November 30--  A South Carolina woman was killed in a Toombs County traffic accident Thursday night.

According to Sheriff Alvie Lee Kight, Jr., on November 29, 2012, at approximately ten-forty-five P.M., Toombs County Deputies along with Georgia State Patrol, responded to a one vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 1, just south of Dorsey Jordan Road.  

The driver, 40-year-old Malana Carroll Chisholm of Charleston, appeared to have lost control of the vehicle and it overturned several times. She was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by Toombs County Coroner Ron Hall. 

The accident is under investigation by the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol.

November 30--  Area businesses may be missing out on thousands of dollars in state and federal tax credits for things they do everyday.

The Vidalia Employer Committee sponsored a seminar with a company that specializes in helping business owners take advantage of such opportunities.

"There's a federal tax credit where if you hire a veteran, you can get up to $9,600 just for hiring a veteran.  If you're a business and you buy new software or new equipment, you can get up to $1,250 just for training your employees to use the new technology in your business," says David McMillan.

McMillan reports large companies often take advantage of the tax credits, but they are available for small companies, too.

"Anytime you hear about big companies moving into the state like Kia or Caterpillar, they move here for tax credits and those same tax credits are available to small businesses.  If you're a business with ten employees or 50 or 100 employees that's a great opportunity for tax credits.  If your a doctor's office or a manufacturer, those are two great areas which are constantly buying new equipment and there's a tax credit on training your employees on the stuff you already bought," McMillan notes.

"There's a lot of money out there and all these programs get pre-approved by the State of Georgia or by the federal government," according to McMillan.

For more information, you can contact Heather Davis, chairperson of the Vidalia Employer Committee at 565-9700.

November 28--  Attorneys for Lyons businessman Michael Grimes are asking that a RICO suit against their client be dismissed.

Three former employees of Thriftway Foods in Lyons filed suit last month alleging Grimes engaged in inappropriate conduct and unconsented physical contact while he was their boss.

In a reply filed November 25 in Toombs County Superior Court, Grimes' lawyers denied the accusations and asked Judge Kathy Palmer to dismiss the case and require the three women to pay all costs.

November 28--  Property owners in Montgomery County are being warned about thieves representing themselves as county tax assessors.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says an elderly woman in a rural part of the county was approached by a man who said he was working for the county tax assessor's office.  While she accompanied him out to confirm the location of a property line, his partner went into the woman's home and stole about $300 in cash.

A contractor working for Montgomery County is currently conducting a county-wife property revaluation; however, Sheriff Clarence Sanders says they will have a badge identifying themselves and that their trucks are marked.

Meanwhile, deputies are on the lookout for a white male, about six feet tall, driving a brown or gold Toyota truck.

Sheriff Sanders advises residents to deal only with personnel possessing an identification badge and asks that any suspicious situations be reported to his office.

November 27--  The Toombs County commission is expected to hire an accounting and financial manager from the private sector to be the new Toombs County manager.

The Commission announced Tuesday it would vote at its December 11th meeting on the hiring of 55-year-old John Jones from Eastman to succeed Doug Eaves who resigned earlier this year.

Commissioner Jeff McCormick and outgoing Commisisoner Louie Powell along with incoming Commission Chairman Blake Tillery and newly elected commissioners Wendell Dixon and Darriel Nobles were on the search committee.

McCormick says 45 people applied for the job and the committee narrowed it down to eight for interviews.

{mosimage}Jones has been the Controller for Bearden Oil Company in Eastman since 1993.  He graduated with a business degree in accounting from Valdosta State in 1980 and passed the CPA exam in 1987.  He's also held jobs in banking, business services and international business.

He's a former Deacon at the Eastman First Baptist and a past President of the Eastman Kiwanis Club.  He and his wife Holly have been married 29 years and have three grown children.

November 27--  Gov. Nathan Deal, Porsche President and Chief Executive Officer Detlev von Platen and numerous dignitaries broke ground today for Porsche North America’s new headquarters at Aerotropolis Atlanta. The 26.4-acre complex will employ 400 workers and create 100 jobs.

“Porsche’s new headquarters is a terrific asset to Georgia’s economy and moves us closer to becoming the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business,” said Deal. “I’m confident One Porsche Drive will become a renowned address that stands for vision, innovation and success – as well as one of the greatest driving experiences in the world for the millions of travelers who arrive in our great state each year.”

