Worth It 2 U

Worth County Fire/Rescue responded to a call on Hwy 256 this evening around 6:50 P.M. regarding a car fire that was involved in a wreck. Units were quick to arrive on scene and extinguish a fire burning on the front end of the car. The car had flipped over on its roof in a ditch leaving little room for the driver to escape .

The driver was the only passenger in the vehicle and she managed to get out of the car uninjured. It appeared the car was traveling eastbound and swerved to the opposite side of the highway, leaving the roadway and hitting a sign before flipping over.

Rachel A. Dykes, 21, of Sylvester said, “My first wreck and I totaled my car.” Georgia State Patrol was called to the scene to investigate. Reportedly, Ms. Dykes has a suspended license, expired registration and a failure to appear. See OnScene Photos below:

First Day Fender Bender

The Worth County School 2010- 2011 year began this week and considering new school routing and families adjusting to new routines, all is going well. An accident did occur on Day-1 however involving a school bus in Sylvester. The eastbound bus attempted a left turn off Franklin Street near the Days Inn when it hit a car sitting at the stop sign (blue Ford pictured below). The bus driver made an improper turn according to Sylvester Police Chief Alfred Anderson.

There were no injuries to students on the bus in the incident and neither driver was injured. The damages were very minor according to Anderson. All students aboard the bus were evaluated by EMS.

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WCSO Drug Arrests

The Worth County Sheriff’s Office made several drug arrests in the past few days. Lougene Mack, 48, (pictured) of Sylvester was charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana, loitering or prowling, and obstruction of an officer; Otis Thornton, 28, of Sylvester was charged with possession of crack cocaine and loitering or prowling.

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WCSO also arrested a couple residing together in Worth County; Ashley M. Dollar, 26, and Jack Bradfield, 29, both of Albany. Dollar and Bradfield were each charged with possession of marijuana w/intent and possession of firearm/knife during the commission of a crime. Apparently, at least one child was living with the couple. We will report more details on this story as they are available.

Both subjects (pictured below) were released from Worth County jail on bond.

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Poulan News

Ed’s Truck Stop held their Annual Mullet Dinner at the Poulan restaurant on Labor Day evening. After supper, the Todd Williams Band entertained the numerous guests who brought their lawn chairs and ‘gnat’ fans. Good food and good music. See photos below:

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A Sylvester resident became a statistic of the Georgia State Patrol Labor Day holiday Highway crash reports last night around 11:20 P.M.  Sylvester Police and EMS responded to a wreck reported on Main Street involving a jeep and two parked vehicles.

Irvin (Anthony) McDonald was traveling northbound into Sylvester City limits and had crossed the railroad tracks on Main Street when he apparently lost control of his vehicle. His Jeep slammed into a parked truck which collided with another car (pictured on scene below) on impact. No one occupied the vehicles parked outside of a soon-to-open coffee shop and McDonald was apparently the only passenger in the jeep. He reportedly suffered a face injury, possibly a broken nose. McDonald did not want to comment on scene. Georgia State Patrol was called in to investigate the incident which is likely alcohol related.

The pick-up truck and car damaged belong to the coffee shop owners who were already on scene last night when the incident occured. Pam and Steve Danford are in early development stages of a much anticipated coffee shop, P.M.S. Coffee. The Main Street coffee cafe is reportedly near McDonalds’ own business location. The Danford couple could not be reached for comment and we are currently awaiting SPD and GSP information on the incident.

The GSP Labor Day Holiday period began Friday evening at 6 P.M. and ends Monday at midnight. As of 6 P.M. Sunday, 117 injuries and 7 fatalities (all agencies statewide) were reported as a result of 190 crashes.

Photo on scene of car taken by Patty Diamond; See photos  of Jeep and pick-up vehicles involved below:

PHOTO: Worth Rams play in Asburn tonight and bring home a 49 – 12 victory.

UPDATE BELOW: In Worth County news today, Fire/Rescue responded to and extinguished at least three grass fires reported to E-911. A fire was reported burning in the median of Hwy 300 near the 5-mile marker; grass fires were reported on Jewel Crowe Road in three different areas, and a resident of Groveland Drive arrived home to discover a grass fire in her back yard near a wooded area.

A wreck that occurred during lunch hour today in Sylvester resulted in an ambulance transport of a pregnant female. The wreck occurred at the Livingston Street and Pope Street intersection. Sylvester Police, EMS, and Sylvester Fire responded to the scene. Worth County Fire/Rescue also responded when it was reported the pregnant driver was unable to exit the vehicle due to the T-bone crash impact on the driver’s side of the car. Rescue workers removed the door and EMS transported the driver to the hospital for observation. No visible injuries were reported. Passengers of the car and the Chevy S-10 pick-up appeared to be uninjured and no other EMS transports from the accident scene were reported.

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At approximately 7 P.M., Poulan Police Sgt. Terra Thacker stopped a black Dodge Ram 1500 on Hwy 82 east in Poulan. She requested the K-9 Unit from Sylvester and a vehicle search resulted in a drug related arrest. Sgt Thacker could not give any further details on scene except one subject was taken into custody and the arrest is drug related.

The Ram pick-up is reportedly registered to a Lee County owner. Apparently, the stop was not due to a traffic violation, but based on activity of the suspect.  PPD Chief Larry Whisenant reports details may be available as early as tomorrow (Saturday).

UPDATE: Jacob Childre, 26, of Albany was the subject arrested under charges related to drug possession. Drug-use paraphanalia was also found in Childre’s possession. Sgt Thacker reported today police recovered 14 Oxycodone pills in the search yesterday. Childre was transported to Turner County jail but warrants were issued today and he was transported back to Worth County jail. Reportedly he remains in jail tonight. 

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Check out some of the Worth Rams tonight as they arrive home following a big win in Ashburn against Turner County Rebels. The game final came when Rams were up 47 – 12 and surprisingly went for a 2-point conversion. The attempt was good and the final was 49- 12. Way to go Rams!

Stolen Property Recovered

The Worth County Sheriff’s Office managed to recover a stolen jeep taken on August 26 from Brown Milling & Peanut Co. in Bridgeboro. Sheriff Freddie Tompkins was at work after midnight Friday night when he received word from Lee County that a vehicle matching the description in a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) issued to law enforcement in surrounding counties last Thursday night and throughout the day Friday. Two subjects who were passengers in the stolen vehicle were taken into Lee County custody.

Worth County Sheriff Freddie Tompkins described how the two suspects were discovered Friday night. “They stopped at the EZ-GO store on (Hwy) 520 over next to Doublegate, west of Albany. They were putting some oil in it.” Tompkins said a male subject saw the vehicle and recognized it. He called the female owner of the Jeep and described it to her. “They had a Coffee County tag on it. They had switched the tags,” the Sheriff said.

Lee County law enforcement was notified. Lee County quickly notified Sheriff Tompkins in Worth County. “It was about midnight when they called me. I jumped up and got ready and took off over there.”  Tompkins said Lee County currently has charges on the subjects including a DUI, possession of meth, and theft by receiving adding the vehicle the subjects were originally driving was discovered to be stolen out of Mississippi.

Tompkins said one of the subjects arrested had an Alabama driver’s license and the other a Mississippi driver’s license. “I think they have some relatives that live here on the lower end of Worth County.” The Sheriff believes the individuals may have been living out of their other automobile. “That old vehicle was full of clothes and coffee pots and stuff.”

The Jeep since has been recovered by the female owner. The two arrested who remain in Lee County custody, are Jeffrey Clay Lesley, 49, of Long Beach, MI and Stacy Childres, 42, of Doerun, GA and face charges in Worth County upon their release.

Mug Photos courtesy Lee County Sheriff’s Office:

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Local Police Reports:

 Tavokyo Adams of Poulan was charged with possession of marijuana w/ intent on August 23.

Alan Rashad McCullors, 19, of Sylvester was charged with possession of marijuana w/ intent on August 23.

James C. Polk, 51, of Sylvester was charged with aggravated assault on August 24.

Shannon D. Cooper, 26, was charged with criminal interference with government property when he kicked out a back window of a deputy’s patrol car. He was also charged with disorderly conduct and parole violation.

Walter Curry, 46, of Sylvester was charged with probation violation on August 26.

Teresa L. Schafill, 47, of Sylvester was charged with aggravated assault.

Marlon Salomon, 28, of Ft. Lauderdale, FLA was charged with possession of stolen property (motor vehicle) on August 31.

Ashley Williams, 19, of Sylvester was charged with criminal damage to property 2^nd degree on August 31.

Tavrus K. Stephens, 36, was charged with 7-counts of criminal trespassing (family violence) on August 31.

Walter Curry of Sylvester received further charges on September 1, for loitering or prowling.

Clarence Williams of Albany was charged on September 2, with deposit account fraud.

Warwick

Tiffany Denisha Anderson, 19, Atlanta, Ga., was charged with No Insurance and Loud Music on Aug 26^th.

Leroy Bass III, 22, Cordele, Ga., was charged with Open Container and Window Tint on Aug 28th.  He was released on bond.

Kiyon Devoy Benton, 19, Decatur, Ga., was charged with Possession of Drug Related Objects on Aug 15th.

Jason Lamont Drakes, 36, Steubenbille, Oh., was charged with Speeding and Driving while License Suspended on Aug 23rd.

Dequa L. Harrison, 21, Mingo Junction, Ohio, was charged with Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance on Aug. 23rd.

George Jerome Henley III, 30, Savannah, Ga., was charged with Suspended Registration and Headlight Requirements on Aug 30.

Darius C. Johnson, 19, Decatur, Ga., was charged with Speeding and Possession of Drug Related Objects on Aug 15th.

Jonathan Benjamin Jones, 18, Preston, Ga., was charged with Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Open Container Violation, and Seat Belt Violation on Aug 14th

Henry Lee Morris, 37, Warwick, Ga., was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Public Drunkenness on Aug. 28th.  He was released on bond.

Victoria Lynette Payne,26, Riverdale, Ga., was charged with Suspended Registration, Tail Light Requirement, and No Insurance on Aug. 9th.  She was released on bond.

Garrick S. Richardson, 24, Albany, Ga., was charged with Possession of A Controlled Substance, Driving While License Suspended, Speeding, Tail Light Requirements and Tag Light Requirements on Aug. 9th.  He was released on bond. 

Clarisa Danita Tullis, 29, Albany, Ga., was charged with Tag Light requirements and  driving While License Suspended on Aug. 29th. She was released on bond.

Carlos Vasquez, 23, Tyner, Ky, was charged with Speeding, Tinted Windows, Driving  While Unlicensed and Possession of Fraudulant License on Aug 9th. 

 Leigh A. Ward, 27, Cobb, Ga., was charged with Failure to Maintain Lane, and DUI on Aug 14th.  She was released on bond.

Veronica L. Whitehead, 28, Atlanta, Ga., was charged with speeding and Driving While License Suspended on Aug 23rd.   She was released on bond

 Charde F. Williams, 24, Shellton, Pa., was charged with Speeding and Driving While  License Suspended on Aug 14th.

Elsewhere:

Joshua Wayne Taylor, 27, 105 Azalea Trail, Sylvester, was charged Friday, August 20 by Tifton Police Dept. with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Charles Stacy Watson, 47, 131 Sassafras Lane, Sylvester, was charged Monday, August 30 with possession of marijuana by Tift County Sheriff’s Dept.

SOURCE: Tifton Gazette

Newest Addition to Worth County Sex Offenders list, Larry Saylor, registered 8/24/10 at a Worth County residence.

Check out all local sex offender updates & information

at www.worthcountysexoffenders.com

Worth County Fire Rescue, EMS, and Worth County deputies responded to 143 Tate Road around 11:20 A.M. today when a structure fire was reported at the residence. E-911 had received a call the structure was a barn and another call indicated it was a home. Upon arrival on scene, WCFR determined it was a structure fire with electricity and another home was threatened by the blaze.

WCFR firefighters and volunteers were quick to arrive on scene and contain the fire. The property belonging to Lawrence Fletcher apparently had been sold to someone on a verbal agreement. It was initially reported the fire may have been caused by a cigarette. WCFR reports that after the fire was extinguished and the structure was observed along with interviews,  it may be possible a cigarette is responsible for starting the fire. Three youths were at the home when the fire started but no injuries are reported.

A new doublewide home was situated next to the older mobile home. “It was six feet from the structure burning. They did a good job controlling it,” WCFR Assistant Fire Chief Jason Brooks said. The only damage the newer home received included some melting of the vinyl siding on the back of the home and two cracked windows.

Firefighters had the flames doused within an hour and were leaving the scene after extinguishing hot spots at 1:15 P.M.

See OnScene photos below:

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In Other News

As firefighters were leaving the structure fire scene reported above, Worth Deputies were called to Hwy 313 near Doles when a driver may have caused a Nissan pick-up to wreck. The driver said to have caused the incident fled the scene in a green 1992 Lexus LS 400. The description of the vehicle was provided by a witness, Wendell Tillman, who saw the female driver attempt to pass, which in his opinion caused the truck to swerve and lose control.

“We were all three headed northbound on 313 here when this [Lexus] attempted to pass at the last minute. It’s a 55 mph zone,” Tillman said on scene. “They had already went out in the passing lane to pass me and she jumped out in front of them.”

A witness said the driver laughed as she drove away. The truck attempted to recover but apparently jack-knifed and lost attachment to the trailer carrying corn feed and an ATV. J.W. Griggs of Tifton and his son were headed out to a wooded location to set out corn feed for the upcoming deer hunting season.

After their truck left the road, Mr. Tillman attempted to stay behind the Lexus that failed to stop. He was able to call in a vehicle description as well as a tag number. The information led authorities to a Livingston Street address in Sylvester. A Sylvester Police officer went to the address to find the Lexus and the driver (pictured below in orange shirt). He informed her she needed to return to the scene. Georgia State Patrol Trooper Berger questioned the female upon her arrival on scene and we are awaiting the Trooper to return our call, which is likely Monday, regarding any charges in the incident.

Mr. Griggs said he and his son are fine, “Thanks to the good Lord and good samaritans.”

See OnScene photos below:

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How about a little smile?

One Man’s junk is another man’s …?

Sylvester Home Toilet Bouquet Display

Worth County deputies were taking numerous reports today from county residents of suspected thefts with a  local business also on that list of reports. From 4 P.M. until 5 P.M. alone, three thefts were reported including a home burglarized in Doerun. The burglary reported around 4 P.M. occurred on Doerun Road. A family arrived at their home to discover their house had been broken into through the back door. ”It just makes me mad,” the homeowner said, “because my daughter is 7-years old and she doesn’t want to stay here tonight.”

Still in the process of cleaning up after the incident, the homeowner said he wasn’t aware of what else may be missing, but knew for sure TV’s and guns were stolen.  They also noticed they were missing some lawn equipment. The back door of the home where the thief(s) gained entrance was mostlyglass. “They just threw something through the back door and went in.”

Before the deputies on scene could leave the residence, a theft was reported near the Colquitt County line on Hwy 256. A four-wheeler ATV and a Polaris Ranger was reported missing at the residence. ”It was there earlier. It went missing within a 2 – 3 hour span,” WCSO Sheriff Freddie Tompkins said tonight. The Sheriff arrived on scene with deputies at the Hwy 256 residence.  Also during that time, a deputy was called to Brown Milling & Peanut Co. in Bridgeboro where an older model Jeep is reported stolen.

Each of these three incident locations are situated close to a county line. “Probably going to wind up being the same outfit doing all of it, just out riding the multi-county area,” Sheriff Tompkins said.  

If anyone has any information regarding these incidents, please call the Worth County Sheriff’s Department at 229-776-8211.

As the official opening of the Best Friends Humane Society in Worth County nears, an unfortunate disruption occurred last week when three BFHS board members resigned, including the board’s president Arlene Schippang. Apparently this action takes place following a meeting with Worth Board of Commissioners Chairman Matt Medders in regard to the upcoming opening of the new BFHS facility.

A building is currently in development stages on Ephesus Church Road. The facility has been a goal of the originally elected board and BFHS members for three years. The group has managed to raise an estimated $75,000 through various fund raisers, membership dues and donations during this time.

The elected board voted in 2007 to name their organization Best Friends Humane Society in Worth County. The president stressed the ‘in’ within their title during the public BFHS meeting, so the organization would not be confused as a county owned facility. Despite their efforts to be dependent only to community funding, they would eventually approach the Board of Commissioners and Sylvester City Council for financial support in erecting a building to service the county with a humane society.

The BOC offered monies left over in SPLOST funding for building the Animal Control facility. They suggested building on Ephesus Church Road next to the landfill and relocating Animal Control services to the new BFHS building. Commissioner Bettye Bozeman told BFHS board members there was $92,800.00 remaining in the SPLOST fund. Discussions during the February 9, 2009 BOC meeting also involved the Humane Society contracting with the county to handle Animal Control, with the county creating a budget for animal control operations to include the salary for the ACO. An Intergovernmental Agreement between BFHS and the county would be entered and ‘The Humane Society employee in the roll of the Animal Control Officer would have the authority to enforce county ordinances that pertained to animals’. A groundbreaking was scheduled soon thereafter and BFHS made arrangements to operate under a license to foster while awaiting a building to house their operations.

Under current negotiations from BOC, the BFHS board is being ‘forced’ to take a county employee instead of hiring their own. Schippang asks, “If the county will force one employee on us, what else will the county dictate?” She said the board was told the monies for the animal control officers’ salary, etc. would be given to BFHS, and BFHS would cut the paycheck.  “We weren’t given any options with it, either.”  

A two-year contract also caused concern to the former president in regard to BFHS investing all of their money into an uncertainty of what may occur upon the end of the contract.

“My major concern is the terms of the proposed contract as it stands now; I do not feel they are in the best interest of BFHS and its membership and the ideals the organization formed under…people have worked so hard to get where the group is now for so long.” Schippang said she personally feels that many are so eager to end their struggle and get into the much needed facility that is likely influencing decisions.  “At this point now, I feel they are jumping into the wrong building.”

Former BFHS board Director Deborah Robinson said her reasons for resigning last week are basically the same as Mrs. Schippangs. “It took us three years to raise $75,000.00. My personal opinion is rather than go into a two-year contract with the county; I would rather soldier on for another three years and hopefully have $150,000.00, build our own building and not have to succumb to county demands.” She said that under the foster program of BFHS, the group has had more success than some shelters in surrounding areas in regard to placing animals into homes. “Through everybody’s hard work and dedication, media sources and advertising, I just think we could keep going like that while we do more fundraising.”

In regard to the building already in progress, Robinson said the county could utilize the facility. The current Animal Control location has brought about noise complaints from residents in the area near School Bus Road, “They need to relocate anyway,” she said.

Peggy Snipes, the first of the three to resign (BFHS board Treasurer) said she did not want to comment and BOC Chairman Medders has yet to return calls.

Schippang said she will continue to support BFHS and the principles that launched the organization. “I felt it necessary to resign my post as President of the Best Friends Humane Society in Worth County, though I retain my membership. It has been my honor to have served in that capacity since the organization’s formation in 2007 and I am proud of all the group has accomplished. The membership and supporters are the ones who have made it possible to reach the goals attained, thus far.” 

“I don’t wish any ill will with anyone over this matter. I consider these folks to be friends, valuing the relationships we’ve formed over the past 3+ years. In my heart, I just don’t feel this is the right move for BFHS”, she said adding, “I urge the present leadership to give the entire membership a chance to weigh in on the current status.”

Also, see this story as reported by a local television station by clicking on link below:

http://www.walb.com/global/story.asp?s=13057572

UPDATES: (page bottom)The sight of an apparent gun-shot scene was reported to Worth County E-911 around 6:35 P.M. tonight at the 700 block of Youngblood Road in Sylvester. An off-duty police officer was passing the address when he saw a female at the end of the home’s driveway on a mobile phone and appearing frantic. The officer stopped to check on the lady only to learn there had been a shooting at the residence.

Investigators on scene are not talking about the incident but based on information learned on scene, a possible murder-suicide incurred as a man and a woman are reported dead in the home. The County Coroner was called to the scene as distraught family members quickly arrived at the home.

Until local law enforcement officially release the names we will not report that information. The incident may be turned over to GBI for investigation as they were reported on scene around 8:30 P.M.

10:45 – GBI is still on scene and investigating- the coroner is also still on scene.

12:40 A.M Officials are still not releasing any information and it will likely be Sunday afternoon before any further information is officially released..however, the incident that occurred at 726 Youngblood Road, though unconfirmed, does appear to be a murder-suicide situation. We will report details as the information is released. The coroner reportedly did not leave the scene until 11:40 P.M.

1:30 P.M. Sunday- Coroner confirms autopsy is to be performed on the female victim. GBI secured a search warrant for the home and are on scene today.

Billy R. MIller , Sr., 68, and his wife Sarah L. Miller, 66, are the deceased. Both bodies will be taken to the Crime Lab for autopsies.. Mathews Funeral Home may be handling the funeral arrangements.

Aug 23- GBI is still investigating the incident. Agent GBI Agent Mark Pro said this morning, their are no updates in the incident. “Agents are still doing interviews and a neighborhood canvas,and we will be meeting with some family members this afternoon.” Agent Pro said there was no note found at the incident scene that GBI is aware of. Information on a  possible motive has not yet been released by officials.

Billy Miller was a former police officer in Dougherty and served as a city commissioner for the City of Albany for 18 years. Mrs. Miller was an RN. She has worked at the local health department and the Worth Primary School. The obituaries of Mr. & Mrs. Miller are now posted on this site.

Poulan Police Chief Larry Whisenant, along with PPD Officer Donnie Scott, arrested two subjects around 12:30 P.M. today on North Cotton Street in Poulan. Poulan Police units had stopped a 1999 Ford Explorer registered to an Adams subject. The male driver and male passenger were placed into custody after a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of nearly an ounce of suspected marijuana. 

Chief Whisenant said his department had previously received information of possible drug activity occurring at a Cotton Street home near the actual traffic stop. After PPD witnessed the suspects en route near the home, they initiated the traffic stop that would lead to the marijuana discovery.

Around 4P.M., PPD had secured a warrant to search Adams’ home located at 212 N. Cotton Street. While still involved in the search, Chief Whisenant stated they had located more suspected marijuana behind the home, and  ‘baggies’ used for distribution and related paraphernalia within the home. Chief Whisenant said Adams was charged earlier today with possession of marijuana with intent, and the passenger charged with possession of marijuana, less than an ounce. The search of the home however, was still ongoing at 5 P.M. 

We will update as information is released by PPD. See photos below:

Third Crash for WCSO

A Worth County deputy is involved in the third wreck a county deputy has been implicated in since July 5, with the last two occurring only a few days apart. This afternoon around 3:10 P.M., Deputy Andi Douglas was in a wreck that involved another vehicle on Sumner Lakes Road in Sumner. The driver of the car struck by the deputy’s car was Thajuana Crutchfield.

Ms. Crutchfield said she was on her way home, turning on to Sumner Lakes Road where she resides. Only blocks before reaching her home, she said she noticed the deputy’s car leaving a neighbor’s residence, traveling up the driveway to the roadway. “I saw her and I was assuming she saw me. But the closer she got to the end of the road, she didn’t stop, and bam, she just hit me,” Crutchfield said.

The deputy’s car hit the driver side front panel and door of Crutchfield’s Acura Legend. Her 6-week old grandson was also in the car. E-911 contacted EMS to respond to the incident site to evaluate the baby. No parties were transported and no injuries reported. Ms. Crutchfield said her arm was hurting and she would be going to a doctor to have it looked at. She said she was wearing her seatbelt and her grandson was also secure in his infant seat at the time of the crash.  She also stated she saw no visible signs of minor injuries to Deputy Douglas. 

See previous wreck incidents by clicking links below:

1) http://worthit2u.net/?p=9113   2) http://worthit2u.net/?p=7537

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Hicks Sworn In to Serve Worth County

Worth County suffered a great loss when longtime county employee and the county’s elected clerk of Courts, Jo Ann Powell passed away over the weekend. The Clerk of Court office was closed Monday for funeral services and criminal trials scheduled for the week were cancelled.

Tuesday morning, Worth County’s Chief Deputy Clerk, Brenda Hicks was sworn in to serve as Clerk of Courts until January 1, 2011. A Special Election will be held in November to elect a new Clerk of Court for Worth County to serve the remaining two years of the term. When asked if Mrs. Hicks would be a candidate in that election, she said it is something she is considering. “I didn’t realize that Jo Ann had so much trust in me. And so many people have told me that and I just really do not want to let her down as well as Worth County…I’m thinking about it.”

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One of the best things about Summer Vacation is Vacation Bible School. Photos below are from the Sylvester Church of Christ in Sylvester held last week:

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A few scenes from Saturday’s Egg Festival Pageant:

PHOTO/WCSO

Rex Thomas, 17, of Moultrie was charged on August 6th with child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, and sexual battery. He is currently out on bond.

WCSO

Bryan C. Marshall, 48, of Sylvester was charged with possession of controlled substance and possession of cocaine on August 2.

Frederick Jackson, 32, of Sylvester was charged with obstruction of an officer on August 2.

Sitongue Jackson, 31, of Sylvester was charged with possession of marijuana on August 2.

Arthur Lee Clark, Jr., 36, of Sumner was charged with parole violation on August 3.

Ronald Thomas, 32, of Warwick was charged with probation violation on August 2.

Timothy Fowler, 39, of Poulan was picked up on an order for incarceration on August 4.

Dequanna D. Blakely, 19, Worth County jail, was charged with probation violation on August 5.

Stacy Craig, 43, of Doerun was charged with battery on August 9.

Jason D. Cross, 31, of Sumner was charged with simple battery (family violence) on August 9.

Franklin Smith, 48, of Sylvester was charged with theft by taking on August 10.

Toscani Warren, 33, of Albany was charged with probation violation on August 10.

Arthur Brown, 64, of Albany was charged with theft by deception on August 10.

Robert Nipper of Sylvester was picked up on an order for incarceration on August 11.

Kenyentate F. Hamilton, 25, was charged on August 11 with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana w/intent, and obstruction of an officer.

WARWICK

Jonathan Vance Handley, 29, Cordele, Ga., was charged with Illegal Possession of Controlled Substance on July 23.

Bradley Rishard Street, 21, Cordele, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Revoked, Driving on Suspended Registration and Taillight Requirements on July 26^th.  He was released on bond.

Michelle Sharla Lawler, 33, Austell, Ga., was charged with Driving with Suspended registration and No Proof of Insurance on July 28th.

Vashone Cortez Roberson, 35, Macon, Ga., was charged with Expired License plate/decal and speeding on July 25^th.

Travon Elliot Duhart, 26, Albany, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Revoked and Tag Light Requirements on Aug 4^th.  He was released on bond.

 Jeremell Antwaun Reedy, 27, Savannah, Ga., was charged with Speeding, Following too Closely, Open Container Violation, and reckless driving on July 30^th.

Samoria Rachel Austin, 24, Atlanta, Ga., was charged with No Insurance and Speeding on Aug 4^th.

Eddie Cobb, 28, Pelham, Ga., was charged with Driving While License revoked and Speeding on Aug 5^th.  He was released on bond.

Brandon Clay Phillips, 24, Whigham, Ga., was charged with Obstructing Law enforcement Officers on Aug 4^th.

Casey Lee Phillips, 21, Fayetteville, Ga., was charged with DUI, Open Container, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane and Speeding on Aug 5th.  He is currently in jail.

Amy Calhoun Porter, 26, Cordele, Ga., was charged with No Insurance and No Brake lights on Aug 6^th.

Kimberly Weekley, 44, Atlanta, Ga., was charged with Speeding and Distracted Driver Law on Aug. 4^th.

Tramaine Renee Wortham, 31, Atlanta, Ga., was charged with Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Permitting Another to Operate a Vehicle without Insurance, and 5 counts of False Identification on Aug. 4^th.  She is currently in jail.

Johnny Matthew Drayton, 39, Greensboro, Tn., was charged with Driving While License Suspended and Tag Light requirements on Aug 9^th.   He was released on bond.

Roderick B. Gervin Jr, 20, Albany, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Suspended and Tag Light Requirements on Aug. 6^th.  He was released on bond.

Jose Lopez, 21, Cairo, Ga., was charged with Driving while unlicensed and Speeding on Aug. 8^th.  He was released on bond.

Clemmie Nichols, 21, Metcalf, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Suspended and Tag Light Requirements on Aug. 8^th.  He was released on bond.

Alan Patridge, 48, Warner Robins, Ga., was charged with Speeding and Driving While License Suspended on Aug. 7^th.  He was released on bond.

Larry Roger Thomas, 55, Orlando, Fl., was charged with DUI, Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Tag Light Requirements on Aug. 7^th.  He is currently in jail.

Darius Vasquez, 22, Tyner, Ky., was charged with Speeding, Tinted Windows, Driving While Unlicensed, and Possession of Fraudulent License on Aug 9^th.  He is currently in jail.

Fredi Lopez Galvez, 26, Rocky Point, NC, was charged with Driving While Unlicensed and Improper Lane Change on Aug 9^th.

POULAN:

Andre Grees, 25, of Albany was charged on July 24, with theft by receiving stolen property (tag stolen), no tag, driving while unlicensed, and no insurance.

Racarda Blackmon, 17, of Leslie, GA was charged with speeding, no insurance, and no tag on August 8.

James McNamara, 27, of Forsythe, GA, was charged with driving while license suspended and window tint on August 8.

*ELSEWHERE:

Jeffrey Ray Leverett, 34, 230 W. Broad St., Poulan, was charged Thursday, August 5, with driving without insurance and two safety restraint violations. TPD

Mersadez Necole McDonald, 19, 203 Worth St. Apt. B, Sylvester, was charged Wednesday, August 4, on a bench warrant. TPD

Katie Lynn Holtz, 29, Sumner, was charged Tuesday, August 3, with DUI, driving without a valid tag/license plate and driving without a license on person. TCSO

*SOURCE: Tifton Gazette

Worth County Deputy, Ben Jenkins,28, was on duty around 4 P.M. this afternoon as heavy showers fell in various parts of Worth County. He was traveling north on Hwy 313 in Warwick when a down pour caused excessive water over the roadway and his car hydroplaned.

Georgia State Patrol Trooper Kirk stated the northbound car was about two miles south of  Warwick city limits. “He hydroplaned and lost control… he hit the ditch, went airborne, came back down and slid side-to-side.” The car came to rest near a Scuppering grape vineyard.   The deputy himself called in the accident calmly reporting he had just hydroplaned and wrecked and requested a deputy’s assistance. Deputy Tommy Adams was on scene to assist as well as Warwick Officer Charles Barnhill.

Jenkins refused medical transport but finally boarded for EMS transport to Phoebe Worth for observation. He reported pain in his upper back and suffered a few lacerations on his shoulder. Trooper Kirk said Jenkins was released within hours and the deputy is doing fine. See OnScene photos below:

UPDATE 8/18  Below: Jerry M. Slappy , 62, of Hwy 256 near Norman Park in Worth County is hospitalized following a wreck last night at County Line Road in Acree. Dougherty County dispatch reports the call was reported to 911 at 10:31 P.M. Thursday night. Slappy was traveling towards Sylvester nearing County Line Road on Hwy 82 when a small S-10 truck driven by 17-year old Donald Beebe pulled out to cross the highway. Slappy’s motorcycle t-boned the truck, hitting the rear side panel. Beebe told Dougherty County Police he did stop at the stop sign situated on the corner of Hwy 82 and south County Line Road, but he did not see the motorcycle when pulling into the intersection.

Dougherty County Police Chief Donald Cheeks said Slappy remains at Phoebe Putney Hospital following surgery today. He was not aware of any injuries to the out-of-state driver, Beebe, but stated Slappy sustained a few serious injuries. Apparently he has two broken legs, broken pelvis, and internal injuries but is reported stable as of this afternoon.

Aug. 18  – Phoebe Putney reports today Slappy is in fair condition. We will continue to report on his condition.

Photo submissions as taken at Quality Wrecker service Friday:

Three Strikes

Katie Lynn Wheeler (previously Katie Holtz) made media headlines throughout southwest Georgia in 2008, when she was tazed while in handcuffs by a Poulan officer. The incident later led to the termination of the Poulan Officer and a few lawsuits filed. Wheeler was in police custody of Worth County in the August 2008 incident, but reports indicate she (listed as residing in Fitzgerald at the time) was uncooperative and the deputy who placed her in handcuffs called for assistance in getting Ms. Wheeler into the patrol car.

The deputy originally responded to a Sumner home address where Wheeler’s husband resided. Mr. Holtz called for police assistance around 1:30 A.M. August 8, 2008, stating his wife, was behaving in violation of a temporary restraining order he previously issued against her, apparently in conjunction with divorce action. The deputy located Katie Wheeler Holtz nearby.

As back-up arrived, there would be two deputies on scene and the Poulan officer. The PPD officer used her tazer on the subject apparently still refusing to enter the patrol car. Wheeler was transported to Phoebe Worth by EMS for observation following the incident, according to court records. Reportedly, upon EMS arrival Wheeler was standing and talking. She was later released into Worth County’s custody where she was jailed. Open records indicate that at nearly 6 a.m., a jailer reported finding Wheeler on the floor of her cell ‘having what appeared to be a seizure’ and called EMS to the jail. Wheeler was transported to Phoebe Worth again and had allegedly suffered injury at some point of the cervical spine, requiring surgery.

Wheeler was later transported to Phoebe Putney in Albany where Sheriff Freddie Tompkins visited her prior to her surgery, according to records. Medical bills were sent to the Worth County Sheriff’s Office and then turned over to the county’s Board of Commissioners. In a public meeting, County Attorney Clarence Miller told commissioners to send the bills to Poulan. Documents indicate Poulan eventually settled with Wheeler receiving a ‘financial settlement from the city in an amount sufficient to cover her medical expense’.

Ms. Wheeler did not stop there however. She has a current civil action case listing a number of allegations in pursuit of payment for medical expenses against Worth County, Sheriff Tompkins and two Worth County deputies.

Within days following the ‘tazer incident’ and while Ms. Wheeler was still in her neck brace , she was photographed in a police mug shot when a Georgia State Patrol officer arrested her for DUI and open container violation in Tifton. Following her case settlement with the City of Poulan and more recently, the 29-year old was arrested for another DUI in Tifton listed in the report as residing in Sumner under a Post Office address only. The July 2010 Tift County Sheriff’s Office arrest report indicates Ms. Wheeler was charged with the DUI, DUI alcohol test refusal and a felony charge of cocaine possession. She was released on bond two days later, according to TCSO Public Information Officer, David Haire.

Two weeks later, Ms. Wheeler was arrested again and charged with a DUI. This police report would also include her being charged with no license, revalidation decal not displayed, alcohol test refusal, possession of cocaine (felony), possession of barbiturates, possession of schedule II drug (felony) and more. She was driving in Tifton at Southwell Blvd. and I-75 when a TCSO deputy stopped her around 3:15 P.M. for the tag decal issue. Her case was assigned the following day to the Drug Enforcement Unit.

