The Miller County Pirate Football Team will be sporting new uniforms this year, thanks to the Marty Kelley family. The Miller County Athletic Department received a very generous donation from the Kelley family to help in funding the new uniforms. They did this in memory of their son, the late Rusty Kelley, who was a great MCHS football player.
Rusty was killed in an accident in Seminole County on May 19, 2002.
Rusty, who was the #3, elevated to #2 in his senior year at MCHS, was a nose guard for the South, was a four year starter for Miller County High School, where he played offensive tackle and inside linebacker. Described by the coaches as “one of the best lineman ever at Miller County and as the best pass blocker on the team,” he graded out in the 90s. Defensively, Kelley was “very intense” on his Pirate Football Team of 1997, which set a state record when the team gave up a total of only 91.5 yards total offense per game. Rusty had 34 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and the opponents’ fullbacks were held for -41 yards in 59 attempts, where Rusty was inside line backer and the fullback was his player assignment. He was credited with six fumble recoveries, four batted balls and eight sacks.
Kelley was a 1998 graduate of Miller County High School. During his senior year, he signed a grant-in-aid to play football for Middle Georgia College, along with teammates Israel Houston and Cedric Key. He was credited with 134 tackles that year and had a total of 411 career tackles. He also recorded 34 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, six fumble recoveries and eight sacks. Coaches called him the best pass blocker on the team.
Rusty was also selected as a 1996 All-SOWEGA Second Team, and 1996 All-State Honorable Mention as well as being chosen to the All-State Team in 1997. During his senior year at MCHS, Rusty could bench press 385 pounds, squat lift 550 and lift 290 clear.
Coach Ronnie McNease stated “that he remembers Rusty as one of the players he could always count on, and he was also a true friend, one that will always stand out in your mind.”
The one thing that McNease remembers so well about Rusty was in 1996 when the #3 ranked Pirates were set to play the #1 ranked Macon County Bulldogs and without the help of Rusty, who was expected to miss several games due to a strained knee ligament, but with his determination, was able to play. He remembers Rusty’s comment, “It was with strength, determination, and a big heart shaped like a football, that I was able to play.”
Athletic Director Frank Killingsworth commented, “I would like to thank the Kelley family for their support and donation toward the football uniforms. The Pirate football team will wear these uniforms with pride for Rusty, someone who loved Miller County football and played the game to his fullest.”
The athletic department, Pirate football team and coaches say, Thank you, Marty, Cheri, Marty Jr. and Cassie, for your generous contribution. We know Rusty will be looking down on us pulling for his favorite team to win.”

The first JOKARA Family Film/Video Festival has now found its way into the history books of Southwest Georgia. The festival got underway Thursday, August 31, 2006; it was quite a successful event with over 150 registered industry professionals who came from various locations: Atlanta, Hollywood, California, New York, Chicago, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Texas, and even the United Kingdom.
Veryl Cockey, president of the Colquitt/Miller County Chamber of Commerce welcomed everyone to the official breakfast and ceremony which was held at the First Baptist Church of Colquitt on Friday, September 1. Others welcoming the guests were Dr. Carl Marshall, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Mayor Jerry Chapman, and the architects of Swamp Gravy, Karen Kimbrel and Joy Jinks.
Mr. Howard Small, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, also participated in the opening ceremony as he added additional thanks and recognized the efforts of Ralph Wilcox and others who have been pressing to make Wilcox’s dream of using the film and television industry as a vehicle for economic development a reality.
The festival offered something for everyone, ranging from a tour of Southwest Georgia, with Mr. Bill Halford of Arlington, as the guide. There were movies galore, several symposiums, and gospel entertainment, not to mention great barbecue provided by Mr. Burnell Grant.
A well attended “Meet and Greet the Filmmakers” reception was held at LAPD Restaurant. Those present had an opportunity to interact with the celebrities, take pictures, and get autographs.
The highlight of the event came on Saturday, September 2. This was the evening of the official unveiling of the new sound stage, a one million dollar facility. Ralph Wilcox cut the ribbon, and the gala began. The 22,000 square foot sound stage, built in Miller County, was financed by a $500,000 OneGeorgia grant, as well as by federal and private funding.
After a wonderful meal that was prepared by Big Mama’s Place of Blakely, Rowena’s Catering of Albany and Mr. Billy Roland, entertainment was at its best with Ms. Faye Raye, a recording artist from Atlanta; Vincent S.C. Hollis, a saxophonist from Albany, Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites from South Carolina.. The keynote speaker was Ms. Hattie Winston (Nurse Margaret on the t.v. sitcom Becker). Winston’s speech was one that promoted family friendly films, as she spoke of the many roles that she was offered but did not accept because of the content. She said, “I made a commitment never to participate in anything that would embarrass my child.” Winston introduced her husband Harold Wheeler, the musical composer for the hit show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Wheeler has also composed music for the Emmy and Academy Awards. Joining Winston and her husband was Glynn Turman (Mayor Royce on The Wire).
Dr. Ted Baehr, publisher of MOVIEGUIDE and president of The Christian Film and Television Commission, was also one of the notable speakers.
Southwest Georgia Film Commission Director Ralph Wilcox said, “I am so glad that so many of my friends have come to support this effort.” He recognized Joy Jinks and Karen Kimbrel as the JOKA in JOKARA, with the last syllable “RA” representing Ralph. He also thanked Brenda Cheatem and staffer Judy Jones-Colston for all of their support and dedication.
It was an impressive gathering of show-business industry professionals and local and regional supporters. There were approximately 600 people in attendance.
Among the participants was actress Deborah Callaway Duke, who appeared in both “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Warm Springs.”
“I think it’s great,” Duke said of the festival. “It’s going to give a lot of people an opportunity to do their dreams.”
Screenwriters Shayne Edwards, Charles Robertson and Nathan Myers, all of Fort Worth, Texas, and with EpicStar Pictures, traveled to Colquitt to pitch one of Edwards’ family features films, a 19-minute short titled “Invictus,” and another screenplay that was a team effort.
Registrants from as far as Atlanta, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, various locations in Florida and London, England had registered by midday on Friday.
“To have that already happening was a good sign,” Wilcox said.
The weekend events featured film screenings, as well as workshops for screen writers, filmmakers, film production technicians, actors, producers, and directors.
“This event has made a difference, and I do believe that this is the beginning of something major," Wilcox said.
"On behalf of Henny Penny Video/Televison Production Company and the Southwest Georgia Film Commission Office, a special thank you is extended to all of the sponsors, attendees, and well wishers for the tremendous showing of support. Get ready for 2007, the next JOKARA Family Film/Video Festival," he continued.

