget cuts for the upcoming year to the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
During the public comment session, responses to questions were limited, and commissioners Dan McCranie and Terry Niblett, and interim county manager Bobby Peacock, were the only voices heard representing the board, except once when county attorney John Harrington was called to answer a concern about public notification of the work session held on December 18 prior to the regular meeting of the board.
Sharon Flanagan, director of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market, led the charge of concerns and questions regarding several issues revolving around the proposed budget.
In the proposed budget, the commission board had looked into cutting funding for the farmer’s market out completely.
Flanagan pled for that not to happen. “The farmer’s market has brought numerous outside individuals into the community…several of them to your grounds. They have not noticed the beautiful courthouse before and they love your grounds.” Flanagan said.
She also presented facts in regards to the boost to the local economy that the market has helped bring about since its implementation. Flanagan mentioned that those volunteers and board members with the Dodge County Farmer’s Market had worked very hard to keep “events low key where there would be not extra maintenance for the county.”
Bill Grimes spoke on behalf of keeping the farmer’s market going. “We moved here in May, and part of the reason we did is because of the farming in the area…we come and get our fresh vegetables at the market…having the farmer’s market here helps with the tax dollars for Dodge County,” he said.
JoAnn Rozier stated, “The Dodge County Farmer’s Market is a great asset to the farmers and the people of Dodge County.”
Patty Martin, a vendor and volunteer with the farmer’s market, was passionate with her plea. “What we do brings in different types of people to the community, and brings in revenue to the county,” she said and asked the board to consider saving the market.
“The main commerce for Dodge County is family...and we have lots of small family farms…what Sharon has asked is for the very minimal help from you all,” Mike Flanagan said.
Lynn Sullivan stood, and spoke volumes. “Why take away something that is so right?”
[Full Story »]
Cochran Highway widening begins
A much anticipated widening project of U.S. Highway 23 (Cochran Highway) has started as many drivers have noted due to barrels and signs along roadway have appeared.
According to Dodge County Interim County Manager Bobby Peacock, he got the word that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had awarded the contract for a widening project along that area.
Peacock said that Everett Dykes Grassing Company, Inc. had been given the go-ahead to begin the work on the project. “They have been talking about this for a long time.”
When asked specifically what the project was, Peacock told The Dodge County News on the phone Tuesday, “It is going to be a four lane road.”
Peacock said he was told the project would take about “two years to complete.”
GDOT Communications’ Specialist Kyle Collins sent a statement from GDOT after The Dodge County News reached out to GDOT for further information.
“This is the largest statewide construction contract … it was awarded at $44 million for 9.5 miles of widening on US 21/State Route (SR) 87 from Log Cabin Road to south of State Route (SR) 257 in Dodge and Bleckley Counties,” Collins’ statement read. The proposed completion date for the project is Halloween, October 31, 2021.
Collins explained, “The project will begin with an existing three-lane section and transition to two 12-foot-wide southbound lanes and one 12-foot-wide northbound lane between the SR 87 Spur and County Road (CR) 8/CR 137. Then transition to two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot-wide flush median with an urban shoulder, and will continue to County Road 133.”
[Full Story »]
According to Dodge County Interim County Manager Bobby Peacock, he got the word that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had awarded the contract for a widening project along that area.
Peacock said that Everett Dykes Grassing Company, Inc. had been given the go-ahead to begin the work on the project. “They have been talking about this for a long time.”
When asked specifically what the project was, Peacock told The Dodge County News on the phone Tuesday, “It is going to be a four lane road.”
Peacock said he was told the project would take about “two years to complete.”
GDOT Communications’ Specialist Kyle Collins sent a statement from GDOT after The Dodge County News reached out to GDOT for further information.
“This is the largest statewide construction contract … it was awarded at $44 million for 9.5 miles of widening on US 21/State Route (SR) 87 from Log Cabin Road to south of State Route (SR) 257 in Dodge and Bleckley Counties,” Collins’ statement read. The proposed completion date for the project is Halloween, October 31, 2021.
Collins explained, “The project will begin with an existing three-lane section and transition to two 12-foot-wide southbound lanes and one 12-foot-wide northbound lane between the SR 87 Spur and County Road (CR) 8/CR 137. Then transition to two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot-wide flush median with an urban shoulder, and will continue to County Road 133.”
[Full Story »]
Police make arrests
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests from December 4, 2017 through December 12, 2017.
David George, age 26, of Cadwell, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00
Torrance Tuff, age 38, of Eastman, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Eric Reese, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for indecent exposure; criminal trespass on business property and driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Stacy Oxley, age 41, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Jeffery Parker, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for non-residence burglary, forced entry.
Willie King, age 58, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00; a failure to pay bench warrant and criminal trespass on business property.
Michael Smith, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of firearms during a crime; possession of firearms by convicted felon; possession of Schedule IV drugs; possession of marijuana, less than one ounce; sale and/or delivery and/or distributing methamphetamine; possession of drug related objects and failure to keep drugs in original container.
Jonathan Snellgrove, age 24, of Helena, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Edwin Dent, age 56, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and disorderly conduct.
Marquise Johnson, age 20, of McRae, was arrested for simple battery and cruelty to children in the third degree.
David George, age 26, of Cadwell, was arrested for disorderly conduct; possession of one ounce or less of marijuana; shoplifting, less than $500.00; obstructing law enforcement officers and simple battery.
Brandon Johnekins, age 25, of Alamo, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked and speeding.
Eric English, age 27, of Helena, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Samuel Brown, age 66, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.
David George, age 26, of Cadwell, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00
Torrance Tuff, age 38, of Eastman, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Eric Reese, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for indecent exposure; criminal trespass on business property and driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Stacy Oxley, age 41, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Jeffery Parker, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for non-residence burglary, forced entry.
Willie King, age 58, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00; a failure to pay bench warrant and criminal trespass on business property.
Michael Smith, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of firearms during a crime; possession of firearms by convicted felon; possession of Schedule IV drugs; possession of marijuana, less than one ounce; sale and/or delivery and/or distributing methamphetamine; possession of drug related objects and failure to keep drugs in original container.
Jonathan Snellgrove, age 24, of Helena, was arrested for a failure to pay bench warrant.
Edwin Dent, age 56, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and disorderly conduct.
Marquise Johnson, age 20, of McRae, was arrested for simple battery and cruelty to children in the third degree.
David George, age 26, of Cadwell, was arrested for disorderly conduct; possession of one ounce or less of marijuana; shoplifting, less than $500.00; obstructing law enforcement officers and simple battery.
Brandon Johnekins, age 25, of Alamo, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked and speeding.
Eric English, age 27, of Helena, was arrested for driving while license is suspended and/or revoked.
Samuel Brown, age 66, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.
Christmas parade set for Saturday night
The Eastman Lions Club is proud to recognize Tom Lord, owner of Dairy Queen of Eastman as the Grand Marshall of the Christmas parade. Tom has been a fixture in Eastman for over 44 years, owning the Dairy queen in Eastman since 1973. During his time as owner his restaurant has won numerous awards, most notably for increases in sales. Since 1971, Tom has employed hundreds of local high school students in his restaurant and has also been very generous to our school clubs and sports teams during fundraising events held at the Dairy Queen.
Tom still resides in Dexter Georgia and attends Buckhorn Methodist Church. He graduated from Dexter High School, graduated from Middle Georgia College, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Georgia Southern University and holds a Master of Science in Business from Georgia State.
This year the Eastman Lions Club will be holding their annual parade at night. The 2017 Lions Christmas parade is scheduled for December 9th, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. Lineup will begin at 6:00 pm on 2nd Avenue (in front of the Post Office).
There is a $25 fee per entry. Equine units are $25 for the first 15 participants and then $10 for each additional unit of 5 or more. There is no fee for school bands, color guards, police and fire units. All entries, except for horses, should have some sort of lighting since the parade is at night. Plaques are awarded for the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place floats.
