Headlines

The body of Lori Williams of Lamar County, who has been missing since May 2, was found just after 3 p.m. Monday afternoon in the woods of south Monroe County where her car was located Sunday. [Full Story »] 

The LC Lady Trojans (16-4) travel to the Augusta area this afternoon to take on the Harlem Lady Bulldogs (18-1-1) in the Elite 8 round of the GHSA Class AA soccer playoffs. First touch is set for 5:30 p.m.

Harlem advanced with a 5-1 win over Swainsboro in round one and a 6-3 victory over Elbert County in round two.

The Lady Trojans go into the match ranked #5 in the Eurosports top 10. Harlem is ranked #6. Should they advance, LC will face the winner of tonight's battle between #1 St. Vincent's and #3 Model in the Final 4. [Full Story »] 

After almost 55 years and returning to his studies at Shorter University in Rome, 88-year-old Rev. Horace L. Sheffield will receive his bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies at the school’s commencement exercises May 5. [Full Story »] 

A celebration of life service for Nate and Laura Enders and their two sons Jaden and Eli has been planned for 4 p.m. this Saturday, April 29 at Candler Field Museum in Williamson.


By Walter Geiger

Nathan and Laura Enders of Williamson and their two young sons died in an airplane crash that killed them April 15 at the Williston, Fla. airport.

Nathan was at the controls of an immaculately restored 1948 Cessna 170. He was a pilot, flight instructor and FAA employee. He landed at Williston and bought fuel at 2:38 p.m. The Cessna malfunctioned on takeoff and fell 500-1000 feet to the ground sometime after 3:10 p.m. [Full Story »] 

From Chief Craig Cooper:

The Barnesville Police Department will be progressively enforcing laws pertaining to the underage use of golf carts on the public roadways. The operation of a golf cart (low speed vehicle) on the roadway by an unlicensed driver is prohibited by state law and city ordinance.

The driver must have a valid driver’s license, instructional permit, or limited permit to operate a motor vehicle issued under the laws of this state.

The police department is asking for the support of all parents and citizens in this effort, we also ask if you witness these infractions to contact the Barnesville Police Department at (770) 358-1234 Daytime Monday - Friday, (770) 358-1246 Nighttime and weekends, or via email at bpd@cityofbarnesville.com.

Copies of the local golf cart ordinance are available at the Barnesville Police Department or you may request one from the email noted above.

Thank you for your continued support in making our youth, neighborhoods, and streets safe.

The Barnesville Blues chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will commemorate Confederate Memorial Day Saturday, April 29 at 11 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery. [Full Story »] 

The 13th annual BBQ & Blues Festival returns this weekend with over 25 cook teams, food vendors and live music.

Festivities begin Thursday evening with the annual kick-off party and business after hours event hosted by United Bank. The opening night will feature a 16 team cornhole tournament, live music with Diana New, food and drink, raffle tickets and prizes and opportunities to meet with local businesses and sponsors. Registration for the cornhole tournament begins at 5 p.m. that evening and bags fly at 6 p.m. [Full Story »] 

By Walter Geiger

Brian Thomas Thompson, 25, was sentenced to six years in prison followed by nine years on probation by Judge Bill Fears Tuesday in Lamar superior court after pleading guilty to one count of first degree vehicular homicide in connection with a Jan. 31, 2015 crash that killed 21-year-old Kara Holland.

Judge Fears sent Thompson to prison after heart-wrenching testimony from the parents of his victim, Julie and Frankie Holland. [Full Story »] 

The 13th annual BBQ & Blues Festival takes center stage April 20 with a kick-off party hosted by United Bank.

The event will feature a 16 team cornhole tournament, live music with Diana New, food and drink, raffle tickets and prizes.

Registration for the cornhole tournament begins at 5 p.m. and bags fly at 6 p.m.

[Full Story »] 

Lamar deputies in tactical gear and armed with automatic weapons have surrounded a duplex apartment in the 300 block of Highway 36 west near its intersection with Sudduth Road. Original indications were that the incidents stemmed from a suicide threat. [Full Story »] 

By Walter Geiger

Lamar County voters, a few of them anyway, overwhelmingly approved the six-year extension of the one percent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) March 21. The vote was 491-84. The total of 579 votes cast amounted to a voter turnout of 5.64%.

SPLOST revenues are expected to be $9.4 million to be split among the county and its municipalities via a formula based on percentage of population.

Elections superintendent Anita Reid and county commission chairman Charles Glass took a look at the costs for holding the election at the request of The Herald Gazette.

A quick estimate revealed the election cost about $10,000 or $17.27 for each ballot cast. [Full Story »] 

An incident at the City of Griffin's wastewater tratment plant Wednesday afternoon led to the accidental discharge of 42,600 gallons of untreated wastewater into Potato Creek.

From the plant, Potato Creek flows south into Lamar and Pike counties. [Full Story »]