Governor Signs Public Safety Legislation

Yesterday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a series of bills passed by the General Assembly dealing with public safety.  One of the bills, sponsored in part by State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, allows the repayment of up to $20,000 in student loans for full-time police officers who complete 5 years of service in Georgia.  The bill also strengthens Georgia’s ban on so-called “sanctuary cities”.  Another piece of legislation signed yesterday by the governor ensures insurance benefits for first responders suffering from PTSD as a result of line of duty traumatic events.  Rep. Lumsden was also co-sponsor of several other bills that were signed yesterday by Governor Kemp.  You can read more from the Governor’s office below:

Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns, Attorney General Chris Carr, Commissioner John King, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders, signed a sweeping package of legislation, including HB 130, designed to strengthen public safety and provide support to first responders.

HB 130, sponsored by Representative Matthew Gambill, signed by Representatives Bill Hitchens, Bill Werkheiser, Eddie Lumsden, and Yasmin Neal, and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, allows the Georgia Student Finance Commission to repay up to $20,000 in student loans held by a full-time peace officer who completes 5 years of service. To be eligible, you must either have been appointed as a full-time POST-certified public state, or local officer on or after January 1, 2024, or be an existing officer currently enrolled and pursuing a Criminal Justice degree for at least one year.

In addition to HB 130, this legislative package strengthens Georgia’s ban on sanctuary cities, empowers POST certified jailers, cracks down on criminals who introduce contraband into our prisons, engage in drive-by shootings, or “SWAT-ing,” and ensures supplemental illness-specific insurance benefits are offered for first responders suffering from PTSD as a result of a line-of-duty traumatic event that prevents them from carrying out their duties.

“Georgians have witnessed the disastrous impact lawlessness is having on communities across the country,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Thanks to the work of our legislative partners in the General Assembly, we are able to once again send the message that such lawlessness will find no safe haven in Georgia. I am proud to sign legislation that boosts our recruitment of law enforcement officers, makes our communities safer, and provides our judicial system with even tougher tools to bring violent offenders to justice.”

Along with HB 130, Governor Kemp signed nine pieces of legislation included below:

HB 1105, sponsored by Representative Jesse Petrea, signed by Representatives J Collins, Josh Bonner, Emory Dunahoo, Matt Barton, and Rick Jasperse, amended by Representative Houston Gaines, carried in the Senate by Senator John Albers, and made a priority by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns, codifies existing procedures for jails to determine the nationality and immigration status of confined individuals and requires the Department of Corrections and sheriffs to report on the illegal immigrants in their custody.

SB 37, sponsored by Senator Randy Robertson, signed by Senators John Albers, Bo Hatchett, Carden Summers, Kay Kirkpatrick and Lee Anderson, and carried in the House by Representative J Collins, allows sheriffs who serve in more than one court to receive a court supplement for up to two courts, allows the Governor, a county sheriff, or a chief of police to request the use of the newly converted GPSTC law enforcement unit, and allows jailers who have been certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council to have arrest powers within the jail or its guard lines or if a person surrenders themselves at the jail.

SB 63, sponsored by Senator Randy Robertson, signed by Senators Steve Gooch, Matt Brass, Jason Anavitarte, John Kennedy, and Frank Ginn, and carried in the House by Representative Houston Gaines, adds 30 offenses to the definition of “bail restricted offense,” establishes that individuals and entities cannot post more than three cash bonds per year, requires entities that solicit donations for the purpose of securing the release of persons to submit to the same requirements as professional bail bondsmen, and amends various statutes pertaining to the bail forfeiture process to reduce instances in which a surety must forfeit a bond.

SB 159, sponsored by Senator Randy Robertson, signed by Senators John Albers, Kay Kirkpatrick, and Larry Walker, carried by Representative Steven Sainz, and prioritized by Speaker Jon Burns, increases penalties for providing prohibited items to inmates, with stronger penalties for those who work in the facility and provide contraband and for using an unmanned aircraft to take photos of a place of incarceration with the intention to commit a crime.

HB 1058, sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald, signed by Representatives Bill Hitchens, Alan Powell, Eddie Lumsden, J Collins, and Carter Barrett, carried in the Senate by Senator Randy Robertson, and advocated for by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Colonel William Hitchens, serves as the annual motor carrier update.

HB 1193, sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald, signed by Representatives Bill Hitchens, Eddie Lumsden, Soo Hong, and J Collins, and advocated for by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Colonel William Hitchens, standardizes the use of flashing or revolving amber lights across code sections.

