Listed on the February 27 Arrest Report at the Chattooga County Jail are:
Clifford Norrisressess Floyd, Rome — Hold for Floyd County
Joshua William Long, Rydal — Probation Violation
Juan Lopez, Summerville — Public Drunkeness
Lauren Elizabeth Whitten — Failure to appear; Probation Violation
Officials with the Chattooga County Sheriff's Department are concerned with the amount of reported identity fraud going on the area and offer a few tips to keep your money and credit safe.
Chief Deputy Kevin Woods says, above all, don't give people your personal information over the phone, which includes your social security number or bank account numbers.
He says, also don't purchase items or pay bills on any website unless they are secure websites. He said major, known company websites are usually safe. But if you're not familiar with the company, website, etc., don't do it.
He said when we go into a business and use our debit card, it's usually safer to use the debit card as a credit card, which keeps anyone from getting your pin number. However, if someone does get a hold of your debit card, keep in mind they can use it as a credit card, without a pin number and clean out your bank account in a matter of minutes.
He said whenever using your debit card at a gas pump, use it as a credit card, and not as a debit card.
Also, Woods reminds us that if someone gives you a check for an amount larger than the amount they owe you, asking for you to refund the difference, don't do it. This is a scam.
And, if you've been notified that you've won a sweepstakes you haven't entered, chances are it's a scam. Anytime, someone tells you that you've won something but you have to pay them a certain amount of money, it's a scam.
Woods says, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
He says it's not a bad idea to check with your banking institution to find out ways you can make your accounts more secure.
The Georgia Department of Labor is helping Roper in Lafayette hire 50 temporary production workers this afternoon at the Bank of Lafayette Community Room. Applicants must be at least 18-years old and a high school diploma or GED. Some work experience is preferred. You must also be able to pass a background check and drug test. That's today, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bank of Lafayette Community Room.
Erlanger at Hutcheson reports another profit — this time for January. The hospital was over 400-thousand dollars in the black. The patient census was up 42 percent, and surgeries were up 17 percent compared to January of last year.
CEO Roger Forgey said, "we are happy with our sustained progress. Year to date, we are ahead of budget and on our way to a positive fiscal year."
Walker and Catoosa County governments recently agreed to back a low-interest, short-term loan of 25-million dollars to help the hospital retire high interest debt and buy needed equipment.
Organizers of Lafayette's free Downtown Music Festival have announced the top acts that will be appearing in May.
Shenandoah, Doug Stone, and Dave Gibson, as well as local bands will appear at the festival set for May 18th. The event starts at 10 a,m, and lasts until midnight. The headline act should hit the state at around 9 p.m. There will also be craft and food vendors. Last year the event was attended by an estimated 5,000 people.
The Menlo Pre-K class has an opening for the current school year. For more information phone 706-857-3490.
