The Dodge County Grand Jury recently handed down the following indictments on September 30, 2019.
James Inez Dupree was indicted for one count of felony rape.
Jonesy Ray Wiggins was indicted for one count of felony assault and two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony).
Moises Ramirez-Romero was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a felony (16-4-1), one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged in crime, one count of felony willful interference with emergency medical professionals and one count of sexual battery.
Darrell Bonds was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a rape.
Benjamin James Jackson was indicted for one count of child molestation.
Justin Marie Mullis was indicted for four counts of child molestation.
Demarcus Reshawn McClinton was indicted for one count of felony aggravated assault.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for one count of forgery in the first degree.
Corey Willis was indicted for 66 counts of felony forgery in the second degree.
Bobby Lee Swint, Jr. was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony) and one count of criminal trespass.
Johnny Harris Tuff was indicted for one count of felony sale of cocaine.
Jack Elmer Holt, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce), one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of weaving over roadway.
Kayla Lee Williams was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce) and one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Angela W. Butler was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) drugs, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked, one count of speeding, one count of tail lights and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Randi Kristin Daniels was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol and drugs, one count of weaving over roadway, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container and one count of open container violation.
Stephino Demaris Harrell was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
James Derek Bridges was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Callie Deanne Spires was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Lafeyette Bernard Butler was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony terroristic threats and acts, one count of misdemeanor hindering person making emergency call, one count of misdemeanor theft by taking, one count of misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass and five counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children in the third degree – first or second.
Joshua Antoinne Johnson was indicted for one count of felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Kellie Lee Muncher was indicted for two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of felony fleeing/attempting elude an officer for a felony, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of headlight requirements.
Nakeata Cierra Strange was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
Tyus Rasheed Turnage was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
James Bernard Bray was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana.
Jonathan Lamon Wilcox was indicted for one county of felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon.
Ted Eugene Brantley was indicted for two counts felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon.
Cole Bailey was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Brandon Michael Fountain was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Megan Hailey Persinger was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Johnny Paul Grilliot was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Dusty Hankinson was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Paul John Bentley, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana and one count of misdemeanor passion and use of drug related objects.
Sandy Ray English was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Fallon Munch was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Tracy Rammage was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Michelle Williams was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Shaquail Latrice Dixon was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Shakya V. Wright was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for two counts of felony forgery first degree.
Lance Prentice Gilbert was indicted for one count of felony burglary (second degree) and one count of felony theft by taking.
Jimmy Leon Paul was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Joshua Kade Daniels was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
Anna Leigh Stewart was indicted for one count of felony cruelty to children (first degree).
Todd Jermaine Wilcox was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Daniel Clinton Jordan was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of no proof of insurance.
[Full Story »]
Top Stories
Graduation rate tops the RESA district and beats the state average
“Dedicated to Our Desire to Graduate Everyone” is not just a trite motto for Dodge County High School (DCHS). It is a pledge each teacher, staff member and administrator makes each day to their students, and it’s one that once again has rendered great gains for the school.
A recent report from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DCHS’s 2019 graduation rate, 97.4% surpasses the state average of 82% and places the school at the top of its RESA District.
DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long was elated to hear these results and quick to give credit to the school’s staff and students for their commitment. In a staff-wide email, Long said, “Thank you so much for ALL you do at DCHS! You make great things happen, and I am honored to be here with you each day!
Long added that the school’s success is the result of the students’ and staff’s “dedication, encouragement, and expertise.”
According to the GaDOE press release, the overall state average is at an all-time high, increasing a total of 12 percentage points since 2012.
DCHS, with its 97.4% graduation rate, ranks among the 71 Georgia school districts with a recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent and only 24 districts with recorded rates at or above 95%.
“I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. [Full Story »]
A recent report from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DCHS’s 2019 graduation rate, 97.4% surpasses the state average of 82% and places the school at the top of its RESA District.
DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long was elated to hear these results and quick to give credit to the school’s staff and students for their commitment. In a staff-wide email, Long said, “Thank you so much for ALL you do at DCHS! You make great things happen, and I am honored to be here with you each day!
Long added that the school’s success is the result of the students’ and staff’s “dedication, encouragement, and expertise.”