HB 451, sponsored by Representative Devan Seabaugh, signed by Representatives Gregg Kennard, Bill Hitchens, Houston Gaines, Beth Camp, and Derrick McCollum, and carried in the Senate by Senator Randy Robertson, requires that all public entities in Georgia offer supplemental illness-specific insurance benefits – either self-insured or by an insurer – for first responders who are clinically diagnosed by a qualified diagnostician with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of their exposure to line-of-duty traumatic event(s) that prevents them from completing their occupational duties. This bill is also known as the “Ashley Wilson Act” – named after a Gwinnett County police officer, whose partner died as a result of gun shot wounds suffered in the line-of-duty.

SB 421, sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon, signed by Senators John Albers, Kay Kirkpatrick, Randy Robertson, Kim Jackson, and Ed Setzler, carried in the House by Representative Matt Reeves, and prioritized by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, adds a drive-by shooting that damages a building to the offense of criminal damage in the first degree, creates the offense of drive-by shooting, and increases penalties for transmitting a false alarm, commonly referred to as “SWAT-ing.”

SB 10, sponsored by Senator Emanuel Jones, signed by Senators Harold Jones, Gloria Butler, John Albers, Valencia Seay, and Donzella James, and carried in the House by Representative Yasmin Neal, creates a penalty for facilitating a drag race and increases penalties for operating a vehicle while drag racing or laying drags.

Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today.

GNTC Commencement This Evening

More than 170 students from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) nine-county service area will exit the Dalton Convention Center this evening, armed with the education and technical training needed to kick-start their careers.

The 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.

After students, administrators and faculty march into place during Processional, the National Anthem will be performed by Vince Stalling, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Services coordinator at GNTC. Invocation will be led by Donny Holmes, program director and instructor of the Construction Management program at GNTC.

Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, will welcome guests and introduce commencement address speaker Leyner Argueta, program director and instructor of Business Management at GNTC.

Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs at GNTC, will recognize High Honor and Honor graduates. A special recognition for graduates who are veterans, FBLA Collegiate members, SkillsUSA members and Student Government Association members will also be led by Phillips.

Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs at GNTC, will present the graduates, and Dr. Popham will confer the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Susan Bowman, assistant dean, program director and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, will administer the GNTC Alumni Association Oath.

Early Voting Continues In Chattooga County

From the Chattooga County Registrars Office:

As of May 1, 2024 at 7:30 AM, we have issued 96 Absentee by Mail ballots. We have received and accepted 17 Absentee by Mail ballots. No Absentee by Mail ballots have been cancelled, rejected, or spoiled. We have had a total of 175 Advance Voters. We have not had any provisional ballots or rejected ballots.

Northwest Georgia Teen Charged With Gang Activity

A Rome teen has been charged with participation in criminal street gang activity, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18.

According to an arrest warrant:

17-year-old Gregory Geemar Charles North Jr. is a member of the Brothers for Life or B4L street gang, and on April 17, was in possession of a Glock 45 that had been reported stolen in Bartow County.

North has a prior incident where he was found with firearms that had been stolen.

He also has a tattoo showing his affiliation with the gang.

North was initially arrested late last month after a search warrant was executed at a residence on East 14^th Street and authorities recovered a Glock 17.

WRGA

Arrest Report - Wednesday - May 1, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 1, 2024:

National Day Of Prayer To Be Recognized In Chattooga County

The National Day of Prayer will be recognized in Chattooga County coming up tomorrow evening in downtown Summerville.  Phil Menter, pastor of Harvest Worship Center in Trion is in charge of this year’s observance and told WZQZ News that the observance will be held starting at 7 PM Thursday evening, May 2nd.  East Washington Street will be blocked off for the program.  There will be a short program and prayer teams available to pray with attendees.  It is recommended that you bring a chair to the event.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Woman Arrested For Drugs After Traffic Stop

A twenty-four-year-old woman was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department shortly after 5 AM, on Tuesday of last week after a traffic stop in the early morning hours on Highway 27 near the Trion wastewater treatment plant.

According to a report released yesterday, deputies performed a traffic stop and noticed the smell of marijuana inside the vehicle.  The driver admitted to having smoked marijuana earlier.  The driver told the deputies that she didn’t trust police and that she did not want a man pat searching her.  The deputies reassured the driver that they would not harm her and that a female deputy would provide the pat-down.

The pat-down turned up suspected methamphetamine and marijuana along with a glass pipe.

Talyonna Tibbs was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

Atrium Health Floyd Pediatrician Concerned About Measles In U.S.

The rising numbers of measles cases in the U.S. have both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Atrium Health Floyd pediatrician Dr. Tyler Barnes concerned. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, there were 58 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S., compared to 58 for all of 2023. This prompted the CDC to warn U.S. citizens traveling abroad to stay current on their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccines. Fifty-four of the measles cases reported by mid-March were linked to international travel and included children older than 1 who had not received the vaccine.

“I have said this for a while, but as more people refuse vaccinations, our herd immunity will continue to decrease, putting a lot of people at risk,” said Dr. Barnes. “Some patients may only develop a rash and fever and improve, but some kids can get very sick and even die from this illness.”

Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective against the illness, according to the CDC, and one dose is 93% effective. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through what is known as herd or community immunity. But the CDC is reporting that the vaccination rate for U.S. kindergartners dipped from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 93.1% during the 2022–2023 school year.

“I urge all of my parents to get their kids vaccinated, but I also respect the decision of parents if they decide to keep their children unvaccinated,” Dr. Barnes said.

He pointed out that unvaccinated people put at risk those who are immunocompromised or can’t take the vaccine because of medical reasons.

“That is another reason the vaccination is important,” Dr. Barnes added. Measles typically begins with a fever, cough and/or runny nose. The rash that many people associate with the measles may not show up for several days after the first symptoms.

To make an appointment to get the measles and other vaccines, contact Atrium Health Floyd Pediatrics, 304 Shorter Ave., at 706-236-4880.

Fourth Annual Chattooga Plant Swap This Saturday

The fourth annual Chattooga County Plant Swap is coming up this Saturday, May 4th at Teloga Springs Farm, located at 9505 Highway 337 in the Teloga Community.  All proceeds from the plant swap go to Animal Advocates of Chattooga County.  The plant swap allows participants to swap plants and seeds with others.  Anyone with plenty of plants and / or seeds is welcome to set up a table at the event.  (It is recommended that you bring your own table).  Plants and tables can be dropped off on Friday May 3rd, ahead of Saturday’s event.  Organizers say that there are over 25 vendors signed up for the event.  Food trucks and Mosley’s BBQ will be on hand.  The event is FREE and parking is FREE.  If you don’t have plants or seeds to swap, simply make a small donation for what you want.  A raffle and door prizes will also be held at the event.  The plant swap will take place from 2 PM until 6 PM this Saturday.

Handgun Stolen In Alabama Found In Rome

Rome Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty

A fifty-six-year-old Rome woman is facing 14 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals following her arrest on Monday.

According to Floyd County Jail records:

Allison Moore Kelley failed to provide adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, and ventilation for 14 cats at her Club View Drive home.

The conditions led to the death of nine kittens and the undernourishment of five cats.

WRGA

Governor Kemp Signs Ag-Related Bills On Tuesday

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a collection of agricultural-related bills on Tuesday that he says will strengthen the Ag-industry in the Peach State. One of the bills deals with ownership of agricultural land near military bases by anyone acting as an agent for a foreign country.  Also, the governor signed a bill that would add diesel exhaust fluid (or DEF) to the tax-exempt status for farmers and Ag producers that have a GATE (Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption) Card.  You can read about the bills and comments from Governor Kemp below:

From the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp:

Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner Tyler Harper, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders, signed a package of legislation focused on supporting Georgia’s ever growing agricultural industry and improving security against foreign adversaries.

Among other things, included in this package is legislation that tackles ownership of agricultural land or land near military installations by certain individuals acting as an agent of a foreign adversary, alleviates high input costs for our farmers and ranchers, protects children from misleading and dangerous marketing, and increases the penalty for livestock theft.

“As valued members of our state’s number one industry, Georgia’s farming families deserve our enduring support as they face unprecedented challenges, including having to navigate disastrous federal energy policies, attempts by foreign adversaries to acquire farm land, and theft of property,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We are tackling these challenges head on, and I want to thank our legislative partners for their work on these important issues.”

While the package is primarily focused on agriculture-related issues, it also addresses career burnout among healthcare professionals and goes after those who are distributing fentanyl-laced medications or controlled substances.

Governor Kemp signed nine pieces of legislation included below:

SB 420, sponsored by Senator Jason Anavitarte, signed by Senators Russ Goodman, Bill Cowsert, and Steve Gooch, carried in the House by Representative Clay Pirkle, and advocated for by Commissioner Tyler Harper, prohibits the ownership or acquisition of agricultural land or non-residential land within a radius of a military location by a nonresident alien acting as an agent of a government designated as a foreign adversary, entity domiciled/majorly owned in certain countries, or governments of countries designated as a foreign adversary by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

SB 340, sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and carried in the House by Representative Joe Campbell, adds diesel exhaust fluid (for agricultural uses only) to the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) – alleviating high input costs for our farmers and ranchers.

HB 827, sponsored by Representative Tyler Paul Smith, signed by Representatives Robert Dickey, Clay Pirkle, Rob Leverett, and Leesa Hagan, and carried in the Senate by Senator Russ Goodman, increases the penalty for livestock theft and awards Title 16 law enforcement authority to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and includes language from HB 1164 relating to criminal trespass involving a wild animal that is contained in a cage, enclosure, etc.

SB 494, sponsored by Senator Sam Watson, signed by Senators Randy Robertson, Kay Kirkpatrick, Russ Goodman, and Freddie Powell Sims, carried in the House by Representative John Corbett, and advocated by Commissioner Tyler Harper, makes changes to the framework for hemp regulation in Georgia to allow the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to have greater oversight and enforcement power and adds labeling, packaging, and marketing requirements to protect children from misleading and dangerous marketing.

SB 436, sponsored by Senator Sam Watson, signed by Senators Russ Goodman, Lee Anderson, Larry Walker, and Frank Ginn, and carried in the House by Representative Chas Cannon, expands the use of farm-use vehicles.

HB 455, sponsored by Representative John LaHood, signed by Representatives Sharon Cooper, Mark Newton, Deborah Silcox, and Tremaine Teddy Reese, and carried in the Senate by Senator John Albers, requires that professional programs established to address career fatigue and wellness in healthcare professionals are not obligated to report information on individual cases to the respective licensing boards unless they are determined to not be competent to continue to practice or are a danger to themselves or others.

HB 1335, sponsored by Representative John LaHood, signed by Representatives Trey Rhodes, Noel Williams, Houston Gaines, and Dale Washburn, and carried in the Senate by Senator Ben Watson, adjusts staffing requirements in personal care homes, assisted living communities, and memory care centers by ensuring that no fewer than two on-site direct care staff are present on the premise at all times with at least one staff person on each floor. If the personal care home has implemented a medical alert system and each resident is provided a wearable device that connects to such system, then the staff person may move about the premises as necessary.

HB 906, sponsored by Representative Bill Yearta, signed by Representatives Penny Houston and Clay Pirkle, and carried in the Senate by Senator Carden Summers, provides for an additional superior court judge to the Tifton Judicial Circuit to be appointed by the Governor for a term beginning July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The position will then become elected.

Named after Austin Walters, SB 465, sponsored by Senator Russ Goodman, signed by Senators Bo Hatchett, Blake Tillery, Larry Walker, and Lee Anderson, carried in the House by Representative James Burchett, and advocated by the Walters Family and O’Kelley Family, targets those involved in distributing fentanyl-laced medications to unknowing consumers by creating the offense of aggravated involuntary manslaughter for persons who manufacture or sell an apparent controlled substance that contains fentanyl and cause the fentanyl overdose death of another. The bill also establishes a criminal penalty for unregulated persons to possess a pill press, tableting machine, encapsulating machine, or other materials used to manufacture controlled or counterfeit substances.

Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today.

Fort Payne Man Identified As Fatality At Taylor's Ridge

A Fort Payne, Alabama was identified by the Georgia State Patrol as the fatality in a wreck on Monday on Highway 27 at Taylor’s Ridge.

According to the Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office:

On April 29, 2024, at 1:34 PM, Troopers responded to a multiple vehicle crash on GA 1 at Kirby Hollow Road in Chattooga County.

Upon arrival at the scene, Troopers were informed that one of the drivers involved had succumbed to their injuries. The investigation conducted revealed the following sequence of events:

Cameron A. Bryars of Fort Payne, Alabama, was traveling north on GA 1 in a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. For reasons yet to be determined, Mr. Bryars’ vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a 2017 Dodge 3500 traveling south, resulting in a head-on collision. Subsequently, the Dodge 3500 veered into the northbound lane, where it collided with a 2018 Honda Accord. Mr. Bryars sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Chattooga County Coroner.

Our agency contacted the Alabama Highway Patrol, and their agency made the next of kin notification to Mr. Bryars’ loved ones.

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

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.