Porsche’s expansion and new location, announced in May 2011, will consolidate U.S.-based Porsche employees from Porsche Cars North America as well as the company’s financial, business and consulting arms. The site will encompass not only the company’s U.S. headquarters, but the Porsche Technical Training Center as well as the Porsche Customer and Driving Experience Center, featuring a 1.6-mile test track and handling circuit. The company anticipates beginning operations in the first quarter of 2014.

“This world-class facility underscores our commitment to customers and dealers in the United States, which remains the single largest market for Porsche vehicles,” said president and chief executive officer of Porsche Cars North America Detlev von Platen. “Today’s ceremony symbolized Porsche putting down permanent roots here in Atlanta, a city we have proudly called home since 1998.”

The company chose Aerotropolis Atlanta after a global search for the best location to grow and showcase its brand. Proximity to the customer base represented by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was a key factor in Porsche’s selection of the Aerotropolis site, the location of a former Ford Motor Company plant. Aerotropolis is owned and developed by Jacoby Development.

Partnering to assist the company with its expansion were the Georgia Department of Economic Development, City of Atlanta, City of Hapeville, InvestAtlanta, Fulton County and Clayton County. Blair Lewis, director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Corporate Solutions team, led the project team that assisted Porsche with its location.

“Effective collaborations help attract and keep company headquarters in Georgia,” said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Besides factors like workforce and logistics capabilities, the ability of community and state partners to team up and meet our companies’ needs is a large part of why Georgia, and Atlanta in particular, have proven a mecca for corporate headquarters.”

November 27--  Sara Rich from Montgomery County Elementary School reports students there have been voting.  Here's the story.

"Montgomery County Elementary School recently gave its students two opportunities to learn what it means to participate in a democracy by exercising the right to vote.  First elections were held for fifth grade student council officers and fourth grade representatives.  Later first through fifth graders joined millions of other elementary students across the country in participating in a mock Presidential election. 

Student Council  -  Students from grades four and five voted for Student Council officers.  The results are:  President – Emily Walker; Vice President – Macie Pittman; Secretary – Trey Ricks; Treasurer – Sarah Ortiz; Fourth Grade Representatives – Ryan Holton and Jamiya Bryant. 

The four officers came from a field of twenty-four students who campaigned by making posters and giving speeches on the GMME Show (the school’s daily video broadcast).  Their speeches explained to the other students why they would be the best choice for the office and included their campaign slogan.

The officers have been charged with these responsibilities:  (1) Be a role model and demonstrate leadership in the school and community; (2) Conduct themselves with academic integrity and exemplary conduct; (3) Talk and listen to classmates and bring their ideas and concerns to the Student Council and to the principal; (4) Help plan and carry out school fundraisers and service projects; (5) Work well with the administration and other officers; (6) Promote school spirit and pride in the school.

The student council has already completed one service project this year—collecting and boxing cat and dog food for the Vidalia Animal Shelter.  Their next project will be the school’s Christmas store on December 12^th-14^th. Proceeds will be donated to the Montgomery County Emergency Food Pantry.

{mosimage}Presidential Election  - Students in front of presidential campaign posters are (l-r) Kevin DeLeon, Haylie Introcaso, A'Niree Russell, Clabe O'Connor, Justin Hanner and Caleb Horne. 

In the days before the mock Presidential election, teachers and students had access to internet resources instructing students about the importance of elections in America.  After casting their votes for Obama or Romney online in the school computer lab, students were given “I Voted” stickers just like adults received when they voted in the real election on November 6th.

{mosimage}Students voting in the school computer lab are (l-r) A'niree Russell, Trey Ricks, Macie Pittman and Kevin Deleon.

Thanks go to all of the boys and girls who worked hard composing speeches and making posters before the student council elections.  It is hoped that by holding the student council elections and a mock election for United States President, all students at Montgomery County Elementary School are learning what it means to take part in a democracy."

November 27-- Instructors at Southeastern Technical College have nominated eight of their students for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) competition, according to Cindy Phillips, coordinator for the college’s GOAL program. 

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students.  GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 25 technical colleges as well as one Board of Regents college with a technical education division. 

Chosen for recognition by their instructors are Johnny Barfield of Lyons in Electrical Systems, Marsha Brooks of Reidsville, Eureka Bryant of Vidalia, and Lacey Phillips of Soperton in Medical Assisting, and Madison Brantley of Vidalia, LaShanda Rountree of Vidalia, Christopher Waters of Swainsboro, and Sharon Wyche of Lyons in Radiologic Technology.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Phillips.

A screening committee of administrators at Southeastern Tech will review each of the instructors’ nominations then conduct personal interviews with the students.  After the nominees have been ranked, four finalists will then be chosen to compete to be the STC’s GOAL winner for 2013.