A one-vehicle accident occurred Saturday night, September 2, 2006 on the Bellview Road.
The accident happened around 11:30 p.m. when Daniel Haire, age 21, of 72 Grasssy Flats Road was traveling east on the Bellview Road in a red 1989 Jeep Wrangler.
The report stated that Haire lost control of the vehicle when he ran off the right shoulder, hitting a bridge embankment and causing the front right tire of the vehicle to come off. The jeep overturned and ejected the driver. Haire was found on the opposite side of the bridge in the grass.
The Miller County Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene. Haire was transported to the Miller County Hospital with minor injuries.
The driver was charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane, and not wearing a seat belt.
Trooper First Class W.R. Landrum was the investigating officer.

State Troopers from the Donalsonville Post of the Georgia State Patrol investigated one traffic crash during the month of August in Miller County. The traffic crash resulted in five injuries and no traffic deaths.
SFC Buddy Johnson said troopers from Post 14 issued 60 traffic citations in the county during the month. The total includes no arrests for driving under the influence, 34 citations for speeding, 10 seat belt violations, and three chid restraint violations. Troopers also issued 39 warnings.

Bleu’s Coffee and Cream held its grand opening and ribbon cutting last Wednesday, August 30.
A large crowd was on hand to welcome Colquitt’s newest business. Veryl Garland Cockey of the Chamber of Commerce thanked the owners for deciding on the new coffee shop as their new business and wished them well.
Howard Small, chairman of the Miller County Commissioners, also thanked owners, Buddy and Tracy Johnson, and offered his assistance if ever needed.
Buddy thanked the crowd for their support and asked for their continued support. He stated, “I will do everything my boss (Tracy) tells me to do to make everyone happy.” He then asked everyone to come in and sample some of their delicacies they have to offer. “We are proud to be a new part of the ever growing community,” stated Johnson. “Bleu’s is not just a coffee and ice cream shop. We offer a large variety of items, including weight lifting supplements, dietary items, and a whole line of health products. We carry EAS, Muscle-Tech, NO-XPLODE, Champion Nutrition, Natures Best (Isopure), Xenadrene, Lipodrene, NV, Lipo 6, Energy and Protein Bars, and much more,” he added.
The shop also offers milk shakes in any flavor ice cream it carries and has Fruit Tea Blast, Yogurt, Frusia and Protein smoothies. Gourmet coffees (Espresso, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas) in a large variety of flavors are a available, and Bleu’s also has good old American coffee available. “Our current best seller is our Frappe (Ice blended coffee that offers a cool twist with a kick of energy) in four different flavors. For those who just like chocolate without the coffee, come try our “20 Below” (Frozen Hot Chocolate),” Johnson advised.
Bleu’s will be serving lunch on Mondays and Tusdays. Their lunch menu will consist of four to five sandwiches with chicken salad, pimento cheese, ham, turkey, and a Monday and Tuesday Special to be the starting line-up. They also have several desserts to choose from. They have a variety, so simply ask what is currently available. Their menu will grow as Bleu’s does, so stay tuned for soups, salads and hot dogs. Menus are available upon request. Call-in orders are welcome! The telephone number is 758-6370.
Bleu’s is also a breakfast destination with such items as bagels, muffins, danishes, and, of course, coffee! If hot tea is your fancy, the shop offers several flavors including the very popular CHAI (spiced black tea) which can be served hot or chilled. “Don’t worry we also have good ole’ sweet tea with a little Georgia Peach flavor to boot,” said Johnson.
Bleu’s regular business hours are currently 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. On Thursday, and Friday, they are open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will be closed Saturdays and Sundays. However, when there are special events and scheduled Cotton Hall performances, Bleu’s will be open on Saturdays. “We will be open after home football games! We are also available for special events such as birthdays, receptions, business meetings, etc. Please call to book your event. Bleu’s is Colquitt’s new, comfortable, clean hangout. We have two televisions and a comfortable seating area equipped with a couch and coffee table. We accommodate all ages from two years of age to 102. We also offer our customers high speed wireless internet connection for Centrino and other wireless equipped computers. We welcome everyone to come in, sit down and simply take a break from the day in YOUR coffee shop,” concluded Johnson.

Week of September 3, 2006