Here's one rebate most of you probably wish the county had.
Right now a lot of areas--City of Atlanta, City of Dallas, City of Hapeville, City of Roswell, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Henry Counties, are offering a toilet rebate. If you replace your old toilet, which uses a lot of water per flush, you, depending on which toilet you buy, get either a $50 credit or a $100 credit on your water bill. Unfortunately, the county has not chosen to participate in this program. I emailed the people in charge of the rebate program and they said the county MIGHT participate if they get a lot of emails about it--so email the Douglasville-Douglas County WSA at askwsa@ddcwsa.com.
You can find out more information about the rebate at http://www.northgeorgiawater.com/toiletrebate/
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tomorrow: Go Vote!
I'm not going to tell you who to vote for and I'm not going to tell you who I'm going to vote for. All I'm going to tell you is to make sure who you're voting for has the best interests of this county in mind and doesn't have a hidden agenda once they're elected. Vote for the person who you think will do the best job, not who has NOT been doing a good job.
Golden Rule BBQ To Come To Douglasville
From al.com:
"New Golden Rules will roll out by year's end in Las Vegas and Douglasville, Ga"
Golden Rule is a BBQ restaurant, and though it is a chain, their website at http://www.goldenrulebbq.com/index.php states the restaurant has been in existence since 1891. They offer catering services as well. They opened their first location in Georgia in Columbus in 2004.
"New Golden Rules will roll out by year's end in Las Vegas and Douglasville, Ga"
Golden Rule is a BBQ restaurant, and though it is a chain, their website at http://www.goldenrulebbq.com/index.php states the restaurant has been in existence since 1891. They offer catering services as well. They opened their first location in Georgia in Columbus in 2004.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
DC Goverment Adds Superior Court Page
I don't know if they had a page on http://www.celebratedouglascounty.com before about DC Superior Court, but in the past few days the website has received a facelift and now you can go here and see the trials that have been going on, who was involved, and what they did. All the files are in the right-hand column. Since I can't listen to the scanner 24/7 (and since my class starts on Monday, I'll have less time to listen) this is a great way to see the kinds of crimes that have happened in DC recently.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Bourbon Street Restaurant's Latest Inspection Score
I just upgraded to high speed internet at the house and watched the latest (July 3) restaurant report from CBS 46's Adam Murphy. Bourbon Street's latest score is a 66. Inspectors found chicken and potato salad at unsafe temperatures and there was a roach crawling on the kitchen floor.
BOC Verbally Attacks Neighbor Writer
I could be nicer regarding the headline, but the BOC certainly were not when they wrote the letter to the editor that was published in today's Neigbor. The bottom line is that Worthan does not want to lose the race to Malanchuk. Worthan apparently thought Stephanie Siegel's July 2 article regarding the information Malanchuk posted in his blog was going to be damaging to his campaign. They even admit this in the letter, though not in those exact words. I think the damage has been done, and this, in my opinion, only makes Worthan look like someone who is stamping his foot because he's not getting his way as to what goes in the local papers.
And, if the BOC says planning is not going on, why is there an entire page devoted to the new jail on the Douglas County Sheriff's Department website? You can see it here-- http://www.sheriff.douglas.ga.us/newJail.html . It has been there for quite some time, about a year, but if the jail is not in the planning stages, why has this page not been taken down??
Also, they say the mobile home park was disassembled. This is not true, because last week I heard on the police scanner that three people were vandalizing trailers in the park. They mentioned the park by name.
You can see the article the BOC is talking about at http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/articles/2008/07/03/318/10308333.txt
The letter is presented below in its entirety:
Jail Construction Story 'Inflammatory'
Dear editor:
One of our most cherished rights is that of a free press. It is one of our most fundamental beliefs, and one that we work to protect.
However, when the free press decides to take information that it knows is not correct to create a news story that is inflammatory and presents it in a fashion as to make it seem factual, the free press has lost its way.
Newspaper reporters should report the news, not create the news.
Newspaper reporters should be impartial and report all sides of a story, giving ample time to all sides to answer questions and make statements.
Newspaper reporters should not have a political affiliation that is reflected in their work.
Newspaper reporters should not allow personal opinions to guide their work. Opinions should be reserved for Letters to the Editor and Editorial Columns, not presented as front-page news.
In her July 2 article headlined "Douglas Jail Construction Planning Continues,"Douglas Neighbor Staff Writer Stephanie Siegel violated these standards.
The headline alone is inaccurate and misleading. No planning is currently going on for the construction of a new Douglas County jail. Ms. Siegal was told this in unequivocal terms by Douglas County Seriff's Department Chief Deputy Stan Copeland on Monday, June 30. Chief Copeland stated to Ms. Siegel that the jail was a "dormant" issue at this time, and no planning or other activities were going on.
However, Ms. Siegal decided to use documents and information provided to her by a candidate for office to develop an inflammatory story that stated the exact opposite of what Chief Copeland stated to her. These documents and information were taken completely out of context, as some were over two years old, and some did not present a total picture. Ms. Siegel did not obtain these documents herself from the County. They were brought to her and she cooperated with the candidate to create the story.
This obviously was an intentional effort of Ms. Siegel since the candidate for office who provided them to her had previously also put this information out to the public and did not correctly address the issues.
Ms. Siegel's intentions are obvious and purely political.
Ms. Sigel's July 2 story is irresponsible.
It is true that the former Flagview Village Mobile Home Park is a prospective site for a new Douglas County jail. In the 2006 SPLOST referendum, the citizens of Douglas County said that they did not want the current jail to be expanded on the current site, and during community meetings, stated that a new jail, whenever constructed, should be located out of a residential area and closer to the Douglas County Courthouse. At this direction from the citizens, the Board of Commissioners looked at many properties, and negotiated to purchase the Flagview Vilage Mobile Home Park.
Ms. Siegel's article states that the land was valued at $3.9 million by the County's Tax Appraisal Department, and $5.7 million by Bass & Associates What Ms.Siegel didn't include in her article was that the purchase of the land included the purchase of a business must include the consideration of the monies made by that business as income and profit, and the Flagview Village Mobile Home Park was a for-profit business. The county purchased the business, as well as the land, and that is the $8.5 million cost.
Ms. Siegel convieniently leaves out this information, implying that the County paid more than double what the property was worth, and leaving the impression that this is an irresponsible act of government. Ms. Siegel is wrong.
The county contracted with Richards' Advantage Housing LLC to handle the management of the park and the removal of the homes. Ms. Donna Richards personally managed the disassembledge of the park, offering free moving of mobile homes to associated parks, giving tenants bonuses for early moving, and assisting other tenants to find suitable housing. There is a a deadline date of August 31, for Richards to have the park vacated because the county is not in the business of operating a mobile home park.
No master plan has yet been developed for the 36 acre property, including where the jail would be if it is located there. There have been many discussions during District Town Hall meetings, Chat with the Chairman meetings, Commission work sessions and other meetings wher the public is present, of the need for other County services to locate near the Courthouse. The Board of Commissioners recently employed Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum as a consultant to determine a short- and long-term space needs for the courthouse since a second State Court is imminent, and a fourth Superior Court most likely will be created by the General Assembly in its next session. These courts will displace current county departments, which will have to be housed somewhere. An administration complex on the 36 acres is possible, as are other county facilities, not just a jail.
However, Ms. Sigel decided not to also include this information in her article, leaving the impression that the land purchase was for a jail onl and that it was a done deal. A new jail may indeed be located on this property in the future, but there are no plans in place, no planning being conducted, no funds with which to build the jail, and no decision as to its location at this time. There is a need for a new jail, but the subject is dormant at this time.
The HOK study is for Courthouse needs at the present time. After the needs analysis is completed, HOK will look at the 36-acre site and give the Board of Commissioners options for its consideration. However, with no determination of needs, no decisions made, and no funding, any development on the 36-acre site is purely hypothetical at the present time, including the location there of a jail or any other facility.
"Douglas jail construction planning continues" is wrong. Ms. Siegel knew that it was wrong, and her headline article was inflammatory and designed to influence the upcoming July 15 primary in which the provider of information to her is a candidate.
Ms. Siegel's statement that "calls to Worthan and to Douglas County project manager Wayne Watson were not returned" is a total cop-out. The Douglas Neighbor's press deadline is Monday noon, and this story was conspired and written well before then. It was already Monday afternoon when Ms Siegel called and left messages for Mr. Worthan and Mr. Watson. These were given to Douglas County Communications Director Wes Tallon, who contacted Chief Copeland to respond to Ms. Siegel's questions. Ms. Siegel has often been told to contact Mr. Tallon if she needs any information from any elected official or employee of the county. She disregarded that source.
The political view of Ms. Siegel are reflected in her reporting, and this is not free press. It is biased press, and her comments and opinions do not belong on the front page of the paper. If the Neighbor newspapers desire her biased reporting to continue, her writings should be limited to the editorial page and labeled as personal opinions. Freedom of speech is also a wonderful thing, and we encourage its use--just not thinly disguised in a total misrepresentative headline article on the front page of a weekly newspaper.
DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
If anyone would like to comment, please do not hesitate to do so.
And, if the BOC says planning is not going on, why is there an entire page devoted to the new jail on the Douglas County Sheriff's Department website? You can see it here-- http://www.sheriff.douglas.ga.us/newJail.html . It has been there for quite some time, about a year, but if the jail is not in the planning stages, why has this page not been taken down??
Also, they say the mobile home park was disassembled. This is not true, because last week I heard on the police scanner that three people were vandalizing trailers in the park. They mentioned the park by name.
You can see the article the BOC is talking about at http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/articles/2008/07/03/318/10308333.txt
The letter is presented below in its entirety:
Jail Construction Story 'Inflammatory'
Dear editor:
One of our most cherished rights is that of a free press. It is one of our most fundamental beliefs, and one that we work to protect.
However, when the free press decides to take information that it knows is not correct to create a news story that is inflammatory and presents it in a fashion as to make it seem factual, the free press has lost its way.
Newspaper reporters should report the news, not create the news.
Newspaper reporters should be impartial and report all sides of a story, giving ample time to all sides to answer questions and make statements.
Newspaper reporters should not have a political affiliation that is reflected in their work.
Newspaper reporters should not allow personal opinions to guide their work. Opinions should be reserved for Letters to the Editor and Editorial Columns, not presented as front-page news.
In her July 2 article headlined "Douglas Jail Construction Planning Continues,"Douglas Neighbor Staff Writer Stephanie Siegel violated these standards.
The headline alone is inaccurate and misleading. No planning is currently going on for the construction of a new Douglas County jail. Ms. Siegal was told this in unequivocal terms by Douglas County Seriff's Department Chief Deputy Stan Copeland on Monday, June 30. Chief Copeland stated to Ms. Siegel that the jail was a "dormant" issue at this time, and no planning or other activities were going on.
However, Ms. Siegal decided to use documents and information provided to her by a candidate for office to develop an inflammatory story that stated the exact opposite of what Chief Copeland stated to her. These documents and information were taken completely out of context, as some were over two years old, and some did not present a total picture. Ms. Siegel did not obtain these documents herself from the County. They were brought to her and she cooperated with the candidate to create the story.
This obviously was an intentional effort of Ms. Siegel since the candidate for office who provided them to her had previously also put this information out to the public and did not correctly address the issues.
Ms. Siegel's intentions are obvious and purely political.
Ms. Sigel's July 2 story is irresponsible.
It is true that the former Flagview Village Mobile Home Park is a prospective site for a new Douglas County jail. In the 2006 SPLOST referendum, the citizens of Douglas County said that they did not want the current jail to be expanded on the current site, and during community meetings, stated that a new jail, whenever constructed, should be located out of a residential area and closer to the Douglas County Courthouse. At this direction from the citizens, the Board of Commissioners looked at many properties, and negotiated to purchase the Flagview Vilage Mobile Home Park.
Ms. Siegel's article states that the land was valued at $3.9 million by the County's Tax Appraisal Department, and $5.7 million by Bass & Associates What Ms.Siegel didn't include in her article was that the purchase of the land included the purchase of a business must include the consideration of the monies made by that business as income and profit, and the Flagview Village Mobile Home Park was a for-profit business. The county purchased the business, as well as the land, and that is the $8.5 million cost.
Ms. Siegel convieniently leaves out this information, implying that the County paid more than double what the property was worth, and leaving the impression that this is an irresponsible act of government. Ms. Siegel is wrong.
The county contracted with Richards' Advantage Housing LLC to handle the management of the park and the removal of the homes. Ms. Donna Richards personally managed the disassembledge of the park, offering free moving of mobile homes to associated parks, giving tenants bonuses for early moving, and assisting other tenants to find suitable housing. There is a a deadline date of August 31, for Richards to have the park vacated because the county is not in the business of operating a mobile home park.
