Two Teen Challenge escapees caught

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in Crime and Arrests

Thursday, December 30. 2010

Comments (88)

Pike authorities have apparently captured two young men who escaped Thursday morning from the Teen Challenge facility off Hwy. 19 South in Pike County.

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#1 Anonymous on 12/30/10 at 12:39 PM

Again and again...

#1.1 anonymous too on 01/17/11 at 03:20 PM

It is all about money. I talked with one of the Teen Challenge residents from another county as he was "panhandling" for money outside the Walmart in Thomaston. I told him I thought it was disgraceful for him to ask for money from those going into Walmart. I told him that I did not think he was disgusting, but the practice of panhandling was disgraceful. He told me that he was forced to ask strangers for money for Teen Challenge and agreed that the facility is all about money. He said he could not say that publicly to any news media or law enforcement agency, or he would be forced to serve a jail sentence. Shame on Teen Challenge for operating under the sham of working for God.

#1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/24/11 at 11:40 AM

ISN'T THIS A WONDERFUL FORUM FOR SPREADING LIES?

#2 Anonymous on 12/30/10 at 12:46 PM

'escapees'? I didn't think this was 'jail'?
I thought this place was 'safe'?

#2.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 05:12 PM

The place is as safe as a bunch of meth users forced into rehab by a judge can be.

#3 IKNow on 12/30/10 at 12:56 PM

I think they have been caught

#3.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:29 PM

They have. Again. The commissioners can promise again. Oh, I forgot, we have some new force now....Please Carol....force this issue for us. Close this joint down before someone gets killed. Move it back to Griffin where Daddy Rabbit lives. The one who moved them to Pike in the first place. He is working on an old folks home now in Griffin. Put it on our hill and his Teens back in his backyard. If old people escape, they cannot run as fast. AND best of all, these little innocent court ordered children can be back where they were before. In Griffin. Remember they pay no taxes to Pike, but our Law Officers do not work for free.

#4 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 12:58 PM

Yeah, here I am before you all start asking about "where is that big mouth." First of all, the initial call on the scanner was announced that the boys were headed South. At approximately that same time, a gentleman seen the two crossing his land which was in a northerly direction from Teen Challenge. His wife called to inform the Sheriff's department that their path was actually north. They were located around the tabernacle across from The Church of the Nazarene.

I will wait on all your reasons why these pitiful children, none of which are from Pike, should be up on our Pike Hill while a preacher and his wife reap benefits as Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye did from their parents.

By the way, neither had on orange jumpsuits. What is the deal with that? One even had on camouflage.

Bring it on.

Ring, ring: Are the commissioners home?

I guess not.

#4.1 Anonymous on 12/30/10 at 01:12 PM

Are they supposed to be in orange jumpsuits?

#4.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:41 PM

June 18,2010 PCJR

"They're working really hard to try to keep those kids in line. They are making some changes down there," Powers said. "They know they have problems – mostly with boys who've been there less than 45 days – and will now make them wear orange jumpsuits. They'll add more outside lighting and put security monitors on doors upstairs where the boys stay. They are trying."

Well try again, when someone gets hurt you will be tried not trying!

#4.1.1.1 Anonymous on 12/30/10 at 01:50 PM

But were they new inmates or old ones?

#4.1.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 04:53 PM

They were the ones that were not wearing orange jumpsuits.

Do inmates who are incarcerated in the Zebulon jail have the option of going back to levis and flannel shirts after 45 days? Clothing and accessories are not the point here. DO you think for just ONE minute that if there are non-orange-non-jail-looking attire in that building, that a less-than 45 day boy cannot get his hands on them?

If a more than 45 day teen kills you, are you less dead?

The point is that TWO MORE TEENS HAVE ESCAPED from the Teen Challenge Facility in Pike County in which the initial vote was "NO" to allowing the facility to be allowed to operate in Pike County. When commissioners changed the vote was taken again. AND WA-LA it was opened.

Since the purpose of county commissioners is to make improvements to PIKE County, I cannot see the logic.

"Hello Mr. Commissioners,
My name is Greg Keylon. I understand that you have no crime in Pike County, no drug users, no stressed teenagers, excess to spend in your budget....HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU! I am willing to move my court-ordered teen criminals from Spalding to Pike so that you can have exposure to drug users. They are good boys. The criminal judges just wanted them to breathe some mountain air. Now, I will be collecting an average of $2000 a month, per kid. BUT I will not be bothering your tax collectors with any new transactions because WE are not going to pay any taxes to your county. We will however, need to use your tax paid facilities like sheriff deputies, firemen, 911 etc. If someone should get hurt because we opened in Pike....don't call me, the commissioners approved it."

How totally stupid! You incumbents, minus Tommy, need to be HISTORY!!

AND it will happen again...or Rose Kennedy did not own a black dress!

#5 Pond house on 12/30/10 at 01:10 PM

A gentleman "SEEN" them, eh?

#5.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:42 PM

ABSOLUTELY. One of the few gentleman left in the world.

#5.2 sam on 01/01/11 at 06:04 PM

Pond house write " A gentleman "SEEN" them, eh?"

You're kidding right ? A much more serious issue is being discussed and you comment on trivial semantics ? How lazy and apathetic can you be....

#6 Anonymous on 12/30/10 at 01:14 PM

Shondi Daria Fabiano, also known as Shondi Barbato is a convicted sex offender She also runs a Teen Challenge “home” in Winthrop, ME.

One of the more decidedly shocking results of Teen Challenge (affiliated with Campus Crusade for Christ and GAINUSA) setting up shop in states with little or no regulation of “Faith-based children’s homes” is of a known multi-offense sexual assaulter and child molester running one of the Teen Challenge homes in Winthrop, ME–namely, Shondi Fabiano, listed officially as a co-head of Teen Challenge New England by the website of the Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God (Assemblies of God is Jimmy Swaggart’s denomination), and who is officially listed as a lifetime-registered sex offender for second-degree child molestation and sexual assault in the third degree.

An online check of sex offender registries, including the Florida sex-offender registry run by Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also shows Shondi Fabiano also has a history of 2nd degree sexual assault conviction in Kent, RI. (Why is this an an issue? 3rd degree sexual assault in Rhode Island is essentially statutory rape of a 14- to 16-year old minor by a person over the age of 18, 2nd degree sexual assault is sexual assault of an incapacitated person or sexual assault using force or coercion, and second degree child molestation is what is generally termed as frank pedophile rape–sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14. And this was probably not a case of “I thought he was legal”; Fabiano would have been nearly 24 years old at the time of the offense)

Fabiano apparently (at least per a search of the records site for Rhode Island’s criminal courts) committed the crimes under her maiden name Shondi Barbato; she was originally charged with 1st degree child abuse (which involves sexual penetration of a child under the age of 14). It also appears Fabiano (under her maiden name of Barbato) has something of a checkered history even aside from sexual offenses against children; she has a conviction for fraud (specifically attempts to obtain money under false pretenses, insurance fraud, and conspiracy) and a dismissed charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Fabiano may be just the person to teach the “Hokey Pokey” and instruct on the finer points of pretending to understand what people say.

#6.1 BrightIdea on 01/04/11 at 10:53 AM

Maybe Pike needs a woman sex offender at their teen challenge facility. It might help to keep them young boys from running away if they had someone keeping them occupied.

#6.1.1 Anonymous on 01/04/11 at 07:28 PM

Mindi will apply in record time.

#6.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/05/11 at 11:24 AM

That is cold. Funny, but cold.

#6.2 Jesus Saves $$$$ on 01/04/11 at 01:23 PM

I guess christians in maine actually forgive people to give this lady a job. Christian churches in the south are just used for laundering tax money for local businesses.

#7 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:34 PM

This is interesting. I was checking so that I could call and tell Daddy Rabbit that two of his fold had jumped the fence. Here is the address listed. Maybe they are milking Spalding County out of tax dollars also.

TEEN CHALLENGE PRAYER MOUNTAIN
Po Box 1000
Griffin, Georgia 30224

#8 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:53 PM

Teen Challenge escapee arrested at residence
Posted by
Walter Geiger
in Crime
Monday, May 24. 2010
Comments (234)
Another teen escaped from Teen Challenge early in the morning Monday, May 24. The 16-year-old white male from Blackshear was taken into custody at a home on McCorkle Curve Road in Upson County after residents said they kept him occupied by allowing him to make phone calls to his parents and girlfriend. Six teenagers have now escaped from the facility in the year it's been open.

