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Page 2A, The Lee County Ledger, Thursday, January 1, 2004 Elderly Georgians Often Victims Of Fire Two elderly Georgia women — a 74-year-old in Columbia County and an 89-year-old in Bulloch County — lost their lives in home fires; Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine urges Georgians to watch over their senior neigh bors to help them avoid house fires. “We’ve had six fatalities in Georgia over the past week, and all of the victims were over age 60,” Commissioner Oxendine said. “We are asking neighbors to keep an eye on older residents in their neighborhood, especial ly regarding fire safety.” In addition to the two this morning, fatal fires have claimed older residents in Bryan, Montgomery, Toombs and Catoosa counties since Dec. 19. Oxendine said senior citi zens make up a disproportion ate number of the state’s fire victims for a variety of reasons. “They may lack the mobility to escape a fire. Also, many older people are security-conscious, and install burglar bars around windows and doors. While this protection decreases the likeli hood of a break-in, it also makes it more difficult to exit the home, and makes it harder for firefight ers to get inside to battle a fire.” The Commissioner said smoke detectors are especially essential for senior citizens. “Since they may need more time to escape, an early fire warning is invalu able. Nine out of ten fire victims are already dead before the fire department is even called, gases. That’s why Georgia law now requires a smoke detector in every home.” Once installed, detectors need regular battery replacement. Older people may have a hard time reaching a detector that is properly mounted (high on a wall or on the ceiling.) “If you can help an older relative or neighbor by making sure they have a working smoke detector, you could possibly save a life,” Oxendine said. Each household should have a well-rehearsed family escape plan, with at least two exit paths for every room. Seniors need to plan an escape route that they can easily utilize in case of an emergency. While a fire extinguisher can be helpful for a small fire, most people should plan to leave a burning home as rapidly as possible, and once outside, stay there. “Don’t re-enter a burn ing building for any reason,” Oxendine warned. “Many fatalities occur every year when people escape a fire only to go back inside to retrieve a pocket- book or a photo album.” Public Meeting On Services For People with Disabilities Set For February The Georgia Department of Labor’s Division of Rehabilita tion Services will host a state wide public meeting to examine the best way to provide better vocational rehabilitation ser vices to people with disabilities. The meeting will be conducted via satellite teleconference on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The teleconference will origi nate from the studios of Georgia Public Television (GPTV) in Atlanta. The public will be able to participate from several viewing sites within the 12 regional areas of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. The format will allow the audi ence to hear comments from participants all across the state. People with disabilities, advocates, employers, commu nity partners, and others who are interested are encouraged to participate. The department noted that such customers input is valuable in making plans to abilities. Through its VR program, the labor department is the prin cipal agency charged with the responsibility to provide people with disabilities the rehabilita tion and assistance necessary to move into the workforce successfully. The VR program’s state plan must be reviewed and updated annually in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. To find the nearest location to view the teleconference, people should contact the vocational rehabilitation office in their area. A list of regional offices is located at www.vocrehahga.org/ offs.html. People may also call (404) 486-6331 in metro Atlanta or 1-866-489-0001 toll free statewide to obtain the appropri ate regional office address and phone number. People who are unable to attend the public meeting may submit their written comments in no more than two pages, double-spaced, by Friday, Janu ary 23, 2004 to the following address: Georgia Department of Labor, VR Program State Plan, 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30345. The fax number is (404) 486-0197. The email address is vrpcustomer- service@dol.state.ga.us. New Year’s Eve by Grace Rhodes I woke up this morning To a day so bright and clear, I thought of it as just another day That I would hold most dear. But then I realized that it was The one that I must see, Was not only the end of the month but - The end of a year for me. I wondered if on the morrow I Would wake to the same kind of day, That would bring for me a bright new year Good health, good luck, good ways. My hopes and dreams are very strong My outlook for the days ahead, Are just to be safe and free from woes That may end anger my soul of dread. So I look to this year as a means of peace For a world that is war-torn, that’s true And I’ll give of myself all that I can So it will be a great help to you! Sheriff’s Department Files Weekly Report mainly from smoke and toxic better serve Georgians with dis- Protect your home with your hometown agent ALFA 439-0590 ||;u||tHi 1148 DAWSON ROAD, ALBANY Jlei l/ld, McJze Is/om, Service Company Cooling & Heating RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL “Quality Repair On All Brands” — Maintenance Agreements -a RUUD Same Day Service ^*ISS .Heat Pumps a Gas Furnaces ■ GA# 108360 Lighting Pilots MstrQas#328 padt & "Defrettda&Ce Sewice 759-14 JI Lee County Sheriff Harold Breeden reports that officers worked several cases and inci dents recently including cases involving giving false name and date of birth to an officer, aggra vated battery and shoplifting. David Lamb, 58, who is homeless, was charged with shoplifting at Wal-Mart De cember 28. Dep. Edward Hamil responded to 2825 in refer ence to a shoplifting and made contact with the loss prevention officer. The loss prevention of ficer observed Mr. Lamb trying to leave the store without pay ing for items valued at 4162.87. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Lee County Jail and booked. Michael Charles Waller, 37, 1015 E. Roosevelt Ave., Albany, was charged with shoplifting December 28 at Wal-Mart. Dep. M.R. Wilcox made contact with the loss prevention officer at Wal-Mart who stated that two witnesses followed Waller to a West Oglethorpe address. They identified Mr. Waller to an Albany police officer who detained Mr. Waller until he was transported back to Wal-Mart by Dep. Yearicks. He gave a false name, birth date and address to Dep. Wilcox. Mr. Waller was transported to the Lee County Jail and later released on magis trate court summons for theft by shoplifting. James Hilton Owens, 32, of 2606 A Ponte North, Al bany, was charged with mak ing harassing telephone calls, criminal trespass and stalking. On December 27 Cpl. Howard Fisher was dispatched to an Armena Road address in refer ence to criminal trespass by Mr. Owens. The victim stated that James Hilton Owens made several calls to her and came to her house after being told not to. The officer called Mr. Owens and told him that the victim requested that he not call again or return to her property. On December 28, Dep. Edward Hamil responded to the Armena address in reference to an un wanted guest. The victim stated that Mr. Owens had returned to her house. Dep. Hamil talked to Owens on the phone who stated that he was at home in Albany. The deputy went to that address with an Albany police officer but Owens did not come to the door. He was stopped by Albany Police in a traffic stop a few minutes later. Dep. Hamil responded to the traffic stop on Dawson Road and placed Owens under arrest for criminal trespass, harassing phone calls and stalking. Tyler Anthony Melvin, 21, of 151 Dunaway, was charged with headlights required, D.U.I. Mar ijuana and possession of mari juana less than ounce and John Dame Woody III was charged with possession of marijuana less than an ounce December 25 by Officer Frank Pundavela. The officer stopped Melvin after observing his vehicle with headlights turned off. Sgt. Mike Rouse responded to the scene SIZEMORE LAW OFFICES W. James Sizemore, Jr. Attorney At Law Personal Injury Criminal • Family Law / Divorce General/Business Law Conveniently Located in Downtown Leesburg 101-A Walnut St 759-0430 Governor Perdue Enrolls Grandchildren in Georgia’s 529 College Savings Plan, Pledges to Save for College Education Governor Sonny Perdue enrolled his two granddaughters, Mary Kate and Sunni, and his grandson Jack in the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan, Georgia’s Section 529 college savings plan. This program, which recently reached the mile stone of $100 million in assets, offers tax advantages to families trying to save for higher educa tion expenses. The plan, like the HOPE Scholarship, helps make college accessible for more Georgia families. “I am acting today as a grand- NOW 0PE N WE DELIVER Within 10 mile radius $10 Minitnum/5:30-9:00 pm Dine In or Take Outi Drive Thru Entrees Habachi Steak $4.59 Habachi Chicken...$3.99 Habachi Steak & Chicken..$5.50 \ Habachi Shrimp....