According to the GaDOE press release, the overall state average is at an all-time high, increasing a total of 12 percentage points since 2012.
DCHS, with its 97.4% graduation rate, ranks among the 71 Georgia school districts with a recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent and only 24 districts with recorded rates at or above 95%.
“I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. [Full Story »]
Homecoming parade Friday
By Amy Mullis
After spending the majority of her life leading her students and her fellow teachers, local math teaching legend Careen Fordham will lead the way for the Dodge County High School (DCHS) Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 27 as the 2019 grand marshal.
DCHS teachers and administrators alike were elated to learn that Fordham had accepted this honor.
“She has positively impacted many students who have crossed the stage to graduate, and she has been a great mentor and role model for her fellow teachers,” said DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long.
Fordham’s life in Dodge County began when her father’s work brought their family from Montgomery, Alabama, when she was ten years old. After graduating with the DCHS Class of 1963, she earned her bachelor’s degree in math from Berry College and launched into a profession that would impact far more lives than she would ever imagine and likely more than her humbleness would allow her to admit.
After graduating from Berry, life took Fordham on an exciting ride. She taught math in Florida, Washington, Virginia, and Rhode Island and also took her teaching talent over international waters to teach on military bases in Germany, Turkey, Labrador, and Spain.
Fordham honed her craft by earning a master’s degree from Georgia Southwestern University and her specialist’s degree from Columbus State.
By 1988, life brought Fordham back to Eastman, and in 1993 she returned to her alma mater sharing her love of math, learning, and teaching with her tribe at DCHS and impacting the lives of an incalculable number of students.
“Mrs. Fordham was the teacher that everyone wanted to have,” said Susan Underwood, a DCHS math teacher who experienced the joy of working with Fordham. “She was passionate about teaching and was a true advocate for her students.”
But Fordham’s impact on Underwood was not just within the walls of DCHS.
“We developed a lifelong friendship, and I am so grateful that she served as my mentor teacher as I began my career,” Underwood said. “Her advice and guidance have helped mold me into the teacher that I am today!”
Fordham spent 37 years in the classroom. In addition to being the advisor for the yearbook and establishing Math Club, she taught all levels of high school math and for a stint had the opportunity to teach some of those former high school students at the collegiate level at Middle Georgia College.
[Full Story »]
After spending the majority of her life leading her students and her fellow teachers, local math teaching legend Careen Fordham will lead the way for the Dodge County High School (DCHS) Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 27 as the 2019 grand marshal.
DCHS teachers and administrators alike were elated to learn that Fordham had accepted this honor.
“She has positively impacted many students who have crossed the stage to graduate, and she has been a great mentor and role model for her fellow teachers,” said DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long.
Fordham’s life in Dodge County began when her father’s work brought their family from Montgomery, Alabama, when she was ten years old. After graduating with the DCHS Class of 1963, she earned her bachelor’s degree in math from Berry College and launched into a profession that would impact far more lives than she would ever imagine and likely more than her humbleness would allow her to admit.
After graduating from Berry, life took Fordham on an exciting ride. She taught math in Florida, Washington, Virginia, and Rhode Island and also took her teaching talent over international waters to teach on military bases in Germany, Turkey, Labrador, and Spain.
Fordham honed her craft by earning a master’s degree from Georgia Southwestern University and her specialist’s degree from Columbus State.
By 1988, life brought Fordham back to Eastman, and in 1993 she returned to her alma mater sharing her love of math, learning, and teaching with her tribe at DCHS and impacting the lives of an incalculable number of students.
“Mrs. Fordham was the teacher that everyone wanted to have,” said Susan Underwood, a DCHS math teacher who experienced the joy of working with Fordham. “She was passionate about teaching and was a true advocate for her students.”
But Fordham’s impact on Underwood was not just within the walls of DCHS.
“We developed a lifelong friendship, and I am so grateful that she served as my mentor teacher as I began my career,” Underwood said. “Her advice and guidance have helped mold me into the teacher that I am today!”
Fordham spent 37 years in the classroom. In addition to being the advisor for the yearbook and establishing Math Club, she taught all levels of high school math and for a stint had the opportunity to teach some of those former high school students at the collegiate level at Middle Georgia College.
[Full Story »]
Drug trafficking cases are made by Dodge deputies
On Thursday, September 12, two local people were arrested and charged with trafficking Ecstasy, possession of Marijuana (edibles) with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule IV drugs, possession of drug related objects and possession of s firearm during the commission of these crimes.
Kristen Walker, age 30, and Michael Tyrone Jackson, age 31, both of 5417 7th Avenue in Eastman are currently incarcerated in the Dodge County Law Enforcement Center pending bond.
After an ongoing investigation, sheriff’s deputies, along with the Eastman Police Department, went to the residence and conducted a bond search and located 200 suspected Ecstasy pills, almost two pounds of suspected edible marijuana, suspected Xanax, a handgun and a small amount of cash.
Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield advises that if you see or know of any drug activity in your community to please notify your local law enforcement agency.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for September 10, 2019 through September 16, 2019:
Russell Eugene Clark, age 49, of Eastman, was arrested for giving false name, address or birthdate to law enforcement officer.
Michael Tyrone Jackson, age 31, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for trafficking in Ecstasy, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession and use of drug related objects, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance and receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender
[Full Story »]
Kristen Walker, age 30, and Michael Tyrone Jackson, age 31, both of 5417 7th Avenue in Eastman are currently incarcerated in the Dodge County Law Enforcement Center pending bond.
After an ongoing investigation, sheriff’s deputies, along with the Eastman Police Department, went to the residence and conducted a bond search and located 200 suspected Ecstasy pills, almost two pounds of suspected edible marijuana, suspected Xanax, a handgun and a small amount of cash.
Dodge County Sheriff Lynn Sheffield advises that if you see or know of any drug activity in your community to please notify your local law enforcement agency.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for September 10, 2019 through September 16, 2019:
Russell Eugene Clark, age 49, of Eastman, was arrested for giving false name, address or birthdate to law enforcement officer.
Michael Tyrone Jackson, age 31, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for trafficking in Ecstasy, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession and use of drug related objects, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance and receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender
[Full Story »]
Officers make arrests
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of September 2, 2019 - September 10, 2019:
Devin Northcutt, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for FTP bench warrant.
Frank Westbrook, age 54, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass-private.
Jacolby Gordon, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for assist other agency.
Donna Bennett, age 60, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00.
Wil Southerland, age 43, of Eastman, was arrested for operating vehicle without valid tag/decal, driving while license suspended or revoked and no insurance.
Eric Reese, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for pedestrian under the influence (PUI).
Michael Rainey, age 37, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Alfredia McCrimmon, age 56, of Eastman, was arrested for cruelty to children in the third degree.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass-private and school compulsory law.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for September 2, 2019 through September 10, 2019:
[Full Story »]
Devin Northcutt, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for FTP bench warrant.
Frank Westbrook, age 54, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass-private.
Jacolby Gordon, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for assist other agency.
Donna Bennett, age 60, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00.
Wil Southerland, age 43, of Eastman, was arrested for operating vehicle without valid tag/decal, driving while license suspended or revoked and no insurance.
Eric Reese, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for pedestrian under the influence (PUI).
Michael Rainey, age 37, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Alfredia McCrimmon, age 56, of Eastman, was arrested for cruelty to children in the third degree.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass-private and school compulsory law.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for September 2, 2019 through September 10, 2019:
[Full Story »]
Millage rates set
The Dodge County Commissioners have set the millage rate for 2019. At their third and final public hearing held on Friday, August 30, the commissioners voted to raise the millage rate one mil. That will bring the millage rate for 2019 to 12.536.
The Dodge County School Board has also set their millage rate for 2019. The board did not increase the millage rate and it will stand at 14.00 mills.
The City of Eastman council set their 2019 millage rate at 7.5 mills on Monday, August 26. That rate is the same as 2018.
The Dodge County School Board has also set their millage rate for 2019. The board did not increase the millage rate and it will stand at 14.00 mills.
The City of Eastman council set their 2019 millage rate at 7.5 mills on Monday, August 26. That rate is the same as 2018.
Eastman police make arrests
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of August 19, 2019 - August 27, 2019
Patricia Gilbert, age 57, of Macon, was arrested for probation violation.
Marvin Davis, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00 and criminal trespass-business.
Juvenile, age 16, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly, underage possession of tobacco/cigarettes and school compulsory law.
Juvenile, age 16, of Chauncey, was arrested for unruly, underage possession of tobacco/cigarettes and school compulsory law.
Dominic Crocker, age 54, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked and failure to stop at stop/yield sign.
Amberlyn Floyd, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.
James Austin, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for operating a vehicle without valid tag/decal and driving while license suspended or revoked.
Patricia Gilbert, age 57, of Macon, was arrested for probation violation.
Marvin Davis, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $500.00 and criminal trespass-business.
Juvenile, age 16, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly, underage possession of tobacco/cigarettes and school compulsory law.
Juvenile, age 16, of Chauncey, was arrested for unruly, underage possession of tobacco/cigarettes and school compulsory law.
Dominic Crocker, age 54, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked and failure to stop at stop/yield sign.
Amberlyn Floyd, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.
James Austin, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for operating a vehicle without valid tag/decal and driving while license suspended or revoked.
Head-on collision takes man’s life
An Eastman man lost his life when the pickup truck he was driving ran head-on into another pickup truck on a dirt road.
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Thomas Wayne Barrentine, age 17, of Eastman was driving a 2007 Nissan Titan pickup truck west on Isham Springs Road when he met Gerald Dwayne Spires, age 51, of Eastman, driving a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado east on Isham Springs Road on a hillcrest approximately three tenths of a mile from Rocky Springs Road and the trucks hit head-on.
Spires lost his life as a result of the accident. Barrentine was taken to the hospital.
Neither driver was wearing a seat belt. The accident happened at approximately 8:03 a.m. on Thursday, August 15.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for August 5, 2019 through August 18, 2019:
Joshua Tyler Boone, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, tampering with evidence-felony, obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers and possession and use of drug related objects.
Marci Leann Courson, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of drug related objects and probation violation.
Alton Daniels, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Gary Von Edge, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of marijuana, possession and use of drug related objects and aiding and abetting.
[Full Story »]
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Thomas Wayne Barrentine, age 17, of Eastman was driving a 2007 Nissan Titan pickup truck west on Isham Springs Road when he met Gerald Dwayne Spires, age 51, of Eastman, driving a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado east on Isham Springs Road on a hillcrest approximately three tenths of a mile from Rocky Springs Road and the trucks hit head-on.
Spires lost his life as a result of the accident. Barrentine was taken to the hospital.
Neither driver was wearing a seat belt. The accident happened at approximately 8:03 a.m. on Thursday, August 15.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for August 5, 2019 through August 18, 2019:
Joshua Tyler Boone, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, tampering with evidence-felony, obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers and possession and use of drug related objects.
Marci Leann Courson, age 28, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of drug related objects and probation violation.
Alton Daniels, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Gary Von Edge, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of marijuana, possession and use of drug related objects and aiding and abetting.
[Full Story »]
Eastman keeps same millage rate
The Eastman City Council voted to leave the property tax millage rate at 7.5% at their meeting Monday night.
At the recommendation of Eastman City Manager Jason Cobb, councilperson Raymond Mullis made the motion to tentatively leave the millage rate at 7.5%, which was seconded by councilperson Ronnie Woodard. The motion passed unanimously. City council members will vote to set the millage rate at a public hearing scheduled for August 26, 2019.
Council then approved to spend $4,144.00 to contract with Publiq to process and mail the 2019 property tax bills. The motion was made by Mullis and seconded by councilperson Sabrina Williams, which passed unanimously.
Citizen Cecil Brown went before the council with a complaint on the Eastman Police Department. Brown stated that the hospital manager had given him permission to sell his produce across from the hospital. After being asked to move from the location, Brown requested a police report be completed.
Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield went before council members and explained that the property in question did in fact belong to Graham and Studstill and that Mark Studstill had told them to let Charles Deloach stay on the property to sell his produce.
Hofstadter and Associates submitted a letter to council members for the Chester Road pump station replacement bids. Bids were received from Coggins Construction Company, Inc. for S308,513.12, Plyes Plumbing and Utility Contractors, Inc. for $289,000.00, L&L Utilities, Inc. for $257,000.00 and Graham and Studstill Contractors, Inc. for $189,000.00.
Mullis made the motion to accept the bid from Graham and Studstill Contractors, Inc. for $189,000.00, which was seconded by councilperson Woodard. The motion passed unanimously.
City manager Cobb presented the proposal from Graham and Studstill Contractors, Inc. for $333,963.00 to improve the Main Street lot in Eastman between the Magnolia Theatre and Timeless Grace. A motion by Mullis, seconded by Williams passed unanimously. Funds for the improvement will be taken from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
City building inspector/code enforcer Jesse Bearden requested council purchase surveying equipment for the city to use. Bearden explained that he and his son were certified surveyors and that the city could save between $20,000.00 and $30,000.00 on just Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) projects. He informed council members that to lease the surveying equipment to survey the Main Street lot project was approximately $3,000.00.
[Full Story »]
At the recommendation of Eastman City Manager Jason Cobb, councilperson Raymond Mullis made the motion to tentatively leave the millage rate at 7.5%, which was seconded by councilperson Ronnie Woodard. The motion passed unanimously. City council members will vote to set the millage rate at a public hearing scheduled for August 26, 2019.
Council then approved to spend $4,144.00 to contract with Publiq to process and mail the 2019 property tax bills. The motion was made by Mullis and seconded by councilperson Sabrina Williams, which passed unanimously.
Citizen Cecil Brown went before the council with a complaint on the Eastman Police Department. Brown stated that the hospital manager had given him permission to sell his produce across from the hospital. After being asked to move from the location, Brown requested a police report be completed.
Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield went before council members and explained that the property in question did in fact belong to Graham and Studstill and that Mark Studstill had told them to let Charles Deloach stay on the property to sell his produce.
Hofstadter and Associates submitted a letter to council members for the Chester Road pump station replacement bids. Bids were received from Coggins Construction Company, Inc. for S308,513.12, Plyes Plumbing and Utility Contractors, Inc. for $289,000.00, L&L Utilities, Inc. for $257,000.00 and Graham and Studstill Contractors, Inc. for $189,000.00.
Mullis made the motion to accept the bid from Graham and Studstill Contractors, Inc. for $189,000.00, which was seconded by councilperson Woodard. The motion passed unanimously.
City manager Cobb presented the proposal from Graham and Studstill Contractors, Inc. for $333,963.00 to improve the Main Street lot in Eastman between the Magnolia Theatre and Timeless Grace. A motion by Mullis, seconded by Williams passed unanimously. Funds for the improvement will be taken from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
City building inspector/code enforcer Jesse Bearden requested council purchase surveying equipment for the city to use. Bearden explained that he and his son were certified surveyors and that the city could save between $20,000.00 and $30,000.00 on just Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) projects. He informed council members that to lease the surveying equipment to survey the Main Street lot project was approximately $3,000.00.
[Full Story »]
Commissioners are looking to raise millage rate
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners today announces its intention to increase the 2019 property taxes it will levy this year by 8.67% over the rollback millage rate.
Each year, the Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is required by law to redetermine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.
When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.
The budget tentatively adopted by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate, therefore, before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Dodge County Courthouse Annex, 5016 Courthouse Circle, Eastman, Georgia on August 15, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at the Dodge County Courthouse Annex, 5016 Courthouse Circle, Eastman, Georgia on August 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. and August 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Each year, the Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is required by law to redetermine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.
When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.
The budget tentatively adopted by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate, therefore, before the Dodge County Board of Commissioners may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Dodge County Courthouse Annex, 5016 Courthouse Circle, Eastman, Georgia on August 15, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at the Dodge County Courthouse Annex, 5016 Courthouse Circle, Eastman, Georgia on August 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. and August 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Director is hired for recreation department
A new era in Dodge County recreation has begun. On Monday, long time recreation associate Randy “Spook” Spivey began as Dodge County’s recreation director.
Spivey replaces Travis Niblett as the head man. Spivey was at the Laurens County Recreation Department for 27 years. Spivey is the current president of the Georgia Recreation Parks Association (GRPA). The GRPA governs the Dodge Recreation Department. Spivey also has served on the
GRPA athletic committee for 24 years and he has been the chairman several times.
Spivey said, “I don’t want to try to fix things that aren’t broken”. He said he is interested in bringing back co-ed softball and possibly basketball down the road. “I want to be an asset to Dodge County”, said Spivey. “I want to be accessible to the people in our program and be very visible”.
Recreation chairman Kenton Haley had this to say about the new director. “We were fortunate to have some great applicants for the director position. Spivey brings a lot of experience in not only running a recreation department but also leadership in youth organizations such as being president of GRPA. We are very excited to have him on board and we are looking forward to growing our recreation department and increasing the number of children and adults we serve in athletics.”
Currently, football and soccer are having registration open at the department. For information, call the department at 478-374-4696.
Spivey replaces Travis Niblett as the head man. Spivey was at the Laurens County Recreation Department for 27 years. Spivey is the current president of the Georgia Recreation Parks Association (GRPA). The GRPA governs the Dodge Recreation Department. Spivey also has served on the
GRPA athletic committee for 24 years and he has been the chairman several times.
Spivey said, “I don’t want to try to fix things that aren’t broken”. He said he is interested in bringing back co-ed softball and possibly basketball down the road. “I want to be an asset to Dodge County”, said Spivey. “I want to be accessible to the people in our program and be very visible”.
Recreation chairman Kenton Haley had this to say about the new director. “We were fortunate to have some great applicants for the director position. Spivey brings a lot of experience in not only running a recreation department but also leadership in youth organizations such as being president of GRPA. We are very excited to have him on board and we are looking forward to growing our recreation department and increasing the number of children and adults we serve in athletics.”
Currently, football and soccer are having registration open at the department. For information, call the department at 478-374-4696.
Driver dies in early morning accident
A Dodge County man was killed when the 10 wheel dump truck he was driving ran off the roadway and struck several trees.
The dump truck was traveling east on Georgia 87 (Abbeville Highway) when it ran off the south side of the roadway and hit a driveway culvert. The truck then traveled back across the highway into the north ditch, hit several trees and overturned onto the passenger’s side.
The identity of the driver was not available at presstime. The accident happened at approximately 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the weeks of July 9, 2019 – July 23, 2019:
Ricky Evans, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass-private.
Timothy Collins, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers.
Maya Lake, age 39, of Brunswick, was arrested for FTP bench warrant.
Juvenile, age 16, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and juvenile runaway.
Juvenile, age 16, of Arabi, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and juvenile runaway.
Devonte Lee Vann, age 19, of McRae, was arrested for firearms possession by convicted felon and firearms pointing or aiming at another.
Karla Beard, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and battery (family violence).
Cathedral Facison, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (simple) and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Erin Miller, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (simple) and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Gregory Spikes, age 26, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Lamel Sparrow, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Carl McCoy, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Demarcus McClinton, age 21, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, disorderly conduct and aggravated assault-gun.
[Full Story »]
The dump truck was traveling east on Georgia 87 (Abbeville Highway) when it ran off the south side of the roadway and hit a driveway culvert. The truck then traveled back across the highway into the north ditch, hit several trees and overturned onto the passenger’s side.
The identity of the driver was not available at presstime. The accident happened at approximately 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the weeks of July 9, 2019 – July 23, 2019:
Ricky Evans, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass-private.
Timothy Collins, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers.
Maya Lake, age 39, of Brunswick, was arrested for FTP bench warrant.
Juvenile, age 16, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and juvenile runaway.
Juvenile, age 16, of Arabi, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and juvenile runaway.
Devonte Lee Vann, age 19, of McRae, was arrested for firearms possession by convicted felon and firearms pointing or aiming at another.
Karla Beard, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers and battery (family violence).
Cathedral Facison, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (simple) and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Erin Miller, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (simple) and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Gregory Spikes, age 26, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Lamel Sparrow, age 29, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Carl McCoy, age 50, of Eastman, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Demarcus McClinton, age 21, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, disorderly conduct and aggravated assault-gun.
[Full Story »]
Train takes life of Gresston man
A Gresston man was killed when the pickup truck he was driving was hit by a train.
Casey Don Belflower, age 26, of Gresston, was killed when the 2004 Toyota Tundra pickup truck he was driving was hit in the passenger’s side by a southbound Norfolk Southern train on Wednesday, July 10 at approximately 11:44 a.m.
The accident happened at the Mann Road railroad crossing near the Cochran Highway.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for July 1, 2019 through July 15, 2019:
Larry Burton Bailey, age 18, of Swainsboro, was arrested for battery and aggravated battery.
Michelle Wyenette Buttery, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for neglect of disabled adult or elderly person by guardian/caretaker (felony).
Timothy Joshua Collins, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation and obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers.
Casey Floyd, age 30, of Cochran, was arrested for probation violation.
Darius Tamious Gibson, age 24, of Milan, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Amy Michelle Jones, age 43, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
[Full Story »]
Casey Don Belflower, age 26, of Gresston, was killed when the 2004 Toyota Tundra pickup truck he was driving was hit in the passenger’s side by a southbound Norfolk Southern train on Wednesday, July 10 at approximately 11:44 a.m.
The accident happened at the Mann Road railroad crossing near the Cochran Highway.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for July 1, 2019 through July 15, 2019:
Larry Burton Bailey, age 18, of Swainsboro, was arrested for battery and aggravated battery.
Michelle Wyenette Buttery, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for neglect of disabled adult or elderly person by guardian/caretaker (felony).
Timothy Joshua Collins, age 33, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation and obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers.
Casey Floyd, age 30, of Cochran, was arrested for probation violation.
Darius Tamious Gibson, age 24, of Milan, was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Amy Michelle Jones, age 43, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
[Full Story »]
Collision with train takes life
An Eastman man was killed when the 18 wheeler he was driving was hit by a train.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Morgan Cole Sheffield, age 23, died after the 1999 Freightliner log truck he was driving was struck by a Norfolk Southern train in Chauncey on Wednesday, July 3. Apparently, Sheffield was leaving Koppers Utilities Industrial Products and had partially crossed the railroad tracks and was waiting for traffic on US 341 before moving onto the highway. The northbound train then hit the trailer.
Sheffield was taken by helicopter to a Macon hospital where he was pronounced dead. The engineer and a conductor on the train were injured and were taken to Dodge County Hospital.
The accident happened at approximately 1:47 p.m.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of July 2, 2019 – July 9, 2019:
Tony Bolton, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass, private.
[Full Story »]
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Morgan Cole Sheffield, age 23, died after the 1999 Freightliner log truck he was driving was struck by a Norfolk Southern train in Chauncey on Wednesday, July 3. Apparently, Sheffield was leaving Koppers Utilities Industrial Products and had partially crossed the railroad tracks and was waiting for traffic on US 341 before moving onto the highway. The northbound train then hit the trailer.
Sheffield was taken by helicopter to a Macon hospital where he was pronounced dead. The engineer and a conductor on the train were injured and were taken to Dodge County Hospital.
The accident happened at approximately 1:47 p.m.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of July 2, 2019 – July 9, 2019:
Tony Bolton, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass, private.
[Full Story »]
Niblett resigns as recreation director
By Cindy Eckles
and Russ Ragan
Dodge County Recreation Director (DCRD) Travis Niblett gave his letter of resignation to Dodge County Manager Spence Barron on Monday, July 1, 2019.
The resignation letter stated, “ I would like to thank Dodge County for the opportunity to serve our community for the past seven years. This job has definitely been my most challenging undertaking, but also the most rewarding. I hope that you will find a successor who has the same dedication and love for our kids and for our parks and recreation that I shared.
In my time as DCRD, my team has managed to improve facilities and programs despite the lack of financial resources. My hope is that one day, our community leaders will understand the value of a good recreation and parks program. I also hope that they will come to understand the funding that is necessary to run a successful recreation and parks program.
I have made many life-long friends during my time here, and I hope to remain active in our community. I wish only the best for DCRD, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our department.
[Full Story »]
and Russ Ragan
Dodge County Recreation Director (DCRD) Travis Niblett gave his letter of resignation to Dodge County Manager Spence Barron on Monday, July 1, 2019.
The resignation letter stated, “ I would like to thank Dodge County for the opportunity to serve our community for the past seven years. This job has definitely been my most challenging undertaking, but also the most rewarding. I hope that you will find a successor who has the same dedication and love for our kids and for our parks and recreation that I shared.
In my time as DCRD, my team has managed to improve facilities and programs despite the lack of financial resources. My hope is that one day, our community leaders will understand the value of a good recreation and parks program. I also hope that they will come to understand the funding that is necessary to run a successful recreation and parks program.
I have made many life-long friends during my time here, and I hope to remain active in our community. I wish only the best for DCRD, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our department.
[Full Story »]
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