Mapp sentenced to life for aggravated sodomy
From Staff Reports
A Waynesboro man was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sodomy of an autistic man following a night of bar-hopping in Augusta. Late Thursday, a Burke County jury found Robert Lee Mapp Jr., 54, guilty of the 2021 incident involving a then 23-year-old victim. The victim reported that he...
Fire leaves local teacher without a home
MARGARET ANNE BROGAN
thetruecitizen.margaret@gmail.com
A fire broke out in the late hours on Sunday, January 19, leaving a local teacher without a home. The Burke County Emergency Management Agency was called to the home at 10:52 p.m. and arrived within ten minutes of receiving the call. The house was already completely engulfed in flames...
Leadership change at BOC meeting sparks conversation
MARGARET ANNE BROGAN
thetruecitizen.margaret@gmail.com
Evans Martin took over the role of Chairman of the Burke County Board of Commissioners after a unanimous vote at the monthly BOC meeting Tuesday, January 14. Former Chairman of the board, Terri Lodge Kelly, assumed the role of Vice Chairman, voting in favor of the transition during the meeting....
Bird Dog Politics
BEN ROBERTS
benroberts@bellsouth.net
One of the first agenda items for last Tuesday’s first Burke County Commission meeting of the year was the selection of the chair and vice-chair for 2025. The positions are voted on among the five members themselves at the beginning of each new year. Coming into Tuesday’s meeting, District 2...
Burke County Middle School FFA Chapter Honors President Carter
AMY JENKINS | January 21, 2025
On Thursday, January 9th, members of the Burke County Middle School (BCMS) FFA Chapter had the unique honor of attending the funeral procession for President Jimmy Carter in Plains, Georgia. A strong advocate for agriculture and the National FFA Organization, President Carter served as the secretary of the Plains High...
Shooting Dog Championship
January 21, 2025
The Shooting Dog Championship was recently held at Di-Lane Plantation with 47 entries competing overa4dayperiod. TheChampionnamedwas Miller'sBringtheHeattrainedbyMike Tracy and Runner-Up named Silver Wing trained by Tracy Searinger. This Championship was officially renamed this year in honor of the late Jay Moser for his generous support of the Trials.
Photo
January 21, 2025
The Burke County Emergency Management Agency held a pinning ceremony at the Burke County Office Park on Saturday, January 18. Newly state certified firefighters are (l-r): Isaiah Love, Kory Randolph, Sheldon Lanier, Nicholas Sapp, Marco Valdez, Alexander Hedges, Tyler McQuigg and Aaliyah Walker.
Tickets now on sale for Wimberly gala
January 21, 2025
It’s time for another rendezvous with a southern setting. Tickets for “A Taste of Burke County,” the Wimberly House’s annual gala, are on sale now, and organizers have been busy planning the event, which serves as the ministry’s largest fundraiser each year. The gala is slated for Saturday, Feb. 8,...
Workshop series to offer hands-on training
From Staff Reports | January 21, 2025
Calling all farmers, ranchers and veterans – STAG Vets Inc. has got a free workshop for you! STAG Vets’ South Georgia Seeds of Prosperity program, possible in part through funding of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is offering a workshop series entitled NRCS Technical Assistance Training. Topics of...
Spartans outlast Cavaliers, fall to Bucs
TRES BRAGG
tbtruecitizen@gmail.com | January 21, 2025
The Spartan Basketball Team is now 2-1 in region play. It was another overtime victory that game Edmund Burke Academy their second region win of the season. The Spartans defeated Augusta Prep 53-52 last Tuesday in their second straight overtime matchup. Mark Thomas Wasden recorded his second double-double game of...
Lady Spartans undefeated in region play
TRES BRAGG
tbtruecitizen@gmail.com | January 21, 2025
Two more region wins have put the Lady Spartan basketball team on top. Edmund Burke Academy (15-3, 3-0) made easy work of Augusta Prep last Tuesday after defeating the Lady Cavaliers 49-22 on the court. Leila Eastmead was high scorer for the Lady Spartans, recording fifteen points during the win....
