The Advocate-Democrat. (Crawfordville, Ga.) 1893-current, May 31, 2024, Image 1

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The Advocate-Democrat., May 31, 2024, Image 1

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Newspaper Page Textefvomet/mn c'Pajien andc/hndMi¥j\ Mem Volume 150 CRAWFORDVILLE, GA 30631 TALIAFERRO COUNTY, MAY 31, 2024 NUMBER 22 Happenings at the Park Saturday, June 1 Since movie night was canceled due it inclimate weather last week, we are going to try again this Saturday, June 1,9PMuntil 11PM. Bringyour$5 parking fee and popcorn, snow cone, and drink money. Meet at Lake Liberty in front of the park office. Call 706-456-2602 if you need more information. Kids 15 and younger can try their hand at fishing and maybe even win prizes for youngest angler or largest fish and there will be door prizes. Register between 7:30am and 7:45am at the main office and enjoy some fishing fun on Lake Liberty. The tournament will start at 8am and end at 11:30am. $5 parking fee required. 33rd Annual Senior Fishing Rodeo Saturday, June 15, 2024 8 AM to 12 PM This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty. Anglers 55 years and older can try to win prizes in several categories, as well as win a door prize. Register between 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM at the main office and enjoy some great fishing. The tournament will start at 8 AM and end at 12:00 PM. $5 parking. 706-456- 2602. DNR: what to do when you see a snake As spring warms up, snakes are moving and Daniel Sollenberger’s phone is ringing. As state herpetologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Sollenberger is a go-to for snake questions. In the spring, most of those questions center on two topics: What species is this and what should I do? As for the first, seldom is the snake a venomous species, according to Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section. Whether it’s venomous, of course, is the worry or fear underlying most of the questions. Chances are it's not. Only seven of the 47 species native to Georgia are venomous and only one - the copperhead - usually thrives in suburban areas, which is where many Georgians live. “With spring, a variety of wildlife species become active and visible in and around our homes, yards and gardens, including snakes,” Sollenberger said. “While seven of Georgia’s snake species can be dangerously venomous to humans, the 40 other species are nonvenomous, completely harmless and actually protected by state law.” Which brings us to the second question: What should you do, or not do, if you see a snake? First, do not attempt to handle the snake. Give it the space it needs. You can try to identify it from a distance. Resources such as https://georgiawildlife.com/ georgiasnakes, which includes DNR’s “Venomous Snakes of Georgia” brochure, can help. Remember that snakes are predators that feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects and even other snakes. There is no need to fear nonvenomous snakes. Also, as Sollenberger mentioned, Georgia’s native nonvenomous species are protected by state law. One - the eastern indigo - is even federally protected. If a clearly identified venomous snake is in an area where it represents a danger to people or pets, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/ preventing-wildlife-conflicts for a list of private wildlife removal specialists. Most bites occur when a snake is cornered or captured and defending itself. Nonvenomous snakes such as scarlet kingsnake, eastern hognose and watersnake species are frequently confused with their venomous counterparts - coral snakes, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, respectively. Although pit vipers, which include all venomous species native to Georgia except for coral snakes, are often identified by their broad, triangular-shaped heads, many nonvenomous snakes flatten their heads when threatened, which can make their heads appear triangular-shaped. Also, some nonvenomous species have color patterns similar to venomous snakes. The bottom line: While it’s likely not venomous, use caution around any unidentified snake. “To keep yourself safe and allow our native wildlife to thrive,” Sollenberger said, “give all snakes the space they require and the ability to escape on their own.” FormoreonGeorgia’ssnakes, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/ georgiasnakes. “Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia” (University of Georgia Press) also provides a comprehensive reference. SNAKE INSIGHTS Venomous vs. poisonous: Venom is a toxic substance. But a key difference when the terms are used to describe organisms is how the toxin is delivered. Venomous animals inject theirs by biting, stinging or sticking - think venomous snakes, wasps and stingrays. Poisonous species, such as poison frogs, deliver toxins passively, such as when they’re eaten or through skin secretions when they are touched. Benefits: While some snakes eat rodents and even venomous snakes, others prey on creatures some Georgians also may not want near their homes. Brown and red-bellied snakes, for example, feed on snails and slugs, the bane of gardeners. Crowned snake species primarily eat centipedes. Baby snakes? Snakes such as earth and brown snake species are small (usually less than 12 inches long) and homeowners occasionally mistake them as juveniles. The common concern here: Are the parents nearby? Some snake species are live-bearers and some are egg-layers. But most snakes do not exhibit parental care. If there are parents, they are not watching over their offspring. Prevention: To reduce the potential for snakes near your home, remove brush, log piles and other habitat features that attract mice, lizards and other animals on which snakes prey. HELP CONSERVE WILDLIFE From eastern indigo snakes to bald eagles, DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section works to conserve rare and other Georgia wildlife not legally fished for or hunted, as well as rare plants and natural habitats. The agency depends primarily on fundraisers, grants and contributions. That makes public support key. Georgians can help by supporting the state’s Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund. Here’s