Chief Deputy Dan Kilgore of the Upson County Sheriff's Office said they were alerted of the teen's escape around 1 a.m. and were patrolling the county line area when they received a call from a resident about the teen.

"It was around 3:40 a.m. when we got the call," Kilgore said. "They said a juvenile showed up and asked to use the phone at their house."

The teen was transported by officers to the Pike County Sheriff''s Office and turned back over to Teen Challenge counselors.

Jan Ogletree lives down the mountain from Teen Challenge in Upson County and she says her husband was on the front porch when he spotted the teen in their yard. She said he is lucky he did not get shot.

"Since they've been up there, I keep my front door locked day and night," she said. "I knew something wasn't right by the way he was dressed. He told me he was 21 years old but it was obvious by his appearance that he wasn't. He told me he had shot a person when he was younger."

For more on this story, see the 5.26.2010 print/e-edition of The Journal-Reporter.

#9 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:54 PM

Posted by
Walter Geiger
in News
Saturday, April 24. 2010
Comments (124)
Sheriff Jimmy Thomas has confirmed two juveniles are in custody after they fled the Teen Challenge facility here Friday night.

They were found hiding in a school bus after an all night search.

A golf cart and motorbike were taken from a neighbor's house and recovered nearby. One had a dead battery and the other was out of gas. The juveniles are thought to have stolen the items.

#10 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:56 PM

Comments (130)
Yet another young man has bolted from the Teen Challenge facility in Meansville. Patrick Berrane, 14, ran away Feb. 23 after only 21 hours at the center.

Lt. Jamie Strickland said there's a good possibility that he is trying to make his way back home to Miami, Fla.

"He is originally from Miami. Teen Challenge is something his parents took him to and paid for him to attend," said Strickland. "It's basically a private organization, not any type of RYDC facility."

Charles Berrane said his son was caught with marijuana and Xanax in his room in Miami. After taking him to a drug psychiatrist and starting to home school him, he started sneaking out at night.

"Once we found out he was sneaking out, he ended up running away and was gone for two weeks," said Berrane. "When we located him, we took him to Teen Challenge."

Lt. Strickland said Berrane has been placed on the Georgia Crime Information Center as a runaway.
Anyone with information on Berrane should contact the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 770-567-8431.

#11 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:57 PM

Posted by
Tamra Jarrett
in Top Stories
Thursday, April 9. 2009
Comments (51)
Two juveniles who reside at Prayer Mountain Teen Challenge in Meansville have been returned after leaving the premises Wednesday.

The youths were reported missing around 5:30 p.m. Pike County deputies heavily patrolled the area looking for them. A lookout was also issued to surrounding counties, according to investigator David Neal.

They were found by 9 p.m. in Upson County and brought to Pike by Upson County deputies. They were returned to Teen Challenge, Neal said.

"They just ran away and were picked up," he said.

The juveniles were from out of state, he added.

Teen Challenge won its nearly three year battle to operate a boarding facility, school and ministry for troubled teen boys in Pike County and was granted a special expception at the Jan. 27 meeting. The facility is on a 36-acre property on Highway 19, formerly the location of The Church at Grace Hill. The land is also part of what is called Prayer Mountain.

Approval came with stipulations. Teen Challenge Prayer Mountain Boys Academy shall accept boys ages 13-18 only, and no student over 18 shall be allowed to reside there. Additionally, if any student is convicted of committing bodily harm on any citizen of Pike County while enrolled or in residence at the academy, commissioners may reconsider the special exception allowing its operation as per the zoning ordinance criteria.

#12 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:58 PM

sted by
Walter Geiger
in News, Top Stories
Tuesday, January 27. 2009
Comments (31)
The Pike County commission voted 3-1 January 27 to approve a special zoning exception to allow Teen Challenge to operate a boarding facility, school and ministry for troubled teenage boys here.

Commissioner Tommy Powers cast the lone no vote.

The commission did insist on two stipulations. The Teen Challenge student body will be restricted to boys ages 13-18. No teens over age 18 will be allowed. Additionally, the commission retained the right to revoke its approval if any student is convicted of a crime involving bodily harm.

