Investigation Into Shooting Death In Cherokee County, Alabama

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Investigators were on the scene of a shooting incident Saturday afternoon that occurred around 1 PM at a residence on County Road 662 in the Round Mountain Community.

Central Dispatch gave the call out as one person shot and one possibly stabbed. After law enforcement officers arrived on the scene, they called for the coroner. According to reports, two children were present in the home when the altercation and shooting took place.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver said his department would give us a statement as the investigation proceeds and they have more information.

WEIS Radio

Arrest Report - Sunday - July 25, 2021

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 25, 2021:

Town Of Trion Announces Budget Workshop

The Town of Trion will have a budget workshop Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at the Town Hall Conference Room starting at 6:00p.m. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the upcoming budget for 2021/2022 fiscal year. The public is welcome to attend.

Georgia Arson Control Offers Rewards For Info About Walker County Fires

Fire investigators with Walker County Fire Rescue recently investigated two cases of arson.

The intentionally set fires occurred in vacant structures at 980 Wheeler Road in LaFayette and 601 James Street Lot 66 in Rossville.

Georgia Arson Control is offering a reward up to $10,000.00 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for arson.  Tips can be reported by calling 1-800-282-5804.

Summerville Man Arrested In Rome

A Rome Floyd Metro Task Force arrested on Summerville resident on Shorter Avenue late Thursday night after finding a stolen handgun on the man, reports stated.

Storage Unit Burglary Reported

A Menlo resident reported a break-in at a storage unit to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office last week.

According to a report from the sheriff’s office, Cindy Hall of Menlo told a responding officer that someone had cut the lock on her storage unit and had stolen a 50″ television. Also, an antique weather vane and furniture were missing from the unit.

The storage unit was located at Highway 48 Self-Storage in Menlo.

The incident was turned over to an investigator.

Extension Office Hosting Open House

The Chattooga County Extension Office will be hosting a “Grand Opening” and open house for the community coming up on Thursday, July 29th.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place at 10 AM and there will be educational exhibits from Chattooga 4-H, Chattooga FFA, Chattooga Young Farmers and Chattooga County Beekeepers.  Plus there will be food preservation exhibits in the Ag Building.

The community open house will continue from 2 until 6 PM and the public is encouraged to stop by and see the new kitchen at the Ag Building and visit with the vendors and staff of the Chattooga County Extension Office.

GA DOT: Lane Closures On Taylor's Ridge

Weather permitting, crews will continue to repair the roadway at Taylor Ridge on Highway 27. The work next week will require occasional lane closures Monday with traffic being led by a pilot car.

WHEN: Monday, July 26 from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: The southbound lane of Highway 27 at Taylor Ridge will be closed as needed. Traffic will be paced in each direction through the area with a pilot car.

Two High-Profile, Vaccinated Georgians Test Positive For COVID-19

Two high-profile Georgians have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, both after having been fully vaccinated.

Last week, WSB  TV News anchor Fred Blankenship announced that he had contracted the coronavirus while on vacation in California.  Blankenship made the announcement on Wednesday.

Then, on Friday of last week, Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods tested positive.  Woods had been in several meetings on Thursday of last week.  All of the people the state school superintendent came in contact with have been notified of Wood’s diagnoses.

Reports indicate that Woods is currently experiencing “cold-like symptoms” and is quarantined at home.

The CDC in Atlanta says they are tracking and monitoring infections among persons who are fully vaccinated and  monitoring trends in case characteristics and variants identified from persons with these infections.

GNN / Compiled Sources

Remedium Doesn't Make The Cut For THC License

The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) announced during their public hearing on Saturday in Walker County, the intent to award six permits to manufacture low-THC cannabis oil for medical use in Georgia. Sixty-nine applicants submitted proposals and have undergone a fair and rigorous selection process. One of those was Remedium Life Sciences that planned to produce THC Oil at a location at the Town of Trion’s Industrial Park.

According to information received by WZQZ News Saturday afternoon, Remedium Life Sciences was not one of the companies to make the cut.

In April of  2019, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 324 titled “Georgia’s Hope Act,” which authorizes the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the regulated licensing of limited, in-state cultivation, production, manufacturing, and sale of low-THC oil as well as dispensing to registered patients on the state’s Low-THC Oil Registry.

Governor Brian P. Kemp signed the bill into law on April 17, 2019. Georgia’s Hope Act (Official Code of Georgia Annotated §16-12) took effect July 1, 2019.

Arrest Report - Saturday - July 24, 2021

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 24, 2021:

Mullis Pledges Support For Laid-Off Showa Workers In Menlo

State Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) serves as the executive director of the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority .  Senator Mullis said on Thursday that the announcement by Showa Glove to shutdown their production operations in Menlo,  is “truly disappointing and disheartening.”

