Officers take the Polar Plunge

DALTON, Ga. — Officers from the Dalton Police Department took the plunge on Saturday, jumping into the chilly waters of Acworth Beach to raise money for Special Olympics Georgia. Five officers from the DPD pledged to brave the frigid water in exchange for donations. They also won a special award for their fashion choice. Assistant Chief Cliff Cason, Capt. Chris Crossen, Sgt. Ricky Long and Officers Terry Smith and Bart Chandler donned penguin costumes for the event and waddled into the cold water. The group won the event’s Best Costume award. Officers also got to meet former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal who was on hand to help promote the event. The combined fundraising effort of the Dalton Police Department and students from Dalton High School and Dalton Middle School raised approximately $4,000 for Special Olympics Georgia. Andrea Baron’s class at Dalton High (nicknamed “The Best of the Best”) spearheaded the fundraising at DHS, which was named the top fundraising school in the state. The DPD’s fundraising effort for the Special Olympics will continue with the Law Enforcement Torch Run relay on April 27.

 

Marvin Sapp coming to Quitman

QUITMAN, Ga. — Ten time Grammy Award nominee Marvin Sapp comes to Quitman, 7 p.m., March 2, performing at Brooks County High School, 1801 Moultrie Road, Quitman for Jay Green’s Birthday Celebration. Cost: Preferred, guaranteed seating: $10: General Admission: Free. For more information call: 229.375.1327 or visit www.PowerRadioNetwork.com

 

Sallie Davis House exhibit explores ‘The Strip’ 

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — “The Strip,” an exhibit at the Sallie Ellis Davis House, examines the African-American business district nestled on McIntosh Street between Wayne and Wilkinson Streets in Milledgeville.  “The Strip” existed from the beginning of the 20th century through the mid-70s. The exhibit depicting this once bustling area during segregation will be at the Sallie Ellis Davis House through May 17. Tours will be given Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays noon to 4 p.m., and the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. To schedule a tour or learn more, call 445-4545. The Sallie Davis House is located at 301 Clarke St. 

 

Jukebox Oldies, Michael Miller Band set for SOSMP performances

LIVE OAK, Fla. — What a great weekend is in store for music lovers Friday and Saturday at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. The Jukebox Oldies are set for Friday with the Michael Miller Band performing Saturday. Jukebox Oldies, an outstanding oldies band from Valdosta, Ga., is one of the favorites at the Spirit of the Suwannee. This great group of musicians will kick off the weekend Friday in the Music Hall. Jukebox Oldies members are Bo Martin, Mike Dame, CF Sirmans, Stacy Sirmans, Billy Folsom and Larry Dean. These guys love to play AM radio hits, primarily from the 60s, for your listening and dancing pleasure. A few from the 50s, 70s and 80s are also on the play list. This veteran band’s motto and mission statement is “Good times, great oldies…songs you can sing along to ‘cause you know the words!” The Jukebox Oldies Band loves to entertain old and new friends. The Michael Miller Band, from Tallahassee, consists of members Michael Miller (vocals), Jordan Prutsman (drums), Jim Rogers (lead guitar), Ryan Hurst (rhythm guitar), Vince McKenzie (bass) and Ethan Caswell (banjo). The band will take the stage Saturday to entertain all evening. Michael, originally from Paducah, Ky., moved to Tallahassee where he attended FSU to gain his masters in music performance. This move was life changing spiritually and musically. Today, the band, formed from other Christians among Michael’s fellow church members, plays all across North Florida and South Georgia, has won numerous awards including a Suwannee River Jam (SRJ) Audition, played the SRJ were they opened for Chris Young, won Tallahassee Music Fest, opened for Chris Cagle at Bainbridge River Town Days. Doors to the Music Hall open at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with music from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free admission.  If you would like to rent one of the park’s beautiful cabins, a spot to park your RV/camper or primitive camp for one of the park’s exciting events such as Suwannee Spring Reunion on March 23-26, Wanee on April 20-22 and Suwannee River Jam on May 3-6 or just need additional info, please call the Spirit of the Suwannee at 386-364-1683, email spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. The park is located 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 at the beautiful Suwannee River off U.S. Highway 129 at 3076 95th Drive.

 

Teen says he tackled woman on a dare

MOULTRIE — A Meigs woman was not seriously injured during a Sunday morning attack on Moultrie’s fitness trail by a teen-ager who told police he tackled her on a dare. Police charged Joshua Antonio Wilson, 17, of 842 U.S. Highway 319, with simple battery, a misdemeanor. Jennifer Curles, 42, told police that she was jogging on the trail at about 11:41 a.m. when she passed Wilson. Shortly thereafter, Curles reported, the male she had encountered ran up to her from behind and tackled her to the ground. Police caught up with Wilson, who was walking toward one of the stores at a nearby shopping enter. Wilson told the officer that he had been dared to tackle someone and that he chose Curles to carry out the dare after seeing her on the paved trail, police reports said.  Curles and Wilson did not know each other, police said. Curles, who had dirt on her clothing, told police that she did not require medical treatment at the scene. She indicated that she would drive herself to the hospital and left in her car. 

 

Waiver program seeks public comment

TIFTON, Ga. — The New Options Waiver Program (NOW) which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is scheduled for renewal in September 2017 via application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS). The Department of Community Health and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities seek comments from the public on how to enhance this program to meet the changing needs of families and individuals. The department will hold a public comment meeting 1-3 p.m., March 1, at University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The forum will be held to collect comments and suggestions for the New Options Waiver Program (NOW) renewal application. The department is looking for input from families, self-advocates, providers and the general public. Speakers include: Catherine Ivy, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; Marcey Alter, deputy director Medicaid services, Department of Community Health; Brian Dowd, director of Waiver Programs, Department of Community Health. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/now-waiver-public-forums-tickets-31901126127