No master plan has yet been developed for the 36 acre property, including where the jail would be if it is located there. There have been many discussions during District Town Hall meetings, Chat with the Chairman meetings, Commission work sessions and other meetings wher the public is present, of the need for other County services to locate near the Courthouse. The Board of Commissioners recently employed Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum as a consultant to determine a short- and long-term space needs for the courthouse since a second State Court is imminent, and a fourth Superior Court most likely will be created by the General Assembly in its next session. These courts will displace current county departments, which will have to be housed somewhere. An administration complex on the 36 acres is possible, as are other county facilities, not just a jail.
However, Ms. Sigel decided not to also include this information in her article, leaving the impression that the land purchase was for a jail onl and that it was a done deal. A new jail may indeed be located on this property in the future, but there are no plans in place, no planning being conducted, no funds with which to build the jail, and no decision as to its location at this time. There is a need for a new jail, but the subject is dormant at this time.
The HOK study is for Courthouse needs at the present time. After the needs analysis is completed, HOK will look at the 36-acre site and give the Board of Commissioners options for its consideration. However, with no determination of needs, no decisions made, and no funding, any development on the 36-acre site is purely hypothetical at the present time, including the location there of a jail or any other facility.
"Douglas jail construction planning continues" is wrong. Ms. Siegel knew that it was wrong, and her headline article was inflammatory and designed to influence the upcoming July 15 primary in which the provider of information to her is a candidate.
Ms. Siegel's statement that "calls to Worthan and to Douglas County project manager Wayne Watson were not returned" is a total cop-out. The Douglas Neighbor's press deadline is Monday noon, and this story was conspired and written well before then. It was already Monday afternoon when Ms Siegel called and left messages for Mr. Worthan and Mr. Watson. These were given to Douglas County Communications Director Wes Tallon, who contacted Chief Copeland to respond to Ms. Siegel's questions. Ms. Siegel has often been told to contact Mr. Tallon if she needs any information from any elected official or employee of the county. She disregarded that source.
The political view of Ms. Siegel are reflected in her reporting, and this is not free press. It is biased press, and her comments and opinions do not belong on the front page of the paper. If the Neighbor newspapers desire her biased reporting to continue, her writings should be limited to the editorial page and labeled as personal opinions. Freedom of speech is also a wonderful thing, and we encourage its use--just not thinly disguised in a total misrepresentative headline article on the front page of a weekly newspaper.
DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
If anyone would like to comment, please do not hesitate to do so.
Home Invasion, Shooting Tuesday
Home invasion, shooting investigated
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was investigating two separate shooting incidents Tuesday afternoon, one a home invasion and the other a possible accidental shooting.
A 17-year-old boy reported to the sheriff’s office that two male suspects tried to enter his home on Fall Creek Trace off Cave Springs Road at about 3 p.m. A shot was reportedly fired by one of the suspects, and the resident hid in the bathroom, according to Chief Deputy Stan Copeland.
“Nobody was injured, nothing was taken and the suspects fled the scene,” Copeland said.
A 17-year-old boy reported to the sheriff’s office that two male suspects tried to enter his home on Fall Creek Trace off Cave Springs Road at about 3 p.m. A shot was reportedly fired by one of the suspects, and the resident hid in the bathroom, according to Chief Deputy Stan Copeland.
“Nobody was injured, nothing was taken and the suspects fled the scene,” Copeland said.
In another unrelated shooting, a 15-year-old boy shot his 19-year-old brother with a handgun on Simon Road around 2 p.m., Copeland said.
“It appears to have been an accidental shooting, but we’re still interviewing witnesses,” Copeland said. “We’re not sure right now if they were playing with the gun or unloading it. It (the shooting) doesn’t appear to be intentional.”
Copeland said the wound didn’t seem serious. He said officers were still searching for the weapon Tuesday afternoon “because one of the brothers apparently tried to get rid of it.”
He said although the shooting is believed to be accidental, charges could still be filed on other issues.
The investigation in both cases was continuing late Tuesday afternoon and Copeland did not release any of the victims’s names.
Kroger to Build In Other Location In Bill Arp
The word was that Kroger would build where Dowda Equipment is now...turns out, according to a real estate agent, it will be built in the vacant lot across the street where the "Future home of Dowda Equipment" sign is. Apparently there are 30 acres back in the woods behind the lot.
If you live in the Bill Arp community and don't want a Kroger in your neighborhood, please sign my petition. It's in an earlier post.
If you live in the Bill Arp community and don't want a Kroger in your neighborhood, please sign my petition. It's in an earlier post.
County Libraries Getting Wi-Fi
Charlotte Hurt, the librarian at the Douglas County Library, says wi-fi will be available there in the next two weeks. Both libraries are currently installing it. For those who were looking for a good place to use their laptops. this will be a great place.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
City, County Have Differing Views On Transportation Plan
From today's Sentinel:
City, BOC to work on differences over 25-year transporation plan
By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
The Douglasville City Council Monday unanimously passed a resolution opposing the draft of the Douglas County Transportation Plan presented in a June 26 public hearing at the Douglas County Courthouse but also announced a meeting with the county to work on a resolution of the city’s complaints.
The 25-year plan, presented at a June 26 public hearing at the Douglas County Courthouse, is a blueprint for county wide transportation development for the next quarter century. The plan looks at current and future needs based on projected growth in Douglas County, including the cities of Douglasville, Austell and Villa Rica.
Wilbur Smith Associates is the agency preparing the plan with Steve Brown as project manager.
The 25-year plan, presented at a June 26 public hearing at the Douglas County Courthouse, is a blueprint for county wide transportation development for the next quarter century. The plan looks at current and future needs based on projected growth in Douglas County, including the cities of Douglasville, Austell and Villa Rica.
Wilbur Smith Associates is the agency preparing the plan with Steve Brown as project manager.
According to the resolution, city officials feel city road projects outside of Interstate 20 interchanges were either given low priority or not listed at all in the proposed plan.
City Manager Bill Osborne said Monday city officials and the City Council will meet with county officials and the Board of Commissioners Monday, July 28, to work on possible solutions to the city’s complaints.
If a compromise between the county and city is not reached by early August, Osborne said the city may pursue having its own transportation plan constructed by an outside firm.
City Manager Bill Osborne said Monday city officials and the City Council will meet with county officials and the Board of Commissioners Monday, July 28, to work on possible solutions to the city’s complaints.
If a compromise between the county and city is not reached by early August, Osborne said the city may pursue having its own transportation plan constructed by an outside firm.
In other business, the council granted a 7.5 percent adjustment to Waste Industries for commercial front-load waste collection services in the city. The increase will help cover the rising cost of diesel fuel.
The council accepted by a 5-1 vote a recycling trailer, portable bins and promotional materials from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as part of an Away-from-Home turn-key recycling grant.
The lone opposing vote was cast by Councilor Callye B. Holmes.
There was some debate over accepting the grant prior to Monday’s meeting because all artwork options for the trailer depict people sporting pro-recycling tattoos.
The council accepted by a 5-1 vote a recycling trailer, portable bins and promotional materials from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as part of an Away-from-Home turn-key recycling grant.
The lone opposing vote was cast by Councilor Callye B. Holmes.
There was some debate over accepting the grant prior to Monday’s meeting because all artwork options for the trailer depict people sporting pro-recycling tattoos.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
New Businesses
New businesses coming soon to Douglas County:
Another Bright Creation Early Learning, 4482 Hwy 5
Apollo Hospitality, Inc. 3400 Chapel Hill Rd Ste 302
Consumer Forclosure Svc 3400 Chapel Hill Rd Ste 100
Healing Hands Massage 3417 Hwy 5 Ste G & H
No new restaurants.
Another Bright Creation Early Learning, 4482 Hwy 5
Apollo Hospitality, Inc. 3400 Chapel Hill Rd Ste 302
Consumer Forclosure Svc 3400 Chapel Hill Rd Ste 100
Healing Hands Massage 3417 Hwy 5 Ste G & H
No new restaurants.
Business Closings
The Newnan Times-Herald is reporting that TGI Friday's and Chili's have closed in Newnan. The nearest TGI Friday's to Newnan is in Douglasville. However, in recent weeks, four new restaurants have opened (or will open within the next week or so) in Newnan.
Goody's filed for bankrupcy recently and announced they're closing stores in Austell, Hiram, Kennesaw, and Newnan, as well as several other stores in GA. The Douglasville location has been spared...for now.
Starbucks announced yesterday they are closing 600 locations. Douglasville has two locations. The stores they are closing are currently underperforming. It seems like the the location on Chapel Hill might be the busier location of the two. The CEO of Starbucks said in a press release that each of the 7,200 locations will know by mid-July as to whether their location will be closing.
If anyone knows of any other business that is closing (or opening), you may post a reply here.
Goody's filed for bankrupcy recently and announced they're closing stores in Austell, Hiram, Kennesaw, and Newnan, as well as several other stores in GA. The Douglasville location has been spared...for now.
Starbucks announced yesterday they are closing 600 locations. Douglasville has two locations. The stores they are closing are currently underperforming. It seems like the the location on Chapel Hill might be the busier location of the two. The CEO of Starbucks said in a press release that each of the 7,200 locations will know by mid-July as to whether their location will be closing.
If anyone knows of any other business that is closing (or opening), you may post a reply here.
Douglasville Teen Arrested In Robberies
From the AJC.com:
Teens arrested in Silver Comet trail robberies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/02/08
Four teenagers have been arrested in Cobb County on charges of robbing cyclists on the Silver Comet trail near Austell, police said.
Three juveniles and 17-year-old Isaac Lee Kemp of Douglasville were charged with aggravated assault and robbery by force, Sgt. Dana Pierce, a Cobb police spokesman said.
The robberies occurred in mid-June on the popular biking and jogging trail near where it passes under Austell Road. Both victims were men — one 49, the other 62 — and were not seriously injured, police said.
Pierce said the four youths would block the path, then knock the rider off the bike and go through his pockets.
The three juveniles — two 14 and one 15 —lived near the trail. They were released to relatives after being charged. Kemp is held on $25,000 bond at the Cobb jail, Pierce said.
Teens arrested in Silver Comet trail robberies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/02/08
Four teenagers have been arrested in Cobb County on charges of robbing cyclists on the Silver Comet trail near Austell, police said.
Three juveniles and 17-year-old Isaac Lee Kemp of Douglasville were charged with aggravated assault and robbery by force, Sgt. Dana Pierce, a Cobb police spokesman said.
The robberies occurred in mid-June on the popular biking and jogging trail near where it passes under Austell Road. Both victims were men — one 49, the other 62 — and were not seriously injured, police said.
Pierce said the four youths would block the path, then knock the rider off the bike and go through his pockets.
The three juveniles — two 14 and one 15 —lived near the trail. They were released to relatives after being charged. Kemp is held on $25,000 bond at the Cobb jail, Pierce said.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Police Scanner
6:03pm 10-28
6:05pm Intoxicated driver on Chapel Hill Road past Publix.
6:09pm Loose pit bull.
6:12pm One by name and DOB. Out of state.
6:12pm 10-28
6:13pm Domestic problem reported.
6:14pm Accident with injuries near Brickleberry Way
6:14pm People vandalizing Flagview Mobile Home Park.
6:17pm People asked to leave (didn’t hear from where) and they won’t.
6:18pm Assault reported.
6:19pm Accident on Hwy 92 in front of Auto Glass.
6:20pm Someone stole a purse from a vehicle.
6:20pm 10-28 (out of state)
6:22pm An officer is directing traffic.
6:23pm Kids on Bright star trying to collect money for baseball apparently in the middle of the road.
6:24pm Officer says kids on Bright Star are not in road.
6:25pm Wrecker needed for a vehicle on Chapel Hill.
6:25pm 10-27, name and DOB. (out of state)
6:27pm 10-28
6:29pm Domestic problem at Red Lobster.
9:45pm Someone apparently wanted is in a hospital.
9:46pm BOLO lookout for three subjects wanted out of Douglas County poss. heading to Atlanta.
9:47pm BOLO reckless on I-20 near Fairburn Road.
9:48pm Suspicious people on a street.
9:49pm 10-28
9:49pm BOLO intoxicated driver.
9:51pm Intoxicated driver almost hit several cars. Person is following vehicle updating police of location.
9:55pm Intoxicated driver exiting interstate and entering Hwy 5 and took a left.
9:56pm Person following vehicle decided not to follow them off the interstate.
9:59pm 10-28 (out of state)
10:03pm Someone’s been arrested.
10:06pm Reckless driver on Hwy 92. Different one than earlier.
10:11pm 10-27 & 10-29
10:11pm Someone’s been arrested.
10:17pm Juveniles playing with fireworks or starting a fire.