In a press release, Senator Mullis said, “While this news is negative, I have faith that we can work with other employers in Chattooga, as well as Commissioner Blake Elsberry, Chattooga Chamber President Cindy Rivers and the City of Menlo, to make sure those hit by today’s news gain high-wage employment in the near future. My office and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority want to serve as a resource to all of those effected by this news. Please reach out to us and we will assist in every way possible. Chattoogans and all of us here in Northwest Georgia are as resilient as they come. We will work together and build an economic base even stronger moving into the future.”

WZQZ News reported Thursday morning that Showa had informed around 80 production workers at the glove mill that the company is ceasing manufacturing operations at the Menlo facility.

AAA: Traveler Confidence Is Up

Traveler confidence is soaring, according to a new AAA Travel survey, fielded in late June. According to the data, three-quarters of Georgians (75%) feel more comfortable traveling now than they did three months ago.

Click here to view the full survey results and see Georgians’ opinions about vaccination passports and their willingness to wear masks while traveling.

Over the course of the past three quarterly AAA Travel surveys, residents’ comfort level has significantly increased as their concern about COVID-19 waned.

Top reasons Georgia Residents feel more confident traveling:

• Received their COVID-19 vaccination (46%)
• More confident in safety measures being implemented (33%)
• More knowledgeable about how the virus spreads (25%)

Of those who are already or plan to be vaccinated, 51% say travel was a motivating factor in doing so.

“AAA has experienced a surge in demand for travel as more Americans have become vaccinated and feel confident in their ability to vacation safely,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA travel advisors have been inundated with calls from people who want help navigating the growing options for travel.  Cruises and guided vacations are fully staffed and typically operating in 2021 with less than full capacity of guests, making a more intimate experience.  In addition, these trips are largely inclusive of meals and activities, making it easier to choose a great value for travel in 2021.  Our team members who are traveling this summer are having a great time.”

Travel Plans

Over two in three (68%) of Georgians have already traveled or plan to take a trip in 2021. Over half of those (54%) will take their next trip sometime between July and September. Travel volumes have greatly increased from the 53% of Georgians who traveled in 2020.

Georgians’ Top 5 Vacations in Q3:

• Beach Destination (43%)
• City/Major Metro Destination (27%)
• Theme Park (24%)
• National/State Park (22%)
• Resort Vacation (19%)

Comfort Grows for Various Travel Types

Throughout the year, the majority of Georgia travelers have felt comfortable using their personal vehicle for a road trip. Yet during the past three quarters, AAA has noted significant improvement in travelers’ comfort in the following:

Cruising

A growing number of Georgians are back on board with the idea of cruising. According to new survey data two in five Georgians (41%) feel comfortable taking an ocean or river cruise, almost half (45%) planning to cruise in the future.

“We are seeing tremendous enthusiasm among travelers who are ready to set sail on a cruise,” Haas continued. “Ships are filling up fast in 2021. Next year is looking even stronger, as 2022 cruise bookings with AAA are outpacing what we saw in 2019.  New options for cruising in 2021 are emerging weekly, so travel advisors can watch for options if they know of your interests.”

Traveler Confusion

Nearly two out of 5 (37%) of Georgians are finding it challenging to understand the COVID-related requirements for international travel. That’s because restrictions and protocols can vary depending on the destination and type of trip, and change as governments adapt to the local situation.

“The value of a travel advisor is greater now than ever before,” Haas continued. “AAA travel advisors have exclusive tools to quickly navigate requirements for each destination, helping travelers make informed decisions and prepare for their trip. Additionally, we leverage long-standing relationships with travel providers to provide options and special benefits that travelers can’t find anywhere else.”

Travel Insurance

Half of Georgians (50%) say they are more likely to purchase travel insurance now than before the pandemic began.

“Travelers were quickly reminded last year that unexpected events can impact your trip at any time,” Haas continued. “Travel insurance is extremely important in today’s environment. There are various policies that can help offset unexpected out of pocket expenses, in case you get sick or your trip is cancelled or delayed.  Plus, Travel Insurance provides a range of coverage options in the event that a hurricane disrupts your travel plans.  Our travel advisors can help you choose a policy that will allow you to relax and enjoy your vacation.”

Cannabis Commission Meeting Today In Walker County

The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will meet today at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring to issue a Notice of Intent to award contracts for medical cannabis production in the state.  A company hoping to receive the nod from the commission has a facility in Chattooga County.

In 2019, the General Assembly passed a law which authorizes the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the regulated licensing of limited, in-state cultivation, production, manufacturing and sale of low-THC oil as well as dispensing the products to registered patients on the Low-THC Oil Registry.