The four finalists will then take part in another round of interviews and evaluations by a selection committee of representatives from local business and industry. That panel will consider the students’ qualities like academic achievement, personal character, leadership abilities, and enthusiasm for technical education. 

The student judged most outstanding will be designated as the college’s GOAL winner and move on to the regional competition.  Then, three from each of the three regions will make up the nine regional finalists, who will be named in April at the state GOAL conference in Atlanta.  The nine regional finalists will then move to the state level and compete for the title of state GOAL winner.

The student who earns the state GOAL winner title is also awarded the important responsibility of traveling the state as the ambassador for the entire technical college system.  To make that travel easier, the winner also receives a new car from Chevrolet, the statewide corporate sponsor of Georgia’s GOAL program.

November 27--  Environmentalists in southeast Georgia are seeking a court order to force the state of Georgia to enforce existing law regarding clean water.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Divison is allowing King Finishing in Screven County to discharge chemicals into the Ogeechee River even though the state withdrew the company's permit while a study is being done on damage to the river.

In the interim, Emily Markesteyn with the Ogeechee RiverKeeper wants a Superior Court judge in Screven County to stop the discharges.

"We have an obligation to the river basin and its people to stop any illegal and harmful discharge and that includes the filing of this latest Petition for Mandemus against the State of Georgia because they are allowing King Finishing to discharge without a permit and that's a violation of the Clean Water Act," she claims.

"They know what's going on and they know what they can do to stop it.  The Ogeechee River is number one on the Georgia Water Coalition's "Dirty Dozen" list.  In that report they talk about EPD's budget cuts and political cronyism in the Governor's Office and I think it all plays a part when it comes to protecting our natural resources," Markesteyn says.

Meanwhile, she reports citizens are calling and reporting troubling observations along the river.

"Most of the calls we receive from citizens are actually about not seeing wildlife.  Not seeing fish, birds and the animals and that, more than anything, is troubling to me," she reports. 

November 26--  A house fire in Toombs County was apparently started by a meth lab and led to the arrest of three people.

Toombs County Sheriff Junior Kight says the house on Turner Bridge Road caught fire just after midnight on Thanksgiving.  He believes a meth lab in woods near the house started the blaze.

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A man and two women are being charged with manufacturing of a controlled substance.  Thirty-year-old James Lee Partin suffered burns on his left arm and was taken to Meadows Regional Medical Center in Vidalia.  The others are identified as 23-year-old Mallory Allen Partin (center) and 26-year-old Marilyn Tabitha Aeger.

November 26--  The editorial staff of The Augusta Chronicle alerts us of a federal tax increase coming up in January.

"America is about to do something to families that not even Russia or China do: pillage their inheritances.

November 25--  There was an accidental death and a suspected murder-suicide over Thanksgiving weekend in the Vidalia area.

Toombs County Sheriff Junior Kight reports an elderly Toombs County man died of burns when his clothing caught fire Friday afternoon.  Seventy-eight-year old David Howell was using an acetelyne torch to weld a tractor part at his farm home near the Providence community.

Meanwhile, Saturday afternoon a shooting occurred in the 900 block of North Circle Drive in Vidalia.  A 28-year-old woman identified as Maranda Marie Nichols was killed in the shooting which occurred at the curb in front of her mother's residence where she had been talking to 28-year-old Samuel Tellu of Savannah.  She suffered a fatal headwound and fell in the street.  Vidalia police launched a search for Tellu who left the scene in a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer.

The vehicle was found early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Calvary Grace Baptist Church on Highway 280 in Ailey.  Inside police found Tellu dead of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Montgomery County Coroner Joe Strickland says he understands Tellu is a soldier stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting Vidalia police and Montgomery County authorities with the investigation. 

November 22-- Missing Male Steel Blue Weimaraner.  Last seen near Country Estates Blvd. His name is Blue.  

{mosimage}If found, call Ross or Jade Kelly at 912-293-4111 or 912-293-0717.  

November 21-  The Boys and Girls Club of Toombs County has a lot to be thankful for this year. 

Over the weekend it moved from its original location in Vidalia to its brand new building at the corner of Winona and Third Streets.

{mosimage}Executive Director Tonjai Gaffney in the new computer lab which volunteers from Dot Foods helped install Tuesday said "We are so thankful.  The community has supported us and the children will be so excited when they come to see our new facility."

The new 8,000 square foot building was built in part with a $500,000 grant secured by the City of Vidalia and contains classrooms, a computer lab, a kitchen, game rooms and a gymnasium.  It also has room to expand and serve more boys and girls.