Monday, June 30, 2008
2007 Crime Statistics
I thought this was being released in September, but apparently not. Here's 2007's crime stats for Douglas County:
GBI Crime Statistics for Douglas County during 2007
Compared to 2006's statistics,
Murder: -1 (down one from 2006)
Rape: -1
Robbery: -3
Assault: -15
Burglary: +28
Larceny: -396
Vehicle Theft: -21
So burglaries are up, but everything is down, mostly slightly, except for larceny which is down almost 400 incidents from 2006.
GBI Crime Statistics for Douglas County during 2007
| Number of crimes by offense | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Murder | Rape | Robbery | Assault | Burglary | Larceny | Vehicle Theft |
| January | 0 | 1 | 9 | 22 | 92 | 249 | 40 |
| February | 1 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 94 | 253 | 31 |
| March | 0 | 2 | 6 | 27 | 63 | 233 | 45 |
| April | 1 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 81 | 268 | 44 |
| May | 0 | 5 | 11 | 21 | 82 | 275 | 50 |
| June | 2 | 0 | 6 | 18 | 81 | 279 | 46 |
| July | 1 | 1 | 10 | 24 | 85 | 277 | 41 |
| August | 0 | 1 | 12 | 18 | 81 | 291 | 43 |
| September | 0 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 84 | 262 | 40 |
| October | 0 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 79 | 252 | 44 |
| November | 0 | 0 | 9 | 17 | 86 | 266 | 42 |
| December | 1 | 0 | 14 | 18 | 77 | 254 | 31 |
| Total | 6 | 19 | 106 | 217 | 985 | 3159 | 497 |
Compared to 2006's statistics,
Murder: -1 (down one from 2006)
Rape: -1
Robbery: -3
Assault: -15
Burglary: +28
Larceny: -396
Vehicle Theft: -21
So burglaries are up, but everything is down, mostly slightly, except for larceny which is down almost 400 incidents from 2006.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Douglas County Sentinel
The Sentinel put the article about the deputy on their website today, trying to pass it off as an article they published in today's paper--but they didn't even change the two errors where they had Barnwell's name instead of the deputy's! It shows everyone just how much they are paying attention--apparently not much.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
From WSBTV.com
Deputy Indicted In Death Of Another Deputy's Wife
Former Douglas County Deputy Chris Black To Surrender Soon
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. -- A former Douglas County deputy will soon surrender to his former co-workers.
A grand jury handed up an indictment against him Friday.
Chris Black is charged with both felony and misdemeanor vehicular homicide in the death of another deputy's wife.
Black was responding to a robbery call in November when officials say he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into Tammy Barnwell's car head on, killing her instantly.
Officials say Black didn't have his emergency lights or his siren on.
Black’s attorney, Mike Puglise, said his client extended his remorse. He said if Black could take it back he would.
Black is expected to turn himself in within a few days.
The sheriff said Black will also be fired.
Douglas County Sentinel Police Blotter
The following are incident reports filed this week with the Douglasville Police Department:
(Compiled by Bobby Moore, staff witer)
- A burglary was reported by a business at 8335 Suite C Cherokee Boulevard. According to the incident report, entry was made through the front window, and two air conditioner units were taken. There are no suspects at this time, but officers believe this burglary was likely committed by juveniles since graffiti was found in several places inside the building.
- Officers were given a lookout on a hit and run that occurred in Powder Springs. The victim and an off-duty Powder Springs officer later observed the suspect and followed her to Douglasville. When the suspect was pulled over and arrested at Dairy Queen, she was allegedly driving under the influence of Xanax and also allegedly gave a fake name to police because she had a suspended license.
- The Douglasville Police Department assisted the Paulding County Sheriff's Office by recovering stolen property from a theft occurring in Paulding County. Investigators found that a man had allegedly pawned a stolen paint sprayer at a Douglasville pawn shop. Timothy Randall Stanley has been charged with the theft and is currently in the Paulding County Jail. The city has also charged Stanley in the theft.
- Douglas County Bank reported to police a subject had passed a $3,000 stolen check from a local business. The investigation is ongoing.
- Victoria Secret at Arbor Place Mall reported a theft June 24 (Tuesday) of a large quantity of cologne and perfume totalling $2,600. No suspects have been identified.
- Capt. Greg Graff asks drivers in subdivisions (Note: Or ANYWHERE, for that matter!) to slow down and watch for children running into streets as a summertime safety precaution.
(Compiled by Bobby Moore, staff witer)
Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Vehicular Homicide
This wasn't on the Sentinel's website so I'm posting it here for those who don't subscribe to the Sentinel.
Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Vehicular Homicide
By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer
Chris Black, the Douglas County Sheriff's deputy involved in a November 14, 2007 car accident that killed the wife of a co-worker, was indicted Friday by a Grand Jury of both first degree vehicular homicide and second degree vehicular homicide.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Deputy Chris Black was traveling north on Georgia Highway 5 to respond to a robbery at Arbor Place Mall about 8 p.m. when he allegedly lost control of his patrol car near Downs Road just north of Hwy 166. The patrol car crossed the center line, striking a southbound Honda Accord driven by Tammy L. Barnwell, 44, of Douglasville, the sole vehicle occupant.
Barnwell, manager of the Concourse Parkway Wal-Mart, was dead at the scene. Black was taken by ambulance to Atlanta Medical Center, where he underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist and leg.
The first degree count was for reckless driving. The indictment said Black (in the article, it says Barnwell, not Black) was driving in an excess of 85 miles per hour after dark without activating his blue lights or siren.
The second degree count was for driving too fast for conditions. That indictment said Black (again, in the article, it says Barnwell) was driving too fast to control his vehicle considering he was entering a curve in the roadway and there was oncoming traffic.
"I respect the decision of the Grand Jury and I respect the judicial system," Sheriff Phil Miller said.
Miller added Black will no longer be allowed to work for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office following two indictments.
The indictments were handed down after over four hours of testimony and about an hour of deliberation.
Douglas County District Attorney David McDade described Friday's proceedings as a "long, tortuous process."
McDade said he assumes the Grand Jury indicted Black on both counts so a trial jury can also consider both charges.
Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Vehicular Homicide
By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer
Chris Black, the Douglas County Sheriff's deputy involved in a November 14, 2007 car accident that killed the wife of a co-worker, was indicted Friday by a Grand Jury of both first degree vehicular homicide and second degree vehicular homicide.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Deputy Chris Black was traveling north on Georgia Highway 5 to respond to a robbery at Arbor Place Mall about 8 p.m. when he allegedly lost control of his patrol car near Downs Road just north of Hwy 166. The patrol car crossed the center line, striking a southbound Honda Accord driven by Tammy L. Barnwell, 44, of Douglasville, the sole vehicle occupant.
Barnwell, manager of the Concourse Parkway Wal-Mart, was dead at the scene. Black was taken by ambulance to Atlanta Medical Center, where he underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist and leg.
The first degree count was for reckless driving. The indictment said Black (in the article, it says Barnwell, not Black) was driving in an excess of 85 miles per hour after dark without activating his blue lights or siren.
The second degree count was for driving too fast for conditions. That indictment said Black (again, in the article, it says Barnwell) was driving too fast to control his vehicle considering he was entering a curve in the roadway and there was oncoming traffic.
"I respect the decision of the Grand Jury and I respect the judicial system," Sheriff Phil Miller said.
Miller added Black will no longer be allowed to work for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office following two indictments.
The indictments were handed down after over four hours of testimony and about an hour of deliberation.
Douglas County District Attorney David McDade described Friday's proceedings as a "long, tortuous process."
McDade said he assumes the Grand Jury indicted Black on both counts so a trial jury can also consider both charges.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Worthan Backs Out Of Debate
I found this on Craigslist...
Date: 2008-06-25, 6:39PM EDT
Igor Malanchuk for Chairman,
Douglas County Board of Commissioners
www.Igor2008.com
Contact: Igor Malanchuk
For Immediate Release June 25, 2008
Igor Malanchuk sees Debate with Opponent Tom Worthan Unlikely
Douglasville GA: Republican candidate for chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners Igor Malanchuk said he is disappointed that his opponent Tom Worthan refuses to debate him in a public forum after Worthan said twice that he would attend a debate if the GOP hosted it.
Malanchuk said it is important for the public to see the two candidates talk about the issues that concern voters… taxes, pension funds and wasteful government spending.
“Mr. Worthan on two occasions agreed to a one-on-one debate with me but now he refuses to meet. What is he afraid of and what is he hiding from?”, said Malanchuk.
According to Malanchuk, Worthan agreed on June 16 at the “Chat with the Chairman” meeting at Fire Station 6 to debate him. But Worthan got angry and told Malanchuk to “Go back to where you came from… get out of here!,” Worthan retorted.
Born in Russia, Malanchuk took Worthan’s statement that he did not mean to go back to Winston, Georgia where Malanchuk now lives. Worthan quickly apologized and said he “didn’t mean it that way”.
Malanchuk explained to Worthan that he is an American citizen and there is no place else to go. Malanchuk apologized to the firemen and county’s employees who heard the conversation.
Malanchuk is running on a platform to cut government spending and keep property taxes as low as possible.
“Worthan’s spending is not sustainable and might bankrupt people and government of this county with his out of control spending and unprecedented growth of the government”, said Malannchuk. “I will bring a fiscally responsible management style back to Douglas County. The taxpayers can not afford four more years of Mr. Worthan’s tax increases, flip flopping and spend liberal policies.”
For more information visit: www.Igor2008.com
# # #
Date: 2008-06-25, 6:39PM EDT
Igor Malanchuk for Chairman,
Douglas County Board of Commissioners
www.Igor2008.com
Contact: Igor Malanchuk
For Immediate Release June 25, 2008
Igor Malanchuk sees Debate with Opponent Tom Worthan Unlikely
Douglasville GA: Republican candidate for chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners Igor Malanchuk said he is disappointed that his opponent Tom Worthan refuses to debate him in a public forum after Worthan said twice that he would attend a debate if the GOP hosted it.
Malanchuk said it is important for the public to see the two candidates talk about the issues that concern voters… taxes, pension funds and wasteful government spending.
“Mr. Worthan on two occasions agreed to a one-on-one debate with me but now he refuses to meet. What is he afraid of and what is he hiding from?”, said Malanchuk.
According to Malanchuk, Worthan agreed on June 16 at the “Chat with the Chairman” meeting at Fire Station 6 to debate him. But Worthan got angry and told Malanchuk to “Go back to where you came from… get out of here!,” Worthan retorted.
Born in Russia, Malanchuk took Worthan’s statement that he did not mean to go back to Winston, Georgia where Malanchuk now lives. Worthan quickly apologized and said he “didn’t mean it that way”.
Malanchuk explained to Worthan that he is an American citizen and there is no place else to go. Malanchuk apologized to the firemen and county’s employees who heard the conversation.
Malanchuk is running on a platform to cut government spending and keep property taxes as low as possible.
“Worthan’s spending is not sustainable and might bankrupt people and government of this county with his out of control spending and unprecedented growth of the government”, said Malannchuk. “I will bring a fiscally responsible management style back to Douglas County. The taxpayers can not afford four more years of Mr. Worthan’s tax increases, flip flopping and spend liberal policies.”
For more information visit: www.Igor2008.com
# # #
Police Scanner
4:12pm Officer trying to get a vehicle off I-20. One lane is blocked.
4:15pm Officer wants current temp and heat index.
4:15pm Domestic problem reported.
4:17pm Threats reported.
4:19pm Domestic problem reported.
4:20pm Temp—89, feels like 91.
4:22pm Intoxicated driver last seen in a mobile home park.
4:23pm Animal control being requested.
4:24pm Dog in vehicle with windows up.
4:24pm Juveniles causing damage.
4:26pm EMS needed.
4:27pm Sounded like the dispatcher said there was an accident in front of Kohl’s.
4:27pm Alarm, residential. Call is on hold because there are no available officers.
4:28pm Intoxicated driver on Chapel Hill Road.
4:48pm One person has been arrested.
4:49pm 10-28
4:52pm Juvenile standing in the middle of the road.
4:53pm People sitting in chairs on the side of the road selling stuff.
4:54pm 10-28 (2)
4:55pm Threats reported.
7:58pm One person has been arrested.
7:59pm 10-28
8:00pm Vehicle hit guardrail on I-20. Person possibly injured. Police enroute. EMS also enroute.
8:03pm Accident on Kings Hwy. Two vehicles involved.
8:04pm Suspicious subject behind Douglas Crossing shopping center.
8:04pm 10-28
8:05pm GSP (Georgia State Patrol) enroute to accident.
8:05pm 10-28
8:06pm 10-28
8:06pm Someone’s insurance is expired.
8:07pm 10-28 (2—one in state and one out of state)
8:09pm Domestic problem reported.
8:09pm Assault reported.
