Arrest Report - Wednesday - April 10, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 10, 2024:

Chattooga Young Farmer Meeting Tomorrow Evening

The Chattooga County Young Farmers will have their April monthly meeting coming up tomorrow evening at 7 PM at the Chattooga County Ag Building.  This month, the meeting will feature representatives from the Chattooga County Farm Bureau talking about estate planning.  A steak dinner will be provided at a cost of $7 per person.  If you are planning to attend and will be eating, you need to RSVP to Lauren Jarrett today.  Also, the Chattooga County Young Farmers are hosting their annual Vidalia onion sale.  Contact any Chattooga County Young Farmer member to purchase your Georgia-grown Vidalia onions.

Red Cross Blood Drive Today At Civic Center

April is National Volunteer Month and American Red Cross is asking donors to help protect the blood supply by making and keeping blood and platelet donation appointments in the weeks ahead. Donors of all types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets, are needed.

All who give by April 28 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for details.

A blood drive is being held today at the Chattooga County Civic Center on Highway 48 in Summerville across from Truist Bank.  The blood drive will take place between 2 PM and 7 PM and all who can are encouraged to give the gift of life – give blood.

Rain & Thunderstorms For Northwest Georgia

 

Thunderstorms will bring widespread rainfall to Northwest Georgia between this evening and Thursday evening. There is a slight risk (level 2 of 5) of severe weather, with damaging wind gusts and/or a brief tornado being the main hazards.

Flash flooding and/or river flooding may also become a concern, especially in west central Georgia where rain totals over 3 inches are most probable.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says that thunderstorms and widespread rainfall are expected and isolated flash flooding could occur, along with minor to locally moderate river flooding.

WZQZ will bring you the latest weather updates from the National Weather Service and Meteorologist Patrick Core.

Trion Spring Cleaning Days Coming Up

The Town of Trion and the Trion Police Department are encouraging residents to spruce up for spring. The Town of Trion will have Spring Cleanup Days from April 22nd until May 4th. A dumpster will be provided on the concrete pad at the old Triangle Shopping Center for residents to utilize.  If you have any questions, you may contact the Trion Police Department at 706-734-3665.

Voter Registration Deadline Approaching

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Early voting in the May 21 primary elections will start before the end of the month and residents have less than two weeks to be sure they are registered.  In Chattooga County, voters will be choosing between four candidates for Chattooga County Coroner and between two candidates for Chattooga County Sole Commissioner. 

All local races are on the Republican ballot.  Georgia is an open-primary state which means that voters do not register to vote by party and can choose the ballot they wish to vote on.  Also on the Republican ballot, voters in Chattooga County and the rest of the 53rd District will be choosing between two candidates for State Senator: Incumbent Colton Moore and challenger Angela Pence.  The 53rd District covers all of Dade, Walker, Catoosa and Chattooga Counties and the Armuchee area in Floyd County.

Also, there is a nonpartisan race between Melissa Hise and Ann Fidler to replace Lookout Mountain Superior Court Judge Kristina Cook Graham.  Judge Graham announced her retirement earlier this year. The nonpartisan race will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.  Voters in Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Chattooga Counties will be voting in that race.

April 22 is the last day to register to vote in the primary and nonpartisan elections. Early voting starts April 29, and absentee ballots may be requested now through May 10.

To register, you must be a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of the county in which you wish to vote. People who are at least 17½ years of age may register now if they will be at least 18 when they vote. Visit the Georgia secretary of state’s My Voter Page online to check your status, update it, register or request an absentee ballot.

CPR Training At Local Church

You can learn how to save a life with CPR training that will be offered on Saturday, April 13th at Connect City Church in Summerville.  The event is hosted by Recovery Alive and the cost is $17.  The class will earn participants CPR certification.  Participants will learn about emergency situations and basic life support.  They will also learn about AED and Narcon administration with real-life demonstrations.  Anyone interested is welcome to attend at 10:30 AM, but registration is required.  To register, contact the Recovery Alive at Connect City Church on their Facebook Page.

Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

A thirty-year-old man was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriffs Office after a traffic stop.  According to a report released yesterday, deputies received a report about a white Ford F-150 pickup truck on Penn Bridge Road that had only one functioning headlight.  The deputies initiated a traffic stop and discovered that the tag and registration was expired as well.  Deputies said that they could smell burnt marijuana inside the truck which prompted a probably cause search.  Deputies found a small, clear plastic bag with suspected marijuana and another small, plastic bag with suspected methamphetamine.  Graham Thomas Turkett was arrested on charges of expired tag, headlights required, possession of marijuana less than one ounce and possession of methamphetamine and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

Deputies Investigate Possible Stolen Vehicle

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Chattooga County sheriff’s deputies were called to a Sloppy Floyd Lake Road address last week to investigate a possible vehicle theft.  The complainant said that she had given a family member permission to drive a 1999, white Buick Century and to pay for it at a later date.  The complainant said that the family member had failed to make any payments on the vehicle and had not held up her end of the agreement.  The complainant said that she had asked for the vehicle to be returned, but to date, the vehicle was still in possession of the family member.  The complainant said that she believed the car was in Rossville, or possibly in Ringgold.  The complainant said that her family member had moved the location of the vehicle several times in an attempt to hide it.  The car is valued at $1,200.  Deputies told the complainant that a report would be on file about the incident.

Summerville Spring Market This Weekend

Summerville Main Street is proud to host the 8th Annual Spring Market in Summerville’s J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park on Saturday, April 13. Market hours are 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. with over 100 vendors on sight.

Admission to this event is free. The 2024 Spring Market will offer a wide variety of items including farmhouse décor, signs, live plants, pottery, pet products, vintage items, accessories and boutique apparel, handcrafted items, jewelry, soaps, candles, children’s items, and much more. Taste buds will be tempted by an exceptional variety of foods, homemade desserts and ice cream on site.

For the public’s enjoyment there will be various activities to interest both young and the young at heart. Event goers may want to bring a lawn chair to enjoy a variety music and demonstrations throughout the day. Big Oaks Homestead Petting Zoo will be on site with a mini horse, mini donkey, ducks, goats, sheep and more for the public’s enjoyment. This is a rain or shine event. For more information on this event contact Summerville Main Street at (706) 859-0900 ext. 1337 or visit the Spring Market 2024 Facebook Event.

SongFarmers of Summerville Meeting At Summerville Recreation Center

The SongFarmers of Summerville will be meeting this Saturday, April13th from 1 PM  until 4 PM at the Summerville Recreation Center off Highway 100 in Summerville.  Anyone is welcome to bring an instrument and join in and audience participation is always welcome.

Fundraiser For Trion Veteran's Committee

The Trion Veteran’s Committee will be holding a smoked Boston butt fundraiser at the Trion Park Pavilion coming up on May 10th from 10 AM until 11:30 AM.

The cost will be $45 for a smoked Boston Butt that will weigh between 10-15 lbs.

Proceeds will benefit the Trion Veteran’s Committee.

The Trion Park Pavilion is located at 250 Simmons Street in Trion.

For more information, contact the Trion Police Department at 706-734-3665.

Logic & Accuracy Test Next Week

The Chattooga County Registrars Office will be holding a logic and accuracy test next week in preparation for the May 21st General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election.

The testing of the electronic voting system will be conducted by the Chattooga County Board of Registrars Office and the Election Superintendent’s Office.

Testing will be held on Monday, April 15th starting at 10 AM and will continue during normal business hours until all machines have been tested.

Election Superintendent Gary Woods says that the testing will be held in the back room of the Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville and the public is invited to view.

 

GHC Ranked "Most Affordable" By College Consensus

Georgia Highlands College (GHC) has recently been ranked as having one of the most affordable tuition rates in the country by College Consensus. 

According to its website, “The College Consensus method takes a lot of factors into consideration, but for the Most Affordable Online Colleges ranking we only consider one: cost. These are the accredited online schools with the lowest undergraduate tuition and fees for out-of-state students. To be considered for our ranking, colleges must be accredited and recognized by the National Center for Education Statistics while offering at least three bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed completely or primarily online. If you’re interested in a traditional campus-based degree, check our ranking of the Most Affordable Colleges & Universities.”

Popular bachelor’s degree programs at GHC include one of the “Best Online RN to BSN” nursing options in Georgia and an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. In addition, the college offers online degrees for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management, a Bachelor of Business in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

The college also offers a Bachelor of Science in Building Information Modeling Management and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources.

Georgia Highlands College recently expanded its $95 per credit hour in-state tuition to the entire state of Alabama and assists students transferring from colleges in Alabama. Visit the GHC Transfer Equivalency System to see how your institution’s credits will transfer to GHC.

Learn more at highlands.edu

Gas Prices Increase Over The Past Week

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Georgia gas prices increased at the pump compared to a week ago. Drivers are paying an average price of $3.33 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 1 cent more than a week ago, 1 cent less than a month ago, and 3 cents more than this time last year. It costs drivers an average price of $49.95 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are now paying 45 cents less to fill up at the pump compared to a year ago.

“Pump fees typically hike during spring, due to high demand and pricier summer fuel blends,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “However, rising crude oil prices and declining inventories may signal higher gas prices for drivers in the coming weeks. AAA continues to encourage drivers to follow the money-saving gas tips listed below.”

In our are gas is averaging $3.27 per gallon in Chattooga and Floyd Counties; $3.25 per gallon in Walker County and $3.29 per gallon in Gordon County.  Across the state line in Alabama, gas is averaging $3.14 per gallon in both DeKalb and Cherokee Counties in Alabama.

DNR: Leave Wildlife Where They Are Found

Before you pick up or attempt to assist any wildlife, no matter its age or condition, remember that it is best to leave young birds, bunnies, or fawns where they are found, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (DNR WRD).

“While it is normal to want to ‘help’ other creatures, wildlife, even young ones, rarely need interference from humans,” explains Kaitlin Goode, wildlife biologist and program manager of the Georgia DNR WRD Urban Wildlife Program. “And, in fact, taking wildlife out of their natural environment and bringing them into your home often takes away the animal’s ability to then survive in the wild, where they belong,”

The best thing people can do when they see any wildlife of any age is to immediately move away and leave it exactly as they found it for at least 24 hours. If the animal is still there after this wait time, reach out to a local WRD office for guidance (GeorgiaWildlife.com/about/contact).

Regarding young wildlife that “appears” orphaned, Goode says that “While it may appear that a young animal is alone, the adult animal is usually close by even though you may not be able to see it. Adult animals, such as deer, spend most of the day away from their young to reduce the risk of a predator finding the young animal.”

Wildlife, especially young animals, demand a great deal of care and have specific nutritional requirements. If they are not cared for properly, they cannot be released or retain the ability to survive on their own. Persons not licensed and trained in wildlife rehabilitation should not attempt to care for wildlife.  Georgia law prohibits the possession of most wildlife without a permit.

For more information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/living-with-wildlife.

Sheriff Warns About Funeral Home Scam

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says that scam artists are at work and are preying on families who have recently lost loved ones.  Sheriff Schrader said that scammers are calling families in Chattooga County who have had loved ones who have recently passed away.  The sheriff said, “The scammer says they are from the funeral home and (are)  requesting credit card payment for certain services that weren’t covered by insurance”.  The sheriff advises that families should not pay for any funeral services over the telephone.  The sheriff added, “if you receive a call like this please go to the funeral home and ask about it”.

Arrest Report - Monday - April 8, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 8, 2024:

Northwest Georgia Will Get More Of The Partial Eclipse Than The Rest Of The State

Georgia is not in the path of the total eclipse that will be happening this afternoon, but a partial eclipse will be evident around 1:45 this afternoon.  However, our part of the state will see more of the eclipse than anywhere else in the Peach State.

The path of the 2024 Solar Eclipse will be in a path from Texas to Maine.  Places like Dallas, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Cleveland, Ohio and Montreal in Canada will see a total eclipse.

Here in Northwest Georgia, over 85% of the sun will be covered by the moon during this afternoon’s eclipse.  According to Eclipse.org, the Georgia community that will experience the highest effect of the eclipse will be Cole City, an area in Dade, County that borders Alabama and Tennessee.

Tips for viewing a total solar eclipse

  • Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it’s not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
  • Remember, sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe.
  • Keep in mind: eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses – regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun.

Cautions

  • Use only approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as ” eclipse glasses” or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing.
  • Inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use – if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard them.
  • Only within the path of totality—and once the moon completely blocks the sun—can eclipse viewers safely be removed to view totality.

 

 

Alabama Man Indicted By Chattooga County Grand Jury On Child Molestation Charges

A former resident of Chattooga County that now lives in DeKalb County, Alabama has been indicted by the Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges of child molestation.

Forty-nine-year-old David Anderson Kellar was arrested in December of 2022 and charged with molesting a child that he was related to.  The child was under the age of sixteen at the time that the alleged abuse took place.

The case was investigated by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.  The sheriff’s office said at the time of Kellar’s arrest, that they believe the abuse has been ongoing for around three years and that the crimes happened on multiple occasions, starting in 2017.

After his release on bond from the Chattooga County Jail in 2023, Kellar moved to Fyffe, Alabama.