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Gordon State College president Dr. Kirk Nooks will deliver his state of the college address Friday, Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. at the nursing building. Dr. Nooks will outline the college’s new strategic plan.

He will also cover enrollment numbers, prospective programs and new initiatives the college is undertaking. [Full Story »] 

Just over a year after it was conceived, grand opening ceremonies will be held at the Barnesville Boys & Girls Club Thursday. A ribbon cutting will take place at 5 p.m. at the new building behind the elementary school campus off Roberta Drive. [Full Story »] 

The local Martin Luther King Day observance will begin at 9 a.m. Monday with a ceremony on the steps of the courthouse. From there, participants will march to East Mt. Sinai Baptist Church on Washington Street for a program. Guest speaker will be Cedric Taylor.

For more information, contact Barbara Minter at 770.358.3914.

A local man convicted here in 2018 on multiple charges stemming from an incident in which he secretly photographed a minor female family member in the shower was denied a new trial Jan. 7. [Full Story »] 

A 32-year-old Milner man was tasered twice Saturday morning, Jan. 11, after fighting with Milner police officer Jerry Rafferzeder following a traffic stop on Ga. Hwy. 7 at the Industrial Road exit. [Full Story »] 

Jennifer Clark was returned to the Lamar jail Thursday night in anticipation of her court appearance here Monday morning on a motion for a new trial. [Full Story »] 

The Georgia State Patrol has finalized its report on a crash precipitated by a fight among students on a Lamar County school bus here Dec. 16. [Full Story »] 

DNA evidence - collected from an airbag - has cleared one man and resulted in the arrest of another in connection with a fatal crash on High Falls Park Road here on July 25, 2015. The crash killed a Mexican citizen in this country illegally. [Full Story »] 

Work on the dangerous intersection at Rose Avenue and Veterans Parkway, scheduled to begin earlier this month, was delayed when several issues arose. The weather has been a strong factor.

Another snag reared its head when it was learned most asphalt plants are shut down for two to three weeks at Christmas for routine maintenance. There is still work that can be done in the interim such as utility relocation, etc. Those efforts will begin when the weather allows, according to a DOT spokesman.

To you and your family from all of us at The Herald Gazette and barnesville.com.

J.C. (Buddy) Waller Jr. died early Monday in a Macon health care facility where he had been in declining health.

He was the son of longtime sheriff J.C. Waller and worked in the administration of his brother, the late sheriff Larry Waller, as an administrator after retiring from Southern Bell.

Survivors include his wife Bobbie Carol Waller.

Funeral services will be announced by Williams-Westbury Funeral Home.

In addition to the usual wish lists seeking the newest and coolest toys and electronic gadgets, this year’s crop of Santa letters are both funny and poignant. Hundreds of letters to St. Nick from local kids are published in the 12.17.19 print edition of The Herald Gazette.

Sarah Mullins included a question in her letter. “How many years have you been alive”,” she wants to know of Santa.

Austin Carson Selph has a question and a health alert for the man in red. “How do you see us from the North Pole” and “Hope you don’t get sick and eat too much cookies”.

Seeking only balloons, Alliyah writes, “I know you know I’ve been good. I just want to tell you again and, yes, I’ll keep up the good work for you Santa.”

Trinity writes, “I know that it is not Thanksgiving it’s Christmas but I am thankful for you and my family on Christmas Day.” Raegan Fennell make an obvious, helpful comparison, “I have been good this year. Kehleigh been bad. I love you so so much.”

“This year I have been good. I do the rite thing wen my mom ses to this year,” notes Jaxson Nathan.

Asking for nothing for herself, Addison writes, “My mom has had a hard time because once my Dad make a lot of money, he’s moving away. So, I wish my mom could just be happy.” In a similar vein, Lilly writes, “For my grandma I wish she has lots of love from us. I want my mommy and daddy to get back together.”

Churches, schools and community groups throughout Lamar County have multiple Christmas events on tap as Santa’s sleigh ride draws nigh. What follows is an overview of the events we have been notified about.

Ongoing:

The Labyrinth, Sundays in December, First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Prayer and contemplation. Info.: 770-358-1494.

Mary’s Angels, collecting blankets, hats, scarves, etc. for elderly citizens with no local family. Drop-off at Deraney’s Two City Tavern. Info.: 706-968-0213.

Friday, Dec. 13:

Golf Cart Caroling and hayride, First United Methodist Church, 5:30 p.m. Caroling at the homes of shut-ins. Marshmallows around the fire pit afterwards. Info.: 770-358-1494.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019:

Christmas Bazaar, Calvary Baptist Church, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info.: 770-358-1208.

Holiday Hustle 5K and fun run to benefit Dolly Goodpuppy Society, 5 p.m. Summers Field Park. Info.: 678-877-9532.

Sunday, Dec. 15:

Christmas Musical, First United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. Features chancel choir, unusual characters, children’s choir, Crossroads praise team, adult and youth bell choirs and an original hymn by Rev. Mike Ruffin. Info.: 770-358-1494.

Christmas Recital, Ozier School of Dance, Fine Arts Center, 3 p.m. Tickets $5 - $10. Info.: 770-358-4500. [Full Story »]