Headlines

Joshua James Cox was found not guilty of malice murder but guilty of felony murder and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony Thursday in a Monroe County courtroom.

The jury deliberated just under two hours before reaching the verdicts.

Cox was charged with malice murder, felony murder and two counts possession of a firearm during commission of a felony in connection with the July 14, 2015 shooting death of Donald Terrell Clark.
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BPD investigators have identified the two suspects they were seeking in connection with damage at the recreation department after releasing surveillance video images. They are juveniles. Cases against them are pending.

By Walter Geiger

The murder trial of Joshua James Cox got underway Monday at the Monroe County courthouse with jury selection. The trial was moved to Forsyth due to coverage by The Herald Gazette. [Full Story »] 

The need for blood is critical and a drive is set for Jan. 26 at First United Methodist Church.

The Lamar County commission announced the three finalists for the position of county fire chief at its regular meeting Tuesday night. The position was vacated last year when Chief Steve Andrews fell ill and subsequently died.
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A Barnesville man charged in the shooting death of his 70-year-old mother last September was granted a $250,000 bond by Judge Bill Fears Jan. 6. [Full Story »] 

The case of Bobbie Jo Sumner, which has languished in the court system for three and a half years, was suddenly fast-tracked in Lamar superior court Jan. 6.
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An employee of the probate court office at the Lamar County courthouse has been arrested on theft charges. [Full Story »] 

Kathy Davis Oxford, a veteran of the economic development field who lives in Barnesville, has been hired as executive director of the Industrial Development Authority to replace Missy Kendrick who resigned last year to take a similar post in Polk County.

Oxford will assume her new duties in February. [Full Story »] 

The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2017 Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Businessperson of the Year is Jan. 4.

The 2017 Outstanding Citizen and Businessperson will be announced alongside other exceptional citizens at the Community Awards Banquet Jan. 19. Nominations should be turned into the chamber office no later than 5 p.m. January 4. Nomination forms must include biographical information about the nominee, including a brief summary of their professional life, participation in civic, church and social activities, contributions to the community and why the person should receive the award. Updated nomination forms can be found at the chamber office, or on their website barnesville. org. Completed forms may be mailed to P.O. Box 506, Barnesville or faxed to 770-358-5886.

January’s banquet will also recognize the community’s Farmer of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Britton Cauthen Firefighter of the Year and the STAR student and STAR teacher.

The Farmer of the Year will be presented by the Farm Bureau, the Career Woman will be presented by the Rotary Club, the Law Enforcement Officer will be presented by the Dewaine T. Bell Difference Makers, the Firefighter will be presented by the fire department and the STAR student and teacher will be recognized by the Kiwanis Club.

Tickets for the banquet are $25 and must be purchased before 5 p.m. January 16. For additional information contact the chamber at 770-358-5884.

By Walter Geiger

At its final meeting of the year Dec. 20, the Lamar County commission bade farewell to Van Baker who completes a four-year term Dec. 31.

Baker, a Republican and retired Norfolk Southern railroad executive, decided not to seek reelection. Ryran Traylor, another Republican, ran unopposed for Baker’s post and will take office Jan. 1.

“It has been my pleasure. I had no idea what I was getting into. It has been a learning process. I have great appreciation for all the men and women on this board and who work on county staffs. In four years, I have seen tremendous positive change. I have been proud to be a part of that,” Baker said.
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A three week old infant was found dead in a room at the Barnesville Motel early Tuesday morning. [Full Story »] 

If I cannot be a wise man, guided by a star, Let me be an humble shepherd, as all my people are;

For, though I cannot bring rich gifts to Mary and her Son, And though a lonely hillside is my only Parthenon, I can feel the heaven’s glory – can hear the angels sing, And I know they are proclaiming the advent of a King.

When Mary saw the costly gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, I sometimes wonder – wonder if they meant as much to her.

As the fleecy little blankets that wrapped her Blessed Child; And, somehow, when I think of this, I’m always reconciled;

To stay out in the lonely fields and follow up the sheep, So there may be warm blankets where little children sleep.

Wightman F. Melton Poet Laureate of Georgia

C&B Store on Hwy. 41 South at Fredonia Church Rd. was hit by armed robbers at 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22. All were black males, one of whom produced a handgun and took an undisclosed amount of cash. [Full Story »]