Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series taking a glimpse of the headlines from 2021.

To read the second part of this story click here.

A New Year will be here next week. As we say goodbye to 2021 and usher in 2022 some topics have remained consistent, like Covid-19, whether schools should remain virtual or return to 100 percent in-person learning. There are still discussions on whether mask-wearing should be mandated in schools, how should the cities and counties spend American Rescue Plan funds and of course the entire vaccine versus anti-vaccine fiasco. But a lot has happened in 2021. Let’s take a look at some of the news from the first six months.

January

We saw many newly elected or appointed officials take office in January. Newly elected Liberty County Sheriff William Bowman officially took over the department at one minute after midnight Jan 1, 2021. The City of Walthourville held a swearing in ceremony for their newly hired Interim Police Chief, Alfonza “Al” Hagan. During the Jan. 7, City of Hinesville Council meeting the Mayor and Council voted unanimously on appointing Lloyd Slater as the city’s New Chief of Police. Slater, was selected to serve as the Acting Police Chief when former Chief Bill Kirkendall resigned effective Jan. 1.

Slater is the first African American to hold the post of Hinesville’s Police Chief. He started his career at HPD 34 years ago as a patrol officer and worked his way up the ranks. Kirkendall went to work for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. During the Jan.12, Liberty County Board of Education meeting the Board voted to appoint Donita Strickland as the new Vice-Chair by a 6-1 vote with Marcus Scott IV voting against.

New Oncology Center

A welcoming development occurred on Jan. 14 when Liberty Regional Medical Center held a soft opening of their new Oncology Center as a result of a partnership with the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/ Candler. The new Oncology Center’s program will deliver the latest treatments to Liberty County cancer patients.

Soldier charged for aiding ISIS

In January a Fort Stewart solider was arrested for assisting ISIS. U.S. Army Private First-Class Cole James Bridges Provided Tactical Guidance in Attempt to Help ISIS to Attack U.S. Forces in the Middle East.

Bridges faces federal terrorism charges based on his alleged efforts to assist ISIS to attack and kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. He was charged by Complaint with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, and attempting to murder U.S. military service members.

During a Jan. 14, Hinesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (HAMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, Senior Planner, Rachel Hatcher of, Reynolds, Smith and Hills, said the road construction project at McLarry’s curve was set to begin in February. Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission Director Jeff Ricketson has said the redesign of the intersection of Highway 84 and Old Sunbury Road, locally referred to as McLarry’s Curve, is entering the construction phase and set to be complete within a year.

BI Football coach resigns

Bradwell Institute Head football coach Kyle Adkins stepped down as Head Football Coach, according to a press release issued Jan. 13 by the Liberty County School System. Adkins joined the Tigers as Head coach in 2019 after Ross Couch departed the school. 

The longtime goal of universal fire protection moved forward with the opening of the Islands Fire Station in January. The County Commissioners also approved the conceptual drawing for a new station at Miller Park.

After more than 35 years of service in local government, the City Clerk of Hinesville retired. Sarah Lumpkin began her career with the City of Hinesville in January 1983 when she joined the City team as an Accounts Payable Clerk and rose to the rank of Assistant City Clerk by 1991. In May 1998, she was appointed to the position of City Clerk/Treasurer. 

Groundbreaking held for Small Business incubator

After more than six years of planning the City of Hinesville finally broke ground on their Small Business Incubator. The groundbreaking ceremony held Jan. 29, in downtown Hinesville brought together officials from the City of Hinesville, the Hinesville Development Authority (HDA) and dignitaries from community partners such as Georgia Southern University, Liberty Campus President Kyle Marrero. The Small Business Incubator is being built at 207 W Memorial Drive and will be a 5,000 square foot building and according to a city release, the first and only of its kind for the Hinesville community, which will help local entrepreneurs develop and grow business in the area.

Head Start construction begins

While the City of Hinesville was celebrating the groundbreaking of their Small Business Incubator in downtown Hinesville, on the opposite end of the County another celebration and groundbreaking ceremony was happening as well. On Jan. 29, County officials and City of Riceboro officials gathered at the new Liberty County Head Start building site.

