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Articles by Jill DuMar
Burke Health celebrates one year anniversary
Burke Health celebrates its first anniversary since acquiring the former Burke Medical Center last June, differentiating itself in rural healthcare by specializing in orthopedics and cardiology. Soon after its acquisition, Burke Medical Center underwent a complete re-branding initiative.
MIDVILLE LIBRARY NEWS
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 Discover an ocean of fun events this summer at Midville Library! Friday, July 8 – Make an octopus Friday, July 15 – Finding Nemo Friday, July 22 - Make an ocean wreath Friday, July 29 – Kinetic sand fun-day We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Don Lively - The True Citizen
IN AMERICA By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 (Re-printed and updated from 2010) Suddenly, it’s very quiet around here. Everybody’s gone and, being as how I live alone, after all the chatter and the debate and the discussion, the silence is nearly deafening. It’s over for another year. The Fourth has come and gone. The Fourth. In my family, everybody knows immediately what it means when someone refers […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
BCHS graduate publishes book
“Grieve with Grace” is a book inspired by the personal tragic loss suffered by 1996 Burke County High School graduate Shuntoya Chatman. Chatman lost her oldest son, Christopher, in an accident in 2006. He was 4 years old. The tragic loss inspired her to help others who are trying to cope with grief. After receiving therapy to help her process […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
LOOKING BACK - The True Citizen
{this week in Burke County history} By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 10 YEARS AGO – JULY 11, 2012 A section of U.S. Highway 25 was to be dedicated in memory of longtime legislator and judge Preston B. Lewis, Jr. He had served six terms in the Georgia House of Representative, one term in the State Senate and three decades as Judge of the Juvenile Court. At the request of Chief Alfonzo […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Named to Dean’s List By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 Marquez Lamaze Washington of Keysville has been named to the spring, 2022 Dean’s List at Reinhardt University. The Dean’s list recognizes students who have completed at least 12 hours with a 3.5-3.99 GPA with no grade less than a B. Founded in 1883, Reinhardt University is a private, comprehensive institution grounded in the liberal arts and affiliated with the United […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Cynthia Buxton - The True Citizen
Waynesboro, GA. - Ms. Cynthia Buxton, daughter of the late Willie Buxton and Mamie L. Scott, entered into rest at her residence, Thursday, June 30, 2022. She was preceded in death by her only son, James Tyrone Jones; brothers, Calvin Buxton, William Buxton and sister, Lorene Doe Her legacy will continue in the hearts of her children; Tasha Jones, Shante […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
BURKE EMA REPORT
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 The Burke County Emergency Management Agency responded to 125 patients’ calls during the week ending July 3. Of those, 81 resulted in transports, including 48 to Augusta hospitals. Thirty eight of the transports were determined to be emergencies and 43 were non-emergent. The agency also answered 15 fire calls during the week. They included one outside trash/waste or dumpster fire, […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
6 Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 (StatePoint) COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children under 5 years old, and the American Medical Association (AMA) is urging parents to get their children vaccinated. “The wait for this moment has been excruciating for parents who were ready on day one for their children to receive a vaccination to prevent severe COVID,” says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Michael N. Searles
The challenge of uniting the original thirteen colonies and the states that followed was a monumental one. Each colony and territory had its own makeup, population, concerns, and political outlook. Convincing each colony to relinquish its sovereignty required discussion, debate, and compromise. The reason there are compromises in the U.S. Constitution reflects the difficulty in reconciling political differences. In the […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Bird dog retires to the capital
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com After a long and successful career, a local German Shorthair Pointer will spend the rest of his life living out his retirement in the Bird Dog Capital of the World. The start of a canine-owner power team began on a humble note. Fawn Kovach’s family birthed a litter of German Shorthaired Pointer pups. One of the males struggled to begin […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Annual Revival - The True Citizen
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church will hold its annual revival 7 p.m. nightly July 12-14. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Martris Mims of Old Storm Branch Baptist Church in Clearwater, S.C. Pastor Donald Long and the Fellowship Missionary Baptist church family invite the public. We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Burke County inmate dies of apparent heart attack
Inmate Brian O’Neal Fitzgerald, 51, died June 30 while incarcerated at the Burke County Detention Center. Burke County EMA was called after Fitzgerald complained of discomfort in his chest. He collapsed and was slow to respond to verbal commands, according to a press release. Burke EMA arrived on scene, began CPR. and Fitzgerald was transported to Burke Health for continued […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Where the BOC stands on trash
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com During the called meeting June 28, the Board of Commissioners continued discussions about the dilemma of how to do away with the county’s 108 dumpster sites. The current proposal is to construct 10 manned drop-off sites, each one monitored and staffed with specific hours of operation. The plan would include locating the sites approximately five miles from each residence.
