Overcoming what may have been the sloppiest first half in the history of high school football, the Lamar County Trojans defeated the Greenville Patriots 27-0 Friday night to run their record to 2-0 on the young season. Quarterback Devin Bateman ran for two TDs while KT Brownlee had a long scoring jaunt and freshman speedster Ty Jones added a score.
Realtime scoring from the sidelines...
6:35 1st qtr.: LC 2 G'ville 0: Keilyn Tyus tackle in endzone.
End 1st qtr.: 2-0
HALFTIME: 2-0
9:21 3rd. qtr.: LC 8 G'ville 0: Devin Bateman one-yard TD run. PAT failed.
4:50 3rd qtr.: LC 14 G'ville 0: KT Brownlee 53-yd. TD run. Drew Stout pass to Ju'Corie Zellner for PAT.
END 3rd qtr.: 14-0
6:15 4th qtr.: LC 21 G'ville 0: Bateman 11-yd. TD run. Ethan Popham PAT.
3:014th qtr.: LC 27 G'ville 0: Ty Jones 13-yd. TD run. PAT blocked.
FINAL: 27-0
Scores of interest:
Fayette Co. 34 Pike County 21
Mary Persons 36 Jackson 29
Upson-Lee 28 Paulding Co. 27
Temple 55 Putnam Co. 21
ACE 35 Notre Dame Academy 21
Entries from August 2019

Fire scare at Heritage Inn
Heritage Inn nursing home was evacuated Friday morning when smoke filled the hallways of the building. The original 911 dispatch went out at 9:42 a.m.
City and county firefighters and other first responders were on the scene within minutes and isolated the cause to an HVAC motor outside the building which burned out and filled the system with smoke.
Firefighters used fans to ventilate the building while patients, some in beds and wheelchairs, filled the front parking area.
City and county firefighters and other first responders were on the scene within minutes and isolated the cause to an HVAC motor outside the building which burned out and filled the system with smoke.
Firefighters used fans to ventilate the building while patients, some in beds and wheelchairs, filled the front parking area.

Athens officer enters plea; surrenders POST certification
An Athens-Clark County police officer charged with terroristic threats and acts after threatening his estranged wife and her boyfriend entered a guilty plea to a lesser offense in Lamar superior court Aug. 22.
[Full Story »]

Molena man charged after high-speed chase that hit 117 mph.
A 26-year-old Molena man was arrested on multiple charges after a high speed chase down Thomaston Street and Hwy. 36 West Aug. 16.
Barnesville police units attempted to stop a 2011 Kia Forte just before midnight but the driver fled, sideswiping a vehicle in the process. [Full Story »]
Barnesville police units attempted to stop a 2011 Kia Forte just before midnight but the driver fled, sideswiping a vehicle in the process. [Full Story »]
Police report
Between Tuesday, August 20 and Monday, August 26 the Barnesville Police Department made the following arrests:
[Full Story »]

Thankfully, football has arrived
The long drought ended Friday when football returned with both the Lamar County Trojans and the Pike County Pirates back in action. It had been far too long without real football. There is just nothing like Friday night football and knowing the college action will follow the next day.
The Pirates easily dispatched Central-Talbotton 34-6 on the road. They travel to Fayette County this Friday. Their home opener is Sept. 6 against Greenville.
Lamar County was one of the surprise teams in the state Friday as they wore out Mt. Zion, the state’s #7 Class A team, 27-6. LC made multiple mistakes but still held the Eagles scoreless until just 12 seconds remained on the game clock. They play at Hogansville this Friday. [Full Story »]
The Pirates easily dispatched Central-Talbotton 34-6 on the road. They travel to Fayette County this Friday. Their home opener is Sept. 6 against Greenville.
Lamar County was one of the surprise teams in the state Friday as they wore out Mt. Zion, the state’s #7 Class A team, 27-6. LC made multiple mistakes but still held the Eagles scoreless until just 12 seconds remained on the game clock. They play at Hogansville this Friday. [Full Story »]

Buggy Days gearing up; pageant contestants sought
The 46th annual Buggy Days festival is looming on the calendar with its first event, the Miss Buggy Days Pageant, just 12 days away. Contestants are needed in several categories. The pageant will be held Sept. 14 at the Fine Arts Center.
The deadline to register is Sept. 6. For more information, call the chamber office at 770-358-5884.
Also set for Sept. 14 is the Window Decoration Contest downtown. Businesses are encouraged to decorate storefronts in accordance with the 2019 festival theme ‘Official and Genuine’.
The main event weekend kicks off Saturday, Sept. 21 with the annual Buggython Road Race. There are 10K and 5K runs and a two-nile walk on the schedule. The event is sponsored by the LCHS athletic department.
The antique car display will return on Saturday as well and many of the old cars will participate in the parade.
The Buggy Days Parade, one of the longest in Georgia, begins at 2 p.m. The grand marshal will be reigning Citizen of the Year Kelly Hughes. The arts and crafts fair runs all day Saturday and from noon- 5 p.m. on Sunday with an emphasis on true, quality crafters.
The Kids Park will be located in the United Bank parking lot and a $10 wristband is good for all day admission.
The annual street dance, featuring music by the Master Blasters and a fireworks display, will be held Saturday night at the rodeo arena on Roberta Drive. Tickets are $10. Children under age 10 get in free.
For more information on the festival schedule of events, call the chamber office or e-mail [email protected]
The deadline to register is Sept. 6. For more information, call the chamber office at 770-358-5884.
Also set for Sept. 14 is the Window Decoration Contest downtown. Businesses are encouraged to decorate storefronts in accordance with the 2019 festival theme ‘Official and Genuine’.
The main event weekend kicks off Saturday, Sept. 21 with the annual Buggython Road Race. There are 10K and 5K runs and a two-nile walk on the schedule. The event is sponsored by the LCHS athletic department.
The antique car display will return on Saturday as well and many of the old cars will participate in the parade.
The Buggy Days Parade, one of the longest in Georgia, begins at 2 p.m. The grand marshal will be reigning Citizen of the Year Kelly Hughes. The arts and crafts fair runs all day Saturday and from noon- 5 p.m. on Sunday with an emphasis on true, quality crafters.
The Kids Park will be located in the United Bank parking lot and a $10 wristband is good for all day admission.
The annual street dance, featuring music by the Master Blasters and a fireworks display, will be held Saturday night at the rodeo arena on Roberta Drive. Tickets are $10. Children under age 10 get in free.
For more information on the festival schedule of events, call the chamber office or e-mail [email protected]

Trojans only region team to open with a win
The Lamar County Trojans pulled off a huge upset Friday night, opening the Jeff Sloan era with a 27-6 win over Mt. Zion. The loss knocked the Eagles out of the Class AA Top 10 where they had been ranked #7 going into the opener.
LC entered the game as a 22-point underdog and won by 21. The Trojans held Mt. Zion scoreless until just 12 seconds were left in the game. Sloan’s squad left points on the field via penalties in key moments.
“We are extremely happy with the intensity and energy our guys came out with and played with throughout the game Friday night. We have a ton of work to do this week which must start with eliminating penalties. Penalties let Mt. Zion extend drives and killed our drives. We will also be focusing on keeping our composure in high-energy situations, operating efficiently in all phases of the game and creating a culture of selflessness,” Sloan said. [Full Story »]
LC entered the game as a 22-point underdog and won by 21. The Trojans held Mt. Zion scoreless until just 12 seconds were left in the game. Sloan’s squad left points on the field via penalties in key moments.
“We are extremely happy with the intensity and energy our guys came out with and played with throughout the game Friday night. We have a ton of work to do this week which must start with eliminating penalties. Penalties let Mt. Zion extend drives and killed our drives. We will also be focusing on keeping our composure in high-energy situations, operating efficiently in all phases of the game and creating a culture of selflessness,” Sloan said. [Full Story »]