February

A news release from Capitol Beat News Service issued on Feb. 5, caused quite an uproar after it showed a conceptual rendering of a casino site at Islands Highway on the east side of the I-95 exit corridor.

Rick Lackey, founder of Atlanta-based City Commercial Real Estate presented three drawings showing sites he is proposing as viable future casino locations, one being in Liberty County. The Facebook posts went viral within minutes with many people expressing their opposition to the proposed location noting it would increase crime and traffic, especially for folks living in East Liberty County like Sunbury, Colonel’s Island and Yellow Bluff. At the Feb. 18, County Commission meeting State Representative Al Williams (D-Midway) spoke on behalf of the casino. Williams was a co-sponsor of H.B. 30. People were upset that, due to limited time, they weren’t able to sign up and speak against the proposed casino at the meeting and due to COVID-19 protocols, they couldn’t attend the meeting in person. A small crowd sat before State Representative Al Williams and business owner Clay Sikes on Feb. 20, as the two discussed the pros and cons of a proposed casino in Midway. The impromptu meeting happened at Dorchester Academy where Williams assured the group that right now all of this was based on a big - if.

Hinesville Police Chief Lloyd Slater announced the selection of Major Tracey Howard as the new Assistant Chief of Police for the Hinesville Police Department (HPD). Major Howard is a lifelong resident of Hinesville where he graduated from Bradwell Institute High School and worked a variety of jobs before joining the Hinesville Police Department in 1990.

Weapons stolen from Mega Pawn

A $10,000 reward was offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry. The reward was offered to anyone who could provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the burglary and theft of firearms from the Mega Pawn in Hinesville. According to Hinesville Assistant Police Chief Tracey Howard and the ATF, the Mega Pawn store was burglarized twice. Several weapons to include an AR-15 and various pistols were among the items stolen.

Brock named new BI football coach

The Bradwell Institute Tigers football team did not have to wait very long to find its new head coach after Kyle Adkins stepped down from the position in January. The school board announced that Deshon Brock had been named the new head coach at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 9.

Brock comes back to Hinesville from Mitchell County High School in Camilla. He spent four years with the Eagles, leading the team to the playoffs every year and making two trips to the A Public Quarterfinals, both times in seasons in which the team won 10 games and won the Region 1-A championship.

State addresses antiquated law, citing Arbery case

 On Feb. 16, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the overhaul of the Citizens Arrest Statute citing the killing of Ahmaud Arbery on Feb. 23, 2020 as an example of abuse of the antiquated law that’s been in place since 1863.

“As you all know on May 5, of last year a viral video shocked the world, “Gov. Kemp said. “The horrific killing of Ahmaud Arbery shook the Georgia community to its very core. And as I’ve said many times since that tragic day, people in every community across our state felt anger, disbelief and a deep sorrow. But none more than Ahmaud’s family and his loved ones. Ahmaud was a victim of vigilante style of violence that has no place in Georgia. Some tried to justify the actions of his killers by claiming they had the protection of an antiquated law that is right for abuse.”

March

A small in-person and virtual ceremony was held on Feb. 26, at the City Council Chambers as newly appointed Hinesville Police Chief, Lloyd Slater took his oath of office.

Flemington residents learn about possible water assessment fees

At the March 4, City of Hinesville Council meeting people were told about possible monthly assessment fees being added to customers’ water bills. The folks facing the possible hikes, that ranged in price from $9.74 per month up to $623.36 per month, for a possible 60-month period, were residents in the City of Flemington.

The Mayor and Council were discussing the adoption of a new intergovernmental agreement for water and sewer extension service between the Cities of Hinesville and Flemington. The new agreement is needed because the Georgia Department of Transportation will be widening a portion of Highway 84 at McLarry’s curve that will require the relocation of water and sewer service lines. These relocation fees were not included in the original cost of the project. At a later meeting the City of Flemington voted to cover fees for water lines relocations to avoid passing the cost down to their water customers.

