| Douglasville Man Arrested for Exposing Himself | |
| (WSB Radio) -- A Douglasville man who coaches kids in softball and baseball as well as morals and Christian values has been arrested for exposing himself to young children.An 11-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl told their mom he exposed himself to them while at the Panera Bread restaurant in Newnan. Their mother was unable to get his tag number, but got lucky, when he did it again at a nearby orthodontist's office. Sgt. Mike McGuffey with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office tells Channel 2 Action News, "He confessed to Panera and being at the orthodontist.... it was him and several other locations which we're still investigating at this time. He admits that he has a problem." It turns out 40-year-old Harold Jones was co-owner of Diamond Starz Academy. He is no longer with the company. | |
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Douglasville Man Arrested
This is from http://www.wsbradio.com:
Greystone Gets $111 Million From USDA
From a press relase from the USDA's website:
"Greystone Power Corporation, in Douglasville, Ga. will receive $111 million to build 1,370 miles of new distribution line and 144 miles of improvements for 32,985 consumers in an eight-county area west of metropolitan Atlanta. "
The exact amount they are gettting is $11,738,000. But they are not GETTING this money. It will be a loan, which they will have to pay back. Just guess how they will pay it back.
Higher rates? A good possibility.
"Greystone Power Corporation, in Douglasville, Ga. will receive $111 million to build 1,370 miles of new distribution line and 144 miles of improvements for 32,985 consumers in an eight-county area west of metropolitan Atlanta. "
The exact amount they are gettting is $11,738,000. But they are not GETTING this money. It will be a loan, which they will have to pay back. Just guess how they will pay it back.
Higher rates? A good possibility.
2007 Douglas County Crime Stats
The Neighbor released some of the crime statistics for 2007 yesterday. Here's a summary:
Larceny: 1,424 (-303 from 2005)
Burglary: 662 (they mentioned this was up from last year)
2007 vehicle theft numbers were not mentioned--only 2006 numbers were listed.
A full report of all crimes will be available on the GBI website in September.
Larceny: 1,424 (-303 from 2005)
Burglary: 662 (they mentioned this was up from last year)
2007 vehicle theft numbers were not mentioned--only 2006 numbers were listed.
A full report of all crimes will be available on the GBI website in September.
City Wants Property Tax Hike
This was in yesterday's Neighbor.
By Stephanie Siegel
City to ask for property tax hike to fund police, courts
By Stephanie Siegel
Douglas Neighbor Staff Writer
The Douglasville City Council is planning to ask for a tax increase in a special election Sept. 16.
The increase, if approved, would be a general obligation bond for $17 million to be repaid through property taxes.
The purpose of the bond is to pay for a proposed police headquarters and municipal court building on Fairburn Road.
At Thursday's council work session, James Bell, director of the Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition, said he asked council to move its proposed vote from Sept. 16, to November's general election.
Bell said he reminded the council the General Assembly just passed House Bill 296 to limit special elections on taxes and certain other items to two or three dates a year, to coincide with other elections.
If signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue, the law would take effect in 2010.
"I asked the council to do the right thing and wait a few weeks until November, so that 60 to 70 percent of voters will vote rather than the 5 or 10 percent expected in a special election," Bell said.
"When you ask property owners to increase their taxes, it seems fair to hold the election when the largest number of citizens vote. If we can elect the president of the Untied States in November, we can hold tax votes then also."
But Douglasville City Manager Bill Osborne said a September vote is necessary, because under current law, "the state sets up four times during the year that we can do elections, and that's the first time that we will be ready with everything."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
New Publisher For Seninel
From the Sentinel:
New named publisher of Sentinel
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Catherine New has joined the Douglas County Sentinel and Paulding County Sentinel as publisher.
She comes to Douglas County from The Moultrie Observer in Moultrie, GA, where she was the advertising and marketing director and assistant publisher.
“I’m excited to be part of this growing newspaper staff,” New said. “I’m looking forward to working with the business leaders of this community and to produce an even better marketing product for our readers and advertisers.”
