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Georgia House District 33 Representative Rob Leverett (left) and Jerry Spivey (right) made a donation to Friends Helping Friends last week, using funds they would have normally spent for an annual buffet that was canceled due to COVID-19. Shown accepting donation are Jeff and Sandy Adams. (Photo by Jones)

Georgia House District 33 Representative Rob Leverett (left) and Jerry Spivey (right) made a donation to Friends Helping Friends last week, using funds they would have normally spent for an annual buffet that was canceled due to COVID-19. Shown accepting donation are Jeff and Sandy Adams. (Photo by Jones)

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Leverett begins legislative career

Gary Jones
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Although rookie Georgia House Representative Rob Leverett (R-33) got plenty of advice from the man that served as Elbert County’s representative since the 1990s – Tom McCall – now that the Georgia General Assembly opened its session Monday McCall has other things to do.
The Elberton Star logo

The Elberton Star logo

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Commission introduces hemp-growing ordinance

Rose Scoggins
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
An ordinance to allow hemp processing facilities in industrial-zoned areas and hemp growing in agriculture-zoned areas was placed on first reading at Monday night’s meeting of the Elbert County Board of Commissioners (BOC).
Native Elbertonian George Gaines died Friday at age 101. He wlll be laid to rest in a graveside ceremony at Elmhurst Cemetery Thursday. The service will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Native Elbertonian George Gaines died Friday at age 101. He wlll be laid to rest in a graveside ceremony at Elmhurst Cemetery Thursday. The service will begin at 1:30 p.m.

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Gaines, 101, passes away

Gary Jones
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
George Albert Gaines Jr., whose affection for his community (and his community’s affection for him) seemed like it came from a script for a Frank Capra movie, died Friday. He was 101 years old.
Nathan Luther Ricks (left) and Lisa Michelle Ricks (right). (Photos from the Elbert County Sheriff's Office jail log)

Nathan Luther Ricks (left) and Lisa Michelle Ricks (right). (Photos from the Elbert County Sheriff's Office jail log)

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Couple indicted

Rose Scoggins
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
An Elbert County grand jury handed down an indictment of a couple of a 1717 Plantation Road address for seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals among other charges across two separate indictments Dec. 9.
Elbert County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Marc Fleming, shown at the far right prior to a Christmas parade in Elberton, said his work as a school resource officer was the “best way to make a difference in the community.’ That ended Wednesday when the 14-year law enforcement veteran received a one-day notice by certified mail that Sheriff Melvin Andrews was firing him.

Elbert County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Marc Fleming, shown at the far right prior to a Christmas parade in Elberton, said his work as a school resource officer was the “best way to make a difference in the community.’ That ended Wednesday when the 14-year law enforcement veteran received a one-day notice by certified mail that Sheriff Melvin Andrews was firing him.

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Lt. Fleming fired by certified letter

Gary Jones
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
 Elbert County citizens have reacted bitterly since last week when the former Elbert County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Supervisor Marc Fleming opened a certified letter on Dec. 30 to find out he would no longer have a job Jan. 1.
Mayor Larry Guest swore in Mayor Pro Tem Carey Butler Monday night in the first meeting of the year for the council. The meeting was held in the Elberton Arts Center and as you can tell from the swearing in ceremonies, the council used social distancing protocols. (Photo by Scoggins)

Mayor Larry Guest swore in Mayor Pro Tem Carey Butler Monday night in the first meeting of the year for the council. The meeting was held in the Elberton Arts Center and as you can tell from the swearing in ceremonies, the council used social distancing protocols. (Photo by Scoggins)

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City will prohibit engine braking noises

Rose Scoggins
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
The City of Elberton could begin prohibiting engine braking noises next month after an ordinance to amend the city’s traffic and vehicles code of ordinance was placed on first reading at Monday night’s regular meeting.
The Elberton Star logo

The Elberton Star logo

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The cost of defense

Gary Jones
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
As both sides await Senior Judge of Superior Courts David Sweat to schedule another hearing in Sweet City Landfill’s lawsuit against Elbert County, County Commission Chairman Lee Vaughn said last week county commissioners are willing to pay costly legal bills to keep Sweet City from getting...
Larry Richard Myers and Connie Lou Myers (Photos from the Elbert County Sheriff's Office jail records)

Larry Richard Myers and Connie Lou Myers (Photos from the Elbert County Sheriff's Office jail records)

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Two murder indictments

Gary Jones and Rose Scoggins
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
An Elbert County grand jury handed down indictments of a Montevideo Road couple on Dec. 10 for two felonies – murder and cruelty to children – in connection with a case from July 2019 regarding the death of a two-year-old child. The indictments, filed in Elbert County Superior Court Dec.
Bowman’s City Council has four women serving on the city’s council – (L-R) Mayor Roberta Rice and council members Henrietta Williams, Betty Jo Maxwell and Mary Clark. (Photos by Scoggins)

Bowman’s City Council has four women serving on the city’s council – (L-R) Mayor Roberta Rice and council members Henrietta Williams, Betty Jo Maxwell and Mary Clark. (Photos by Scoggins)

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A more ‘well-rounded’ community

Rose Scoggins
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Out of Elbert County’s three governing bodies, the Bowman City Council is the only body to boast female members.
Former local state representative Tom McCall was elected president of the Georgia Farm Bureau last week.

Former local state representative Tom McCall was elected president of the Georgia Farm Bureau last week.

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Tom McCall is elected president of Georgia Farm Bureau

News Staff
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
The Georgia Farm Bureau announced last week that Tom McCall was elected President of the organization that represents farmers of the  state. Georgia Farm Bureau is led by a board of farmers who are elected to their positions by other farmers across the state.