A Whitfield County man, accused of murdering his wife and her father last year, pleaded guilty on Tuesday. Adolph Ray "Sonny" Neal was sentenced to serve life in prison, without parole. Neal was on the run for a week after the May 2012 murders of 27-year-old Jessica Neal, and her father, 60-year-old Don Shedd. Neal's then 9-year-old daughter ran crying to neighbors after she discovered the body of her grandfather, Police later found Jessica Neal stabbed to death outside the home. Whitfield Sheriff Scott Chitwood called the murders "extremely violent homicides." Jessica Neal was reportedly wanting a divorce when the killings occurred. 

The Town of Lyerly Council Tuesday night reapproved it's Water Purchase Agreement with the City of Summerville.

The council had approved the same agreement on August 7, 2012, but enactment of agreement terms were postponed until the completion of the 12-inch water line to Mohawk. That work was completed and the line was working on Tuesday.

Also, in it's regular monthly meeting, the council approved the purchase of a batting cage to be placed at it's ball fields. The council unanimously approved a commercial grade, chain length enclosed batting cage that can be locked at $8,815. The cage will be bought from Outdoor Solutions, of Acworth.

In other business, the council approved the retroactive reappointment of John Crawford as Lyerly Representative on the Chattooga County Development Authority beginning this past January.

The council tabled an issue concerning a mobile home that does not meet several requirements of the town's ordinance.

Mayor Josh Wyatt told council members he is waiting on the return of paper work for an alcohol license. He said Zack Mobbs is seeking a wholesale wine license for a wine distributorship named Fortunea.  

A Trion man is in custody of Chattooga County authorities after a short standoff at a Cummings Road address in Trion this afternoon. According to Sheriff Mark Schrader, the man fired one gunshot into the woods and not at anyone. He was reportedly experiencing some type of psychological issues while intoxicated, the Sheriff said, adding that the man has some problems but he doesn't think he threatened to harm anyone and just threatened to shoot himself. The man eventually was talked into surrendering ending the standoff. The sheriff says he is looking into the matter to see if any charges will be filed or if the man will be taken somewhere for a mental evaluation. 

Listed on the February 12 Arrest Report at the Chattooga County Jail are:

Marshall Lee Gary, Lyerly — DUI/Alcohol; Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License; Failure to Maintain a Single Lane

Tracy Dewayne Pena, Summerville — Underage Consumption; Public Intoxication; Disorderly Conduct

Wanda Lavonne Goodenough, Summerville — VGCSA/ Sale of Methamphetamine

Harold Dewayne Hughes, Trion — Failure to Maintain a Single Lane; Child Support; Expired Tag

Sally Jane Palmer, Summerville — No Charges Listed

Michael Wayne Wright, Summerville — VGCSA/ Sale of Methamphetamine 

A nationwide recall has been initiated for something you might have in your freezer at home.

Nestle is recalling the LEAN CUISINE (R) Culinary Collection Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli
that was produced in early November 2012.  The products carry a "best before date" of DEC 2013.

The production codes are 2311587812 and 2312587812 and the recall does not include any other production dates, sizes of varieties of Lean Cuisine products.

 You should not consume the affected product if you have it.  Three consumers have reported small fragments of glass in the ravioli, although no injuries have been reported.

 This link provides more information, a link to product labels, and directions as to what you should do if you have the product in your home.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm339140.htm?source=govdelivery

Due to less gas revenue than expected the Summerville City Council Monday, in it's regular monthly meeting, had the first reading of an ordinance to amend its FYE 2013 budget. 

City Manager Russell Thompson told councilmen that gas revenue is down due to the warm weather and he has re-forcasted the city's revenue and expenditures based on the last six months of 2012. He suggested that the city transfer just more than $75,500 from its fund balance to balance the budget. The city appears to be in pretty good shape financially and the shortfall isn't expected to cause any changes, according to Thompson. Thomson said that between now and the end of the year, the gas fund could correct itself depending on the weather.

A request by Larry Howard for the city to help the new Boys and Girls Club with its gas rates also was tabled. Howard said the county is currently helping with the utility bills. He suggested that the city help with the gas rates and then the county can help with the addition of a bike trail and playground in the back of the facility.

Mayor Harry Harvey wasn't too keen on the idea, but said if the council wanted to help they should only agree to for a specific period of time. It was discussed that the council should consider setting  up a special gas rate for non profits.

 In other business, the council  looked at plans for the proposed Family Dollar building on Commerce Street. A motion to table approval of the rendering was unanimously approved after councilman Dale House suggested the Historical Society take a look at it, since the building will be in an historical area of the city.

All of the tabled issues are expected to be discussed at a council work session at 6 p.m. next Monday, February 18.  

NOTE FROM AM 1180:

There is no firm agreement between the owners of the property where the proposed Family Dollar store would be located and the Family Dollar company.  AM 1180's studios are presently located at the proposed site for the Family Dollar store.  The owners of the property have told AM 1180 that there is no pending deal on the property at this time.  However, AM 1180 does have a contingency plan.  Should the property sell, our plans are to remain on Commerce Street in downtown Summerville.