The story was tragic and the judgment swift, though justice never really showed up for those who needed it most. For those who lived in Henry County in the 1970s, Jerry Banks, a local African American man, was the name on everyone’s tongue. He was convicted for the brutal murders of Marvin King, a Jonesboro High School band director, and Melanie Ann Hartsfield, a college student. Both were white. Their bodies were found off Rock Quarry Road by Jerry Banks. Within one hundred and seven days, Banks was sentenced to death with no motive and little evidence. A lifelong Henry...
All In a Day’s Work
Serving and protecting Henry County is the business of Officer Todd Powell and his K9 partner, Erin. Officer Powell has been in law enforcement in Henry County for 13 years and has been a member of the Henry County Police Department since July 2021. Officer Powell first met and began training with his K9 partner when she was just 14 months old. Erin was born in Hungary nearly six years ago–even has a Hungarian passport-where she received special law enforcement training from birth. Erin is an Explosive Ordnance Detection K9 (EOD K9).“She is certified on 27 different odors,” explains Officer...
Rachel’s Gift
On December 5, 2006, a precious baby girl named Rachel was seven weeks away from being born when her family was in a tragic car wreck. Her mother, Lori Beth Blaney, was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Unfortunately, Rachel was stillborn. From the lonely depths of grief the family experienced during that trial, Rachel’s Gift, Inc. was born. The Blaney family transformed this devastating experience into a much needed and appreciated service. Rachel’s Gift, Inc. has partnered with Piedmont Henry to assist parents through the initial phase of infant loss with comfort from caring and knowledgeable volunteers. The...
Moses To The Rescue
My wife Bobbie and I have had dogs all of our lives. All sizes and shapes: purebred, mixed breeds and strays. We were a foster home for the Humane Society at one time. We love our dogs and they are all special in their own ways. This is the story about one of them, Moses. In 2005, after losing a couple of our favorite dogs, we backed off looking for replacements. Losing them is very hard. A few months passed and while on a business trip to Wisconsin, I saw on TV where some search dogs had found a man...
Robo-Writer
(Local 3rd Grade student has“itch” for inventing robots and writing books) By JD Hardin As far back as many of...
Panola Mountain’s Hidden Face
The gates to Panola Mountain State Park are nestled under tall grey pines in the northern parts of Henry County....
Moses To The Rescue
My wife Bobbie and I have had dogs all of our lives. All sizes and shapes: purebred, mixed breeds and...