8:12pm 10-28
8:16pm 10-28
8:16pm 10-28
8:19pm Mechanical breakdown on I-20.
8:20pm Someone’s been arrested.
8:20pm Residential alarm.
8:21pm Trespassing reported.
8:22pm Person walking around trying to sell something and is also looking for grasshoppers.
8:27pm 10-28 on I-20.
8:29pm 10-28 on I-20. Out of state.
8:36pm Officer getting a bag of garbage off the road.
8:37pm Alarm at a mobile home park.
8:38pm Threats reported.
8:39pm 10-28
8:39pm 10-28
8:39pm Someone stole a lawnmower.
8:40pm Somebody is selling gas for 40 cents (not sure if this is the right price, it could have been $1.40 or $2.40)and it is causing a traffic problem.
8:41pm Someone is discharging fireworks or firearms at power lines.
8:45pm 10-28
4:15pm Officer wants current temp and heat index.
4:15pm Domestic problem reported.
4:17pm Threats reported.
4:19pm Domestic problem reported.
4:20pm Temp—89, feels like 91.
4:22pm Intoxicated driver last seen in a mobile home park.
4:23pm Animal control being requested.
4:24pm Dog in vehicle with windows up.
4:24pm Juveniles causing damage.
4:26pm EMS needed.
4:27pm Sounded like the dispatcher said there was an accident in front of Kohl’s.
4:27pm Alarm, residential. Call is on hold because there are no available officers.
4:28pm Intoxicated driver on Chapel Hill Road.
4:48pm One person has been arrested.
4:49pm 10-28
4:52pm Juvenile standing in the middle of the road.
4:53pm People sitting in chairs on the side of the road selling stuff.
4:54pm 10-28 (2)
4:55pm Threats reported.
7:58pm One person has been arrested.
7:59pm 10-28
8:00pm Vehicle hit guardrail on I-20. Person possibly injured. Police enroute. EMS also enroute.
8:03pm Accident on Kings Hwy. Two vehicles involved.
8:04pm Suspicious subject behind Douglas Crossing shopping center.
8:04pm 10-28
8:05pm GSP (Georgia State Patrol) enroute to accident.
8:05pm 10-28
8:06pm 10-28
8:06pm Someone’s insurance is expired.
8:07pm 10-28 (2—one in state and one out of state)
8:09pm Domestic problem reported.
8:09pm Assault reported.
8:12pm 10-28
8:16pm 10-28
8:16pm 10-28
8:19pm Mechanical breakdown on I-20.
8:20pm Someone’s been arrested.
8:20pm Residential alarm.
8:21pm Trespassing reported.
8:22pm Person walking around trying to sell something and is also looking for grasshoppers.
8:27pm 10-28 on I-20.
8:29pm 10-28 on I-20. Out of state.
8:36pm Officer getting a bag of garbage off the road.
8:37pm Alarm at a mobile home park.
8:38pm Threats reported.
8:39pm 10-28
8:39pm 10-28
8:39pm Someone stole a lawnmower.
8:40pm Somebody is selling gas for 40 cents (not sure if this is the right price, it could have been $1.40 or $2.40)and it is causing a traffic problem.
8:41pm Someone is discharging fireworks or firearms at power lines.
8:45pm 10-28
The Village At Chapel Hill
Today I happened to pass by what used to be an empty lot across from Kohl's and noticed no fewer than three bulldozers (along with a couple of dump trucks) pushing what looked like dry cement into the lowest part of the lot. It looks to be the beginnings of a foundation. Anyone know if this is actually in the construction stages now?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Douglasville Police Department Wants $22.8 Million Facility
Who else thinks this is just a BIT much to pay for a building??? Also, this is $5 million MORE than they estimated it would cost.
From the Sentinel:
From the Sentinel:
Police facility cost set at $22.8 million
Council votes Monday on bond issue for funding
By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
The city of Douglasville learned Tuesday the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the proposed new public safety and municipal court facility prepared by the Facility Group is $22,789,992, over $5 million more than the amount estimated after a needs assessment study last fall.
The proposed two-story facility is expected to be built on 22 acres of city-owned land located south of Interstate 20 adjacent to Hillside Drive on Fairburn Road. It will house both the Douglasville Police Department and the city’s Municipal Court under one roof instead of having their offices spread out across several downtown buildings.
Maj. Oliver Fladrich said the facility would allow the department to respond to calls quicker since it will be located in a central location in the city and will be close to Interstate 20.
The proposed two-story facility is expected to be built on 22 acres of city-owned land located south of Interstate 20 adjacent to Hillside Drive on Fairburn Road. It will house both the Douglasville Police Department and the city’s Municipal Court under one roof instead of having their offices spread out across several downtown buildings.
Maj. Oliver Fladrich said the facility would allow the department to respond to calls quicker since it will be located in a central location in the city and will be close to Interstate 20.
City Finance Director Karin Callan said the GMP includes the $350,000 cost of the design stage, which will be complete as soon as the Facility Group turns its final building plans over to the city.
The figure does not include fees the city will owe bond underwriters Morgan Keegan, so Callan said the actual total cost is likely around $23 million.
A referendum will give city voters the chance to decide if the city will be able to fund this project with a general obligation bond. The City Council will vote June 30 at a special called 6:30 p.m. meeting to add the referendum to the Sept. 16 special election ballot that already includes a race to fill the vacant Ward 3, Post 1 council seat vacated May 1 by Douglas County tax commissioner candidate Henry Mitchell III.
The figure does not include fees the city will owe bond underwriters Morgan Keegan, so Callan said the actual total cost is likely around $23 million.
A referendum will give city voters the chance to decide if the city will be able to fund this project with a general obligation bond. The City Council will vote June 30 at a special called 6:30 p.m. meeting to add the referendum to the Sept. 16 special election ballot that already includes a race to fill the vacant Ward 3, Post 1 council seat vacated May 1 by Douglas County tax commissioner candidate Henry Mitchell III.
The general obligation bond, if passed, will cover $17,789,992 of the project, with the remaining $5 million covered by the police department’s confiscated drug funds.
City Manager Bill Osborne said the increased price is partly because of the design plans, which are for a larger than expected 70,000 square-foot facility designed to handle 20 years worth of police department growth. Originally, the Facility Group had proposed a 60,000 square-foot facility.
This larger design includes basement space with nearly 7,000 square feet left empty for future expansion.
City Manager Bill Osborne said the increased price is partly because of the design plans, which are for a larger than expected 70,000 square-foot facility designed to handle 20 years worth of police department growth. Originally, the Facility Group had proposed a 60,000 square-foot facility.
This larger design includes basement space with nearly 7,000 square feet left empty for future expansion.
“There will be growth potential in 20 years we would not have thought of today,” Fladrich said.
Osborne added the $17 million estimate was made before the Facility Group knew the exact location of the future public safety building.
Police Chief Joe Whisenant said this planned growth should keep his department from seeking building additions over the next decade.
Osborne added the $17 million estimate was made before the Facility Group knew the exact location of the future public safety building.
Police Chief Joe Whisenant said this planned growth should keep his department from seeking building additions over the next decade.
“I don’t want us to build a building, and then come back five years later and ask for more money,” Whisenant said.
On March 17, the City Council selected the Smyrna-based Facility Group for design-build services for this project.
The city’s decision came about a week before Facility Group officials Robert Moultrie, 67, of Smyrna, Charles Morehead, 57, of Lilburn and Nixon Cawood, 58, of Woodstock were all indicted in Mississippi on charges of conspiracy to corruptly influence a public official and 15 counts of mail fraud. They have pled not guilty.
On March 17, the City Council selected the Smyrna-based Facility Group for design-build services for this project.
The city’s decision came about a week before Facility Group officials Robert Moultrie, 67, of Smyrna, Charles Morehead, 57, of Lilburn and Nixon Cawood, 58, of Woodstock were all indicted in Mississippi on charges of conspiracy to corruptly influence a public official and 15 counts of mail fraud. They have pled not guilty.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday the Facility Group and Moultrie, Cawood and Morehead face a new 16-count indictment related to a failed beef plant venture in Mississippi. This indictment replaces the one issued in March.
If convicted, they each face up to 305 years in prison, $4 million in fines and restitution for the amount of the losses, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Despite these allegations, the city has continued to work with the Facility Group on design/build services for the project.
If convicted, they each face up to 305 years in prison, $4 million in fines and restitution for the amount of the losses, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Despite these allegations, the city has continued to work with the Facility Group on design/build services for the project.
Osborne said the city still has several “opt-out” points between now and Sept. 16 in case the need to stop doing business with the Facility Group arises. These “opt-out” points would have been available to the city without the indictments, Osborne said.
At this stage, Osborne said the city is comfortable with the Facility Group’s work on the design/build project.
“We do feel like we have an excellent product from the Facility Group,” Osborne said.
At this stage, Osborne said the city is comfortable with the Facility Group’s work on the design/build project.
“We do feel like we have an excellent product from the Facility Group,” Osborne said.
Between now and Sept. 16, Osborne said the police department and private residents will promote the need for a new facility to civic groups and homeowners associations.
More On Marks & Morgan Robbery
From the Sentinel:
Robber hits mall jewelry store
Grabs earrings valued at $12,000
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Douglasville Police are seeking a lone male suspect who robbed a mall jewelry store of two pairs of diamond earrings Wednesday afternoon.
According to Capt. Chris Womack, the man asked a Marks and Morgan Jewelry sales clerk at Arbor Place mall to show him diamond earrings at about 2:20 p.m. The man grabbed two pairs with a total value of about $12,000 and ran, Womack said.
The suspect dropped one earring just outside the jewelry store but continued running through the nearby Belk store to the parking lot, where he was believed to have been picked up by a getaway vehicle.
According to Capt. Chris Womack, the man asked a Marks and Morgan Jewelry sales clerk at Arbor Place mall to show him diamond earrings at about 2:20 p.m. The man grabbed two pairs with a total value of about $12,000 and ran, Womack said.
The suspect dropped one earring just outside the jewelry store but continued running through the nearby Belk store to the parking lot, where he was believed to have been picked up by a getaway vehicle.
Womack said police are still questioning witnesses and following leads in the case.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Police Scanner
10:33pm Residential alarm.
10:33pm WSA has been working on a leaking fire hydrant for the past two hours.
10:34pm 10-28
10:35pm 10-28
10:39pm 10-28
10:42pm Missing person/runaway reported. I think probably the latter.
10:44pm Three people have been arrested in another county.
10:45pm One by name and DOB.
10:47pm One person has been arrested.
10:51pm 10-28
10:52pm Mechanical breakdown w/ no tag.
10:55pm 10-28
10:56pm Domestic problem reported.
10:59pm Business alarm.
11:01pm One person has been arrested.
11:02pm Domestic problem reported.
11:03pm 10-28
11:04pm Mechanical breakdown. Someone ran out of gas.
11:13pm 10-28
11:14pm Two adults missing.
11:14pm I-20 Eastbound reckless tractor trailer near North County Line Rd.
11:15pm Business alarm.
11:16pm Suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot.
11:17pm 10-28
11:19pm Vehicle on side of I-20 changing a tire.
11:21pm BOLO for subject with firearms—may have been found.
11:24pm Officer dispatched to vehicle on side of I-20—an officer is already there.
11:26pm People discharging firearms (or fireworks, I couldn’t hear if it was a 10-83A or a 10-83B) across from Kroger on Chapel Hill Rd.
11:28pm 10-28
11:32pm Concern for welfare reported. House does not have power.
11:32pm People walking in someone’s driving, have fled scene.
11:33pm Deputies have GPS units in their patrol cars in order to help them find an address.
11:36pm Domestic problem reported.
11:38pm 10-28
11:39pm Something about someone’s radio chirping.
11:40pm 10-28 on I-20
11:42pm 10-28
11:44pm Someone locked their keys in their vehicle.
11:45pm Someone called from a hotel and said someone is acting suspicious in a parking lot.breaking into a vehicle.
11:47pm 7-8 juveniles running around on a property.
11:49pm Reckless motorcycle on I-20. GA State patrol trying to find motorcycle.
11:50pm Someone wants someone to patrol an area, someone talked over the dispatcher so I don’t know why.
11:50pm 10-27 (2)
11:53pm Apparently there is a chase going on involving the motorcycle. An officer asked if they wanted to continue the chase or go “resume normal operations”.
11:54pm Police approaching Post Road (chasing motorcycle).
11:55pm The feed stopped so I had to restart it.
11:56pm Shots fired somewhere—screams were heard. Not related to police chase.
11:58pm More police joining chase or either helping clear a path.
12:10pm I think they may have arrested the person on the motorcycle.
Douglasville Smog Levels High Today
This was at AJC.com:
Metro area's violated air standards 13 days
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/25/08
By 1 p.m. Wednesday, smog levels had started creeping toward the red zone, when the air quality is considered unhealthy for most people.
