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.
Top Stories
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 »]
Authorities make arrests
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of June 17, 2019 – June 25, 2019:
Kierra Range, age 23, of Dublin, was arrested for criminal trespass business, shoplifting more than $500.00, battery and theft by deception.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for violation of juvenile probation.
Amber Purvis, age 27, of Alamo, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Jonsey Wiggins, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for leaving scene of accident with injury and damage, Driving under the influence (DUI) drugs less safe and failure to maintain lane.
Jorge Barrera-Sanchez, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for DUI-alcohol 0.10gm or more, 20 or over and driving while unlicensed or expired/new resident.
Paul Henley, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (family violence).
Franshawn Evans, age 28, of Douglas, was arrested for giving false name/address/date of birth to officer and FTP bench warrant.
[Full Story »]
Kierra Range, age 23, of Dublin, was arrested for criminal trespass business, shoplifting more than $500.00, battery and theft by deception.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for violation of juvenile probation.
Amber Purvis, age 27, of Alamo, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Juvenile, age 15, of Eastman, was arrested for unruly and obstructing law enforcement officers.
Jonsey Wiggins, age 48, of Eastman, was arrested for leaving scene of accident with injury and damage, Driving under the influence (DUI) drugs less safe and failure to maintain lane.
Jorge Barrera-Sanchez, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for DUI-alcohol 0.10gm or more, 20 or over and driving while unlicensed or expired/new resident.
Paul Henley, age 47, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (family violence).
Franshawn Evans, age 28, of Douglas, was arrested for giving false name/address/date of birth to officer and FTP bench warrant.
[Full Story »]
Deputies and police make arrests
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests for June 5, 2019 through June 17, 2019:
Mark Adams, age 46, of East Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
David Bowman, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
Zack Cornell Branch, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, possession of drug related object, suspended license and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
Terrance Lachon Carr, age 39, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Chavez Lajuan Cross, age 24, of Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Blake Harrell, age 52, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Sabrina Hendrix, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated assault.
Heather Hopwood, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, criminal trespass and possession and use of drug related objects.
Jessie Hopwood, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession and use of drug related objects and criminal trespass.
Amanda Huett, age 34, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for probation violation.
William Alfred Jackson, age 65, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possessing of marijuana and possession of cocaine.
Daniel Carlton Jones, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Josiah Emmanuel King, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Darrell Glenn McCoy, age 27, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Janet Grover McGhee, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for felony theft by taking.
Corey Eudell Mincey, age 35, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated stalking.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
[Full Story »]
Mark Adams, age 46, of East Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
David Bowman, age 40, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass.
Zack Cornell Branch, age 42, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, possession of drug related object, suspended license and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
Terrance Lachon Carr, age 39, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Chavez Lajuan Cross, age 24, of Dublin, was arrested for probation violation.
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Blake Harrell, age 52, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Sabrina Hendrix, age 39, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated assault.
Heather Hopwood, age 36, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, criminal trespass and possession and use of drug related objects.
Jessie Hopwood, age 31, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession and use of drug related objects and criminal trespass.
Amanda Huett, age 34, of Hawkinsville, was arrested for probation violation.
William Alfred Jackson, age 65, of Eastman, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possessing of marijuana and possession of cocaine.
Daniel Carlton Jones, age 45, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Josiah Emmanuel King, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Darrell Glenn McCoy, age 27, of Chauncey, was arrested for probation violation.
Janet Grover McGhee, age 46, of Eastman, was arrested for felony theft by taking.
Corey Eudell Mincey, age 35, of Eastman, was arrested for aggravated stalking.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
[Full Story »]
Eastman police make arrests
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of June 4, 2019 – June 11, 2019:
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Lafeyette Butler, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, driving while license suspended/revoked, no insurance and open container violation.
Charles Davis, Jr., age 51, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, driving while license suspended/revoked, reckless driving, headlight requirements and fleeing/attempting to elude police.
Jimmy Ashley, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (aggravated) and rape-strong arm.
Malik Harris, age 23, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass, business.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
Cathedral Facison, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for theft of lost or mislaid property and theft by receiving stolen property.
Tara Hamm, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Michael Smith, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related object, drugs to be kept in original container and possession of schedule II drugs.
Teresa Dupree, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation.
Lafeyette Butler, age 25, of Eastman, was arrested for probation violation, driving while license suspended/revoked, no insurance and open container violation.
Charles Davis, Jr., age 51, of Eastman, was arrested for obstructing law enforcement officers, driving while license suspended/revoked, reckless driving, headlight requirements and fleeing/attempting to elude police.
Jimmy Ashley, age 18, of Eastman, was arrested for battery (aggravated) and rape-strong arm.
Malik Harris, age 23, of Eastman, was arrested for criminal trespass, business.
Wesley Robinson, age 24, of Eastman, was arrested for parole violation.
Cathedral Facison, age 22, of Eastman, was arrested for theft of lost or mislaid property and theft by receiving stolen property.
Tara Hamm, age 20, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting less than $300.00.
Michael Smith, age 30, of Eastman, was arrested for shoplifting, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related object, drugs to be kept in original container and possession of schedule II drugs.
Dodge woman dies in vehicle wreck
A Dodge County woman has died as the result of a two vehicle accident in Chester.
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Geraldine Davis, age 79, of a 954 West Chicken Road address, died after the pickup truck in which she was a passenger ran up under an 18 wheeler trailer.
Krenar Menyr Hyse, age 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, was driving a 2007 Volvo 18 wheel tractor and box trailer north on Carolina Street in Chester and had stopped at the intersection with Georgia 126. He then attempted to cross Georgia 126 onto Georgia 257.
Dusty Eugene Collins, age 38, of Montrose, was driving a 2018 Nissan Frontier pickup south on Georgia 126 and ran into the left side of the trailer. Collins had to be extricated from the vehicle with the Jaws of Life by first responders. He was flown to a Macon hospital by helicopter.
Davis also had to be extricated from the pickup truck with the Jaws of Life by first responders. She was taken to Dodge County Hospital by Heartland Emergency Medical Services and later died from her injuries. Hyse was not injured.
The accident happened at approximately 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of May 28, 2019 – June 4, 2019:
[Full Story »]
According to the Georgia State Patrol report, Geraldine Davis, age 79, of a 954 West Chicken Road address, died after the pickup truck in which she was a passenger ran up under an 18 wheeler trailer.
Krenar Menyr Hyse, age 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, was driving a 2007 Volvo 18 wheel tractor and box trailer north on Carolina Street in Chester and had stopped at the intersection with Georgia 126. He then attempted to cross Georgia 126 onto Georgia 257.
Dusty Eugene Collins, age 38, of Montrose, was driving a 2018 Nissan Frontier pickup south on Georgia 126 and ran into the left side of the trailer. Collins had to be extricated from the vehicle with the Jaws of Life by first responders. He was flown to a Macon hospital by helicopter.
Davis also had to be extricated from the pickup truck with the Jaws of Life by first responders. She was taken to Dodge County Hospital by Heartland Emergency Medical Services and later died from her injuries. Hyse was not injured.
The accident happened at approximately 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.
The Eastman Police Department announces the following arrests for the week of May 28, 2019 – June 4, 2019:
[Full Story »]
Graduation set for Friday night
On Friday, May 31, members of Dodge County High School’s (DCHS) graduating Class of 2019 will celebrate personal and academic achievements by walking across the stage and receiving diplomas at Memorial Stadium.
The graduating class of DCHS includes 187 students, 46 earning the title of honor graduate and being awarded a gold stole. These students, over the course of their four years in high school, have taken two units of the same foreign language, a unit of intro to business technology, a half unit of speech, and have earned a cumulative academic average of 94 or higher. Additionally, students who do not have a 94 average but have maintained a 90 average and have scored 1260 or higher on the verbal and math sections on the SAT, or 26 or better on the ACT, will also have the distinction of graduating with honors.
Receiving additional academic honors with distinction will be the class’s valedictorians and salutatorians. Mary Beth Dopson and Jacey Dowdy are the co-valedictorians. Annie Knight and Austin Roberson are the co-salutatorians.
“We at Dodge County High School are very proud of the graduating class of 2019,” says principal Dr. Susan Long. “We have seen them grow from ninth graders into young men and women, and we are assured that they will make a positive impact in the world wherever their futures lead them.”
[Full Story »]
The graduating class of DCHS includes 187 students, 46 earning the title of honor graduate and being awarded a gold stole. These students, over the course of their four years in high school, have taken two units of the same foreign language, a unit of intro to business technology, a half unit of speech, and have earned a cumulative academic average of 94 or higher. Additionally, students who do not have a 94 average but have maintained a 90 average and have scored 1260 or higher on the verbal and math sections on the SAT, or 26 or better on the ACT, will also have the distinction of graduating with honors.
Receiving additional academic honors with distinction will be the class’s valedictorians and salutatorians. Mary Beth Dopson and Jacey Dowdy are the co-valedictorians. Annie Knight and Austin Roberson are the co-salutatorians.
“We at Dodge County High School are very proud of the graduating class of 2019,” says principal Dr. Susan Long. “We have seen them grow from ninth graders into young men and women, and we are assured that they will make a positive impact in the world wherever their futures lead them.”
[Full Story »]
Hodges named interim superintendent
The Dodge County Board of Education has named former Dodge County High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Rex Hodges as interim school superintendent.
Hodges just recently retired from Dodge County High School (DCHS).
The board voted 5-2 to hire Hodges. Dodge County Board of Education Chairman Jessie Mincey and board member Shirley Ikedionwu voted against hiring Hodges. The board gave Hodges a one year contract.
Mincey stated, “Mr. Hodges brings a lot to the table for our system. He has held many positions throughout his career while working his way up the ladder of success. He has taught for many years in the classroom and was previously a part of the DCHS administration team as an assistant principal. He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership values with him. When current superintendent Mr. Ward announced his retirement for May 31, the board started planning and preparing for a superintendent search. Mr. Hodges was named interim superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year and we will open the superintendent’s position in January of 2020. The applicant selected will began on July 1, 2020.
Some other candidates for interim superintendent were discussed by the board in executive session, but those names were not released.
Hodges will begin his duties on June 1, 2019.
In the last month, board of education members have accepted numerous resignations, retirements and accepted recommendations and transfers.
[Full Story »]
Hodges just recently retired from Dodge County High School (DCHS).
The board voted 5-2 to hire Hodges. Dodge County Board of Education Chairman Jessie Mincey and board member Shirley Ikedionwu voted against hiring Hodges. The board gave Hodges a one year contract.
Mincey stated, “Mr. Hodges brings a lot to the table for our system. He has held many positions throughout his career while working his way up the ladder of success. He has taught for many years in the classroom and was previously a part of the DCHS administration team as an assistant principal. He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership values with him. When current superintendent Mr. Ward announced his retirement for May 31, the board started planning and preparing for a superintendent search. Mr. Hodges was named interim superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year and we will open the superintendent’s position in January of 2020. The applicant selected will began on July 1, 2020.
Some other candidates for interim superintendent were discussed by the board in executive session, but those names were not released.
Hodges will begin his duties on June 1, 2019.
In the last month, board of education members have accepted numerous resignations, retirements and accepted recommendations and transfers.
[Full Story »]
Man charged in girlfriend’s death
A Dodge County man has been charged with murder for allegedly killing his girlfriend and setting his car on fire. Michelle Bazemore, age 50, was found inside the burned car.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) served a murder warrant on Doug Sheriff, age 48, on Thursday, May 9 at the Dodge County jail where he is currently incarcerated and charged with arson in the burning of his vehicle.
A dead body was found inside the burned vehicle under the Gum Swamp bridge on Georgia 117 (Dublin Highway) on Saturday, July 28, 2018.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Office in Eastman arrested Doug Sheriff, of Eastman, on Saturday, July 28, for one count of arson in connection with a burned white BMW vehicle.
According to then Eastman GBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Whitley, “Saturday morning, deputies with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call concerning a burning car under the bridge.”
Whitley explained that a motorist traveling over the bridge was alarmed over a burning smell and stopped to investigate and called 911. The Eastman Fire Department and Dodge County deputies were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firemen found the BMW under the bridge in flames. After extinguishing the fire, firemen and deputies discovered a body in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
An autopsy was performed on the body at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur to determine the identity of the body, cause of death and cause of the fire.
Bazemore was reported to be Sheriff’s girlfriend. Sheriff was taken into custody at the GBI office in Eastman and transported to the Dodge County jail.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) served a murder warrant on Doug Sheriff, age 48, on Thursday, May 9 at the Dodge County jail where he is currently incarcerated and charged with arson in the burning of his vehicle.
A dead body was found inside the burned vehicle under the Gum Swamp bridge on Georgia 117 (Dublin Highway) on Saturday, July 28, 2018.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Office in Eastman arrested Doug Sheriff, of Eastman, on Saturday, July 28, for one count of arson in connection with a burned white BMW vehicle.
According to then Eastman GBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Whitley, “Saturday morning, deputies with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call concerning a burning car under the bridge.”
Whitley explained that a motorist traveling over the bridge was alarmed over a burning smell and stopped to investigate and called 911. The Eastman Fire Department and Dodge County deputies were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firemen found the BMW under the bridge in flames. After extinguishing the fire, firemen and deputies discovered a body in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
An autopsy was performed on the body at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur to determine the identity of the body, cause of death and cause of the fire.
Bazemore was reported to be Sheriff’s girlfriend. Sheriff was taken into custody at the GBI office in Eastman and transported to the Dodge County jail.
Dodge school superintendent resigns
Dodge County School Superintendent Michael Ward has resigned his position.
At Monday night’s board meeting, May 6, Ward presented the board with a letter that stated, “It has been my sincere honor to serve as superintendent of Dodge County schools. I am gracious for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, parents and community. After much reflection, prayer and discussions with my family, I have decided to retire. I have missed many milestones with my children and opportunities to support my wife in raising our two boys.
Although I appreciate the excellent evaluation from the board and a verbal commitment to extend my contract with an increase in salary, my family needs must come first. I am hopeful that each board member can understand just how important family is particulary when younger children are involved.
I do not want to leave the district in a lurch to find a new superintendent; however, my last day will be on May 31, 2019. As stated in my contract, the board will pay me for any unused vacation days. I currently have 10 unused vacation days available.”
[Full Story »]
At Monday night’s board meeting, May 6, Ward presented the board with a letter that stated, “It has been my sincere honor to serve as superintendent of Dodge County schools. I am gracious for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, parents and community. After much reflection, prayer and discussions with my family, I have decided to retire. I have missed many milestones with my children and opportunities to support my wife in raising our two boys.
Although I appreciate the excellent evaluation from the board and a verbal commitment to extend my contract with an increase in salary, my family needs must come first. I am hopeful that each board member can understand just how important family is particulary when younger children are involved.
I do not want to leave the district in a lurch to find a new superintendent; however, my last day will be on May 31, 2019. As stated in my contract, the board will pay me for any unused vacation days. I currently have 10 unused vacation days available.”
[Full Story »]
Safeguard from medical identity theft
Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, causing financial ruin and damaging credit histories that can take months or years to repair. Unfortunately, a specific type of identity theft is on the rise: medical identity theft. What is medical identity theft, and how does it differ from a classic case of identity theft?
Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information in order to obtain medical care, buy drugs or submit fake billings to Medicare in your name, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Unlike financial identity theft—which occurs when someone illegally uses your personal financial information to empty your bank account or rack up charges on credit cards taken out in your name—medical identity theft can have other serious consequences and is more difficult to clear up. Any type of treatment, diagnosis or surgery that occurs with a stolen identity could become a part of your medical record. This could affect your access to medical care, insurance benefits and the acquired debts could end up on your credit report.
For someone to commit medical identity theft, your Social Security number isn’t necessarily needed as your name, birthday and address could be enough. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission offer the following advice to help prevent your medical information from falling into the wrong hands:
• Watch out for red flags. Signs of medical identity theft may include receiving a bill for medical services you never received, medical collection notices on your credit report you don’t recognize or a call from a debt collector about a medical debt you don’t owe. If you see a mistake, contact your health insurance provider and report it.
• Keep copies of your medical records. Keep copies of your medical history, receipts and/or bills from treatments or doctor visits. [Full Story »]
Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information in order to obtain medical care, buy drugs or submit fake billings to Medicare in your name, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Unlike financial identity theft—which occurs when someone illegally uses your personal financial information to empty your bank account or rack up charges on credit cards taken out in your name—medical identity theft can have other serious consequences and is more difficult to clear up. Any type of treatment, diagnosis or surgery that occurs with a stolen identity could become a part of your medical record. This could affect your access to medical care, insurance benefits and the acquired debts could end up on your credit report.
For someone to commit medical identity theft, your Social Security number isn’t necessarily needed as your name, birthday and address could be enough. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission offer the following advice to help prevent your medical information from falling into the wrong hands:
• Watch out for red flags. Signs of medical identity theft may include receiving a bill for medical services you never received, medical collection notices on your credit report you don’t recognize or a call from a debt collector about a medical debt you don’t owe. If you see a mistake, contact your health insurance provider and report it.
• Keep copies of your medical records. Keep copies of your medical history, receipts and/or bills from treatments or doctor visits. [Full Story »]
New football coach hired
In a called school board meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, the Dodge County Board of Education named Ken Cofer as head football coach and athletic director. coach Cofer replaces coach Rex Hodges who recently retired.
Cofer comes back to Dodge County after spending 2016 and 2017 on Hodges’ staff. He spent the 2018 season at Wilcox County as head coach and they advanced to the Class A State tournament. Coach Cofer has been in coaching for 23 years. He has previously held head coaching stints in Cook and Bacon County.
Coach Cofer received the job over several good candidates, according to Dodge County School Superintendent Michael Ward. “We picked coach Cofer because he carried himself so well and he focuses well on the student athlete”. Ward added, “you will have a hard time finding a guy that does more for kids than Coach Cofer”. Superintendent Ward also stated that coach Cofer was completely vetted prior to being recommended to the board.
When asked why he returned to Dodge County, coach Cofer said, “it’s the work ethic of these young men that brought me back. I will miss Wilcox but I know the new coaches will do a great job”. Coach Cofer said this team would spend a lot of time in the weight room. “We are going to use our strength and speed to our advantage,” said Cofer. On offense, we are going to run a “smash mouth spread”, we are going to be fast and get things done. It’s going to be a little different,” he said.
Cofer comes back to Dodge County after spending 2016 and 2017 on Hodges’ staff. He spent the 2018 season at Wilcox County as head coach and they advanced to the Class A State tournament. Coach Cofer has been in coaching for 23 years. He has previously held head coaching stints in Cook and Bacon County.
Coach Cofer received the job over several good candidates, according to Dodge County School Superintendent Michael Ward. “We picked coach Cofer because he carried himself so well and he focuses well on the student athlete”. Ward added, “you will have a hard time finding a guy that does more for kids than Coach Cofer”. Superintendent Ward also stated that coach Cofer was completely vetted prior to being recommended to the board.
When asked why he returned to Dodge County, coach Cofer said, “it’s the work ethic of these young men that brought me back. I will miss Wilcox but I know the new coaches will do a great job”. Coach Cofer said this team would spend a lot of time in the weight room. “We are going to use our strength and speed to our advantage,” said Cofer. On offense, we are going to run a “smash mouth spread”, we are going to be fast and get things done. It’s going to be a little different,” he said.
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