Father of two still missing

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has joined the search for a middle Georgia man missing for two weeks. Authorities say 41-year-old Donald Clark of Lamar County disappeared Nov. 18. Clark's relatives and coworkers with a utility subcontractor said the divorced father would never leave his sons, ages 8 and 10. The GBI has assisted in an examination of Clark's house to determine if there was foul play but has nothing conclusive. Clark's car also is missing. The Herald-Gazette of Barnesville reported that Clark's first cousin, Helen Ann Morgan, vanished in May 1984.

(Associated Press)

'Biomass' electricity plant coming to Lamar County

Lamar County officials say a 160-million dollar plant that produces electricity from biomass is on the way to Barnesville. Rollcast Energy plans to build the plant on a 60-thousand square foot tract in the middle Georgia county. Wood waste from logging and land-clearing operations would be burned in the process leading to producing enough electricity for 40-thousand homes. Officials say up to 25 jobs would be created with a 1.5 million dollar payroll.

Barnesville soldier dies

A Middle Georgia soldier, serving his third tour of duty, is dead after being hit by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
39-year old Army Sgt. Davy Nathaniel Weaver spent 21 years in the military. A 1987 graduate of Lamar County High School, he recently re-enlisted.
Weaver joined the military while still in high school after his high school band director suggested he try out for the U.S. Army Band. His saxophone playing skills did not earn him a spot, but he joined the reserves anyway.
Two weeks ago the humvee he was riding in was hit and destroyed by an IED. He received only minor injuries. On Sunday another vehicle he was riding in was struck. This time he was killed.
Weaver is survived by his mother, wife, and three children.

Georgia attracts Chinese manufacturer

Another major Chinese manufacturer has chosen to open up shop in Georgia. The U.S. wing of General Protecht is opening doors in Barnesville in Lamar County south of Atlanta. The company will purchase more than 200 acres in Barnesville to build an assembly and distribution facility for electrical products, wired devices and other related products. The Governor’s office says the company is expected to bring 240 jobs and $30 dollars of investment to the area. Last June, Chinese food products manufacturing company Kingwasong announced that it would locate a plant in Newnan.