Real Facts News March 24, 2021

Real Facts News
The Uncensored News of Ideal, Oglethorpe, Marshallville, Montezuma— March 24, 2021
Macon Countians charged in Dooly County murder case
After a three-year long death investigation, 15 people were arrested
on March 2 and March 17, 2021 for numerous charges including
Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act,
Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Firearm During
Commission of a Felony, Tampering With Evidence, and Criminal
Damage to Property.
The arrests were executed by the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office,
Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office,
Park dedicated to a reading warrior
Generations of the Unter family were on hand Saturday,
March 20, to celebrate Community Service Day 2021 and pay
tribute to the life of the late Elton King Hunter, Sr., a reading
warrior. The park next door to Troy’s in Montezuma was
named for him years ago and the event was held there. The
group sponsoring the event also honored others involved in
community service and plan to ask the City of Montezuma
to officially rename the park Elton Hunter, Sr. City Reading
Park. More pictures, story, Page 3-4. Photos by Jonathan Hillman
Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Montezuma Police Department,
GBI Southwest Regional Drug Enforcement Office, GBI Gang
Task Force, GBI Americus Office, and GBI Perry Office.
On Sunday, April 1, 2018, the GBI was requested by the Dooly
County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a death investigation at 315 Andrews
Street, Vienna, Georgia. The investigation showed that a
fight between two rival gangs occurred inside Klub Money night
See DOOLY MURDER, Page 2
Commissioners select Lewis
as new county manager
By Roger Ann Davis
Macon County Commissioners selected Kelvin Lewis, Sr. as the
new county manager with a 3-2 vote in a March 10 work session.
He begins work April 1.
Commissioners Bob Melvin, Richmond
Felton and Carl Oliver voted to
hire Lewis; Chairman Mickey George
and Commissioner Ben Haugabook
voted against the motion.
Lewis comes from Twiggs County
where he served as county manager.
“I really want to become part of the
local fabric,” he said in an interview.
Due to his earlier work with large pharmaceutical
companies, he has lived
in many places, including California,
Princeton, New Jersey and Washington,
Kelvin Lewis
D.C. However, “I don’t want people to
see me as a city slicker... I really want people to know I am an or-
See COUNTY MANAGER, Page 9
County Commissioners ready to see
a county manager in place
By Roger Ann Davis
Without exception, Macon County Commissioners are more
than ready to have a new county manager in place. Kelvin Lewis
will be on the job April 1.
Three of the commissioners voted to hire Lewis -- Carl Oliver,
Bob Melvin and Richmond Felton. Chairman Mickey George and
Commissioner Ben Haugabook voted against hiring Lewis.
Despite the split vote, in interviews, all commissioners spoke
positively about Lewis.
“Private sector and public sector work experience is a plus for
Mr. Lewis. During his interview he was able to articulate promising
approaches to hopefully solve a number of local issues
and concerns raised by commissioners,” Chairman George said.
See COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS, Page 10

Page 2 - March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News
National Prisoner of War Museum at Andersonville
Historic Site open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
daily.
Andersonville Historic Site reopens
museum, plans POW Day event
Andersonville National Historic Site is pleased to announce two
upcoming special events, recognizing the sacrifice of former prisoners
of war (POWs) and highlighting our mission of serving as a
national memorial for all American POWs.
On April 1, the National Prisoner of War Museum will reopen to
the public at a reduced capacity. Hours of operation will be 9:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Restrooms will be open but the theater will
remain closed, so no park films will be shown.
On April 2, park staff and volunteers from local motorcycle club
Robins Riders will raise the Avenue of Flags at the park in honor
of National Former POW Recognition Day, which coincides with
the start of the Bataan Death March on April 9. This stirring and
patriotic display of about 200 American and POW/MIA flags and
50 state flags can be viewed until April 14.
Park grounds, including Andersonville National Cemetery, remain
open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Committal services for eligible
veterans and their families continue to be offered at a reduced
capacity as scheduled.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and
partners is our number one priority. If you are coming to the park,
please allow for adequate social distancing. Visitors are also required
to wear face masks in federal buildings including visitor
centers, historic structures, and museums. When outdoors, face
masks are required on NPS-managed lands when physical distance
cannot be maintained.
Americus Realty, Inc.
Each office is independently owned
and operated.
Carl B. Adams
Associate Broker
Mobile: 478.472.1959
Office: 229.924.2903
Email: carladams39@gmail.com
americusareamis.com
701 East Lamar Street
Americus, GA 31709
Dooly Murder - Continued from Page 1
club. Once the fight began, the club owner shut down the club and
everyone inside was asked to leave. Gang members from one gang
were from the Dooly County and Crisp County areas and the rival
gang members were from Macon County. When leaving the area,
a member of one gang started firing shots at the other gang members.
This exchange of gunfire occurred near residential housing
and the roadway. During the shooting, Freddie James McKenzie,
age 25, of Vienna, Georgia, was shot and died at the scene.
On Monday, October 19, 2020, GBI agents presented the facts of
this case to a Dooly County Grand Jury who returned a 134-count
indictment.