Lion Jamie Sheffield of the Bank of Eastman is chairing the 2017 parade, and checks can be made out to the Eastman Lions Club, PO Box 166, Eastman, Georgia 31023 or turned in to the Eastman/Dodge County Chamber of Commerce. Entry fee must be paid by December 6th. Special thanks to the Chamber for helping promote the parade on their website and helping distribute and collect applications and parade fees.
For safety reasons, entrants will not be allowed to throw candy to parade bystanders, however entrants may handout candy. Proceeds from the parade are used to support local Lions vision projects. Parade applications are available at the Eastman/Dodge County Chamber of Commerce, or any Eastman Lions Club member. Please make your plans now to participate and help the Eastman Lions make the 2017 parade the best!
Tom still resides in Dexter Georgia and attends Buckhorn Methodist Church. He graduated from Dexter High School, graduated from Middle Georgia College, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Georgia Southern University and holds a Master of Science in Business from Georgia State.
This year the Eastman Lions Club will be holding their annual parade at night. The 2017 Lions Christmas parade is scheduled for December 9th, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. Lineup will begin at 6:00 pm on 2nd Avenue (in front of the Post Office).
There is a $25 fee per entry. Equine units are $25 for the first 15 participants and then $10 for each additional unit of 5 or more. There is no fee for school bands, color guards, police and fire units. All entries, except for horses, should have some sort of lighting since the parade is at night. Plaques are awarded for the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place floats.
Lion Jamie Sheffield of the Bank of Eastman is chairing the 2017 parade, and checks can be made out to the Eastman Lions Club, PO Box 166, Eastman, Georgia 31023 or turned in to the Eastman/Dodge County Chamber of Commerce. Entry fee must be paid by December 6th. Special thanks to the Chamber for helping promote the parade on their website and helping distribute and collect applications and parade fees.
For safety reasons, entrants will not be allowed to throw candy to parade bystanders, however entrants may handout candy. Proceeds from the parade are used to support local Lions vision projects. Parade applications are available at the Eastman/Dodge County Chamber of Commerce, or any Eastman Lions Club member. Please make your plans now to participate and help the Eastman Lions make the 2017 parade the best!
Authorities make arrests
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests from November 20, 2017 through November 27, 2017.
Tahvien Kaitahn Dewberry, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Olen William Hogan, age 53, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
David Wayne King, age 24, of Chauncey, was arrested for reckless conduct; disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.
Theresa Danielle McLendon, age 30, of Savannah, was arrested for probation violation.
Haley Brooke Miller, age 22, of Chester, was arrested for misdemeanor theft by shoplifting.
Charles Robert Mullis, age 31, of Helena, was arrested for probation violation.
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests from November 13, 2017 through November 28, 2017.
Brenton Gibson, age 34, of Chester, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00 and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Robert Marshall, age 62, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of drug related objects and shoplifting, less than $500.00
Travis Johnson, age 26, of Eastman, was arrested for theft by taking.
Willie Level, age 49, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of cocaine; possession and use of drug related objects; shoplifting, less that $500.00 and criminal trespass (business).
[Full Story »]
Tahvien Kaitahn Dewberry, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Olen William Hogan, age 53, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
David Wayne King, age 24, of Chauncey, was arrested for reckless conduct; disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.
Theresa Danielle McLendon, age 30, of Savannah, was arrested for probation violation.
Haley Brooke Miller, age 22, of Chester, was arrested for misdemeanor theft by shoplifting.
Charles Robert Mullis, age 31, of Helena, was arrested for probation violation.
The Eastman Police Department reported the following arrests from November 13, 2017 through November 28, 2017.
Brenton Gibson, age 34, of Chester, was arrested for shoplifting, less than $500.00 and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Robert Marshall, age 62, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of drug related objects and shoplifting, less than $500.00
Travis Johnson, age 26, of Eastman, was arrested for theft by taking.
