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Columnist offers opinion on candidates in coming election

by Ben Baker By request – My thoughts on the election and the candidates. Some people have asked my opinion about who is running for office in the coming primary. Here ya go, but first a few things: Early voting starts April 27 and goes through May 15. Election Day is May 19. Local races…

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OPD warns of fake officer and fraud

The Ocilla Police Department has been made aware of an individual named James Williams who is falsely claiming to work for Chief Ashley Jones and the Ocilla Police Department. This individual has reportedly contacted residents regarding a fake federal court subpoena, attempting to scam or intimidate members of our community. This is a scam. James…

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Solar Update: Hearing Requested To Argue County’s Motion To Dismiss Lawsuit

Luke Roberts, Star Editor The saga surrounding Irwin County’s solar ordinance is ongoing, as a recent filing was made by the petitioner, Carl Hutchinson, this after the county recently requested for Hutchinson’s lawsuit to be dismissed.  Hutchinson’s attorney, David A. Rose of Valdosta, continues to argue that the county’s solar ordinance is unconstitutional despite the…

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Irwin County PPP Loans – Mystic + Irwinville

Mystic, zip code 31769 had 1 PPP loan. The entire amount was forgiven PAULA LEA CLEGHORN 218 Jackson street Mystic, GA 15,302.00 (0.00) 1 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors (Independent Contractors) BSD Capital, LLC dba Lendistry   Irwinville, zip code 31760 had no PPP loans.

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Irwin County PPP Loans – Wray

Zip code 31798 is the zip code for Wray. 106 PPP loans are listed in this zip code KEY Name of person or company borrowing money Address Amount borrowed Amount forgiven Date the loan was written off Jobs saved Business type Lender, bank or other Date approved JANET MCCRIMMON 216 Glenn Merritt Rd, Wray, GA…

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Irwin County PPP Loans – Ocilla

Ocilla 31774  Ocilla had 428 loans   WILLIAM KING 174 Althea Rd, Ocilla, GA 25,126.87 (0.00) 1 All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming (Sole Proprietorship) Central Bank May 29, 2021 DIAMOND THOMAS 300 S Pine St, Ocilla, GA 20,463.00 (0.00) 1 Landscaping Services (Self-Employed Individuals) BSD Capital, LLC dba Lendistry May 29, 2021 KIESHA CLOWERS 512…

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SDTF In Jeopardy After Agent Publicly Resigns

Employee Furloughs Part of Upcoming Budget Luke Roberts Star Editor  The Ocilla Mayor and City Council held a public hearing as part of the approval process for the FY 2023-24 budget on Thursday evening, June 29, followed by a called meeting.  Tension ran high in both proceedings, as city employees voiced concerns about furlough days…

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Ryan Duke Sentenced to Max for Concealing Death of Tara Grinstead

Luke Roberts, Star Editor  An Irwin County jury returned “Not Guilty” verdicts on five of the six charges Ryan Duke faced related to the disappearance and death of former Irwin County teacher Tara Grinstead, acquitting him of her 2005 murder on Friday, May 20, 2022.  Duke was convicted on the charge of Concealing a Death and…

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