how: Buy a DNR eagle or monarch JferoDfliM fc 1Wm Jfomgs MEMORY or THE MEN MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE WORLD UAR I ROY DOZIER WORLD WAR II L A. CASON HENRY C SIMONS ROGER W GUNN CHARLES ROBERTS 0S rwCS ETjFML i VJ?ISO '.J>0UND TOEIP SiuAt risn AH sr«L\D L AN0 CLOPv i if t'll «0UND [V Ifi Jflr ^AMERICAN M LEGION World War I Memorial on the lawn of the Taliaferro County Courthouse. In memory of those from Taliaferro County, Georgia, who died in both World Wars, a wreath was placed by the Roy Dozier American Legion Post 8 in Crawfordville. In World War I, one soldier from Taliaferro County lost is life, Roy Dozier, for whom the American Legion Post in Crawfordville is named. World War II took four lives from our county-L.A. Cason, Henry C. Simons, Roger W. Gunn and Charles Roberts. A flag is placed in each man’s memory. Special thanks to Alivia Ballard, an employee at F&M Bank, who made the wreaths. Carr announces new conviction in Greene County drug, sex trafficking case News release from the Office of the Attorney General Attorney General Chris Carr announced May 22, 2024 that Jameesha Harris, 21, of Cleveland, Ohio, has been convicted and sentenced to 25 years for assisting in the trafficking of a 16-year-old female in the Metro Atlanta area. The victim, who had been reported missing out of South Carolina, was recovered on Aug. 2, 2023, following a traffic stop initiated by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement also located more than 28 grams of cocaine and over one ounce of marijuana in the vehicle. “Our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has secured yet another conviction after assisting in the recovery of an underage victim,” said Carr. “As we have seen time and again, those involved in the trafficking of a child are often engaged in other criminal activity, and they must be held accountable. By working with partners like District Attorney Wright Barksdale, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office, and GBI’s HEAT Unit, we will continue to use the full force of the law to ensure traffickers are off our streets and our children are kept safe.” This case was investigated by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit, and the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit Chief, Hannah Palmquist. “We will remain diligent in looking for victims of sex trafficking and holding the traffickers accountable,” said Greene County Sheriff Donnie Harrison. “The Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office’s priority will always be to ensure Georgians feel protected against violent crimes in their communities,” said Taliaferro County Sheriff Tia McWilliams. “Working with our state partners means we can effectively and efficiently work together to hold bad actors accountable.” “The GBI works diligently to identify victims of human trafficking and hold their traffickers accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Our HEAT Unit will continue to provide investigative resources to state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to assist in these cases to not only find justice for human trafficking victims but bring an end to these heinous crimes.” Attorney General Chris Carr commented, “By working with Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and T. Wright Barksdale III, Ocmulgee District Attorney’s Office, we’ll continue to ensure traffickers are off our streets and our children are kept safe”. Case Summary On Aug. 2, 2023, a Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy was conducting highway interdiction efforts in the area of Greensboro when he observed a white Cadillac sedan stop improperly at the intersection of GA-15 and GA-77. Anthony Holmes was driving the vehicle, while Jameesha Harris and a 16-year- old female were traveling as passengers. After observing the traffic violation, the Deputy activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a stop. Holmes sped away, resulting in a pursuit. Once Holmes crossed into Taliaferro County from Greene County, the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit and assisted in pitting the vehicle. Following the pit maneuver, and during the initial field investigation, Greene County Sheriff’s Deputies learned that the 16-year-old passenger had been reported missing out of South Carolina after having previously been reported missing by her family in Ohio. Given these reports and multiple red flags indicating the child may be a victim of sex trafficking, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office contacted the GBI’s HEAT Unit to assist with the investigation. The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit also joined in the effort soon after. The investigation indicated that Holmes and Harris had transported the victim from South Carolina to Atlanta to perform commercial sex acts. During the pursuit and the weeks that followed, deputies with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office also located a firearm, cocaine prepared for distribution and marijuana, among other evidence. Both Anthony Holmes and Jameesha Harris were subsequently indicted by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit on Oct. 31, 2023. The State’s case against Anthony Holmes is still ongoing. butterfly license plate, or renew one of the older plate designs, including the hummingbird. Most of the fees are dedicated to wildlife. Upgrade to a wild tag for only $25! Details at https:// gadnr.org/license-plates. Donate at https://www. gooutdoorsgeorgia.com. Click “Licenses and Permits” and log in to give. (New customers can create an account.) There’s even an option to round-up for wildlife. Contribute to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund when filing state income taxes - line 30 on form 500 or line 10 on form 500EZ. Giving is easy and every donation helps. Donate directly to the agency. Learn more at https:// georgiawildlife.com/donations. Purchase a hunting or fishing license. A one-day, $5 hunting/ fishing license returns to Georgia wildlife that fee plus about $45 in federal excise taxes paid by hunters and anglers nationwide. To see how your support helps wildlife, go to https:// georgiawildlife.com/ conservation/annualreport.