Sgt. Terry Williams will be welcomed home to Colquitt when he finally gets here, Friday, April 28, 2006, sometime between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
A large number of businesses and homeowners are putting out yellow ribbons to welcome Sgt. Williams home and all service people who have served.
After serving a year in Iraq, the first of over 4000 members of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade has been flown into Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, and will be leaving Fort Stewart to enjoy a long awaited homecoming.
Sgt. Williams was working with the Miller County Sheriff's Department in Colquitt when his unit was activated and sent to Iraq. He is a member of the 2nd Battalion-121st Infantry Regiment.
We all welcome our troops home and wish them well as they enjoy coming home and being with their loved ones and friends.
Put a yellow ribbon out and thank these soldiers for the job they have done and the sacrifices they and their families have made.

For over six months, plans have been being made for Miller County Relay for Life 2006. Those plans will be put into action this Friday evening, April 28, at 6:00 p.m.
As co-chair, along side Margaret Ann Daniels for this year’s event, I have seen the tireless efforts of selfless volunteers as they give of themselves so that others can reap the benefits provided by the funds raised as a result of Relay for Life. Many people have become disillusioned with so-called “non-profit” companies soliciting funds to help victims of tragedies, only to find out later that the funds have been misdirected. The American Cancer Society works hard to maintain a professional and respected profile in each community. After a patient’s personal physician, the ACS is the most trusted source of cancer information for them and their families in the world. The ACS has contributed to almost every major discovery in cancer research since the 1940s which has helped raise the survival rate from only 25 percent then to over 64 percent today. ACS researches are responsible for establishing the link between cancer and smoking as well as dramatically raising the cure rate for most childhood leukemias to more than 80 percent. The Society’s education programs promote cancer prevention and early detection as well as patient support services, peer support and rides to treatment. They speak out on cancer issues at the state and federal levels, lobbying for strong advocacy legislation that ensures your insurance company will cover costs related to this terrible disease.
Relay for Life was born in 1985, out of one man’s determination to make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer. Today, it is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, raising millions of dollars for the fight against this dreaded disease. It is not too late for you to become a part of Miller County’s Relay. Come join us this Friday, April 28, at 6:00 p.m. at Spring Creek Park for our opening ceremonies and stay with us throughout the evening for entertainment by local talent, beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Luminary Service at 9:00 p.m. and team competition beginning at 10:00 p.m. through till 6:00 a.m. when the event will come to a close. For more information, please call Jill Brown at 758-4241 or Margaret Ann Daniels at 758-3840.

The Colquitt Police Department has had a busy week.
In an ongoing investigation, Assistant Police Chief Jason Wells and Detective Richard Morgan were able to solve several cases this past week. Warrants on two Miller County residents, Brandon Riggins and Chris Carr, were served for burglary and theft of merchandise valued at approximately $2500.00 taken from Phaze Fashion located on Milford Street. The theft of this property occurred in February 2006.
A large number of goods were recovered from the homes of the two suspects.
Warrants were also issued to the same two suspects for counts of aggravated assault from a separate incident that occurred on April 13, 2006, in which at least one of the suspects allegedly fired a hand gun at two victims traveling on Dancer Street.
More charges are being investigated on these suspects from other counties in separate unsolved cases according to the investigation report.

It doesn't pay to drive with loud mufflers, loud music, especially while using illegal drugs or drinking alcohol, unless you want to try out our new, improved jail.
On April 16, Colquitt Police officer, Greg Richey was following a subject on Main Street with his loud music coming from a black Honda that could be heard over 100 feet. As the vehicle passed by the officer on the square, he initiated the stop.
The vehicle turned onto College Street from Cuthbert Street ,and the officer noticed that the driver tossed an object from the window of the car. The officer stated that he heard the object hit the ground. As the officer pulled up to the object, he noted it as being a small glass pipe. The officer pulled behind the suspect’s car and spoke to the driver, Philip Robertson, 23, of Eatonton, and informed him why he had been pulled over. The pipe was retrieved from the road and the driver was questioned about it.
The driver then admitted to tossing the pipe out the window.
The driver and his passenger, Brittany Townsend, were asked to exit the vehicle. The officer detected a strong odor of what appeared to be marijuana.
The officer then asked for consent to search the vehicle. The driver gave consent and stated that there was nothing in the auto.
The passenger then stated that there was a small amount of marijuana inside the glove compartment.
The driver stated that the marijuana was his.
The officer then called Officer Grier to assist him in searching the vehicle. The passenger showed the officer where the marijuana was hidden.
No other contraband was found, and both subjects were charged with possession of marijuana, arrested and transported to the jail. Philip Robertson was also charged with loud exhaust/music.
In another separate police stop on April 22, an officer heard a loud ATV. The officer saw a white male on a four wheeler traveling on Cuthbert Street. When the driver of vehicle saw the officer, he pulled over into the Wound Center parking lot.
Officer Kenny Knowles asked for the driver's license and detected the smell of alcohol coming from the driver.
The driver handed the officer an ID and stated that his driver's license had been taken away.
The officer asked if the subject had been drinking alcohol, and the driver stated that he had drunk about eight beers that night, and he drank his last one about 30 minutes prior to the stop. The suspect was asked if he would blow into the Alco sensor, and it showed that there was alcohol in his system.
William F. Foster, 23, of Blakely was charged with driver w/ability impaired by alcohol or toxic, no insurance, no driver's license, operating an off road vehicle on roadway.
The four-wheeler was towed and impounded, and the subject was taken to the Miller County Jail.

A donation was recently presented to the Colquitt Senior Center by the American Legion Post 165.
Smiley Jones presented a check to Priscilla McVey, director of the center, to help with the center’s expenses. There have been so many budget cuts for the Aging services in the last couple of years that it has taken a toll on the center, along with other centers in adjoining counties.
A few weeks back, the center was told to close one day a week until further notice. This was done to try and help stretch the budget. Although, it only lasted a couple of weeks, the seniors were really worried that it might become permanent.
The donation from the American Legion could not have come at a better time. It will be used in this center to enrich the lives of the seniors of this county. “We have an average attendance of 42 to 45 daily and sometimes more. We take out meals to those who are unable to attend the center and have no other way of getting a hot meal. This is done five days a week. Some who live so far out even into the next county are taken frozen meals to last for several days just to be sure that they have something nutritious to eat,” explained McVey.
The center is a great asset to this county and a “God” send for so many. It keeps the aging fit with exercise, health fairs, blood pressure clinics, and informative speakers. It keeps them happy with the fellowship they have with one another as well as the extra activities that are planned for them such as bingo, birthday parties, cookouts, banquets, and dances. Groups come and donate their time and talents to entertain the seniors. “We have gospel sings, country music bands, special singers, comedians, and so many more fun things for them to do,” she added.
With the health of the seniors in mind, a hot balanced meal is served five days a week, Monday through Friday. This is just part of the things that this center offers to the seniors of this county. So you see why the donations from the veterans of the American Legion is so appreciated.

As the qualifying time opened Monday, April 24, only one candidate has qualified for one of the four post to be filled in the upcoming General Primary.
Those seats open are for County Commissioner in District 2, now held by Kreg Freeman and District 4 seat, now held by India Taylor. The Board of Education seats in District 2 held by Vicki Merritt and District 4 seat held by Jack Nicholson will also be open for qualifying.
Sheila P. Freeman has qualified with the superintendent of elections for the office of Board of Education, District Four as a Democratic candidate, which is now held by incumbent Jack Nicholson.
All of these offices are partisan elections and must go through the General Primary on July 18. The winners in the Democrat or Republican Primaries will meet each other in the November 7, General Election.
There is also a possibility of an SPLOST, the last sales tax that will go out in March 31, 2007. A new sales tax must be approved between the city and county on how it is divided, the state and lastly the voters who will pay the tax. If all of the legal things are done, this SPLOST will be on the General Election ballot on November 7, 2006, for the voters approval or rejection.
The offices that are up for election are the officers who determine how our taxes are to be spent, and who will pay them and how much we will pay.
We need the best people possible in these offices to help run our business.
Qualification ends at noon, Friday, April 28.

City of Colquitt officials announced the city will be celebrating “Georgia Cities Week” April 23-30, 2006. The city will be holding a variety of events throughout the week.
The theme of this year’s Georgia Cities Week is “Georgia’s Cities: On the Right Track” highlighting cities’ relationship to the railroad in Georgia and pointing to the role Georgia’s cities play in contributing to the state’s quality of life.
“We’re very proud of our city and the services we provide that make it attractive to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Chapman.
“Too often, people are unaware of how cities enhance their quality of life, and we would like to invite them to come out for these events and learn more about the government that works for them.”
The City of Colquitt will have Open House at City Hall on West Street Friday, April 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cities across Georgia will be celebrating Georgia Cities Week, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), to showcase and celebrate cities and the many services they provide. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.

Week of April 23, 2006