"We'll be able to serve more children and more parts of Toombs County.  I just think we'll be able to touch more lives with this new facility," Gaffney believes.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening is being planned for January and word is that former heavyweight champion Evander Holifield is being booked by the National Boys and Girls Club to spotlight the event.

November 20--  A Lyons businessman accused in a civil suit of sexually-oriented inappropriate conduct with three former female employees refused to answer questions at a court hearing November 9 at the Toombs County courthouse.

Michael Grimes exercised his constitutional rights against self-incrimination under the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution when questioned by the plantiffs' attorney Keith Pollette.

Pollette is representing Jessica Beasley, Skylar Moore and Chelsea White.  The trio is suing Grimes under provisions of Georgia's racketeering act and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Pollette says three witnesses backed up the allegations against Grimes at the hearing before Superior Court Judge Kathy Palmer.  In response to media questions last month, Grimes claimed the allegations are not true.

The judge continued an injunction she had earlier granted against Grimes which prevents him from transferring assets of his grocery company to other parties.  In so doing, she relaxed a provision of the injunction which had prevented Grimes from communicating with present and former employees regarding the lawsuit, however, he was cautioned against engaging in  threats or intimidation.

Attorneys for Grimes are expected to file an answer to the complaint by November 26.

November 19--  Toombs County employees will get a four percent raise next year if the County Commission approves a proposed budget of $9,272,576, an increase of $248,926 over this year.

A public hearing on the budget is set for December 11 at five p.m. before the regularly scheduled monthly commission meeting.

The commission agreed to pay off outstanding debts of $749,308.48 for county equipment and said the payoff will save the county $164,610.53 in interest payments

In other actions, two appointments were made to the Toombs County Development Authority.  Tommy Rollins will succeed Al Darley and Robert Greene will take the place of Pollyann Martin.

Nine members appointed to the county Recreation Board are Anthony Cowart, Tim Burkett, John Herndon, Joseph Hutchinson, Kim Stephens, George Garbutt, Angie Braddock, Amy Claxton and Keith Mosley.

November 18--  The Montgomery County Commission is considering a county budget for next year that is slightly less than its current budget.

County manager David Curry told commissioners at their November meeting the $3.3 million budget is $38,734 less primarily because the county is saving an estimated $157,000 by housing prisoners at the Coffee County jail.

He said the budget would be even less were it not for a planned county-wide property revaluation expected to cost about $78,000, a ten percent increase in health insurance premiums and a five percent longevity raise for the Clerk of Court, Probate Judge and Tax Commissioner. 

Curry also said the proposed budget may need to be amended by the new board of commissioners next year to accomodate any changes requested by newly elected county Sheriff Ladson O'Connor.

The commission also agreed to set up a meeting with the Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society to discuss an animal control and protection ordinance for the county.  SOAPS President Therisa Ingley said the organization gets phone calls about dogs being neglected and abused in the county.

The commission appointed John C. Davis, Jr. to succeed the late Don McArthur on the county Board of Health.

November 19--  Governor Nathan Deal attended the Georgia Ports Authority Board meeting today in Savannah and announced that as part of his FY2014 budget proposal, he will seek an additional $50 million in funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project.

“I am committed to allocating funds and time to this pivotal link in our logistics network,”said Deal. “Expanding the Savannah Harbor is vital to our renewed economic growth and plays an integral role in helping make our state the No. 1 place in the nation in which to do business.”

If approved, the proposal will increase state funding for the deepening project to $231.1 million.

“Studies indicate that the port deepening will reduce shipping costs by at least $213 million a year,” said Georgia Ports Authority Board Chairman Robert Jepson. “The 5.5-to-1 benefit-to-cost ratio demonstrates that the expenditure would be a wise investment of federal dollars.”

Overall, the cost of the project is anticipated to be $652 million. The Record of Decision, signifying final federal approval for the project, was issued in October, allowing for construction to begin in 2013.

“The milestone decision made thus far by our federal agencies along with strong support from the state signifies great confidence in the surety and soundness of our deepening plan,” said Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis Foltz. “We are and will continue to work diligently with our leaders in Washington to cultivate further funding for a successful port deepening.”

About the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project

Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 352,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $18.5 billion in income, $66.9 billion in revenue and $2.5 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah was the second busiest U.S. container port for the export of American goods by tonnage in FY2011. The port also handled 8.7 percent of the U.S. containerized cargo volume and 12.5 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in FY2011.

For more information about the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project please visit www.gaports.com.