Registered patients will access medical cannabis oil in-state with no more than 5% THC.  Up to six private growers will be allowed to cultivate medical cannabis to produce low-THC oil, along with two designated universities.

Remedium Life Sciences, with a location in Trion, is one of the companies hoping to be awarded authorization from today’s commission meeting.

Drug Task Forces Chases Suspected Drug Dealer Across State Line

The Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force arrested a suspected drug dealer following a chase from Walker County into Chattanooga, and they recovered over 3 1/2 pounds of meth seen exiting the vehicle window as they followed.
Jonathan Harold Brown was spotted driving on Lafayette Road  and Drug Task Force agents knew there was a warrant for his arrest.  That’s when the chase began. Brown lost control of his SUV at the intersection of Jenkins and Standifer Gap Roads and was taken into custody.

The backpack recovered in Catoosa County had the large stash of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, nine pills believed to be Oxycodone as well as marijuana and digital scales. New charges against Brown include:  Trafficking methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of Schedule II oxycodone, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and the Parole violation.

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force is made up of law enforcement agents from several Northwest Georgia agencies, including the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

WQCH

Break-In Reported On Farrar Drive

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a break-in on Farrar Drive in Summerville that happened earlier this week.

According to a report from the sheriff’s office, the complainant called after he found someone had forced their way into his shop building and had spray painted the windows on the garage doors.

A responding deputy found several spray paint cans on the property and sent them to be tested at the crime lab.

The incident is still under investigation.

Trion Golf Course Supports TCS Cheer Leading Program

Golfers who visited Trion Golf Course on July 17 took to the links for a good cause. Trion High School’s (THS) Cheerleading program joined the group of 48 players in cheering for good weather, as the clouds held the rain just long enough for the course’s owners, Jana Bledsoe and Randy Henderson, to raise money towards this season’s expenses. These funds will help THS Cheerleading competition and sideline squads purchase new uniforms. And because of the community’s deep commitment to education and the betterment of children, all had a reason to yell, Go Bulldogs!

The all-day tournament is now three years old, and members of the Trion Golf Couse look forward to contributing. In addition to proceed from players, Trion Golf Couse has been creative in finding ways to raise money.

“The cheerleading team organizes a raffle,” said Bledsoe when asked about how the tournament is structured, “and the golf course donated some merchandise we raffled away to visitors who purchased tickets. The team visited various sponsors and obtained different prizes like Yeti coolers and some cool hats from the high school that have the Trion City Schools logo on them, as well. In addition to the players purchasing tickets, we had some people who saw our Facebook post announcing the raffle and drove up just to buy raffle tickets in support of the school.”

Just around the edge of the tee boxes, signs marked local businesses as sponsors of each hole. Bledsoe said the students secured those sponsorships on their own.

Coaches Kayla Willingham and Hayley Tanner lead Trion’s cheerleading program, one with a reputation for being one of the best in the state. However, these educators are working to pass on far more than school spirit and executing a state championship worthy tumbling pass.

“We try to help build their personal skills and their communication skills by teaching them how to be good citizens,” Willingham explained. “We also teach gratitude; when we participate in fundraisers, we ask our team

to write thank you cards. Anytime we take them out in public, they know that they represent Trion, and they represent their team.”

Both Tanner and Willingham have recently taken the reins as coaches in the past three years. In staying with Trion’s deep community roots, they were also both students and cheerleaders themselves when they attended high school in the system. So, the need to give to their hometown comes naturally.

“We are really grateful to the Trion Golf Couse for helping us out,” Tanner said. “We are also so proud of our girls. We have the sweetest group of kids; they’re so respectful and kind. I think they really do a great job of showing the players that they’re thankful for their support in coming out today.”

“Giving back is important to the Trion Golf Course because it’s important to each of us as individuals,” Bledsoe added. “We all grew up here and we do our best to help. Trion has always been known as a very supportive community. No matter what the event, whether it’s educational or sporting, everybody in the town bands together and supports it.”

Go Bulldogs!

Workforce Development Program Has Jobs Available

Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, Workforce Development Program, has received a grant that will provide job opportunities to residents of Chattooga and surrounding counties that have temporarily or permanently lost work due to COVID – 19. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

*18 years of age or older

*Legal U.S. Citizen

*In compliance with the Selective Service Act

*Workers temporarily or permanently laid off as a result of COVID-19

*Workers laid off due to a plant or business closure related to COVID-19 or lack of work

*Long-term unemployed individuals (27 weeks or longer)

*Self-employed individuals now unemployed or underemployed

This is a federally funded grant through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that prepares eligible individuals for re-entry into the workforce through retraining and education. Online applications are available at www.careerdepot.org. For more information contact Jamye McDonald at (706) 295-6485 or jmcdonald@nwgrc.org.

Arrest Report - Friday - July 23, 2021

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 23, 2021: