CMYK Thursday, July 25, 2013
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Kids get creative this summer. 3B
Deaths at Commerce facility investigated The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is continuing its look into the operations of the Alzheimer’s Care Center of Commerce with the spotlight now on three deaths that occurred at the facility. On July 2, the GBI, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, conducted a search warrant at the Commerce facility in connection with a three-month investigation into allegations of abuse and neglect of Alzheimer’s patients there. Seventy-two charges, including cruelty to a person 65 years of age or older, abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and failure to report under the Protection of Disabled Adults and Elderly Persons statute, were filed against 21 former and current employees of the center. Among those charged is Donna Wright,
owner of the facility. Wright’s attorney, Morris H. “Mo” Wiltshire Jr., of the firm of Prior, Daniel & Wiltshire, has said his client in no way authorized any mistreatment of residents and she has done nothing wrong. Last week, affidavits were filed in Clarke County Superior Court as GBI agents are seeking additional evidence in the case. Three deaths at the facility which were originally recorded as stroke-related are being investigated as possible homicides. Medical records for the deceased persons are being sought, prompting the GBI to seek search warrants for medical records at the center as well as from Athens Regional Medical Center and a private physician’s office. The investigation is attempting to determine if there were suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of three patients who
died in the past two months. Allegations have been made that the patients may have been overmedicated. More charges are possible in the investigation, said Mike Ayers, Special Agent in Charge of the GBI office in Athens. When the search warrant was executed, 35 five law enforcement officers were at the facility with 35 staffers of social services agencies plus volunteers. Medical professionals conducted patient evaluations which prompted the hospitalization of three patients. After a press conference held July 2 as the search warrant was being conducted, several people who had family members at the facility said they were shocked by the allegations since all their loved one’s experiences with Alzheimer’s Care Center of Commerce had
been positive. A caring and loving environment was what those families knew of the facility which they researched before placing their parents there. Another picture of the facility was described by GBI Director Vernon Keenan and others when talking the initial investigation which was prompted by complaints of mistreatment including physical abuse and neglect to the Commerce Police Department filed March 28. Commerce Police Chief John W. Gaissert said his department began receiving multiple complaints of elder abuse at the facility, and department investigators found sufficient cause to request the GBI assume the investigation after an employee of the center attended a meeting which was recorded and provided to authorities.
Hoschton hires manager for its water and sewer
Hoschton Jubilee
The consultant who has been handling Hoschton’s water and wastewater operations in coordination with the Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority has entered into an employment agreement with the city. The council voted to terminate its contractual agreement with the authority and bring Jim Sawyer on manage the water and wastewater operations. An employment agreement, which will pay Sawyer $20 to $25 an hour, was approved at a Tuesday called meeting. The City of Hoschton recently brought on Engineering Management, Inc., (EMI), represented by Jerry Hood, to help diagnose the city’s sewer system woes and provide solutions. The city’s debt is a mounting concern. Hoschton has significant bonded indebtedness related to infrastructure improvements made in anticipation of residential development which failed to come in the economic downturn. Also at the meeting, a $1.50 an hour raise was also given to the city’s maintenance employee who handles repairs and grounds.
Debbie Purvis The Paper
A knee-slapping good time was enjoyed Saturday at The Opry House at Hoschton Towne Center as the Hoschton Jubilee returned. Freddy Smith and Robin Harrison are among those participating in the variety show that The Church of Hoschton puts on for the community. Great music and good clean fun in a family atmosphere are provided. Hoschton Jubilee is held the third Saturday of every month through December. At left, Matt Dibler was decked out in overalls as a part of his gig to bring contestants to the stage for a contest. The winner of the Heart for Hoschton Christian singing competition, being sponsored by The Church of Hoschton as a part of the Hoschton Fall Festival, will be on stage for the Oct. 19 Hoschton Jubilee. See more scenes from Hoschton Jubilee on Page 3A and at ClickThePaper. com
Efforts under way to support child’s needed heart transplant By FARAH BOHANNON
For The Paper
Katie Testement, the daughter of James and Kerri Testement of Jefferson, is a sweet, 6-year-old girl who is in dire need of a heart transplant – even after three major heart surgeries. The Testements, as well as local businesses, organizations, families and other supporters, are working hard to raise the funds for a new heart for this spunky little girl. On July 19, Swirlee’s Frozen Yogurt in Jefferson donated 10 percent Katie Testement
See FUNDRAISING, 2A
Jamie Dixon leading EJCHS By KATIE GRIFFIN
For The Paper
Jamie Dixon is the new principal at East Jackson Comprehensive High School. He has been in the office for about 10 days now and has already motivated his staff for the upcoming year. Dixon was the assistant principal at Cambridge High School for the past five years. He was asked to transfer there from Milton High School, where he worked 11 years, to help get Cambridge High off to a good start. At Milton, he worked as a School Resource Officer and was then asked to teach one new course in Criminal Justice. Dixon already had a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice so he went to Georgia State College and got his teaching credentials and, by his second year of teaching, he had six classes. His other posi-
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Volume 7, Number 38 Obituaries 4A Police report 2A Puzzles 5B Schools 7-8A Sports 1-2B
tions at Milton included coach of football, women’s basketball and softball, athletic director and administrative assistant. He got his Master’s degree in 2009. Before he worked in the school system, Dixon spent six years in the United States Marine Corps and worked for 17 years at Fulton County Police Department and Fire Department. “I’ve done everything there is to do at a high school. I’ve got a lot of experience in this,” said Dixon. He has been happily married to Teri Laine Dixon for 24 years and they have three children, a 23-yearold daughter, an 18-year-old son and a 16-year-old son. “I’m very happy to be here. I’ve already met with my staff and we are motivated and ready to go,” said Dixon.
Katie Griffin The Paper
Jamie Dixon has taken the helm at East Jackson Comprehensive High School
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