She comes to Douglas County from The Moultrie Observer in Moultrie, GA, where she was the advertising and marketing director and assistant publisher.
“I’m excited to be part of this growing newspaper staff,” New said. “I’m looking forward to working with the business leaders of this community and to produce an even better marketing product for our readers and advertisers.”
New was born in Thomasville and moved to Moultrie where she graduated from Colquitt County High School. She attended Brewton Parker College in Norman Park.
She began her newspaper career in 1986 with The Moultrie Observer as a retail sales representative. She moved to classified advertising in 1995, specializing in automobile and real estate sales.
In 1998, New became the corporate sales trainer for the South Georgia Media Group, a division of Thompson Newspapers. After the group was sold to Community Newspapers Holding, Inc. (CNHI) in 2000, she was named advertising and marketing director and assistant publisher.
She began her newspaper career in 1986 with The Moultrie Observer as a retail sales representative. She moved to classified advertising in 1995, specializing in automobile and real estate sales.
In 1998, New became the corporate sales trainer for the South Georgia Media Group, a division of Thompson Newspapers. After the group was sold to Community Newspapers Holding, Inc. (CNHI) in 2000, she was named advertising and marketing director and assistant publisher.
While working in Moultrie, she was active in the Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce, serving on the retail committee, the Moultrie Board of Realtors, as an affiliate member, and the Moultrie Technical College marketing advisory board.
She is married to Danny New, who is a retired Sergeant Ist Class in the U.S. Army. She has a daughter, Savannah Weaver, who graduates this spring from Colquitt County High School and plans to attend the University of West Georgia in the fall.
When she’s not working, New enjoys reading, especially history books, travel and collecting travel bells.
She is married to Danny New, who is a retired Sergeant Ist Class in the U.S. Army. She has a daughter, Savannah Weaver, who graduates this spring from Colquitt County High School and plans to attend the University of West Georgia in the fall.
When she’s not working, New enjoys reading, especially history books, travel and collecting travel bells.
“We are so pleased for Cathy to join our organization and take the lead of our Douglas County operation,” said Leonard Woolsey, president and group publisher for Paxton Media Group/GA. “She brings a great deal of energy and talent - something I know she will contribute to the good of the community and the Douglas County Sentinel.”
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day
As you all know, today is Earth Day. I thought I'd take time out to tell you about what Kroger is doing. They have a flash program on their website where you can design a canvas bag that shoppers can use instead of using plastic bags. Each person that designs a bag gets a free canvas bag and is also entered in a contest. The design with the most votes gets $500 and their design is produced for Kroger stores. I thought it would be fun, so I entered, using photos I've taken of things in nature--a butterfly, a Canada Goose, a tree, and a flower--and you can see my design at http://www.designagreenbag.com/vote-for-designs/bag.aspx?BagID=16864 .
Conserving Water Comes At A Price
This is an interesting article from 11alive.com. The local daily paper would never print something like this, mainly because they mention the county is losing money.
Save Water, Lose Revenue
By Marc Pickard
They asked us to help -- to do the right thing, and so we did. In the face of an historic drought, Metro Atlantans cut back on water usage by tens of millions of gallons a day.
Who could have anticipated that water conservation has filled the reservoirs with red ink?
Compared to last year, things for the Douglasville/ Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority are looking flush.
"Looking at water flow coming into our reservoir, it is up over last year, and has been increasing since the first of the year," said executive director of the Douglasville/ Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority Pete Frost.
Water conservation in Douglasville/ Douglas County has reduced usage by several million gallons a day.
As recently as last September, the Douglasville/ Douglas County Reservoir at the Dog River was 40 percent of capacity. Today, it is full. So, Douglasville/ Douglas County's water supply is in good shape. The problem is, its bank account is not. And it is not alone.
"We've done such a great job of conserving that revenues are down," said Jack Dozier, executive director of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. "Local governments are actually suffering on because they haven't been able to sell as much water as projected."
Douglasville/Douglas County was losing $1.1 million in expected revenue a month.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that hif you can't sell the product, but you still have fixed expenses only, the only thing that you can do is look at some sort of revenue generation."