Kemp extends gas tax break
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 REBECCA GRAPEVINE Capitol beat News Service Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday extended Georgia’s gas tax holiday through August 13. The General Assembly suspended the fuel tax in March as inflation began raising pump prices above $4 a gallon. Kemp extended that break in May and again on Friday. The state gas tax is around 29 cents per gallon. Kemp also suspended the state sales tax on […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Passenger charged with possession of meth
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle driven by Gabriel Bailey on W. Four Points Road Monday, June 27, after a run of the license plates confirmed Bailey was wanted on active warrants. While conducting a personal search, deputies found an unused needle in Bailey’s right front pocket. Before beginning a probable cause search of the vehicle, the […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Donald James Lovett
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 Mr. Donald James Lovett, age 59, entered into eternal rest on June 28, 2022. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Christian Center Church, 710 Stone Avenue, Waynesboro, GA 30830. Visitation for the immediate family will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 11:00-12:00 noon and public visitation will be held from 1:00-6:00 p.m […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Waynesboro FUMC faces theological debate
Members of the Waynesboro First United Methodist Church (FUMC) must decide whether to disaffiliate from the denomination, as an unprecedented divide unfolds. Leaders of the North Georgia Conference voted June 2 to allow more than 70 churches, the majority of which exist in rural parts of the Peach State, to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church (UMC) over LGBTQ+ inclusivity. […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Gertrude Stokes-Hamelin
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 Mrs. Gertrude Stokes-Hamelin, age 82 of Atlanta, Ga., entered into eternal rest on Wednesday June 29, 2022. Celebration of Life for Mrs. Hamelin will be held today, July 6, 2022 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Gough, 230 Woodrow Harvey Blvd. Keysville, Ga. Interment will be at Third Chapel Baptist Church in Midville, GA. Mrs. Hamelin’s remains will lie […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Lost pet scams, are you at risk?
By Jill DuMar | on July 05, 2022 KELVIN COLLINS A lost pet is a devastating experience, but the BBB warns pet owners to be wary of scammers that defraud heartbroken pet owners who have publicly advertised the loss of a pet. The advertisement can help you get your pet returned but it can also open you up to potential scams. Below are some of the more common scams that […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
First liquor store opens here
After years of being dry, Waynesboro citizens voted in November 2021 to approve the sale of distilled spirits inside the city limits. After getting the city council’s approval in May, the first package store, Bird Dog Beverages, opened its doors to the public on Friday, June 24th. The store is run by Jennifer Harper and located at 627 Shadrack Street, […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
MIDVILLE LIBRARY NEWS
Discover an ocean of fun events this summer at Midville Library! By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 Friday, July 1 - Rainbow salt jars Friday, July 8 – Make an octopus Friday, July 15 – Finding Nemo Friday, July 22 - Make an ocean wreath Friday, July 29 – Kinetic sand fun-day We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Brenda Lairscy Lackman
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 Brenda Lairscy Lackman, 62, entered into rest Wednesday, June22, 2022. A native of Sylvania and a longtime resident of Burke County, she was a 1979 graduate of Hephzibah High School. She was a reader and member of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Brenda loved her work serving as a paralegal for Attorney Brendan Fleming. She was a member of […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
One-night Revival
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Girard, GA will host a one-night revival 7:30 p.m. Wed., June 29. Guest preacher will be the Rev. Willie Evans of Givens Grove Baptist and Porterville Baptist churches. The public is invited. We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Shellie Smitley - The True Citizen
TOO MUCH IS BETTER THAN NOT ENOUGH By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 During the last Waynesboro City Council meeting, the panel approved the third and fourth applications for liquor stores in the Bird Dog Capital. Do I think Waynesboro needs four liquor stores situated from 6th Street to Walmart? No. Do I think Waynesboro needs liquor stores? Absolutely.
