News

A candlelight vigil held here December 18 to honor those killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting in Connecticut instead ignited a firestorm of controversy.

Speaking from the podium, organizer Ellen Granum made remarks critical of the National Rifle Association and in favor of gun control. A gun control petition was also circulated. [Full Story »] 

By Sherri Ellington
While it is obvious that the new Nintendo 3DS is leading the pack of presents in terms of video gaming, iPads and iPods were getting plenty of requests, as was the Elf on the Shelf. [Full Story »] 

By Sherri Ellington

Most budget and other public hearings go on without people saying much of anything, but a board of elections member had a question about the 2012 Lamar County budget during a hearing on the 2013 spending plan.
[Full Story »] 

By Kay S. Pedrotti

About 100 people from several counties sat spellbound Dec. 8 as Col. Glenn Frazier, who survived the Bataan Death March and more than three years as a POW in Japan, unraveled his moving account of horror, deprivation, injuries, abuse, homecoming – and finally, forgiveness. [Full Story »] 

By Sherri Ellington

In the wake of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the schools have beefed up security with the help of local law enforcement officers, but at least one parent says the schools could take one more simple step – lock the doors. [Full Story »] 

By Dr. Bill Truby
Superintendent, Lamar Co. Schools

Another brutal, senseless, inexplicable and certainly inexcusable tragedy has struck another school and community in our country. Our hearts and prayers reach out to the families of the victims, all of the school family, and to the entire town of Newtown, Connecticut. [Full Story »] 

A Griffin Police Department officer who was shot in the head late Wednesday while on duty is home and recovering. Lt. Curtis Keys was released from Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) where he was lifeflighted after the incident on Circus Street.

GPD also clarified earlier reports that the suspect had died. Steven Walker, 42, of 427 Circus St. suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition at AMC.

GPD officer Cody Tolen responded to a report of a man dressed all in black brandishing a weapon. Walker and Tolen exchanged gunfire. Lt. Keys rode up on the scene and Walker allegedly shot him through the windshield of his patrol car before he exited the vehicle. Tolen was not hurt in the gun battle. [Full Story »] 

By Sherri Ellington

Hope Tree Ministries is again reaching out to the community to ask for donations of new and gently used toys for more than 20 children whose parents have asked the ministry to help. [Full Story »] 

A public hearing on the 2013 Lamar County proposed budget is set for Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. in the commission meeting room in the courthouse. [Full Story »] 

By Ken K. Green

Lamar County travels to Calhoun to take on the defending state champion Yellow Jackets in the semifinal round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs this week. The Trojans are 12-0-1 and the Jackets, Region 7-AA champions, are 13-0. [Full Story »] 

The Griffin Country Club will cease operations on January 2, 2013. [Full Story »] 

As well as it has done on the field, the Trojans have struggled with coin tosses. They lost again Saturday morning and will travel to Calhoun for the GHSA Class AA football semifinals this week.

UPDATE: Once again, a spectator bus for adults will be chartered for the long trip to northwest Georgia. The cost per person is $25. Students may ride the spirit bus for $10.

Superintendent Dr. Bill Truby reports each school gets 1000 tickets and tickets will be on sale at LCCHS this week for $15. The ticket office at the Calhoun stadium will open at 5 p.m. Friday for a 7:30 kickoff.

The stadium address for your GPS is 315 South River St., Calhoun, Ga. The Trojan team bus will leave the high school around noon on Friday. Dr. Truby anticipates a fine sendoff for them with signs along the road and throughout the school system facilities.

For more information, call LCCHS at 770.358.8641.

By Ken K. Green

Lamar County travels to Atlanta to take on Lovett in the quarterfinal round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs this week. The Trojans are 11-0-1 and the Lions, Region 6-AA champions, are 8-4.

When and Where:
Friday at 7:30 at Kilpatrick Memorial Stadium, Conley-Oakley Field [Full Story »] 

The Gordon State College Chorus and Vocal Ensemble will present a program of holiday favorites and other selections Thursday evening.
The concert will be held in the Fine Arts Auditorium on campus and begins at 7:30. It is free and the public is invited.