The following people were arrested:
Desi Jarrod Wiggins, age 29, of Vienna, Georgia, validated
Gangster Disciple Gang member (in custody)
Jykeel Presley, age 24, of Vienna, Georgia, validated Gangster
Disciple Gang member (in custody)
Devocusis Aykeem Prater, age 27 of Cordele, Georgia, validated
Gangster Disciple Gang member (in custody)
Demetrius D. Ford, age 28 of Cordele, Georgia, validated Gangster
Disciple Gang member (in custody)
Timarco Verahon Sutton, age 26 of Cordele, Georgia, validated
Gangster Disciple Gang member (not in custody)
Qua’Larrious Glover, age 25 of Vienna, Georgia, validated
Gangster Disciple Gang member (in custody)
Ariel Frederick, age 22, of Vienna, Georgia, validated Gangster
Disciple Gang member. (in custody)
Christopher A. Guilfo, age 26 of Americus, Georgia, validated
Blood Gang member (in custody)
Jessie Lee Hannor, age 30 of Oglethorpe, Georgia, validated
Blood Gang member (in custody)
Tyrus Jacquez Robinson, age 23, (no city listed), validated Blood
Gang member (in custody)
Jaylan D. Kendrick, age 25, of Oglethorpe, Georgia, validated
Blood Gang member (in custody)
Curtis Maurice Hannor, age 30 of Oglethorpe, Georgia, validated
Blood Gang member (in custody)
Curtavious Deontez McDonald, age 22, of Oglethorpe, Georgia,
validate Blood Gang member (in custody)
Juwan Jaquiels Willock, age 26, of Montezuma, Georgia, validated
Blood Gang member (in custody)
Stefan Jonier, age 24 of Montezuma, Georgia, validated Blood
Gang member (in custody)
The GBI investigation has been turned over to the Cordele Judicial
Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Any questions
regarding the status of the investigation should be directed to
the DA’s Office.
CORRECTION
In the article on radio ham operators last week, the
telephone for John Turner was incorrect. The number
is 478-244-2976. Radio operators are valuable in crises.
Call Mr. Turner, get information about being a
ham radio operator and get involved.

Community Service
Day 2021 held in
Montezuma Saturday
Golden Events This Is Love, LLC,
owned by Tarshea Fudge Riley, the Macon
County Improvement Coalition, and
Sunmark of Perry sponsored Community
Service Day 2021 in Montezuma Saturday,
March 20.
The ceremony was held in the Elton
Hunter, Sr. Park in downtown Montezuma
next door to Troy’s. The Macon County
Improvement Coalition has big plans for
the park.
The group created a flag to fly in the park,
which would give the park a new name, the
Elton Park, Sr. Reading Park. They plan to
ask the city to officially change the name
of the park.
Also honored during ceremonies were
Cusseta Journey for her community work
and Patty Bentley was recognized as part
of International Women’s Month. Journey
received a plaque and a bouquet of flowers.
Two monetary donations of $100 each
were given to Journey’s church, Mount
Pleasant Traveler’s Rest CME, in honor of
Journey.
The awards were presented by Tarshea
Fudge Riley and members of the Macon
County Improvement Coalition, including
Jill Harrison, Jerry Haugabook, Bob and
Sandy Melvin and Ken Harrison.
Riley said it was her vision to do something
about the “poor literacy rate in Macon
County. Reading is really a problem
in Macon County. How can we expect our
children to move on and become productive
adults if they can’t read.”
When she was in school she recalls the
one-act plays in which children had to
memorize parts, spelling bees and other
competitions in Columbus and Macon.
“They just aren’t there (in our schools) any
more,” she said.
“I saw the park as a quiet place for adults
to bring their children to read,” she said in
an interview.
Future plans of Fudge and others are to
place benches in the park, to hold reading
events in the park, and to provide a large
screen TV so movie nights can be held
there.
Elton Hunter, Sr., who owed the Community
Funeral Home in Montezuma, was
March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News—Page 3
Cusseta Journey, center, was honored for her community service. With her
are her brother, Joseph Journey, Sr., her daughters, Tiffany Journey, and
Adrienne Journey, and her brother, Gary Roberts. Not pictured is a daughter,
Lashanor Witchard.
Photos by Jonathan Hillman
a man who was “big on reading,” Elton Hunter, II said in his remarks. He had encyclopedias
and many books in his home for children and grandchildren.
Riley read the material provided by the family on Elton King Hunter, Sr. “Elton, Sr.
grew up only a mile from the location of the Park on Railroad Street in Montezuma.
He operated Hunter’s Cleaners for over 40 years
within 25 yards of the Park on Decatur Street in
Montezuma and for over 40 years, he operated
Community Funeral Home on Norris Street. He
was a licensed Georgia Funeral Director, a member
of the Masonic Lodge, and a Deacon at Union
Baptist Church in Montezuma.
But, more than those accomplishments, Elton,
Sr. was a caring civil rights leader and was in
the vanguard when it came to championing the
rights of Black people in his Montezuma community.
From the formation of the Men’s Civic
Club, which paved the way for the first in-door
gymnasium for Blacks in Montezuma, to the construction
of the first swimming pool for Blacks in
Montezuma, Elton, Sr. was always finding ways
to improve the lives of people in his community.
In fact, he personally controlled the filtering system
for the Black swimming pool for many years.
Elton Hunter, III, speaking on
behalf of the family and telling
how his great grandfather loved
books.