Driver injures several teenagers

Three people were injured in an accident that happened March 13, shortly after midnight. According to Georgia State Patrol Trooper, David Laff a woman since identified as Catherine Poppell, 18, of Long County plowed into a group of teenagers who were gathered before a bon fire in the 300 block of Persimmons Blvd NE. Laff reported that Poppell was involved in an altercation with her boyfriend when she entered a family member’s 2010 Toyota Corolla. Poppell allegedly hit the gas and drove onto the lawn of a residence directly across the street striking a parked Nissan Altima. Poppell then continued driving into the path of a group of people congregating around the bon fire and standing near the Nissan. According to a witness, Alexandra Smith, who owns the home where the accident took place the group ranged in ages from 15 to 20 and included her children.

Laff said the most seriously injured person was taken by medical helicopter to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. According to Smith the female, who is 16 and later identified as Macy Meeks, had undergone surgery to an injury to her leg and back.

The Courier was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former employee and freelancer Joe Parker Jr., in March of 2021. Parker was hired at the Coastal Courier in 1998 and was a true government watchdog for the community. He immersed himself in government meetings and covered military news with an acute attention to detail and unbiased impartiality. Parker worked at the Courier for 10 years before leaving. Even afterwards he freelanced for the Courier up until his last story which he filed just two weeks before he died.

To local diners damaged by fires

The Hinesville Popeye’s and Papa John’s Pizza eateries were damaged by fires causing both businesses to be closed temporarily. A small grease fire that happened March 10, around 12:30 p.m. caused Hinesville’s Popeye’s Chicken to close down. According to Hinesville Fire Department Public Information Officer, Capt. Alex Mason said the small grease fire had ignited but was quickly put out after firefighters from the Hinesville Fire Department arrived. According to Mason the fire caused minimal damage to the kitchen area.

The Liberty County Health Department had to inspect the kitchen to make sure it was free of contaminates since an extinguisher was used to put out the fire. The inspection was completed and the eatery reopened. Hinesville firefighters battled a blaze at Papa John’s Pizza located in the Kroger shopping center the evening of March 12.

According to the firefighters an electrical issue caused the fire. Papa John’s opened within a few days.

FPCA hires new baseball coach

First Preparatory Christian Academy’s hired baseball coach Chandler Newman. The Richmond Hill native played baseball and was a pitcher for the Richmond Hill Wildcats. Then the class of 2015 graduate, played baseball at Georgia Southern and later at Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

On June 23, 2017 Newman was drafted to the major leagues by the San Diego Padres and assigned to the AZL Padres 1. In 2018 he continued his professional career with the AZL Padres 2 league until May of 2019. Newman played in 18 career games, pitching 14 career innings. After his professional career Newman returned to his alma mater where he served as an assistant pitching coach for the Wildcats. In March of 2021 he was offered his first head coaching position at FPCA.

April

Coca-Cola plant to be revitalized

Local businesswoman Jennifer Flournoy said she has great plans for the old Coca-Cola building after she purchased the building which was previously used as Heritage Bank’s Operation Center. During the April 1, City of Hinesville Council meeting she talked about her plans to restore the building and turn it into a restaurant and bar with the possibility of also housing a micro-brewery / distillery. 

Former Liberty County High School basketball player, Davion Mitchell helped his college team, the Baylor Bears win the 2021 NCSS men’s basketball championship.

Mitchell was also the recipient of the 2021 Lefty Driesell award. The 6-foot-2 junior earned the nickname “Off Night,” because the player he guards almost always has an off night.

The native of Hinesville, GA ranked second in the Big 12 in steals with 2.0 per contest. He led the conference in assists (5.4/game) and field goal percentage (.521), ranks second in assist-toturnover ratio (2.07), seventh in 3-pointers made (2.3/game) and 12th in scoring (32.8). Baylor won the NCAA National Championship Monday night. Mitchell was given a hero’s welcome in his home town with a parade and ceremony held at his Alma Mater on Donnell Woods Stadium. During the April 15, Hinesville City Council meeting Mitchell was presented the keys to the City by Mayor Allen Brown. They also declared April 15, Davion Mitchell Day.