Teen Challenge plans to operate on a 36-acre tract on Highway 19 that includes the former Church at Grace Hill property.

#12.1 Concord Resident on 12/31/10 at 08:35 AM

"if any student is convicted of a crime involving bodily harm"

That's the most important part of your post. Those kids may be caught, may be charged, but they most likely will never be convicted if they have a good lawyer.

#12.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/31/10 at 10:35 AM

You are absolutely correct. BUT those parents will pay much more than $2400 a month if they harm the wrong person, won't they? Ask OJ Simpson.

Mr. Goldman is enjoying OJ's watch, golf clubs, money, sunglasses, savings, royalties,etc.

#13 Sheila Tolley on 12/30/10 at 01:59 PM

Posted by
Walter Geiger
in News, Top Stories
Monday, January 26. 2009
Comments (9)
Pike County commissioners expect a large number of people to attend the January 27 meeting to hear them reconsider the Teen Challenge request for a special exception that would allow it to operate a boarding facility, school and ministry for troubled teen boys.

Commissioners denied the request July 12, 2006, citing three reasons: the proposed center is detrimental to use and development of adjacent properties; based on public outcry, it would adversely affect the health, safety and welfare of adjoining residents; and it would constitute a nuisance and a hazard as a result of type of activities and the facility was proposed for housing and training drug addicts and other troubled or delinquent individuals.

Neal Gray, then owner of the 36 acres and building that was once Church at Grace Hill, filed a lawsuit July 21, 2006, stating the decision was unconstitutional and commissioners did not show the denial was "furtherance of a compelling government interest."

Since then Gray gave the property to Griffin First Assembly of God which in turn gave it to Teen Challenge about a year and a half ago. The complaint against the county and commissioners remains filed in district court but the plaintiff became Teen Challenge. Use of the Pike facility and legal action were both on hold pending the commissioners' decision.

Teen Challenge Prayer Mountain Boys Academy has been in existence nearly two years. It operates from a 60 year old Griffin church camp.
A number of Pike residents who live near the proposed facility voiced their opposition of the boys academy to commissioners and several letters to the editor.

Rev. Greg Keylon, executive director of Prayer Mountain Boys Academy, was among those who lobbied for approval of the special exception. He said Teen Challenge has a 50 year history worldwide and he is not aware of a single negative incident in any community in which Teen Challenge is located.

The monthly fee for Prayer Mountain Academy is $2,450 a month, but the average cost for parents is usually $1,500 a month with scholarships. Once accepted, Teen Challenge requires a minimum of 15 months of participation in the program.

"I understand the fears but I understand what it's about," he said.

Keylon grew up in the ministry of Teen Challenge because his parents directed a facility for men. He said being associated with Teen Challenge students, young and old, has been a positive influence in his life.

#13.1 Anonymous on 12/30/10 at 05:51 PM

I wish I got paid $2,450.00 for every child in my house.

#14 thinker on 12/30/10 at 07:19 PM

here we are paying to round up these kids at tax payers expense and that place doesn't contribute one penny to the coffers

#14.1 NewsFlasher on 12/31/10 at 07:47 AM

All you lame Pike County parents! Your kids are doing the same things these kids are locked up for! They just have'nt been caught yet! Or, because they were let go, on the good ole buddy system. I can post names and intances!!!! But, won't.

#14.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 12/31/10 at 10:39 AM

You may be 100% correct. BUT Pike Parents pay taxes in Pike County. Pike County children cannot be placed in the facility. Face it! Open your eyes. The commissioners who voted this in after the initial rejection were paid to do so. Now Tamara, Carol and Tommy can straighten that screw up out if it comes back up for a vote.

#14.1.2 Justice on 01/02/11 at 10:31 PM

Pike County kids doing the same thing isn't the issue. The issue is the church in Griffin sending the kids here, instead of keeping them there. If I'm not mistaken the church has enough land to build a facility for them. If you want'em then you keep'em...don't send them off for another county to deal with!

#14.1.2.1 HowItWorks on 01/04/11 at 10:58 AM

so if we want to live in your world we will have to build a prison in pike so we dont look like hypocrites. all our prisoners who are sentenced to state time are shipped out of county. if any of you had half a brain you would know thats how it works. dont let the little boys scare you all. cowards.

