Headlines

The Lamar County Lady Trojans lost a one-point heartbreaker in the title game Wednesday to finish second in the State Bank Holiday Classic tournament in Gray [Full Story »] 

By Rachel McDaniel

Security was a top issue discussed by Lamar County commissioners at their Dec. 15 meeting in light of recent attacks across the country and the world. Sheriff Brad White addressed the board and was appointed as chairman of a security committee to consider changes for better securing government facilities. [Full Story »] 

By Mike Ruffin

For as long as I can remember, our family has followed the same routine on the night before Christmas.

First, we participate in a Christmas Eve worship service. We then return home and enjoy a meal of sandwiches and potato soup. Next, we empty our Christmas stockings, thank each other for the contributions made to said stockings, laugh over the gag items and eat some of the candy, especially, in my cases, the Reese’s Christmas Trees (I don’t care what some Scrooges say they look like. If the shape bothers you, bring them to me!) Lastly, we watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Again. [Full Story »] 

Heavy rain was listed as cause of a fire that gutted a Lamar County school bus at the bus barn Wednesday morning. More rain and more problems are on the way. [Full Story »] 

Family members have established a scholarship fund at Gordon State College in honor of Lillian Abbott Hurt, a native of Barnesville. [Full Story »] 

Pike County Sheriff's Deputies responded to several tragic situations Saturday, Dec. 19.
[Full Story »] 

Although distribution of toys to families is set for Saturday Dec. 19, Empty Stocking Fund organizers say they will try to accommodate requests from qualified families through tomorrow, Wednesday Dec. 16.

Glenn and Vicky Forsyth are planning to use extra toys donated from one division of Toys for Tots to try to help as many as possible, said Glenn. The final ESF results include donations to 286 children from 118 families, he said.

“People are still donating,” Glenn said. “It’s just amazing. I was in the dentist’s office the other day and told my dentist about how we worked with Empty Stocking Fund. When he got through working on me, he said he would be back in a minute; he came back and handed me an envelope. I thanked him and started home without opening it. When I did, I couldn’t believe it -- Dr. Alan Griffith of Griffin Dental Concepts had given us a check for $500.”

Distribution of toys will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday Dec. 19 at the Market Street side of the United Bank parking lot. If you can help, call Glenn at 770.468.1253.

Thus far about $9,000 has been raised which is short of this year’s goal of $12,000. Donations may be made at United Bank for the ESF account.

LC basketball and United Bank will host the Oscar Wimberly Classic Saturday at the LCHS gymnasium. The opponent will be Mary Persons/Monroe County.

Action begins at 1:30 p.m. when the LCMS girls take on MCMS. Middle school boys action follows.

High school play begins at 4:30 p.m. when the boys JV teams square off followed by varisty girls and boys games.

Admission is $6. Wristbands which will allow fans to come and go will be issued until 5 p.m. only.

By Walter Geiger

Judge Tommy Wilson lowered the bond of alleged killer Joshua James Cox from $5 million to $1 million following a hearing Dec. 2 in Lamar superior court.

Public defender Doug Smith renewed the arguments for bond that he brought up at a previous bond proceeding Oct. 21, noting Cox has significant ties to the community and, if released, will live with his parents who are current and former law enforcement officers. [Full Story »] 

A bridge in the city limits of Milner, with Old 41 Highway running under it, was checked out by Department of Transportation engineers after a chunk of concrete fell to the road below on Nov. 19. [Full Story »] 

The Barnesville Blues Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will put on its annual "Christmas With the Soldiers" ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at the Milner Confederate Cemetery. This is located 1.1 miles east of Milner at the intersection of Liberty Hill Rd. and Old Alabama Road.

Mr. Ed Reynolds of Griffin will be the speaker.