Call it a conservation penalty, or a rate increase, or a usage surcharge -- everyone's water bills are going up.
"It has been an under priced commodity, and I think you're seeing really a market adjustment to where the price ought to be," said Frost. "And I think that that when the price is where it needs to be, we'll see conservation because of price."
Pete Frost says he expects water rates to reach their appropriate level in about three years.
The summer outlook for Metro water authorities is dry. And the weather forecast isn't great either.
Save Water, Lose Revenue
By Marc Pickard
They asked us to help -- to do the right thing, and so we did. In the face of an historic drought, Metro Atlantans cut back on water usage by tens of millions of gallons a day.
Who could have anticipated that water conservation has filled the reservoirs with red ink?
Compared to last year, things for the Douglasville/ Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority are looking flush.
"Looking at water flow coming into our reservoir, it is up over last year, and has been increasing since the first of the year," said executive director of the Douglasville/ Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority Pete Frost.
Water conservation in Douglasville/ Douglas County has reduced usage by several million gallons a day.
As recently as last September, the Douglasville/ Douglas County Reservoir at the Dog River was 40 percent of capacity. Today, it is full. So, Douglasville/ Douglas County's water supply is in good shape. The problem is, its bank account is not. And it is not alone.
"We've done such a great job of conserving that revenues are down," said Jack Dozier, executive director of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. "Local governments are actually suffering on because they haven't been able to sell as much water as projected."
Douglasville/Douglas County was losing $1.1 million in expected revenue a month.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that hif you can't sell the product, but you still have fixed expenses only, the only thing that you can do is look at some sort of revenue generation."
Call it a conservation penalty, or a rate increase, or a usage surcharge -- everyone's water bills are going up.
"It has been an under priced commodity, and I think you're seeing really a market adjustment to where the price ought to be," said Frost. "And I think that that when the price is where it needs to be, we'll see conservation because of price."
Pete Frost says he expects water rates to reach their appropriate level in about three years.
The summer outlook for Metro water authorities is dry. And the weather forecast isn't great either.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Twenty Apartments Damaged In Wesley Pond
This is from http://www.11alive.com.
Authorities are trying to figure out what sparked a fire at a Douglasville apartment complex.
Flames erupted at the Wesley Pond Apartments on Highway 5 this morning. Twenty apartments were reportedly damaged in the fire.
No serious injuries were reported.
The Red Cross is helping some of the displaced residents.
Flames erupted at the Wesley Pond Apartments on Highway 5 this morning. Twenty apartments were reportedly damaged in the fire.
No serious injuries were reported.
The Red Cross is helping some of the displaced residents.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Restaurant Inspection Scores
I will not be able to provide you with the latest inspection scores because the Douglas County Board of Health claims that they cannot put the scores on their website because they are using a new system of grading. The entire state is using it. However, I have found current, updated scores with the new system included on Paulding County's Board of Health website at http://www.nwgapublichealth.org/env/paulding/index.htm . They also list individual violations, which Douglas County did not. Here's the Douglas County Board of Health's statement from their website:
"
"
Due to the new food service form which is not available at this time in an electronic format we are unable to post the current food service scores for Cobb and Douglas counties. This will be operational in the near future. All food service establishments are required to post their most recent inspection within fifteen feet of the main entrance and on the drive through window.Should you have any questions concerning any establishment please call Environmental Health at:
Cobb 770-435-7815
Douglas 770-920-7311
Cobb 770-435-7815
Douglas 770-920-7311
We apologize for any inconvenience."
4/17/08 Update: CBS 46 Anchor Adam Murphy responded to my email yesterday. He also contacted the Health Department--and they gave him a different response. They told him they've "encountered a glitch with AT&T and their website." I responded to his email and told them what the restaurant inspections page said and he said perhaps they were facing both problems.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Grand Jury Wants Jail Now
This was in today's Sentinel. What do YOU think? Post a comment!
Grand Jury: Need for jail is immediate
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Jail overcrowding is nearing a crisis level and the need for a new facility is immediate, according to a report recently released by last October’s Douglas County Grand Jury session.
