Bainbridge - A U.S. Army helicopter used in historic combat may soon get a new coat of paint and a new home at the Southwest Georgia Welcome Center in Bainbridge.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4904, headquartered in Bainbridge, has had the helicopter for approximately nine years, after it was donated by the U.S. Army, according to Hill Yates, commander of the local VFW post. At their Tuesday meeting the Bainbridge City Council unanimously voted to support moving the helicopter from its current home off U.S. 27 North to the welcome center on U.S. 84 West.

Veteran Mike Holloway, who joined Yates in requesting the move, said the VFW intended to retain ownership of the helicopter, even if the local post's physical headquarters is sold as planned. Yates and Holloway said veteran organizations across the United States are experiencing lagging membership as older veterans pass away. Holloway said he would prefer to see the helicopter be kept on display permanently in Decatur County rather than given away, as a military museum in Columbus, had also requested it for display.

Holloway said that a tentative site on the welcome center's property has been identified but undecided whether it will be left flat on the ground or raised up. In any event, the VFW intends to repaint the helicopter, place each military service branch's decals on its sides and perform other cosmetic repairs to make it suitable for display.

Blakely - According to published reports Friday, District Court Judge Brad Mendheim handed down a ruling Thursday saying Houston County Sheriff's investigators have 30 days to either charge a former Blakely man in an unsolved capital murder case or his bond will be reduced by more than half its original amount.

Officials with the Houston County District Attorney's Office and the Houston County Sheriff's Department have both previously called David Waller, 33, the top suspect in the shooting death of Joe Tex Johnson, another former Blakely man.

Johnson, 69, was shot to death at his home on April 15 during a burglary in the Hodgesville community.

"Based on representations from the investigating officer and the DA's office that there is sufficient evidence in their opinion to charge the defendant with the homicide of Johnson," Mendheim said, "bond will be reduced to $75,000.00 if the defendant is not so charged within 30 days."

The reports also stated that a $300,000 cash bond was posted Friday for Waller's release. Waller has been held in the Houston County Jail since his April arrest.

Cairo - Maria Trujilo realized her worst fear last December after learning that she had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, requiring immediate surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Trujila, a single parent, had only her seven-year-old daughter, Samantha to act as her sole caregiver during the treatment phase of her illness.

Rather than retreat from the enormous responsibility thrust upon her, Samantha, a second grader, rose to the challenge and has been providing first-rate care during the many long months her mother has undergone chemo.

Diagnosed in December 2007, Trujilo underwent cancer surgery in January 2008, and immediately following the surgery began a regimen of cancer treatments. She would have completed her chemo last month if not for damage to her life resulting from the therapy -- and, therefore, must temporarily halt her treatments in order to restore her liver function.

In spite of the setback, she rejoices in the care provided by her young daughter.

Dawson - A Terrell County school bus loaded with 41 students was involved in an early morning accident last Friday morning.

The Georgia State Patrol investigated the accident which occurred around 7:00 a.m. at the intersection of State Route 32 and Old Mill Road.

According to a state patrol report, the bus, which was driven by Robert Gardner, 65, was traveling west on State Route 32 and was attempting to make a left turn onto Old Mill Road, when the left front of the bus struck the right front of a 2007 Suzuki XL that was traveling north on Old Mill Road and was driven by Shanteal Florida, 18, of a Dawson address. The school bus came to rest in the northbound lane while the Suzuki came to rest on the shoulder of the road, the state patrol reported.

Ms. Florida was charged with driving without license.

Terrell County School Superintendent Robert Aaron reported 15 students were checked over by personnel with the Terrell County Emergency Medical Service, and those students were then released to their parents and/ or guardians.

Ms. Florida was taken to an Albany Hospital for treatment from her injuries received in the accident.