Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us.
I'm Leah Johnson.
And I'm Frank Malloy, on the road in Dublin.
But first, our top story.. For the first time since the GBI released a report clearing Officer Clayton Sutton of any criminal wrongdoing in the killing of Sammie Davis, Jr., we spoke to Davis's sister.
Today, she told 13WMAZ's Tom George... as far as she's concerned, the case is far from over.
After the GBI released its report clearing Officer Clayton Sutton in the killing of Sammie Davis, Jr., his family says it's far from over.
< I disagree, and we are moving forward to request the Justice Department come in and further investigate the shooting. >
Sister Cheryl Davis, along with former Mayor C. Jack Ellis and Councilman Henry Gibson said other witnesses to the incident were not included, and that Cooke's statement on the case seemed to focus on Sammie Davis' mental ilness as a partial reason for his death.
< Having a mental condition the last time I checked in this country, in this city, in this state, is not a capital punishment.>
Later, hundreds took to the streets of Macon, marching from Tattnall Square to City Hall, seeking justice.
SOT FULL***}
< Well what we're trying to get out there today is that the people will no longer tolerate injustice from those that supposed to serve and protect us. >
< What he didn't know is that Sammie was not homeless, what he didn't know that Sammie has a family, a community, and a city that will not allow Clayton Sutton to get away with murder.>
In Macon, Tom George, 13WMAZ Eyewitness News.
-S attorney Michael Moore says he already has the GBI case file on Davis...he said if the family asks...he'll review the case and decide whether to refer the case to the Department of Justice civil rights division.
[
At today's festivities....police say 43-year-old Anthony Harris walked to the front of the state...and shouted at Mayor Robert Reichert and others during the opening speeches.
Police escorted him from the grounds.
He's in the Bibb County jail tonight...charged with disrupting a public gathering.
Police have arrested the owner of a dog that attacked a five year old boy, leaving him in critical condition.
Charles Edward Gay is charged with second degree cruelty to children.
That's according to a Macon police news release.
Officers say it happened about around 3 o'clock yesterday on Ousley Place, off Forest Hill Road.
Police say the child was a visitor at Gay's home.
The boy suffered bites on his scalp...and on his arm, head, face and legs.
He's still at a local hospital...where he's said to be alert.
According to a news release, the dog was euthanized.
A Bibb County judge says 73-year-old murder suspect Frank Reeves must stay in jail until he's fitted with an electronic ankle monitor.
Reeves was released from jail Tuesday... then re-arrested yesterday.
Today... witnesses and lawyers said there was confusion about whether Reeves needed to have that ankle bracelet...BEFORE being released.
After a 45-minute hearing... Judge Edgar Ennis did not revoke Reeves' 100 thousand dollar bond.
But he said Reeves won't be released again until he complies with ALL of the bond order...which includes the ankle bracelet.
District Attorney David Cooke says Reeves is likely to remain in jail through the weekend.
Tonight, as you saw at the top of our newscast... we're taking Eyewitness News on the road to Dublin, land of the leprechauns, home of the Irish..
Frank is right in the middle of downtown Dublin - the heart of the St. Patrick's Day Festival.
That's right Leah. We are here on Bellevue Avenue.. behind me you can see the Dublin Laurens museum, the Dublin Theater, and city hall in the background.
he people of Dublin out-did themselves yet again for the St. Patrick's Festival this year... With a record of 51 events scattered throughout the month on March..
Katelyn Heck joins us now to explain how the festival has grown since it started 48 years ago.
Over one million people in the state of Georgia can trace their family tree back to Ireland.
Though... Many have dressed... Danced... And eaten the part over the past few weeks... Most people in Dublin cannot.
So I went on a search to find out... How Dublin adopted and grew its Irish culture.
This year's parade grand marshall is Demaryius 'bay Bay' Thomas... Known for his moves on the field with the Denver Broncos... But he got his start... growing up in Dublin. Frank?
Thank you Katelyn.
Georgia Trend magazine calls her one of the most powerful people... We're talking about Ms. Willie Paulk... Dublin-Laurens County Chamber president.
Jennifer Moulliet tells us what's her secret to bringing businesses to the city.
Willie Paulk... President of Dublin... Laurens county chamber of commerce... Has lived in the city for close to 23 years. And in her time as president she's helped to bring several big industries to town.
<in 2000 Best Buy chose dublin over 200 other communities in six days>
<then Fred's Distribution came>
But she says she can't take all the credit.
<i never did anything by myself it's a partnership >
<it's people working seven days a week to improve the quality of life which includes medical, education, retail all that has to be in place>Part of that team.... Is president of development and authority... Cal Wray... Wray makes the pitch to potential businesses.
<Cal Wray, president of development authority
They can be sucessful at a lower cost of business the same quality, or higher quality of life >
Wray and the team do trade shows... And market their city all over the country... And internationally.
He says last year they worked with around 70 companies... With an estimate of four point eight billion dollars of potential investments and a potential for over 12-thousand jobs.
And already this year... they 've worked with 15 companies... And seven of those have visited the community.
<its a numbers game the more companies you can get in front of the more people you can talk to>
One thing that makes their sales pitch effective... having a model building for the company to look at.
<instead of going out having to clear a site and prepare a site then construct a building then move your equipment in... We take the first two steps out >
I asked to see one of their spec buildings... Short for speculation... But they just sold it.
And Paulk revealed another secret to attracting new industries... Location...
<being halfway between atlanta and savannah... The airport and the shipping port and on an interstate that connects to the other interstates. >
She says Leadership is number two... Followed by livability.
<they see the community is always trying to make themselves better.... I think it's just called pride>
And she says there's plenty of room to grow
<we're always open for business>
In dublin... Jennifer moulliet 13wmaz eyewitness news.