“Elton Sr. was the first person to recommend
and convince the local school board to name the
new high school after Professor D. F. Douglass, a
highly respected Black educator in Montezuma.
After the construction of the new high school, he
supported the school and all of its extracurricular
activities. In fact, he was responsible for cleaning all of the uniforms for the basketball and
football teams without cost for many years.
See HUNTER READING PARK, Page 4

Page 4 - March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News
Ann Harris speaking on behalf of the pastor
of Mount Pleasant Traveler’s Rest
CME.
Hunter Reading Park
Continued from Page 3
“Many people will remember Elton, Sr. for his assistance in providing
bail and bond services to many Black residents of Montezuma
and Oglethorpe, without cost and at a personal financial
risk to himself, since many of those persons would otherwise have
been permanent residents of the penal system due to the lack or
resources.
“These were the times that Elton, Sr. lived amongst us. Thank
God that he was there at those critical times. Elton, Sr. was the
founder and first supporter of the Martin Luther King, Jr. March
and Celebration, a program which began with a march through
downtown Montezuma and culminated with a program of speakers
praising the efforts of a great leader. Though he received a great
deal of criticism from some for conceiving this idea, he was certain
that history would justify his efforts.
“Elton, Sr. is buried at the historic Andersonville National Cemetery
with his wife of over 64 years. Before his death in 2000,
Elton, Sr. was celebrated at a dinner at the Pearson Community
Center in Montezuma, during which many civil leaders and friends
commended him on his lifetime of achievements and dedication
to the citizens of Montezuma. Among the tributes that night were
commendation letters from Senator Sam Nunn, Lt. Governor
Pierre Howard and President Jimmy Carter.”
Others participating in the celebration in the park were Macon
County Commissioner Bob Melvin, who welcomed the people
and recognized officials and guests; Minister Yvette Jackson of
Mount Olive Baptist Church, who gave the invocation and closing
prayers; Dawn James Ellis, a lifetime member of the NAACP, who
gave a tribute to the late Elton King Hunter, Sr., State Rep. Patty
Bentley, who gave remarks and said a state resolution honoring
Hunter was being prepared.
Among the guests present were Elton Hunter, III, Elton Hunter,
IV, and a number of great grandchildren and other relatives. Elton
Hunter, Jr. is deceased.
Cusseta Journey at podium.
Photos by Jonathan Hillman
Dawn James Ellis, left, and
Tarshea Fudge Riley.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Montezuma is accepting applications/resumes for
the position of City Clerk trainee. Successful applicant
will have a strong accounting background & will be trained in
ALL phases of City Hall operations over a 2 year period, at the
end of which the current Clerk will retire and City Clerk trainee
will move into that position.
This is a career position (36 hrs per wk) with full benefits,
including annual & sick leave, group health & life insurance.
Regular pay increases will be made upon successful mastering
of the following areas:
Customer Service – Entry Level
Utility Billing -
Accounts Payable
Payroll & HR Operations
QS1 Accounting System
Asst Clerk Certification
Finance Officer Certification
Grant Project Accounting
Budgeting
Audit Prep
SALARY/BENEFITS: Starting salary is between $12.00 -
$15.00 per hour DOQ. Number of hours worked per week is at
least 36.
Applications/resumes should be submitted to City of Montezuma,
ATTN: Personnel Department, P O Box 388, Montezuma,
GA 31063. Applications will be accepted until position is
filled. Questions regarding this position should be directed to
Joyce Hardy, City Administrator at 478-472-8144.
The City of Montezuma is an equal opportunity employer and
does not discriminate in its employment practices on the basis of
age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin or disability
status.
Applications will be accepted until suitable candidate is found.

March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News—Page 5
Abby Sellers crowned
Miss Southland
Academy Raider
Southland Academy continued
a thirty-two year tradition
as the school crowned a
new Miss SAR on Saturday,
March 20, 2021. Junior,
Abby Sellers, won the interview
award, the congeniality
award, and was crowned
Miss SAR 2021. Abby is the
daughter of Dr. and Mrs.
Ken Sellers of Albany. Holladay
Miles was named first
runner-up, and Averi Smith
was named second runnerup
and the winner of the
evening gown award. Emily
McCorkle won the people’s
choice award. Abby was
crowned by Lydia Anne
Love, Miss SAR 2019.
319 Walnut St. - Montezuma, GA
478-472-2010
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Get a Quote, Call or Write with Any Question! 888-987-2653

Page 6 - March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News
Small Police Agencies Setting
the Example for Excellence
Editor’s Note: This information about policing is from an
article posted on the website of the Georgia Association of Chiefs
of Police. Chief Eric Finch is quoted in this article. Policing and
the need for professional action, consistent procedures and documentation
are vital in Macon County and around the nation.
All police agencies, regardless of their size, perform the same
tasks. The only difference is frequency and availability of resources.
Any officer deciding to make an arrest, engage in a pursuit,
or respond to aggression by an offender is held to the same
legal and constitutional standards of performance and expected
to act accordingly. For years, attention was focused on mitigating
lawsuits resulting from officers’ inappropriate behavior.
