On Sunday, Chattooga County School Supt. Michelle Helie released a statement about two Chattooga County School students who were arrested by the sheriff’s office in connection with threats that were made against Trion High School on Saturday.  Supt. Helie says that she was in close communication with Dr. Phil Williams, superintendent of Trion City Schools to ensure safety for both school systems.  You can read her complete statement below:

September 8, 2024

Dear Chattooga School Community,

Earlier this afternoon, I was informed of the arrest of two Chattooga County School students
who were charged with a threat made against Trion High School yesterday. I have been in close communication with law enforcement and Dr. Phil Williams, the Superintendent of
Trion City Schools. Our collaboration with them is key as we work together to ensure the
safety of both school systems.

At no time during this incident was Chattooga County Schools threatened. We will continue
to work with law enforcement to investigate any threats we are made aware of and take them
seriously.

We will have extra security on all campuses on Tuesday as a precaution. Please do not be alarmed.

Sincerely,

Michelle Helie

Superitendent

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, September 8, 2024:

The Georgia Public Service Commission voted earlier this week to allow the return of $122 million to Georgia Power customers as soon as January 2025.

According to a release by the power company, the funds are available after changes to the state’s tax law, which lowered their corporate tax rate is helping them to offset inflation-related costs for their customers. The tax rate for corporations in Georgia was changed to match the state’s individual income tax of 5.49%. A pair of bills, House Bills 1015 and 1023 from the Georgia General Assembly made it happen.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bills into law in April, setting up the potential for savings that Georgia Power says they’re acting on, along with the Georgia PSC.

Thanks to that change, Georgia Power said they will be able to quickly “deliver near-term rate relief for customers,” with an expected $2.25 saved for customers per month starting in January.

“Every day, we work to keep our rates as low as possible while making the investments needed to deliver reliable energy and power a growing Georgia,” said Kim Greene, president, chairman and CEO of Georgia Power. “We applaud members of the Georgia legislature and Governor Kemp for revising the state’s tax code, and the members of the Georgia PSC for working with us to quickly return these funds for the benefit of customers,” Georgia Power said in a statement.

WSB / GNN

From Shorter University:

ROME, Ga. — Shorter University is excited to officially have our Steinway Concert Grand Piano back on campus, now fully rebuilt and refinished.

The Shorter University Edith Lester Harbin Music Department began a three-phase project in 2019 that helped refresh its piano program. The first phase of the project focused on practice rooms and included purchasing new digital pianos, refurbishing grand pianos in piano major practice rooms, and purchasing hydraulic artist benches. Phase two included installing new hammers on Brookes Chapel’s Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand, which were installed in 2021.

Phase three began in 2023 and had the goal of fully rebuilding the Steinway Concert Grand. This piano lives in Brookes Chapel and was given in 1982 in honor of former Shorter piano professor, Ms. Elizabeth Buday. The fundraising for this project was completed earlier this year, and the Steinway was sent for restoration.

The newly rebuilt Steinway Concert Grand Piano was delivered to campus early last week and has returned to Brookes Chapel. The Shorter University Music Department is excited to put the new Steinway to use and continue to train quality pianists and build on the proud tradition of excellence in the arts.

“Getting the Steinway rebuilt is the culmination of a goal that we have had for many years,” said Jerico Vasquez, Music Department Chair and Professor of Music. “As an institution, Shorter University is very fortunate to now have two beautiful and very different concert grands in our hall, which students, faculty, and guest artists can choose from when performing their recitals.”

“In the School of Fine and Performing Arts, we continue to build on our longstanding tradition of excellence,” said Professor Amy Neal, Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy and Class Piano. “We are thrilled that Ms. Buday’s legacy will still impact current students and faculty in their musical performances.”

Shorter University, the Music Department,

Fall is rapidly approaching. It will not be too long until beautiful Fall colors begin to adorn the state of Georgia.

Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator for Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, anticipates that parks in the north Georgia mountains will soon be filled with leaf-peepers. If you want to avoid the crowds, she recommends a visit to some of the lesser-known state parks around the middle and southern parts of this state.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites offer resources to Georgians that are currently planning their leaf-peeping excursions for this Fall. According to a media release:

“Introducing the Leaf Watchers’ Trail—a curated route through some of Georgia’s best-kept secrets. It is designed to highlight areas where the variety of trees offers a kaleidoscope of colors, from the deep purples of sweetgums to the auburn needles of cypress trees. Experience the serene beauty of state parks like Victoria Bryant, James H. Floyd and Watson Mill Bridge.

Highlighted Parks on the Leaf Watchers’ Trail:

Victoria Bryant State Park (Royston, GA) Nestled in the rolling hills of northeast Georgia, this park offers peaceful hiking trails along rushing streams, a beaver pond and overlooks where hardwoods create a vibrant tapestry of autumn colors. A popular choice is the 3.5-mile Broad River Loop. GaStateParks.org/VictoriaBryant

Indian Springs State Park (Flovilla, GA) One of the oldest state parks in the U.S., Indian Springs offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The park’s trails are perfect for a leisurely walk under a canopy of fall foliage, and the historic springhouse adds a charming touch to your autumn adventure. Guests with physical challenges can reserve an all-terrain wheelchair in advance to explore the hiking trail. GaStateParks.org/IndianSprings

Watson Mill Bridge State Park (Comer, GA) Home to Georgia’s longest covered bridge, this park is a photographer’s dream in the fall. The historic bridge, surrounded by golden and crimson leaves, offers a picture-perfect autumn scene. Trails highlight the South Fork River, Big Clouds Creek, an old beaver pond and even old wagon wheel ruts from bygone days. Campers will appreciate the small, forested campground with fire pits and hot showers. GaStateParks.org/WatsonMillBridge

F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Pine Mountain, GA) At more than 9,000 acres, Georgia’s largest state park offers plenty of room to explore wilderness and small waterfalls. With over 40 miles of trails, including the scenic Pine Mountain Trail, visitors can enjoy expansive views of autumn’s splendor from Dowdell’s Knob overlook. Be sure to get a selfie with the life-size bronze sculpture of FDR. GaStateParks.org/FDRoosevelt

Chattahoochee Bend State Park (Newnan, GA) Located along a peaceful stretch of the Chattahoochee River, this park is a must-visit for fall foliage enthusiasts. Twelve miles of trails with an observation tower offer panoramic views of the wide river and forest ablaze with late-fall color. Campsites include riverside platforms for tents, RV hookups and even paddle-in primitive sites for the most adventurous leaf watchers.  GaStateParks.org/ChattahoocheeBend

James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park (Summerville, GA) Tucked away in northwest Georgia, this small but scenic park is a hidden jewel for fall foliage. The park’s two lakes, flanked by rolling mountains, provide a reflective surface that mirrors the vibrant colors of the surrounding trees. A popular hike takes visitors to an old marble mine with a reflective pool of water and footbridge. GaStateParks.org/JamesHFloyd

Moccasin Creek State Park (Clarkesville, GA) Situated on the shores of Lake Burton, Georgia’s smallest state park offers the perfect basecamp for leaf watching. A gorgeous three-mile hike leads to Hemlock Falls where fall leaves swirl in the reflection pond. The combination of water and forest creates a stunning contrast, making it a refreshing retreat for autumn adventurers. GaStateParks.org/MoccasinCreek

Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge, GA) Just a mile east of Atlanta, this park offers beautiful hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests. An accessible kayak launch and all-terrain wheelchair make it easy for physically challenged guests to explore the park. In late fall, the landscape is a vibrant mix of warm colors, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle.  GaStateParks.org/HardLaborCreek

George L. Smith State Park (Twin City, GA) In late autumn, cypress needles turn deep orange and make a beautiful reflection off this park’s blackwater pond. Rent a kayak to paddle under Spanish moss waiving in autumn breezes. Campers can set up pond-side under tupelo trees and their vibrant red berries. Photographers will appreciate exploring a covered bridge built in 1880. GaStateParks.org/GeorgeLSmith

This fall, explore the Leaf Watchers’ Trail at Georgia’s lesser-known state parks. Whether you’re a seasoned leaf watcher or looking for a new autumn adventure, these hidden gems promise a fall experience you won’t soon forget. This curated leaf watching trail can help showcase the diversity of fall available at Georgia’s State Parks.

