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THE HERALD GAZETTE/WALTER GEIGER MLK Day observed Barnesville mayor Peter Banks welcomed a small crowd to the Martin Luther King Day observance Jan. 16 at the courthouse. The event was resurrected at the last minute after being canceled due to COVID. About 30 people took part. Gordon football investigation FROM PAGE ONE compliance at the col lege, about the matter on Jan. 15. Lt. Payne expects to file multiple charges against Carter this week. Gordon officials referred inquiries to Aaron Diamant, vice- chancellor for commu nications at the Univer sity System of Georgia. Diamant issued a brief state ment saying only, “Mr. Carter is no longer employed at Gordon State College. We can not comment further pending conclusion of the investigation.” The Highlanders will kick off their six-game schedule March 6 at Middle Georgia. Calvin Adams is serving as interim coach. He is joined by vol unteer assistants Christian Lane, offensive coordi nator; Chad Few of Barnesville, defensive coordinator; and Rodnique Brown, as sistant defensive coordi nator. 24-7 Emergency Service Available On Call 24-7-365 Rough winter weather can be tough on your roof. We have crews on standby with tarps ready to respond at any time of the day or night and save your belongings if you experience a problem. Tuesday, January 26,2021 ®Jjt 1) era lb <©a??tt? 3A Commission discusses EMS staffing, response times WALTER GEIGER NEWS@BARNESVILLE.COM The Lamar County commission discussed issues with Community Ambulance involving staffing and response times at its regular meet ing Jan. 19 (See related story, page 1A). Sheriff Brad White said there have been times when dispatchers have had five calls pending EMS response. The county pays nothing for EMS service at present. Community operates on a fee basis. The com mission discussed negotiating a contract with Community to use county funds to supple ment pay for EMTs. “There is currently a contract. They are not abiding by it so you will have to negotiate a contract amendment,” county attorney Scott Mayfield said. The commission voted unanimously to pursue the amendment. In other action, the commission: •Approved routine minutes. •Appointed commis sioner Bennie Horton as vice-chairman. That position rotates among the members. •Appointed Smith, Welch, Webb and White county attorneys. •Appointed Drs. Lee Woodall, Terri Wilson, Haley Manley and Aaron Buice as county physi cians. •Appointed James But ler county surveyor. •Appointed Mayfield open records custodian. •Approved $130,000 for three patrol cars for the sheriff’s office. This is a planned expenditure under SPLOST. The fund ing was authorized ahead of time so the sheriff and county administrator can jump on deals when they find them. •Renewed the proba tion supervision services contract. •Heard from citizen Dorothy Carter who thanked God for free speech. “Racism exists here. Racism has been here since the first slave ships arrived. We need to open our hearts and minds and listen,” Carter said in part. She also encouraged people to wear masks. Commis sioner Bob Heiney argued masks are not effec tive in fight ing COVID. “Listen to the science not political science,” Heiney admon ished Carter. Chairman Charles Glass noted he wears a mask be cause COVID is carried in respiratory droplets and masks do reduce that danger. MAYFIELD HEINEY GLASS Milner man killed in crash A Milner man was killed Jan. 19 in a high speed collision in Spald ing County. State troop ers say the driver of a 2001 Ford Explorer was fleeing a traffic stop when he lost control in a curve and hit a building on East McIntosh Road. Michael Jerome Hand, 49, of Milner was dead at the scene. The driver, Michael Ward, 38, of Stock- bridge, was taken to Grady HAND in Atlanta. He faces multiple charges. Another passenger, Nicola Gray, 38, of Col lege Park, was air lifted to Grady. The fourth occupant of the Explorer, Dustin Turner, 27, of Grif fin, was taken to Atlanta Medical Center. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home handled arrangements for Hand but no service was held. Mason for Chief Magistrate Driven Leader, Experienced Educator, Giving Community Member! CEO for 11 years (mostly holding rank of Captain or higher for over half of his 31 year career Volunteer Coach for 20 years—Lamar County's first Select Coach—ranked 2nd in GA soccer College Professor— teaching at a collegiate level for 14 years Police Senior Instructor—training police for over 15 years FBI National Academy Graduate—trained at the very highest level of law enforcement More than qualified! 82nd Airborne paratrooper and legal specialist—Trained in the Uniform Code of Military Justice Jeff's solid background and standing in the community continues the public faith in a people's court that will apply the law fairly and without bias or malice Early voting starts Feb 22 Election Day: March 16 Call us and talk to a live dispatcher, not a recording! Aicetaed & 'IfMVted OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE! CALL TODAY! 678-521-9747 www.advancedroofingandinteriors.com Elect Jeff Mason Chief Magistrate Preserving the integrity, trust, and credibility the Lamar County Magistrate Court Paid for by Jeff Mason for Chief Magistrate of dje Jleralfc <§a?ette will publish the Lamar County Trojans 2021 Spring Teams Preview on Tuesday, February 23 rd With Spring around the corner, CI)f llfKllti is hoping to help encourage the Lamar County’s student athletes by recognizing their sport of basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, track and wrestling. We sincerely hope these young people have the opportunity to play a full season as we recognize their achievements. Parents contact - missy@barnesville.com or Call: 770-358-6397 to schedule an ad for your child! Deadline for ads is 12 noon, Tuesday, February 16 th £0X3U