#14.1.2.1.1 fat bass tard on 01/07/11 at 07:12 AM

ahhh you just keep on showing how ignorant you are on just about every matter.

teen challenge - does not pay taxes. puts a drain on limited resources for citizens in pike county by forcing local authorities to search for escapees.

prisons - pay loads in taxes and actually augment local resources when necessary to support a search for escapees.

if you were to present these two options to people who have a prison in the county, they would take the prison every single time.

and btw, we have a prison in pike county so there you go.

#14.1.2.1.1.1 FBTeatsHISownWORDS!! on 01/07/11 at 09:20 PM

gee mr know it all fat terd. a man who claimed to be as wise as you told me weeks back that no businesses pay taxes. is teen challenge supposed to be the first one that does? my how your hate guides your thinking. thats why you continually prove to be a bigot.

#14.1.2.1.1.1.1 fat bass tard on 01/11/11 at 09:28 AM

i know it is a difficult concept to grasp. especially for a man in your condition. ask your son. he knows a lot.

#14.1.2.1.1.1.2 Anonymous on 01/11/11 at 04:44 PM

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!Go jump in a big frozen lake FBT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#14.1.2.1.1.2 ScaredStraight on 01/07/11 at 09:28 PM

I thought Mr Hammond made that prison a slumber party for girls after his daughter was killed FBT. Quit being a fake. You are either fake or the most uninformed citizen in Pike. See if Mr. Hammond will chose that prison every time. Thats your problem, you think you can speak for others. The only person it seems you can speak for on here is Shelia Tolley. You might have a full brain between the both of you. I know all you cowards are scared of little boys. Do all them girls in that "prison" keep you up at night too?

#14.1.2.1.1.2.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/08/11 at 08:43 PM

Hey Noodle Brain, I think it is fair to say that I do not need anyone speaking for me. You no name wimpy jerk. You are lower than a snake belly to bring the Hammond Family into this blog.

If you are stupid enough to think that Teen Challenge is a benefit to Pike County, please elaborate on that benefit. Inform me. Educate me. I will apologize on this blog if you can tell me just ONE benefit that any Pike County citizen receives since the bought off commissioners are gone.

They are PIKE COUNTY TAX TICKS. They are users and abusers of tax funded paychecks that Pike County citizens pay to support the Sheriff's Department.

The land is owned by the state of Florida, you moron. When that little under the table deal was made it was so shady that Florida bought it before Georgia sold it.

You are blinded by the light of stupidity. It is burning way to bright nowadays.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.1.1 TolleyWentWitchAgain on 01/09/11 at 03:09 PM

First off when that coward killed kelly hammond he took a person i knew out of my life. For you to attack me about mentioning a young lady who lost her life is uncalled for. I think it is a good thing for people to speak of the dead. It brings them back to life in peoples thoughts. And if you can see pass the tragedy and remember the things that made that woman special it is so great to keep her alive in your thoughts. As for teen challenge they are like every other business. You think they care about Pike? Maybe God will make sure your the next world you live in is fair. Then you wont have to let all these real life issues upset you.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/09/11 at 10:50 PM

When the coward took Kelli away he destroyed many peoples lives. Maybe I am not understanding your commentary. It sounds like you are making a rude comment about Jerry to me, if not, I apologize. The Hammond family has suffered enough tragedy for three families. I have much respect for them.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Mayhem on 01/10/11 at 12:23 PM

It is about the prison and the circumstances that made it what it is today. No disrespect to Kelli and her family. Calm down crazy lady.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.1.2 Sheila Tolley on 01/09/11 at 10:54 PM

An alert reader has pointed out an error in my post and I wish to correct that point. The correction follows:

"The Teen Challenge property located at 1593 U.S. Hwy 19 in Pike County is not owned by the State Of Florida.
It is owned by Teen Challenge of Florida, Inc. located at 1976 Houston Ave; Macon, GA 31201. A tax exempt 501c3 corp.

Teen Challenge of Florida, Inc. is a Florida Corporation doing busines in Georgia at 15 W. 10th ST; Columbus, GA 31901
which is the address in Georgia for Teen Challenge International Regional Headquarters.