The highest eight-hour measurement of ground-level ozone, an ingredient in smog, was 56 parts per billion in Douglasville. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers ozone unsafe at levels above 75 parts per billions. Smog enters code red at 96 parts per billion.
At that level, public health officials advise people to confine their workouts to indoors, or do their outdoor exercise in the morning or late evening. Ground-level ozone, a colorless gas formed when manmade emissions mix with the heat, can be particularly bad for people with asthma and other lung and heart diseases.
The state's air quality forecasters had expected Tuesday's air quality to enter the red zone. While smog levels did violate the EPA's limit in Conyers, south Dekalb County, central Gwinnett County and McDonough, they did not reach the red zone.
Forecasters issued an orange alert for Thursday's air quality, which would be another violation of the EPA standard. As of Wednesday afternoon, the region had violated the EPA standard on 13 days, starting May 6.
Note: I have a link to the current smog levels for Douglasville on my blogroll, which is in the right-hand column of my blog. Currently the one hour average is 65 (just 10 parts per billion BELOW unsafe levels) and the eight hour average is 61.
Metro area's violated air standards 13 days
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/25/08
By 1 p.m. Wednesday, smog levels had started creeping toward the red zone, when the air quality is considered unhealthy for most people.
The highest eight-hour measurement of ground-level ozone, an ingredient in smog, was 56 parts per billion in Douglasville. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers ozone unsafe at levels above 75 parts per billions. Smog enters code red at 96 parts per billion.
At that level, public health officials advise people to confine their workouts to indoors, or do their outdoor exercise in the morning or late evening. Ground-level ozone, a colorless gas formed when manmade emissions mix with the heat, can be particularly bad for people with asthma and other lung and heart diseases.
The state's air quality forecasters had expected Tuesday's air quality to enter the red zone. While smog levels did violate the EPA's limit in Conyers, south Dekalb County, central Gwinnett County and McDonough, they did not reach the red zone.
Forecasters issued an orange alert for Thursday's air quality, which would be another violation of the EPA standard. As of Wednesday afternoon, the region had violated the EPA standard on 13 days, starting May 6.
Note: I have a link to the current smog levels for Douglasville on my blogroll, which is in the right-hand column of my blog. Currently the one hour average is 65 (just 10 parts per billion BELOW unsafe levels) and the eight hour average is 61.
Robbery At Arbor Place Mall
There was a strong armed robbery at Marks & Morgan jewelers in Arbor Place Mall today shortly before 1:30pm. No weapons were involved and it is not known if anything was taken. Someone who works at the mall confirmed hearing heliocopters hovering over or around the mall. No word if the perpetrator(s) was apprehended. If anyone has any other details please feel free to post a comment.
Sign Placement Disputed
This is from today's Douglas Neighbor.
Sign Placement Disputed
by Stephanie Siegel
Douglas Neighbor Staff Writer
With the election season underway, the issue of campaign signs is again a hot issue for some Douglas residents.
Captain Eddie Morris, commander of the Douglas County Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Division, said after receving recent phone calls about missing campaign signs, the department was forced to take action.
"We got a complaint from two citizens about somebody taking down campaign signs," Morris said. "We did some investigating and found it was Mr. [James] Bell. He admitted to it. We just gave him a warning and told him if he took property that wasn't his, he was subject to arrest for theft by taking. If you take property that doesn't belong to you, that's a theft."
Bell did it again and was arrested, Morris said.
Bell, who lives in Douglas County, said he had asked campaigners to remove signs from a beautification area known as Dogwood Strip, which is owned by the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
"I've asked the candidates not to place signs along the strip. Their response was to put even more signs there," Bell said. "Let them go back to their own neighborhoods and trash them. We don't want their trash here."
Though the strip is not owned by Bell, but the railroad company, he said civic groups have helped maintain the property for years, even erecting a flag and community clock.
Bell runs a civic group called Lithia Springs Clean and Beautiful that has held various community clean-up projects.
"Codes should be enforced equally across the board. When politicians are allowed to violate the codes they enact, I see a real problem. It's the old story of 'Do as we said, not as we do.' All we are asking is that the campaigns respect our community and not place signs on Dogwood Strip."
When told that a Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman said campaign signs are not allowed along state highways, Morris said, "Who are they? What authority do they have to say that? They probably don't make the ordinances and laws."
David Spear, a GDOT press secretary, said political signs are not allowed on state right-of-way, and GDOT crews pick them up when they find them, and throw them away.
If GDOT employees pick up signs along Highway 78, would a Douglas County deputy arrest them?
"We would have to see what they're doing," Morris said. "We haven't had a complaint on them. When we have complaints, we have to follow up on them. The property belongs to other people.
"The candidates are told that they can place their signs six feet off the roadway when they qualify," Morris added. "We have to go by what the county ordinances say. I don't work for the state."
However, Major M.O. Harper of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said, "We don't enforce ordinances here. We only enforce state laws."
Morris and Harper agreed that "theft by taking" is a state law. But the question of where signs may be placed is not in their jurisdiction.
Spear said Highway 78 is under state jurisdiction, so state rules apply.
"From our perspective, if [Bell] was taking signs from our right-of-way, it would be prosecutable only if we elected to bring charges, which is certainly not something we'd consider doing," Spear said.
Morris said if Bell or others think the law conflicts, "They get to go to court. That's why we have courts. Then the judge will teach us all something. Maybe he'll make a ruling that everybody can follow."
Sign Placement Disputed
by Stephanie Siegel
Douglas Neighbor Staff Writer
With the election season underway, the issue of campaign signs is again a hot issue for some Douglas residents.
Captain Eddie Morris, commander of the Douglas County Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Division, said after receving recent phone calls about missing campaign signs, the department was forced to take action.
"We got a complaint from two citizens about somebody taking down campaign signs," Morris said. "We did some investigating and found it was Mr. [James] Bell. He admitted to it. We just gave him a warning and told him if he took property that wasn't his, he was subject to arrest for theft by taking. If you take property that doesn't belong to you, that's a theft."
Bell did it again and was arrested, Morris said.
Bell, who lives in Douglas County, said he had asked campaigners to remove signs from a beautification area known as Dogwood Strip, which is owned by the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
"I've asked the candidates not to place signs along the strip. Their response was to put even more signs there," Bell said. "Let them go back to their own neighborhoods and trash them. We don't want their trash here."
Though the strip is not owned by Bell, but the railroad company, he said civic groups have helped maintain the property for years, even erecting a flag and community clock.
Bell runs a civic group called Lithia Springs Clean and Beautiful that has held various community clean-up projects.
"Codes should be enforced equally across the board. When politicians are allowed to violate the codes they enact, I see a real problem. It's the old story of 'Do as we said, not as we do.' All we are asking is that the campaigns respect our community and not place signs on Dogwood Strip."
When told that a Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman said campaign signs are not allowed along state highways, Morris said, "Who are they? What authority do they have to say that? They probably don't make the ordinances and laws."
David Spear, a GDOT press secretary, said political signs are not allowed on state right-of-way, and GDOT crews pick them up when they find them, and throw them away.
If GDOT employees pick up signs along Highway 78, would a Douglas County deputy arrest them?
"We would have to see what they're doing," Morris said. "We haven't had a complaint on them. When we have complaints, we have to follow up on them. The property belongs to other people.
"The candidates are told that they can place their signs six feet off the roadway when they qualify," Morris added. "We have to go by what the county ordinances say. I don't work for the state."
However, Major M.O. Harper of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said, "We don't enforce ordinances here. We only enforce state laws."
Morris and Harper agreed that "theft by taking" is a state law. But the question of where signs may be placed is not in their jurisdiction.
Spear said Highway 78 is under state jurisdiction, so state rules apply.
"From our perspective, if [Bell] was taking signs from our right-of-way, it would be prosecutable only if we elected to bring charges, which is certainly not something we'd consider doing," Spear said.
Morris said if Bell or others think the law conflicts, "They get to go to court. That's why we have courts. Then the judge will teach us all something. Maybe he'll make a ruling that everybody can follow."
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Future Library?
I think the $2 million grant for the Fairplay Public Library was included in the FY 2009 state budget--but I don't know if it was approved or not.
I went to the Lithia Springs Library today and noticed a sign in front of the DVDs. It said that due to DVD theft, the library would only be purchasing educational DVDs from now on. So to whomever stole DVDs from the library, thanks for ruining this for everyone. This library purchased recent movies as well as Britcoms (British comedies) as well as tv series. They have a HUGE collection of DVDs and it could have become a lot bigger. I actually prefer the Lithia Springs Library over the Douglas County Library (and it seems like a LOT of people do, because it was pretty crowded when I was there today) because they seem to have a bigger budget when it comes to purchasing new books. Every time I go there I find several new books I've been wanting to read. They also have an aisle of VHS videos for sale for $1 as well as some books and CDs for sale.
As I was leaving, I noticed a brochure on the table in the lobby. On the front of this brochure was an illustration of a two-story library. Underneath are the words "rendering of future Douglas County Library". There was no information inside the brochure as to when this possible future library will be built. Not sure if this will be the Fairplay Library or not, because I had heard that it would be about the same size as the Douglas County Library. Maybe this is something the county hopes to gain with a possible SPLOST referendum in September? Rumor has it there will be another in order to pay for the jail. You can see a picture of the front of the brochure at http://news.webshots.com/photo/2638637030103568294jtxRjE
Also, the library hours have been shortened by four hours a week. From Monday-Thursday, the two county libraries now close at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m.
I went to the Lithia Springs Library today and noticed a sign in front of the DVDs. It said that due to DVD theft, the library would only be purchasing educational DVDs from now on. So to whomever stole DVDs from the library, thanks for ruining this for everyone. This library purchased recent movies as well as Britcoms (British comedies) as well as tv series. They have a HUGE collection of DVDs and it could have become a lot bigger. I actually prefer the Lithia Springs Library over the Douglas County Library (and it seems like a LOT of people do, because it was pretty crowded when I was there today) because they seem to have a bigger budget when it comes to purchasing new books. Every time I go there I find several new books I've been wanting to read. They also have an aisle of VHS videos for sale for $1 as well as some books and CDs for sale.
As I was leaving, I noticed a brochure on the table in the lobby. On the front of this brochure was an illustration of a two-story library. Underneath are the words "rendering of future Douglas County Library". There was no information inside the brochure as to when this possible future library will be built. Not sure if this will be the Fairplay Library or not, because I had heard that it would be about the same size as the Douglas County Library. Maybe this is something the county hopes to gain with a possible SPLOST referendum in September? Rumor has it there will be another in order to pay for the jail. You can see a picture of the front of the brochure at http://news.webshots.com/photo/2638637030103568294jtxRjEAlso, the library hours have been shortened by four hours a week. From Monday-Thursday, the two county libraries now close at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m.
Burger Market Is Back!!
For all those who were disappointed when Burger Market closed, have hope--it's returned. I don't know if it's actually called Burger Market now, but all the locals, I'm sure, will call it Burger Market because that's what it was for so many years. I passed by it on my way to Lithia Springs Public Library. I saw the sign outside and it said vine ripe tomatoes. On my way back, I stopped. Flanking the entrance are HUGE $5 Georgia seedless watermelons. When I stopped a woman had just bought one and placed it inside her car, and as I was leaving another woman was on her cellphone commenting to a friend how big they were.
Inside you can find vine ripe tomatoes (99 cents a pound!!), Vidalia onions, Texas sweet onions, HUGE bags of green peanuts, bell peppers, plums, South Carolina peaches ($1.59 a pound), black eyed peas still in their hulls, sweet potatoes, garlic, yellow corn, silver queen corn, and probably several other things I'm forgetting. The entire left side of the store is empty save for some empty market baskets--all the produce is on the right side. But well worth going to if you need some fresh produce. Here's hoping they expand their selection to include more produce.
Inside you can find vine ripe tomatoes (99 cents a pound!!), Vidalia onions, Texas sweet onions, HUGE bags of green peanuts, bell peppers, plums, South Carolina peaches ($1.59 a pound), black eyed peas still in their hulls, sweet potatoes, garlic, yellow corn, silver queen corn, and probably several other things I'm forgetting. The entire left side of the store is empty save for some empty market baskets--all the produce is on the right side. But well worth going to if you need some fresh produce. Here's hoping they expand their selection to include more produce.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Douglas County Sentinel Police Blotter
Since this wasn't included on the Sentinel's website, I'm posting it here.
The following are incident reports filed recently with the Douglasville Police Department (notice this doesn't include the Douglas County Police Department):
The following are incident reports filed recently with the Douglasville Police Department (notice this doesn't include the Douglas County Police Department):
- Robert Francis Scott of Atlanta was arrested June 14 at 2:45 a.m. for suspected DUI. Scott was also charged with felony obstruction, reckless driving, no insurance, driving with a suspended registration and expired tag.
