Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 2, 2023:
A three-person investigative panel is scheduled to meet at 10:30 this morning at Rome City Hall to discuss ethics complaints against Rome City Commissioner Mark Chochran. The allegations against Cochran claim that he was abrasiveness toward staff members and that he faced a possible conflict of interest or had a financial interest in projects that came before the commission. Summerville Mayor Harry Harvey, along with Bremen Mayor Sharon Sewell and Adairsville Mayor Kenneth Carson make up the panel that was appointed at random by the Georgia Municipal Association. The first meeting of the three-person investigative panel appointed to hear the allegations met in a closed Zoom meeting on April 26 .
Trion Police and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report about skeletal remains being spotted inside the Trion City limits on private property near the Chattooga River. The report was made on Sunday evening. The sheriff’s office and Trion police spent the day searching on Monday and received assistance from a specialized canine team from Huntsville, Alabama. Sheriff Schrader told WZQZ News late Monday afternoon, that they have not been able to find any evidence of skeletal remains. The sheriff did say that they search would continue on Tuesday. The sheriff confirmed to WZQZ News that they are responding to a “report” about the remains, and that so far, there is no evidence of the remains in question.
On Monday, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced its five 2023 Small Business ROCK STARS as part of the state’s celebration of Georgia Small Business Week 2023, recognized May 1-6. A small businessman himself, Governor Brian P. Kemp issued a proclamation highlighting the importance of small businesses in the state, available here.
The Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority and Top of Georgia Economic Development Initiative partnered to host a regional economic summit. The summit’s focus was to share best practices in economic development, refine recruitment strategies, and share knowledge of resources for local communities.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Chattooga Chamber of Commerce will have two experts in the field coming to speak at the May Chamber Luncheon.
A memorial service is scheduled for this Saturday at Mason Funeral Home for former Summerville Mayor Joe Robert Norton. Mr. Norton served as mayor from 1998-2011. He retired from Georgia Power and was the owner and operator of an electrical contracting business for fifty years. A celebration of life for Mr. Norton will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made to the Joe Norton Memorial Fund at United Community Bank.
Georgia gas prices decreased at the pump compared to a week ago. Georgia drivers are now paying an average price of $3.31 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight).
On Sunday, Summerville Police responded to a complaint at Summerville Gardens. Parents were concerned because a woman was following children around the area and videoing them while they were playing. Police spoke with the complainant who said that the woman’s actions were making her children, and her uncomfortable. Police located the woman who admitted to videoing the children while they were outside playing. The woman told police that children playing in the road were a “violation of the lease agreement” and that she was “gathering evidence”. Police told the complainant that a report would be made about the incident.
Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Department of Revenue announced Monday that the first round of surplus tax refund checks have been issued to Georgia filers.