November 16-- Gov. Nathan Deal today informed the Obama administration that Georgia will not set up its own health care exchange, citing Obamacare’s one-size fits all approach and the high cost that the law places on states.

“I remain committed to common sense health care solutions that empower consumers to take responsibility for their own health, motivate the private sector and drive efficiencies for consumers, employers and governments alike,” Deal said. “I continue to hope that we might finally engage in a serious conversation about restoring meaningful flexibility to states around health care programs.”

Deal said the federal government needs to loosen regulations that restrict states’ options.

“We have no interest in spending our tax dollars on an exchange that is state-based in name only,” Deal said. “I would support a free market-based approach that could serve as a useful tool for Georgia’s small businesses, but federal guidelines forbid that. Instead, restrictions on what the exchanges can and can’t offer render meaningless the suggestion that Georgia could tailor an exchange that best fits the unique needs of its population.

“I have joined numerous other governors seeking guidance from the federal government on establishing exchanges. We’ve yet to receive serious answers to our questions. I will not commit Georgia taxpayers to a project with so many unknowns.”

November 16-- Rev. Franklin Graham tells Newsmax TV that America has “turned our backs on God.” America is in a deep economic quagmire — and it may take a complete economic collapse to change things, says the son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham.
Read the Full Story and See the Video — Go Here Now

November 15--  The United Way Campaign in Toombs-Montgomery and Wheeler Counties exceeded all expectations.

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At the campaign Victory Luncheon Thursday, campaign officials reported collections had exceeded the $465,000 goal by $46,000 with money still being turned in.  By late Thursday, the total had risen to more than $518,000 and a final figure of at least $525,000 is predicted.

The total suprises campaign director Amy Sowell, "I had no idea it was going to go that high.  We set our goal this year three-and-a-third percent higher than last and I'm just thrilled at what this community can come together and do.  I was extremely surprised."

About half of the money pledged this year is coming from area industries and their employees.  The Industrial Division drive was led by Sherry Keene from Trane.  "I just think that people see the need and want to give back to the community and know there are people out there who need it," she said.

United Way Executive Director Patricia Dixon says, "It was the community doing it and they just blew our socks off.  We just praise the Lord for everybody.  We had a lady on our video that said bring a meal everyday to her was 'some kind of touch' and that's what we want to be, 'some kind of touch' and reach out to people in their time of need."

Here's a breakdown of various division results in the campaign.

November 15--  The Ogeechee RiverKeeper issued the following news release this morning.

For the second year in a row, the Ogeechee River is # 1....but on a bad, bad list. 

Yesterday Georgia's leading water protection group named its "Dirty Dozen" for 2012, exposing the worst offenses to Georgia's water. The sites range from an unnecessary reservoir in northeast Georgia to a tire dump in southwest Georgia.The Georgia Water Coalition is a consortium of 175 conservation and environmental organizations, hunting and fishing groups, businesses, and faith-based organizations that have been working to protect Georgia's water since 2002. Collectively, these organizations represent more than 300,000 Georgians.

"This list not only highlights some of the most egregious water pollution problems in our state, but also calls attention to state policies that harm our rivers and waste our tax dollars," said April Ingle, executive director at Georgia River Network. "The sites on this list are examples of Georgia’s failures to protect our water, our fish and wildlife and our communities."

Topping the list for the second year in a row is the Ogeechee River where King America Finishing has been illegally discharging toxic pollution, highlighted by the devastating fish kill last year. A hazardous waste site adjacent to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Glades Reservoir proposed near Gainesville, a Flint River groundwater injection experiment near Albany, Richland Creek Reservoir proposed in Paulding County and Rayonier's pulp mill in Jesup round out the top six.

Minimum flow requirements on the Chattahoochee in Atlanta ranked seventh on the list, followed by a century-old navigational cut through the Satilla River salt marsh, a landfill with ties to Gov. Nathan Deal in Gainesville, Tired Creek Reservoir proposed near Cairo, the expansion of the Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant on the Savannah River and a tire dump in Cuthbert.

The Coalition's full report details the history of each site and provides solutions to correct these ongoing pollution problems and eliminate the listed threats. It is available online at: http://www.garivers.org/gawater/dirtydozen.htm.

The Coalition faults continuing funding cuts to Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD), political cronyism at the highest levels of state government and the wasteful use of state tax dollars as the primary causes of these ongoing threats to our state's streams, rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

EPD has seen its funding cut by 44 percent and staff cut by 23 percent (250 positions) since 2008, seriously jeopardizing its ability to enforce the state's environmental laws.