Their tentacles reach far and wide as a "tax exempt" corporation under the AG Church. Big time showboats living large."

My appreciation to this alert reader for bringing this to my attention.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.2 fat bass tard on 01/10/11 at 10:30 AM

it is a women's prison fool.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.2.1 Mayhem on 01/10/11 at 09:51 PM

It wasnt always. Why did they convert it to a womens prison?

#14.1.2.1.1.2.3 fat bass tard on 01/10/11 at 12:45 PM

keep talking. the more you talk the more ignorant you are shown to be.

go ask the women at the facility if they think it's a prison.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.3.1 TheIgnorantOne on 01/10/11 at 03:52 PM

You think they will let me in?

#14.1.2.1.1.2.3.1.1 fat bass tard on 01/11/11 at 08:34 AM

sure, all you have to do is go on visitation day.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1 Mayhem on 01/12/11 at 02:27 PM

There was a time in my life when I held the keys to that prison in my hand. You want to tell me something I dont know about it.

#14.1.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.1 fat bass tard on 01/13/11 at 08:39 AM

i would tell you all the things you don't know about. but, the list would be extremely long and you wouldn't believe half of it anyway.

the state of georgia will hire you back. you should be able to work a lock in your condition.

#14.1.2.2 Sheila Tolley on 01/04/11 at 11:06 AM

They were already in a facility in Griffin when they were shuttled to Pike.

They are a bunch of Pike County tax ticks.

#15 Observer on 12/30/10 at 11:35 PM

Commissioners--Time to close the tax free instution that ride on the backs of the Pike Taxpayers. And don't let the church and God gobbley gook by these Christians for money stop you..

#16 Sheila Tolley on 12/31/10 at 08:55 AM

I am not kidding you about this..........the same group who pawned the problem children off on Pike Taxpayers is now building a really nice home for the elderly where they previously resided. The rich get richer and taxpayers support them. I will never understand what those other commissioners (minus Tommy) were thinking who voted to let this bunch move their Griffin problems to Pike TAX-FREE. If someone can tell me one benefit to Pike County, I will hush. They owe our deputies a lot in tips.

#17 Tolley's Topics on 01/02/11 at 11:08 AM

I am the CEO of Tolley's Topics and occasionally enjoy pointing out obvious facts for my friends. The above post has 29 total blogs in 4 days time frame. Very few in favor of Teen Challenge.

When two escaped on April 24, 2010 in 4 days, 100 blogs had been posted. Many in favor of Teen Challenge.

Ask yourself, what has changed?

Two commissioners, that is what has changed. The two new ones have not been bought out and the two leaving do not care because Teen Challenge is not going to continue to pay them when they have no power.

And time marches on!

#18 Lifers on 01/03/11 at 01:08 PM

love it!!! christians vs. christians. looks like another time to transform into a non-biblical christian. no forgiveness on this page. just a bunch of hypocrites. if you dont want them in your county i am sure you dont want them in your church. NEWSFLASH: this is not your world. your judgement and opinion means nothing. why dont you fools let god handle it. thats what you say in church on sunday. it seems after you are all done sucking on your wings and things you forget everthing you have learned. oh, i forgot, thats why you already have made an appointment for next sunday. to ask for gods forgiveness for disregarding his commandments. again. you are all the ones sentenced to life in pike county. if i felt me or my family was in danger i sure as heck would move. i guess you all do not have that option.

#18.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/03/11 at 05:46 PM

Right! The kids are in Danger and they need to be moved, before they take a stroll through the wrong yard at the wrong time. They may get a short cut to Heaven instead of taking a short cut through someone's yard.

That would really be bad for the county. Lawsuits are pretty expensive. Your taxes will go up again.

#18.1.1 RightAgain on 01/03/11 at 08:12 PM

with all the fine christians in pike i think they will be fine. as long as they keep a look out for the non-biblical kind. but from the actual facts of the escape the only ones that are scared is you and the rest of the cowards belly ache'n about it. lawsuits are expensive to some but make others very rich. being the crack epidemic in concord is history maybe virgil can be the one to file the suit. that way he can pay his taxes on the mansion the kind folks of pike already furnished him with. that would be okay then, right sheila? as long as the money doesnt go to an illegal immigrant and stays in the pike clan i am sure you will feel much better about it. short cut to heaven? i bet the folks that have been dead in the ground for over 1900 years would like to know about that short cut. they are still waiting for jesus to return so they can go. but that is just christian belief. maybe your belief does have a quicker way.

