FBI: Georgia Seniors Losing More Money Than Ever To Online Fraud

Numbers released earlier this month by the Federal Bureau of Investigation show that Georgia’s elderly population are losing more money than ever to online fraud.  Online consists of email, social media and text messages, according to the FBI report.

The report said that over the past year, cyber crimes and cyber fraud are up more than 18% in the Peach State.  That equates to a whopping $92.4 million in fraud, much of that aimed at the elderly population.  The FBI says that when that money is gone, it is hard to reclaim since most of it is going overseas.

Nationally, the FBI said investment scams cost elderly Americans $1.2 billion.

According to the full report from the FBI, “elder fraud complaints to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (or IC3) increased by 14% in 2023, and associated losses increased by about 11%,” nationally. Overall, elderly Americans lost $3.4 billion in 2023, the FBI said, with an average loss of $33,915.

In Georgia, more than 2,100 people were victims of these types of crimes in 2023, according to the FBI.

FBI Press Release

Chattooga BOE Decision Met With Support From Community

Chattooga BOE Member BJ Montgomery, Michelle Heile, Felicia Foster, BOE Member Eddie Elsberry

In a 3-2 decision last Thursday, the Chattooga Board of Education voted on current Chattooga County Assistant School Supt. Michele Helie as the sole finalist for the superintendent’s position of the county’s school system.

Assistant Supt. Heile has served in several capacities in the Chattooga County School System over the past fifteen years as a teacher and administrator and most recently in the central office.

Educators and community members alike were quick to express their support for the school boards decision.

Current School Superintendent Jared Hosmer announced his retirement earlier this year which prompted the search for a new superintendent for the county school system.  Hosmer’s last day with the school system is June 28th.

Being name “sole finalist” for the position means that the board will still have to vote to hire Helie at a later date.  Helie will continue to serve as assistant superintendent in the meantime and will then be interviewed by the board of education in a called executive session.  Terms of her employment would be discussed at that meeting and vote will then be held to hire Heile for the job effective July 1st.

 

Stamp Prices Going Up In July

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The US Postal Service said last month that it’ll raise the prices of several mailing services starting in July. Among the changes is a 5 cent increase in the price of a First Class Forever Stamp.

According to the USPS announcement, these price increases are due to continued changes in the mailing and shipping market and “these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan.”

This is the most recent of several price hikes that have raised the cost of postage over the last few years.

NBC Radio News

Chattooga High School Commencement This Friday

The graduating class of 2024 from Chattooga High School will take part in commencement exercises this Friday, May 24th.  Graduation will be held at 8 PM at the Little Big Horn Stadium, weather permitting.  In the event of rain on Friday, the ceremony will be moved to the Tribe Pride Arena.  Should weather force a move inside the gymnasium, each graduating senior will be given nine tickets for the ceremony, due to seating capacity inside the gym.  Also, a shuttle will run from Summerville Middle School to the High School for overflow parking.  The shuttle service will start at 6:30 PM.  Stay tuned to WZQZ for any weather updates that could affect Chattooga High School graduation between now and Friday.

Commissioner Candidates Campaign Donation Disclosures Released

The two Republicans running for Chattooga County Commissioner both filed campaign fiance disclosures that are required by the Secretary of State. 

The deadline to file the disclosures was April 30, 2024.  Documents obtained by WZQZ News from the Chattooga County Probate Office indicate that challenger Andy Allen submitted his disclosure on the day of the deadline, while Commissioner Blake Elbserry did not file his until after the state-mandated deadline.

Allen, who has stated publicly that he is not taking any campaign donations, but instead is financing his own campaign. His disclosure indicated a total of $25,000 that he has loaned to his own campaign and has spent $23,158.42.

Eslberry, has raised $18,872.72 and has spent $13,946.  Elsberry’s donations have largely come from out of town donors.  Of the itemized donations made to the commissioner’s campaign, only two were from local voters.  Donors ranged from a plastic molding company located in Alpharetta to a public relations company executive located in South Carolina.

