The Georgia State Patrol has released more information about a woman who was struck by an oncoming motorcycle last week.  According to the Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office, last Wednesday, November 6th at 7:51 PM, a female identified as Adrienne Tucker, age 40, was walking east on Georgia 1 (Highway 27) in the southbound left lane.  A 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling south in the inside lane struck her as it passed.  The pedestrian was transported to a Rome area hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The Georgia State Patrol said the investigation into the accident is still active.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) recently held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new Commercial Truck Driving Range at the Polk County Campus in Rockmart. The new range, along with the current one, will be used to train and certify students for a Class A Commercial Truck Driving (CDL) license as part of the Electrical Lineworker Program. Additionally, Class B CDL training will be available to the public. These programs are offered through GNTC’s Office of Economic Development, aiming to upskill current employees of business and industry partners. The new range signifies an important step for GNTC and the community, offering hands-on training for future transportation industry professionals. The project was completed with the support of legislative delegation, business partners, and community leaders. The new range will allow GNTC to expand its training programs and provide valuable opportunities for students and area employers.

A Georgia man has been arrested after scamming victims across the Peach State. Matthew Timothy Neet was charged with Theft by Deception for scamming victims by selling non-existent University of Georgia football tickets online. This was part of a larger scheme where Neet sold fake tickets for events like concerts and real estate, defrauding victims of over $1. 3 million. His fraudulent activities affected more than 30 victims in Georgia over several months. Neet, with a history of similar scams, was arrested in Louisiana and extradited to the Jones County Jail. He has been denied bond and faces charges in multiple jurisdictions. The investigation into Neet’s activities is ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges.

The Georgia State Patrol Post in Rome told WZQZ News this morning that a pedestrian was truck and killed before daylight this morning while walking along Highway 114, the Lyerly Highway.  Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said that the accident happened at approximately 5:30 AM.  The incident happened south of Lyerly.  The motorist that struck the pedestrian left the scene of the accident.  Law enforcement officials are looking for any information about the accident.  The Georgia State Patrol is conducting the investigation, along with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.  Anyone with information should contact the Georgia State Patrol Post in Rome at 706-295-6002.  Information can be reported anonymously at 678-767-3175.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, November 9, 2024:

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The Trion Bulldogs varsity football team’s first round of the 2024 playoffs will be on November 16, 2024 at 6 PM at Schley County High School in Ellaville. Those Bulldog fans making the 229 mile trip should be aware of Schley County High School Stadium rules. You can see those below. WZQZ will be broadcasting the game live on our Facebook Page. Good luck to the Bulldogs next Friday!

Heidi Popham, the president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College, has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s 500 Most Influential Leaders for three years in a row. She was acknowledged for her impact on various industries and her commitment to workforce development in Georgia. Popham expressed her gratitude for the honor, attributing it to the hard work of the college team and their partnerships with businesses. Greg Dozier, the Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, praised Popham’s leadership and influence in preparing a skilled workforce. Popham has held different roles at GNTC, including vice president and now president. She is actively involved in local boards and holds degrees from Covenant College and the University of Georgia. Her dedication and vision contribute to the success and growth of the college and the state.

The Summerville City Council will be meeting on Monday evening for their regular council meeting for the month of November.  The meeting will be preceded by a question and answer session with the mayor and council members.  The public is  invited to come and ask questions and to stay for the council meeting that will follow.  The question and answer session will take place starting at 4:30 PM and the regular meeting will start at 5 PM.  WZQZ will broadcast the meeting live on our Facebook Page.

A woman died in a car accident on the East Rome Bypass near Turner Chapel Road. The accident involved a 2011 Nissan Armada driven by Tiffany Nicole Smith that crossed over the median and hit a 2010 Ford F-150 driven by Timothy Dewayne Reynolds. Reynolds, a teacher at Model Middle School, was rescued from the burning truck by bystanders, including an off-duty fireman. Two juvenile passengers in the SUV were also taken to the hospital. The accident caused delays in traffic, with westbound traffic being stopped, and other roads being affected as well. The wreck was cleared by 10:15 a. m. The Rome Police Department thanked the public for their patience and understanding during the traffic disruptions.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader recently issued a warning after reports surfaced of criminals attempting to pass off prop money as real currency. Prop money, which is typically used in films and television shows to represent real U.S. currency, is easily distinguishable by a prominent wordmark indicating its motion picture use only. However, Sheriff Schrader’s announcement reveals that some individuals have been misusing this fake currency to defraud unsuspecting retailers. “There are reports of some counterfeit and prop money floating around the county right now,” Sheriff Schrader stated. “Be cautious and check your bills! This was attempted to be passed at a Dollar General location in Chattooga County.” Local businesses are urged to educate their employees about the characteristics of prop money and to remain vigilant when handling cash transactions. Sheriff Schrader emphasized the importance of thorough inspection of bills and encourages residents to report any suspicious activity immediately.