$5.50 > NexH^The > Waffl^Iguse < House Of China’s Oriental Express Items 1 #1 Beef & Broccoli #6 Black Bean Chicken #2 Chicken & Broccoli #7 Pepper Steak #3 Sweet & Sour Chicken #8 Garlic Chicken #4 General Tso’s Chicken #9 Rung Pao Chicken #5 Teriyaki Chicken #10 Orange Beef Any 1 item with rice or noodles....$3.69 Any 2 items with rice or noodles..$4.49 Any 3 items with rice or noodles..$4.99 Sides Veg./Rice...$1.00 Egg Roll $1.00 Kids 1 item....$2.00 /Each additional item..$1.00 1588 US 19 South (229)434-1001 parent,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I urge all Georgians to plan and save for their children and grandchildren because an investment in their education is an investment in their future.” The Georgia Section 529 college savings program has enjoyed rapid growth since its launch in 2002. The program’s goal is to help participants pre pare for college expenses, and to raise awareness of the costs of higher education. The program also emphasizes that beginning early and saving consistently helps participants take maxi mum advantage of the program. Investment earnings in Georgia’s college savings plan grow free of federal and state taxes, and withdrawals are exempt from federal and state taxes when they are used to pay for qualified education expens es. With certain limitations, contributions may be deductible from Georgia taxable income up to a maximum of $2,000 a year per beneficiary. The state tax deduction is available every year, and contributions made by April 15th may be deducted on the preceding year’s return. Under the Georgia college savings plan, contributions to investment accounts can be made for a beneficiary (the eventual student) by a parent, grandparent, relative or oth ers. The program offers five different investment options, and allows contributions until the account balance reaches $235,000. There is no separate annual cap on contributions. Savings under the program can be used at Georgia schools for expenses not covered by the HOPE scholarship, or may be used at other schools throughout the country. The program web site - www.GAcollegesavings.com - provides complete informa tion and includes an on-line enrollment feature. Information and applications can also be obtained through a customer service center, 1-877-424-4377 (toll free). Accounts in the Sec tion 529 college savings plan can be opened for as little as $25, and there are no income or residency restrictions on who can open an account. For more information about Georgia’s Section 529 college savings plan, contact Chuck Penuel at 404-463-0000 or by email at chuckpenuel@otfs.stat e.ga.us. in reference to back-up. The deputy smelled the scent of an alcoholic beverage on Melvin’s breath. When the driver and passengers exited the vehicle, Sgt. Rouse observed a glass smoking pipe and a green leafy substance on the passenger side of the vehicle. Woody stated that the marijuana belonged to him. Melvin and Woody were transported to the Lee County Jail where they were processed. Christopher Michael Mitch ell, 27, of 834 Stocks Dairy Road, Leesburg, was charged with D.U.I. alcohol December 24 by Officer B. Browning. Officer Browning observed Mr. Mitchell driving on Stocks Dairy Road. While talking to Mr. Mitchell, the officer smelled alcohol on Mitchell’s breath. April Averene Davis, 27, of 184 West Highland Ave., Al bany, was charged with giving false name and date of birth to an officer and was also arrested on two warrants for deposit account fraud December 22 by Officer B. Browning. Officer Browning responded to the 2800 block of Ledo Road in reference to a traffic accident. The officer made contact with April Davis who gave him a different name and birth date. The dispatch officer contacted the family of that person who stated that she was at home and told dispatch that April Davis was driving the vehicle. She was charged for giving false name and date of birth and was wanted on two warrants for deposit account fraud. Curtis Ray Reynolds, 44, 132 E Century Road West, Leesburg, was charged with aggravated assault following a physical alteration with a female December 22 by Officer C. Anderson. Brenda Poole, 39, 1507 Nelms Road, Albany, was charged with shoplifting December 21 by Officer B. Browning. Officer Browning responded to Wal- Mart in reference to theft by shoplifting. He made contact with the lost prevention officer who advised that he observed on video Ms. Poole ringing up merchandise and giving it away to a second party who left the store with the merchandise. The loss prevention officer placed Ms. Poole under arrest in the presence of the deputy and she was transported to the Lee County Jail.