Willie Level, age 49, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of cocaine; possession and use of drug related objects; shoplifting, less that $500.00 and criminal trespass (business).
[Full Story »]
Commission takes no action on raise request
Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield’s plea to the board of commissioners for a salary increase for deputies on road patrol from the November 6, 2017 meeting of board was neither approved or not approved Monday night.
During the November 6, 2017 meeting, Sheffield said in his presentation, “We are losing deputies due to pay. We had two that are moving to other counties, and if we don’t do something, I know of at least two or three more who will be leaving.”
At this Monday night’s meeting, Dodge County Commission Chair Dan McCranie brought the request back up during the old business. “What do we want to do?”
According to reports, since the first meeting in November, approximately four deputies had left the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
[Full Story »]
During the November 6, 2017 meeting, Sheffield said in his presentation, “We are losing deputies due to pay. We had two that are moving to other counties, and if we don’t do something, I know of at least two or three more who will be leaving.”
At this Monday night’s meeting, Dodge County Commission Chair Dan McCranie brought the request back up during the old business. “What do we want to do?”
According to reports, since the first meeting in November, approximately four deputies had left the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
[Full Story »]
Schools prepare for holiday season
By Becky Holland
Ready or not, parents, it is time for holiday breaks for students in the Dodge County School System. According to the system website, Thanksgiving break will be from November 20, 2017 – November 24, 2017.
On December 15, 2017, students will be released at 1:00 p.m. Christmas Break will be from December 18, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Teacher planning is scheduled for January 2, 2018.
During a phone interview with Dodge County School Superintendent Mike Hilliard on Monday, November 13, 2017, The Dodge County News asked what the October 18, 2017 called board meeting was for. According to the agenda, the meeting consisted of a short regular session where there was an approval of the agenda, and then the board immediately went into closed (executive) session. No reason was specified for the closed (executive) session.
When asked what that was for, Hilliard said, “It was more or less a fact-finding session for the board. They had several questions, so we answered them for them.” Hilliard did state that session did involve some personnel issues.
Hilliard stated that at the November 9, 2017 regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education all items that needed action were approved.
At the regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education on the following items on the agenda were approved: minutes of the October 12, 2017 and October 18, 2017 meetings, department reports, approval of special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) and board financial and FY 2018 state and federal budgets allotted for various programs.
[Full Story »]
Ready or not, parents, it is time for holiday breaks for students in the Dodge County School System. According to the system website, Thanksgiving break will be from November 20, 2017 – November 24, 2017.
On December 15, 2017, students will be released at 1:00 p.m. Christmas Break will be from December 18, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Teacher planning is scheduled for January 2, 2018.
During a phone interview with Dodge County School Superintendent Mike Hilliard on Monday, November 13, 2017, The Dodge County News asked what the October 18, 2017 called board meeting was for. According to the agenda, the meeting consisted of a short regular session where there was an approval of the agenda, and then the board immediately went into closed (executive) session. No reason was specified for the closed (executive) session.
When asked what that was for, Hilliard said, “It was more or less a fact-finding session for the board. They had several questions, so we answered them for them.” Hilliard did state that session did involve some personnel issues.
Hilliard stated that at the November 9, 2017 regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education all items that needed action were approved.
At the regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Education on the following items on the agenda were approved: minutes of the October 12, 2017 and October 18, 2017 meetings, department reports, approval of special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) and board financial and FY 2018 state and federal budgets allotted for various programs.
[Full Story »]
Win Region Title
The Dodge County Indians have gone undefeated in regular season play and have won the Region 3AA championship. The Indians edged out the Bleckley County Royals Friday night to complete their perfect regular season. The Indians will be hosting the first round playoff game, opponent to be determined on November 10, 2017.