“The jail is overcrowded and the construction of a new facility must be addressed for the safety of the workers, community, prisoners and law officials,” the written report from the 26-member panel declared.
Sheriff Phil Miller said the grand jury toured the jail and annex and was very complimentary of city and county law enforcement.
“The jail is overcrowded and the construction of a new facility must be addressed for the safety of the workers, community, prisoners and law officials,” the written report from the 26-member panel declared.
Sheriff Phil Miller said the grand jury toured the jail and annex and was very complimentary of city and county law enforcement.
“It, and every grand jury before it, saw our need for a new facility,” Miller said Friday. “I hope people in the community will understand what the real need is.”
The grand jury found the jail “clean and in order” but said the overcrowding is now at a potential crisis level. The report also cited the increases in female and maximum security inmates resulting in a need for more room to segregate these populations.
“Members of the grand jury were very thorough in their inspection and in obtaining information about jail operations,” said Chief Deputy Stan Copeland.
The grand jury found the jail “clean and in order” but said the overcrowding is now at a potential crisis level. The report also cited the increases in female and maximum security inmates resulting in a need for more room to segregate these populations.
“Members of the grand jury were very thorough in their inspection and in obtaining information about jail operations,” said Chief Deputy Stan Copeland.
“We weren’t surprised at the jury’s findings,” said County Administrator Eric Linton. “We’ve known for some time that the need to build a jail is imminent. The community must find a way to fund a new facility before the jail population elevates to what is sure to be an uncontrollable level.”
The grand jury also called for more juvenile cases involving serious or violent crimes to be heard as adult cases in Superior Court instead of juvenile court.
“The grand jury suggests it is in the best interests of this community and justice for the juvenile court to cooperate with the Superior Court and the district attorney’s office to ensure that these types of offenders are not protected merely by their chronological age, when their criminal history, cognitive age and the nature of their crimes dictate they should be prosecuted as adults,” the report said.
The grand jury also called for more juvenile cases involving serious or violent crimes to be heard as adult cases in Superior Court instead of juvenile court.
“The grand jury suggests it is in the best interests of this community and justice for the juvenile court to cooperate with the Superior Court and the district attorney’s office to ensure that these types of offenders are not protected merely by their chronological age, when their criminal history, cognitive age and the nature of their crimes dictate they should be prosecuted as adults,” the report said.
Other grand jury recommendations included:
• increase in the number of school resource officers from 31 to 32, including one officer for Haven Academy and two for Alexander High;
• continuing education of parents and at-risk students on available resources;
• increase in the number of school resource officers from 31 to 32, including one officer for Haven Academy and two for Alexander High;
• continuing education of parents and at-risk students on available resources;
• increase in the public awareness and a proactive stance on gang activity;
• programs to teach teens the consequences of illegal acts;
• increase in random drug testing in all high schools that would include all students;
• programs to teach teens the consequences of illegal acts;
• increase in random drug testing in all high schools that would include all students;
• increase of programs for at-risk teen and future teen drivers;
• increase in random spot checks by canine units;
• and additional monetary compensation for the district attorney, sheriff and staff “to combat the rate of inflation.”
• increase in random spot checks by canine units;
• and additional monetary compensation for the district attorney, sheriff and staff “to combat the rate of inflation.”
During the October session, the grand jury considered 291 special presentations of which 287 were returned as true bills (indictments).
During the term, 135 evidence subpoenas were brought to the attention of the grand jury and were tabled or continued to the April grand jury term.
The report expressed thanks to the district attorney and his staff for the “professionalism and conscientious performance” of their duties. It also commended law enforcement personnel who testified as being “very knowledgeable, proficient and informative.”
During the term, 135 evidence subpoenas were brought to the attention of the grand jury and were tabled or continued to the April grand jury term.
The report expressed thanks to the district attorney and his staff for the “professionalism and conscientious performance” of their duties. It also commended law enforcement personnel who testified as being “very knowledgeable, proficient and informative.”
Former Wal-Mart Shopping Center Sold
I don't see this shopping center improving until at least 2010 since two tenants STILL have a lease on the part of the building they own. Any ideas as to why?? They're not making any money, at least, not as far as I can see.