Open records request filed on Milner Library funds
The Herald Gazette has filed a Freedom of Information Act request for multiple financial records connected with the construction and ongoing operation of the Milner Library. Notice was hand-delivered to Milner city hall Monday with copies addressed to mayor Joe Bostwick, city administrator Wayne Patterson and library board chairman and city council member George Weldon.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
Donald Douglas Watson
Donald Douglas Watson, age 84 passed away peacefully on August 25, 2019.
He was a native of Anna, Texas and lived the last several years in Barnesville, GA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Reubin Lawrence Watson & Nezzie Shields Watson, 9 brothers and 2 sisters.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Esmeralda Watson; son and wife, Douglas & Charlene Watson; step-children and spouses, Michael and Linda Talley; Lester & Brenda Talley; Brenda & Alvin Ray; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donald was a veteran and served our country as a US Navy C.P.O. during the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his career in the Navy, he earned several service medals and commendation awards. He served aboard 10 Navy ships including battleships, repair ships, aircraft carriers and destroyers. As an instructor, he trained sailors in damage control. He retired after 20 years of service.
He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, teaching Sunday School, writing and singing songs, country gospel music, honey/cinnamon buns and fishing. He loved to laugh and had an easy going sense of humor.
Donald Watson’s Celebration of Life Service, with military honors, will be held on August 31, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary of Mid-Georgia Gospel Assembly, 6225 US Highway 19 South, Zebulon, GA, with Rev. Lester W. Talley Jr. officiating.
Private family internment will be September 3, 2019; at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville, GA.
Please join us in honoring the life of Donald D. Watson by visiting https://www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com/ and posting your tributes and memories.
Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin, GA.
He was a native of Anna, Texas and lived the last several years in Barnesville, GA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Reubin Lawrence Watson & Nezzie Shields Watson, 9 brothers and 2 sisters.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Esmeralda Watson; son and wife, Douglas & Charlene Watson; step-children and spouses, Michael and Linda Talley; Lester & Brenda Talley; Brenda & Alvin Ray; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donald was a veteran and served our country as a US Navy C.P.O. during the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his career in the Navy, he earned several service medals and commendation awards. He served aboard 10 Navy ships including battleships, repair ships, aircraft carriers and destroyers. As an instructor, he trained sailors in damage control. He retired after 20 years of service.
He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, teaching Sunday School, writing and singing songs, country gospel music, honey/cinnamon buns and fishing. He loved to laugh and had an easy going sense of humor.
Donald Watson’s Celebration of Life Service, with military honors, will be held on August 31, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary of Mid-Georgia Gospel Assembly, 6225 US Highway 19 South, Zebulon, GA, with Rev. Lester W. Talley Jr. officiating.
Private family internment will be September 3, 2019; at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville, GA.
Please join us in honoring the life of Donald D. Watson by visiting https://www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com/ and posting your tributes and memories.
Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin, GA.
Steward James White Sr.
Steward James White Sr. 75 of 220, Perdue Road Barnesville, GA. transitioned on Saturday August 17, 2019 at the Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital.Griffin, GA.
Funeral services was held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Midway C.M.E. Church. Pastor David Blalock, officiated. Interment was in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.
Trice Funeral Home Inc. of Barnesville was in charge of all Professional Services.
James leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts of his loving wife, Mrs. Jean H. White of Barnesville, two daughters
Mrs. Katherine White (Walt Ogletree), Patricia (Joston) White Banks, a son Willie White Jr., and a God son Kenny
(Tameka) Richardson all of Barnesville. Five grandchildren Monica, Joshua, Kawanna, Justin, and Jewell. One great-grandchild
Kel'moni also survive. One sister Lucile (Franklin) Hardeman and a brother Mr. Robert Lee (Gloria) White. Sister-in-laws, Bobbie White, Mrs. Jessie M. (Willie) Underwood, and Patricia Harp. Brothers-in-laws, Mr. John (Gladys) Harp, Mr. Charles W.(Jacky) Harp, and Mr. Marvin Harp(Barbara). Great -Aunts, Mrs. Annie L. Furlow. Ms. Elizabeth O'Neil, and Louise White. Devoted friends Mr. Fletcher Harris and Carl (Minnie) Penn, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many dear friends will miss him dearly.
