Georgia Power: April Is Safe Digging Month
With April recognized as Safe Digging Month across the country, Georgia Power is marking 50 years of helping keep Georgians safe through its longstanding partnership with Georgia811. The company was a founding member of Georgia811, alongside seven other companies, following a tragic 1968 incident which claimed the lives of several people at a daycare in Hapeville, Georgia.
The first locate tickets were issued in 1974, and fifty years later, Georgia 811 now has over 850 utility members and processes more than 1.3 million tickets annually. Georgia 811 continues to provide notification services and educational resources to promote damage prevention of underground utility facilities. Read more about the history of Georgia811 here.
In 2023, Georgia Power alone completed over 700,000 service tickets throughout the state and over 4.1 million in the past five years. To prioritize safety and navigate the complexity of underground infrastructure, both customers and excavators should call 811 at least three business days before starting any digging projects.
“Safety is a core value at Georgia Power, and across the Southern Company system, and an intentional focus for our thousands of team members working in our communities to serve customers every day,” said John Cornelius, vice president of Distribution Field Operations at Georgia Power. “Nothing is more important than safety and, as Georgians get out in the yard this spring to garden or landscape, we encourage them to use the Georgia811 service and have utilities marked before they dig.”
The company works every day to help educate and inform customers about the importance of calling before you dig through public service announcements like this one featuring Georgia811 mascot Digger Dog.
When customers call or visit online, they will be connected to their local 811 center. Georgia Power and other utilities will receive details about the project and proper next steps will be explained. Professional locators will mark the areas of underground facilities with spray paint or flags to help prevent damage and injury.
To learn more, visit www.georgiapower.com/dig.
Chickamauga Man Sentence For Selling Meth To Teens
On March 19, 2024, Defendant David Broadrick pled guilty without a sentence recommendation on the eve of trial to Distribution of Methamphetamine, Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree, Illegal Use of a Communication Facility, two counts of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property and two counts of Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
He was sentenced by Judge Brian House to a thirty-year sentence with the first fourteen years to be served in the Department of Corrections. Broadrick began selling methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone and marijuana to a thirteen-year-old Catoosa County resident starting in 2022.
In Broadrick’s last sale of methamphetamine to the teenager, Broadrick advised the teenager to use the methamphetamine by putting it in his anus in order to get high faster. As a result, the teenager overdosed in January 2023 and was on life support for days before his eventual recovery.
The Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case including Detectives Zach Roden, Josh Moore and Chris Lyons. The Department of Community Supervision, the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest of Broadrick.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Beth Evans with the help of Victim Advocate Shelby Bradshaw, Administrative Assistant Rachel Moon, and Investigator Eric Sliz.
“Fighting the methamphetamine and opioid epidemics by going after the people selling this poison is a top priority of mine,” said District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller. “If you sell poison to kids in our community, me and our law enforcement partners will put you in the one place you belong: Prison.”
Red Cross Needs Blood Donors
As May approaches, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to keep the blood supply stable by racing to give blood in the weeks to come. Donors of all blood types – especially type O blood donors – are crucial to keeping shelves fully stocked with blood products throughout the month.
Right now, there’s no letting off the gas when it comes to lifesaving care. With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential for hospital patients who count on transfusions every single day.
Book a time to give lifesaving blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, all who come to donate April 29-May 31 will get a coupon for a free haircut by email. Plus, those who come to give April 29-May 19 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, including entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Additionally, those who come to give April 29-May 19 will also get a bonus $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/racetogive for more details.
Trion Baseball 2024 All Region
Man Arrested In Jim's Restaurant Parking Lot
A twenty-two-year-old Summerville man was arrested in the parking lot of Jim’s Restaurant on Saturday. According to Summerville Police, Carl Lonnie Hicks was walking down the Lyerly Highway and several people reported to police that he might be impaired. When questioned by officers, police believed Hicks to be under the influence of a stimulant. Hicks told officers that he had done meth “three weeks ago”. Hicks was arrested and charged with public intoxication and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.
Armuchee Man Charged With Meth Possession
An Armuchee man was arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop on Technology Parkway Saturday.
According to Floyd County Jail records:
40-year old Joseph Lee Alexander Costlow had three baggies of suspected methamphetamine and a digital scale.
He is charged with possession of meth, possession with the intent to distribute, and possession of drug-related objects.
WRGA
Georgia Gas Prices Decrease Slightly
Georgia gas prices saw a minimal decrease at the pump compared to a week ago. Georgians are paying an average price of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 1 cent less than a week ago, 6 cents more than a month ago, and 4 cents more than this time last year. It costs drivers an average price of $51.30 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.
“Crude oil prices dropped slightly but not significant enough to put a dent in prices at the pump,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “High gasoline demand, amid tight supply, has led to higher pump prices nationwide. AAA continues to encourage drivers to take advantage of the money-saving gas tips listed below.”
Regional Prices:
Atlanta- $3.43
The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.50), Brunswick ($3.46), and Columbus ($3.44).
The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Rome ($3.35), Warner Robins ($3.33), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($3.29).
Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($3.29), Walker ($3.29), Floyd ($3.34), Gordon ($3.36), DeKalb, AL ($3.20), Cherokee, AL ($3.17)
Woman Arrested After Domestic Incident
A forty-eight-year-old Summerville woman was arrested on Saturday after being involved in a domestic incident on Highland Avenue. According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, Kimberly Joyce Perry admitted to police that she had four shots of liquor before being involved in the incident. Police say that Perry was stepping into the roadway and into the path of oncoming vehicles multiple times while officers were on the scene. Police also said that Perry was using profanity towards police and others. She was arrested and taken to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Arrest Report - Monday - April 22, 2024
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 22, 2024:
Reckless Driver Admits To Fentanyl Possession
Earlier this month, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputies received a “be on the lookout” call from Chattooga County 911 about a reckless driver on Highway 27. Dispatchers said that the vehicle had entered the county from Walker County and was driving at high rates of speed and the vehicle did not have valid registration.
Deputies performed a traffic stop on Highway 27 and during the course of a pat down of the driver found something in his pocket that they believed at first to be a knife or some other weapon. It turns out, it was a piece of aluminum foil with drugs inside.
Twenty-seven-year-old Kelby Christopher Slayton tried to pass the drugs off as marijuana, but then later admitted to deputies “yea- it is fentanyl”.
Slayton was booked into the Chattooga County Jail on charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and traffic violations.
Perdue Blames Tuition Increase On Inflation
University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue is blaming a tuition hike at the state’s colleges and universities on inflation.
With the announcement last week about the rate hike, Perdue said, “Our institutions face increasing costs to operate, and we must sustain their momentum as some of the best in the nation at helping students succeed on campus and in the workforce,” he said.
Even with the tuition hike, Georgia offers the third-lowest average tuition and required fees among the 16 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states, according to national data.
The University System Board of Regents also adopted a new mandatory fee structure for the growing number of students taking classes fully online. Those students at 20 of the 26 institutions will be charged an online learning fee equivalent to their institution’s technology fee, as well as 50% of their institution’s mandatory fees.
No Tag Light Leads To Meth Possession Arrest
Earlier this month, a deputy on patrol on Highway 27 near the water treatment plant in Trion noticed a vehicle traveling without a tag light. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on Mountain View Road and spoke with the driver of the vehicle. While speaking with the driver, the deputy could smell marijuana inside the vehicle. After a probably cause search of the vehicle, deputies found suspected methamphetamine in a clear plastic bag. Also, two glass pipes were found in the glove compartment area of the vehicle. Thirty-four-year-old William Martin Russell, Jr. was arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of defective tail light, possession of drug related objects and possession of methamphetamine.
Last Day To Register To Vote For May Primary Election
Next month voters will head to the polls to vote in a couple of contested local races. While most of Chattooga County’s constitutional officers are getting a pass this year with no challengers in the Republican Primary, voters will be choosing between two candidates for county commissioner and four candidates for coroner.
Earl Rainwater, the county’s only Democratic constitutional officer, decided not to seek another term. It is the first time in decades that the coroners race has been a contested race in Chattooga County. Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry is being challenged by local businessman and farmer Andy Allen.
