Local News
GSP Post recorded highest number of DUI arrests
TIFTON — Georgia State Patrol Post 13 recorded a higher number of DUI arrests in 2009 than any other Post in Georgia — 493 arrests for driving under the influence.
Troopers were able to post a 50 percent reduction of fatality traffic crashes in 2009 partly as a result of the strict enforcement on drunk drivers in the area. Troopers investigated nine fatality crashes last year, as compared to 18 investigated in 2008.
Post 13 Commander Ron Warren attributes the successful year to the work ethic of the troopers.
“I attribute success to the dedication of the troopers to being aggressive while enforcing DUI laws,” Warren said. “Our guys are experiencing furloughs just like the rest of the state and were able to remain at a high standard throughout the year.”
The most impressive numbers among Post 13 troopers were recorded by Dana Harnage and Melvin Simmons, each with over 100 DUI arrests in 2009.
Post 13 troopers stopped 14,171 vehicles last year resulting in 9,117 arrests and 8,219 warnings. These numbers reflect a 26 percent increase in vehicle stops, a 16 percent increase in total arrests, and a 21 percent increase in total warnings issued.
“Our guys are out there doing their best with the resources that they have,” Warren said. “They are doing a commendable job in keeping our roadways safe.”
Troopers have already investigated five fatality crashes this year, more than half the number for the entire 2009 year, so Warren encourages drivers to make driving their only priority when operating a vehicle.
“Motorists need to focus on obeying all traffic laws, wear seat belts, and don’t be distracted by media devices in the car,” Warren said. “If these things are kept in mind we can keep that number of fatal crashes to a minimum.”
Motorists are encouraged to dial *GSP to report drunk driving or to notify law enforcement of accidents.
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Mac Frampton dinner concert to benefit library
Renowned pianist Mac Frampton is coming to Tifton for a special evening of music and dining at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at the UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center.
The catered dinner and show, sponsored by the Tifton-Tift County Public Library Foundation, benefits the local public library to enhance its collections and programs. This is the only fundraiser the non-profit Library Foundation is holding this year to benefit the public library. - Rough seas expected off Georgia from hurricane
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Some bunker down, some flee as Earl approaches US
Tourists were largely gone from North Carolina's Outer Banks, but those resolute residents who stayed behind say they were prepared Thursday to potentially face down the most powerful hurricane to threaten the coast in years.
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Woman arrested for check forgery
A home healthcare worker has been charged with forging checks belonging to an elderly Ashburn woman under her care.
According to Lt. Porter Jackson of the Tifton Police Department, he was initially called by a Turner County Sheriff’s Office agent about the case. Jackson said members of the elderly woman’s family looked through some of the woman’s checks and notices that some of those written were out of numerical sequence.
“They looked into her bank account and discovered that several checks had been written for a good amount of money,” Jackson said. “They figured that the only person who came to the woman’s house was a caretaker.” -
Hannah’s Hope takes second place in the Pepsi Refresh Campaign
After a recent online vote, Hannah’s Hope finished second in the Pepsi Refresh Campaign. With the second-place finish, Tifton’s Lottyn Bates will be helped.
Since he was 2 1/2 years old, Bates has suffered from Giant Axonal Neuropathy, a neurological disorder similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease, that strikes in childhood and progresses rapidly, taking away the ability to walk, talk and breathe. A group of scientists has developed a drug for this disorder.
Hannah’s Hope will be awarded a $250,000 grant to help with his clinical trials. This win has given Bates and his family a surreal feeling of gratitude and appreciation for the public’s support. - Ex-DA slaying case headed for Jesup jury
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Talent at the Tift: 'America's Got Talent' to perform here
America’s Got Talent 2009 winner Kevin Skinner will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Tift Theatre and Tifton singer and songwriter Kirsten Underwood and her band will open the night.
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Man gets 24 years for armed robbery
A Tift County jury has found a man guilty of the December armed robbery of the Dixie Food Store and sentenced him to serve 24 years in prison. Also, a young Tifton woman pleaded guilty to the stabbing death of her brother and is awaiting sentencing.
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Local school system facing additional cuts
The local public school system has again been asked to cut additional funding for 2011 and will lose an additional $900,000 in equalization funding in 2012 because of the declining tax base.
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Omega's Pepper Festival set for Sept. 10
Before kicking off the seventh annual Pepper Festival, the City of Omega will be introducing Christian Saslo, a magician and illusionist from Atlanta, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Ponder Park.
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