#18.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/04/11 at 11:08 AM

To waste my intelligence on you would be supplying fodder for a fool.

#18.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 01/05/11 at 02:02 PM

Some folks would call that blogging.

#18.1.1.1.2 SoreLoser on 01/07/11 at 07:50 AM

Did you finally run out of hot air?

#18.1.1.1.2.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/07/11 at 11:25 AM

Up, Up and away! Stay in the hot air balloon and don't worry about my little bb gun. I am going elephant hunting as soon as you are high enough. I heard Dumbo is flying around.

Do keep your ears tucked in, they are an easy target.

Off you go.

POPpopPOPpopPOPpopPOPpopPOP.

Bam, splat etc.

Save the ivory, boys!

#18.1.1.1.2.1.1 DatsMoLikeIt! on 01/07/11 at 09:15 PM

Shes Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#18.1.1.1.2.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/08/11 at 08:53 PM

She never left.

#18.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Dementia on 01/09/11 at 03:00 PM

She did and she didnt even know it.

#19 know what on 01/03/11 at 06:43 PM

as the old saying goes... some will sell their
soul to the devil for $1, and people this is
exactly what happened here.

#20 Sheila Tolley on 01/04/11 at 11:09 AM

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in little brown bags.

#21 willie wonka on 01/06/11 at 09:05 AM

It will eventually happen, one or more of these boys will be hurt or killed. Also the county should get ready because when one of the area residents are hurt or killed, then will come the lawsuits. The county has been warned.

#21.1 Todd Smith on 01/07/11 at 08:48 PM

You know this place is amazing! our community voted down once as I recall and the leaders still got it in. This proves to me once again our leaders do exactly what and when they want to do something. It is beginning to be clear to me why people don't vote.

#21.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/08/11 at 08:51 PM

You remember exactly right, Todd. It was voted down, then after election was held some new commissioners were voted in. Then Daddy Rabbit Keylon and his Griffin gang managed($$$$$$$$) to get it back for another vote. Then Tommy Powers alone voted against allowing the facility to move from their established facility in Griffin to relocate in Pike. BUT, Thank The Lord, and voters with some logic we have some new commissioners in office now. They are women...hear them roar.

#22 walter kendrick on 01/10/11 at 08:07 AM

Sheila, what will happen to get this issue brought back up before the commissioners? From what I understand, when the last meeting with the citizens, the room was full of Griffin church members and only a handful of Pike County people. If Teen Challenge is a non-profit organization and pay no tax, then there is no logical reason to have it in Pike County. I would like to know how much has been spent by Pike County law enforcement rounding up the escapees??

#22.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/10/11 at 09:56 AM

I love you! That is exactly my train of thought. The second commissioners meeting was full of Griffin people before the time of the meeting to start. Rhoda Dunn and her brother were two that happened to get in from Pike. Teen Challenge is about a football field from her lifetime home. She said the meeting was dominated by Greg Keylon and full of Griffinites. They had already received a "NO" vote until the commissioners changed then they managed to get a re-vote. The second time, Tommy Powers is the only man who stood his ground and voted No. The newly elected commissioners voted yes. They are not a non-profit organization but they are non-profit to Pike County. Parents of teens on the hill pay $2000 to $2400 per child per month for their kids to reside there. They are court ordered and choose that rather than jail for their "rich" kids. ZERO money is paid in taxes to Pike County. The time before last, two stole two vehicles from my sister's rental property. The taxpayers pay the bills and ZERO benefits are reaped for Pike County. I GUARANTEE you the commissioners who were voted out recently were paid off. Don Collins is not in the clear either. I am glad to know you, the name of a citizen that cares. You can take this to the bank Walter. They take in MUCHO dollars, pay no taxes and were brought in through the back door at the commissioners meeting after getting a previous "NO." I have enjoyed blogging with a person who cares.