As charges are still pending for Ms. Wheeler for the original ’08 charges in Sumner of aggravated stalking and obstruction of an officer, as well as her lawsuit against Worth County, she remains in the Tift County jail without bond.

Photos: Courtesy TCSO

Week Begins with Home Lost to Fire

This morning at approximately 10 A.M., Worth County Fire/Rescue, EMS, and Worth County deputies responded to a reported structure fire on James Road in Albany. The single wide mobile home is located in Worth County at 276 James Road, off Thomas and County Line Road. A unit responding en route from the Spring Flats Road area reported smoke was visible from that location and witnesses on scene reported visible flames in the child’s room of the home.

The female living at the residence, Crystal Castleberry, and her small child made it safely out of the home and watched from the roadway as firefighters extinguished the blaze.

WCFR Assistant Fire Chief Jason Brooks said the fire started in the child’s bedroom with the cause of fire yet undetermined. He said Ms. Castleberry reported she was walking through the hallway of the home and ran into the smoke. “It scared her,” Brooks said adding that is when she and the child quickly fled the home.

Units were leaving the scene at 11:30 A.M. with the home under neighbors’ watch for any threat of reigniting. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

To help Ms. Castleberry and her family replace items lost in the fire or to make a monetary contribution, please call the Worth County Fire/Rescue headquarters for information at 776-8223 

See OnScene photos below:

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Big Mac Attack?

Worth County Deputies, Sylvester Police, and EMS quickly responded to an alleged shooting on Carter Road around 10:15 P.M. last night (Sunday).

Units responding were told the shooting victim was lying in the road. The subject who called in the emergency informed E-911 he was ‘down the road’ from his home when he heard what he thought was multiple gunshots. Upon returning home, he claimed he saw the subject who was apparently shot but breathing.

Before officials would arrive on scene however, E-911 reports to units in response that the incident could be that of a prank call. Upon finding no one victim of a gun shot wound, deputies questioned subjects at a Carter Road address where the call apparently was made to E-911. The deputy on scene learned the caller has a mental disability and had neglected to take his medication. The subject reportedly told officials he called E-911 ‘because he wanted to go to McDonalds’.                                                                                                                                                                         

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A funeral service for Worth County outdoorsman and TRA cowboy Donnie Culpepper was held Saturday followed by a horse and carriage interment service. The weather was sunny as the funeral service took place inside Northside Baptist Church, but as the carriage departed from the church traveling down Westberry Street in Sylvester, the rain showers began. The interment service took place at Red Oak Cemetery in Warwick.

The first annual Worth County/Sylvester Night Out Against Crime was a huge success tonight as hundreds came to Jefford’s Park in Sylvester supporting a  united stance against crime in the community. The event proved to be positive and informative, as well as an exceptional family event and community gathering. The public in attendance was able to learn pertinent information regarding fighting crime and in identifying drug activity in a community. Law enforcing officials of every category, city and county, were in attendance to meet the public.

Numerous sponsors stepped up to support the effort in Worth County’s fight against crime. Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Rackley said once the fliers started going out announcing the event, sponsors immediately began calling to find out how to support the cause.

See On-Scene photos below: Also check out this website for more pics and video: http://georgia.exclusiveaccess.net/content/2010/08/09/national-night-out/?nggpage=5

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Worth a Mention segments on Worthit2u.net are proudly sponsored by:

Animals dominate today’s headline news  for Worth County in two seperate reports below. OJ of Poulan is pictured right. (See his story below.)

A Worth County deputy in the area of Warwick-Ashburn Road in Warwick around 10 A.M. this morning reported to the Sheriff’s office his discovery of abandoned dogs and chickens at the 2244 street address. The dogs were apparently confined without food or water.

Sheriff Freddie Tompkins said the owner of the home requested the deputy’s company as the female tenants belongings were put outside of the home due to eviction. The tenant apparently had already left the home, those belongings and her animals.

Upon finding the animals, the deputy requested the service of Animal Control who immediately responded. At least two dogs were taken to the Animal Control facility in Sylvester where they are likely to be euthanized..

Two young cats, along with a few chickens remain on the property. A passerby provided fresh water for the animals considering recent days resulting in a heat index average nearing 106. Worth Animal Control can handle and shelter dogs only at this time. The incident remains under WCAC investigation.

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As the Animal Control officer was in response to the Warwick animal case, Poulan Police were responding to a 911 dispatch regarding a horse attacking a female on West Church Street. Upon arrival, the officers determined the horse was not attacking the woman but apparently reacting in distress when his head became lodged between two aluminum fence gates. The horse’s owner, Nikki Osborne, attempted to free the horse but his own attempts to gain freedom became dangerous to her. Help came from a neighbor in restraining the horse until police arrived.

The fence gates were tied together and used to separate the horses from the hay bales, according to Nikki. The horse, OJ, obviously decided he wanted hay from the other side of the fence, she said, and that is when his head became lodged.

As OJ was calmed and distracted by hand-fed hay and water, Dr. Pierce of Countryside Animal Clinic injected the horse with a mild relaxant that enabled participants to lift the gate over OJ’s head. For his compliance, OJ was rewarded with cool water and a nice helping of hay. Nikki received a few bruises but was fine and relieved her horse was uninjured in the incident.

Pictured: Georgia Forestry officials plan clean-up early this morning following last night’s storm. 

Storms Hit Sunday Night 

Sunday night’s storms caused some minor damage and power outages all over Worth County. At approximately 10:20 P.M. thunder& lightening along with heavy rains and wind first hit the west end of Worth County. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the county until 11:15 P.M. Some power outages were reported until nearly midnight before electricity was restored. Just following the midnight hour, the majority of the city of Sylvester had a power outage to include the E-911 dispatch center. The outage was brief however. 

The storm led to numerous reports of downed trees and threats of fire. A tree fell on top an Old Mail Road home and a garage on Hwy 313 lost its roof to the high gusty winds. As rains tapered off and the storm moved through the county, emergency officials were working to place a tarp over the roof of the GA forestry building. A tree had caused damage to the roof, a hole in the ceiling of which a deputy on scene reported as approximately 8-inches in diameter. E-911 had several calls over the course of the evening, but it was difficult for rescue officials to get into some areas due to downed trees and flooding over roadways.  

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Motorcycle Wreck: Driver Flees 

Sylvester Police and EMS responded to Worth Street Friday night when a two-vehicle wreck was reported involving a motorcycle and SUV vehicle. Skid marks from the 2001 yellow Kawasaki motorcycle were seen on the pavement where the driver apparently attempted to stop before hitting the front end of the oncoming Ford Explorer traveling on Hardy Street. Two adults and three children were in the Ford when the incident occurred and were transported to Phoebe Worth for observation. 

The driver of the motorcycle fled the scene and police were searching for the male whose description was provided by the owner of the motorcycle. The owner claimed he did not know the subject driving his motorcycle but witnessed the accident. The SPD officers on scene did not have a name for the suspect Sunday evening. 

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Sanctuary at First Baptist  

The First Baptist Church in Sylvester provided an extraordinary night of entertainment Sunday as the church presented a musical ministry program entitled, Sanctuary. The church’s senior adult choir performed with orchestra in a moving worship (pictured) service. Solos were performed by Jeanie Carte, Glenda Giles, Babs Thomas, Chris King, and Peggy Bowen. Song titles Until Then and Written Down were performed by soloists/trios including Janie de la Moriniere, Emily Brooks, & Ed Ramos, and Carole Fricks, Babs Thomas, & Judy Coleman. 

Make plans to attend yet another musical, sure to be enjoyed by the entire family, on Sunday, August 29, presented by the Community Children’s Choir.  The children’s project is called God’s Plan for Salvation (GPS) and involves not only children of the First Baptist Church, but from the overall community. For more information, contact Sylvester FBC at 776-3337.

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BFHS/Chamber Delicious Fundraiser 

The Best Friends Humane Society and the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce sold BBQ plates in T.C. Jefford’s Park Saturday as a fundraiser. The plates included pulled pork from Boston butts cooked overnight Friday, slaw, beans, bread and pound cake. Curb side service was available and all customers, even the furry ones, were eager to contribute to the cause. 

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At 10 P.M. tonight Sylvester Police, Worth County Deputies, Worth Fire Rescue and E-911 were still busy after an electrical storm passed over parts of the county. At 9 P.M. a heavy down-pour occurred in the Isabella area and emergency units were called to a one-vehicle wreck on Hwy 313 about a mile past Red Rock Road. The male driver was unharmed and told officials he attempted to dodge something in the roadway, hydroplaned and went off the road.

At 9:40 P.M. a power outage occurred reportedly in Poulan, Sylvester, and the Isabella and Red Rock area. The outage lasted only seconds before power was restored, but caused numerous business and residential alarms to go off as well as the Poulan Severe Weather warning alarm sounding until after 10 P.M. Deputies and Fire/Rescue were dispatched to Poulan-Shingler Road where a power pole had apparently caught fire. Units also responded to New Hope School Road where WCFR reported a possible fire within a wooded area, but were unable to get their trucks in the area. GA Forestry was called to search and investigate and was still in the area around 11 P.M.

Earlier this evening, at approximately 7:50 P.M., a Worth County Deputy and EMS responded to Mill Branch Road when a male subject was allegedly run-over by a golf cart. He was transported to Phoebe Putney in Albany. We will report more on this story as it is available.

At 12:50 P.M. today, Sylvester Police, EMS and Worth Fire/Rescue units responded to East Street in Sylvester near the Greater New Birth Missionary Baptist Church when two vehicles collided. The male driver of the Red Dodge pick-up complained of neck pain and was transported to the hospital for observation. The 88-year old female driver of the Nissan car complained of chest pains and was transported to Phoebe-Worth hospital. OnScene photos of this incident below:

Mathew D. Walker, 21, and Michael Roberts, 21, of Red Rock Road in Sylvester was each charged this week with several counts of theft by taking and criminal interference with government property. According to Deputy T.J. Farmer who led the investigation, the subjects are charged with stealing batteries/parts out of county machinery including motor graders and a front end loader. The two were caught attempting to steal a lawn mower recently when they were caught.

Walker is currently charged with 4-counts of theft by taking and 2-counts criminal interference of government property.

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Roberts is currently charged with 6-counts of theft by taking and 2-counts of criminal interference with government property.

Both subjects are out on bond. PHOTOS: courtesy WCSO 

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WCSO & SPD

Gabe Davis, 66, of Sylvester was charged with possession of marijuana (ounce or less) and pedestrian under the influence on July 7. SPD

Christopher M. Williams, 20, of Sylvester was charged with obstruction of an officer on July 10. -SPD

Leroy Hamilton, 35, of Sylvester was charged with obstruction of an officer on July 10. – WCSO

Tony Farley, Jr., 20, Worth County Jail, was charged with obstruction of an officer on July 12. – WCSO

Christopher E. Hope, 45, of Albany was charged under contempt order on July 12. – WCSO

Nathanial Walker, 23, of Sylvester was charged under a contempt order on July 12. – WCSO

Aaron Hawk, 52, of Tifton was charged with 2-counts of Burglary on July 13. – WCSO

Leslie A. McRay, 24, was charged with 2-counts battery (family violence), 1-count cruelty to children (felony), and 1-count 2^nd degree child cruelty, (misd.) on July 13. – WCSO

Donnie Smith, 24, of Sylvester was charged with crossing guard lines with weapons/drugs/intoxicants on July 19. – WCSO

Antwon T. Roberts, 17, of Sylvester was charged with criminal trespass on July 21. – WCSO

Leonard Lashley, 35, of Sylvester was charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness on July 22. – SPD

Earnest Wilson, 22, of Sylvester was charged on July 13, with battery (simple). – SPD

Nakeshia Jones, 22, of Sylvester was charged on July 14, with shoplifting – less than $200. –SPD

David Wayne Lott, 18, of Sylvester was charged with 2-counts of disorderly conduct- fighting on July 16. – SPD

Earnest Dale Mitchell, 29, of Sylvester was charged with disorderly conduct – fighting on July 17. – SPD

Tiffany C. Rhodes, 23, of Sylvester was arrested – wanted person, on July 17. – SPD

Jessica Woodard, 23, of Sylvester was charged with disorderly conduct – verbal…, on July 17. -SPD

Sharron Konta Slade, 25, was charged with probation violation on July 20. – SPD

Anthony T. Richardson, 28, of Sylvester was charged on July 22 with battery (simple). – SPD

James Monroe Fraley, 53, of Poulan was charged on July 23 with improper U-turn and DUI- alcohol 1^st offense. – SPD

Taurus Keon McMillan, 36, of Sylvester was charged on July 26, with battery. – SPD

Brian Williams, 23, of Sylvester was charged with battery (simple) on July 28. – SPD

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WARWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT

John Clifford H. Green, 31, Gray, Ga., was arrested for probation violation on July 7^th.

Dareius Marquis Jackson, 22, Warner Robins, Ga., was arrested for probation violation on July 8^th.

Markyvous Vontues Clay, 19, Warner Robins, Ga., was arrested July 6^th for probation violation.

Jermaine Preston, 28, Leesburg, Ga., was arrested for probation violation on July 5^th.

Aliya Jannise W. Jones, 23, Smyrna, Ga., was charged with Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Firearm without a Permit, and Giving False Information to an Officer on July 6^th.  She was arrested.

Leon Michael Brown, 42, Albany, Ga., was charged with Driving on a Suspended Registration and No Insurance on July 8^th.

Dontavis Tarall Grace, 29, Albany, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Suspended 2^nd Offense and Taillight Requirements on July 9^th.  He was arrested.

Lee Ernest Alford, 51, Warwick, Ga., was charged with Affray, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Law Enforcement Officers, Refusal to Disperse, Simple Assault, and Criminal Trespass on July 13^th.  He was released on bond.

Mareo Tnell Thomas, 29, Warwick, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Revoked, Fleeing, Safety Belt Violation, and Obstructing Law Enforcement Officers on July 17^th.  He is still at large.

William Howard Woodyard, 25, Cordele, Ga., was charged with Illegal Possession of A Controlled Substance and Improper Backing on July 21^st.

William Smith Jr., 61, Cordele, Ga., was charged with Driving While License Revoked and Failure to Maintain Lane on July 17^th.  He was released on bond.

Jose Miguel Freundt, 35, Tallahassee, Fl., was charged with Driving While License Revoked and Speeding on July 18^th.

 Anderson F.  Delpino.  26, Providence, R.I., was charged with Driving While License  Revoked, Speeding, and Expired License Plate on July 19^th.  He is currently in jail.

Doris Dean Williams, 50, Warwick, Ga., was charged with Affray on July 20^th.

Tashia Yahaca Floyd, 29, Warwick, Ga., was charged with Affray on July 20^th.

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POULAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

During the Road Block/ Traffic Stops held in Poulan Friday, July 23, that involved a joint effort between law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties, Poulan Officer Donnie Scott reports 48 citations were served. Although a few were charged with open containers and tested for D.U.I., no one was charged with driving under the influence during the road block that lasted over four hours.

13 –arrests were made with charges involving driving without a license, driving under suspended license, and no insurance. Two subjects were arrested for possession of marijuana, less than an ounce.

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Elsewhere:

Source: Tifton Gazette

Cromer Lawyer Moate, 43, 215 West St., Sylvester, was charged Sunday with public drunkenness. July 11 TCSO

Mitchell Jefferson, 46, 2089 Highway 256, Lot 12, Sylvester, was charged Wednesday, July 14, with a probation violation. TCSO

Randy Lamar Finch, 56, 1776 Ephesus Church Road, Sumner, was charged Thursday, July 22, with financial transaction card fraud. TCSO

For recent updates on sex offenders residing in Worth County, click http://www.worthcountysexoffenders.com/

Find below the Worth County Middle School 2010-2011 school supply lists. Pre-K and Worth Elementary were previously posted (along with Open House schedules) and can be obtained by clicking here.  Also, The Worth County School System CRCT Scores 2010 are available below for review.

Green – Above state

Yellow – Equal to state 

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Remember to shop local and look for the Stop & Shop sign for additional savings

In Worth news, Worthit2u.net covered three events this week including the Margaret Jones Library Summer program’s 2nd Annual Talent Show, the organizing of the upcoming Night Out Against Crime, and a special service this morning in Sylvester. The unveiling of the monument set up in Jeffords Park (pictured) to honor team members of Life Flight (whose lives were lost while on duty) was held this morning at 10 A.M. Rescue workers from Worth County loaded up in groups aboard their service vehicles to attend. Many family and friends of the team lost 10-years ago today also attended with some sharing memories of Stick Ealum, Bart Bradshaw and Renee Welch Chapman. The service was emotional at times but also maintained an upbeat demeanor, as the family wanted, in spirit of the group memorialized. See photos below of each of the above mentioned events:

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Sylvester Police Captain Margaret White and Sylvester-Worth Chamber Director Karen Rackley, along with numerous officials, are working very hard to make the upcoming Night Out Against Crime a huge success. A few of the law enforcement representatives were on hand Friday for a photo at Sylvester’s Police Department. Pictured below (L to R) Warwick Police Officer Charles Barnhill, Poulan Police Chief Larry Whisenant, GSP Trooper Scott McClure, SPD K-9 Unit Kevin Griffith and Tofic, Sylvester City Manager Debbie Bridges, SPD Officer Sean Carr and SPD Chief Alfred Anderson.

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The planning committee of the event also met on Friday to further discuss the big event that has accumulated nearly 50 local sponsors so far. Entertainment may include a list of singers, cloggers, an inflatable slide, a clown, and music played throughout the day from D Gray’s Entertainment and DJ Magic Man. Free food will be served at the event and there will also be cotton candy, cookies, peanuts, and more. Plenty of fun for the whole family as Worth County stands up against crime in our communities.

The 1st annual event is scheduled for August 6. Contact the Chamber for more details at 776-7718.

The committee at work:

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The Margaret Jones Library in Sylvester has a summer reading program each year for Worth County kids. For the second year, the library has held a Talent Show and this year’s event brought to center stage plenty of young talent. While judges made the tough decision of the winners, the audience was also treated to a performance by last year’s winner, Tori Smith (yellow dress) Check out this year’s performers below:

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Winners: 3rd Place- Faith Parker, 2nd Place Eddie Souter, and 1st Place,  Green Sisters

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Welcome from Worthit2u.net-  to Sylvester Fire Department’s newest firefighter, Casey Chapman!

A roadblock is currently ongoing on Hwy 82 after 11 P.M. in Poulan as PPD is joined by Lee County, Warwick, Georgia State Patrol, DNR Law Enforcement, the Department of Public Safety, and M.A.D.D. The joint effort is conducted each year with this particular road block involving over 50 law officials.

Not good news for unlicensed or uninsured drivers however. An undetermined number of drivers were charged with driving with no license or suspended license, D.U.I., drug possession, as well as a huge crack down on child restraint.

At 11:20 P.M., a female Hispanic driver fled the roadblock in a black Ford F150 before showing a license only to be stopped by Sylvester Police following a dispatched description of the vehicle. Poulan Police picked up the subject and returned her to the scene.  We will report arrest results as they are available. See OnScene photos below:

A fire that started near 1 P.M. at Mobley Plant Co. on Hwy 133 North in Moultrie required man power from various fire departments in Colquitt and surrounding counties. Worth County firefighters were called in around 2:30 P.M. to assist. WCFR Assistant Chief Jason Brooks said the WCFR crew assisted at the back entrance of the warehouse fighting  fire and smoke, but he eventually instructed his crew to leave the building as the structure became noticeably unstable. Brooks said, “The middle of it had already gave way.” WCFR  returned to Sylvester near4P.M. “We filled two of their tankers up before we left back to Worth County,” Brooks said.

A Colquitt County police officer on scene said the fire began this afternoon in the warehouse located behind the business greenhouses. Fire reached plastic containers used for planting and the flames quickly spread. The Worth County Fire truck on scene was not used, however the Worth tanker truck helped provide water supply and several WCFR firefighters were assisting on scene. See OnScene photos below:

Worth Lifestyles

Worthit2u.net is preparing yet another addition to our website to include wedding and birthday announcements, remembrance and personal commemoration submissions, military recognition and more.
From our official beginning October 1, 2009, we have asked for input on how to serve our visitors better where local information is concerned. By popular demand, Worthit2u.net will provide this addition beginning within the next few weeks.

To submit an entry/announcement to this new segment, email to news@worthit2u.net or send to Worthit2u.net, ATTN:  Worth Lifestyles, P.O. Box 175, Sylvester, GA 31791. Make sure to provide your contact information.  Submissions not including photos can also be faxed to 1-800-934-8107.

For pricing/payment information, call the Worthit2u.net office number – (229) 638-0844.

 Announcements, such as weddings and birth announcements on our site will be public information online, which means easy access for distant family members including those in military operations. Plus, this information is available to access online for years to come, which has become the most effective tool for genealogy searches worldwide.

Be aware, by submitting a photo(s) you are consenting to our use for this purpose and confirming your rights to the photo.  

This will be a great addition to Worthit2u.net, a website designed especially for Worth County citizens and loved ones, near and far.

Update…Worth Lifestyles is now active and has it’s first announcement posted.

Click on the Lifestyles Tab  to see who has a birthday today!

Ten years ago in Worth County, the Phoebe-Worth Medical Center in Sylvester was known as Georgia Baptist Hospital and the facility operated a helicopter unit known as Life Flight 3, utilized in conjunction with the hospital’s emergency medical service.

On July 24, 2000, a crew of three was returning to Sylvester from Savannah via helicopter after transporting a critically ill patient to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Hospital Shift Supervisor Holly Bailey said her shift would initiate a search when Atlanta dispatchers contacted her near 3 A.M. reporting they were unable to contact the Life Flight pilot. According to EMS/Life Flight Director Jimmy Hudson, the crew did not fly out in the usual Life Flight helicopter, but instead a blue and white helicopter used for back-up.

“[The hospital] called me about 3:00 in the morning…” Typically on Sundays before he went to church, Hudson said he would have breakfast with the crew. The early morning phone call would report the Life Flight crew had not been responding to contact attempts from Atlanta. He instructed some of his team at the hospital to go towards Ty Ty to see if the helicopter might have had some mechanical trouble and had to land in a field. “I got up and took off in the EMS car and we started searching,” Hudson said.

 “We contacted the Sheriff’s Department here and in Tift County to help search.” He said what started as only a few people quickly turned into about 500 people searching for the helicopter. Apparently one of the paramedics saw smoke later that morning in Sumner at C.A. Harrell Farms. It would be the remnants of the helicopter they were searching for, a scene which indicated there were no survivors. The helicopter was only 5-minutes from touch down.

Michael Ray ‘Stick’ Elam, 28, Renee’ Welch Chapman, 29, and James Barton ‘Bart’ Bradshaw, 31, died in the crash that initiated a unified mourning throughout the state of Georgia.

The story of Life Flight in Worth County and the ending of those three lives, begins with the passion for saving lives by everyone involved.

With a helicopter service at the Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta and in Cummings, Jimmy Hudson set out to learn what it would take to get a medical helicopter service in Worth County. At the time he said there was no such service available south of Atlanta to transport patients in a critical state. He was told if he could raise the funds for the service a helicopter may be provided. Hudson went to surrounding EMS centers to gain support for the service. He explained its importance in conditions such as having trauma patients or heart patients that require quick transport to Emory or burn victims needing to go to Augusta or Atlanta, etc. “They said ‘yeah, they would love to have one’,” Hudson said.

Mark Taylor was Lt. Governor of Georgia at the time and Hudson started meeting with Taylor to get the ball rolling. Needless to say after a series of meetings, proposals, and handshakes a grant and funding was achieved along with a great deal of support.

 The landing pad and fuel station was set up at the hospital in Sylvester and applications were then taken for a nurse and paramedic per shift so the service would operate 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Pilots were hired through Atlanta.

Lisa Hamsley worked as a Nurse in Phoebe Putney’s ER and during that time, worked closely with Stick and Renee at that facility. “I remember when they both found out that Life Flight was coming to Sylvester and when they both found out that they got the jobs.” Ms. Hamsley apologized for crying as she spoke, “They were so excited that they were gonna get to do that. And I know that when they died, they died doing what they loved.”  

“They were not only good with their patients they were extremely good with kids. A lot of people don’t go into medicine for the right reasons. But those are two that did. When they went to work they went because they loved it. You will not find two more wonderful and dedicated people to do what they did.”

Hamsley said that during the Flood of ’94, she contacted Renee to assist her in an emergency clinic set up in east Albany. Several of the injured were flown by military helicopter. “We flew the patients back and forth, and I think that when [Renee] did that, is when she fell in love with flying…Not a day goes by I don’t think of them.”

Jimmy Hudson said after the helicopter was finally assigned to the hospital they were required to prove its service beneficial and put it to immediate use. “We started landing on scene. We landed on I-75, We landed here in Worth County when they would have a wreck and different things. We started taking transfers from hospital to hospital.” Hudson would attend several meetings to prove the service essential in time sensitive situations and numerous Georgia doctors agreed.

He recalls the many patients lives saved because of the service including a small boy who had drowned in a pond in Sylvester. Hudson said the team on duty resuscitated him and ‘Life Flighted’ him to Atlanta. “He’s about 13 or 14 years old now.” Another instance was a Warwick farmer whose arm got caught in a combine and he was flown to emergency care. The man has since told his story of survival at various events, giving credit to Life Flight services.

Hudson said FAA investigated the incident and ruled the crash was due to ‘Pilot error’. But Hudson tearfully expressed, “I will never believe that. I will go to my grave believing something happened to the helicopter, something mechanical. [Bart] was one of the best pilots we had.” 

Pilot Bart Bradshaw was a certified flight instructor and a pilot for ten years. According to the National EMS Memorial Service, Bart had relocated his family in May, 2000, to accept the pilot position with the Southwest Georgia Life Flight Service that had formed a month earlier.

Former EMS Paramedic Randy Balkcom worked as Stick Elam’s partner for about 5-years in Dougherty County. “It ended up being a very entertaining five years to say the least,” he said, “with Mike being the fun nature that he was.” Because of Renee’s history as a nurse in the ER, Randy said he was also friends with her for several years. He happened to be leaving Savannah and headed to Charleston when he received a call from Dougherty County the morning of July 24, 2000, reporting the Life Flight helicopter was missing. He turned around to head to Sylvester, but within the hour he learned both of his friends were on the helicopter and they had not survived.  “Five hours driving back, it was very emotional, coming home by yourself and having to deal with that.”  

Renee’s sister, Lois Braswell of Sylvester said she was told by Renee’s EMS Director that her sister would write on her paperwork she turned in that she loved her job and ‘I have the best job in the world. I can’t believe you pay me to do this.’ Ms. Braswell said Renee’s motto was ‘Nobody dies on my watch’.

In January of this year, Stick Elam’s sister Allison Peugh and her cousin Mary Mckinny of Rockledge FL, acknowledged July of this year would mark a decade since the tragic event. She said, “I knew we needed to do a tribute for the 10th year.” She approached the City of Sylvester with an idea of a monument to pay tribute to the lives lost from the Life Flight team. Although Allison had to overcome many obstacles along the way, she along with many supporters, has achieved her personal mission to have a memorial set up in honor of the three heroes.

“I know Michael, Renee, and Bart are in our hearts and minds but I wanted something to show that. That’s why we decided on a monument that can be seen and to be around for a long time so we can tell our great grandkids about it…We want people to come out, see the ‘unveiling’ of the monument, have a few people speak and say a prayer and just remember them together.”

Michael Ray Elam was to be a father just weeks following his death. Allison said her brother was very excited about being a father and that he helped his wife Kristi decorate the baby’s nursery. Dougherty County EMS Director Bobby Tripp is quoted as saying, “He would have been such a wonderful father.” Allison said her niece, McKenzie Ray, will be 10 on August 19th.

When Randy Balkcom first teamed up with Stick, he said his partner who loved the movie Top Gun, wanted to coin their paramedic team ‘Maverick and Goose’ after the main characters of the movie. Randy said he and Stick went out one day visiting a few print companies to purchase a decal made in the color to match the ambulance that would read ‘Maverick and Goose’.

“During the course of that drive we were cutting up about it,” he said. “In the midst of it I said, ‘Well, you know Goose died in the movie’. And that’s when Mike (Stick) said, ‘Well if I could die doing what I love, then I will love the way I die’.” To that Randy said, “Now I understand it.”

The unveiling of the monument ceremony will be held at T.C. Jefford’s Park this Saturday beginning at 10 A.M.

For more information on the Life Flight crew, visit the National EMS Memorial Service website at www.nemsms.org

 See photos (submitted by Allison Peugh, Holly Bailey, and Jimmy Hudson) below:

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Bart Bradshaw

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Renee´ Welch Chapman

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Michael ‘Stick’ Elum

McKenzie>>

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Worth a Mention segments on Worthit2u.net are proudly sponsored by:

Tonight’s local election likely produced some surprising results. The Republican race for Worth County Commissioner District 2 included incumbent Fred Dent and Mack Sutton. Sylvester and Poulan votes were the first precincts to report. From the first to the final precinct Sutton led in total votes and finally won the primary with the unofficial result placing Sutton at nearly 66 percent of the votes; - Dent - 251, Sutton - 486. Sutton will run against Democrat contender James ‘Speed’ McDonald in the November election.

The BOC District-3 seat will remain served by incumbent and Republican Bettye Bozeman as she was unchallenged over all in the election. However, 420 supporters still cast a vote for Bozeman in the district consisting of Isabella, Doles, Warwick, Red Rock and Oakfield.

BOC District-4 incumbent Jerry Childree (D) will face republican challenger Billy McDonald in November. McDonald, a former county commissioner led in votes by over 63 percent in the district against republican opponent and newcomer to politics, John J. Kopke. McDonald – 313, Kopke – 182.

Republican hopeful for Georgia Governor, Eric Johnson, made a recent visit to Worth County. It obviously paid off for the candidate as he took the majority of votes in Worth in the republican primary. Statewide results however, will lead to a GOP run-off between Nathan Deal and Karen Handel scheduled for August 10. The runoff election winner will face former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes who swept nearly 54 percent of the votes tonight against six other Democratic contenders.

The Democratic race for Lt. Governor resulted in Carol Porter defeating Tricia C. McCracken with nearly 70 percent of the votes, which is exactly how results between the two candidates were reported in Worth County, Porter – 508, McCracken – 220. Porter will face Republican incumbent L.S. Casey Cagle in the November 2, 2010 General Election.

Election results are unofficial and will not be complete until the week of July 26.

For more Georgia Election results and Run-off election information visit www.sos.ga.gov .

At 4:45 P.M. this afternoon, Worth County Deputies, Fire/Rescue and EMS were in response to wreck reported in Sumner. Calls made to E-911 reporting the car’s location led emergency response units to north Souter Road, Shingler-Sumner Road, and Jones Road before the vehicle was finally located on Hogan Road.

The Jeep Liberty was traveling around a curve on the dirt road when the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and hit a dirt embankment. The SUV flipped on its side narrowly missing a power pole. Passengers included driver Timothy N. Mathews, 21, and his wife Mandi K. Mathews. Mandi was transported to Tift Regional with unknown injuries and Timothy was also transported for observation. Both were reported to be out of the vehicle and alert at the wreck scene.

Georgia State Patrol Trooper Lisa Stocks said the couple had been drinking. Mr. Mathews is charged with DUI and driving too fast for conditions. The couple apparently lived on Philip Causey Road previously but currently reside in Ft. Stewart, GA. according to a military ID Mr. Mathews presented to the GSP Trooper. See more OnScene photos below:

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West Trial Gets Continuance

The trial previously scheduled to begin next week for the state of Georgia case vs. defendant Troy Dale West, Jr. in Clayton County is in continuance. The Clayton County District Attorney’s office reports a conflict with West’s attorney’s schedule. Apparently, Atlanta attorney Tony Axam is scheduled to be in federal court at least three days  next week in Alabama.

The trial date was originally set in January to be tried beginning Monday, July 19, 2010. Axam’s notice of conflict was presented before the court on July 8, and filed on July 12. The order was filed as Judge Geranda V. Carter signed off on the Superior Court document yesterday.

The rescheduled date for the jury trial is set to begin on October 18, 2010 at 9 A.M.

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Candidate for Georgia Governor Visits Sylvester

Georgia Governor candidate, Senator Eric Johnson, stopped by the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce yesterday morning to visit with Worth County citizens.

The event turned out guests such as State Representative Ed Rynders, Sylvester Mayor & Mrs. Bill Yearta; Sylvester City Councilman Randy Hill; Sylvester City Manger Debbie Bridges and Assistant City Manager Tommy Bozeman, and Sylvester Police Chief Alfred Anderson; EDA representatives including Director Greg Sellars, EDA board member Mike Garvey, and EDA Administrative Assistant Judy Banks,; WCBOC Clerk Felicia Smith; Chamber Board Chairman Brian Pike; Bo Slack, Bob Monk, Presilla Carter, Jenny Pike and more.

                                                         Political ad paid for by the candidate

**Chamber of Commerce facilities statewide serve as a community venue for each political party and all candidates for such visitations.**

 See photos below:                                                                        

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Ground Breaking Ceremony Held for Cordele’s Inland Port

A ground breaking ceremony took place Wednesday morning in Cordele for the much anticipated inland port. The partnership formed between Crisp County/ Cordele Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and Cordele International Services (CIS) had to overcome quite a few obstacles within a 7-year period to get to these beginning stages.

The vision is becoming reality however, as the first development phase began this week. Reportedly, the first of two phases is scheduled to be in operation by this fall. Located in the 800- acre Crisp County IDA developed industrial park on Hwy 75, the Cordele Inland Port will provide rail service to and from the Port of Savannah. The first phase of the intermodal operation will be capable of handling up to 20,000 lifts.

What does this mean to Worth and surrounding counties?  President and CMO, CIS, Jonathon Lafevers responded indicating the potential 3,000 jobs will be a tremendous boon for Cordele and surrounding areas.

“The most common benefits to areas surrounding new transportation infrastructure come from new job creation by companies that have located new facilities around the transportation entity.  Because our area is so rural, people often have to drive relatively long distances to find work.  It is not uncommon for some employees to drive 45 miles one-way to work for certain employers.  Crisp County’s close proximity to Worth County should provide Worth County residents an opportunity to find work without having to displace their families to do so.” 

“Economic development in poor and disparaged areas is exceedingly difficult.  Our new project, in a way, takes on the mantra that ‘if you build it, they will come’ to some extent.  Although we have been actively marketing our new service to local shippers (and the response has been overwhelming) the ultimate goal is to have large importer/exporter companies build facilities directly adjacent to our inland port.  These are the types of companies that would potentially hire hundreds of people to staff their new assets.”

 Lafever further explains, “Additionally, the trickle down affect benefits all aspects of the community.  New residents boost populations and that can help to expand the tax base.  All of the service providers to those new residents benefit as well.”

“Finally, large projects like the inland port get the attention of lawmakers and political parties that have influence on where tax dollars are spent.  Hwy 280, which parallels the rail line, is under review for widening, largely to better facilitate truck traffic to/from inland port.”

Worth County representatives at Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony included Chamber President Karen Rackley and Worth County Economic Development Authority Director Greg Sellars.