LCES Students Of The Month Are Recognized

March 4, 2024
  
Third Grade
L to R: Hayli Bass, Savanna Metts, Noah O'Pry, Zoey Cravey, Rian Jackson, Layson Haynes, Te'niah Harris, Abram Worthy, Wyatt Bunn. (Not Pictured: Cannon Stewart)
 
Fourth Grade
L to R: Scarlett Cave, E'Mon Weems, Lekeela Weems, Caroline Shellman, Madison Gentry, Kaden Rahschulte, Emree Wimpey, Ayden Wrye
 
Fifth Grade
L to R: Allison Riveria, Liam Chestosky, Isabella Gomez, Loua Madepou, Arlondi Graves, Ansliey Metts, Angel McCrary, Adrian Conkel, Duncan Thompson
 
 
City Hall of the World's Greatest City with New Awnings and Signage - Photo by R. N. DeVane
City Hall of the World's Greatest City with New Awnings and Signage - Photo by R. N. DeVane
 

Gordon State College Enhances Student Leadership Academy, Welcomes New Cohort

From Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager - February 26, 2024
   Gordon State College Division of Student Affairs awarded thirty individuals the opportunity to join the revitalized Student Leadership Academy. This program is designed to cultivate deeper understanding, purposeful action, and a stronger sense of community.
   “The pandemic created a significant gap in recruiting and retaining student leaders causing many higher education professionals to think differently about how we train our student leaders. This provided us with an opportunity to review our current practices and find ways to improve them to fit today’s students,” said Dr. LaToya Stackhouse, GSC dean of students.
   Several leadership roles are available at the Academy including Community Leaders, Gordon Orientation Leaders (GOL), Campus Activity Board (CAB), and Student Marketing Team. Each of these necessitates specific skills and presents a wide variety of responsibilities. This program was a collaborative effort between all departments across the Division of Student Affairs that consists of Counseling and Accessibility Services, Student Life, Housing and Residence Life, Student Health, and the Dean of Students. The program's curriculum is centered on 'The Five C's': change, communication, caring, connection, and character.
   “Students who hold leadership positions on campus develop a strong sense of belonging and purpose which increases their chance of graduating from college,” Stackhouse said.
   
   Current Student Leadership Academy cohort includes: Latayla Billingslea, Faith Wilson, and
Dionna White from Newton County; Saray Castro, Haja Kamara, Janaya Jean, I’sis Robinson,
Kelly Sarmiento, Kiarra Thomas, William Shiflett, and Michelle Mills from Henry County;
Makayla Dorsey from Coweta County; Sabrina Fania from Rockdale County; Doyd Fletcher and
   Lashaunda Turnipseed from Dekalb County; Peige Davis-Hudson, Ashley Giles, Trevion Harris,
Jada Maddox, Makaylah Somuah, Mahki Stephens, and Khalil Washington from Clayton
County; Idaya Hales, Alyssa Reisen, and Noel Henderson from Fayette County; Jacquelyn Harris
from Athens-Clarke County; Shakerria Hudson from Hall County; Nathaniel McDougall from
Spalding County; and Ryann Simmons and Elicia Williams from Bibb County.
 
 
 

Lamar County Sheriff's Incident Report Summary

February 22, 2024
 
The Lamar County Sheriff’s Office Incident Summary for the week of February 14 through February 21, 2024 appears below, courtesy of the office of Sheriff Brad White:
 
 
 
 

No Sale

R. N. DeVane - February 15, 2024
   In a noonday meeting today (Thursday), Lamar County Commissioners let a local investor know that the old Booker School Property is not for sale. A local businessman attending the Thursday called County Commission Meeting expressed interest in purchasing the Booker School property the County now owns. A lively discussion took place when one commissioner said he was blindsided by the request. He expressed that this property is in his district and that he had not been notified of this upcoming request. The Commission is supposed to operate as a team serving the people of Lamar County. This is just not the way you do the  transparent business of the people. Someone could have picked up the phone and informed each and everyone of us. Secretive snake bites hurt.
 

Important Meeting Thursday

R. N. DeVane - February 14, 2024
THURSDAY MEETING: 12:30  New Courthouse Annex

   BGN has learned through sources that a discussion will be held in a session of the Lamar County Board of Commissioners concerning the old Booker School Property (26 acres) the County purchased several years ago. According to sources, the property is in a very dilapidated state after several fires. The property was purchased to prevent development in that area for people already living behind the old school. It was learned that discussions will be held regarding a building developer's interest in purchasing the property from the county.
  The County Government is reeling in the middle of litigation about the Waste To Energy Project that has already cost nearly 25 million dollars.
   This property is in the City of Barnesville. Currently, there is a chartered moratorium on any new sewer hookups in the city. The city is in litigation of its own with customers concerning sewer hookups.
 
 

Spalding County - Heads Creek Reservoir Area Emergency Activation Plan Initiated

From DeAndre Smith, Citizen Engagement Specialist - February 12, 2024
    In response to ongoing inclement weather conditions, while prioritizing public safety, the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the Heads Creek Reservoir area has been initiated. 
   Spalding County is required to close the following roads in accordance with Georgia's Safe Dams Emergency Plan as rainwater continues to fill the Heads Creek Reservoir:
 
West McIntosh Rd. @ South New Salem Rd.
 
Vaughn @ W McIntosh Rd.
 
West Ellis Rd. between Parker Rd and Campground Rd.
 
West Ellis Rd. between Quail Rd and Vaughn Rd.
 
Moon Rd. between Parker and Campground Rd.
Recommended alternate routes include Hwy 19 & 41, Hwy 92, or Hwy 16. 
 
