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.

According to a report released by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday of this week, a routine traffic stop led to the arrest of local man James Lester Coln, 50, after he was caught speeding and found to be driving under the influence. A sheriff’s deputy stopped Coln’s gray Ford F-150 for going 70 mph in a 55 mph zone at the intersection of Highway 48 and JP Thornberry Drive. Coln showed signs of impairment, but initially denied drinking, attributing the smell of alcohol to cologne. Despite failing field sobriety tests, including balance and instruction-following tasks, Coln refused a breathalyzer test. The deputy spoke with Coln’s 18-year-old son, who expressed concern about his father’s drinking problem and the need for help. Coln was charged with DUI, expired registration, and speeding, and taken to jail for processing.

In a remarkable initiative to support Veteran entrepreneurs, Grow with Google and Blue Star Families (BSF) are joining forces to host a free livestream event on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET. This event aims to empower veteran-owned small businesses, offering valuable insights and resources to help them thrive in today’s digital landscape.

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The Chattooga County Water District has issued a boil water advisory for some customers after water tests for the county well on Butler Dairy Road coming back as positive for E. coli.  More tests have been performed and the results are expected on Sunday.  Until then, a boil water advisory is in place for any Chattooga County Water District customer who lives in the Gore / Subligna area and the Holland / Chattoogaville area – until further notice.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriffs Office for Friday, November 8, 2024:

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AAA is reminding motorists in Georgia about the activity of deer along Georgia’s roadways this time of year. Deer are involved in around 50,000 crashes each year in Georgia, making up nearly 14% of all collisions. To avoid hitting a deer, it’s essential to be vigilant, especially at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. Motorists should scan the road ahead, use high-beam headlights, and be cautious during peak deer activity times. Always wear your seatbelt as it significantly reduces injuries in case of a collision with an animal. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, don’t swerve, speed up, but instead, apply the brakes to safely stop. After hitting a deer, move off the road, turn on your hazard lights, and assess any damage to your vehicle. Reporting the crash and any injured deer on the road is crucial for safety and insurance purposes. Remember, being alert and taking the proper precautions can help prevent dangerous and costly encounters with deer on the road.

The National Health Eligibility Center (HEC) has informed 1. 5 million Veterans that their Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) has expired or will soon. While not mandatory for VA health care, having a VHIC makes check-in for VA appointments easier. Veterans are advised to renew their VHIC online by scanning the QR code on the postcard they receive or by visiting the website directly. Once submitted, the renewal request will be placed “On Hold” for manual review. If the submission is not valid, Veterans will be informed via email for re-submission. Renewal processing takes approximately 7-14 days domestically and 21-30 days internationally, with delays possible. Veterans who do not receive their renewed card within 30 days should contact their local VA facility for assistance. In-person renewals require a valid ID, and travel pay is not provided solely for VHIC renewals. Veterans are reminded to act promptly.

A 47-year-old Chattooga County woman, Jessica Garfield, was arrested after law enforcement discovered methamphetamine and multiple loaded syringes during a search of her residence in connection with a burglary investigation.

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The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $65,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing degrees in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences, or related fields. Scholarships are available in four categories:

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The Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) is hosting a Georgia State Agency Career Fair on Thursday, Nov. 14, at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GTNC) Floyd County Campus in Rome.

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