Warrants taken out in animal cruelty case

DALTON, Ga. —  The Dalton Police Department has obtained warrants for the arrest of 26-year-old Morgan Kinder of Dalton in relation to an investigation of animal cruelty. She is charged with six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 16 counts of cruelty to animals. The department began an investigation into reports of animal cruelty earlier this month after learning that the late Stephen Kinder was housing animals at his home that were being neglected. Kinder had been arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty in Bradley County, Tennessee, after an investigation of his dog training business there. The Dalton Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in Dalton shared by Stephen Kinder and his wife Morgan Kinder on Feb. 7. Investigators found dozens of animals in poor health suffering from obvious neglect and living in deplorable conditions. The animals were taken from the home and were relocated to be cared for. Bradley County authorities reported that Kinder apparently died of a self-afflicted gunshot wound in Cleveland that same day. Morgan Kinder is being charged with six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals in connection with five dead snakes and one dead lizard investigators found in the home during a search of the residence. She is charged with 16 counts of animal cruelty for the 16 neglected dogs that were found on the property.

Stargaze at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture on March 8

TIFTON, Ga. — Walk among the stars during the Victorian Stargazing program on March 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village. Museum Historic Village supervisor Gina Beckman said Victorian Stargazing opens the new “History After Dark” program series which provides guests of all ages the opportunity to experience the Museum after hours. The series will feature evening programs throughout the year on a variety of topics and immersive activities. The program will feature stargazing on the Tift House Lawn using telescopes and binoculars, a walk among handmade ground constellations, and a chance for guests to create their own luminary constellation. Tickets for the event are $10 per person and are now available for purchase online at www.purplepass.com/victorianstargazing and at the Museum’s Country Store.  Tickets may be purchased in person or over the phone at the Country Store. All tickets must be purchased in advance.  No tickets will be sold at the event. For more information, interested persons can contact the Country Store at 229-391-5205. 

Jukebox Oldies, Mainstream Band return to Music Park

LIVE OAK, Fla. — It is a great weekend at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park for enjoying some great country/Southern rock, dancing, enjoying great food and company and maybe even some outdoor activities. Two favorite bands will be in the Music Hall, Jukebox Oldies and Mainstream Band. Valdosta’s Jukebox Oldies Band will take the stage Friday in the Music Hall with the greatest hits of the 50-80s and more. This awesome band is a big favorite for dancers who fill the floor with their best moves when Jukebox Oldies come to the SOSMP. Band members are Bo Martin, Mike Dame, CF Sirmans, Stacy Sirmans, Billy Folsom and Larry Dean. These guys love to play AM radio hits from the 60s but play 50s – 80s music also. The band’s motto is Good Times, Great Oldies…Songs You Can Sing Along To “Cause You Know The Words!” The band’s influences are the Beatles, BB King, Buddy Holly, Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison and The Tams. Saturday is set for off the charts good music with Mainstream Band, a Valdosta, Ga., country/Southern rock band. Band members are Jack Brinson (lead vocals/guitar), Antonio Ruiz (bass), Chris Bell (drums), Steve Taylor (keyboard) and Mike Ritchea (lead guitar). Mainstream Band also plays rock n roll, classic rock, 50s-90s and today’s music, allowing everyone to be part of the show. Mainstream has played such venues as Gulf Shores National Shrimp Festival, UF fraternities, opened for Miranda Lambert and more, played many corporate and chamber events, private parties and more than 100 weddings. Doors to the Music Hall open at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner. Music begins at 8 p.m. For those that enjoy karaoke, love to meet with friends for an evening of great fun overseen by Ted “TeddyMac Elvis” McMullen, come on out Thursday nights (doors open at 5 p. m, for dinner with specials and order from the regular menu, music is from 7–10 p.m.) and meet a room full of great folks who just love to gather, have dinner, enjoy TeddyMac’s singing and antics, dance a lot and meet new friends.