Although Mother Nature is in charge of when peak leaf season will hit, Georgia State Parks has launched “Leaf Watch 2024” to help leaf lookers track fall color as it moves across the Peach State. Found at GaStateParks.org/LeafWatch, the travel planner is filled with additional trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and safe hiking tips.”

Peak color usually starts in mid to late October in the highest elevations and lasts until early to mid-November around middle and southern Georgia, says Hatcher.

September 22^nd will be the first day of Fall in 2024.

It’s September and in Chattooga County that means it’s time to think about property taxes.  Tax bills are typically mailed out in the month of September and Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton announced on Friday that those 2024 property tax bills are now ready.  To view and pay your 2024 Chattooga County Property Tax bill, you can log onto www.chattoogacountytax.com HERE .  The due date is December 3, 2024.

The Summerville City Council will be holding their regular monthly meeting coming up tomorrow evening at Summerville City Hall.  It will be the first council meeting for new City Manager Jason Winters who was hired last month.  On the agenda, the council is expected to pass a measure that will allow Summerville Main Street to put a 2000 Toyota Tundra up for auction as surplus equipment. Also, the council will likely vote to allow local veterans organizations access to Dowdy Park for a Veteran’s Day ceremony that will be held on the Saturday before Veteran’s Day on November 9th.  Tomorrow’s council meeting gets underway at 5 PM and there will be a question and answer session with the mayor and city council at 4:30 PM.  The public is invited to attend.

While emotions remain high surrounding a mass school shooting in Georgia and many other copycat school threats across the country, many people wonder why this keeps happening.

More than 30 years ago, Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI profiler, began researching school shootings as part of a small group of academics, law-enforcement professionals and psychologists. She is quoted in a FiveThirtyEight article in 2022 as saying the risk factors they identified and recommendations made to address the issue remain valid.

Marisa Randazzo once served as the chief psychologist for the Secret Service and reports her findings mirrored those of O’Toole. Research shows that mass shooters typically give many warning signs, but programs and strategies aimed at preventing school shootings are often under-developed and do not train all teachers, students, and staff on what to look and listen for.

Randazzo found a pattern of deeply depressed young people, often victims of trauma or abuse, who were unable to cope stressors that an adult wouldn’t necessarily see as especially traumatic.

GNN

A thirty-four-year-old Chattooga County woman was arrested last week after she was found driving under the influence.  A deputy was called to a residence on Packer Dairy Road early last Saturday after a 911 dispatcher alerted the sheriff’s office about a domestic incident.  When the responding deputy arrived on the scene, and spoke with Jasimen Monique Reed she told the deputy  that she and her husband had been arguing that morning.  A report from the sheriff’s office stated that the domestic incident was “fueled by alcohol”.   The deputy left the Packer Dairy Road residence and was sitting stationary at Gore Fire Hall just minutes after leaving the scene of the domestic incident.  The deputy noticed that it was Reed driving the vehicle and knew that she was highly intoxicated.  Reed was arrested and charged with DUI for alcohol and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

The Republican Vice Presidential nominee will be coming to Georgia again soon. Ohio Senator JD Vance will be speaking at a conservative gala in the Peach State. Vance is scheduled to make an address at the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual dinner, which will be held at the Cobb Galleria Center on September 16. The dinner will also be attended by Governor Brian Kemp, as well as other key state GOP leaders like Georgia Congressmen Mike Collins and Barry Loudermilk, as well as Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.

GNN

On Saturday morning, Sept 7, 2024 a staff member of CHS notified SRO Deputy King of a picture that had been shared with them by a student. The post showed an unidentifiable person holding a rifle and had a few captions that had been added to the photo. One of the captions was “who next” and another caption was “Trion High School”. Investigator Sanford began his investigation and notified Detective Wooten and SRO Railey of Trion Police Department.

