McCardell sentenced to 275 years for standoff with deputies
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected]
Sgt. Steven Kophazy referred to Kevin Shane McCardell as “evil” and probably the worst person he had ever met, during the sentencing portion of the jury trial that spanned three days in Courtroom 2 of the Burke County Judicial Center. Multiple deputies from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office testified about...
Judge Stone denies Hammock relief from ankle monitor
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected]
During a hearing at the Burke County Judicial Center on Monday, February 19, Judge Jesse Stone heard Statesboro Attorney Matthew Hube’s argument that Joshua Hammock, accused of murder, should be relieved of his ankle bracelet. Hammock was ordered to wear an ankle monitor nearly a year ago as part of...
Archway professional updates on project statuses
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected]
Archway Professional Aaron Redmond updated the Waynesboro City Council on the status of ongoing projects during the monthly meeting February 19. The 6-session Youth Leadership program will wrap up March 12. A graduation ceremony will take place at the Burke County High School that day. Twenty-four high school students from...
AVOIDING TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | February 27, 2024
Editor’s Note: Considering the issues involved in the victim’s marital relationship with Kevin McCardell along with rising incidents of domestic violence, The True Citizen reached out to local Licensed Professional Counselor, Tonya Coleman, for her expertise on what a healthy relationship looks like. Although the expectations attached to spousal roles...
Wimberly House Ministries honors Dylan Thomas
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | February 27, 2024
Dylan Thomas was recently recognized for his efforts as a middle school teacher, church youth pastor, Future Farmers of America advisor, coach, community advocate, leader, mentor and a friend. “You would be very hard pressed to find someone high school age and younger in our community that has not been...
District Attorney’s Office announces launch of the Checks Over Stripes program
February 27, 2024
A recent initiative empowers young people through employment and education, helping them earn paychecks instead of prison stripes. Checks over Stripes is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office and local community partners that seeks to increase safety and promote better choices among first-time entrants into the justice system....
Sardis moves toward park improvements
SHELLIE SMITLEY
[email protected] | February 27, 2024
The City of Sardis held a public hearing Tuesday, February 20 to discuss the preliminary plans for improvements at Annie Fluellen and Girard Avenue Parks. Al Lawson with Turnipseed Engineers presented details of the proposed upgrades. He pointed out that the primary purpose or focus of the park grants is...
VOTING UPDATE
February 27, 2024
Elections Supervisor Angie Parrish said early voter turnout for the Presidential Preference Primary has been slow so far. Those wishing to cast their vote early may do so through March 8. The Historic Courthouse is open Monday -Friday and Saturday, March 2 9a.m.- 5 p.m. Election day is March 12,...
Lady Bears advance to Sweet Sixteen, lose second game
BRANNON BRADDOCK
[email protected] | February 27, 2024
After finishing first in their region, the Lady Bears basketball team secured homefield advantage throughout the state playoffs. Last week, they played two games, winning one and coming up short in the second game, bringing their season to an end. The Lady Bears’ first game of the state playoffs was...
Bears basketball season ends
BRANNON BRADDOCK
[email protected] | February 27, 2024
After finishing third in region a few weeks ago, the Bears stamped their ticket to the state playoffs. Their first and only game of the playoffs took place last week during BCHS’s winter break. On Wednesday, February 21, the Bears traveled to Spalding to face off against the Jaguars, coming...
Bears go 2-0 in week two baseball
BRANNON BRADDOCK
[email protected] | February 27, 2024
The Bears didn’t waste any time getting back on their feet after being blown out by Greenbrier in their first week of baseball. This week, they faced off against Screven County and Hephzibah High School, winning both games and outscoring their opponents by 14-1 across both games. Their first game...
EBA basketball
February 27, 2024
The Lady Spartans concluded their regular season with a loss to #4 seed Central Fellowship Christian Academy at Stratford Academy in Macon in the second round of the GIAA-AA playoffs. "All-in-all I would say we had a successful season, winning our first playoff game in five years, placing second in...
Lady Bears secure first place in region
BRANNON BRADDOCK
[email protected] | February 20, 2024
Despite their rocky start to the season, having been riddled with injuries and starting off 0-4, the Lady Bears basketball team has secured home field advantage in the state playoffs after going 2-0 in their region tournament. They began the tournament by playing against New Hampstead on Thursday for second...
LOOKING BACK
February 27, 2024
20 years ago – March 3, 2004 Alphonso Andrews was elected to the Burke County Commission post vacated by Herman Lodge. He defeated Sterling Wimberly 328-218. The Burke County Board of Education was considering a move that would increase the enrollment at SGA Elementary. Two proposals being considered would place...
Don Lively
February 27, 2024
Reunion. A simple word that strikes total terror into some folks and nostalgic joy into others. Terror for some, at the thought of reconnecting with old friends not seen for many years after having gained forty pounds and gone bald. Joy for others, at the thought of reconnecting with old...
Ronda Rich
February 27, 2024
In a doctor’s waiting room, I sat, without a phone or a newspaper to read. I was just a-sittin’, observing those scattered about. It is the art of observing that we are losing. And, with the fading away of studying on people and tuning into their conversation, we are in...

Betty Hillis Belk
February 27, 2024
Betty Hillis Belk, 80, entered into rest Wednesday, February 21, 2024. She was a native and lifelong resident of Burke County. She retired from The True Citizen and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Alexander. She is survived by three children, Patrick Belk (Kim) of Alexander, Pam Mallard...

Mary Eugenia (Genie) Mills Fulcher
February 27, 2024
Mary Eugenia (Genie) Mills Fulcher passed away at her home on Tuesday, February 20th after an extended illness. She was born in Worcester, MA, to Harold LeRoy and Rosabel Lanier Mills on November 6, 1939. She lived in Auburn, MA, until 1950 when she moved to Millen, GA. She graduated...

William Ray Chandler
February 27, 2024
William Ray Chandler, 94, entered into rest Thursday, February 22, 2024. He was a native and lifelong resident of Burke County. He was a retired farmer, who loved working cows and planting and tending to his garden. He enjoyed fishing and working. Ray was a member of the Sardis Methodist...

The Life and Legacy of David Hankerson
February 27, 2024
David Hankerson was born in Waynesboro, Ga. on February 27, 1946 to Otis and Louise Jones Hankerson. After his parents passed away, at an early age he was adopted and raised on a farm by his aunt and uncle, Grant and Rhina Lee Crawford. In 1964, David graduated from Waynesboro...

Demon Antwan Parrish “Poke”
February 27, 2024
Mr. Demon Antwan Parrish “Poke”, 31 of Augusta, Georgia, was born November 9, 1992 in Augusta, Georgia. He entered into rest on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, 11:00a.m. at Truth Church of Augusta, 4254 Windsor Spring Rd, Hephzibah, Georgia 30815. Interment will...
REPORT MARCH 1; 9 A.M.
February 27, 2024
Jurors have been drawn for the October 2023 term of Superior Court criminal and/or civil sessions with Judge Daniel J. Craig presiding. Jurors are to report at 9 a.m. Monday, March 11, to the Burke County Judicial Center. The list includes: Diamond Montriez Bennett, Waynesboro; Judy Riner Butler, Waynesboro; Amanda...
REPORT MARCH 11; 1 P.M.
February 27, 2024
Jurors have been drawn for the October 2023 term of Superior Court criminal and/ or civil session with Judge Amanda N. Heath presiding. Jurors are to report at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 11 to the Burke County Judicial Center. The list includes: John Christopher Mallard, Waynesboro; David Louis Defosse, Waynesboro;...
BURKE EMA REPORT
February 27, 2024
The Burke County Emergency Management Agency responded to 77 patients’ calls during the week ending Feb. 25. Of those, 62 resulted in transports, including 32 to Augusta hospitals. Thirty three of the transports were determined to be emergencies and 29 were non-emergent. The agency also answered 26 fire calls during...
WHAT’S NEXT? {in Burke County}
February 27, 2024
February 28 - March 1 Burke County Library will host a Dr. Suess coloring contest. You may color a page at the library or bring one in that you have colored and win a prize from the library treasure chest. Saturday, March 2 Waynesboro High School Class of 1980 will...
Lenten Services
February 27, 2024
The Burke Black Churches Benevolent Association will observe the 40-day Lenten season with 7 p.m. services weekly, beginning on Wednesday. Each service is hosted by a different church and led by a guest pastor from another. Feb. 28: Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michelle Hayes with Haven- Munnerlyn UMC/Ashbury...
Withers was inducted
February 27, 2024
Mary Inga Withers was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for first-year college students. The oldest and largest first-year honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 and offers nearly $300,000 in...
Special Sections
December 19, 2023
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