You can see the complete disclosures below (PDF reader required):

Andy Allen Campaign Disclosure

Blake Elsberry Campaign Disclosure

 

Summerville Man Reports Check Fraud

Summerville Police are investigating a case of fraud in connection with a check that was written by a Summerville man to a person in Dalton.  According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, the complainant, identified as Derrick Maddux, told police that he had written a check for $850 to a man identified in the report as Hunter Hanson, a resident of Dalton.  Maddux says that the check was written for a trailer he was purchasing for his business.  However, the check was altered and used twice more to withdraw funds from Maddux’s bank account – once for $1435 and another time for $750.  The incident is under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.

Sheila Toles Retiring From Sheriff's Office After Over Two Decades Of Service

Today is the last day of work for a longtime employee of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.  Sheila Toles, who started to work for Sheriff Ralph Kellett twenty-four years ago, will be retiring after today.

Sheriff Mark Schrader said, “Sheila Toles began her law enforcement career in 2000 with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office in the Administrative Services Division.  She has continued to be a dedicated employee with the department for 24 years.  Sheila has worked for three different Sheriff administrations throughout her career.  Her commitment to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for over the last two decades has spoke to the kind of faithful employee she has been to her community….We have been blessed to have Sheila’s dedication, friendship and knowledge at our office.  We wish her all the best on her well-earned retirement”.

Sheila Toles stated, “These last 24 years has been an adventure to say the least, I have seen more than one hopes to see and yet I have experienced the joy of new friendships that I will carry close to my heart forever.  If I can ever be a help to anyone, please reach out to me and you will be in my prayers always. Thank you for all the work that you do to keep us all safe and stay safe yourselves”.

Election Day Tomorrow

Chattooga County voters will go to the polls tomorrow to vote in the 2024 General Primary Elections.  Voters will have to choose either a Republican, Democratic or nonpartisan ballot. 

Keep in mind, there are no contested local races, with the exception of superior court judge, on the Democratic ballot.  The nonpartisan ballot will not have any races except for the superior court judge race.  If you want to vote in either of the contested Chattooga County races for sole commissioner or coroner, you will have to choose the Republican ballot.

Remember, Georgia is an open primary state, meaning no matter your political leanings, you can choose either partisan ballot in the Primary Election.

Polls will open at 7 AM on Tuesday morning and remain open until 7 PM.

WZQZ News will have live election return coverage on our Facebook page and updates throughout the evening on the radio with Ben Groce and Jimmy Holbrook.

Menlo Boil Water Advisory

A boil water advisory remains in place for the City of Menlo water customers.  E.coli was found in the Alpine well last week, according to Menlo officials.  Due to the boil water order, the Menlo Restaurant announced on Sunday evening that they will remain closed until the boil water advisory is lifted.

Arrest Report - Sunday - May 19, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 19, 2024:

Record Turnout For Early Voting For Primary Election

Advance voting for Tuesday’s Primary Election ended on Friday of last week.  The Chattooga County Registrars Office told WZQZ News on Friday night that there was a record turnout for early voting for a Primary Election. At the end of the day on Friday, 1664 voters had cast ballots.  All early voting took place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office.  If you didn’t vote early, you can vote on Election Day, which is this Tuesday, May 21st.  All voting on Tuesday will take place at your local polling precinct.  If you are unsure of where to vote, you may visit the My Voter Page at the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.  Voting on Tuesday will take place from 7 AM until 7 PM.

Georgia Scores Top Spot in Competitive Economic Rankings

Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that the state earned the No. 1 spot in Site Selection’s annual Prosperity Cup rankings for successful investment recruitment in 2023. Criteria for this national award include the total values of new and expanded facilities in the state, business-climate attractiveness, and workforce readiness.

