Arrest Report - Tuesday - November 28, 2023

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, November 28,  2023:

Woman Reports Damage At Apartment In Summerville

Summerville Police responded to a call about damage to an apartment on Northwest Congress Street. According to a report released yesterday, the responding officer spoke with the complainant who lives in Kennesaw.  The complainant said that someone had broken into the apartment sometime after November 21st.  There was damage to the door frame of the apartment, but the report did not indicate if anything else was damaged or missing.  The responding officer said that a report would be on file about the damage to the apartment.

Sweet P's At The Tavern Closing After December

Sweet P’s at the Tavern in Trion will be closing at the end of the year.  The announcement was made over the past weekend when restaurant management posted on social media, “After the holiday season, we regrettably will close the location in Trion. We have enjoyed serving our customers over the many past years and enjoying many many Sunday and holiday lunches”.  Sweet P’s will be open and serving customers through December 23rd during their regular hours which are Thursday, Friday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday and Friday for supper. Sweet P’s will still be operating their location in Rome on Sundays at Sweet P’s at the Palladium – located at 69 Church Street SE in Rome.

Ragland Arrested After Throwing Drink In Another Person's Face

A twenty-nine-year-old man was arrested by Summerville Police after they say he threw an alcoholic drink into another person’s face.  William Levi Ragland was arrested on Saturday, after police responded to a domestic call at a residence on Highway 48.  Police say that Ragland tossed the alcoholic drink into the face of Lisa Ragland and caused a mess inside the house.  Ragland left, but returned when police arrived and was “being loud and boisterous” in front of law enforcement.  Ragland was booked into the Chattooga County Jail on Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication charges.

Alabama Announces Plans For June Jam XVIII

Mount Berry Mall Announces Holiday Events

"American Pickers" Coming To Georgia

GA Attorney General: Beware Of Holiday Scams

Attorney General Chris Carr’s Consumer Protection Division is sharing important tips to help Georgians protect their personal and financial information while shopping this holiday season.

“With so many Georgians buying gifts, making donations, and sending and receiving packages during the holidays, criminals are hoping to exploit this opportunity to steal your hard-earned money or personal information,” said Carr. “By familiarizing yourself with some of the common scams, you can better protect your wallet and your identify, especially when shopping online.”

Tips for Safe Shopping During the Holidays

• Only make purchases through reputable companies.With more people shopping online, it’s important to check out a company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. You can also read consumer reviews by searching online for the company name, along with the word “complaint,” “review” or “scam.” Think twice before buying a product from an ad on social media. Instead, see if you can find the same product from a legitimate retailer or website.
• Beware of phony retail websites.Watch out for fake websites that look very similar to that of an actual online merchant. Scammers may try to lure you to such sites using ads, texts or unsolicited emails that promise a “free gift” or a great bargain. Check the website name very closely. Spelling or grammatical errors may tip you off to a bogus site. Avoid navigating to a website through a link in a text, ad or unsolicited email.
• If possible, use credit cards when making purchases. Credit cards offer greater protections against fraud than cash, debit cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency.
• Beware of package delivery scams. Scammers send texts and emails that purport to come from the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx saying that you missed a delivery or there’s an update about your package. These imposters are trying to steal your money or sensitive data by prompting you to provide personal or payment information. Do not interact with the message. Instead, contact the actual shipping company or the online merchant from which you ordered merchandise to see if there really is a delivery problem. Remember – if you do actually miss a shipment, the delivery company generally leaves a written notice on your door or in your mailbox.
• Watch out for fake order confirmations. Scammers may impersonate well-known retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target or Costco, by sending a text message or email confirming a recent purchase you supposedly made totaling several thousand dollars. The message contains a link or phone number to call to cancel the order and receive a refund. But, if you follow the instructions, you will end up giving your money or account credentials to a scammer. You can safely verify the status of your account at any time by going to the verified website address of the retailer in question, where you can then view your orders, track shipments and securely contact customer service.
• Guard against thieves who may steal packages off your doorstep.Track packages so you know when they arrive. Consider having packages shipped to your work address instead of your home or asking a neighbor to pick up packages for you if you’re away.
• Beware of malicious links. Be wary about clicking on links to advertisements for holiday deals, e-greeting cards, notifications about package delivery problems, or warnings about compromised accounts. These may be from scammers who are hoping you will divulge personal or financial information or who are trying to get you to download malware onto your computer. If you need to verify a purchase or account status with a retailer, you should contact the company through a verified website or phone number.
• Avoid bogus charities. Many charities solicit for donations around the holidays, but scammers like to get in on the action too. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails or on ads that pop-up in your social media accounts. Being asked to donate to a charity via wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency is a red flag of a scam. Your safest bet is to initiate contact with the charity of your choice through a verified website or phone number. You can research a charity by visiting give.org or charitynavigator.org. To report a charity scam, contact the Georgia Secretary of State’s Charities Division.
• Pay close attention to return policies.A business may set its own return policy and may offer consumers cash, in-store credit, exchanges, or no adjustment at all. Many stores also set time limits on when they accept returns. While not required to post their policies, businesses must honor any posted refund or return policy.
• Check your bank and credit card accounts frequently. With the extra shopping you may be doing, an unauthorized charge might be harder to catch. Review your bank and credit card accounts often, and if you come across a charge you don’t recognize, contact your financial provider immediately so that you can report the fraudulent charge, cancel the compromised card, and request a replacement card. You should also contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) to have a fraud alert placed on your account.

