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P.O. BOX 967, 800 N. JEFFERSON ST. MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 31061

(478) 452-1909 Title Pawn Bail Bonding

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May 28, 2015Volume 15, Issue 22 8 pages, 1 section • $1

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Murder suspect: Armed, dangerousBy Judy BaileyThe Baldwin Bulletin

A teen wanted in the weekend shootingdeath of a Milledgeville woman remains on

the lam.Dontavious Dixon,

19, continues to eludepolice despite a MiddleGeorgia search effort.Police say Dixon isarmed and “extremelydangerous.”Milledgeville police

say Dixon shot andkilled Jaquishia Smith

with a small caliber handgun and also shother mother, Robin Canty.Smith, 25, was pronounced dead at

Oconee Regional Medical Center.

She was shot multiple times. An autopsywas conducted Wednesday at the GBIcrime lab, according to Baldwin CountyCoroner John Gonzalez.Canty, 47, was transferred to an area

hospital and has since been released. Dixon argued with the women at a West

Thomas Court residence Friday nightbefore the shooting.Dixon is on probation for a 2012

burglary. The court sentenced Dixon to 10years probation, fined him $1,000 andordered him to pay $3,400 restitution,according to court records.Milledgeville Police Department turned

to social media during the weekend towarn residents about Dixon and seek thecommunity’s help in locating him.“BOLO MURDER SUSPECT MilledgevillePD Detectives are currently seeking

Dontavious Janard Dixon. He is wanted formurder and considered armed andextremely dangerous,” said the May 23Facebook post.A second post added a $1,000 reward.

“Macon Regional Crimestoppers is offeringa $1,000 reward for anyone who comesforward with any information that leads tothe location of Dontavious Dixon,” postedTuesday to Facebook.“We would like to thank the public and

Facebook users for helping spread theBOLO information on Dixon. Because ofyour help the BOLO has reached nearly40,000 people.”Milledgeville detectives ask anyone with

information to call 478-414-4000.If you wish to remain anonymous, you

can leave a message on the tip line by call-ing 478-424-4413.

Dontavious Dixon

Meet the Candidates

Thrower, Burrell and Griffin vie for mayoral post

See profiles of candidates Gary Thrower, Melba Burrell and Floyd Griffin and election information on Page 6.

Local industryexpands intoWilkinson Co.

Judy Bailey/The Baldwin BulletinZschimmer & Schware will build a $15 million plant on a40-acre tract along Gordon-McIntyre Road near the FallLine Freeway between Ivey and Gordon.

By Judy BaileyThe Baldwin Bulletin

Zschimmer & Schware will build a new plant inWilkinson County offering new jobs and businessopportunities.The announcement came Wednesday from the

Development Authority of Wilkinson County.“The Zschimmer & Schware plant breaths new

life into the county’s development plans,” saidJonathan Jackson, development authorityexecutive director. “The plant is a good fit for ourdevelopment priorities — creating jobs andincreasing the tax digest.”The Germany-based company operates a plant

in neighboring Milledgeville — currently its onlyNorth American location. The company’s $15 million expansion plant will

sit on a 40-acre tract owned by the developmentauthority situated on Gordon-McIntyre Road nearthe Fall Line Freeway between Ivey and Gordon.The site location is what sealed the deal for the

company’s multi-million dollar expansion, Jacksonsaid.“They needed rail access to transport raw mate-

rials into the plant and ship their products to theirclients,” Jackson said. “We have an active rail lineadjacent to the property owned and operated byNorfolk Southern that feeds into lines leading toSavannah and the port authority there.”Zschimmer & Schwarz is a family owned, medi-

um-sized chemical company with headquarters inLahnstein, Germany. Founded in 1894 it has plants and operations

in 15 countries.The company researches and manufactures tai-

lor-made chemical compounds and specialties forthe ceramic, fibre, leather and fur, textile, cosmetic

Local repo man remains jailed on theft chargesBy Judy Bailey

The Baldwin Bulletin

He used stolen wreckers to steal cars,trucks, trailers and even a semi for metroAtlanta, law enforcement officers say.

Wilkinson CountySheriff’s Office arrest-ed and jailed repoman Tracy Ford onFriday, accusing himof stealing as many as60 vehicles worth$500,000.Ford remained

jailed Wednesday,charged with theft by

receiving stolen property. No bond had been set by press time.Sheriff Richard Chatman asked neighbor-

ing Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee tohelp with the case Thursday.Deputies in both counties have recov-

ered stolen vehicles from Ford’s lots inBaldwin and Wilkinson counties.Ford operates Ford's Recovery and Body

Shop and Hooker's Recovery with locationsin both counties.Most of the vehicles were stolen from

Clayton and Gwinnett counties and othermetro Atlanta areas, said Capt. Brad Kingwith Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.“All the wreckers were stolen so I would

assume he used them at some point (to

steal other vehicles),” King said. “We have13 vehicles including trucks, a semi andseveral trailers stored in our impound lot.”Ford faces charges in both counties, Kingsaid.“He will face a dozen or more counts of

theft by receiving stolen property — felonygrade — here,” King said.

Tracy Ford

Judy Bailey/The Baldwin BulletinA semi and three wreckers confiscated by Tracy Ford’s lots remain impounded at BCSO.

See DEVELOPMENT, Page 4

STEMversitySummer Academy

Page 5

Memorial forFallen Heroes

Page 8

From staff reports

Georgia College's OldGovernor’s Mansion and theSallie Ellis Davis House willparticipate in the Blue StarMuseums Program this sum-mer. Blue Star Museums is acollaboration with theNational Endowment for theArts, Blue Star Families, theDepartment of Defense andhundreds of museums acrossAmerica.The program continues

through Labor Day, Monday,Sept. 7.Throughout these months,

active and retired militarymembers and their family willgain free admission to themuseums.“This is just one way we can

show our support and thanksto those who have served andcontinue to serve in the mili-tary,” said Matt Davis, directorof the Old Governor’s Mansionand the Sallie Ellis DavisHouse.“We hope many people will

take advantage of the programthis summer by coming tovisit the Old Governor’sMansion and the Sallie EllisDavis House.”Visit gcsu.edu/mansion or

call 478-445-4545. To learnmore about participatingmuseums, visit bluestarfam.org

(478) 452-2148

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY

Preferencesare important...

Don’t settle.

Roy Tollison

Mr. Roy Morris Tollison, 74, passed away Sunday, May 24,2015. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, May 27,2015, in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home of Milledgevillewith the Rev. Ralph Story officiating.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude

Children’s Research Hospital.

Mildred Layfield

Mildred Browning Griffin Layfield entered into rest Saturday,May 23, 2015. Funeral services were conducted Monday, May25, 2015, in Williams Funeral Home Chapel. Intermentfollowed in West View Cemetery.Contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church or

to Milledgeville First United Methodist Church. The family maybe contacted at the home of her daughter, 189 LakeshoreCircle N.E., Milledgeville, GA.Mrs. Layfield was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church

where her late husband was pastor. She was a Sunday schoolteacher, secretary and treasurer for many years and a devoutChristian. She retired from Central State Hospital in the eyedepartment. She was a member of the Red Hat Association.

Van Roberson Layson Sr.

Funeral services for Mr. Van Roberson Layson Sr., 85, willbe conducted Thursday, May 28, 2015, at 2 p.m. in FirstBaptist Church in Eatonton with the Rev. Bill Kitchen and theRev. Keithen Tucker officiating. Interment will follow inEatonton Memorial Park.Mr. Layson was a lifelong resident of Eatonton. He was a

retired superintendant of Putnam County Schools, a formermember of the Kiwanis Club of Eatonton and a member ofFirst Baptist Church of Eatonton.

Ida Monroe

Mrs. Ida Belle Blankenship Monroe, 92, passed awayTuesday, May 19, 2015. Funeral services will be conducted at1 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2015, in the chapel of Williams FuneralHome in Milledgeville with interment at the Georgia VeteransMemorial Cemetery at 2:30 PM.Ida was an avid golfer, bowler and bridge player. The family

will receive friends immediately following the service at thefuneral home.In lieu of flowers expessions of sympathy may be made to

the Salvation Army.

Bennie Ellington

Mr. Carmen Benjamin "Bennie" Ellington, 72, passed awayTuesday, May 19, 2015.Funeral services will be conducted Friday, May 22, 2015, in

Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Milledgeville with the Rev.Klay Aspinwall and the Rev. Larry Glover officiating. Intermentfollowed in Heritage Memorial Park.Mr. Ellington was a native of Valdosta and had made his

home in Milledgeville since 1963. He was retired from CentralState Hospital and was a member of Sinclair Baptist Churchwhere he had served as a a deacon for many years.

Sheryl Ann ‘Nina’ Childree

Sheryl Ann “Nina” Childree, 67, passed away Friday, May22, 2015. Graveside services were held Saturday, May 23 atScenic Memorial Gardens.Mrs. Childree was a native of Bibb County but lived most of

her life in Milledgeville and Haddock. She was a retired schoolbus driver with Baldwin County School System.

The Baldwin Bulletin May 28, 2015

— Obituaries —— Opinion—

City budget makers shouldconsider market conditions

Hospital authority reassuresstaff, community about future

On Tuesday, May 19 my wife and I attended the city councilwork session that was dedicated to city budget discussions.I believe we were the only two simple citizens in attendance

other than the three mayoral candidates and the people whowere active in the budgeting process.As individuals we all are mindful of our financial health.On Sept. 11, 2001, every life in this great country was perma-

nently changed forever.Since then “We the People,” have endured many challenges.