Queen crowned
Gabby Hall was awarded the title of Dodge County High School’s 2017 Homecoming Queen during halftime of the homecoming game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 20, 2017. Pictured above are (l-r), second runner-up Sailor Rogers escorted by Chandler Davis, homecoming queen Gabby Hall escorted by Conner Rye and first runner-up Tristynee Black escorted by Rodrick Hines. (Photo by Emory Rogers Photography)
Dennis named homecoming parade Grand Marshal
By Amy Mullis
When the 2017 homecoming parade starts its course toward downtown Eastman, the reason for recognition may be different, but anyone who has had ties to the Dodge County School System in the past 30 plus years will recognize the face of one waving from the lead car.
For her dedication to work for and love of Dodge County and the Dodge County School System, Dr. Melinda Dennis will ride as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Dennis began her educational career in Dodge County in 1987 as a high school English teacher. During her time at Dodge County High School, Dennis was honored as both the school and district Teacher of the Year for Dodge County High School. In 2000, Dennis shifted gears and moved into administration as the assistant principal at Dodge County Middle School.
Four years later, Dennis’ course took another turn - one that took her out of Dodge County for the first time in her career in education.
She became the principal for Wheeler County Middle School and then served as the director of both the Alternative Learning Center and the Patriot Academy for Student Success with the Wilcox County schools. Her time away from home was short-lived, as she returned to Dodge County in 2011 to serve as the superintendent of schools until her retirement in 2016.
“I am a product of the Dodge County Schools. I was a student, teacher, school and district level administrator in this system, and it will always mean more to me than words can express,” she said. “From various perspectives, I have witnessed its growth and improvement for more than four decades. I am honored that the homecoming committee selected me, and I will always be proud to represent Dodge County High School and the Dodge County School System.”
Dodge County High School Principal Dr. Susan Long, whose relationship with Dennis stretches back to early in both of their careers in education, is very excited to have Dennis represent the school in this week’s parade.
“Dr. Dennis is the ultimate professional and educator,” Long said. “[She] is a class act, and she has always been a positive influence and motivator. We are honored to have her as our homecoming parade Grand Marshal.”
Recently, Dennis began using her expertise in education in a new way.
In January of this year, she was appointed to serve as the Georgia Department of Corrections Director of Academic Education, a role through which she now oversees the operations and oversight of academic programming of nearly 52,000 felony offenders across the state of Georgia.
[Full Story »]
When the 2017 homecoming parade starts its course toward downtown Eastman, the reason for recognition may be different, but anyone who has had ties to the Dodge County School System in the past 30 plus years will recognize the face of one waving from the lead car.
For her dedication to work for and love of Dodge County and the Dodge County School System, Dr. Melinda Dennis will ride as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Dennis began her educational career in Dodge County in 1987 as a high school English teacher. During her time at Dodge County High School, Dennis was honored as both the school and district Teacher of the Year for Dodge County High School. In 2000, Dennis shifted gears and moved into administration as the assistant principal at Dodge County Middle School.
Four years later, Dennis’ course took another turn - one that took her out of Dodge County for the first time in her career in education.
She became the principal for Wheeler County Middle School and then served as the director of both the Alternative Learning Center and the Patriot Academy for Student Success with the Wilcox County schools. Her time away from home was short-lived, as she returned to Dodge County in 2011 to serve as the superintendent of schools until her retirement in 2016.
“I am a product of the Dodge County Schools. I was a student, teacher, school and district level administrator in this system, and it will always mean more to me than words can express,” she said. “From various perspectives, I have witnessed its growth and improvement for more than four decades. I am honored that the homecoming committee selected me, and I will always be proud to represent Dodge County High School and the Dodge County School System.”
Dodge County High School Principal Dr. Susan Long, whose relationship with Dennis stretches back to early in both of their careers in education, is very excited to have Dennis represent the school in this week’s parade.
“Dr. Dennis is the ultimate professional and educator,” Long said. “[She] is a class act, and she has always been a positive influence and motivator. We are honored to have her as our homecoming parade Grand Marshal.”
Recently, Dennis began using her expertise in education in a new way.
In January of this year, she was appointed to serve as the Georgia Department of Corrections Director of Academic Education, a role through which she now oversees the operations and oversight of academic programming of nearly 52,000 felony offenders across the state of Georgia.
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