Even more problematic, said the Coalition, is the cronyism that puts campaign contributors and their business interests on the Governor-appointed Department of Natural Resources Board, which oversees EPD—the agency that regulates those same businesses.

Board members who have spoken up for the protection of waterways have been systematically removed from the board and replaced with political cronies. Of the 16 members currently serving, 11 have ties to entities that EPD regulates. Even the current Director of EPD, a political-appointee of Gov. Nathan Deal, previously served as a lobbyist for a firm that represents industry and business groups.

"The Deal Administration's appointments and actions suggest that enforcing environmental laws are not a priority," said Joe Cook, Executive Director & Riverkeeper with the Rome-based Coosa River Basin Initiative. "Track the money divvied out in Gov. Deal's new water supply program and you get further clarity about this administration's priorities and allegiances." 

In August, the Deal administration directed $102 million in state dollars to reservoirs and water supply projects of dubious need, including some $9 million in state "investments" that directly benefited businesses and individuals that were major donors to his gubernatorial campaign, according to the Coalition.

At the same time, state funding for lower cost projects to maximize existing water supplies has languished.

"The $102 million that Gov. Deal directed to questionable and environmentally destructive water supply projects this year is more than three times the $30 million in state dollars invested by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority in water conservation and efficiency projects from 2006-2010," said Sally Bethea, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. 

The Dirty Dozen list was compiled by the Coalition after taking nominations from member groups across the state. This is the second such list. While four issues from the 2011 Dirty Dozen made return appearances this year, other issues did not return to the list this year because they were resolved; still others continue to threaten our water. Updates of the 2011 Dirty Dozen are included in the full report which can be viewed at: http://www.garivers.org/gawater/dirtydozen.htm.

What's Ogeechee Riverkeeper Doing?

 "We have an obligation and responsibility to the river basin and its people to stop illegal and harmful discharge through all available means," states Emily Markesteyn, Executive Director.

On Tuesday, Ogeechee Riverkeeper filed a petition for mandamus in the Superior Court of Screven County. Petitioning for mandamus asks the court to require a public official to perform a non-discretionary duty; in this case the Petition for Mandamus asks the Court to stop Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) from allowing King America Finishing (KAF) to discharge pollutants without a permit.

"We have tried to work cooperatively with the State to force King America to follow the law, which is very clear that unpermitted discharges are illegal," says Don Stack of Stack & Associates. "To date, however, the State has continued to allow this illegal discharge no matter the environmental harm. We therefore are going to ask the Court to require EPD to do what it has been unable to do on its own."

EPD pulled KAF's discharge permit in October, stating an anti-degradation analysis was required. Ogeechee Riverkeeper agrees that this analysis needs to be done. 

November 13--  The Georgia Department of Transportation is alerting motorists in Vidalia to roadwork starting Wednesday, November 14 through Tuesday, November 20 at the intersection of U.S. 280 and State Route 30 between West Avenue and Rudell Road.

Georgia DOT crews will be rehabilitating concrete slabs on the roadway at the intersections on U.S. 280/S.R. 30 between West Avenue and Rudell Road in the City of Vidalia  This work begins daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

A single lane closure will be utilized for this work with message signs, barrels and/or cones will be utilized to alert the public of the upcoming changes. This maintenance operation and the lane closures it necessitates are weather permitting and subject to change.

This is a WORK ZONE and extreme caution is necessary.  Motorists are advised to reduce speeds as they travel through this construction work zone. Drivers should be aware that personnel and equipment will be operating in close proximity to travel lanes.

November 13--  The Augusta Chronicle reports three men remain at large   after six escaped from the Emanuel County Jail on Saturday night, including one accused of murder and another who had previously escaped the same facility.  The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their capture.

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November 12--  A Toombs County grand jury has returned 19 indictments including one for malice murder.

Rochelle Hurst of Augusta was indicted in the killing of Benjamin Herman Kelly in his house at 628 Fifth Avenue in Vidalia last May.  Hurst allegedly hit Kelly in the head with a hammer and stabbed him in the chest with a knife.

Police believe the indictment of Davlares Latimore solves a rash of automobile breakins in Vidalia last Spring.  Latimore was indicted for breaking into 17 vehicles last April.  Another person indicted on one count of entering an automobile is Amanda Elizabeth Roberson Page.

In an arson case, a member of the Oasis Church of God on the Ponderosa Road near Lyons was indicted.  Forty-four-year old Timothy Harden is accused of stealing musical equipment from the church and then setting the fire to cover up the theft in August of last year.