Also, a side note--I have Accounting and Economics and will be super busy this semester with work as well so I won't have much time to update the blog. If someone would like to volunteer by writing news and/or listening to the police scanner to report the day's major crimes, just reply to this post with your email and I'll send you an invite to be a contributor.
Also, a side note--I have Accounting and Economics and will be super busy this semester with work as well so I won't have much time to update the blog. If someone would like to volunteer by writing news and/or listening to the police scanner to report the day's major crimes, just reply to this post with your email and I'll send you an invite to be a contributor.
Douglas Crossing Sells for $7.3 Million
Investors Trade 267,000 SF of Retail Space at 5893 Stewart Parkway.
RCG Ventures sold the property at 5893 Stewart Parkway in Douglasville, GA, to Block and Kahan Properties LLC for $7.3 million, or about $27.50 per square foot. The property had an 85.05% occupancy rate at the time of sale.
The site is a one-story, 267,800-square-foot shopping center on 33.38 acres in the Villa Rica submarket. Built in 1990, the building houses Andy's Wholesale, Davis Clay Salon & Day Spa, Head to Toe Skincare, Hobby Hangout and the West Dance Co. Although Cub Foods and Wal-Mart vacated more than 177,000 square feet several years ago, both companies still have leases on their spaces through 2010.
Tim Giambrone, senior associate and director of Marcus & Millichap's National Retail Group in Atlanta, represented both parties. According to Giambrone, the property offers a number of options to an investor. The property's size, demographics and growth trends make it a good investment for redevelopment into office, residential or mixed-use space.'
The new owners have it listed as a "featured property" on their website: http://block-kahan.com/featured.html
Thursday, April 3, 2008
For Those Who Use Mason Creek Road
Saw this in the county newsletter today.
Thursday, April 17th: DOT Public Meeting on the Mason Creek Road Bridge Replacement Project
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Winston Elementary School
Thursday, April 17th: DOT Public Meeting on the Mason Creek Road Bridge Replacement Project
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Winston Elementary School
Police Chase Ends In Manhunt
Around 9:30pm tonight, a male teenager was pulled over by an officer and then took off. A police chase ensued. It may have started on Hospital Drive, then went to Presley Mill Road. The suspect had an accident but was still driving. Suspect then turned onto Saddlebrook Court. City officers were responding. Suspect got out of the car and is running into woods, three others that were in car are standing by police officer. Police putting a perimeter around Saddlebrook Court. Police now say they are NOT going to set up a perimeter.
Resume normal operations is announced, but it’s clear officers are still responding to this as the suspect has not been found yet. An officer asks if they’re bringing a dog in to search for suspect. The county wants to know if a perimeter needs to be set up. Officer tells them to go to Charlton Crossing. An out of breath officer then asked deputies to meet him.
Officers were still searching for the suspect at 9:45pm. Officers now want to get a perimeter set up. Officers then discussed briefly what shade of blue his eyes were. More officers joining search. One officer says there is a drop-off where the suspect ran, so the suspect may be hurt when the dog finds him. Looks like the dog may be on the suspect’s trail. Another resume normal operations was announced. Officer says they are not going to use the dog, instead they’re going to walk in the woods to see if they see him.
For some reason the feed archives do not go past 10:00 P.M. and it is now 10:30 P.M., so I have no idea if the suspect was caught or not. At 10:30pm an officer said there was no contact with the juvenile yet, so this may be the suspect officers are looking for. They may have caught him. I can’t be sure. They’re not talking about it anymore.
In another call during the search for this suspect, a person called to say juveniles were throwing rocks at a truck. In another call, a person overdosed on heroin. EMS went to the residence and will take the person to hospital.
Resume normal operations is announced, but it’s clear officers are still responding to this as the suspect has not been found yet. An officer asks if they’re bringing a dog in to search for suspect. The county wants to know if a perimeter needs to be set up. Officer tells them to go to Charlton Crossing. An out of breath officer then asked deputies to meet him.
