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2006 IN REVIEW
Bainbridge College held open house at its Blakely site, formerly Albany Tech, on July 11. A large crowd of local and area officials and citizens attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. The county adopted a $6.95 million 2007 budget at its July 10 meeting. Voter turnout was light for the general primary. While Cathy Cox lost to Mark Taylor in the statewide primary, Cox was the choice of the majority of Early County voters. In local races, Butch Wiggins won the District 1 county commission seat over George White. The Early County Board of Education adopted a $17.5 million budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. August Gov. Sonny Perdue approved an additional 1600 pre-k student slots in the state to accomodate a long waiting list of students. Early County was slated to receive approval for up to 20 additional students. Bainbridge College began its first semester with packed classes. Over 450 students enrolled for the college’s first full semester at its Blakely site. Southside Baptist Church installed a new steeple on its building. The project was funded with memorials to the late Ronald Taylor, a trustee of the church. The annual Tailgate Kickoff on the square drew a large crowd of Bobcat and Warrior supporters ready for another season of gridiron action. J.D. Murkerson earned a spot in the world long drive championship. Early County was among the 155 Georgia counties on the list for a disaster declaration due to drought and excessive temperatures submitted by Gov. Perdue for federal approval. Country Come to Town, a team sponsored by the local chamber of commerce, won the Early County Literacy Task Force’s first adult spelling bee. September Georgia-Pacific announced it was u n d e r g o i n g process and organ i z a t i o n a l changes at its Cedar Springs facility, which will result in some workforce reduction at the facility. Early Countian Gerradi Henderson has been named to the staff of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff’s staff. A fatal hit and run accident took the life of David McLendon, 51, of Blakely. An 18-wheeler was involved and is being sought by authorities. The Early County Commission announced it was consolidating 80 dumpsters scattered around the county to approximately 15 public sites and 25 business sites. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division announced draft permits for the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Early County have been issued. October A five-year-old Blakely youth was killed in an automobile accident near Arlington. The youth was identified as Deontrey Glenn in a state patrol accident report. The Early County High School Band of Blue received a superior rating at area competition. Caitlin Cooper was crowned SGA homecoming queen and Clay Hudson as the school’s first homecoming king. Joanna Smith, daughter of Tony and Bev Smith of Arlington, performed at the Grand Ole Opry Oct. 26. The 36th annual Kolomoki Festival drew a large crowd to enjoy a full day of activities, good food and beautiful weather at Kolmoki Mounds State Park. Rain didn’t stop supporters or opponents of the LS Power Longleag Energy Project question and answer session sponsored by the Georgia EPD at Mangham Auditorium. Savannah Smith was crowned homecoming queen at ECHS with Jeff Anderson crowned as king. Over 400 families received food and supply boxes through a Feed the Children distribution. Partner agencies for the project were Georgia- Pacific, Early County Communities in Schools and Early County Family Connections. November The Georgia Environmental Protection Division hosted a public hearing to receive formal comments concerning the coal-fired power plant project proposed for Early County. Dr. Luis Murrain has joined the staff at Primary Care of Southwest Georgia, a local community health center located on College Street. The Men’s Bible Class of First United Methodist Church, the Blakely-Early Chamber of Commerce and the local American Legion sponsored two events honoring local veterans. A program of patriotic music and a special speaker at First Methodist Church preceded an afternoon ceremony on the south side of the courthouse where names of Early County’s fallen heroes were read aloud. Local candidates winning seats included Alice Hutchins and James Cannon, Early County Board of Education; and Heath McDowell, Damascus mayor; and Connie McDowell and Robert Brunson, Damascus council members. The Blakely City Council voted to begin the process to participate in the national flood insurance program. The Early County Bobcats advanced to the second round of state playoffs, hosting Brantley County at Standifer Field Nov. 24. December The Bobcats advanced to the AA quarter finals to play the Yellow Jackets in Calhoun, Ga. Dec. 2. Holidays on the Square and the annual Christmas parade Dec. 3 drew a large crowd to celebrate the Christmas season in downtown Blakely. After defeating Calhoun, the Bobcats advanced to the semi-finals at the Georgia Dome Dec. 16 where they faced Charlton County. Although the Cats gave the fans plenty to cheer about, a win wasn’t in the cards this season for ECHS. The Early County Commission honored outgoing commissioner Buddy Durham at their December meeting. Durham did not seek reelection for his seat, which was will be filled by F.C. “Butch”Wiggins. The City of Blakely approved a $14 million budget for the coming fiscal year. Mary Edith Bush was named Georgia’s top Case Manager in the Department of Family and Children Services. ECHS Bobcat’s Coach
Trey Woolf was named AA Coach of the Year by the Georgia Sportswriters Association. ECHS Senior quarterback Emmanuel Taylor was named Offensive Player of the Year by the same association.
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