A domestic violence case resulted in the indictment of Casey Lee Bruns.  He's accused of victimizing Stephanie Denmark of Lyons by false imprisonment, battery, stalking and obstructing her from making 911 calls for help.

Four people were indicted for armed robbery and aggravated assault against migrant workers at Herndon Farms south of Lyons last March.  They're identified as Lorenzo Bennett, Jeffrey Branch, Arreon Jackson and Krista Sagaon.

Deremmus Williams was indicted for using an AK-47 in a case of aggravated assault and burglary at two apartments on Easter Drive in Vidalia last June.

Eight people indicted in theft cases are Brianna Martin, John Tomason, Christopher McCoy, Eugene Sibert, Jr., Darwin Foskey, James Lee Lewis, Jr., Antwon King and Arturo Villegas, Jr. who was also indicted on seven counts of forgery.

In two drug cases, Jason Beasley was indicted for possession of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone whle Christol Morris and Earl Cooper were indicted for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

And a Toombs County prisoner, Bennie Hayward, Jr. was indicted for possession of contraband by an inmate.

November 12-- Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Georgia’s net tax collections for October totaled $1.38 billion for an increase of $83.5 million, or 6.4 percent, compared to October 2011. Through four months, net revenue collections totaled $5.6 billion — an increase of $258.5 million, or 4.8 percent, compared to last year.

The following changes within the various tax categories led to the overall net revenue increases in October:
 
Individual Income Tax: Individual Income Tax collections for October totaled $757 million — up from nearly $700 million in October 2011—for an increase of $57.25 million, or 8.2 percent.

The following notable components within Individual Income Tax account for the increase:
•      Individual Withholding payments were up $53.25 million, or 7.6 percent
•      Individual Estimated payments were up $1.25 million, or 10.6 percent
•      Individual Income Tax refunds (net of voided checks) were up $4.25 million, or 4.4 percent
•      All other Individual Income Tax categories combined for an increase of $7 million

Sales and Use Tax: Net Sales and Use Tax collections for October totaled $439.25 million — up from $437.25 million in October 2011 — for an increase of $2 million, or 0.5 percent. The monthly distribution to local governments totaled $380.5 million, which was a decrease of $7.5 million, or -1.9 percent, compared to last year’s distribution. The total distribution included a pro rata distribution of $1.2 million pursuant to state law.

Corporate Income Tax: Corporate Income Tax collections for October increased $5.75 million, or 58.7 percent, from $9.75 million in October 2011 to $4 million this year (refunds outstripped revenues).

The following notable components within Corporate Income Tax make up the increase:
•      Corporate Tax Return payments were up $3.75 million, or 56.1 percent

•      Corporate Tax refunds (net of voided checks) were down $3.25 million, or -8.6 percent

•      All other Corporate Tax categories (including S-Corp) combined for a decrease of $1.25 million

November 8-- The state of Georgia is dropping an investigation of charges by a Twin City man that Vidalia is a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants.

Last year Michael Dale Smith filed a complaint with the newly created Immigration Enforcement Review Board based on concerns that the city is allowing local employers to take jobs away from U.S. citizens and give them to illegals.

"You've had illegal aliens in that city for a long time and others around here, too.  It's cheap labor and the businessmen and the farmers have been doing the game and it's time for punishment," Smith said.

The chairman of the state board, Ben Vinson, says a decision to drop the case was made at a board meeting in September.

"I appointed a sub-committee of three of our board members to explore that case a little bit and also to explore the general allegations that Vidalia was a sanctuary city.  The sub-committee reported back and said it did not appear there was enough evidence that would lead anybody to believe Vidalia is a sanctuary city.  That being the case, we decided not to advance into a full blown investigation," Vinson reports.

Meanwhile, Vidalia city manager Bill Torrance says the whole situation has been a mystery to him.  The city was notifed of Smith's allegations in a letter from the Enforcement Board last April and denied his claims in a letter of reply in June.

"It's just been bizarre to me.  I don't understand it.  I've never seen anybody nor talked to anybody from the Immigration Enforcement Board.  Yet, all this has happened with the media and that Mr. Smith over in Twin City, it's just bizarre," he said.

November 7-- Frank Radford, Jr., former longtime Mayor of Soperton, died Wednesday afternoon in Soperton. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Higgs Funeral Home of Soperton.

November 7--  Here are the results of the 2012 General Election regarding area races and issues.

November 6--  A Florida circuit court judge has set a trial date of the man accused in the killing of a Toombs County teenager.

Twenty-three-year old Steven Cozzie will be tried on capital murder charges in the death of Courtney Wilkes whom he allegedly beat to death while her family was vacationing in Seagrove Beach, Florida on June 16, 2011.  

