Gaskin joins Murray Medical Center as director of finance

CHATSWORTH, Ga. — Murray Medical Center announces that Malcolm Gaskin has joined the leadership team as director of finance. Gaskin has more than 33 years of experience within the world of finance. Previously, he worked as director of finance for Gordon Physicians Group, the physician enterprise of Murray Medical Center and Gordon Hospital. Gaskin is a graduate of the University of Montana where he earned a master of accountancy. “I’m excited to be a part of the Murray Medical Center team,” said Gaskin. “I look forward to serving the Murray County community.”

Final Country Showdown preliminary is set

LIVE OAK, Fla. — It’s going to be a blockbuster weekend at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

The final preliminary for the longest running country music talent search in America takes place Friday, Saturday night the Sondra Hunt Band (Lake Butler) will own the stage and the Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp takes place all weekend, Friday through Sunday.

Friday will be the night when the last four contestants in the Country Showdown 2018 will be chosen to move to the Regional Final at the SOSMP on July 27. Winners have the chance to go to Nashville and be named Best New Artist in Country Music.

Admission is free and the music will be grand. Doors open Friday night at 6 p.m., competition begins at 7 p.m.

If anyone would like to sign up to perform, go to www.musicliveshere.com/events, click on the Country Showdown poster and follow the instructions or call Stephanie at 386-364-1683.

The Suwannee Spirit Kids register Friday night and get started on their musical journey with harmonicas, guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, hand drums and singing. This event is held several times a year for children, ages 5-17. Children may bring their own instruments or they will be provided if available during camp. More than 100 kids sign up (for free) each time and have the time of their lives. Qualified volunteers teach during the camp including many parents who volunteer.

A cookout is held Saturday evening after a day of music. Sunday the kids put on their musical concert (even if they never played any instrument before this camp) at 2:30 p.m. to the delight of all!

Registration has closed due to high demand for students but to see if there is a wait list, go to http://www.suwanneespirit.org/home.html.

Saturday night it’s Sondra Hunt with her band in the Music Hall from 8 p.m. until midnight. The band is a regular at the SOSMP, bringing Hunt’s talented singing ability along with her exciting country band to the stage.

Doors open Saturday night at 6 p.m.

Department of Corrections hosts hiring event

VALDOSTA, Ga. – South Georgia is one area where the Georgia Department of Corrections will host a hiring event this month. The DOC is hiring correctional officers for various facilities across the state. A hiring event will be held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Valdosta State Prison annex training building, 3259 Val Tech Road, according to state officials. There will be onsite interviews, PT and Accuplacer testing. Eligible candidates will receive a hiring package the same day. 

Attendees should bring copies of the following items:

• Completed State of Georgia application. Available online at www.GDCJobs.com. Blank copies will be available on site.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Birth certificate.

• Social Security card.

• High school diploma/GED transcript.

• SAT/ACT/Compass/Asset/Accuplacer scores.

• If Peace Officers Standards and Training certified, a copy of POST profile.

Attendees should dress for their interview but bring loose-fitting/athletic attire for the physical fitness test, according to state officials.

For more, visit www.GDCJobs.com.  

Toddler tests positive for meth; mother charged

MOULTRIE, Ga. — A Florida woman who was arrested in June at a Moultrie motel faces additional charges after tests indicated the presence of methamphetamine in her toddler. Katelyn Billieann Butler was charged on Wednesday with a felony count of cruelty to children. Butler, 23, 15301 Fiddlers Way, Perry, initially was arrested on June 15 at a First Avenue Southeast motel, police said. At that time she was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a drug-related object. Butler’s 2-year-old son was with her at the time. Police said they found suspected methamphetamine and a smoking device in the room. At the time of the arrest the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services were notified. The agency had tests done that detected the presence of methamphetamine in the toddler’s system.