Officers were still searching for the suspect at 9:45pm. Officers now want to get a perimeter set up. Officers then discussed briefly what shade of blue his eyes were. More officers joining search. One officer says there is a drop-off where the suspect ran, so the suspect may be hurt when the dog finds him. Looks like the dog may be on the suspect’s trail. Another resume normal operations was announced. Officer says they are not going to use the dog, instead they’re going to walk in the woods to see if they see him.
For some reason the feed archives do not go past 10:00 P.M. and it is now 10:30 P.M., so I have no idea if the suspect was caught or not. At 10:30pm an officer said there was no contact with the juvenile yet, so this may be the suspect officers are looking for. They may have caught him. I can’t be sure. They’re not talking about it anymore.
In another call during the search for this suspect, a person called to say juveniles were throwing rocks at a truck. In another call, a person overdosed on heroin. EMS went to the residence and will take the person to hospital.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Events In Douglas County
April 4-11: Student Holidays, Douglas County School System
April 4-6 Touch A Truck Experience For Kids @ Arbor Place Mall
April 5, 8:00 A.M. Douglas County Republican Party Meeting @ O'Neal Community Room in Regions Bank in Historic Downtown Douglasville
April 10, 2008 9:30 A.M. Cherokee Rose Quilt Guild, Union Grove Baptist Church
April 12, 2008 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Girlfriends Ministry Yard Sale @ New Life Christian Church, 5897 Prestley Mill Road
April 19, 2008 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Main Street Antiques Market, O'Neal Plaza
April 21 Chat With The Chairman @ Fire Station No. 4, Fairplay, GA, Hwy 166
April 26, 2008 8:00 A.M. Botanical Boogie 5K & Fun Run, Clinton Nature Preserve
April 26, 2008 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Ducky Festival @ Deer Lick Park to benefit Special Olympics
If you have an event you'd like me to add to this list, post a comment.
April 4-6 Touch A Truck Experience For Kids @ Arbor Place Mall
April 5, 8:00 A.M. Douglas County Republican Party Meeting @ O'Neal Community Room in Regions Bank in Historic Downtown Douglasville
April 10, 2008 9:30 A.M. Cherokee Rose Quilt Guild, Union Grove Baptist Church
April 12, 2008 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Girlfriends Ministry Yard Sale @ New Life Christian Church, 5897 Prestley Mill Road
April 19, 2008 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Main Street Antiques Market, O'Neal Plaza
April 21 Chat With The Chairman @ Fire Station No. 4, Fairplay, GA, Hwy 166
April 26, 2008 8:00 A.M. Botanical Boogie 5K & Fun Run, Clinton Nature Preserve
April 26, 2008 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Ducky Festival @ Deer Lick Park to benefit Special Olympics
If you have an event you'd like me to add to this list, post a comment.
New Business Licenses March
- Corner Stone Home Care, 3400 Chapel Hill Road Ste 324
- Hypnotic Solutions, 3400 Chapel Hill Road
- The Lake House At Legion Lake, 2928 Legion Lake Road (description says other residential care facility)
- Scott Pohl, DBA BuiltRight (Residential Remodelers)
- Pops II, 8708 Hwy 166 (Convenience Store)
- Legacy Properties ATL LLC (Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings)
- Drive Away Auto, Hwy 78 (no address number listed)
- CJ Diner, 8251 Hwy 166
Henry Mitchell
I noticed a couple of people came to my blog searching for Henry Mitchell, who is running for Douglas County Tax Commissioner. I came across his MySpace tonight: http://www.myspace.com/votemitchell2008 There's a lengthy bio there, but it doesn't list the issues he feels strongly about. His website does list a few things--you can find it at http://www.mitchellhenry.com/ He's currently vice Mayor for Douglasville and in this position handles Planning and Zoning and Parks and Recreation, among a few. The same Parks and Recreation department that has upgraded the ballfields in Hunter Park but will not renovate other areas of the park. Yet they spend $2 million on land to build a new park that hasn't even broken ground yet on Bright Star Road, one of the most traveled roads because it's a shortcut to Douglasville and to Hwy 78.
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