“I always proudly tell companies across the country and the world how great Georgia is for operating and growing a business,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This award from Site Selection just adds to a decade of evidence that the way we do business in the Peach State is working. When job creators choose us, they not only get access to the global market through logistics assets like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and some of the fastest-growing ports in the nation, they also get a host of incredible partners at the state and local levels.”

In 2023, Georgia attracted 318 new and expanded facilities to secure the No. 1 ranking, according to Site Selection. This includes an expanded scope for the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) — the largest project in state history. Announcing an additional 400 new jobs and $2 billion in investment last year, HMGMA’s total investment is now $7.59 billion and will net 8,500 new jobs for hardworking Georgians. Anovion Technologies represents another major project, which selected southwest Georgia for its $800 million, 400-job synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in May, breaking ground at the site in June of last year. In northeast Georgia, Meissner Corporation plans to create more than 1,700 new jobs at a new campus that will more than double the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S. as the company expands operations.

“The Prosperity Cup recognizes state-level economic development competitiveness,” says Site Selection’s Mark Arend. “Georgia’s consistent delivery of the location attributes required by capital investors demonstrates to our readers that it competes to win.”

On the heels of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s groundbreaking in October 2022, Georgia welcomed more than 10 Hyundai and automotive suppliers in 2023 reaching middle Georgia and beyond. These suppliers will ultimately create over 4,300 new jobs and bring $1.2 billion in combined investment. Today, those numbers are even higher. In addition to HMGMA activity, Kia’s facility in West Point and the Toyota campus in Pendergrass both announced expansions during 2023, creating a combined 440 new jobs and $286 million in investment.

“Across Georgia, our economic development team is truly collaborative, including our sister state agencies, utility partners, local economic developers, and many others who work day-in and day-out to help companies and communities find the right match for mutual success,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Taking the top spot in the 2024 Prosperity Cup reaffirms that the Georgia Way works. Decades of partnerships and laying the groundwork for intentional economic development from the community level to the state level, combined with our consistent pro-business policies, have led to these positive results. Thanks to our Georgia leaders throughout the state for supporting these efforts that make a difference for Georgia families.”

For the full article on Georgia’s selection for this recognition or more information on the 2024 Prosperity Cup, visit Site Selection’s website at siteselection.com/issues/2024/may/2024-prosperity-cup.cfm.

 

GBI Arrests 7 Gang Members

A multi-agency gang investigation has led to the arrests of 7 criminal street gang (CSG) members and associates on multiple charges, including Violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Act, Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats, and Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute. 

The following people were arrested:

  1. Roger Laquerrius Neal, age 34, of Toccoa, GA, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Possession of Schedule III Drug with Intent to Distribute. Neal was arrested on May 4, 2024.
  1. Tyler Dallas Cagle, age 33, of Waynesville, NC, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, Possession of Schedule III Drug with Intent to Distribute, Simple Assault, and Terroristic Threats.
  1. Sarah Smathers, age 31, of Waynesville, NC, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Possession of Schedule III Drug with Intent to Distribute.
  1. Terry Ray Williams Jr., age 20, of Waynesville, NC, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Possession of Schedule III Drug with Intent to Distribute.
  1. Shelby Page Stephens, age 63, of Waynesville, NC, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Possession of Schedule III Drug with Intent to Distribute.
  1. Quillan Leshun Samuels, age 25, of Gainesville, GA, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, Terroristic Threats, and Possession of Schedule III Drug with Intent to Distribute.
  1. Andrew Nelson Dover, age 47, of Habersham County, GA, charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Possession of Schedule III drug with Intent to Distribute.

In October of 2023, the GBI Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a Habersham, Georgia cell of criminal street gang members/associates of the Gangster Disciples street gang. Agents linked gang members to multiple crimes involving violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, violations of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and more. Agents in Georgia and North Carolina served search warrants and arrest warrants in the early morning hours of April 18, 2024.

The GBI’s Gang Task Force, the GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department, the Toccoa Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force partnered in this significant investigation.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Additional charges are expected. The local prosecution will be handled by the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

The GBI Gang Task Force is a multi-agency unit that consists of the GBI, the Atlanta Police Department, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.

JSU Board Member Randy Owen Surprises Fort Payne High School Students

Photo Credit: WAAY

Students in Fort Payne got a special surprise when a country music legend showed up at their high school. Jacksonville State University Trustee Randy Owen, best known for being the lead singer of the band Alabama, made an appearance at the annual scholarship awards program on Tuesday. He helped college leaders present more than $767,000 in scholarships to 24 students. JSU says that money represents merit awards, leadership scholarships, and Army ROTC scholarships. In addition to serving on the JSU Board of Trustees, Randy Owen was also a key factor in the completion of JSU’s Little River Canyon Center, a green facility that houses the Little River Field School and the National Park Service.

Summerville McDonald's Hosting Hiring Event At Dowdy Park

Your Summerville McDonald’s is hosting a Kick Off to Summer hiring event at Dowdy Park on Saturday, June 8th from 3 PM – 5 PM.  Summerville McDonald’s owner Jim Arron, along with leaders and staff will be on hand with music, games, refreshments and more.  Job seekers can get to know the people at the local McDonald’s and visit with the team.  Applications will be ready and there will be a raffle with a tote bag of McDonald’s goodies.  All proceeds from the Raffle go to the Ronald McDonald House Charity to help families and children in need.

Trion Basketball Camp June 24-27

The Trion Bulldogs are offering a summer basketball camp coming up June 24th, 26th and 27th from 6- 8 PM.  The camp is for students kindergarten through 8th grade.  The camp will encourage boys and girls to find a love for the game and help increase the number of players in the Trion community.  They will offer a week of game development, skill enhancement and fun for the participants.  All proceeds will go towards funding the Trion Basketball program for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.  Registration can be done ahead of time, or the first day of camp.  For more information, contact john.cornett@trionschools.com

 

Berry College Student Receives Fullbright Grant

A Berry College education and Spanish student has received a Fulbright grant for the 2024-25 academic year.

Recipient Eliza “Ellie” Lizdas is a senior from Marietta, with a double major in secondary education and Spanish and minors in psychology and teaching English as a foreign language.

The Fulbright Program was established to promote international goodwill through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science. It is the largest U.S. exchange program and awards approximately 2,200 grants annually in all fields of study. Fulbright operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

A Young Life leader since 2021, Lizdas also served in the Berry Carper Mentoring Program. Currently she is student-teaching and working in an internship as a long-term substitute teacher at Model High School in a Spanish II class. While attending school, Lizdas worked in the Berry English as a Second Language (ESL) program, Admissions, Academic Transitions, and the Department of Teacher Education.

She is the ninth Berry student to receive a Fulbright grant since 1991.

Arrest Report - Saturday - May 18, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 18, 2024:

NW GA Area Agency On Aging Quarterly Meeting

The Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging will hold its quarterly meeting at 10 AM Tuesday, May 21, in the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission headquarters, 1 Jackson Hill Drive in Rome. The meeting is public. Designated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Area Agency on Aging coordinates programs and services designed to assist older Georgians in their desire to live in the community instead of a long-term facility.  The agency serves fifteen counties in Northwest Georgia including Chattooga and neighboring counties.

Chattooga Chamber May Meeting

Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce

The Chattooga Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly meeting for May on the last Tuesday of the month – May 28th.   The monthly luncheon’s theme is mental health awareness in recognition of May being Mental Awareness Month.  Heather Rosener from BridgeHealth (formerly Lookout Mountain Community Services) will be one of the guest speakers.

Also, Kathy Thornton from Lookout CARES will be addressing those in attendance as well.

The public is invited to attend the catered lunch at the Chattooga County Civic Center, located on Highway 48 in Summerville across from TruistBank.  The cost is $12 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members.

Register Here