#23 BirdBrains on 01/10/11 at 03:21 PM

Whats the matter? This big christian organization doesnt have you fooled like all the rest. Maybe they need to tell you all that Jesus is going to return and give Pike County ten times the amount of taxes that you all think they owe. You all seem to fall for stuff like that. Dont worry, its only been over 1900 years. I am sure Jesus will be here anytime now. Teen Challenge is thinking of changing their name to "Mountain of Joy". Research shows that names like that are good for bringing in revenue and putting smiles on peoples faces. Makes them feel Christian like. I watched the birds today after my wife put seed out. All the little birds were having a good old time eating up all the seed. Before long the big black birds came and ran them off. Their tiny little brains let them know that its time to let the big birds take control and they flew away. Now if they had a bigger brain they might have been able to think about the situation even more. They could start whining about how life is not fair. Then they could start feeling sorry for themselves for being so small and powerless. Next they could be jealous that those big, strong, birds just swooping in and taking control. But birds arent "blessed" with a brain like that. Only humans are. A bird just sees it is what it is, spreads its wings, and gets on with its life.

#24 walter kendrick on 01/12/11 at 08:18 AM

I think many people have grown complacent and accept everything as it is or as our politicians and government employees say it is. But I don't and I don't see anything wrong with questioning issues like higher taxes, health care and the placement of Teen Challenge in Pike County. You can name it whatever you like, but it will still be a money making venture that is labeled non-profit and something that creates a safety issue for the surrounding residents. My father lives at the base of the mountain and I am afraid for his safety, as I am for all of those people that live near Teen Challenge. For I want it moved out of Pike County and think all taxpaying citizens should question why and how it was allowed to come to Pike County. In my simple mind, it does not pay any taxes, but uses all of Pike County's government and public functions, using taxpayers money. I would think even a "bird brain" would be against it.

#24.1 Anonymous on 01/14/11 at 02:23 PM

its like kicking a dead horse. thats whats wrong with it.

#25 Anonymous on 01/12/11 at 07:10 PM

saw this organization soliciting donations at the Griffin Walmart Saturday.... thought they were adequately funded...

#25.1 fat bass tard on 01/13/11 at 08:43 AM

who was doing the soliciting?

#26 walter kendrick on 01/16/11 at 09:03 AM

Sheila, have you or anyone else approached the new commissioners or sent them a letter, or attended one of their meetings and requested a revote on allowing Teen Challenge to operate in Pike County? Blogging about the issue is resulting in nothing.

#26.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/19/11 at 01:01 PM

You rest assured that I am on a mission, Sweetheart. Where do you live?

#26.2 Shredder on 01/19/11 at 02:33 PM

you must not know this lady walt. she has written so many letters that that when people see her handwriting they recognize it and throw the letter right in the trash.

#26.2.1 Sheila Tolley on 01/19/11 at 07:29 PM

Most of them use shredders, Shredder.

#26.3 Sheila Tolley on 01/19/11 at 07:32 PM

Blogging about anything results in nothing. Is your Dad still living at the bottom of the hill? Did they write you back? What was their response?
Blog me back and enlighten me.

#27 Sheila Tolley on 01/19/11 at 07:34 PM

Shredder called me a Lady. Na-Na-Na-Na-NaNa.

#28 walter kendrick on 01/23/11 at 12:55 PM

I live in Thomson Ga, but I am concerned about my father that lives in the community where the Teen Challenge is located. Is there anyway to get the commissioners to take a re-vote on the issue. Teen Challenge is using Pike County taxpayer money to find and return the escapees to the center. The center pays no taxes. I would think any citizen of Pike County would be upset about spending their money. There is no reason for the center to be located in Pike County. The Griffin church should put the center on their property.

#29 "Inmate" on 02/24/11 at 08:08 AM

This program was ridiculous in the 7months I attended .. A forceful surrounding going against EVERY right a normal person/teen could have, secluded from everyone left to simply think.

#30 Anonymous on 02/24/11 at 08:24 PM

Hey inmate, you should write a letter about your stay there, to the editor of the newspaper to be put in it for everyone to see.

#31 Anonymous on 11/04/11 at 07:53 AM

Why do you think these children run away back to their home? There must be something going on there that the parents are unaware of if teens who were running away from home are now running back to home.

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