Funeral services was held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Midway C.M.E. Church. Pastor David Blalock, officiated. Interment was in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.
Trice Funeral Home Inc. of Barnesville was in charge of all Professional Services.
James leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts of his loving wife, Mrs. Jean H. White of Barnesville, two daughters
Mrs. Katherine White (Walt Ogletree), Patricia (Joston) White Banks, a son Willie White Jr., and a God son Kenny
(Tameka) Richardson all of Barnesville. Five grandchildren Monica, Joshua, Kawanna, Justin, and Jewell. One great-grandchild
Kel'moni also survive. One sister Lucile (Franklin) Hardeman and a brother Mr. Robert Lee (Gloria) White. Sister-in-laws, Bobbie White, Mrs. Jessie M. (Willie) Underwood, and Patricia Harp. Brothers-in-laws, Mr. John (Gladys) Harp, Mr. Charles W.(Jacky) Harp, and Mr. Marvin Harp(Barbara). Great -Aunts, Mrs. Annie L. Furlow. Ms. Elizabeth O'Neil, and Louise White. Devoted friends Mr. Fletcher Harris and Carl (Minnie) Penn, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many dear friends will miss him dearly.
Wanda Penn Goodman
Mrs. Wanda Penn Goodman 63, of 1356 North 9th Street Griffin, GA transitioned on Monday, August 5, 2019 at her residence.
Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at First Assembly of God. Reverend Russell Smith officiated.
Trice Funeral Home Inc of Barnesville was in charge of all Professional Services.
Wanda leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Mr. Sennecute W. Goodman of Griffin, GA; two grandchildren Xzavier Goodman of Ellenwood, GA and Seniya Goodman of Griffin,GA; one goddauther Mrs. Latressa (Octavius) Mays-Morris of Griffin, GA; four brothers Mr. Carl (Minnie) Penn, Charlie F. Penn, and Mr. James (Marion) Baker all of Barnesville, GA, Mr. David (Leah) Banks of Houston,TX; One sister Mrs. Lucy L. Penn of Barnesville, GA,; A special friend Mr. Thomas Goodman of Jackson, GA; One special niece Miss. Yvenoia Penn of McDonough, GA; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends whom will miss her dearly.
Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at First Assembly of God. Reverend Russell Smith officiated.
Trice Funeral Home Inc of Barnesville was in charge of all Professional Services.
Wanda leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Mr. Sennecute W. Goodman of Griffin, GA; two grandchildren Xzavier Goodman of Ellenwood, GA and Seniya Goodman of Griffin,GA; one goddauther Mrs. Latressa (Octavius) Mays-Morris of Griffin, GA; four brothers Mr. Carl (Minnie) Penn, Charlie F. Penn, and Mr. James (Marion) Baker all of Barnesville, GA, Mr. David (Leah) Banks of Houston,TX; One sister Mrs. Lucy L. Penn of Barnesville, GA,; A special friend Mr. Thomas Goodman of Jackson, GA; One special niece Miss. Yvenoia Penn of McDonough, GA; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends whom will miss her dearly.
Reginald Darrell Penn
Mr. Reginald Darrell Penn age 40 of 132 Ben Franklin Court, Griffin, GA. transitioned on Friday, August 2, 2019 at his residence.
Graveside Service was held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor David Blalock,
officiated.
Trice Funeral Home Inc of Barnesville was in charge of all Professional Services.
Reginald Penn is survived by his loving mother, Ms. Barbara Warner (Marvin Harp) of Milner, GA, a son, Mr. Keontae Brown of Barnesville, GA; a sister and brother, Ms. Shakonda Penn and Mr. Charlie Lawson both of Griffin,GA; a niece, Ms. Kiyazual Penn of Griffin, GA; a nephew, Mr. Guy Dale Penn, III of Barnesville, GA; two aunts, Ms. Lucy Penn of Barnesville, GA and Ms. Wanda Penn of Griffin, GA; three uncles, Mr. Charles Warner, Mr. Carl (Minnie) Penn. and Mr. Charlie Penn all of Barnesville, GA; two great aunts. Ms. Annie A. Warner, and Ms. Maggie Barron both of Barnesville, GA; and a host of cousins, co-workers and many dear friends whom all will miss him dearly.
Graveside Service was held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor David Blalock,
officiated.
Trice Funeral Home Inc of Barnesville was in charge of all Professional Services.
Reginald Penn is survived by his loving mother, Ms. Barbara Warner (Marvin Harp) of Milner, GA, a son, Mr. Keontae Brown of Barnesville, GA; a sister and brother, Ms. Shakonda Penn and Mr. Charlie Lawson both of Griffin,GA; a niece, Ms. Kiyazual Penn of Griffin, GA; a nephew, Mr. Guy Dale Penn, III of Barnesville, GA; two aunts, Ms. Lucy Penn of Barnesville, GA and Ms. Wanda Penn of Griffin, GA; three uncles, Mr. Charles Warner, Mr. Carl (Minnie) Penn. and Mr. Charlie Penn all of Barnesville, GA; two great aunts. Ms. Annie A. Warner, and Ms. Maggie Barron both of Barnesville, GA; and a host of cousins, co-workers and many dear friends whom all will miss him dearly.
Sheriff's report
Between Friday, August 16 and Thursday, August 22 the following were processed through the Lamar County jail:
[Full Story »]