Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) canceled planned construction on 2nd Avenue in Rome this week that would have periodically shut down lanes overnight. The work will resume when temperatures are warmer. The canceled work is part of the 2nd Avenue improvement project, which got underway in August of 2023 and is currently slated to be completed late next year.
During November’s General Election, more than 60% of Georgia voters approved House Bill 581, which provides property tax relief for homeowners. This law, known as the Save Our Homes Act, limits property tax increases on homes to the rate of inflation and will take effect on Jan. 1, unless local governments or school districts opt out.
A Chattooga County man was arrested recently in Floyd County. Daniel Scott Milstead, 44, from Summerville, was arrested after he was caught breaking into a car on Haywood Valley Road in Armuchee. Police reported that Milstead hid in the vehicle after being seen committing the crime. He ran from officers when they arrived. Milstead was found with several stolen items and is charged with entering an automobile with intent to commit a crime, criminal attempt to commit a crime, obstruction, and criminal trespass.
Public Alert from Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency and Teloga Volunteer Fire Department:
The Teloga community is being alerted to the installation of a new tornado siren at the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department. Installation is scheduled to begin on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8 a.m., weather permitting. The installation is expected to be completed by that afternoon, with testing of the new siren to follow.
After the initial installation and testing, 911 will conduct a monthly siren test on the first Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. In the event of inclement weather on the testing day, the test will be rescheduled to the following Wednesday at the same time.
If there are any changes to the installation date, the public will be promptly notified.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding! We look forward to adding this layer of protection to the community.
Update 12:45 PM:
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement this afternoon concerning an incident at United Community Bank in Trion. According to the sheriff, early this morning “the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) alarm at the United Community Bank, Trion branch. Deputies arrived to find a stolen truck, which was used in an unsuccessful attempt to ‘hook’ and steal the ATM. The ATM was severely compromised during this attempt”. The sheriff added, “We would like to thank the staff of United Community Bank for their quick response and assistance in the investigation”. The sheriff says that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Posted earlier:
A note was posted on the drive-thru window at United Community Bank in Trion this (Monday) morning saying “Our Trion branch will open at 10 AM due to a crime incident. We apologize for any inconvenience. Our Summerville Office will be open at normal hours.” WZQZ News reached out to United Community Bank and law enforcement about the unspecified crime incident. United Community Bank replied saying this is an ongoing investigation and all questions are being handle through the United Community Bank security corps team. WZQZ News will have more information as soon as it is available.
A 53-year-old man, identified as Torre Perez Darden, was arrested early Wednesday, New Year’s Day, for criminal trespass at a McDonald’s location on Highway 27. The arrest followed a call for service made to Chattooga E911, indicating that Darden, who had previously been barred from the premises, was found in the restaurant’s lobby. According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received the call at approximately 3:34 AM. Upon arriving at the scene just nine minutes later, a sheriff’s deputy found Darden sitting in a booth with his head down. The deputy recognized Darden from a prior incident that occurred on December 17, 2024, during which Darden had been formally trespassed from the establishment. Due to the repeat nature of the offense, deputies took Darden into custody without incident. Darden was transported to the Chattooga County Jail, where he was charged with criminal trespass.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan announced he will resign as the chief federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Georgia, effective Jan. 19.
The Trion Recreation Department will start registration for spring sports tomorrow, Monday, January 6, 2025. This is a great chance for young athletes to be active, learn skills, and enjoy competition. Sports offered include Co-Ed T-ball for ages 3 and 4, Co-Ed Coach Pitch for ages 5 and 6, and baseball and softball for ages 7 to 12. Registration fees are $10 for city residents and $25 for non-city residents. Parents must bring a copy of their child’s birth certificate. You can find out more by visiting the Trion Recreation website at http://www.trionrecreation.org, or by calling 706-734-2011.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced that starting Monday, January 6, through Friday, January 10, crews will be conducting nightly lane closures on 2nd Avenue as part of an ongoing improvement project. The closures, weather permitting, will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. The 2nd Avenue improvement project stretches from the Oostanaula River to just north of the intersection with Turner McCall Boulevard. Motorists should prepare for temporary lane closures that will be implemented periodically in both directions between West 3rd Street and Turner McCall Boulevard. “We advise all motorists to exercise caution in the area during these times,” said a GDOT spokesperson. “Delays are expected, and we urge drivers to reduce their speed while traveling through the work zones.” To stay informed about the latest traffic conditions and work status, drivers can call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app before heading out.
At the request of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating a death in Macon County after hunters discovered a body in the woods near Flint River.