If you want to vote in next month’s primary for the contested races, you will need to be sure you are registered to vote today. You can check the Georgia Secretary of State’s Georgia My Voter Page web site HERE
You can also register to vote at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located on Commerce Street in downtown Summerville.
CON Law Reform Signed By Governor Kemp
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed a bill passed by the General Assembly that reforms the state’s certificate of need, or CON, laws.
Kemp signed the bill last Friday that include provisions aimed at increasing access to quality medical care in rural Georgia, an issue gaining urgency as economic developments efforts continue to pay off in job creation in rural communities.
Since the General Assembly enacted Georgia’s Certificate of Need (CON) law in 1979, applicants wishing to build a new health-care facility or provide a new medical service have been required to demonstrate the facility or service is needed in that community. The law’s opponents have long argued the CON process is so time-consuming, cumbersome, and expensive that it delays and sometimes blocks efforts to bring more health-care services to rural counties where they have been in short supply.
House Bill 1339 exempts proposals to build hospitals in rural counties from having to obtain a CON if they plan to have a full-time emergency room, accept psychiatric and substance-abuse patients, participate in Medicaid, provide indigent care, and offer a training program. The legislation also will raise the annual cap on the state’s rural hospital tax credit from $75 million to $100 million and create a state commission to look for additional ways Georgia could improve health-care access.
GNN / Compiled Reports
Funeral Today For Retired Chattooga County Jailer
Funeral services will be held today for a retired employee of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mark Schrader said over the weekend that former Sheriff’s Captain Ralph Southerland worked for over thirty-five years at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the Chattooga County Jail.
The majority of Southerland’s service to Chattooga County was spent as Jail Administrator. He also served as a court services deputy. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a longtime and faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Trion.
Funeral services will be held today at 2 PM at the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with military honors being provided by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply Open
Julie and Randy Brinkley at Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply in Lyerly want the public to know that they are open and ready for business this spring – and they aren’t going anywhere. The statement was in response to a rumor that was circulating that the store was closing. Julie Brinkley said, “There’s a rumor going around that we (Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply) are closing. IT IS NOT TRUE. I think it’s coming from the sale of our other business, R & D Electrical. We did dissolve that corporation Dec 31 of 2023 after 33 years of service”. While the Brinkley’s electrical business has shut down, the feed, seed and hardware store on The Lyerly Highway remains open. Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply was recently named the Chattooga County Chamber Small Business of the Year and looks forward to welcoming all of their customers this spring.
Arrest Report - Sunday - April 21, 2024
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 21, 2024:
Trion Color Guard "Spin Days"
The Trion Color Guard will be hosting “Spin Days” coming up April 23, 25, 30 and May 2. The days are designed to help new students who are interested in trying out for the Trion Color Guard for net year. Tryouts will be held on May 7th at 3:30 PM. Rookie camp for new members will be held May 13-15 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM each day.
Summerville Special Election May 21
Six candidates have qualified for the Summerville City Council special election that will be held next month to fill the unexpired term of former Summerville City Councilman David Ford who passed away earlier this year.
The special election will be held the same day as the Primary Election, May 21st. Voting for the special election will take place at Summerville City Hall. Advance and early voting will begin on Monday, April 29th and continue until Friday, May 17. Saturday voting will be available on May 4 and May 11.
Applications for absentee ballots must be received by Friday, May 10, 2024.
Camp Hamby Registration Underway
Camp Hamby day camp will be taking place June 10-14 and again June 17-21. Camp will be from 9 AM until 2 PM each day and is for children ages 5 to 11. The children will participate in activities that include arts and crafts, Bible time, music, nature recreational games and discovery. Registration forms can be found on the Camp Hamby website at www.camphamby.com or at Trend Setters Salon or Trion High School. The deadline to register is May 17th and spots are limited. The cost is $60 per camper and includes a T-shirt. Find out more information on the Camp Hamby website or visit Camp Hamby on their Facebook page. Camp Hamby is a ministry of Chattooga County United Methodist Churches.