As qualifying for local offices drew to a close Friday, six of the ten county offices up for election were contested. The most heated race is that of Tax Commissioner. With current Tax Commissioner H.V. Lanier tossing his hat into the race for commission chairman, the field is wide open, with five candidates qualifying. Among those running on the Republican ticket are Tamra S. Hadden, Tommy Jarriel and Randy Lanier. Running on the Democratic ticket are Jason A. Grimes and Patty Sikes. Three have qualified in the race for Commissioner Chairman, including Republican incumbent Kent Campbell. Democratic opponents include H.V. Lanier and C. Allen Jones. In the bid for Sheriff, Democratic incumbent Homer Bell will face Republican contender K.K. Ausbon. (Read More)

by Jerri Goodman

 A single car accident claimed the lives of three Metter residents.

 Killed were Cassie Lenice Smith, 24, Kaisuana Polk, 16 and Cortney D. Collins, 18.

 A fourth person in the car, identified by a source close to the family as Collins’ brother, Brandon Collins was transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center, according to Dispatcher Carwell of Georgia State Patrol, Statesboro Post. His condition is not known at press time. Spencer Thomas, a spokesman with East Georgia Regional Medical Center, would not confirm whether Brandon Collins was a patient at the hospital.

 “Our policy is not to release patient information without their permission,” Thomas said. “I cannot even confirm if he is a patient here.”

 According to Carwell, the vehicle in which the four were riding was traveling west on I-16 on Sunday when it left the roadway about 1.2 miles east of U.S. 301 and struck trees, coming to rest on the driver’s side. (Read More)

It’s a project that’s been years in the making -- and ready just in time for Mother’s Day.

The Metter Advertiser has announced the reprint of its Good Cookin’ Volume One cookbook, featuring recipes from the Good Cookin’ columns from 1977 to 1980. The books will be available for purchase on Thursday, May 8.

“For so long, we have had customers come in regularly and ask if we have copies of the volume one cookbook, and now we’re proud to be able to say, ‘yes, we do,’” said Carvy Snell, editor and publisher of The Metter Advertiser.

Compiled and edited by the late Virginia Snell, the cookbook features more than 560 recipes from folks right here at home and can be purchased for $19.95 plus tax. (Read More)

The Candler County Hospital Foundation is accepting donations of $100 for the opportunity to win a 2008 F150 Pickup.  Tim Redding, Foundation chair, commented, “This is not a stripped down model. It is an XL with automatic transmission and air. And the winner will be able to upgrade if they wish.”  Only 500 tickets will be sold and are available from Esteen McCranie at Candler County Hospital, Tim Redding at Metter Ford or any Foundation member or Hospital Authority member.   Redding also commented on the projects of the foundation, “We painted the hospital, remodeled the entrance and repaired the roof in the past couple of years. Presently we are committed to more roof repairs and purchasing equipment for the new Wellness Center. A future project would be the resurfacing of the parking lot. (Read More)

C. Jones Hooks After nine years as CEO of Virginia’s Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, Metter native C. Jones Hooks is coming back to Georgia -- this time, to Jekyll Island. Hooks was officially named state-owned Jekyll Island State Park Authority Executive Director on Wednesday, April 30. “Jones Hooks has an impressive background and successful work history, especially in economic development and tourism,” stated Governor Sonny Perdue. “His experience will be an asset to the Authority as the revitalization of Jekyll Island proceeds.” Hooks replaces former Executive Director Bill Donohue, who was appointed to head the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. (Read More)

A $100 reward is being offered by the Lake Cemetery Board of Directors for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) who has been spinning out vehicles at the cemetery.

“There is no sense in someone doing this,” said Board member Dwayne Tucker. “This is intentional damage of our cemetery.”

Anyone having any information regarding these acts of vandalism or any other damage at the cemetery can contact Dwayne Tucker, 912-536-1857, or Cal Jonson, 912-682-0827.

by Jerri Goodman

During a school safety check at Metter High School on Tuesday, April 29, the vehicle search of a 17-year-old student yielded alcohol, a knife and six county road signs.

The individual was charged with possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor offense, for the theft of the road signs and was arrested and bonded out, according to Sheriff Homer Bell.

For the possession of alcohol and a knife on school property, he was placed in alternative school, according to Principal Michelle Cliett. A second student, whose vehicle had marijuana residue, was also sent to alternative school.