Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriffs Office for Sunday, November 10, 2024:
The Georgia Department of Revenue reported last week that Georgia’s net tax collections for October 2024 were $2. 53 billion, down by 3. 4% from October 2023. Year-to-date collections were $10. 64 billion, a decrease of 0. 6% from the previous year. October’s decrease was partially due to the motor fuel tax suspension in 2023. Income tax collections were down, impacted by the extension of tax filing deadlines due to hurricanes. Individual income tax collections were down by 8. 7%, including a decrease in refunds and payments. Sales and Use Tax collections increased slightly, while Corporate Income Tax collections decreased significantly by 47. 4%. Motor Fuel Tax collections increased notably due to the suspension of the fuel tax in October 2023. Motor Vehicle Tag & Title Fee collections remained flat, while Title ad Valorem Tax collections decreased.
The Georgia Board of Natural Resources named the first commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Joe D. Tanner, as the 2024 recipient of the Rock Howard Conservation Achievement Award for environmental conservation.
Georgia Power announced on Friday that their first grid-connected battery energy storage system, the Mossy Branch Battery facility in Talbot County, Georgia, is now operational, providing 65 megawatts of battery storage for the state’s power grid. This project was approved by the Public Service Commission as a demonstration to evaluate the feasibility of battery storage as a power source. Kim Greene, Georgia Power’s CEO, emphasized that battery storage will enhance grid reliability, especially during extreme weather events. The Mossy Branch facility marks an important advancement in Georgia’s grid infrastructure, with plans for additional projects like the 265-megawatt McGrau Ford Phase I project in Cherokee County. The PSC is also considering authorizing more battery energy storage system projects in different locations across the state, showcasing Georgia Power’s commitment to evolving and enhancing the state’s power grid.
Walker County Government is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony this Tuesday at the county’s first signature park, “Adventure Acres”. The eight-acre park, located off Salem Road, received $2.2 million in funding from an American Rescue Plan Act grant.
The county has spent the past 16 months collaborating with a team from Barge Design Solutions to shape the park plans. According to Walker County Public Relations Director Joe Legge, the park has been designed so that guests will be invited to “choose their own adventure”. The park will feature a “Treehouse Adventure”, a “Water Odyssey Adventure” and a “Trail Adventure”.
This week’s ceremony will feature a brief program that includes Walker County Commission Chairman Shannon Whitfield and State Representative Mike Cameron. Access to the groundbreaking will be off Salem Road. The park’s address is 370 Salem Road, off McFarland Avenue in Rossville, across from the old rock quarry.
The park is scheduled to open around Memorial Day 2025.
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: