Entries from July 2018
Sheriff's report
Between Friday, July 20 and Thursday, July 26 the following were processed through the Lamar County jail:
[Full Story »]

Crash takes out power on T Street
A bizarre crash took out power and snarled traffic on busy Thomaston Street Tuesday morning.
A City of Barnesville John Deere tractor rigged with a bat-wing mower was southbound on Thomaston Street when a small car attempted to pass just as the tractor operator was turning onto Stafford Avenue. The car bounced off the tractor's left front tire and sliced off a power pole. The top half of the pole was held aloft by only the power lines.
Traffic and power will be an issue for awhile as the pole is replaced.
Three occupants in the car were shaken up and checked out by EMS but were not seriously injured.
The 911 call went out at 8:23 a.m.
A City of Barnesville John Deere tractor rigged with a bat-wing mower was southbound on Thomaston Street when a small car attempted to pass just as the tractor operator was turning onto Stafford Avenue. The car bounced off the tractor's left front tire and sliced off a power pole. The top half of the pole was held aloft by only the power lines.
Traffic and power will be an issue for awhile as the pole is replaced.
Three occupants in the car were shaken up and checked out by EMS but were not seriously injured.
The 911 call went out at 8:23 a.m.

Third suspect sought in Woodbury bank robbery
The FBI Atlanta Field Office continues its search for a third suspect wanted in connection with the June armed robbery of United Bank's Woodbury branch.
The bureau released new photos and video of the wanted suspect on Friday. [Full Story »]
The bureau released new photos and video of the wanted suspect on Friday. [Full Story »]
Janice A. Newman Young
Mrs. Janice A. Newman Young, age 76, of Milner, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Brightmoor Hospice.
A memorial service for Mrs. Janice Young will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Breedlove Memorial Chapel with Reverend Jason Teal officiating. Friends may visit the family at Williams-Westbury Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. until the service hour. [Full Story »]
A memorial service for Mrs. Janice Young will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Breedlove Memorial Chapel with Reverend Jason Teal officiating. Friends may visit the family at Williams-Westbury Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. until the service hour. [Full Story »]

Roger “David” Sims
Roger “David” Sims, 72, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
A Celebration of Mr. David Sims Life will be at El Durango, 882 Veteran’s Parkway (Hwy 341), Barnesville, Georgia, Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 1pm – 3pm. Please drop by and share a memory, a laugh and offer a toast to David. Share any stories or pictures you may have.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Aldora United Methodist Church building fund for the new Fellowship Hall. [Full Story »]
A Celebration of Mr. David Sims Life will be at El Durango, 882 Veteran’s Parkway (Hwy 341), Barnesville, Georgia, Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 1pm – 3pm. Please drop by and share a memory, a laugh and offer a toast to David. Share any stories or pictures you may have.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Aldora United Methodist Church building fund for the new Fellowship Hall. [Full Story »]

Favorite Recipes of Lamar County Women
This week we present the 24th page of recipes compiled by members of the Extension Home Economics Club in 1970. This week’s page includes recipes for Barbecued Chicken In A Bag, Beef Balls and Venison Meat Balls.
We would like to thank Betty Perkins for submitting the recipe book.
To view the full page click the PDF below. [Full Story »]
We would like to thank Betty Perkins for submitting the recipe book.
To view the full page click the PDF below. [Full Story »]

Trucker run amok damages O'Neal Cemetery
Barnesville police are reaching out to those with loved ones buried in O'Neal Cemetery to contact them regarding damage to graves there.
A trucking company contacted police after a review of dash camera video from one of their trucks indicated a driver had run through the cemetery. When police arrived they discovered at least 16 damaged graves and headstones.
Initial indications are the damage was intentional or the driver was impaired or both.
If you have loved ones buried in the cemetery, contact BPD at 770.358-1244 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] barnesville.com
A trucking company contacted police after a review of dash camera video from one of their trucks indicated a driver had run through the cemetery. When police arrived they discovered at least 16 damaged graves and headstones.
Initial indications are the damage was intentional or the driver was impaired or both.
If you have loved ones buried in the cemetery, contact BPD at 770.358-1244 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] barnesville.com

Grave relocation permit denied
By Walter Geiger
Judge Tommy Wilson has denied the City of Barnesville's request for a permit to relocate at least 103 graves from the historic Wadsworth-Clayton Cemetery. The ruling, which came at 12:10 p.m. Friday after a three-hour hearing, was centered upon the city's admission that it does not currently have an industrial prospect for the site that is requiring the cemetery be relocated.
[Full Story »]
Judge Tommy Wilson has denied the City of Barnesville's request for a permit to relocate at least 103 graves from the historic Wadsworth-Clayton Cemetery. The ruling, which came at 12:10 p.m. Friday after a three-hour hearing, was centered upon the city's admission that it does not currently have an industrial prospect for the site that is requiring the cemetery be relocated.
[Full Story »]
William "Billy" Williams
Mr. William Franklin “Billy” Williams, age 77, of Barnesville, GA. passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at his residence.
Billy was born on Sunday, July 6, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Reverend Lamar E. Williams and the late Ruby Jane McCord Williams. He owned with his brother Williams Brothers Construction and Williams Brothers Building Supply. Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Barnesville. Billy was a proud long-time home builder in Lamar County.
Billy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan B. Williams; children, Kimberly Williams Boggs (Paul), Derek B. Williams (Karen), Gregory B. Williams, Chad R. Williams; grandchildren, Allison Baxter (Ryan), David Boggs (Megan), Maggie Williamson (Brent), Betsy Williams, Curt Williams (Kelli), Molly Irwin (Cole), Emily Williams; great-grandchildren, Davis, Collin, Pearson, Amzie; brother & sister-in-law, Ed & Sara Williams; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services for Mr. Billy Williams will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Barnesville with Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Interment will follow in Lamar Memory Gardens. Friends may visit at the First Baptist Church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.
Flowers will be accepted, however those desiring may make a memorial contribution to the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Foundation, www.curepsp.org
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Williams family.
Billy was born on Sunday, July 6, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Reverend Lamar E. Williams and the late Ruby Jane McCord Williams. He owned with his brother Williams Brothers Construction and Williams Brothers Building Supply. Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Barnesville. Billy was a proud long-time home builder in Lamar County.
Billy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan B. Williams; children, Kimberly Williams Boggs (Paul), Derek B. Williams (Karen), Gregory B. Williams, Chad R. Williams; grandchildren, Allison Baxter (Ryan), David Boggs (Megan), Maggie Williamson (Brent), Betsy Williams, Curt Williams (Kelli), Molly Irwin (Cole), Emily Williams; great-grandchildren, Davis, Collin, Pearson, Amzie; brother & sister-in-law, Ed & Sara Williams; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services for Mr. Billy Williams will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Barnesville with Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Interment will follow in Lamar Memory Gardens. Friends may visit at the First Baptist Church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.
Flowers will be accepted, however those desiring may make a memorial contribution to the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Foundation, www.curepsp.org
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Williams family.

Legal threat hangs over grave relocation hearing set for superior court Friday
By Walter Geiger
The battle over the relocation of over 100 graves from the historic Wadsworth-Clayton Cemetery off Old Milner Road to make room for future industrial expansion is set for a second superior court hearing Friday. The session will begin at 9 a.m. with Judge Tommy Wilson presiding.
The City of Barnesville wants to relocate the remains to Greenwood Cemetery in town. The old family plot, which dates back to the early 1800s, is located on city-owned property in the industrial park.
[Full Story »]
The battle over the relocation of over 100 graves from the historic Wadsworth-Clayton Cemetery off Old Milner Road to make room for future industrial expansion is set for a second superior court hearing Friday. The session will begin at 9 a.m. with Judge Tommy Wilson presiding.
The City of Barnesville wants to relocate the remains to Greenwood Cemetery in town. The old family plot, which dates back to the early 1800s, is located on city-owned property in the industrial park.
[Full Story »]
Tye Harwell
Mr. Tye Harmon Harwell, age 87, of Barnesville, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Sunny Grove Assisted Living.
Tye was born on Wednesday, July 30, 1930 in Brooks, Georgia to the late Claude Lee Harwell and the late Ottie Biles Harwell. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Joyce Robinson Harwell; brothers, Harry Harwell, Cecil Harwell, Gene Harwell; sister, Nadine Caldwell. Tye worked for Colonial/Big Star Grocery as a meat cutter and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnesville. He served in the National Guard and was also a mail carrier. Tye loved to fish at Lake Sinclair and watch his grandchildren play football.
Tye is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws, Marjorie & Merrill Pierson, Melodie & Mike Page; grandchildren, Travis & Kim Pierson, Amanda & Chuck Swearingen, Jacob & Kelly Page, Meredith & Nolan Brown; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Tye Harmon Harwell will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Breedlove Memorial Chapel with Reverend Garth Forster, Reverend Denise Caldwell, and Mr. Danny Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in Lamar Memory Gardens. Friends may visit the family on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Williams-Westbury Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the RSCA Football Program, www.rockspringschristianacademy.com
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Harwell family.
Tye was born on Wednesday, July 30, 1930 in Brooks, Georgia to the late Claude Lee Harwell and the late Ottie Biles Harwell. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Joyce Robinson Harwell; brothers, Harry Harwell, Cecil Harwell, Gene Harwell; sister, Nadine Caldwell. Tye worked for Colonial/Big Star Grocery as a meat cutter and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnesville. He served in the National Guard and was also a mail carrier. Tye loved to fish at Lake Sinclair and watch his grandchildren play football.
Tye is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws, Marjorie & Merrill Pierson, Melodie & Mike Page; grandchildren, Travis & Kim Pierson, Amanda & Chuck Swearingen, Jacob & Kelly Page, Meredith & Nolan Brown; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Tye Harmon Harwell will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Breedlove Memorial Chapel with Reverend Garth Forster, Reverend Denise Caldwell, and Mr. Danny Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in Lamar Memory Gardens. Friends may visit the family on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Williams-Westbury Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the RSCA Football Program, www.rockspringschristianacademy.com
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Harwell family.
Billy Williams
Billy Williams, longtime local home builder and operator of Williams Brothers Building Supply with his brother, Ed, died early Thursday after a long illness. Arrangements are pending.
Survivors, in addition to his brother, include: his wife, Jan Williams; daughter, Kim Boggs (Paul); and sons, Derek Williams (Karen), Greg Williams and Chad Williams.
Survivors, in addition to his brother, include: his wife, Jan Williams; daughter, Kim Boggs (Paul); and sons, Derek Williams (Karen), Greg Williams and Chad Williams.
Eleanor Selsor
Mrs. Eleanor Claire Aderhold Andrews Selsor, age 89, of Barnesville, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Upson Regional Medical Center.
Eleanor was born on Monday, July 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late George Leon Aderhold and the late Gladys Ethel Moody Aderhold. She is also preceded in death by her husbands, Roland Andrews & Max Selsor and her son, Steve Andrews. She worked for the First National Bank of Barnesville and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnesville. Eleanor enjoyed traveling. She was a former switch board operator with Southern Bell and formerly worked with the 1st Friends Club at the First National Bank of Barnesville. She loved spending time with her family, especially visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eleanor is survived by her children and their spouses, Dan & Jan Andrews, Kay & David Lively, Judy & Don Langley, George Andrews; daughter-in-law, Hope Andrews; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mrs. Eleanor Andrews Selsor will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Lamar Memory Gardens with Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home or on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Barnesville. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Barnesville.
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Andrews/Selsor family.
Eleanor was born on Monday, July 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late George Leon Aderhold and the late Gladys Ethel Moody Aderhold. She is also preceded in death by her husbands, Roland Andrews & Max Selsor and her son, Steve Andrews. She worked for the First National Bank of Barnesville and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnesville. Eleanor enjoyed traveling. She was a former switch board operator with Southern Bell and formerly worked with the 1st Friends Club at the First National Bank of Barnesville. She loved spending time with her family, especially visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eleanor is survived by her children and their spouses, Dan & Jan Andrews, Kay & David Lively, Judy & Don Langley, George Andrews; daughter-in-law, Hope Andrews; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mrs. Eleanor Andrews Selsor will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Lamar Memory Gardens with Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home or on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Barnesville. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Barnesville.
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Andrews/Selsor family.

The Last Blockbuster
By Mike Ruffin
I was a professor at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1990s. We had a university-wide faculty meeting just before the beginning of each new school year. The president of the university would address us.
One year—it was probably 1994 or 1995—he said something like this: “Blockbuster Video is one of the great success stories of our time. And it will be gone in ten years.” He said this would happen because people would get their movies by other means, such as through delivery to their computers. I don’t remember him using the word “streaming,” but that’s what he was talking about.
[Full Story »]
I was a professor at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1990s. We had a university-wide faculty meeting just before the beginning of each new school year. The president of the university would address us.
One year—it was probably 1994 or 1995—he said something like this: “Blockbuster Video is one of the great success stories of our time. And it will be gone in ten years.” He said this would happen because people would get their movies by other means, such as through delivery to their computers. I don’t remember him using the word “streaming,” but that’s what he was talking about.
[Full Story »]