Robert H. “Bobby” McKinney Sr.
Robert H. “Bobby” McKinney Sr., 80, entered into rest Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Augusta University. He was native and lifelong resident of Burke County. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class. Bobby was the owner and operator of McKinney Wholesale Company and former member and president of the Waynesboro Jaycees. […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Andre Freeman - The True Citizen
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 Mr. Andre Freeman, age 54 of Waynesboro, GA entered into eternal rest on Thursday June 23, 2022. Graveside services for Mr. Freeman will be held on Saturday July 2, 2022 11:00 a.m. Daniel Grove Baptist Church 1986 Hancock Landing Rd. Waynesboro, Ga. Chavous B. Johnson Funeral Home 885 Waters St. Waynesboro, Ga. 30830 (706)554-7843. We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Abortion controversy hits home
District Attorney Jared T. Williams says he refuses to prosecute those who seek, assist with or provide abortions. Williams issued a press release after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade 1973 ruling June 24, allowing many states to restrict or make abortion illegal. Last week’s ruling is one of the few times the Supreme Court invalidated an earlier […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Edward Howard - The True Citizen
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 Mr. Edward Howard., age 71, of Waynesboro, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Murphy Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1966 Ebenezer Church Road, Waynesboro, Georgia 30830. Visitation for the immediate family will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and public visitation will be […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Thomarus White wanted in shooting incident
The Waynesboro Police Department is seeking the help of the community in locating Thomarus White in connection to a robbery in Waynesboro that resulted in two people getting shot. The WPD responded to a call referencing possible shots fired in the area of Lee and Waters Streets May 17. While officers searched the area, Dimarco Atkinson walked into Burke Health […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Staying safe during extreme temperatures
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com While hot summer temperatures hover around and often surpass 100 degrees, Burke Health gives advice on how to stay heart healthy. According to research, people are actually more prone to heart attacks and strokes during the winter months, said Cardiologist Dr. Kendall Griffith. However, dehydration during the hot summer months puts people more at risk.
Stuck on the side of the road
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com The Burke County Sheriff’s Office arrested Davon Jones June 19 for criminal trespass after he was caught cutting off a catalytic converter. The BCSO was dispatched to a residence on Johnson Road in connection to a possible theft in progress.
Georgia Power hit with second lawsuit over Plant Vogtle
A second minority utility partner in the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion is mounting an effort to cap its costs to complete the project. The Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power) has filed a lawsuit against Georgia Power in Fulton County Superior Court asserting its right to trigger a 2018 agreement freezing its capital costs in building two additional nuclear […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
John F. Machino - The True Citizen
John F. Machino By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 John Francis Machino, late of Waynesboro Ga., died at the hospice center of the Veterans Hospital in Augusta Ga. on June 20, 2022. John was born March 26, 1950, to Mr. and Mrs. Phares. He was later adopted by the Machino family and lived most of his life in Columbia South Carolina. John served in the Army during the Vietman […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
SERVANT LEADERSHIP AT ITS BEST
Burke County Health Foundation to benefit those most in need By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 What makes us great as humans is our humanity, and there is just something special about the humanity in Burke County. Kindness is contagious and shapes our community in a positive way that gives hope. Gina Richardson, County Nurse Manager of B.
Bird Dog Politics
The Waynesboro City Council approved two more licenses for package stores last week, bringing the total number of applications approved in the city to four. The strongest reaction on social media has been to question whether Waynesboro needs or can even support four liquor stores. The short answer to that question is “time will tell.” At last Monday’s regular city […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Vidette seeks to find new leadership
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com The Vidette City Council struggled to choose an alternate councilmember June 22 as they head toward deciding their next mayor. “This is unusual,” City Attorney Chris Dube said of the situation. “It’s like a puzzle.” Four people stepped up to fill one vacant and one potentially vacant council seat.
LOOKING BACK - The True Citizen
{this week in Burke County history} By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 10 YEARS AGO - JULY 4, 2012 Former BCHS baseball standout Brandon Love signed a free agent contract to pitch for the Los Angeles Angels. He was a senior at Mercer University, where he had an overall record of 23-9, 231 strikeouts and a 4.48 ERA. Holly Rachelle Whitfield, 23, pleaded guilty to felony charges of enticing a child for […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
BURKE EMA REPORT
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 The Burke County Emergency Management Agency responded to 113 patients’ calls during the week ending June 26. Of those, 79 resulted in transports, including 41 to Augusta hospitals. Thirty three of the transports were determined to be emergencies and 46 were non-emergent. The agency also answered 38 fire calls during the week. They included three brush/grass fires, one camper/RV fire, […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Don Lively - The True Citizen
THAT GUY By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 I was admiring the craftsmanship on the two beach umbrellas that part of my brood and I were relaxing under during a beautiful day on the beach. The weather had cooled down and there was a perfect breeze. The Lord had truly blessed me with a short mini vacation, great food, perfect temps. So, what was on my mind? Those […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Man found dead during welfare check
By Jill DuMar | on June 28, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com The Burke County Sheriff’s Office found a deceased man after responding to a welfare check June 23 at a residence on River Road. Christine Peak contacted the BCSO, stating she had not seen Joseph Coenen in over a month, according to the official incident report. Deputy Forrest Gould responded to the location, along with the Burke County EMA.
Living in Burke County, USA
By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 SHELLIE SMITLEY thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com This is part 1 of a series of stories involving interviews with naturalized citizens who reside in Burke County. Mike Bickley and Tanis Mobley are two British natives (now Burke County residents) with very different stories. “Don’t ask me about the Royal family,” Mike said. “Americans can tell you about the last 15 monarchs, while I can name a few, […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
Kevin Michael Wolff
Kevin Michael Wolff By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 On the 16th of June, 2022, Kevin Michael Wolff, loving husband and father of five children, entered into eternal rest at the age of 92. Kevin was born on May 21, 1930 in San Diego, CA to H. Patrick and Margaret (Madge) Wolff. He graduated from Saint Augustine High School, and later was drafted to serve in the Korean War […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
In Loving Memory of CARL WAYNE THAMES “Tater”
06/22/73-06/14/18 By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 Come To Me God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you, and whispered, "Come To Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden Heart stopeped beating, hard working hands at rest. […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Mary Willie Griffin Harper
Mary Willie Griffin Harper By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 Our beloved mother went to her heavenly home on June 14, 2022. Mary Willie Griffin Harper, 84, went to be with the Lord following a short illness. Born in Screven County, GA on October 16, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Willie Earl and Lillian Maud Davis Griffin. Mary was a 1955 graduate of Screven County High School, […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Deloris Evans Parris
By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 Mrs. Deloris Evans Parris, age 75, of Hephzibah, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, June 16 2022. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Windsor Spring Baptist Church, 3692 Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815. Visitation for the immediate family will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. and public visitation will […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers.
WHAT’S NEXT - The True Citizen
By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 Saturday, June 25 The public is invited to a meet-and-greet of Midville's new Police Chief and staff from 4-6 p.m. at the Midville Community House. We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Vacation Bible School
By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 Join Rosemont Baptist Church for a "CROWIN"’ good time at Vacation Bible School as we "PLANT" seeds of God's wisdom June 20-22 from 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. On June 23 at 6 p.m., we will celebrate with a Family/Friends/Friendship Finale.” Our students and leaders will be up to their elbows in "FARMIN’" fun as they explore one simple Bible truth: […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Understanding the unprecedented housing market
“It’s really an interesting time in real estate because there is so much moving going on,” said Max Boswell, owner/broker at Mary Yelton Realty. The real estate markets vary across the country and even across the state. In spite of rising interest rates, Burke County’s housing market continues to be strong, dampened only in the outlying areas that lack high […] We're sorry! This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Burke Grand Jury returns true bills
By Jill DuMar | on June 22, 2022 Michael Cornelius Johnson: Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; window tint violation. Crystal Elaine Prescott: Possession of methamphetamine; driving on a suspended, cancelled, or revoked license.
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