The trial is set to begin June 10, 2013 in Walton County Circuit Court in Defuniak Springs, almost two years after the crime occurred.

Assistant State's Attorney Bobby Elmore says Courtney's parents attended the November 1st hearing conducted by Judge Kelvin Wells and that the judge consulted with them on the trial date.

Pre-trial motions in the case will be heard April 30, 2013 according to Elmore.

November 5--  A reward is being offered in a rape that occurred in Lyons.

The area CrimeStoppers board approved a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man who allegedly raped a woman living in a Lyons Housing Authority apartment on North Lanier Street during the early morning hours of Friday, October 28.

"We're looking for a slender built black make, approximately six feet tall.  He was wearing a white zip-up hoodie and some type of surgical or dust mask.  The victim described him as having a low, raspy voice," says Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker.

The victim told police the rapist reminded her of a man who had approached her a few weeks before and asked if he could pickup pecans in her yard.

Chief Walker is warning residents to be alert when approached by anyone wanting to do maintenance or yard work.

"They should be very alert.  Be observant, get a description and call 911 so that we can follow up," he advises. 

If you have any information in this case, call the Lyons Police Department and tell them you have a CrimeStoppers tip.  You do not have to give your name.  The number to call is 526-3638.

November 5--  State Senator Jack Hill of Reidsville discusses the state's health insurance benefit program in his "Notes From the Senate" column.

November 5--  After years of study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved a plan to deepen the port of Savannah.

"The Corps of Engineers issued their final record of decision approving the project and now we can move forward with getting funding and moving forward with construction of the harbor deepening," reports Leo Beckmann of the Georgia Ports Authority.

The project will deepen the harbor by five feet and allow it to accomodate the much larger ships which will soon be coming to the U.S. through a bigger Panama Canal.

The Savannah port exports more U.S. products than any other U.S. port except Los Angeles.

"We're the fourth largest port in the nation, the fastest growing as well, and we're number two in terms of exports so all those Georgia products are coming out through our facility and creating opportunities for all those agri-businesses throughout the state," Beckmann says.

"Georgia is the largest poultry producing state in the nation and we export more poultry than any other port in the nation.  We export a lot of kaolin clay, a lot of pine products, peanuts, cotton, pecans and we also export Vidalia Onions and we also import onions to Vidalia as well which are grown in South America," he points out.

According to Beckmann, the habor deepening will cost about $650 million and take at least four years to complete once it gets started.

November 2-- In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today, U.S. Senators Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, continued to press the State Department for disclosure of all communications regarding security in Benghazi, Libya leading up to the deadly September 11 attacks on the U.S. mission.

“Over the past several weeks, cables, emails and other communications regarding the security situation in Benghazi prior to and since the attack on our consulate have been leaked to some Congressional offices and media outlets, resulting in conflicting reports in the press.  We have also called for the official transmittal of these documents and are still awaiting your response,” Corker and Isakson wrote in their letter.  “On September 25, 2012 and again on October 3, 2012, we sent you letters requesting that all communications between the diplomatic mission in Libya and the State Department related to the security situation be transmitted to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee without delay.  We respectfully ask for an update on the status of our requests for these documents.”

A complete copy of the senators’ letter to Secretary Clinton today is attached below and available online here.  Their previous letters of September 25 and October 3 are available here.

November 2--  There are 157 schools in Georgia which have made the biggest academic gains in the past three years and Vidalia High School is one of them.

The Georgia Department of Education is designating VHS as a "High Progress School" because its among the ten percent of schools in the state making the most progress in improving the academic performance of all student groups.

"This is one of those lists you really want to be on because it shows a lot of improvement and it shows a lot of progress," says Matt Cardoza, a spokesman for the DOE.

Lucy Claroni, the curriculum director for Vidalia City Schools, believes the designation is due in large part to improved math scores by VHS students.

"I think it's because of our end of course tests, especially in mathematics.  We have provided those extra support classes for our math curriculum and it seems to give the kids an extra dose of math and it seems to be working," she observes.

Claroni thinks VHS math teachers are making a big difference with their students.

"I was doing mock interviews with members of Donna Collins class who were working on skills they need to have in the workplace.  Out of the ten kids whom I asked what is their favorite course, nine out of ten said it was math.  I was shocked.  The fact that nine out of ten students would tell me that math was their favorite course says a lot about math teachers at the high school," she said.

Other schools in our area designated as High Progress Schools are Appling County Elementary, Metter High School and Claxton High School.