Recently, agencies and their leaders are experiencing challenges
in other ways including increased public criticism through
social media, 1st Amendment audits, administrative oversight
from state agencies for complaints (i.e. speed enforcement
requirements), and public protests. Some agencies may begin
to experience increased challenges in criminal prosecutions for
poor or inconsistent operations. In many cases, agencies may be
unaware of how many cases are not being prosecuted because officers
failed to properly follow establish procedures or document
their actions.
In November 2020, the U. S. Department of Justice established
minimum policy requirements for agencies to apply for discretionary
grants. Once initiated, these processes tend to expand
exponentially. In the next year, police leaders are also likely to
see renewed use of federal consent orders by the U. S. Department
of Justice for identified patterns and practices of unlawful
behaviors.
Agencies that do not take a proactive approach to managing
their operations in accordance with established standards may
soon find increased restrictions being forced upon them. What
may be worse are severe limitations on professionally operated
organizations because other agencies are not performing
to standards. These externally imposed requirements will likely
not consider the individual community’s interests, conditions or
needs. They most definitely will not consider the interests of its
officers, appointed and elected leaders, or the citizens they serve.
The processes to ensure performance is done in a consistent
manner have been established for years. These include up-to-date
operational procedures, training, on-going supervisory review
(appropriately supporting or correcting as needed), and documentation.
The Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program
has codified these expectations.
In his best-selling book Atomic Habits, author James Clear
describes the best approach for individuals seeking to improve
their daily habits. Clear illustrates the three layers of behavioral
change. The first layer is outcomes (what you get), followed by
processes (what you do), and identity (what you believe). While
some utilize an outcome-based approach that begins with a focus
on outcomes and culminates with a change in their identity, the
alternative is to begin with an identity-based approach. While
it may seem insignificant, focusing on the identity of the person,
and in this case an organization, has a huge impact on the
increased likelihood of successfully implementing new habits.
Clear uses the analogy of a person seeking to lose weight. The
REAL FACTS NEWS Opinion
Distinguished Women of the Bible
First is MARY, the mother of Jesus. To Gabriel’s announcement
that Mary would give birth to Jesus, the virgin mother
responded, “Let this happen to me according to your word.”
Mary followed Jesus throughout His ministry. She was standing
by the cross as Jesus underwent extreme suffering. Before expiring,
Jesus informed Mary that John (disciple) would become her
son. From the very hour, John took Mary into his home. Mary is
considered the greatest of all Christian saints.
MARY MAGDALENE was the leader among the women who
accompanied Jesus. She was the first
to visit Jesus’ tomb on Resurrection
Sunday. She observed the crucifixion,
Jesus’ death, His removal from the
cross, burial preparation, and entombment.
That first Easter morning, Mary
came to Jesus’ tomb and found it
empty. She went to inform Peter and
John who ran to the tomb to verify
her report. Later that morning, Mary
conversed with the risen Lord. Mary
Magdalene was deeply committed to
Jesus and His ministry.
Billy Powell
The book of RUTH contains a
love story. Ruth’s mother-in-law was Naomi—who married
Elimelech. Their sons were Mahlon and Chilion. Mahlon married
Ruth; Chilion wed Orpah. Later, Elimelech and both of his sons
died. This left Naomi a widow. After daughter-in-law, Orpah,
departed, only Ruth remained. Ruth was dedicated to Naomi,
assuring her: “Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live,
I will live.” Sometime later, Ruth married a kinsman of Naomi
named Boaz. Ruth and Boaz gave birth to Obed. The son of Obed
was Jesse…whose son was King David. Thereby, Ruth became
the great grandmother of King David and was an ancestor in the
lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1: 5).
ESTHER, a beautiful Jewish girl, became the queen of Persia
who saved her people from destruction. King Ahasuerus of Persia
sought a new wife when his queen, Vashti, refused to obey him.
Ahasuerus chose the beautiful Esther. The king’s chief adviser,
Haman, was offended by Mordecai, who happened to be Esther’s
cousin and guardian. Haman received permission from King Ahasuerus
to kill the Jews in his kingdom. However, Esther foiled
this plan, and won the king’s permission for the Jews to kill their
enemies-- and they did so. Esther was a remarkable woman who
risked her life to save her own people. Jesus said, “Greater love
has no one than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John
15:13).
EVE was the first woman created on earth. God made a
helpmate for Adam by fashioning Eve from one of Adam’s ribs.
See POLICING, Page 11 See BILLY POWELL, Page 7

Billy Powell - Continued from Page 6
March 17, 2021 - Real Facts News—Page 7
Although Eve succumbed to the Serpent’s (Satan’s) entreaty to
eat of the forbidden fruit--bringing sin into the world--she was
the mother of the human race. Were genealogical records available
back to creation, our lineage would trace back to Adam
and Eve.
Noteworthy are such names as Sarah (wife of Abraham),
Rebekah (wife of Isaac), Rachel (wife of Jacob), and Elizabeth
MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS) DIRECTOR
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: UNTIL FILLED
The Macon County Board of Commissioners is now accepting
applications for the position of Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Director for Macon County. This is the lead administrative
and operational position for the County EMS Department.
This is an exempt / full-time position.