Young Spartans win tournament championship
January 21, 2025
Edmund Burke Academy's Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team defended last season's tournament title. The young Spartans went 10-1 during the regular season, losing only to Jenkins County by two points. After an easy victory over Tobert Toombs Christian Academy in round one of the tournament, they bested Briarwood Academy 39-19...
Burke County Bears basketball continues their strong season
BRANNON BRADDOCK
Jbraddo4@gmail.com | January 21, 2025
The Burke County Bears basketball team went 3-0 last week, extending their win streak by five and their region record to 4-0. Across their three games, the Bears had a point differential of 227-180. Most of the point spread came as a result of their first game last week. On...
Lady Bears basketball falls under .500
BRANNON BRADDOCK
Jbraddo4@gmail.com | January 21, 2025
While the Bears are seeing success on the court, the Lady Bears are having a rough go at it. After their loss to Thomson last Saturday, the girls have lost another three games, extending their losing streak to four and officially falling under a .500 win percentage for the first...
THE NEED FOR MORE
Scotty Womack | January 21, 2025
This world that we live in today cries out for more. More money, more work, more things. More of everything. Everything we read or hear is driving us towards the goal of more. Is it all really necessary? Not too many generations ago, our world was vastly different. Modest would...
AROUND THESE PARTS
Don Lively | January 21, 2025
It occurred to me that the dearly departed remains of the recently deceased deer that was laying partially on the highway and partially on the grass berm was at least the fourth corpse that I had seen that day. If you live around our neck of the woods, you know...
James “Jimmy” Randall Mills
January 21, 2025
James “Jimmy” Randall Mills, 70, entered into rest Wednesday, January 15, 2025. He was born in Augusta to the late James Mills and Glenda Mills Free and was a longtime resident of Augusta before moving to Burke County. He retired from International Paper after 40 years of service. Jimmy enjoyed...
John C. Young, Sr.
January 21, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John C. Young, Sr. who peacefully left this world on January 12, 2025, at the age of 94. A husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John lived a life full of love, wisdom, and compassion. He was...
Mae Ida Birt
January 21, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Mae Ida Birt, 83, of Waynesboro, Ga., who entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 20, 2025. Born on April 5, 1941, Mae’s spirit will be cherished by all who knew her. Family visitation will be held on...
Eugene Stephens
January 21, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Eugene Stephens, 86, of Keysville, GA, who entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Phinazee and Son Funeral Home is in charge of the services.
Martha Miles Chambers
January 21, 2025
Martha Miles Chambers, 91, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 19, 2025. She was born on August 17, 1933, in Carroll County, Georgia. She was the oldest of five daughters born to James Taylor (J.T.) Miles and Nellie Carter Miles. Martha was a multitalented, generous person. In addition to...
Tara M. Lyons named Acting U.S. Attorney for Southern District
January 21, 2025
As of January 18 and by virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons is officially Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She is the first Black woman to serve in the role as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the...
Second suspect in Augusta robbery/homicide surrenders
January 21, 2025
Antwan Herndon of Waynesboro turned himself in to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Sunday. He had previously been identified as one of the suspects in the armed robbery of an Augusta smoke shop on Jan. 11. Terrance Walker of Waynesboro had already been apprehended by the BCSO the night of...
Snowy forecast prompts state of emergency
BY DAVE WILLIAMS BUREAU CHIEF, CAPITOL BEAT NEWS SERVICE | January 21, 2025
ATLANTA – For the second time this month, Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency in Georgia, with snow expected across the state. A winter storm watch is in effect in 128 of the state’s 159 counties, with forecasts calling for up to two inches of snow between...
What’s Next?
November 6, 2024
Thursday, Nov. 7 Burke County Retired Educators Association will meet at 3 p.m. at Burke County Senior Citizens Center. Guest speaker will be Probate Judge Ashley Moore Jr. Monday, Nov. 11 American Legion will honor all Veterans 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post 120, South Liberty St., Waynesboro. BCHS...
CHURCH NEWS
January 21, 2025
OUR POLICY This section is a complimentary service for Burke County churches hosting free public services. We will run your church news for two weeks. Church bake sales, yard sales, out-ofcounty events or events with an admission fee may be included for $10 per week, paid in advance. Email announcements...
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