Suit against Langford, deputy moved to federal court

CHATSWORTH, Ga. —  The attorney representing Murray County Sheriff Gary Langford and Deputy Justin McEntire in a civil lawsuit filed by a former Murray County deputy have asked for the case to be moved to federal court. Jerry R. Long filed a lawsuit against Langford and McEntire, accusing Langford of obstruction of justice and McEntire of seven crimes, including simple assault and of violating his civil rights. Long filed his lawsuit on April 13 in Superior Court in Murray County and the case was assigned to Judge Jim Wilbanks. But attorney Sun S. Choy of the law firm Freeman, Mathis and Gary of Atlanta filed a “notice of removal” on May 15 to have the case moved to Federal Court of the Northern District in Rome. The clerk’s office in Rome confirmed the case will be heard in federal court. No date for a hearing has been scheduled.  In the filing for a removal from Superior Court, Choy argues since one of Long’s allegations is a violation of his First Amendment rights, federal court would hold jurisdiction over the case. When contacted, Choy declined comment on the case. The defense of Langford and McEntire is being handled by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. Long could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday. 

Bojangles to host re-opening Thursday

MILLEDGEVILLE — The Milledgeville branch of a national restaurant chain will hold a grand re-opening Thursday. 

For the past four years, Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ’n Biscuits has offered fried chicken, sandwiches, and southern-style sides from its location on North Columbia Street. Now under new management and navigating a crowded local food service market, Bojangles staffers are preparing for the restaurant’s change in leadership.

“I’m ecstatic; I don’t think excited even covers it,” said Dinakaran Rajiv, Bojangles’ new Milledgeville franchisee. “The people are friendly, and we have some amazing people working for us — I think the sky’s the limit. People really enjoy our food, and I think we make a great product, so I’m very blessed and honored to deliver that to the people of Milledgeville.”

For the past 20 years, Rajiv has been part of a Bojangles’ ownership group that controls several stores around North Carolina. Although Thursday’s ribbon cutting will not take place until 9:30 a.m., the restaurant is open every day from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and its new owner has spared no expense to make people feel welcome.

Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ’n Biscuits will hold its grand re-opening Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in conjunction with the Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit the restaurant at 1858 N. Columbia St. or call 478-295-2320.

Rabies alert issued for eastern Suwannee County

LIVE OAK, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County issued a rabies alert Tuesday for central eastern Suwannee County.

The alert, which is for 60 days, was issued in response to a confirmed rabies case found in a raccoon near County Road 252.

County residents as well as visitors should be aware that rabies are present in the wild animal population, the DOH warns, adding that domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.

The DOH said the public should maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in the county.

Alerts are designed to increase awareness but the DOH warns residents should not get a false sense of security in areas not named in an alert.

According to the DOH, wildlife contact should be avoided, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.

LaHood wins GOP primary

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Late night Thomasville election results didn’t change the outcome of the Republican race for the District 175 state representative seat.

Incumbent John LaHood is still the GOP candidate who will face Democratic challenger Treva Gear in the Nov. 6 general election.

LaHood faced fellow Republican Coy Reaves in the primary race Tuesday.

District 175 represents portions of Lowndes and Thomas counties and all of Brooks County. Past midnight Tuesday going into Wednesday, only Lowndes and Brooks results had been posted to the Georgia Secretary of State office’s election website. LaHood had a solid lead in the Lowndes and Brooks races. Thomas County results released Wednesday morning didn’t change the result.

LaHood garnered 3,779, or 85 percent of the vote, to 667, or 15 percent, for Reaves, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Provisional ballots must still be counted and official results will be certified by the end of the week.

Canning plant open for business

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The canning plant located at the old Colquitt County High School opened for 2018 on Monday, May 21. The plant will operate 7 a.m. to noon on May 21, 23, 28 and 30.  Full time operation will begin on June 4, Monday through Friday, with the operating hours of 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. This schedule will run June 4-July 20, but it will be closed July 4 and July 9-11. The canning plant will also open the following Saturdays from 7 a.m. through noon: June 23 and 30 and July 7 and 14. To set up an appointment for large orders call 890-6141 Ext. 23507 or 873-2011.

Hospice of Tift Area to host 25th Annual National Living with Grief program

TIFTON, Ga. — Hospice of Tift Area will host and broadcast the Hospice Foundation of America’s 25th annual Living with Grief educational program on May 29, noon to 2:00 p.m., at the Tift Regional Community Events Center in Tifton. This national program will be hosted and moderated by Frank Sesno, former CNN anchor and Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University. The program this year focuses on “Transforming Loss: Finding Potential for Growth,” exploring the most current theoretical perspectives on loss and grief. For full program details, see the Hospice Foundation of America’s website at www.hospicefoundation.org. The Tift Regional Community Events Center is located in Tifton at 1657 S. Carpenter Road, adjoining the Tiftarea YMCA. Call Hospice of Tift Area at 229-353-6330 for more information on this event.