Reporting Resources

It may be difficult to get your money back once it’s in the hands of a scammer, but here are some steps you can take to boost your chances of recovering your funds:

• Immediately Report the Fraud: As soon as you become aware of the fraud, immediately contact the appropriate financial provider, money transfer company, or gift card provider so you have the best chance of recovering your money and minimizing any damage done to your finances or credit record.
• Contact Law Enforcement: File a report with your local law enforcement agency, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (404) 651-8600 or consumer.ga.gov, and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• If Scam Transactions are Hurting your Credit: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If you notice any unauthorized collection items, loans or credit cards, contact the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) to dispute them. Freezing your credit is also a great way to stop unauthorized accounts from being opened. To learn more about how this process works, visit https://consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/credit-freeze.

For additional tips, visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website here.

About the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division

Last year, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division helped 171,548 people and was responsible for obtaining more than $143 million for consumers through several efforts, including legal settlements, mediation, and administration of the Georgia Lemon Law. In FY 2023, settlements with the Attorney General’s Office resulted in payments to the State Treasury in the amount of $21,641,584.85. Additional information can be found here.

The Consumer Protection Division continues to prioritize consumer education and outreach efforts. This includes live speaking engagements, webinars and the distribution of three consumer-dedicated guides: The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults, Cybersecurity in Georgia: A Guide for Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Places of Worship, and The Georgia Military Consumer Protection Guide.

Georgia Gas Prices Fall Again

Georgia gas price averages decreases at the pump. Georgia drivers are now paying an average price of $2.79 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight).

Monday’s state average was 3 cents less than a week ago, 20 cents less than a month ago, and 25 cents less than this time last year. It now costs an average of $41.85 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are now paying $3.75 less to fill up at the pump compared to a year ago.

“Georgia’s pump prices have been falling steadily each week for the past 2 months,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Despite high Thanksgiving road travel, gas prices remained under $3.00 for Georgians. Governor Kemp’s suspension of the gas tax until November 29^th, and lower crude oil prices continue to be the driving forces reducing prices at the pump.”

Regional Prices:

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($2.90), Atlanta ($2.83), and Brunswick ($2.76).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Rome ($2.68), Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.66), and Warner Robins ($2.62).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.56), Floyd ($2.66), Walker ($2.66), Gordon ($2.68), DeKalb, AL ($2.79), Cherokee, AL ($2.70)

Victorian Christmas $500 Giveaway This Saturday

Journey into the past as our turn-of-the-century downtown ushers you into the spirit of Christmas long ago. The public is invited to stroll Downtown Summerville and be entertained by performers, carolers, and musicians. Shop, dine, enjoy children’s activities and welcome the holiday season in while participating in the Victorian Christmas Holiday Stop N Shop for a chance to win $500 cash!

The East Washington streetscape will be transformed into a magical street vendor market with over 23 craft and food vendors. While roaming up and down the streets, the public is encouraged to dress in Victorian-era style and dress for fun. Street Market hours will be 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Victorian era characters will be positioned around downtown participating businesses for photo opportunities, stories and fun throughout each day. Kathy Berry will be at Sugarville Sweets from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. chatting with event goers on the “Life of A Baker During the Victorian era”.

Visits With Santa and Mrs. Claus In Depot

Children may enjoy free storytelling and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Summerville Depot. Gingerbread cookies & Yoo-Hoo chocolate milks will be served to the first 300 children. Story Telling and visits will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the last session beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Mildred Cordle and Rita Butler will be demonstrating crocheting beside the County Registrars Office on Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Kid’s stories and a Christmas craft at the Open Air

Pavilion on East Washington Street will be sponsored by Friends of The Chattooga Library from 11AM – 1PM. In the event of rain, this activity will be moved inside the Depot Freight Room.

Three Penny Treasures will be having a Countdown to Christmas Sale with outside vendors and a special Open House both days of the event. Other participating businesses may offer special sales during the weekend.

A variety of musical performances is lined up for the day of fun. Street Carolers may even be found out and about in Downtown. Highlighted performances will include The Horizon Hand Bell Choir, Chastity Brunache, The Chattooga High Chorus, The Southern Style Sweetheart Cloggers, Nashville Recording Artist Jaycee Lynne, and more.

How Does The Holiday Stop ‘N Shop Work?

Event participants will pick up a locations map/passport with participating businesses. The maps/passports may be picked up at participating downtown Summerville businesses this Saturday. To join the fun, event goers will simply visit all of the participating businesses to complete the passport map during the business hours during the Stop ‘N Shop event. There is no purchase necessary to participate. Upon entering the participating business, all event participants will have the sales clerk/cashier to stamp their passport map. Upon completion of the passport map, event participants will turn in the passport to Three Penny Treasures, located beside Jefferson’s.

Grand Prize Drawing for $500

All completed passports should be turned in by 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 2 to be entered for the Grand Prize Drawing of $500, sponsored by Summerville Main Street to be held at 4:45p.m. on the courthouse steps. Event participants do not need to be present to win. Summerville Main Street is encouraging the public to support local Summerville small businesses by shopping during and following this event.

Participating businesses include Jefferson’s, Dos Maguey, Hayden Taylor Design, New Moon Threads, Sugarville Sweets, Merle Norman/Ga Ga’s Boutique, DIRT Mercantile /DIRT Pour, D&S Mercantile, Three Penny Treasures, Thatchers, and The Furniture Shoppe.

In the event of inclement weather, changes or updates can be found on the City of Summerville Georgia Facebook Page and Victorian Christmas Facebook Event Page.

Arrest Report - Monday - November 27, 2023

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, November 27, 2023:

Georgia General Assembly Special Session This Week

State lawmakers are headed to the Gold Dome in Atlanta this week after a Federal judge ruled that Georgia must redraw legislative districts.  The Republican-controlled legislature’s map presented diluted minority districts and now lawmakers must have another go at drawing the maps.  State Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome says that the new maps could be a chance to get the county back into one senate district.

The last maps put a slice of northwestern Floyd County, including the Armuchee area,  in the same district as all of Chattooga County and is currently represented by Senator Colton Moore of Trenton.  The old map had Armuchee in Hufstetler’s district, along with a slice of Chattooga County that included Holland, and a portion of the Gore and Lyerly areas.

When the Rome News Tribune asked State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, who represents all of Chattooga County and a large portion of Floyd County in the state house what to expect about the outcome of this week’s special session, he said “We’ll see”.

Sentencing For Georgia Man Guilty Of Murder Gets Underway Today In Alabama

Man Goes To Jail After Threats To Kill A Woman

Jeffery Lynn Carter, 56 of Rome, was arrested late last week in Rome, after reports said he attacked and threatened to kill a sixty-year-old woman at a home on South Avery Road.

Reports stated that Carter grabbed the victim to the point she said it hurt before telling her that if he went to jail that “she would be dead”.

Carter is also accused of busting the victim’s taillight out of her car.

Carter is charged with simple battery, criminal trespass and terroristic threats and acts.

Dougherty Gap Road Closed On Lookout Mountain

A rock-slide on Lookout Mountain has prompted Walker County to close the road going from the top of the mountain to Mountain Cove Farms in the valley.  Dougherty Gap Road is used by many Walker and Chattooga County residents on the mountain who commute to LaFayette, Fort Oglethorpe or Chattanooga.  In September of 2021, heavy rains caused a rock slide on the same road and it was closed for several months.  Walker County government has not said when the road will reopen.

Trion Celebrates Great Football Season

Summerville Christmas Parade One Week From Today

The Summerville Christmas Parade is coming up one week from today, on Monday, December 4, 2023.  The parade will take place in downtown Summerville and gets underway at 7 PM.  This year’s grand marshals will be local veteran advocates Odell Anderson and Barbara Massey Reece.  Any church, civic organization or business that would like to enter a float in this year’s parade needs to go by the Summerville Recreation Department, located at 220 Georgia 100 – Bolling Road in Summerville and get an application.  Cash prizes will be awarded for the top floats.  Of course, Santa Claus will be making an appearance at the parade next Monday night.

Funeral Services For Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter This Week

U.S. President Joe Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, will attend a service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter in Georgia tomorrow, the White House said. Mrs. Carter died last week shortly after she entered hospice care at home in Plains, Georgia, alongside her husband, former President Jimmy Carter.

The Bidens will attend a tribute service at Glen Memorial Church at Emory University in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Mrs. Carter will lie in repose in the lobby of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta on Monday, giving members of the public an opportunity to view the casket and pay their respects.

On Wednesday, Carter’s funeral will be held at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains before she is interred at the family residence in Plains.

The Carters were the longest-married U.S. presidential couple, having wed in 1946 when he was 21 and she was 18. Mrs. Carter is survived by her husband, four children, 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a legacy of mental health advocacy.

Colder Temperatures On The Way

We are starting the last week of November with some much colder weather in the forecast.  According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia, we can expect temperatures to dip down in the mid-twenties tonight; some of the coldest overnight temperatures we’ve seen so far this season.  Today, we will see mostly sunny skies with high only in the low 50’s.  Tonight the temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-upper 20’s.  Tuesday, we will struggle to get into the high 40’s and overnight on Tuesday night, we could see lows around 25 degrees in the valley and in the low to mid-twenties in the higher elevations.  Wind chills on Lookout Mountain could be between 16 and 21 degrees on Tuesday morning.  With the colder weather, be sure to secure any outdoor plumbing.

Chattooga's Unemployment Rate Drops For October

Chattooga County saw a drop in the unemployment rate for the month of October.  According to numbers released last week by the Georgia Department of Labor, Chattooga’s unemployment went from 4.4% in September down to 3.7% for the month of October. 

Region-wide for Northwest Georgia: