‘Special delivery’ of meth investigated

NASHVILLE, Ga. — Authorities in Berrien County are investigating a mysterious package of illegal drugs found in someone’s mail. At about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was called about a suspicious package someone received in the mail, according to a notice posted on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page. Investigators seized approximately four pounds of crystal methamphetamine, commonly called “ice,” the sheriff’s office said. No arrests have been made, according to the notice. Sheriff Ray Paulk said if anyone receives a suspicious package in the mail to call 911 or the sheriff’s office at (229) 686-7071. Anyone with information about illegal narcotics can contact the sheriff’s office and report anonymously.

 

Jamboree is Saturday

THOMASVILLE, Ga. —Family friendly Pelham Country Jamboree is Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. in downtown Pelham. This week’s special guests are Lalla Leaman, Mack Harrison, Gary Page,J eff Howell, Roy Weeks and Joann Wells. For booking and more information call 229-603-2224 or 229-449-8586.

 

Tiftarea Academy announces new headmaster

CHULA, Ga. – Tiftarea Academy announced this week the appointment of Stacey Bell of Fitzgerald, as the school’s new headmaster. He began his tenure on July 1. “We are thrilled with this new hire and are looking forward to the progressive direction Stacey will move our school,” said board Chairman Derrick Jones. “He has proven leadership within the public school system and we feel confident he will lead Tiftarea Academy to new heights.”  Bell has served as principal of Fitzgerald High School since 2012. Under Bell’s leadership, the school’s graduation rate has increased significantly, and the school has been recognized as a High Progress Reward School, among other accomplishments. Before moving to Fitzgerald, Bell served the Worth County Board of Education in various roles for more than 13 years, 11 of which were spent in administration. Under Bell’s leadership, Worth County High School received the Governor’s Cup for improved SAT scores, and the graduation rate increased by nearly 15 percent. In total, Bell has served 31 years in the field of education with 16 years specifically in administration.  Bell expressed his enthusiasm about the new role. “Tiftarea is one of the premier independent schools in this area and I am grateful for the opportunity. I am looking forward to getting to know the faculty, staff, students and parents and working in conjunction with them to ensure the school reaches its greatest potential,” he said.   Classes begin August 18 for Tiftarea Academy’s 2016-17 school year.  For more information on Tiftarea Academy, visit www.tiftareaacademy.com. 

 

30th annual Community Day to be held Saturday

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Themed “Win our Teens 2016,” the 30th annual Community Day will be held from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday at the Northwest Recreation Complex. Community Day includes free bounce houses, face painting, stepping shows, dance shows, bingo, cash prizes, gifts and free bike giveaways. Youth and adult basketball tournaments will be held, as will a car and bike show. A dance will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Lashay James at 921-1460 or 668-0028, ext. 4.

 

Voters league to hold candidate forum

LIVE OAK, Fla. – The Suwannee County Voters League will hold a candidates’ forum for those running for county commissioner (Districts 1, 3 and 5) and school board (Districts 2 and 3) Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.According to a press release, candidates will each be given five minutes to speak about their background, experiences and views as it relates to the office they are seeking.After the introductory session, there will be around 15 minutes of questions and answer. The public will be given an opportunity to submit written questions to the facilitator, the release states. For more information, contact Jessie Philpot at 386-290-0842 or Charles Burke at 386-362-4194.

 

Sheriff, police chief to speak at Ebenezer AME

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Sons of Allen, the men’s ministry at Ebenezer AME Church, will sponsor a public information session on local law enforcement next week to help address public concerns in the wake of recent fatal shootings around the country of two African- American men and five Dallas police officers. The discussion will be held on Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m, at Ebenezer AME Church, 411 Parshley St. SW in Live Oak, according to Gary Caldwell. Caldwell said the discussion would be led by Suwannee County Sheriff Tony Cameron and Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams. Officers will also discuss how motorists, particularly young black males, should respond when stopped by police. The Rev. Charles Graham, Ebenezer’s pastor, said the event was part of the Sons of Allen’s continuing series of prayer breakfasts aimed at helping to improve the Live Oak community and meet the needs of youths. 

 

Historical center has new operating hours

DALTON, Ga. — The Whitfield-Murray Historical Society’s Crown Gardens and Archives/Historical Center has new operating hours. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule a Saturday time for research, call the center 48 hours in advance at (706) 278-0217. The building may be rented for special events and meetings in the evenings and on weekends. Call Vallarie Pratt, executive director of the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society, to discuss rental fees and available dates. The center is at 715 Chattanooga Ave. in Dalton.