Newspaper Page Text
Page 6A
tKeporter
December 28, 2022
John Douglas Bankston
February 2,1971 - December 20, 2022
John Douglas Bankston passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20,
2022. John was born Feb. 2,1971 in Macon to the late
Robert Wayne and Rita Bankston. John enjoyed being
outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating. He also cher
ished time spent with family. His father, Robert Wayne
Bankston, mother, Rita Reichert Bankston and brother
Robert Ellis Bankston preceded him in death. Survivors
include his sister, Brandy Ellen Bankston-Boynton (Da
vid), nephew Brayden Wayne Boynton and niece Mariella
Rita Boynton.
Burial will be private and a memorial service will be
announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family
suggests donations be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church,
7015 Rivoli Road, Macon, Georgia 31210.
DEPUTY
Continued from Front
But the wife’s family member told the Reporter that
before deputies booked Bryson, Cochran called the
wife back to make sure she wanted to press charges.
“Are you sure you want to ruin his life,” Bryson asked
her, according to this witness.
A family member said it’s more evidence the sher-
iff’s office was trying to protect its own. The family
member said that since he got out jail, Bryson has
stayed with Cochran, his co-worker and one of the
arresting deputies. Freeman, however, noted that he
has no legal standing to tell deputies where they can
or cannot spend the night.
“The sheriff’s office has nothing to do with where
he stays unless it violates a protective order or bond
conditions,” said Freeman.
Family members also complained that after bonding
out, Bryson was allowed to return to his home with
a deputy escort to get some possessions. The witness
said they got no warning, as promised, that he was
coming back to the house.
But Sheriff Freeman said the deputy escort is or
dered by the judge, and that the MCSO regularly does
that when a judge requires it.
Freeman said that Bryson, who’s been with the sher
iff’s office for two years, will be on paid administrative
leave while the case is investigated. Freeman said he’s
asked Lamar County to handle the internal affairs
investigation to avoid any conflicts. The criminal
charges against Bryson will be sent to district attorney
Jonathan Adams’ office to decide whether charges
should be added or dropped.
The Brysons have been married for 15 years. Charlie
Bryson had earlier served with the White County
Sheriff’s Office in Cleveland.
Steven Edward Skinner
February 9,1963 - December 20, 2022
Steven Edward Skinner went to be with his Heavenly
Father on Dec. 20,2022. Steve was a loving husband,
father and grandfather of four and an active member
in the church and community. Born on Feb. 9,1963, in
Okinawa, Japan, to his parents Fred and Mary Skinner; he
is the third of five children. Steven married the love of his
life, Wanda Skinner on Feb. 14,1987, in Tallahassee, Fla.
Steve earned his Eagle Scout in 1978 and joined the Order
of the Arrow, following in the footsteps of his father. He
graduated in 1981 from Valdosta High School and directly
enlisted in the United States Army.
He joined the 82nd airborne division as an infantry
man where he dutifully served his country for 27.5 years,
including operation Urgent Fury. He earned many honor
rolls in his service, including the Egyptian Parachut
ist Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NATO
medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Driver and Mechanic
Badge, and Jungle Expert Badge. Steve was very active in
his church, leading the Men’s ministry, heading up Sunday
School Breakfasts, organizing Single mother oil changes,
or doing repairs around the church. He was also heavily
involved in Boy Scouts, volunteering for the last 17 years
serving wherever he was needed in order to serve, train,
and prepare the men of tomorrow.
Steven is best known for his servant's heart. No matter
who needed help or where someone was, Steve would be
willing and wanting to help them in any way he could.
This not only extended to his Family, his Military com
rades, his Scouts, or his Church family but to the whole
community. As he was certified as a First Responder,
EMT, and a volunteer Firefighter, and an NRA instructor.
Steven is remembered by his wife, Wanda, and their
children; Courtney, (and significant other), Chelsea (with
child) and husband James Brooks (children Paul and
Rachel), and Michael (and significant other; daughter
Journey). Preceded in death by parents Fred and Mary
and son Matthew and survived by siblings Fred, Diana,
Mark, and Nancy.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m„ Tuesday, Dec. 27,
2022 at Rocky Creek Baptist Church with visitation one
hour prior to the service. Burial was in the church ceme
tery. Rev. Jeff Dean officiated.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The
Sanctuary Baptist Church, 12643 Ga Hwy 87, Juliette, GA
31046.
Please visit www.monroecoimtymemorialchapel.com to
express tributes.
Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of ar
rangements.
Fowler Flemister
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401 College St.
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478-394-4875
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Clark
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Ilk fllO RIALS
Call your local Monroe County representative
Scott Harrell
478-256-3586
or toll free: 800-551-1102
A
3250 Vineville Ave., Macon, GA 31208
r
DUI
Continued from Front
vehicle.
Jones said he was driving
south on 1-475 just north
of the Estes Road bridge
when he saw the Challeng
er being struck by another
vehicle, which then struck
the front left of his vehi
cle. Jones could not give a
description of the vehicle
that struck him. Monroe
County Lt. John Thopmson
said Jones was originally
taken to jail but then to the
hospital for injuries.
Evidence on the scene
and damage to the vehicles
pointed to Jones as being
the wrong-way driver. The
vehicles were towed by
Tracy’s Towing Service.
COLD
Continued from Front
River Forest.
“It’s a very busy morning,”
sighed Jackson on Tuesday.
Monroe County’s northern
water system almost ran out
of water Monday, with the
High Falls tank, which nor
mally holds 250,000 gallons,
down to 37,000.
As a precaution, Monroe
County has issued a Boil
Water Advisory for all North
Monroe County water
system customers, which
includes all areas along
Johnstonville Road and to
the north of Johnstonville
Road (excluding the Riata,
River Forest, and River Walk
subdivisions which are al
ready on the City of Forsyth
system). Customers are
advised to use only boiled
tap water or bottled water for
drinking, cooking or prepar
ing food. The county said it
will let people know when
the Boil Water Advisory has
been lifted. The Boil Water
Advisory does not apply
to customers who already
receive water from the City
of Forsyth or customers on
Monroe County’s South
Water System.
Also, the county is urging
Monroe County’s north
water system customers to
continue to limit their water
usage over the next several
days to prevent the City of
Forsyth from overtaxing its
system as well.
Monroe and Butts coun
ties are not the only ones in
the state having issues with
their water systems during a
holiday weekend of freezing
temperatures. More than
a dozen Georgia counties,
including nearby Jones,
Baldwin and Clayton, have
reportedly experienced wa
ter system problems over the
past several days, including
total loss of water in certain
areas.
Meanwhile, as temps
dipped into the teens last
week, county officials rallied
to provide a warming station
for residents at the Living
Word Community Church
on Juliette Road. Com
missioner Lamarcus Davis
secured donations of food
and blankets from Walmart
and Ingles, commissioner
Eddie Rowland offered to
cook sausage biscuits. Chief
Jackson said people were
beating down their door
trying to help, a testament
to the spirit of Christmas in
Monroe County.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Central Georgia Chapter 946
Meet & Greet for All Area Veterans
Saturday, January 7
11:30 a.m.
Fox City Brewing Company
Lunch will be available for purchase.
For Further Information Contact:
Martin Ursitti Mike Kuhr William Horne Glenn McMichael
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
(478)808-2704 (478)955-8653 (478)973-3285 (478)957-8311
Our Purpose:
To promote the welfare of veterans of military service of the United States of
America, thus fulfilling our obligation to insure the lessons learned through
service and sacrifice are never misplaced.
Vietnam Veterans of America Central Georgia Chapter 946
P.O. Box 1144 • Forsyth, GA 31029
Affordable Health Screenings
Coming to Forsyth, Georgia
Residents living in and around the Forsyth, Georgia
can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious
conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line
Screening. Christ United Methodist Church will host
this community event on 1/14/2023. The site is located
at 417 North Frontage Rd. in Forsyth.
Screenings can check for:
■ The level of plaque buildup in your arteries,
related to risk for cardiovascular disease,
stroke and overall vascular health.
■ HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels
■ Diabetes risk
■ Kidney and thyroid function, and more
Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free
parking is also available.
Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants
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you based on your age and risk factors. Call
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6111 Oak Tree Blvd., Suite 301, Independence, Ohio 44131
Phone: 216.581.6556 • Fax: 216.581.9611
WWW.LIFELINESCREENING.COM
No she didn't!’
The "Best" (i.e. Craziest) Police Stories
of the Decade from
the Monroe County Reporter
‘No she didn't!’
The Bes» Incidents from the Monroe County Reporter since 2011
A stubborn exotic bull on a rampage for
three months. A naked woman romping at
the Forsyth Inn. A deputy crashing his patrol
car head on into a light pole in the Walmart
parking lot.
These are just some of the crazy stories
you'll find within the pages of "No She
Didn't!" We have scoured the archives of
The Best Little Newspaper in Georgia, The
Monroe County Reporter, for the most
interesting police stories over the years.
Some are sad. Some are funny. All are true.
As we often tell people, yes, it really
happened.
Proceeds from this book will go toward the
Deputy Michael Norris Memorial Scholar
ship the Reporter started in 201 4. It helps
pay for college for Monroe County young
people interested in a career in public
service. This book is dedicated to Norris'
memory, and proceeds from it will help to
support like-minded young people who
want to serve their community. So thanks for
reading.
50 N. Jackson St. • Forsyth, GA 31029 • 478-994-2358 • www.mymcr.net