This is a proactive measure to prioritize community well-being during these weather conditions. All residents and travelers are urged to adhere to these closures and exercise caution while traveling. 
 
For further information or inquiries, please contact the Spalding County Public Works Department at 770-467-4774. 
 

Lamar County Sheriff's Incident Report Summary

February 8, 2024
The Lamar County Sheriff’s Office Incident Summary for the week of January 31 through February 7, 2024 appears below, courtesy of the office of Sheriff Brad White:
 
 
 

Monroe County Accident on I-75

R. N. DeVane - February 3, 2024
   A late evening accident occurred on I-75 Southbound just before the rest area in Monroe County. Several People were injured and Transported by EMS. A Monroe EMS unit was involved in the accident. No other info was provided by a very irate Monroe County Deputy County.
 

Shooting Incident on Johnstonville Road

January 30, 2024
 
 
 

Accident on Hwy 41, Engine Out of Car

Photos by R. Neal DeVane
Photos by R. Neal DeVane
R. N. DeVane - January 23, 2024
   A rush hour accident occurred on 41 South of Barnesville Tuesday afternoon. This engine was ejected from a Kia Soul driven by a female who was transported by EMS after LCFR removed the jammed car door from around her. It was reported that a small female child who was belted in her car seat was uninjured at the scene but transported for observation. The accident occurred when the southbound Kia was rear ended by a male subject driving a Chevy Impala. After being struck in the rear, the Kia crossed the center line and struck an oncoming Ford F-350 bucket truck that belongs to the City of Forsyth.
   The driver of the truck stated the he was uninjured. He went on to say he put the truck in the ditch to avoid a direct head-on collision with the oncoming Kia. The driver of the truck was not transported. The Georgia State Patrol Is investigating the accident. Highway 41 was shut down almost an hour.
 

Gordon State College Fine and Performing Arts; A Lineup of Distinguished Guest Artists

Maestro Dallas Bono at GSC - Image courtesy of Karolina Philmon
Maestro Dallas Bono at GSC - Image courtesy of Karolina Philmon
 
From Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager - January 17, 2024
   Gordon State College Humanities and Fine and Performing Arts has begun its 2024 theatrical season with the spring production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." Student actors will have the opportunity to work with guest artists and distinguished performers, a GSC FPA tradition. 
   Maestro Dallas Bono, American tenor and voice teacher, was welcomed by the GSC Theatre Department this past fall semester. 
   “I had a wonderful time working with the incredibly talented students in the GSC Theatre Department. It is so nice to work with students who take pride in their art, diligently prepare, and have the courage to express themselves openly on the stage in front of a complete stranger,” Bono said. “I see brilliant futures for these students and look forward to coming back soon!”
    GSC Director of Theatre Lisa Cesnik Ferguson said the students took to Bono like “a bee to honey” and are still talking about his visit. “He's crazy talented, one of the best teachers I have ever experienced, and his professional creds are off the charts. I knew he would work well with our students because he is a gentle giant,” Ferguson said. “Yes, talented beyond compare but his passion for singing gives him the ability to focus on the art of singing like no one else.”
   This spring's featured guest artist is Lisa Mende, best known for her role as Carol in the 1989 sitcom "Seinfeld". Mende will conduct a workshop in which students will participate in a series of traditional improvisational games. “Improvisation is the best tool in an actor's toolbox. It enables you to truly listen, create wonderful unplanned moments, and think on your feet,” Mende said. “The workshop will be a safe, nonjudgmental space to work without a safety net.”
   "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" will include stage combat choreographed by Scot J. Mann, an award winning fight master. Mann is also president of the Society of American Fight Directors, and a certified teacher through the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat. He has choreographed, performed, and coached theatrical fighting for numerous companies.
   “The incredible network of connections available to Gordon State College students will undoubtedly enrich their lives and open doors to endless opportunities,” Ferguson said. “These connections will serve as a powerful tool for their personal and professional growth, enabling them to acquire invaluable skills that will shape their future success!”
   "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" will run March 7-10, at the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium.
 
 
 
 

Spalding County - Bridge Closures

January 12, 2024
   Several bridges surrounding the Head's Creek Reservoir will be closed immediately and will remain inaccessible until a safe reduction in water levels is observed. This is being done as a precaution due to the significant rainfall on Tuesday, and the additional rainfall anticipated today. Spalding County Director, TJ Imberger, made the announcement in response to the activation of the Head's Creek Reservoir Emergency Action Plan. 
   
List of closed bridges:
 
West McIntosh @ New Salem
South New Salem on dirt portion
Vaughn @ W McIntosh
West Ellis Rd between Parker Rd and Campground Rd
West Ellis Rd between Quail Rd and Vaughn Rd
Moon Rd between Parker and Campground Rd 
 
Suggested alternative routes include:
 
West Ellis Rd east of Vaughn Rd to Vaughn Rd to Hwy 16
West McIntosh Rd to 85 Connector to Hwy 16
Hwy 92 to Hwy 19/41 to Hwy 16
 
For further information or inquiries, please contact the Spalding County Public Works Department at 770-467-4774. 
 

Stabbing Incident at Griffin Walmart

R. N. DeVane - Jan 10, 2024
   A lone perpetrator is in custody after stabbing another person at the Griffin Walmart today. The victim was airlifted to a hospital and is in stable condition. Shortly after the incident at approximately 2:00pm, the suspect was in custody, charged with aggravated assault, and was taken to jail. Apparently, there were many witnesses near the north entrance to the store where and when the incident occured. Neither the perpetrator, nor the victim's identity have been released at this time. BGN will follow this story and report updates as they become available.
 
 


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