“I want to encourage any student, child or adult to report ANY threatening post or picture that you see on social media to law enforcement immediately. I also want all students to know that we take threats to their safety very seriously. We will investigate and pursue charges on those individuals who create, share or otherwise publish these threats. PLEASE report these threats to an adult, teacher or law enforcement officer immediately upon seeing them. I want to thank the student that sent this image to the staff member and that staff member for reporting it immediately to the SRO. I also want to thank Investigator Sanford, the SROs and all others for their fast and serious response in this case” – Sheriff Mark A. Schrader

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, September 7, 2024:

Congratulations to the Chattooga High School Homecoming Queen and Court: Preslee Hurley-Queen, Libby Mobbs-First Runner-up, Sia’Miah Adams-Second Runner-up, Addie Mae Veatch-Junior Princess, Daysa Martin-Sophomore Princess, and Adaleigh Bartlett-Freshman Princess. Congratulations ladies!!

The FBI and the GBI say that school threats have increased since the tragedy at Apalachee High School in Barrow County earlier this week.  At least eleven students have been arrested this past week across Georgia, including one in Rome yesterday.  The Rome Police Department released the following statement yesterday:

A 17-year-old has been detained by Rome Police after an investigation into threats of violence at a local school.

Nathaniel Porter Kozelle of Rome was detained Friday afternoon and later booked into the Floyd County Jail on charges of terroristic threats and acts, and disrupting the operation of a public school, school bus, or school bus stop.

Schools within the Rome City School System were placed on lockdown around lunchtime Friday as information regarding threats was discovered and shared with school system administrators.

Rome Police Department Investigators worked with School Resource Officers and determined that the individual who allegedly made the threats was not on campus at the time of the lockdown.

He was later located at his residence, detained, and subsequently charged.

Schools within Rome City remained on lockdown through the end of the school day.

The Rome Police Department takes threats of violence and school safety very seriously; if you or someone you know is witness to written or spoken threats of violence or destruction, please call 9-1-1, the Anonymous Crime Tip Line at 706-236-5000, or the Rome Police Department at 706-238-5111

Summerville Police say that last week, a forty-eight-year-old man was arrested after he became belligerent with officers who were giving him a courtesy ride in a patrol car.  Police say that David Tucker was intoxicated and causing a scene on Martin Street.  Police observed him arguing with residents and offered him a ride to get him off the streets.  Officers took Tucker to an address that he had requested, but the the residents there said that they would not allow Tucker to stay if he was intoxicated.  Police say that while they were speaking with the residents,  Tucker was banging his head and yelling inside the patrol car.  Officers then took Tucker to a second address, but they didn’t want Tucker staying there either.  Tucker continued to be belligerent with officers and bang his head in the patrol car.  He was placed under arrest and charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

The North Georgia Cruisers are proud to present their Annual Car and Truck Show on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 33 Middle School Rd. Summerville, Ga. Proceeds from this event will benefit various area needy programs. The car and truck show will be a great opportunity for families and car and truck enthusiasts to enjoy some good food and fun while celebrating cars and trucks of the past and present.

Car and Truck Show registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will run through 12 noon, when judging will begin. Car and Truck registration for the show will be $25 the day of the event. There will be a Grand Prize Giveaway of $700. Awards, door prizes and a money tree will also be featured. Fried pies by Reita will also be available

Parking and entrance to the event are free to the public.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton has announced another tax sale coming next month.  This tax sale will mainly deal with unpaid mobile home taxes.  There will be one land parcel also auctioned at the tax sale.  The sale is slated for Tuesday, October 1st on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse.  You can find a list of the properties to be auctioned below:

PDF Reader Required:

Chattooga-October 2024 (1)

Chattooga-MH- October 2024

A thirty-eight-year-old Floyd County man has been arrested in Rome on dog fighting charges.  Michael Cortez Kent was taken into custody this week.

Reports said that Kent was found housing several dogs used for fighting.  While conducting a search of the home at 333 E 2^nd Avene in Lindale they also found training equipment such as a swim tank and a treadmill all fashioned with chains used to secure the dogs and build stamina for the fights.

The dogs were also found with scars and other wounds that were obtained in fights.  Kent is charged with 18 counts of dog fighting, contempt of probate court, and probation violation.

Kent has a history of dog-fighting arrests and spent time on the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office “Most Wanted List” earlier this year.