- An elderly female reported her wallet stolen from her purse June 17 at approximately 10 a.m. The woman said her wallet was stolen while shopping at Wal-Mart on Thornton Road.
- Police arrested Latrice Davis and Travis Anderson, both of Douglasville, June 18 at 8 p.m. on an entering an auto charge linked to a purse allegedly stolen from a car in the Blockbuster parking lot on Chapel Hill Road.
- Police took a report June 18 at 7 p.m. of an entering an auto incident at the Chapel Hill Road Gold's Gym in which a purse was stolen. Captain Chris Womack urges everyone to please not leave valuables such as purses and GPS units unattended in their car.
- Ryan Marshall Long was arrested June 19 at approximately 10:30 p.m. on a charge of battery on a police officer.
- Two trailers, a 1990 Dorsey enclosed trailer with Georgia tag LE 62097 and a 1994 enclosed trailer with Georgia tag U11274, were reported stolen from a fenced lot at Step Up Scaffold, 4520 Palazzo Way.
- A suspect attempted to enter a home on Brittany Way through the side door to the garage, but officials speculate the perpetrator was scared off by the resident's pet pit bull. Nothing was taken, and entry was not made. No suspect has been arrested in the case.
- A kitchen door was forced open and a flat screen television taken from a bedroom during a reported residential burglary. According to the incident report, there were footprints on the door, and the glass window was broken. A knife found on the landing of the stairs thought used to pry on the door lock was taken as evidence by investigators.
- Police are investigating an indencent exposure case. The suspect is reportedly a white male driving an older white van with damage to the front drivers side. The incidents have occurred at the Wal-Mart on Concourse Parkway. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglasville Police Department.
- An officer investigating a DUI found a two-shot derringer .22 gun in the passenger side floorboard of the truck concealed with a plastic bag. Both occupants were intoxicated and denied owning the gun. Both occupants also denied knowing whose truck it was. The driver was a convicted felon, so the gun was recovered, and the driver was charged as a convicted felon with a firearm and the passenger was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. The report said the occupants were coming from Taco Mac after a night of drinking.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Restaurant Closings
Haven't had official confirmation from either restaurant but several people on the Douglasville Topix.net message board are saying that both Atlanta Bread Company and Chaunce's Tavern have closed. I emailed ABC's public relations department on Monday but have yet to hear a reply. I expect as the economy keeps going down, more restaurants in Douglasville will close. Most likely it will be the more upscale restaurants--I don't think you'll be seeing McDonald's closing anytime soon. People are eating out less because gas is, on average, about $4 a gallon, and people who used to eat at the upscale restaurants are now using money they would have used for a nice meal are putting the money into their vehicles instead or are using it to buy groceries because the prices of groceries have gone up as well.
There's also something else to watch out for--some food product items have been shrinking in size--but the price hasn't. I've heard mention of Dial soap, different cereals, and Edy's and Dryer's ice cream. Edy's is probably the most noticable--you can really tell the container is a LOT smaller.
There's also something else to watch out for--some food product items have been shrinking in size--but the price hasn't. I've heard mention of Dial soap, different cereals, and Edy's and Dryer's ice cream. Edy's is probably the most noticable--you can really tell the container is a LOT smaller.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Clinton Nature Preserve
I went back to Clinton Nature Preserve today with my camera to see if anything had been done to the things I took pictures of in the children's play garden. Nothing has been done. The split fence slat is still there, and it looks like someone has been pulling at it a little--I took another picture. I've also included pictures of things you can see at the park--it really is, despite its flaws, a great treasure of Douglas County. You can find the new pictures at http://community.webshots.com/album/563830706JlUZoa?vhost=community . I bought a new digital camera this weekend so the pictures should look a little sharper. I also uploaded a video of one of the trails you can walk/bike on. They have several trails that intersect into each other. Some are stroller-friendly, some aren't--some go up and down steep hills. Some maintenance does need to be done on some trails--the rain (yes, I know we haven't had much but it's been enough) has been eroding them. The creek needs to be cleaned up--there are fallen trees going over the creek (and into the creek).
County Cover-Ups
Looks like there have been quite a few things covered up about the supposed "jail" Worthan and the sheriff want so much--one of the candidates for Commission Chairman, Igor Malanchuk, posted this--it's part of the public record. Interesting how they wanted to handle "this quickly and quietly"--I'll be interested to see if anyone, if at all, comments about this. I just wondered why we weren't hearing residents from Flagview voice their opinion about having to move--now we know. After all, Tom Worthan doesn't even have a campaign website. Supposedly he bought http://www.tomworthan.net, but the page isn't there. I did an IP lookup and it says "client transfer prohibited".
http://tomworthan.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/summary-of-flagview-mobile-home-park-purchase/
http://tomworthan.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/summary-of-flagview-mobile-home-park-purchase/
Monday, June 16, 2008
Police Scanner
The semester is winding down so for the next few weeks (save for one weekend that I will be out of town for a much-needed vacation) I'll be able to listen to the scanner more.
11:37pm Someone arrested—drugs involved. Overdose.
11:39pm Domestic problem.
11:40pm Domestic problem.
11:40pm Juvenile complaint.
11:42pm EMS called for overdose.
11:44pm call holding b/c no available officers—suspicious person or vehicle in a subdivision.
11:47pm 10-28
11:50pm One domestic dispute from earlier has ended.
11:52pm 10-28 (2) in Lithia Springs.
11:54pm 10-27
11:57pm Lost property reported.
11:58pm 10-28 on I-20. I don’t think this was a FIND vehicle.
11:59pm 10-28
11:59pm Transporting prisoner to ER.
12:03am 10-29
12:03am Suspicious person walking on sidewalk.
12:04am Vehicle on side of a road with a flat tire.
12:04am Two officers answered a call. Dispatcher asked if officer was aware that another officer was enroute and he said yes.
12:05am 10-28
12:06am 10-28
12:06am One by number.
12:08am Someone’s license is suspended.
12:09am An officer issued a warning.
11:37pm Someone arrested—drugs involved. Overdose.
11:39pm Domestic problem.
11:40pm Domestic problem.
11:40pm Juvenile complaint.
11:42pm EMS called for overdose.
11:44pm call holding b/c no available officers—suspicious person or vehicle in a subdivision.
11:47pm 10-28
11:50pm One domestic dispute from earlier has ended.
11:52pm 10-28 (2) in Lithia Springs.
11:54pm 10-27
11:57pm Lost property reported.
11:58pm 10-28 on I-20. I don’t think this was a FIND vehicle.
11:59pm 10-28
11:59pm Transporting prisoner to ER.
12:03am 10-29
12:03am Suspicious person walking on sidewalk.
12:04am Vehicle on side of a road with a flat tire.
12:04am Two officers answered a call. Dispatcher asked if officer was aware that another officer was enroute and he said yes.
12:05am 10-28
12:06am 10-28
12:06am One by number.
12:08am Someone’s license is suspended.
12:09am An officer issued a warning.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
James Bell Arrested
After the Douglas Neighbor published an article about the arrest of James Bell this past Wednesday, the Sentinel felt they also had to chime in, so they published the following article today:
Campaign sign controvery leads to arrest
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
The Dogwood Strip in downtown Lithia Springs is a place of civic pride. It has an old clock, flowering trees and a welcome sign for visitors coming into town on Bankhead Highway (U.S. 78).
In recent weeks, it has also become a gathering place for numerous local election campaign signs, and has spurred controversy over where signs can and cannot be placed.
James Bell, 48, a Lithia Springs resident and guardian of the strip, has found himself in trouble with the law over his zeal to keep the area clean.
In recent weeks, it has also become a gathering place for numerous local election campaign signs, and has spurred controversy over where signs can and cannot be placed.
James Bell, 48, a Lithia Springs resident and guardian of the strip, has found himself in trouble with the law over his zeal to keep the area clean.
Bell has headed up an informal cleanup group known as Lithia Springs Clean and Beautiful for several years.
“The Dogwood Strip is an area we want to keep free of any signs and trash,” Bell said.
About three weeks ago, Bell removed some of the campaign signs and said he notified the candidates of his action. The candidates were Todd Cowan, Rhonda Payne and Beau McClain. Bell said he had no intention of stealing the signs and planned to return them to their owners at the next Republican Party meeting. He removed them, he said, because they were illegally on state right-of-way.
“The Dogwood Strip is an area we want to keep free of any signs and trash,” Bell said.
About three weeks ago, Bell removed some of the campaign signs and said he notified the candidates of his action. The candidates were Todd Cowan, Rhonda Payne and Beau McClain. Bell said he had no intention of stealing the signs and planned to return them to their owners at the next Republican Party meeting. He removed them, he said, because they were illegally on state right-of-way.
“I asked them not to put them there and they responded by doubling up on the number,” Bell said.
However, he soon found himself being arrested by county deputies.
Bell was charged with three counts of misdemeanor theft by taking and released on $1,000 bond on each count. A court date hasn’t been set, Bell said.
However, he soon found himself being arrested by county deputies.
Bell was charged with three counts of misdemeanor theft by taking and released on $1,000 bond on each count. A court date hasn’t been set, Bell said.
“Mr. Bell took it upon himself to decide that campaign signs don’t belong there,” said Douglas County Chief Deputy Stan Copeland. “He has no legal authority to remove them.”
Copeland said Bell had been warned about removing signs and should have gone to the Board of Commissioners if he felt the signs were illegally posted. Copeland said the county will make cases against anyone taking down or destroying campaign signs.
“Anyone we catch stealing or destroying signs will be arrested,” he said.
Copeland said Bell had been warned about removing signs and should have gone to the Board of Commissioners if he felt the signs were illegally posted. Copeland said the county will make cases against anyone taking down or destroying campaign signs.
“Anyone we catch stealing or destroying signs will be arrested,” he said.
Bell said he intends to fight the theft charges.
Candidate Beau McClain said Friday that he’d had no contact with Bell over the signs. McClain said that he doesn’t want his signs anywhere that’s not legal, but he said his supporters sometimes aren’t aware of all the sign ordinances.
“We should be patient and kind with each other in the political season and give all the candidates an opportunity to be seen and heard,” McClain said. “If signs end up in places where they shouldn’t be, I hope we have the opportunity to move them where they need to be.”
Candidate Beau McClain said Friday that he’d had no contact with Bell over the signs. McClain said that he doesn’t want his signs anywhere that’s not legal, but he said his supporters sometimes aren’t aware of all the sign ordinances.
“We should be patient and kind with each other in the political season and give all the candidates an opportunity to be seen and heard,” McClain said. “If signs end up in places where they shouldn’t be, I hope we have the opportunity to move them where they need to be.”
County sign regulations treat campaign signs as “temporary event signs” and allow them to be placed along county right-of-way if they are at least six feet from the curb or edge of the pavement. The regulations also say the signs must not exceed 3 square feet in surface area or more than 30 inches in height.
However, Bankhead Highway right-of-way is state property and Georgia Code, O.C.G.A. 32-6-51 prohibits any signs on state right-of-way.
David Spear, press secretary of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), said political signs are not allowed on state right-of-way, which can vary between 7 and 100 feet in width along the roadway, depending on the nature of the road. Right of way is measured from the edge of the road, he said.
However, Bankhead Highway right-of-way is state property and Georgia Code, O.C.G.A. 32-6-51 prohibits any signs on state right-of-way.
David Spear, press secretary of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), said political signs are not allowed on state right-of-way, which can vary between 7 and 100 feet in width along the roadway, depending on the nature of the road. Right of way is measured from the edge of the road, he said.
“We’ve encouraged campaigns not to put them (signs) in our right of way,” Spear said Friday. “A lot of times people call and report them (signs) and our crews pick them up. Also, as the crews work through an area, they pick them up and they get disposed in the landfill. We encourage people not to do it themselves but to call us.”
However, Spear said if a person is a member of a state-recognized beautification group sponsor of a strip of highway, he/she is authorized to remove any litter, including signs. He said Bell was not a member of such a group.
“We consider them (signs) litter and don’t like them there,” Spear said. “Our primary concern is they’re a safety hazard since they can distract motorists.”
However, Spear said if a person is a member of a state-recognized beautification group sponsor of a strip of highway, he/she is authorized to remove any litter, including signs. He said Bell was not a member of such a group.
“We consider them (signs) litter and don’t like them there,” Spear said. “Our primary concern is they’re a safety hazard since they can distract motorists.”
Update on Courthouse Trees
From today's Sentinel:
Wood saved from historic oak trees
By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Wood has been preserved from two oak trees which were cut down Monday on the grounds of the Old Courthouse after being deemed safety hazards by arborists.
The trees were planted following World War I.