A frame of the proclamation with the key, and many others gifts and cards were given to the basketball star at his ceremony. The County also presented Mitchell with a proclamation and an authentic painting done by local artist Samone Joyner Norsworthy of his Baylor #45 jersey. The Liberty County School System gave Mitchell his retired #5 jersey from his days as a LCHS Panther where he helped take the team to the state title in 2016.

Two locals NFL bound

Former Long County Blue Tide and University of Kentucky linebacker, Jamin Davis was chosen by the Washington football team in the 2021 NFL draft. Davis was the 19th overall pick. Former Liberty County High School and University of Georgia Bulldog safety Richard LeCounte was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round and 169th pick overall.

Three white men who were already facing murder charges for the death of Ahmaud Arbery were also indicted, by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia on charges of hate crimes and the attempted kidnapping of Arbery. According to the indictment two men also were charged with separate counts of using firearms during that crime of violence. Travis McMichael, 35; Travis’s father, Gregory McMichael, 65; and William “Roddie” Bryan, 51, were each charged with one count of interference with rights and with one count of attempted kidnapping. Travis and Gregory McMichael were also charged with one count each of using, carrying, and brandishing—and in Travis’s case, discharging— a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Historic school saved from fire

A historic building was spared from severe damage after the Hinesville Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished a small fire at the structure known as Coastal Academy, the former home of the historic Hineshaw School. The fire, which was reported before noon Sunday, did damage one wing of the school according to HFP Public Information Officer Alex Mason. Mason said crews arrived at the school located on Shipman Avenue and found an area of light smoke. Mason said the fire was quickly extinguished using less than 100 gallons of water.

Panthers hire new basketball coach

Levon Grant was hired as the new Liberty County High School basketball coach. His hiring was approved at the April 13 Board of Education meeting. The Daytona Beach native was working at Rome High School before coming to Liberty County High. He is familiar with Liberty County as his father was stationed at Fort Stewart during his time in the military. Former head coach Julian Stokes had resigned from the position earlier in the year.

May

City creates new flea market ordinance

During the May 6 City of Hinesville Council meeting, Mayor and Council unanimously approved a new ordinance regarding flea market operations. Prior to the decision, the City of Hinesville did not have an ordinance in place regulating flea markets. After several local business owners came forward and expressed interest in hosting these types of events within the City, the City sought to amend its Code of Ordinances to include language and provisions for safely and responsibly operating a flea market in Hinesville. The new flea market ordinance, which took effect immediately, was created with input provided by local businesses and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission (LCPC). Development of the current ordinance was built upon a previous flea market ordinance, which was in effect from 1986-2000. 

Arbery murder trial set

A date was set for the jury selection and trial in the murder case of Ahmaud Arbery. According to court documents filed in the Superior Court of Glynn County on May 7, jury selection was set to start at 10 a.m. Oct. 18, in front of Judge Timothy R. Walmsley, with the trial of the matter to immediately follow.

Travis McMichael, 35; Travis’s father, Gregory McMichael, 65; and William “Roddie” Bryan, 51, were

allegedly responsible for the crime and face charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and criminal attempt to commit a felony.

Bradwell Park renovations delayed

The Hinesville Downtown Development Authority held a public meeting on May 5, at Gap Park, the new home of the Farmers Market, and talked about the delay in the renovations at Bradwell Park. HDDA Director Michelle Ricketson said the job was sent out for new bids after City Engineers determined they preferred a specific material be used for the job.

FPCA boys’ soccer wins state

The First Preparatory Christian Academy Highlander boys’ soccer team are the 2021 Georgia Independent School Association Class AA State champions. The team defeated Monsignor Donavan by a score of 1-0.

Long-time HPD officer retires

After protecting and serving the City of Hinesville for 43 years Hinesville Police Captain Stella Melanson announced her retirement. According to a release posted to the HPD Facebook page Captain Melanson began working at HPD in December of 1976 as a reserve officer. In 1978 she transitioned to a fulltime position and became Hinesville’s first certified female peace officer. During her time at HPD she has served on patrol, within their Detective’s Division, and then their Administrative Services Division. She was credited with starting HPD’s neighborhood watch program in 1980, and also stood up the D.A.R.E and G.R.E.A.T programs within the Liberty County School System.

Hinesville approves to reactivate drug task force

During the May 20, City of Hinesville Council meeting, the Mayor and Council approved the authorization of staff to sign a Joint Statement of Intent document to further explore the feasibility of establishing a multi-jurisdictional drug task force. Hinesville Police Chief Lloyd Slater said the combination of investigative resources and pooling of officers, equipment and data will help minimize individual agencies’ cost due to improved efficiencies. The Chief also said the task force would likely generate more arrests, seizures and forfeitures in reported crimes as well as its effects on other community problems.

June

The rich history of Liberty County was highlighted in June with a ribbon cutting signifying the re-opening of the Independent Telecommunication Pioneer Association (ITPA) Museum, and the opening of a new exhibit at Dorchester Academy that was more than two decades in the making.

For 21 years the Dorchester Academy has been working towards the day they would be able to open the former African American school with an exhibit of its importance to the Liberty County community and nation. In June a ribbon cutting was held in front of the former school ushering in more than two decades of fundraising and repairs. The new exhibit called the Civil Rights Movement at Dorchester highlights all the work done at the Center for the Civil Rights Movement which included several visits and stays by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Third ID change of Command

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, gathered at Club Stewart on Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 9 for a change of command ceremony to bid farewell to Col. Steve Erickson and welcome the incoming brigade commander Col. David Key to the unit. After commanding for two years Col. Steve Erickson passed the mantle of leadership that symbolizes pride, tradition and history for the “Providers” of the 3rd DSB to Col. David Key during the ceremony.

She finally graduated

Lillie Pearl Taylor, 92, graduated with a bachelor’s in Christian Education degree and was also issued an Honorary Doctor of Divinity diploma from Trinity Temple College of Religion. The ceremony was held June 19, at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Dr. Lucile W. Smiley-Bomar of Trinity Missionary Baptist Temple Church said Taylor was one of several students that were graduating, but she was the oldest at 92.

Heritage bank to change owner, names

Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. (HSBI) and Heritage Southeast Bank, or as we knew them locally, Heritage Bank, Providence Bank and The Heritage Bank, entered into a definitive purchase and assumption agreement with VyStar Credit Union. The purchase agreement meant VyStar Credit Union purchased and merged the three banks into VyStar.

County adopts budget, cuts school resource officers

After a lot of discussion regarding last minute changes to the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, the Liberty County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the budget as presented during the public hearing held June 1.

The adopted budget cuts out the hiring of three new School Resource Officers (SROs) that were being requested by the Board of Education and the Liberty

County Sheriff ’s Office.

Boys and girls club gets monetary boost

The Liberty County Boys and Girls Club received a big boost June 17, when the Club’s Board members were handed a check for $10,000, a donation from Georgia Power. The Liberty County Boys and Girls Club was gifted a parcel of land for their first of what founder Edna Walthour hopes to be many club locations. That location is at 5540 W Oglethorpe High adjacent to Cedar Hill Mobile Home Park in Walthourville.

Third ID welcomes new Garrison Commander

The Fort Stewart- Hunter Army Airfield Garrison hosted a change of command ceremony, June 22 on Fort Stewart, from outgoing Garrison Commander, Col. Bryan Logan, to incoming Garrison Commander, Col. Manuel Ramirez. The ceremony marked the official welcome for Ramirez and his Family to Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield and Coastal Georgia.

Council approves Manager’s increase

At their June 17, Hinesville City Council meeting the Mayor and Council approved a two-step pay increase for City Manager Kenneth Howard. According to the open records document City Council conducted Howard’s performance evaluation during the Executive Session. Mayor and Council came to the conclusion that Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown should meet with Howard and Human Resources an awarded Howard a twostep increase. Howard’s salary will increase from $156,133.60 per year to $164,037.94 per year.

In part two we’ll continue to review stories from the last six months of 2021.