Arrest Report - Tuesday - April 30, 2024
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, April 30, 2024:
Storage Unit Break-In Reported To Summerville Police
A Summerville woman reported a break-in at the storage unit she rents on Favor Street over the weekend. According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, the complainant told police that someone had cut the lock on the unit. The responding officer observed the cut lock and noted in the report that there was no video surveillance of the area. The incident was turned over to an investigator.
DA Fuller Deployed For Six Months
Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller was recently ordered to fulfill an active duty military deployment with the United States Air Force. DA Fuller will be deploying for six months as a legal advisor to military operations in the Middle East in support of the United States Central Command.
Effective on Friday May 3, 2024, District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller will designate Chief Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh as Designated Acting District Attorney of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. Acting District Attorney Kevin Baugh is a native of Dade County, a 2008 graduate of the University of Alabama Law School, and was appointed Chief Assistant in 2020. “I was a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy when the Twin Towers fell, and I am proud to be able to continue to wear the uniform of the United States Air Force,” said DA Fuller. “I have full confidence in Chief Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh and my DA family as they continue the incredible work that our office is doing here in North Georgia, while I am overseas continuing our fight against terrorism. Please keep the office of the District Attorney as well as my wife and children in your prayers, as it is only with their support and sacrifice that I am able to complete this mission.”
DA Fuller is a fourteen-year veteran of the United States Air Force and the Georgia Air National Guard. He currently serves as a major and will promote during his deployment to the grade of lieutenant colonel. He has served in the White House and at the Pentagon where he earned the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Award for Outstanding Achievement for work performed in counterterrorism.
He was appointed District Attorney by Governor Brian Kemp on March 14, 2023.
Berry College Commencement May 4th
A Berry College alumnus who went on to serve in the Navy and eventually became a university president will be the speaker for commencement on May 4 at Valhalla stadium.
Berry will celebrate the graduation of 475 undergraduates beginning at 9 a.m., weather permitting. The gates open at 8 a.m. Those who need special assistance may enter earlier, at 7:30 a.m. There are currently lane closures on U.S. 27. To accommodate these closures, guests should plan to arrive through the back entrance at 221 Legacy Drive NW.
Commencement speaker Alexander W. Whitaker is president of King University in Tennessee. Previously he served as Berry’s chief of staff and board secretary, for which he was granted emeritus status in 2016. He is the only Berry College alumnus to serve as a four-year college president.
Before beginning his higher education career at Berry, he had a 25-year active duty Navy career, mostly as a judge advocate. A designated international law specialist, Whitaker also has extensive criminal and civil litigation experience. He retired in 2007 as a captain from command of the Navy’s southeast legal services command. His numerous awards include two Legions of Merit and four Meritorious Service Medals.
In addition to his Berry B.A. in political science, he earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia, an LL.M. in international law from Georgetown University, a Th.M. from Duke University and an M.A. in religion from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. A native Roman, he is also vice chair of the Darlington School board of trustees.
Berry graduate students will receive their degrees at a commencement ceremony May 3 at the Berry College Chapel.
LaFayette Woman Charged In Connection With Head-On Collision
A thirty-six-year-old LaFayette woman has been charged in connection with a head-on collision that happened on Saturday night on Highway 27 near the intersection of Halls Valley Road in Trion.
The Georgia State Patrol released the following preliminary report:
On April 27, 2024, at 9:37 PM, Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Georgia 1 at Halls Valley Road. The investigation into the crash revealed the following details:
A 2006 Toyota Corolla, driven by Margaret Asher, age 36 of Lafayette, was traveling south in the northbound inside lane of Georgia 1. The Corolla collided head-on with a 2004 Ford F-150 traveling north in the inside lane of travel.
As a result of the collision, Ms. Asher, and a female passenger from the F150 were transported for medical evaluation and treatment.
The investigation led to the arrest of Ms. Asher, who has been charged with the following offenses:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Driving on the wrong side of the roadway
- Failure to wear a seat belt
May Young Farmer Class Announced
Leroy Massey Elementary School Teacher Erin Smith will be the guest speaker at the Chattooga County Young Farmer May meeting. Ms. Smith will be presenting a program on the “School Garden Spotlight”. The meeting will be this Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 7 PM at Leroy Massey Elementary School Cafeteria. Attendees will be able to learn about the efforts of the garden at Leroy Massey School and how it is used in student instruction. Those planning to attend should RSVP by tomorrow (Wednesday, May 1st) at Noon to Young Farmer Director Lauren Jarrett. The meal is $10 per person and will be a Chic-Fil-A Box Meal.
AdventHealth Redmond "Strike Out Stroke Night"
On Tuesday, May 7, AdventHealth Redmond is hosting Strike Out Stroke Night at AdventHealth Stadium to support stroke awareness and prevention.
Throughout the game, courageous stroke survivors and some of AdventHealth Redmond’s medical experts will be featured. Each AdventHealth Redmond team member receives two free tickets; proof of badge is required at the box office. Free t-shirts will also be given to every game attendee.
Strokes are the primary leading cause of long-term disability and death. BE FAST educational materials will be available during the game. BE FAST is the popular acronym to help individuals remember the signs of a stroke, and it outlines a difference in balance, eyes, face drooping, arm, speech and time.
AdventHealth Redmond is proud to partner with AdventHealth Stadium to bring awareness and provide education in hopes to combat this prominent health care issue.
For more information on neurology care at AdventHealth Redmond, please visit https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-redmond/neurology-care.
Georgia Gas Prices Drop Slightly Over The Past Week
The Georgia gas price average saw a nominal decrease at the pump compared to a week ago. Georgians are paying an average price of $3.39 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was less than a week ago, 6 cents more than a month ago, and 6 cents more than this time last year. It costs drivers an average price of $50.85 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are now paying almost $1.00 more to fill up at the pump compared to a year ago.
“Domestic gas demand is slow-paced at the moment, which is not uncommon leading up to Memorial Day,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Last week’s nationwide peak price of $3.67 may very well stand unchallenged well into hurricane season. However, as always, the unpredictable variable remains the oil costs, thus keep your eyes peeled.”
AAA continues to encourage drivers to take advantage of the money-saving gas tips listed below.
With May Approaching, Pump Prices Stick to the Slow Lane
Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by 2 cents to $3.65 (subject to change overnight). According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand fell from 8.66 to 8.42 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by .6 million barrels to 226.7 million barrels. Lower demand and a drop in oil prices could push pump prices lower this week.
Regional Prices:
The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.49), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($3.43), and Atlanta ($3.40).
The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Rome ($3.30), Dalton ($3.29), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($3.27).
Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($3.30), Walker ($3.28), Floyd ($3.30), Gordon ($3.33), DeKalb, AL ($3.16), Cherokee, AL ($3.18).
Man Killed In Fatal Crash On Taylor's Ridge
A fatal crash on Highway 27 at Taylor’s Ridge on Monday took the life of an Alabama man. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader confirmed with WZQZ News on Monday evening that a three-car accident happened, killing one driver and seriously injuring another. The third driver refused treatment by EMS. Sheriff Schrader said that the Georgia State Patrol is working the accident and it remains under investigation. Early reports indicated that one of the vehicles may have cross the center line and crashed into another and then the second car hit the third car, but the GSP accident reconstruction team will release more details as they become available. The sheriff said that Georgia State Troopers were in contact with Alabama State Troopers about notifying the family of the fatal crash victim. WZQZ News will have more information as it becomes available.
Arrest Summary - Monday - April 29, 2024
Here is a summary of arrests from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for April 26-29, 2024:
Sample Ballots For May 21st Primary Election
With Advance Voting beginning today, here is some information from the Chattooga County Registrars Office. Also, find below sample ballots for the May 21st General Primary Election.
From the Chattooga County Registrars Office:
Early Voting Starts Today For May 21st Primary Election
Early voting starts today for the May 21st Primary Election in Chattooga County. Chattooga County voters will have two contested races on the Republican ballot. The county commissioner’s race and the coroner’s race. There is also a nonpartisan race for Lookout Mountain Superior Court Judge. All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located on Commerce Street in Summerville, just south of the courthouse. Voters will have two Saturday voting opportunities on Saturday, May 4th and again on Saturday, May 11th. Weekday voting takes place from 8:30 AM until 5 PM and Saturday voting will be from 9 AM until 5 PM.
Early Voting Starts Today In Summerville Special Election
National Small Business Week This Week
For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, National Small Business Week takes place April 28 – May 4, 2024, and is when SBA officially recognizes their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy. This year’s activities include in-person events and an educational virtual summit on a variety of business topics.
If you’re a small business owner or a lover of small businesses, you can participate in National Small Business Week in a number of ways to show your support.
First, you can attend the small business week virtual events (more on that below). You may also attend local, in-person events and popup events – check with your local SBA for more information.
A great way to participate in NSBW is by sharing your story through social media or email. You can find social media resources at Small Business Trends, including Instragram images to promote NSBW and your business. To make your Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook posts part of the larger conversation, use the following hashtags:
- #SmallBusinessWeek
- #NSBW
- #NationalSmallBusinessWeek
NSBW is a great time to thank your supporters as an entrepreneur or small business owner. If you have the time, you can host an event at your business or write thank you cards to your top supporters. It’s also easy to create a thank you video to show on your social media accounts or send to your email contacts.
You can also support a local small business of your choice, whether or not that business is your own. Encourage friends and family to pay special attention to small businesses during NSBW, and brag about your favorites in social media or online reviews.
Small Business Week Virtual Events
A number of small business week events will take place, with virtual participation. The SBA will hold a series of events from April 28 to May 4, including a National Small Business Week virtual summit, educational sessions, and award presentations.
You can attend webinars to help learn more about growing your small business, network with other small business owners, and find resources for your business.
A few standout virtual events this year include:
- Unlock AI’s Potential for Your Small Business (with Grow with Google)
- Building a Foundation for Online Marketing Success (with Constant Contact)
- Navigating Your Cash Flow (with Chase for Business)
- Future of Commerce 2024 (with Square)
Be sure to register here for the virtual summit ahead of time.
SBA National Small Business Week Awards
Each year during NSBW, the SBA recognizes top small businesses in the U.S. with the National Small Business Week Awards. The awards recognize the achievements of small businesses in their communities and the U.S. economy. Awardees are recognized from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, with one winner from each of these areas selected for the Small Business Person of the Year. Each of these winners will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year award, which is SBA’s top honor.
Other categories include:
- Small Business Exporter of the Year
- Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery:
- Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
- Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Mitigation
- Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery – Public Official
- Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery – Volunteer
- Federal Procurement Awards:
- Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
- Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors)
- 8(a) Graduate of the Year
- Awards to SBA Resource Partners:
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award
- Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
- Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service
- Small Business Investment Company of the Year
The awards are presented during the NSBW Awards ceremony. Nominations for 2025 open in the fall of 2024.
How Nav Supports Small Businesses
At Nav, we love NSBW. Nav’s main mission is to increase the lifespan of small businesses and help you succeed. Whether you want to grow your business or maintain your current success, Nav curates products and services to help keep you financially stable.
We are the best small business financial health platform, giving small business owners and entrepreneurs access to business credit-building products, tools to grow cash flow health, partner financing, and more. We use intelligent data to give you customized recommendations to let you know what you can qualify for — before you apply.
Use Nav to help you find the right loan or financing for your business, such as:
And much more. We also help you monitor your business credit through credit reports and help you find ways to boost your business credit score.
Let us know how you plan to celebrate National Small Business Week 2024.
For more info, please visit SBA.gov.
Summerville's Ducky Derby To Coincide With Chattooga Riverfest
Chattooga / Dade 4H Shotgun Team Qualifications
Summer Burn Ban Starts May 1
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Therefore, open burning in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas must be restricted during the summer months.
Beginning May 1st and ending September 30th, EPD’s Open Burning Ban will be enforced in 54 Georgia counties, including Chattooga and surrounding Georgia counties.
The Open Burning Ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris. This rule is in addition to the year-round state ban on the burning of household garbage.
In our area, Chattooga, Walker, Floyd and Gordon Counties are all included in the burn ban.
What are the rules of the open burning ban?
Don’t burn anything from May 1 – September 30.
Some exceptions include:
- Agricultural burning exemption
- Forestry “prescribed burning” exemption*
- Campfires or barbeques
- Fire-fighting training exemption, provided appropriate permit is issued
- Operation of open flame equipment exemption
- Explosive disposal in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor Safety Regulations
*Not exempted in the 19 county metro Atlanta non-attainment area: Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Rockdale and Walton.
Failure to adhere to the burn ban during May – September may result in fines.
Trion Fire Chief Receives Volunteer Fire Chief Certification
Arrest Report - Sunday - April 28, 2024
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 28, 2024:
Friday Night Fatal Fire In Walker County
A late night fire on Friday night in Walker County claimed the life of one person.
Walker County Fire Rescue received a call at 11:26 p.m. about a house fire at 569 Tinkerbell Circle in the Flintstone community. Upon arrival, they found the home about 50% involved.
Firefighters did an initial search of survivable areas, and found the victim during suppression efforts. The body of a late 40’s man will be sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy. No one else was inside the home or injured during the incident.
Firefighters brought the fire under control in about an hour.
The Walker County Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. This is Walker County’s first fatal fire this year.