Areas of responsibility include: Manages day to day operation
of EMS department; Hires, schedules, supervise and directs
personnel; manage shift coverage; Oversees and administers
departmental operation and capital budget; Maintains department
licenses, employee state and medical licenses and patient
records; Orders and secures supplies and medications; Maintains
and facilitates employee relations as well as those with patients,
local health facilities, outside EMS services and county agencies;
This position requires a current State of Georgia Paramedic’s
license. Five (5) years experience as a Licensed Paramedic required;
a minimum of three (3) years at a managerial level, preferred;
or any equivalent combination of education, training, and
experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and
abilities for this job.
A valid Georgia Driver’s License is required. Applicants will be
required to pass a physical examination, drug and alcohol test,
and a criminal background check.
The ideal candidate must be able to communicate well and direct
employees and interact with other county departments and
agencies and perform other duties as assigned. Prior experience
as a manager or experience in a supervisory position is preferred.
This person must possess strong interpersonal skills, and
an ability to relate to a wide variety of people.
Macon County Board of Commissioners does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap
status.
Interested applicants should submit an application and three (3)
references (contact information including address, phone, email,
etc.) to the address below. Applications can be obtained online
at www.maconcountyga.gov or from the Macon County Commissioner’s
Office at 121 S. Sumter Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.
Contact Information:
Macon County Board of Commissioners
c/o Roselyn H Starling
P.O. Box 297
Oglethorpe, GA 31068
For additional information or questions: (478) 472-7021
(mother of John the Baptist). Other Jesus devotees were: Mary
(mother of James and Joses), Salome (mother of disciples James
and John), Joanna (wife of Chuza), Susanna (devout follower),
and Mary and Martha (Jesus’ friends at Bethany). Forget not
Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, who protected Joshua’s spies. Rahab
is included in the honor roll of the faithful (Hebrews 11: 31).
MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA) DIRECTOR
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: UNTIL FILLED
The Macon County Board of Commissioners is now accepting
applications for the position of Emergency Management
Agency (EMA) Director for Macon County. This is the chief
administrative and technical position for the Emergency Management
department in the County. This is an exempt / parttime
position.
Areas of responsibility include: Planning, directing the local
emergency management and preparedness program; Serving as
principal advisor to governing officials in the area of emergency
and disaster preparedness; Developing and maintaining the
annual work plan, Local Emergency Operations Plan and other
response recovery plans, in conjunction with other local governments
and agencies; Administration of emergency operations
including preparing and submitting required reports to the state
EMA and other state or federal agencies.
This position requires a Basic Emergency Manager Certification
to be obtained and all training and other requirements to
be met within two years of appointment. Applicant must currently
reside or be able to relocate to Macon County. Also, a
valid Georgia Driver’s License is required. Applicants will be
required to pass a physical examination, drug and alcohol test,
and a criminal background check.
The ideal candidate must be able to communicate well and interact
with other county departments as well as state and local
agencies and perform other duties as assigned. This person must
possess strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to relate to a
wide variety of people. Prior experience in emergency preparedness
or related field is preferred.
Macon County Board of Commissioners does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap
status.
Interested applicants should submit an application and contact
information for three (3) references (including address, phone,
email, etc) to the address below. Applications can be obtained
online at www.maconcountyga.gov or from the Macon County
Commissioner’s Office at 121 S. Sumter Street, Oglethorpe,
Georgia.
Contact Information:
Macon County Board of Commissioners
c/o Roselyn H Starling
P.O. Box 297
Oglethorpe, GA 31068
For additional information or questions: (478) 472-7021

Page 8 - March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News
Garden Club installs new members,
holds year’s first official meeting
“Welcome Back” was the theme as President Mary Haigler
called the March 10, 2021, meeting of the Oglethorpe Garden
Cub, Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., to order for its first meeting
of its new fiscal year. Hostesses Peggy Harvey and Roger Ann
Davis had festively decorated the Oglethorpe Methodist Church’s
fellowship hall to welcome the 19 members and one guest who
were present.
Following the Pledge to the Flag, Chaplain Shirley Lashley
gave the Collect on “Spring” and the opportunities abounding for
prayer during this beautiful season.
The roll was called with each member recounting her first gardening
experience. Marilyn McLendon then read the minutes of
the December meeting, the last meeting the club felt could be
safely conducted in person because of the COVID-19 virus. The
minutes were approved as read. Treasurer Sylvia Hogg then presented
the financial report which included statements from December
through February, and it was approved and attached with
the minutes.
President Haigler
inducted new members
Cindy Bellew,
Kathy Cockerham
and Brenda Smith,
presenting each with
a Garden Club of
Georgia pin to be
worn at each meeting.
They were
warmly welcomed
into the group.
Immediate business
was the overdue
election of
Fran Dixon admiring her door prize.
officers for the
2021-2022 session caused by the Covid pandemic. Mary Ann
Parks presented the nominations from her committee. With no
further nominations from the floor and following seconds from
both Roger Ann Davis and Mary Hughes, the new slate of officers
was unanimously elected: President Mary Haigler, First Vicepresident
Tricia Welch, Second Vice-president Gene Hall, Secretary
Marilyn McLendon, Treasurer Sylvia Hogg.
As Tip of the Month, Fran Dixon encouraged growing pollinator
friendly flowers in our gardens which should support all stages of
pollinator’s lives while avoiding pesticides.
The 4th annual plant sale scheduled for April 17, 2021, at the
Oglethorpe City Park was the main item of business. This project
is both the celebration of “Garden Week in Georgia” and a major
fund raising event. After discussing how planting was coming
along and the necessity of procuring both pots for the plants and
boxes for use at the sale, Cindy Bellew and Kathy Cockerham volunteered
to investigate having garden club shirts and visors made
for special events. Kathy volunteered to look into having a banner
printed, and Roger Ann Davis will design the ad for the sale.
Peggy Harvey was designated as chairman for the baked goods
for the event.
President Mary Haigler with new members Brenda
Smith, Cindy Bellew and Kathy Cockerham following
their induction.
For the program, Mary
Haigler gave a Power
Point presentation titled
“Then and Now.” The
Oglethorpe Garden Club
has just begun its 85th
year as an important part
of this community. On
January 31, 1936, 32
women met at the Webb
home and established
this club, which is still
vital to the community.
Using snapshots from
those years and recounting
major projects undertaken
by those women,
Mary made memorable
moments of those early
years come alive on the
Hostesses Roger Ann Davis, left,
and Peggy Harvey, greeting members
to the March meeting
screen, thus challenging us to bigger and better accomplishments
for our present club.
With no further business to attend, the meeting was adjourned
and social time ensued.
FOR THOSE YOU
Home • Auto • Life • Bank • Farm
Macon County Farm Bureau | Skeeter Daniel, LUTCF
200 North Sumter St | Oglethorpe, GA 31068
Ph: 478.472.6541 | Fax: 478.472.8872

County Manager
Continued from Page 1
dinary guy. I cut my own grass, I clean up inside, I wash dishes, I
watch sports on TV, I really like the theatre and Broadway and the
arts. I am a little of all that.,, I want people to know that I really do
know what it’s like to live in rural Georgia.”
He is a native of central Georgia. His parents, Mary Lewis, who
now lives in Jeffersonville, and his father, the late Earnest Lewis,
were educators. Both received bachelor’s degrees at Fort Valley
State University and master’s degrees from Mercer University.
“My mother’s focus was around the languages and my father’s
was around math, so people find me to be a hybrid of a financial
educator ... (As a result of their teaching), I do things very deliberately
and take actions on a calculated basis,” he said.
His “foundation” for life came from his experience in his high
school FFA program. “Avian Adams was my mentor. We called
him Doc.” At the FFA orientation, “he said to Mom, ‘This is going
to be one of my state officers.’ Doc offered a plan to help me understand
agriculture business and its importance to the local community
and the state.” Lewis became president of his local FFA
chapter and later became secretary of the state FFA organization.
“My success started from my rural roots here in Georgia. I attribute
it all to that. I got a sense I belonged once I participated with
the group (FFA). We had great people.”
He knows there is much to do in Macon County. “The first 89
New Installs
Pumping & Repairs
Victor Wilder, Owner
Ready to Take Care of Your Needs
March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News—Page 9
days are of importance to me,” he said of the new job. “My plan
is to build a strategic plan -- probably a five year plan. Getting to
some of the milestones probably will take three to five years before
we can see a real change.”
He wants to see the county “move on ... We’ve got to get rural
Broadband so we can be connected to the world. That social isolation
has become the new smoking for its deleterious effect on
people’s mental and physical health.” He also believes the county
needs a “state-of-the-art payroll system”, a way for people “to
have access to data today and in the future.”
But he realizes that “I need to get there, see how things are being
done, become clear about how people think about it, and what their
goals are, and how we build a plan for achieving these things,” he
said.
“The other thing that is really important is ensuring that each
individual (employed or associated with the county government)
recognize how important they are. We talk about the old adage that
one person can’t do it by themselves. Team work is important, but
one individual can be the spark for a revolution in the work place.”
He expects to have an open door policy for citizens. “I look forward
to having an opportunity to converse broadly with citizens.
I look forward to talking with them and knowing the community.
We have an open door policy and we will accommodate people as
we can depending on the work load. I want people to know they
have access.” Because of the work schedule at the county, some
people may have to be scheduled for an appointment to discuss
their situation or problem, he said. “Citizens will be heard and will
be part of determining what can be done with that information after
receiving it.”
The three to five year plan “will take time. It just takes time to
address the multitude of challenges that exist in a county. It takes
time and investment. The community cannot improve without investment.”
Lewis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and
Economics from Morehouse College, and an Executive Masters of
Business Administration from Rutgers Business School for Executive
Education. He also is an Association County Commissioners
of Georgia Certified County Official, has had Planning and Zoning
training, and is a 2015 graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic
Development.
His most recent employment was as county manager for the
Twiggs County Board of Commissioners for three years. Prior to
that he served for two years as clerk to the Commission, keeping
records and preparing agendas, meeting packets and minutes for
meetings.
Before moving into government, he worked as a sales person
and in mangerial posts with three pharmaceutical companies, Kinetic
Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, AstraZeneca LP of
Wilmington Delaware, and Bristol Myers SQuibb Company of
Plainsboro, New Jersey. He managed a Competency Model curriculum
design team for Bristol-Myers, which involved establishing
a sales management promotional track and a Sales Force Effectiveness
Model. He also managed and designed Bristol-Myers
Squibb’s first On-line Learning System for its sales professionals.

Page 10 - March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News
Commissioners Comments
Continued from Page 1
George is elected from Montezuma District 4.
“I am excited about the new county manager coming on board
April 1st,” Commissioner Bob Melvin said. Melvin serves Montezuma
District 5. “We have been without a county manager for
about a year. The COVID-19 Pandemic has made this process longer
than normal. We have a lot of issues that need to be addressed
once the new county manager takes office. These include roads,
pay scale, hiring of an EMS (Emergency Management Services)
and EMA (Emergency Management Agency) directors, preparing
a budget and several other items. I look forward to working with
him as we continue to serve the citizens of Macon County.”
Carl Oliver, who serves Ideal District 1, said, “I feel like he’s
going to be a good county manager. He did a good job in his interview.
He worked for AstraZeneca drug company for years and
had an excellent review from them, and I look forward to working
with him. He also noted that Lewis “served as secretary to the state
Future Farmers (FFA) when he was in high school, and that was
a tough place to get.” Oliver also felt that Lewis’s growing up on
a farm in Twiggs County” made him a good candidate. “ He said
he would consider moving to Macon County, but will wait until he
sees how the job goes.”
Commissioner Richmond Felton of Marshallville District 3 said,
“I feel he’s highly qualified. He had all the credentials. We need
someone who knows the job and can come in and hit the ground
Clockwise:
Commissioners
Mickey George,
top left, Ben Haugabook,
Carl Oliver,
Richmond Felton
& Bob Melvin.
running. He had a great interview and great recommendations. I
think he’ll be a great asset to Macon County.”
Ben Haugabook, who represents the Oglethorpe District 2, said
he is “glad the job is filled, and I hope Mr. Lewis can help us move
forward.”

Policing - Continued from Page 6
person with the outcome-based approach will set a goal and
implement processes. However, they never change their self-perception,
so they often fail to meet their goal. Whereas, a person
who views themselves as being slim and fit will more likely
change their exercise and eating habits to comply with their selfimage
to achieve and maintain the desired self-image.
The same is true for agencies seeking to achieve certification.
When departments seeking certification simply want to display a
plaque on the wall to demonstrate they have arrived as a professional
organization they will have much more difficulty obtaining,
and definitely maintaining, certification. On the other hand,
agency heads who see themselves and their agencies as being
professional will more likely complete the processes required to
obtain certification, which is a true representation of what they
are – a professional organization. Therefore, in the first step to
effectively achieve this milestone, police leaders and their staff
must focus on who they are as individuals and as a collective
group – professional.
Heads of agencies argue they cannot achieve the standard of
excellence identified the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification
Program because of size, costs, and/or time. While lack of
participation in the program is not limited to small agencies,
this group is the least represented in the total number of certified
agencies. Too often it is assumed simply because an agency is
larger or located close to a
metropolitan area, they are
naturally better, have more
resources, and time. Unfortunately,
that is not the case.
Bigger is not better, better
is better.
So why would an agency
head from a smaller community
want to certify
their department? The Adel
Police Department has 23
officers and has been certified
since 2011. Chief Chad
Castleberry responded,
“Two reasons. When I was
hired in 2006, I came from
a state certified and CALEA
accredited agency. I had
seen the benefits of the
program. Second, the city
manager was familiar with
the program and was very
supportive of us implementing
the process”. Similarly,
with 15 officers, Montezuma
Police Chief Eric
Finch obtained certification
in 2004. He said as a new
chief “I wanted to know
the rules. The certification
standards directed me as a
chief the right ways to do
stuff. When I am asked by
a council member why do
something, I can explain
why.” With 11 officers,
Pine Mountain is currently
the smallest state certified
March 24, 2021 - Real Facts News—Page 11
agency in the State. Chief Daniel Ferrone explained he became
involved in the certification program because “It sets us up to a
higher standard and we wanted to be more professional. As a new
chief, I had issues with the department’s policy manual. So, as we
did a whole new policy, I knew that certification would guide that
process.”
Many tend to focus on the difficulties and obstacles obtaining
certification. State certification does not dictate how an agency
accomplishes a standard’s requirements, just what. Chief Eric
Finch said, “At the time we could not buy some of the required
stuff, such as evidence lockers. So, we had to make them. We got
some school lockers to serve as our temporary evidence lockers.”
Chief Chad Castleberry said one of the big issues for his agency
was for officers to develop the right mindset to properly document
their actions. Social Circle Chief Willie Brinkley, who leads
an agency with 19 officers, agreed “Getting officers to forward
information to the certification manager was difficult.” Braselton
Police Chief Terry Esco (19 officers) also said “It takes a little
while to get everyone on board. The hardest thing was getting
them to do the reports. But now you can get software to ensure
it is done right.” Chief Daniel Ferrone said his department was
certified in 2019. It took the department 1 ½ years to develop
and implement the policy and another 1 ½ years to build the files
demonstrating compliance.
See POLICING, Page 12

Page 12 - March 17, 2021 - Real Facts News
All Georgians, 16 and over, eligible to receive COVID vaccine
Once certified, agencies must demonstrate they continue to
follow the establish standards every three years. So how hard is
it for an agency to follow the certification requirements? Several
chiefs noted participating in state certification can be time consuming.
