Upcoming Freaknik Bash prompts high alert
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected]
An approved Juneteenth festival to take place on Woodslands Road in Waynesboro turned out to actually be a “Freaknik Bash”. Waynesboro City Manager Valerie Kirkland said she and the Council were misled by applicant Melissa Brayboy, owner of Scramblerz Coffee Bar in Midville. Brayboy never informed Waynesboro city officials the...
County Manager heads DABC director search
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected]
The quest to find a passionate Development Authority director who has what it takes to make a difference is underway. After the recent termination of Jonathan Lupo’s employment, County Manager Merv Waldrop approached the Development Authority Board with a suggestion that he recruit potential candidates. “I told them that I...
Two arrested during Sardis incident involving a handgun
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected]
Two people were arrested in Sardis May 24 after one of them pointed a gun in front of law enforcement. Daniel Lee Muns, Laci Muns and Hannah Fortner were engaged in a loud verbal altercation when the Burke County Sheriff’s Office’s deputy arrived. Initially, Daniel stated the officer needed to...
Local outdoor lab to host public event
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | May 30, 2023
If motorists have ever wondered about the Southeast Research and Education Center (SEREC) on Hwy. 56 outside of Midville, Superintendent Anthony Black has a simple explanation for the purpose the site serves. “The simplest way I know to put is, we provide an outdoor laboratory for scientists conducting outdoor research,”...
Documentary highlights musicians’ struggles
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | May 30, 2023
A portion of a short documentary highlighting some of Waynesboro’s undiscovered musical talent will be filmed at the Sixth Street Park in Waynesboro next month. Wildarius Tolbert attends Full Sail University where he is earning a degree in digital cinematography. As part of the requirements of a filmrelated class, Tolbert...
Local trees fight greenhouse gases
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | May 30, 2023
Burke County trees are successfully balancing out the amount of greenhouse gases produced by transportation. The State of Georgia emitted more than 100 million metric tons of greenhouse gases last year, with the bulk of it stemming from transportation. The sectors that produce the most gashouse emissions vary by county....
Timber!!
May 30, 2023
This massive pine tree toppled over Saturday, May 27, taking down power lines on 5th Street and knocking out power in many areas of Waynesboro. Fire Chief Robert H. Parrish III speculated that the tree uprooted from a combination of wind and wet ground due to all the rain the...
Mid-night basketball proposal utilizes local park
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | May 30, 2023
Eric Mobley wants to start a mid-night basketball league at the 6th Street Park in Waynesboro. The proposed event will include a summer league basketball program from 6:30 - 9 p.m. for junior high and high school students on Monday and Wednesday nights. He also wants to start an adult...
Burke County senior gets a full ride to play collegiate volleyball
Brannon Braddock
[email protected] | May 30, 2023
Burke County 2023 graduate Madison Martin plans to continue her education at Denmark Technical College. She received a full ride scholarship to play volleyball at the South Carolina school where she plans to major in elementary education. Madison said she is excited for the new opportunity and had a lot...
EBA sports banquet
May 23, 2023
Tennis: Andrew Cates, Zaley Baker, Lillie Brown, Dailey Sylvester and Charlie Gentry
4-H Shotgun Team competes at District and State contest
MERIDITH F. MECKEL
[email protected] | May 23, 2023
The Burke County 4-H Shotgun Team competed at the district qualifying match on April 22, 2023 at Bay Gall Shooting Range. This year’s team members include: Brooke Allen, Jiles Coble, Sydney Coble, Chase Cook, Leland Flakes, Charlotte Huddleston, Audrey Kyzer, Sam Kyzer, Colton Miller, Wylie Morgan, Asa Murray, Aiden Olver,...
Five from BCHS place at state track meet
Brannon Braddock
[email protected] | May 16, 2023
The GHSA state track meet was held this past Thursday and Friday, and five BCHS athletes ran and placed. BCHS junior Markell Kelly brought home the bronze in the 110-meter hurdles while Jakeidra " Keke" Jones, Tre'Yonna Jones, Dy'Mon Webb. and Jasmin Jones placed seventh in the 4x100 relay. With...
Bears make 3-AAA All Region Team
May 16, 2023
BCHS Head baseball Coach Billy Marchman said this week that some members of the Burke County Bears baseball team were chosen to represent the 2023 All Region Selections for 3-AAAA. First Team All Region Selections were Catcher Brice Marchman, Pitcher Hunter Carroll, Pitcher Aiden Roberson and Pitcher Marshall Flowers. All...
LOOKING BACK
May 30, 2023
10 YEARS AGO – JUNE 5, 2013 The Girard Mall was destroyed by fire. Early Tuesday, June 4, the concrete block building was completely gutted. The origin of the fire was not immediately determined. Augustus Palmer, III was sworn in as the New Chief of the Waynesboro Police Department. He...
Don Lively
May 30, 2023
It was a name I hadn't heard for decades. I hadn't seen it in print, heard it uttered by any radio or television reporter, hadn't had the name enter my mind for well over forty years. U Thant. The U is pronounced Ooh, the Thant is pronounced just as it...
Michael N. Searles
May 30, 2023
Having healthcare is a right in most western democracies, but in America, healthcare is a privilege. This is true even though over 300 million out of our population of 330 million have some kind of health insurance. This leaves 30 million people without any kind of coverage. Our system of...

Memory Rockwell Zittrouer
May 30, 2023
Waynesboro, GA – Memory Rockwell Zittrouer, 76, entered into rest on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at her residence. She was born December 19, 1946 in Augusta, GA to the late Susan Tucker Rockwell Garrett and Reuben Luckie Rockwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her...

Sharon Kay Smith-Jordan
May 30, 2023
Mrs. Sharon Kay Smith-Jordan, 66, was born on July 13th,1956. She transitioned from this earthly life on May 25th, 2023 at her residence. Family visitation will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 1:00- 2:00 p.m. and public viewing will be held from 2:30-6:00 p.m. at Phinazee and Son Funeral...

Michael Middleton
May 30, 2023
Mr. Michael Middleton, 34, was born on November 19th,1988. He transitioned from this earthly life on May 19th, 2023. Family visitation will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 from 3:00- 4:00 p.m. and public viewing will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Phinazee and Son Funeral Home, 404 West 8th...

Marie Vaughn Jones
May 30, 2023
Mrs. Marie Vaughn Jones, 99, was born on April 11th,1924. She transitioned from this earthly life on May 28th, 2023 at her residence. Family visitation will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 12:00- 2:00 p.m. and public viewing will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Phinazee and Son Funeral...

Georgia Mae Mosley Cummings-London
May 30, 2023
Mrs. Georgia Mae Mosley Cummings-London, 75, was born on May 10th,1948. She transitioned from this earthly life on May 26th, 2023 at AU Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. Family visitation will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 from 12:00- 1:00 p.m. and public viewing will be held from 2:00-6:00 p.m....
Sheriff responds to BOC’s request to save $$$
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | May 30, 2023
In response to two letters signed by four Burke County Commissioners, Sheriff Alfonzo Williams fired back with a rebuttal letter and a letter addressing 2024 budget concerns. (Commissioner Lucious Abrams declined to sign the letter.) In the May 8 rebuttal letter, Williams proclaimed to be following the board’s suggestions aimed...
BURKE EMA REPORT
May 30, 2023
The Burke County Emergency Management Agency responded to 81 patients’ calls during the week ending May 28. Of those, 53 resulted in transports including 32 to Augusta hospitals and two to other out-of-county hospitals. Twenty two of the transports were determined to be emergencies and 31 were non-emergent. The agency...
BCSO investigates inmate’s attempted suicide
May 30, 2023
A 25-year-old inmate at the Burke County Detention Center attempted to end his life Sunday, May 28. The inmate is being held on child molestation charges in another county. In a press release, the Burke County Sheriff ’s Office stated the inmate had been on disciplinary lockdown for unruly behavior....
WHAT’S NEXT? {in Burke County}
May 30, 2023
Thursday, June 1 The Burke County Sheriff's Office is partnering with Shepeard Blood Community Center to host a blood drive. Citizens do not have to make an appointment, but the option is available. A Photo ID is required and all donors will receive a limited-edition blue or yellow beach towel....
Pre-Church Anniversary Revival
May 30, 2023
Phillip Grove Baptist Church continues its Pre-Church Anniversary Revival 7 p.m. nightly through Thursday June 1. Guest Speakers: Wednesday, Pastor Anthoni McElrath, Augusta; Thursday, Pastor David Mitchem, Beach Island, S.C. The public is invited.
Anfield Lewis Family Memorial Scholarship
May 30, 2023
Lisa Stone presented the JTJ (Jeanette Terry Jeffery) Anfield Lewis Family Memorial Scholarship to two recipients Thursday, May 25. Preston Riley who will be entering the U.S. Army focusing on cyber security and Tra' Darious Walker who will be attending Georgia State University were selected based upon their overall character,...
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