Wars have been fought.A financial meltdown arguably as serious as the Great

Depression is still upon us.Home equity has been lost. Jobs have disappeared or gone

overseas.Decisions made on a federal level also have changed our way

of life.As a result of the aforementioned challenges plus others, we

have all learned to adapt to “market conditions.”It is simply a new way of life.Due to my previous comments, I felt it important to observe

the budgeting process for the city.For those that do not know, attendees are permitted to

observe.By writing this opinion, I hope our city leaders will

consider some of my recommendations since it is out of order tospeak during the meeting.I was pleasantly surprised with many of the questions and com-

ments that were made by council.The “institutional” knowledge of our city’s elected and appoint-

ed officials is remarkable.It was made clear that the proposed budget was not final but

PublisherGriffin Lovett

Executive EditorDuBose Porter

EditorJudy Bailey

InternClay Roper

Sales ManagerBrandi Kittle

136 S. Wayne St.Milledgeville, Ga. 31061

[email protected]

The Baldwin Bulletin is published weeklyin Milledgeville, Ga., by Herald Publishing Company.The Baldwin Bulletin neither guarantor assumes anyliability whatsoever for advertising claimsor products. The Baldwin Bulletin reserves the right toedit or refuse any advertising based on content.

Letters to the editor are welcomed and encour-aged. They do not necessarily reflect the views andopinions of The Baldwin Bulletin or its advertising.

All letters must include the writer’s name, addressand telephone number for verification purposes only.Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be published.We reserve the right to edit for content and/or length.

Mail letters to The Baldwin Bulletin, 136 S. WayneSt., Milledgeville, Ga. 31061 or email to [email protected]

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See OPINON, Page 5

Free admission during Blue Star program

As you know, last week, the Board agreed to accept Ms.Aycock’s decision to resign her post as CEO. We look forward to receiving the formal resignation letter

and will confirm with ORMC staff and the broaderMilledgeville community once the documentation is complete. As with all personnel matters, we are not in a position to

discuss the particulars about her decision and departure.The Board will soon be determining a specific process to

identify and name an interim CEO as well as the longer termsearch process. In the meantime, the community can continue to count on

great care from ORMC thanks to the dedication and hard workyou put in each and every day.

In addition to keeping you apprised of where things standwith regard to Ms. Aycock’s resignation, we also want to letyou know that ORMC has been in touch with the AttorneyGeneral’s Office and is cooperating fully with them as theyexplore an allegation regarding Open Meeting requirements. We are also doing our own internal review. We believe ORMC has been in full compliance with the

Open Meetings requirements, and we take seriously ourresponsibility as a trusted community asset. We will keep you updated with any developments.We sincerely appreciate your continued focus on what you

do so well every day — taking excellent care of our patientsand their families.

— David GrosecloseHospital authority chairman

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� ARIES (March 21 toApril 19) Still operatingunder a full head of self-esteem makes you want totackle a matter you hadshied away from. OK. But besure to arm yourself withfacts before you make amove.

� TAURUS (April 20 toMay 20) That smart moveyou recently made caughtthe attention of a lot of peo-ple, including some withfinancial deals to offer. Useyour Taurean wariness tocheck them out thoroughly.

� GEMINI (May 21 to June20) Shyness might keep youfrom asking for more infor-mation on a potentiallyimportant matter. But yourcuriosity grows stronger bymidweek and gives you theimpetus for data-gathering.

� CANCER (June 21 toJuly 22) Taking on too manytasks may not be the wisething to do at this time. Youmight overspend both yourphysical and emotional ener-gy reserves, and have tomiss out on some upcomingevents.

� LEO (July 23 to August22) Try to keep your spend-ing at an affordable level.Splurging now — especiallyon credit — could create aproblem if your finances aretoo low for you to takeadvantage of a possibleopportunity.

� VIRGO (August 23 toSeptember 22) You mightnot approve of a colleague'sbehavior during much of theweek. But don't play thejudgmental Virgo card here.

As always, check the factsbefore you assume theworst.

� LIBRA (September 23 toOctober 22) Coping with anold issue that has suddenlyre-emerged could take a bigtoll on your emotional ener-gies. Decide whether youreally want to pursue thepossibilities here.

� SCORPIO (October 23 toNovember 21) For all yourskill in keeping your secretssafe, you could be unwit-tingly letting one slip out bythe way you're behaving inthat new relationship. Arecongratulations soon to bein order?

� SAGITTARIUS(November 22 to December21) Good old-fashionedhorse sense could help youget around those whounknowingly or deliberatelyput obstacles in your way.Ignore the confusion andfollow your own lead.

� CAPRICORN (December22 to January 19) A puzzlingattitude change in a col-league from friendly to chillymight stem from a long-hid-den resentment suddenlybubbling up. An open andhonest talk should resolvethe problem.

�� AQUARIUS (January 20to February 18) This week,

many ever-generous Aquarians might find them-selves feeling an acquisitiveurge. If so, indulge it. You'veearned the right to treatyourself to wonderful things.

� PISCES (February 19 toMarch 20) Expect to get alot of advice on how to goabout implementing yourplans. But once you've sort-ed it all out, you'll probablyfind that, once again, yourway will be the best way.

� BORN THIS WEEK: Youenjoy the quiet times ofyour life, but when you're inthe mood, you can throw aparty everyone will want togo to.

Julia Mae Ingramreclining in her chair

Jane Waldhauerand Zipper

Fielding Whipplewith his grandchildren

Salomes StarsHoroscopes — Ask an Old-Timer —

What is your favorite beach activity?

“Nothing. There’s nothing onthe beach that I like. It’s hotand it’s sandy, and I don’tcare about digging up shells.If I was going to the beach,I’d go to the Gulf because it’sbluer.

On vacation. “I like to lie back somewhere in theshade and watch other folks runaround and get blistered.

The Baldwin Bulletin | 478-452-1777

From staff reports

The Second Middle GeorgiaUsher’s and Sisters Mission isscheduled for noon Sunday atGreater Mount Zion BaptistChurch on Harrisburg Road. The speaker is pastor Corey

Smith. The public is invited.

Second MiddleGeorgia Usher’sand Sisters Missionon Sunday


By Amye MeltonThe Courier Herald

With vacation season upon us I am miss-ing Florida.Don't get me wrong — I love my home

state of Georgia. But the warmer weatherhas me longing for long walks on thewhite sandy beaches and fresh seafood.After a recent visit to the Gulf coast, I

have had a craving for seafood gumbo.Fortunately, my freezer was stocked with

most everything I needed.This gumbo is loaded with succulent

shrimp, oysters, crab and crawfish.Crawfish are freshwater shellfish that are

commonly raised in freshwater ponds.However, you will find them listed under

seafood at most restaurants.If you don't care for crawfish, you can

replace them with additional oysters, crabor shrimp if you prefer.This gumbo has a kick to it.If you are sensitive to heat, you may

wish to adjust the seasonings to yourtaste.I like my gumbo slightly thick and usual-

ly have extra filé to have on hand, just incase I need it.It is best to add the seafood about 20

minutes before serving to avoid overcook-ing.Serve your gumbo over steamed rice

with plenty of garlic bread.

— Not Just Sunday Dinner —Shrimp Gumbo

INGREDIENTS:1 c. vegetable oil2 c. all-purpose flour1 c. diced yellow

onion1 c. celery1 c. diced green bell

pepper1 tbsp. minced garlic1 c. chopped green

onions, divided1 1/2 gallons water1/2 lb. fresh or

frozen okra1 (10-oz.) can Rotel

1/2 tbsp. salt1/2 tsp. black pepper1/4 c. Old Bay

SeasoningLouisiana hot sauce,

to taste1/2 tsp. crushed red

pepper flakes2 tbsp. Paul

Prudhomme's SeafoodMagic2 tbsp. Cajun sea-

soning2 tbsp. dried basil2 tbsp. dried thyme

2 1/2 lb. peeled anddeveined shrimp (70 to90 ct.)1 lb. crab meat1 pint fresh oysters2 to 3 oz. Pure

Ground Gumbo Filé

DIRECTIONS:Make a roux in a

large heavy pot overmedium heat. Add oilto pot and heat overmedium heat, addflour, it will sizzle

when it's at the cor-rect temperature.Use a whisk and stir

constantly. Stir until itreaches the color ofpeanut butter. Do notburn.Add onions, celery,

bell pepper, garlic,and 1/2 c. greenonions. Cook untilingredients arecooked down.Add water, okra,

Rotel, and seasonings

and bring to a boil.Reduce heat to lowand simmer at least 1hour.Add seafood and

continue to cook onmedium for about 15to 20 minutes.Taste for seasoning.

Add file to thicken.Stir in remaining

green onions andsimmer a few moreminutes. Serve overrice in bowls.

and cleaning industries.The Georgia Department of Economic Development point-

ed company executives to the Wilkinson County site.The local development authority has worked with the

company during the past 12 months to finalize the locationfor the plant.

The company will start with 25 to 30 jobs, drawing fromapplicants throughout Middle Georgia.

That number could grow to 60 within four years, Jacksonsaid.

“We are talking about highly-skilled jobs,” Jackson said,“like chemists to lab techs and office staff to operators.”

Frank Wall Jr., longtime chair of the DevelopmentAuthority of Wilkinson County, said the project marks theculmination of years of background work undertaken bydevelopment stakeholders.

“We are beyond excited to welcome this expansion intoWilkinson County,” Wall said. “We have worked long andhard towards this kind of development and the work is pay-ing off. We are not in the real estate business, we are in thejob creation business for this community, and Zschimmerand Schwarz is a great fit for our community."

DEVELOPMENT from Page 1

Eighth Annual Family Fun DayFrom staff reports

The 8th Annual Family Fun Day is scheduled for noon to 5p.m. Saturday in the Pecan Grove at Central State Hospital.

The event offers a chance at scholarships, prizes for youngand older and even a chance to win a car.

Event organizer Tracy Harper will present three $500 schol-arships to students facing hardships.

Free hot dogs, chips, drinks, cotton candy and snow cones.Youngsters can play volleyball, games and on a playhouse

waterslide.Entertainment includes clowns and live music.

Camp Christian Trail Run

Contributed photoCamp Christian Trail Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 18 at CampChristian in Gordon. Call 478-946-1122 for information.

simply a starting point fordeliberations.

Days prior to this meeting, Ianalyzed every single line itemfor every single department ofthe city.

When finished with myanalysis, I compared the Cityof Milledgeville with the finan-cial data of our biggest jobscompetitor, the City of Dublin.

Between my analysis and theproposals/discussions from thebudget meeting, I came awaywith many observations.

Significant changes to theproposed new budget com-pared to the existing budgetrevealed some very interestinginformation.

Our city manager listed whathe considered were the mostsignificant of these changes.

The proposed budget indi-cates that revenues willincrease approximately$393,000.00.

The original proposed budg-et indicated that expenses willincrease approximately$536,000.00.

Simply put, the original pro-posed budget would have thecity spending approximately$143,000.00 more than theywould receive.

In order to balance revenueand expenses the presentationindicated a reduction ofapproximately $47,000.00 inrecreation and a reduction ofapproximately $96,000.00 ineconomic development!

There was a discussion toincrease legal representation byapproximately $65,000.00.

The purpose of this requestwas to have an in house attor-ney that would be available 20hours per week since the cityattorney is not always avail-able.

This request was made by

our city manager for his dailylegal needs.

The legal department alreadyhas a budget of $146,000.00.

Many council membersvoiced their concerns andopposition due to what wasalready budgeted and consid-ered enough by many of them.

I applaud their staunch rea-soning that the city shouldreceive more legal representa-tion than what they arepresently receiving.

Another interesting topic wasincreasing the city managerbudget under public relationsfrom $3,000. to $15,000.

The single largest, potentiallyvariable, expense was a 10 per-cent increase in health insur-ance of$255,000.

The proposed HealthInsurance Budget is $2.8 mil-lion.

According to budget recordsprovided by the city and infor-mation on the city’s website,health insurance premiumsaverage over $12,000 per yearper employee.

The oddity here is that therenewal does not occur againuntil next January.

With the city being on a Julyto June fiscal year, wouldn’tthat annualize the increase toonly 5 percent?

That one incorrect cityassumption would save

$128,000.Correctly calculating health

insurance and rejecting anincrease in the city managerpublic relations budget wouldbalance what was taken awayfrom recreation and economicdevelopment.

This would immediatelysolve the “taking away” issue.

Earlier I mentioned how we,as individuals, have adjusted tomarket conditions, and now Iprofess our city needs to do thesame thing.

Although unpopular, everysingle citizen has seen changesin their health care cost andcoverage.

Why should citizens have topay more for less individuallyand expect our city to prosperin extravagant coverage at thetaxpayer’s expense?

For comparison sake, theCity of Milledgeville pays theiremployees 17 percent more inbenefits than the City ofDublin.

The average rate of pay forCity of Milledgeville employeesis 24 percent higher than theCity of Dublin.

Combining wages and bene-fits, the City of Milledgevillepays each employee on average$16,000 more per year peremployee.

In total dollars that equals$3.7 million.

This is why Dublin is eating

our lunch.As a city we cannot perform

the same tasks every day andexpect anything but the sameresult every day.

We need to significantlyincrease recreation and eco-nomic development.

To make these increases areality, we must adjust to “mar-ket conditions.”

— Tripper CookMilledgeville

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OPINION from Page 2

From staff reports

On June 1 the secondSTEM Forensic SummerAcademy will begin at theWilkes Building on theCentral State HospitalCampus.

The STEM Forensic SummerAcademy is the product ofthe Georgia based non-profitSTEMversity Inc.

Former laboratory directorof the Federal DrugEnforcement Administration,Darrell Davis, is the execu-tive director of STEMversity.

The goal of the STEMForensic Summer Academy isto inspire students to consid-er science as a major and acareer.

This summer students willlearn how to process a crimescene, conduct “presumptivetests” using field test kits anduse analytical instrumenta-tion such as gas chromato-graph/massspectrometer (GC/MS).

GC/MS is used in forensicscience to identify unknowncompounds.

The students will betrained on how to operatethe instrument and how tointerpret the results.

Students will also beencouraged to use the GC/MSto develop and enhance theirScience Fair Projects.

In addition, the students

will act as expert witnessesin a mock trial.

This year’s academy willhave special guests from theUnited States Air ForceTechnical Applications Center(AFTAC), Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA), andthe National Institute ofStandards and Technology(NIST).

The summer academy is agreat opportunity for stu-dents interested in a career

in science and forensic sci-ences.

A certificate will be givento students who successfullycomplete the course.

An added benefit of com-pleting the program is that itwill help build their collegeportfolio and give the stu-dents a competitive edge oncollege admissions.

The middle school campwill run from June 1 untilJune 10.

The high school studentswill have camp from June 15until June 26.

There are still seats avail-able for the academy.

Download an application atwww.STEMversity.org.

The fee for the summeracademy is $300.

Please call Darrell Davis at478-414-1049 or [email protected] toenroll.

STEMversity gears up for STEM Forensic Summer Academy

File photo

GMC students earn scholarships

Contributed photoGeorgia Military College Prep School seniors Gracyn Walker and ParkerWilliams were recently honored at the Touchdown Club ofAtlanta/National Football Foundation Chapter (TCA/NFF) ScholarshipBanquet. The TCA/NFF annually recognizes high school football playersand student managers of the highest academic achievement in the Stateof Georgia through the issuance of scholarships for use in their collegeeducation. Walker received the Whitey Zimmerman Scholar StudentManager Scholarship of $1,000, and Williams received the GeorgeMorris Scholarship of $1,000. Both Walker and Williams plan to attendGeorgia Southern University in the fall. Williams has signed a letter ofintent to play football for GSU. Above are Coach Corso with Williamsand Walker.

Harrisburg garden bears fruits

Contributed photoBlueberry bushes are bearing, the crowder peas plants creeping up thefence, early green tomatoes are ready to pick and baby squash plantsmingled among a few winter veggies and flowers that are still hanging inHarrisburg community garden. The Fall Line Farmers Market will sellproduce at Harrisburg Pak the second and fourth Saturdays throughSeptember.

From staff reports

Three mayoral candidates viefor the mayor’s unexpired termafter Richard Bentley resignedfrom office Feb 2.The Baldwin Bulletin asked

candidates Floyd Griffin, MelbaBurrell and Gary Thrower whattheir plans are if they earn themost votes during a Tuesday,June 16 special election tobecome mayor.Here is what the candidates

had to say:

Floyd GriffinBB: Why should voters elect

you mayor of Milledgeville?Griffin: This is an election

to serve out the term of theprevious mayor. This city needssomeone who has been thereand done that. I’m the one whofits the requirement the best. Ihave the experience as formermayor.

BB: List the top three issuesfacing Milledgeville and howwould you handle them?

Griffin: The first issue isjobs and economic develop-ment. Because of my back-ground and experience in thisposition before, I have the rela-tionships on the state andnational level to work with ourlocal economic development,Central State Hospital LocalRedevelopment Authority andMilledgeville/Baldwin CountyDevelopment Authority, so wecan bring jobs back to us.The second issue is to gain

trust back in local government.Milledgeville has lost some ofits gusto and confidence inlocal government. We have tofix that and restore our image.The last issue is that in the

first 30 days of my term, Iwould plan a retreat with citycouncil to discuss roles andresponsibilities and ways ofimproving our city’s reputation.

BB: What are your top threepriorities as mayor? How wouldyou implement your plans?

Griffin: My top three priori-ties are the top three issues Imentioned. These are the threeareas I would work on the mostto fulfill this unexpired term.

Melba BurrellBB: Why should voters elect

you mayor of Milledgeville?Melba Burrell: I have been

involved in the community forover 40 years. The last 10months I have attended almostevery city council meeting. I,along with other interestedcitizens, have worked to exposethe ethical violations and theviolations of the openmeetings laws that some cityofficials have committed. Wehave worked very hard for ourcommunity to expose thiswrong doing so that our com-munity could move forwardwith economic development. Ihave spent much of my timefor the betterment of thecommunity because any govern-ment that is operating unethi-cally and in violation of thelaw will not be able to servethe citizens as it should. Ourcity has been hurt by thebehavior of these city officialsand we have lost industrialprospects because of the shamethey have brought on our city.By enacting a policy of retalia-tion, of which they have beenfound guilty, we have been puton notice by the head of eco-nomic development for thestate that we will not haveindustrial prospects sent toMilledgeville.

We are in need of jobs in ourcommunity. Our uemploymentrate is high, our medianincome is 54% less than themedian income for the stateand our community is hurting.I know the issues because Ihave spent hours looking at thefinancial records, minutes, char-ter and policies. I have thecourage that is needed to moveforward and deal with hardissues and be the leader thatis needed.I am the mayor that

Milledgeville needs to bringabout positive change that islong overdue.


Burrell: Restoring confi-dence in the city government isthe most important issue. Asmayor, I will be in control ofthe agenda and the meetings. Ipledge to know the OpenMeetings Law and fully complywith it. I will encourage citizenparticipation in the worksessions and the city councilmeetings.I will seek to have the work

sessions televised so that thepublic can see how the citybusiness is being conducted. Iwill put a financial investmentpolicy in place that will ensurethat funds are invested withproper oversight and control bya committee of qualified cityofficials and/or employees.As mayor, I will spend the

time required to know the cityfinances and the other businessof the city, so that when I givethe annual state of the cityaddress, it will be from my per-sonal knowledge. I will haveregular press conferences toinform the public of the plansand actions of the city govern-ment.The second most important

issue ties into the first in thatuntil confidence is restored inour government we will not beable to attract industry to ourcommunity.I will work to seek economic

development that will bringgood jobs to our community. Iwill give of my time to joinwith all the economic develop-ment groups in the communityto promote the city and towork for incentives to bringgood jobs to our community.We lost 7000 jobs with the

loss of state employment andmanufacturing jobs, and wehave not been able to replacethat employment base. I will berelentless in seeking good jobsfor the citizens of our commu-nity. Iwill support the existing busi-nesses in the city.Our existing businesses have

suffered because of the loss ofjobs and many are struggling.The cost of licenses, permitsand taxes continue to rise.I will listen to the business

owners, and whenever possible,I will work to keep the city tax-payers money in the city ofMilledgeville. I will work toconsistently enforce the localvendor policy in order to pro-

vide jobs for our local citizens.Our city has an abundance of

cash on hand, and last fiscalyear transferred $2.7 millionfrom the water and sewer andsold waste account to the gener-al operating account. The $2.7is profit that was made on thecitizens of Milledgeville forwater, sewer and garbage pickup.I will work to reduce water,

sewer and garbage pick uprates. I will work to establish afund to help those citizens whohave lost jobs, have illnesses orother dire circumstances keeptheir water on.


Burrell: My first priority willbe to establish ethical, honestand open government. I willestablish the meeting order andcomply with the ethic ordi-nances and the Open Meetingslaw. I will welcome all citizensto city council meetings andencourage them to have inputin their government. I willmake myself available to talkwith any citizen who wants totalk with me about city busi-ness.My second priority will be to

fully understand the role thecity currently plays in economicdevelopment so that I can useany avenues available to me asmayor to bring jobs to ourcommunity. I will be innovativeand strive to find new and bet-ter ways to bring jobs to ourcommunity.My third priority will to be

to immerse myself in under-standing all financial aspects ofthe city and to implement aninvestment policy.I will work diligently to

know what the state of our cityis from my own personalknowledge.

Gary ThrowerBB: Why should voters elect

you mayor of Milledgeville?Thrower: Voters should elect

me as mayor because I have avision for the future ofMilledgeville. We’re at a cross-roads with economic develop-ment efforts, and issues needaddressing in order for us toprogress. I’m determined tobuild relationships that areinclusive because I want all ourcommunities involved in what-ever direction we decide topursue.


Thrower: The major issueMilledgeville is facing is jobloss, and we’ve been experienc-ing this for the last 10 to 15years.My goal is to make economic

development a priority. I’m notjust looking at growing newbusinesses but making sure wemaintain existing ones.Another issue is reinstating a

high level of trust in local gov-ernment. I want to workthrough issues between cityand county government andblack and white leaders so

everyone is properly represent-ed and respected.The last issue is public safety.

We have a responsibility to pro-tect and serve or citizens, visi-tors and students coming intoMilledgeville.I want to make sure Chief

Dray Swicord and his officershave the necessary funding andequipment to do their jobs effi-ciently and reach out to par-ents, mentors and youth tobuild a high level of respect forlaw enforcement protecting ourcommunity. They put their liveson the line for us everyday.


Thrower: My first priority isto open the door for city coun-cil to partner with the countycommission in an effort to pro-vide a good working relation-ship.We talk about unification,

but we need to work hand inhand with issues that affectboth city and county andgenerate positive results.My second priority is main-

taining transparency with cityfinances and all other city busi-ness.My third priority is ensuring

our economic efforts are fund-ed properly so we have the nec-essary resources to attract andcompete for jobs.

C.C. CYCLEQuality Work at Fair Prices

902 S. Jefferson St., Milledgeville • 478-457-6015

• Brakes • Tires • Service • ATV• Dirt • Sport • Cruiser

• Harley Davidson • Touring

MEAT MARKET & FRESH PRODUCEMEAT MARKET & FRESH PRODUCE1765 VINSON HWY • 452-7259

That’s Johnnie McDade Grocery & Old Fashion Meat Market since 1963!J.M.G.

THE OLD FASHIONED STORE WITH OLD FASHIONED SERVICE

GRILL-N STEAKS,RIBS, BURGERS, DOGSGA Peaches $19.99 Box - Vidalia Onions

Corn - Cantaloupes - Watermelonsand some Peas & Butterbeans


Meet the Candidates for Milledgeville mayoral Election

Floyd Griffin

Age: 70Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction; master’s degreein procurement managementOccupation: Business owner and funeral home director ofSlater’s Funeral HomeResidence: Native of Milledgeville

Melba Burrell

Age: 66Education: Studied at Valdosta State College, Georgia Collegeand American Institute of BankingOccupation: Business owner of Havoline Xpress Lube andXpress Car Wash, Xpress Tire Pros and Central ManagementServicesResidence: Moved to Milledgeville in 1972

Gary Thrower

Age: 55Education: Bachelor’s degree in managementOccupation: Business owner of Cornerstone Medical Staffingand Cornerstone Commercial MortgagesResidence: Native of Milledgeville

Milledgeville mayoral candidates

Early voting continues through June 128:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

at Baldwin County Courthouse

Election: June 167 a.m. to 7 p.m. at precinct voting sites

Nurse PractitionerSend resume to

P.O. Box 16339, Dublin, GA 31040

Medical Office hiring

Call 478-452-1777 to subscribe toThe Baldwin Bulletin

From staff reports

Transportation and lawenforcement officials acrossGeorgia have kicked offDriveAlert ArriveAlive, a year-long multi-agency campaignto call attention to an alarm-ing 25 percent increase inroadway fatalities in the firstquarter of 2015 and howchanges in driver behaviorcan help to decrease thesenumbers.DriveAlert ArriveAlive,

implores motorists to helpturn the tide on theseincreasing crashes and fatali-ties.Drivers are asked to focus

on driving, to not driveimpaired and to wear a seat-belt to reduce the chance ofserious injury or death ifthere is a crash.“Compared to the first

quarter of last year, fatalitiesare up significantly in just thefirst three months of 2015. Ifwe continue at this rate, wecould see the first increase intraffic fatalities in Georgia innine years,” said Georgia DOTCommissioner RussellMcMurry. “That’s just unac-ceptable – especially whenmany of these crashes can beprevented by changing driverbehavior.”DriveAlert ArriveAlive asks

drivers to drive responsibility

by following three steps everytime they get behind thewheel:

� Buckle up: It’s the law.Seat belts reduce the risk

of fatality in a crash by about45 percent and serious injuryby about 50 percent.

� Stay off the phone andmobile devices.If possible, shut off the

phone to avoid temptation[even hands-free is a distrac-tion].No texting [Georgia law

bans texting and driving].� Just drive.Drive alert. Do not drive

drowsy or impaired.“It’s startling when you

consider that 60 percent of

traffic fatalities in Georgia sofar this year are the result ofa single vehicle crash,” saidHarris Blackwood, executivedirector of the Governor’sOffice of Highway Safety. “Weare looking at driver behavioras a primary cause – specifi-cally distracted driving.”Georgia DOT has worked

for years to avoid roadwaydepartures, to increase occu-pant protection, and toreduce distracted driving witha goal towards zero deaths.Measures like safety edge,

rumble strips, center mediancable barriers, high frictionsurface treatments, reflectivesignage and striping andpedestrian countdown timers

have all contributed to nineconsecutive years ofdecreased roadway fatalitiesin Georgia.The goal of DriveAlert

ArriveAlive is to continue thedownward trend.DriveAlert ArriveAlive, a

partnership between theGeorgia Department ofTransportation (GDOT), theGovernor’s Office of HighwaySafety (GOHS) and theGeorgia Department of PublicSafety (DPS), educates driversabout specific changes theycan make in their drivingbehavior to save lives.

Wilkinson USED CARS, LLC

410 North Wayne St., Milledgeville(478) 452-1913

2012 Chevy Bluebird Bus15 pass, 9k miles, dual air

2012 Ford Fusion SE58k miles, 4 cyl, all power

2011 Chrysler 200 Touring81k miles, 4 cyl, air

2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS59k miles, 4 cyl, local car

2009 Chevy ImpalaV-6, air, all power

2006 Chevy Malibu4 door, auto, 6 cyl

2006 Toyota Camry LEAir, 4 door, all power

2005 Nissan Altima92k miles, 4 cyl, auto

2012 Ford Fusion4 cyl, low miles, auto

2004 Buick LeSabre LtdLeather, V-6, all power

www.wilkinsonusedcars.com


JFE

JFEThursday, June 4, 2015 - Noon until 5pm • Friday, June 5, 2015 - 9am until 5pm • Saturday, June 6, 2015 - 9am until

3035 Heritage Road, Milledgeville, GA

Sale conducted by The Browsing Barn • 169 Sparta Hwy., Milledgeville GAFor more information call 478-456-0976 or 478-456-1854

Estate Sale of Christine Garrett (Deceased)

House is full of a wide variety of nice, clean, well taken care of items. Refrigerator (2 yrs old), Washer/Dryer, Dining Room Suite, Bedroom Suites, Sofas, Accent

chairs, vintage buffet, dinette set, patio set, Sarah Finney apples, Stan Strickland Prints, Salvador Dali, Oriental Decor, Crystal, China, Large Rabbit Collection, Linen, Kitchenware, Glassware, Silverplate, Pictures, Lamps, Jewelry, Books,

Bring your boxes/wrapping paper - Huge Amount of Glass and Porcelain items. Everything SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS. Cash or check.

VOTE FORCHANGEJune 16

GDOT launches campaign to reduce fatalities

It pays to advertise inThe Baldwin Bulletin

478-452-1777

Power your projects with Kubota’s Z700 Series commercial zero-turn mower.

www.southsideequip.com

A true commercial mower! Starting at $7199.00


Baldwin County Schools congratulates educators, staff members on their retirement

Contributed photoBaldwin County Schools honoredthe system’s retirees Tuesdayduring a ceremony at BaldwinHigh School.

memorial for fallen heroes

— Photos by Judy Bailey —

stemversity memorial for page 5 page 8 bb aallddwwiinn...

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