Chief Castleberry advised for chiefs to not procrastinate,
“You have to stay on top of it.” Chief Brinkley said, “I think it is
easy. You have to pay attention to deadlines.” Chief Ferrone said
Pine Mountain is a smaller community so “We don’t have a lot
of the big city problems with administrative and patrol duties.
Everything is low key with our workload, so it does not make
it unmanageable.” He added “You have to want to do it right
and stay on top of it.” Chief Finch reported it is not difficult, but
recommended chiefs from small agencies go through the certification
manager’s course, so they know what has to be recorded in
the files. When he sees information that needs to be included in
the files, he sends it to the manager.
While some tend to focus on obstacles, what are the benefits
of participating in the program besides being able to claim the
agency is state certified? Chief Castleberry said, “First it is accountability.
Just a sense of accomplishment. I brought the staff
on board with the program very early and got their buy-in. So, as
we moved through it, everyone was excited about the program
and working together. Second was the savings on the insurance
premiums.” Similarly, Chief Ferrone reported, “It’s the way the
public sees them, accountability of the officers, and the discounts
with insurance premiums.” Chief Brinkley added, “It is how the
agency is viewed. The positive overall development the agency
because we are complying with high standards. We are transparent
in how we do it.”
When asked if participating in the program interferes with their
decision-making or ability to run the department, each of the
chiefs agreed it did not. In fact, it helps them. Chief Castleberry
from Adel said “No. It only makes it easier. We live and die by
policy and procedure.” Similarly, Chief Esco responded, “No it
does not. We have a hiring process we follow. It is good because
we go through the requirements of state certification, and it helps
to weed out bad people. Chief Ferrone said “It actually streamlines
everything. Everyone knows what they are supposed to do.
If they don’t know, they have a rock-hard policy to help them.”
Chief Finch said “It guides me when making decisions. I know
the standards help me to make good decisions”. Chief Brinkley
probably summed it up best when he said, “If you are willing to
Policing - Continued from Page 11
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and Governor
Brian Kemp announced this week the state will expand its
COVID vaccine eligibility beginning March 25, to include all
Georgians aged 16 and older. Increased COVID vaccine supply
and significant progress in vaccinating Georgia seniors, our most
vulnerable population, allows the state to move forward and to
ensure all vaccine doses are being put into arms.
Vaccination, along with strict compliance with basic prevention
measures - wear a mask, stay six feet from others, avoid large
gatherings, wash your hands frequently - will help Georgia stop
the spread of COVID-19.
These measures are critically important as SARs-CoV-2 variants
continue to circulate and increase in Georgia. Currently,
there are 367 confirmed COVID cases with variants statewide;
351 cases with the UK variant (B.1.1.7), 15 cases with the South
Africa variant (B.1.351), and 1 case with the Brazil variant (P.1).
These variants appear to spread more easily and quickly than other
variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19.
Anyone signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested, regardless
of vaccination status or prior infection. Follow the advice
of your health care provider about what you should do while you
wait for your test results. COVID testing not only helps DPH control
and mitigate infection, but it also provides valuable information
about variants when positive test results are sequenced.
To find a vaccination location or to schedule an appointment, log
on to dph.ga.gov/covid-vaccine or visit myvaccinegeorgia.com to
schedule an appointment at a GEMA mass vaccination site.
Important note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine approved for
teens 16 and 17 years old. Please schedule an appointment at CVS
or Walgreens or at one of the GEMA mass vaccination sites to
ensure Pfizer vaccine is available.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp
on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook.
“The environment we are working in will never be
the same. Officers are going to be questioned. Agencies
need the processes in place to ensure they act
appropriately. It is not just the police department that
benefit from the program but the city, mayor, and council
all benefit.”
Social Circle Chief Willie Brinkley,
be open, no.”
When asked what they would tell fellow police chiefs interested
in becoming involved with the certification program, each
was very positive.
Chief Castleberry responded, “I strongly encourage every agency
to do this. State certification is based on best practices. Why
would you not want to do this? It is another level of protection for
the department and its officers. It helps me sleep a little better.”
Chief Esco said, “It takes time to implement. You have to get
the right person as the state certification manager. They have to
go to the Georgia Police Accreditation Committee (GPAC) meetings.
Once you get going it is not bad, but you have to stay on top of
it and not get behind.”
Pine Mountain’s Chief Ferrone said, “I don’t see why they
would not consider it. We need to put everyone on consistent
playing field. The public expects us to act consistently. We have
one person who is the certification manager and responsible for
ensuring everything is in place. You have to want to do it right,
you have to stay on top of it, and you have to have one person
assigned to manage it. A lot of the problems that agencies run
into will be minimized. Chiefs get complacent and don’t want to
do the work or don’t know how to do it. It is better for us and our
community. But it takes a commitment.”
Chief Brinkley warned, “The environment we are working in
will never be the same. Officers are going to be questioned. Agencies
need the processes in place to ensure they act appropriately.
It is not just the police department that benefit from the program
but the city, mayor, and council all benefit”
Montezuma’s Chief, Eric Finch suggested, “Get Involved. It
is very important for a chief to know the rules, especially when
dealing with high liability issues.”