Local historians now plan to make some type of commemorative item for the Old Courthouse using the salvaged wood.
The trees were planted following World War I.
Local historians now plan to make some type of commemorative item for the Old Courthouse using the salvaged wood.
The trees were two of five oaks originally planted as a tribute to World War I veterans. One of the trees was located in front of the Old Courthouse and was hollow on the inside. The other, located behind the building, was splitting down the middle and located dangerously close to power lines and Church Street.
Officials said one arborist indicated that these trees may have been dead since a fire destroyed a previous courthouse facility over 50 years ago.
Joe Phillips, Old Courthouse board of directors CEO, said some wood was saved from these trees, but he is unsure how much of it is salvageable.
Officials said one arborist indicated that these trees may have been dead since a fire destroyed a previous courthouse facility over 50 years ago.
Joe Phillips, Old Courthouse board of directors CEO, said some wood was saved from these trees, but he is unsure how much of it is salvageable.
“We need assistance in determining how much usable wood is left before we can consider what we are going to make with it,” Phillips said.
According to Phillips, a commemorative item ranging in size from a bowl to a bench will be constructed depending on how much of the salvaged wood is usable.
“We’ll need a local craftsman-level wood turner or a sawmill, depending on what we make.” Phillips added.
According to Phillips, a commemorative item ranging in size from a bowl to a bench will be constructed depending on how much of the salvaged wood is usable.
“We’ll need a local craftsman-level wood turner or a sawmill, depending on what we make.” Phillips added.
Phillips hopes enough dried and seasoned wood will be available for construction of a bench. “It’s something with size and substance, and it certainly is usable,” he said.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Cheap Gas
Okay, I know there's no such thing as "cheap" gas anymore, but I do know where you can save a few pennies--even get it for $3.84. I found this list by going to http://autos.msn.com/everyday/GasStations.aspx?m=1&l=1&zip=30135&x=18&y=12 They update the list every night.
Top 5 Cheapest Gas Stations in 30135 (Unleaded)
1) Kroger @ Chapel Hill--$3.849 (Kroger also has a program with their saver card where you can save $.10 a gallon if you spend $100 a month--so if you did that, it would be $3.749)
2) Texaco @ 9318 Hwy 5--$3.929
3) Quik Trip @ Chapel Hill--$3.929
4) Econo Flash in Bill Arp--$3.939
5) Shell @ 7620 Dallas Hwy--$3.959
Top 5 Cheapest Gas Stations in 30135 (Unleaded)
1) Kroger @ Chapel Hill--$3.849 (Kroger also has a program with their saver card where you can save $.10 a gallon if you spend $100 a month--so if you did that, it would be $3.749)
2) Texaco @ 9318 Hwy 5--$3.929
3) Quik Trip @ Chapel Hill--$3.929
4) Econo Flash in Bill Arp--$3.939
5) Shell @ 7620 Dallas Hwy--$3.959
Friday, June 13, 2008
Interesting...
Thought this was interesting. The county was inviting people to come to a special called meeting--however, it is dated TODAY, and the meeting was YESTERDAY. Here's how it looked on the page:
"Special Called Meeting June 12th at 2pm
June 13, 2008
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting on June 12th at 2pm in Citizens Hall of the Douglas County Courthouse to appoint members to the Douglas County Board of Elections and Registrar. All citizens are invited to come be a part."
You can see it at http://www.celebratedouglascounty.com/cgi-bin/MySQLdb?VIEW=/officials/view1news.txt&newsid=306
So I guess they really DON'T want citizens at their BOC meetings...or either this is dated wrong. And why, why, why, was it scheduled for 2pm? Most people work, and are not going to be able to go to a meeting in the middle of the day. Why not schedule it for 6pm as normal BOC/P&Z meetings are?
"Special Called Meeting June 12th at 2pm
June 13, 2008
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting on June 12th at 2pm in Citizens Hall of the Douglas County Courthouse to appoint members to the Douglas County Board of Elections and Registrar. All citizens are invited to come be a part."
You can see it at http://www.celebratedouglascounty.com/cgi-bin/MySQLdb?VIEW=/officials/view1news.txt&newsid=306
So I guess they really DON'T want citizens at their BOC meetings...or either this is dated wrong. And why, why, why, was it scheduled for 2pm? Most people work, and are not going to be able to go to a meeting in the middle of the day. Why not schedule it for 6pm as normal BOC/P&Z meetings are?
Police Scanner
7:46pm Too personal, I think, to say here—if you want to know, listen to the scanner. Kind of scary, though, that someone could do that.
7:47pm 10-28. Expired drive-out tag (those temporary paper tags you get when you buy a car.)
7:48pm 10-28
7:51pm 10-28
7:56pm Alarm at a business.
7:56pm Someone (intentionally) pushed a buggy into someone’s car at a grocery store.
7:58pm Business alarm canceled—there is a mouse in the building setting off the alarm. :>)
8:02pm Alarm at a business (different business).
8:03pm 10-28
8:03pm Welfare check requested by an officer at the police dept—no one is answering the phone.
8:05pm 10-28 on Maxham Rd.
8:07pm Apparently person who pushed the buggy left the scene.
8:10pm Juveniles at Jessie Davis Park drinking beer.
8:11pm Two officers responded to buggy incident—one officer is looking for person who left scene. Officer says the officer can continue but that there are two people down at the PD waiting to turn themselves in.
8:12pm Juveniles at park call is on hold—no available officers.
8:17pm 10-28
8:19pm Angry customer at a business.
8:21pm Residential alarm in Ann. Trails.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tomato Recall
If you haven't already heard, most varieties of tomatoes have been recalled by the FDA. The only tomatoes that aren't affected are tomatoes on the vine and grape tomatoes. Publix on Hwy 5 pulled theirs either on Saturday night or Sunday morning--half the display was gone when I shopped on Sunday afternoon. For more info about the recall, visit http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.htmlI love tomatoes. I usually buy the plum tomatoes, which is one of the varieties that have been recalled, but lately have been buying the ones on the vine because they've looked pretty good.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Standoff Follow-Up
Officers, after 11 hours of a standoff that started at 5 a.m., funneled tear gas into David Spence's home and stormed it, trying, as an AP article puts it, to "keep him from hurting himself." He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Spence was wanted for aggravated stalking charges.
Police Standoff On Reynolds Road
From Fox 5:
Douglasville Man Fires Gun, Barricades Himself in Home
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Authorities are negotiating with an armed man who sequestered himself in a Douglas County home after officers tried to serve a warrant.
A spokesman for the U.S. Marshall's office in Atlanta, James Ergas, said officers have been negotiating with 56-year-old David Spence since about 5 a.m. Monday when he fired at authorities trying to arrest him on aggravated stalking charges. No one was injured by the gunfire.
Douglas County Chief Deputy Stan Copeland said Spence allowed his girlfriend to leave the house after officers arrived. Her name has not been released.
Authorities say the warrant is related to an incident in Paulding County. Copeland said Spence has a long history of violent crimes.
Douglasville Man Fires Gun, Barricades Himself in Home
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Authorities are negotiating with an armed man who sequestered himself in a Douglas County home after officers tried to serve a warrant.
A spokesman for the U.S. Marshall's office in Atlanta, James Ergas, said officers have been negotiating with 56-year-old David Spence since about 5 a.m. Monday when he fired at authorities trying to arrest him on aggravated stalking charges. No one was injured by the gunfire.
Douglas County Chief Deputy Stan Copeland said Spence allowed his girlfriend to leave the house after officers arrived. Her name has not been released.
Authorities say the warrant is related to an incident in Paulding County. Copeland said Spence has a long history of violent crimes.
Animal Shelter Open
The Douglas County Animal Shelter reopened on Friday. The shelter had been quarintined for over two weeks as a result of distemper. The shelter says 67 dogs were euthanized. I would think that whomever took dogs home BEFORE the shelter discovered the distemper, however, might have also had to put their dogs to sleep, as a few people commented they had to do. So actually, at least 70 dogs died as a result of the distemper outbreak.
I thought about something, too--when the Humane Society was running the shelter, was there ever a distemper outbreak?
I thought about something, too--when the Humane Society was running the shelter, was there ever a distemper outbreak?
Hurricane Katrina Article
I found this on a New Orleans blog and found it an interesting read. I don't normally post anything other than news about Douglas County on this blog, but sometimes I find articles worth sharing--and this one is definitely worth sharing. It's excerpted from a book about Hurricane Katrina.
To read it, click here: http://www.salon.com/books/excerpt/2008/06/06/rove_katrina/
All comments are welcome.
To read it, click here: http://www.salon.com/books/excerpt/2008/06/06/rove_katrina/
All comments are welcome.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Penny MacHenry Hydrangea Festival
I braved the 100 degree heat and went to the festival--and took a LOT of pictures, and even took three short videos. I'm currently in the process of uploading the pictures to Webshots. You can see what I've uploaded so far at http://travel.webshots.com/album/563720886KlnQdf
There were more people there than I thought there would be. I ended up parking in a bank parking lot (thank you, United Community Bank!) because the city parking lot was full (and I can't parallel park very well). Perhaps if they do this in the future they'll have more parking lots available.
Did you go to the festival? What did you think?
There were more people there than I thought there would be. I ended up parking in a bank parking lot (thank you, United Community Bank!) because the city parking lot was full (and I can't parallel park very well). Perhaps if they do this in the future they'll have more parking lots available.
Did you go to the festival? What did you think?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Penny Mac Hydrangea Festival
While I will be going to the festival tomorrow, I wonder about the planning of this event. I think the planners of this event thought it was going to be bigger than what it is. According to today's Sentinel, there are 59 vendors--but not all of these are vendors selling merchandise. Eight of these are demonstration vendors, the UGA Extension booth, the Parks & Recs booth, and a radio sponsor booth. There are no booths in the main part of the plaza--most of them are around the old courthouse and on the street next to the courthouse.
Also, the hours are kind of odd. The festival doesn't open until NOON. The high tomorrow is 95. I don't know how many people will be willing to go somewhere in the hottest part of the day. Why didn't they start it at 9am, when it would be cooler and more people would be willing to attend? I guess they wanted to be able to catch the people eating lunch and dinner at Gumbeaux's and the other restaurants in downtown. There will be food vendors, but only two out of the six will have booths. Why not combine this festival with a mini-Taste of Douglasville so there would be more options?
The Sentinel's so-called map looks like it was hand-drawn, done in pencil and magic marker. If you're going to make a map, make sure you label all streets and that the map is clear enough to read. Church Street is the only street labeled on the map, and Hwy 78 isn't even on the map.
Parking might also be an issue. There is only one large parking lot, which fills up pretty quickly, and then the rest is parallell parking along Hwy 78 and down the other side streets. If the city plans on having more events like this downtown, maybe they should think about building a parking deck like Carrollton did recently so they can handle large crowds.
Any other comments?
Also, the hours are kind of odd. The festival doesn't open until NOON. The high tomorrow is 95. I don't know how many people will be willing to go somewhere in the hottest part of the day. Why didn't they start it at 9am, when it would be cooler and more people would be willing to attend? I guess they wanted to be able to catch the people eating lunch and dinner at Gumbeaux's and the other restaurants in downtown. There will be food vendors, but only two out of the six will have booths. Why not combine this festival with a mini-Taste of Douglasville so there would be more options?
The Sentinel's so-called map looks like it was hand-drawn, done in pencil and magic marker. If you're going to make a map, make sure you label all streets and that the map is clear enough to read. Church Street is the only street labeled on the map, and Hwy 78 isn't even on the map.
Parking might also be an issue. There is only one large parking lot, which fills up pretty quickly, and then the rest is parallell parking along Hwy 78 and down the other side streets. If the city plans on having more events like this downtown, maybe they should think about building a parking deck like Carrollton did recently so they can handle large crowds.
Any other comments?
Police Scanner
1:26pm Shoplifter caught @ Wal-Mart on Concourse Pkwy.
1:26pm One person is harassing another person.
1:28pm Sounded like there was a fight—someone is being taken to the hospital.
1:33pm 10-28
1:44pm child welfare call.
1:46pm One by name and DOB.
1:47pm Two minors taken to juvenile detention center.
1:49pm 10-28
1:52pm Business alarm on Thornton Road.
1:55pm Mechanical breakdown on Bankhead Hwy.
1:59pm Child welfare call.
2:16pm 10-27 (2) and 10-28 (2)
2:36pm Officer needed for a funeral escort.
2:38pm Larceny at a wireless business near Dillard’s.
2:45pm 10-28
2:49pm Accident at RaceTrac on Thornton Road. Two vehicles involved.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Jobs
Since jobs in Douglas County are few and far between I thought I'd post links to some jobs posted on Craigslist.
Dillard's is hiring stylists and massage therapists with existing clienteles.
A decorative concrete/curbing company is looking for workers. This is just not for Douglas County--they'll be working within metro Atlanta. They'll provide a vehicle for you during working hours.
Champion Windows is looking for a window installer assistant.
Can you draw caricatures? Someone wants you to draw them for a birthday party.
http://www.Seniorhelpers.com is hiring CNA's for Dallas and Douglasville.
Someone is looking for "eclectic apparel designers for a co-op in Historic Douglasville."
KnuckleUp Fitness is hiring for five different positions.
Dillard's is hiring stylists and massage therapists with existing clienteles.
A decorative concrete/curbing company is looking for workers. This is just not for Douglas County--they'll be working within metro Atlanta. They'll provide a vehicle for you during working hours.
Champion Windows is looking for a window installer assistant.
Can you draw caricatures? Someone wants you to draw them for a birthday party.
http://www.Seniorhelpers.com is hiring CNA's for Dallas and Douglasville.
Someone is looking for "eclectic apparel designers for a co-op in Historic Douglasville."
KnuckleUp Fitness is hiring for five different positions.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Follow-Up: CONMED
The Sentinel had an article about it in today's paper. I wasn't able to watch the BOC meeting this morning so if anyone has and knows if they approved the tax incentive, please post a comment. Thanks.
ConMed was founded in 1973 and its first product was disposable electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes, according to the company Web site. It later added disposable grounding pads and pencils. The company went public in 1987, issuing about four million shares.
In 2004, ConMed acquired the Endoscopic Technologies business of C.R. Bard, and now manufactures thousands of endoscopic products used by physicians for scope surgeries and diagnostic procedures.
ConMed has 11 manufacturing facilities and employs 3,100 people.
In other items on today’s BOC agenda, the board will consider:
• a right-of-way easement with GreyStone Power for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment at Deer Lick Park;
• bid of 2.15 percent from SunTrust Robinson Humphrey on 2008 tax anticipation notes for the county;
• rejection of a bid from Atlanta Custom Coach for a 21-passenger bus;
• emergency purchase of a $35,000 chipper for storm cleanup;
• purchase agreement of $10,620 with Terex Utilities for a Butler trailer to be used with the county traffic signal work;
Distribution center would add 40 jobs
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
ConMed, a medical instrument manufacturer headquartered in Utica, N.Y., is considering Douglas County for a distribution center site.
“The company would add a minimum of 40 new jobs, with wages exceeding $12 per hour, and would invest more than $15 million in the county,” Robert Reynolds, executive director of the Development Authority of Douglas County, told a Monday Board of Commissioners (BOC) work session. He said the company intends to occupy a facility in the Terminus West Business Park later this year.
The BOC, in its 10 a.m. regular meeting today, will consider a seven-year tax incentive program for the company which would allow it to pay only 14.29 percent of assessment in 2009. The rate would increase each year until the company pays 100 percent assessment in 2015.
“The company would add a minimum of 40 new jobs, with wages exceeding $12 per hour, and would invest more than $15 million in the county,” Robert Reynolds, executive director of the Development Authority of Douglas County, told a Monday Board of Commissioners (BOC) work session. He said the company intends to occupy a facility in the Terminus West Business Park later this year.
The BOC, in its 10 a.m. regular meeting today, will consider a seven-year tax incentive program for the company which would allow it to pay only 14.29 percent of assessment in 2009. The rate would increase each year until the company pays 100 percent assessment in 2015.
ConMed was founded in 1973 and its first product was disposable electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes, according to the company Web site. It later added disposable grounding pads and pencils. The company went public in 1987, issuing about four million shares.
In 2004, ConMed acquired the Endoscopic Technologies business of C.R. Bard, and now manufactures thousands of endoscopic products used by physicians for scope surgeries and diagnostic procedures.
ConMed has 11 manufacturing facilities and employs 3,100 people.
In other items on today’s BOC agenda, the board will consider:
• a right-of-way easement with GreyStone Power for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment at Deer Lick Park;
• bid of 2.15 percent from SunTrust Robinson Humphrey on 2008 tax anticipation notes for the county;
• rejection of a bid from Atlanta Custom Coach for a 21-passenger bus;
• emergency purchase of a $35,000 chipper for storm cleanup;
• purchase agreement of $10,620 with Terex Utilities for a Butler trailer to be used with the county traffic signal work;
• subscription agreement of $183 per month with Data Transmission Network Corporation/Meteorlogix for 911 storm tracking satellite radar system;
• and membership agreement with The Work Number, a service used for background checks on public service employee applicants.
• and membership agreement with The Work Number, a service used for background checks on public service employee applicants.
Follow-Up: Post Road Dog River Bridge
The Sentinel has a photo of the hole. You can (I think) see it at http://douglascountysentinel.com/articles/2008/06/03/local_news/doc484464945eb41654389076.img
The article was mostly copied from the press release I posted earlier today--it doesn't say anything new other than the fact that a deputy either discovered it or was told to go check on the bridge--they kind of had two sentences into one and it was a little confusing.
The article was mostly copied from the press release I posted earlier today--it doesn't say anything new other than the fact that a deputy either discovered it or was told to go check on the bridge--they kind of had two sentences into one and it was a little confusing.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Project Walsh Is CONMED Corporation?
There was a small sentence about this company getting a tax incentive in tomorrow's BOC Meeting Agenda--this HAS to be Project Walsh. According to their website at http://www.conmed.com/, they manufacture surgical and medical equipment.
It's a pretty big company, seeing as they made over $190 million during the first three months of this year--and that was up by 11.6% from the same three months last year.
They're currently looking for a sales associate for the atlanta area. The sales associate will "play an integral role in the operating room, working with surgeons and their teams to enhance the quality of medical care" in their community. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology. The sales associate will work as an independent contractor. However, from what I understand, the company will be building a warehouse here.
The company has a warehouse in Largo, Florida and are currently hiring for an Electromechan Tech. This position requires an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering, which West Central Tech does not offer but they do offer a couple of Diploma Programs similar to this. DeVry University and ITT Institute do offer some engineering programs.
I guess we'll see what unfolds at tomorrow's meeting. You can watch it at 10am on channel 23 if you're going to be near a television.
It's a pretty big company, seeing as they made over $190 million during the first three months of this year--and that was up by 11.6% from the same three months last year.
They're currently looking for a sales associate for the atlanta area. The sales associate will "play an integral role in the operating room, working with surgeons and their teams to enhance the quality of medical care" in their community. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology. The sales associate will work as an independent contractor. However, from what I understand, the company will be building a warehouse here.
The company has a warehouse in Largo, Florida and are currently hiring for an Electromechan Tech. This position requires an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering, which West Central Tech does not offer but they do offer a couple of Diploma Programs similar to this. DeVry University and ITT Institute do offer some engineering programs.
I guess we'll see what unfolds at tomorrow's meeting. You can watch it at 10am on channel 23 if you're going to be near a television.
Post Road Dog River Bridge Closed
Found this on the county's website. I hope the Sentinel takes a picture of the hole. It's not online, and I don't subscribe, so I don't know if it's going to be in Tuesday's paper or not. Most likely in Wednesday's paper. There might be something in the AJC about it, but I doubt it since they don't even have a section for Douglas County news on their website.
POST ROAD BRIDGE OVER THE DOG RIVER IN WESTERN DOUGLAS COUNTY TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Closing Due to Hole in Road ~ Detour Routes Posted
Truck Traffic Diverted to Georgia Highway 5 - click here for more information
Where? Post Road bridge over the Dog River
The Post Road bridge over the Dog River in western Douglas County was closed to traffic Saturday evening, May 31st, when an alert Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy noticed that a hole had opened up in the asphalt in one of the traffic lanes of the bridge. The Douglas County Sheriff's Department and the Douglas County Department of Transportation (DCDOT) closed the bridge to traffic as a precaution since the bridge is 57 years old, and has been scheduled for replacement within the next five years.
The hole in the bridge is about 24 inches in diameter. No vehicles were damaged by going across the hole before the bridge was closed.
DCDOT and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) bridge inspectors and engineers will evaluate the structure on Monday to determine the bridge's condition. It is too early at this time to determine whether or not the bridge will be able to repaired and the replacement schedule continue on its normal course, or if other options will need to be explored.
Post Road is a major north-south corridor in western Douglas County, and is the major connector for travelers from southern Douglas County and eastern and southern Carroll County to Interstate 20; Post Road has an interchange with Interstate 20. The communities most affected by the bridge closure are Fairplay and Hannah.
It is anticipated that the bridge closing will cause traffic problems during Monday morning's rush hour due to the suddenness of the closing.
Detours have been posted on both sides of the Dog River bridge.
Lighted variable message signs diverting truck traffic to Georgia Highway 5 are posted on Post Road at Interstate 20 north of the bridge closure, and Post Road at Georgia Highway 166 south of the bridge closure. Residential traffic detours are marked closer to the closed bridge, and the bridge has been blocked off to prevent traffic.
The bridge was last inspected in 2004 and received a sufficiency rating of 52.40, which predicated the current program to replace the bridge; a bridge rating of 50 or less usually requires a bridge replacement (pending other issues). The bridge was recently re-inspected under the required biannual Federal Bridge Inspection Program, but the results have not yet been received by the DCDOT. Load limits for the bridge were posted after the 2004 inspection, as follows:
The bridge was not restricted for any other traffic, and had not previously had load limits. The bridge had not been reconstructed since its construction in 1951.
Post Road is a two-lane County road with a 45-mph speed limit on most of its length. The area is mainly residential in nature with subdivisions, estate land and farmland dominating its usage. The Post Road interchange with Interstate 20 is approximately 5 miles west of the City of Douglasville.
For more information, contact Wes Tallon at 770.920.7593 or wtallon@co.douglas.ga.us.
POST ROAD BRIDGE OVER THE DOG RIVER IN WESTERN DOUGLAS COUNTY TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Closing Due to Hole in Road ~ Detour Routes Posted
Truck Traffic Diverted to Georgia Highway 5 - click here for more information
Where? Post Road bridge over the Dog River
The Post Road bridge over the Dog River in western Douglas County was closed to traffic Saturday evening, May 31st, when an alert Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy noticed that a hole had opened up in the asphalt in one of the traffic lanes of the bridge. The Douglas County Sheriff's Department and the Douglas County Department of Transportation (DCDOT) closed the bridge to traffic as a precaution since the bridge is 57 years old, and has been scheduled for replacement within the next five years.
The hole in the bridge is about 24 inches in diameter. No vehicles were damaged by going across the hole before the bridge was closed.
DCDOT and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) bridge inspectors and engineers will evaluate the structure on Monday to determine the bridge's condition. It is too early at this time to determine whether or not the bridge will be able to repaired and the replacement schedule continue on its normal course, or if other options will need to be explored.
Post Road is a major north-south corridor in western Douglas County, and is the major connector for travelers from southern Douglas County and eastern and southern Carroll County to Interstate 20; Post Road has an interchange with Interstate 20. The communities most affected by the bridge closure are Fairplay and Hannah.
It is anticipated that the bridge closing will cause traffic problems during Monday morning's rush hour due to the suddenness of the closing.
Detours have been posted on both sides of the Dog River bridge.
- South-bound motorists may use the North Helton Road - Liberty Road detour as a temporary route around the closure.
- North-bound motorists may use the Banks Mill Road - Daniel Mill Road detour as a temporary route around the closure.
- Truck traffic, however, should use Georgia Highway 5 as their alternate route; the smaller detour roads are not constructed to handle truck traffic (residential traffic only, small widths, curves, etc.).
Lighted variable message signs diverting truck traffic to Georgia Highway 5 are posted on Post Road at Interstate 20 north of the bridge closure, and Post Road at Georgia Highway 166 south of the bridge closure. Residential traffic detours are marked closer to the closed bridge, and the bridge has been blocked off to prevent traffic.
The bridge was last inspected in 2004 and received a sufficiency rating of 52.40, which predicated the current program to replace the bridge; a bridge rating of 50 or less usually requires a bridge replacement (pending other issues). The bridge was recently re-inspected under the required biannual Federal Bridge Inspection Program, but the results have not yet been received by the DCDOT. Load limits for the bridge were posted after the 2004 inspection, as follows:
- 17 tons for H-Truck
- 16 tons for Type 3 Truck
- 19 tons for Timber Truck.
The bridge was not restricted for any other traffic, and had not previously had load limits. The bridge had not been reconstructed since its construction in 1951.
Post Road is a two-lane County road with a 45-mph speed limit on most of its length. The area is mainly residential in nature with subdivisions, estate land and farmland dominating its usage. The Post Road interchange with Interstate 20 is approximately 5 miles west of the City of Douglasville.
For more information, contact Wes Tallon at 770.920.7593 or wtallon@co.douglas.ga.us.
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