Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, October 1, 2024:
Today marks a momentous occasion as former President Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday in Plains, Georgia where he was born in 1924. The 39th President of the United States, Carter has led an extraordinary life of public service, humanitarian work, and unwavering commitment to justice and peace and a profound faith in Jesus Christ.
Creative thinking can help address the impact of solar farms in rural Georgia, according to Jim Cooley of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Last week, Cooley suggested alternative locations for solar projects, such as rooftops, industrial parks, and closed sites like landfills and mines. Georgia Power is already implementing solar panels at Plant McIntosh. Concerns have been raised about large solar farms encroaching on farmland, prompting discussions on preserving Georgia’s agricultural lands. Cooley proposed a concept where solar panels could be integrated into farmland to benefit crops or livestock. There is a need for accurate data on the number of solar farms in Georgia to inform policy decisions. A study committee made up of members of the Georgia General Assembly aims to explore ways to protect farmland while promoting renewable energy solutions.
This is National Deaf Awareness week and the National Weather Service is working to better serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in the USA, and here in Georgia, by providing specialized weather radios with features like bed shakers and strobe lights. They have also collaborated with Deaf organizations to create inclusive safety messaging, like the “See a Flash, Dash Inside” lightning safety campaign. This campaign offers a visual symbol for immediate action when lightning strikes, ensuring safety information is accessible to all. The NWS’s dedication to adapting and engaging with these communities showcases a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in their essential work, setting an example for public service organizations. It is crucial for Deaf and Hard of Hearing households to have these radios to stay safe during hazardous conditions. You can find out more about what the National Weather Service is doing to raise awareness about weather safety for the deaf community HERE
Earlier this year, the Georgia General Assembly passed HB 1105 and Governor Brian Kemp signed it into law. That law goes on the books today. Part of the provisions of the new law mandates the Department of Corrections to publish detailed reports on its website concerning the immigration status, criminal offenses, and countries of origin of non-citizen inmates. These reports, updated every 90 days starting in October, aim to provide transparency on the demographic and background of foreign-born prisoners, potentially informing future policy decisions. By collecting and sharing this data, the law allows residents and lawmakers to monitor the intersection of incarceration and immigration, promoting accountability and transparency. However, critics fear it may target specific inmate populations; supporters say this law represents a major step towards transparency in Georgia’s correctional system regarding immigrant prisoners.
Georgia’s gas price average rose this week but remains under $ 3.00 compared to a week ago. Georgians pay an average of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 3 cents more than a week ago, 19 cents less than a month ago, and 29 cents less than last year. It costs drivers an average price of $44.55 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are paying almost $3.00 less to fill up at the pump than a month ago.
Jeremy Wade Bruce, a forty-one-year-old male sex offender, was arrested last week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office after lying to a deputy about where he was living .
A Fall Festival is being planned in Summerville and is set for Saturday, October 19th, starting at 3 PM at the old North Summerville Elementary School on Highland Avenue. Food vendors and a variety of activities for all ages will be available, including games, carnival-style fun, and a community bake sale. Raffle tickets will also be sold for the chance to win prizes. Volunteers are still needed to help make the event a success – contact Sasha at 706-622-1666 to get involved. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a day of food, fun, and community spirit at the Summerville Fall Festival.
A Ringgold man was arrested in Chattooga County after speeding and attempting to elude a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deptuy on September 18th.
A Northwest Georgia man was sentenced in U.S. Federal Court in Rome last week for producing and distributing child pornography. Ian Alicea Prewett has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for enticing children to create child pornography. U. S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan condemned Prewett as a sexual predator who victimized innocent children. Prewett uploaded explicit images of minors to Instagram between 2020 and 2022 and was caught when federal agents obtained a warrant to search his home in May 2023. Prior to his arrest, Prewett had engaged in sexual acts with minors, including a victim under eight years old in the UK. Prewett, 31, from Cartersville, Georgia, was convicted of sexual exploitation of children and received a 20-year prison sentence followed by 20 years of supervised release.