Witness: Chain saw, body parts found in McKinney's house

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

Cherokee County District Court Judge Wes Mobley on Thursday, April 30, denied a motion to reduce Murder Suspect Terry McKinney’s bond from the $1 million which is currently in place.

Robert Ray, McKinney’s state appointed defense attorney, argued during preliminary hearings held at the Etowah County Judicial Center that the bond was too high and unconstitutional.

The state argued that because of the heinous nature in which the crime was committed, the current bond was sufficient, according to reports.’

Josh Summerford, commander of the Cherokee County Major Crimes unit, testified that the victim in the case has been identified as Leroy Pete Foster of Cedar Bluff who was reported missing to local authories by family members March 27. Two days later, a citizen called 911 after their dog dragged several body parts onto their property and that is when the Major Crimes Unit became involved, Summerford said.

That following Monday, authorities obtained a warrant to search McKinney’s home on Rocky Ford Point Road in Cedar Bluff. Reports also indicated that the last time Foster was seen alive he was with McKinney.

When investigators searched the homey they found several items, including a metal pan, hand grabber, pants belonging to the victim which all contained blood and human tissue, the victim’s wallet and also a chainsaw along with several body parts found on the second floor of the home, according to Summerford’s testimony.

Investigators obtained video surveillance and a receipt from a store in Rome showing McKinney purchasing the saw, reports said.

Summerford also stated that while McKinney, 63, who is disabled, was in jail, investigators recovered human tissue and blood from his wheelchair, reports said.

When he was interviewed, McKinney admitted to cutting up the victim but said he did not kill him even though the crime took place in his home. The State Medical Examiner recovered what is believed to be a bullet from Foster’s shoulder, reports said.

Judge Mobley ruled that there was sufficient evidence for probable cause and has now bound the case over to the Cherokee County Grand Jury which will be assembled next month, reports said.

For now, McKinney remains in the Etowah County Detention Center.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Witness: Chain saw, body parts found in McKinney's house

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Cherokee County District Court Judge Wes Mobley on Thursday, April 30, denied a motion to reduce Murder Suspect Terry McKinney’s bond from the $1 million which is currently in place.

Robert Ray, McKinney’s state appointed defense attorney, argued during preliminary hearings held at the Etowah County Judicial Center that the bond was too high and unconstitutional.

The state argued that because of the heinous nature in which the crime was committed, the current bond was sufficient, according to reports.’

Josh Summerford, commander of the Cherokee County Major Crimes unit, testified that the victim in the case has been identified as Leroy Pete Foster of Cedar Bluff who was reported missing to local authories by family members March 27. Two days later, a citizen called 911 after their dog dragged several body parts onto their property and that is when the Major Crimes Unit became involved, Summerford said.

That following Monday, authorities obtained a warrant to search McKinney’s home on Rocky Ford Point Road in Cedar Bluff. Reports also indicated that the last time Foster was seen alive he was with McKinney.

When investigators searched the homey they found several items, including a metal pan, hand grabber, pants belonging to the victim which all contained blood and human tissue, the victim’s wallet and also a chainsaw along with several body parts found on the second floor of the home, according to Summerford’s testimony.

Investigators obtained video surveillance and a receipt from a store in Rome showing McKinney purchasing the saw, reports said.

Summerford also stated that while McKinney, 63, who is disabled, was in jail, investigators recovered human tissue and blood from his wheelchair, reports said.

When he was interviewed, McKinney admitted to cutting up the victim but said he did not kill him even though the crime took place in his home. The State Medical Examiner recovered what is believed to be a bullet from Foster’s shoulder, reports said.

Judge Mobley ruled that there was sufficient evidence for probable cause and has now bound the case over to the Cherokee County Grand Jury which will be assembled next month, reports said.

For now, McKinney remains in the Etowah County Detention Center.

Source: Rome News

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Floyd County Jail reports April 30, 8 p.m.

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Floyd County Jail releases arrest reports twice a day – 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mobile users follow this link to view the 24-hour report on ISSUU.com.

Source: Rome News

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Hawks, Lady Hawks begin defense of NCCAA National Championships

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

A year ago, they swept the field claiming a pair of National Christian College Athletic Association Track and Field National Championships that was highlighted by some record-setting performances by a few standouts who competed in multiple events.

But when the 2015 NCCAA National Championships return to Barron Stadium on Friday and Saturday, the Shorter Hawks and Lady Hawks will defend their crowns trading the multi-event approach for one that will help keeping them better themselves for what is still ahead.

“It would be great if we could put together another run at the championships,” Shorter head coach Scott Byrd, who has directed the program to 10 national titles and saw the team sweep the Peach Belt Conference crowns last week, said about keeping the crowns in Rome. “But there will be men and women who are coming here to compete and represent some of the finest athletes from all over the country. It’s a strong field.

“This year we want to use this meet to prepare for what’s ahead of us,” he added, noting that now that Shorter is a full NCAA member the team is now able to compete for the first time in the Division II national meet. “Our focus is improving our times, distances and heights in every event. If we do that, then we’ll have a shot at the repeating as NCCAA champs.”

At the 2014 NCCAA meet, the team was buoyed by the efforts produced by two of the program’s best-ever athletes, Lakeisha Spikes and Kirk Wilson, who each dominated the 100 meters and 200 and played a role in Shorter’s 4×100 and 4×400 relays and who not surprisingly were named the events Female and Male Runners of the Meet, respectively.

That pair has since graduated, but Shorter still boasts potent weapons. This time, however, there’s a twist – the number of athletes who compete in multiple events will be fewer, the most notable being Lady Hawk junior standout Ayana Walker.

The first Shorter athlete to win an NCAA Division II national championship, when she won the national indoor 400 title, Walker is the defending NCCAA 400 champion but this year is entered in just the 200, an event in which she is rated as the top NCCAA runner with a time of 23.96 seconds, and as part of the Lady Hawks’ 4×400 relay team.

So, too, will sophomore Jordan Cross begin the meet concentrating on just one event. The NCCAA’s top-rated runner in the 5,000 and 3,000 steeplechase, Cross’ lone appearance this year will be in the steeplechase.

“Knowing what’s ahead,” Byrd said, “we want them stay fresh and have them working on things to help them down the road.”

Still, Shorter enters the NCCAA championships with a long list of performers – the Hawks’ and Lady Hawks’ relay teams enter the meet with top times – who can contribute to the teams’ point totals.

Lady Hawks Ashley Ballard and Jasmine Crump are considered contenders in the 200 and 400, as is Kryslynn Davidson in the 100 hurdles and Cynia Clark in the hammer throw and shot put for the Lady Hawks, who will dress out 17 athletes for the meet.

The Hawks boast a plethora of possible point producers as well as Gregory Roachford, Jr. has the top time in the 400, Supun Randeniya leads the 110 hurdles field, Wake Roberds holds the top spot in the 400 and Daniel Alexis is poised to make noise in the discus and hammer throw after being named as the Peach Belt Conference’s Men’s Field Athlete of the Year.

“The Peach Belt is a solid conference and what we did in the PBC meet will help us this week,” Byrd said.

Among the teams looking to end Shorter’s national reign includes Bethel, which respectively finished second and fourth in the men’s and women’s final standings last year; Indiana Wesleyan’s women, a third-place finisher in 2014; and Greenville’s men, which was fourth a year ago.

A pair Peach Belt Conference members joins Shorter in the field, Lee and Mississippi College, while Lone Star Conference member McMurry University returns to the meet after taking last year off.

The championship opens Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. when the decathlon and heptathlon competition starts and at 2:30 p.m. the field events – the throw events will be held at the Riverside Parkway Throws Center – and the running preliminaries begin. The day concludes with the finals of the 10,000 and 4×800 relay starting at 7:20 p.m.

On Saturday, the meet resumes action at 10:30 a.m. with the final field events taking place as well as the finals in 11 races.

“We are truly blessed that Shorter and Rome is hosting the NCCAA championship,” Byrd said of the meet, which is being presented by Coach O Event Management. “There are some great teams and athletes who will be competing and we know we have our work cut out for us.”

Source: Rome News

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Rome to crack down on handicapped parking violations

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Between May 4 and May 18, the Rome Police Department will be increasing enforcement of handicap parking violations throughout the City of Rome.

The maximum penalty per Georgia state law for a violation of handicapped parking space is $500 and the illegally parked vehicle can be subject to removal by tow truck at the owner’s expense.

Lt. Chris DeHart of the Selective Enforcement Unit issued the following press release Thursday night:

The Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living and the Rome Police Department are working together during this time to educate the community on handicap parking guidelines and working towards proper compliance by all members of the community.

Since the week of April 13th, the Rome Police Department has been conducting a focused education effort on the proper posting of handicap parking notices. As part of this initiative, the Rome Police Department has been working with local businesses to raise awareness of the standards set forth in Georgia state law regarding handicap parking notices to the public.

Handicapped parking spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities who have a handicapped license plate or handicapped accessible parking placard issued to them which is properly displayed. Failure to display the required handicapped accessible parking placard may result in a citation being issued.

Access to handicap parking provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to travel with less difficulty and assists them in living independently.

Drivers without disabilities who park in handicapped parking interfere with handicapped parking and can be found in violation of the law. Illegal use of handicapped license tags or placards can also be a violation of the law …

The Rome Police Department wants to remind the community that handicapped parking spaces are for individuals with disabilities and should not be abused. The Rome Police Department hopes that by educating the public and raising awareness will allow better access to the designated handicapped parking spaces for residents and visitors with disabilities.

 

 

 

 

Source: Rome News

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Berry’s Clark places fourth in Equestrian event

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Autumn Clarke of Berry College finished fourth in the Individual Open Equitation Over Fences on day one at the IHSA Nationals on Thursday.

“Today was a very good way to start the weekend,” said Berry College Head Coach Margaret Knight. “Autumn had a solid ride and I am very pleased with her performance. I am really looking forward to her opportunity to represent the region in the Cacchione Cup tomorrow.”

On Friday, Clarke will compete in both phases of the Cacchione Cup. Elizabeth Poczobut will compete in the Team Reining and the Individual Open Horsemanship, and Mariel Wrench will compete in the Team Novice Horsemanship.

The IHSA Nationals conclude on Sunday.

Source: Rome News

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Georgia's air quality getting better, but still worrisome

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

A new report shows some improvements in ozone levels in metro Atlanta and in Macon, though both areas still have significant air quality problems.

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air 2015” report, released Wednesday, gave a failing grade on ozone to six Georgia counties: Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale. All are in metro Atlanta.

Click here to see the report concerning Floyd County.

The report, which covers data from 2011, 2012 and 2013, gave Bibb County (where Macon is located) a D on ozone. The Macon/Warner Robins area was ranked 20th among U.S. cities with the highest year-round particle pollution.

“We saw improvement,’’ said June Deen, with the Lung Association in Georgia. “It’s not a vast improvement.”

Georgia has made progress on air pollution since the first State of the Air report 16 years ago, Deen said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done to make our air healthy for all of us to breathe.”

Georgia counties getting A’s for ozone levels were Chatham and Glynn along the coast; Chattooga in northwest Georgia; Muscogee (the Columbus area); Coweta, south of Atlanta; Dawson, north of Atlanta; and Sumter in South Georgia. Among the cleanest U.S. cities for ozone were Brunswick, Savannah/Hinesville/ Statesboro, Rome/Summerville, and Bainbridge.

The coastal areas of Georgia benefit from Atlantic air currents that can help disperse pollutants, Deen said Thursday.

Ozone and particle pollution, or soot, are the most widespread air pollutants and among the most dangerous. Ground-level ozone, a main ingredient of smog, has harmful effects, especially on children, older adults, people with respiratory illnesses, and those who work outdoors.

Ozone, a variant of oxygen, plays a necessary role in the upper reaches of the atmosphere but is unhealthy for living creatures. At ground level, it is created by the reaction of sunlight on emissions from vehicles and other sources.

Young Women looking at cityscape.

Metro Atlanta air pollution problems stem from population growth, traffic congestion, and “a lack of a large transit system,’’ Deen said. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has a relatively large ridership but operates in only a few of the region’s counties.

Exposure to particles can increase the risk of hospitalization for asthma, damage to the lungs, lung cancer and premature death.

Metro Atlanta “is the place to worry about’’ in Georgia, said Barry Ryan, an environmental health professor at Emory University. “We’re not as bad as Los Angeles or Houston, or some places in the Northeast during summer.”

“We’ve gotten better over the last 15 to 20 years,’’ Ryan said Thursday.

But he noted that Atlanta and the South in general tend to have ozone problems due to more sunlight and warmer temperatures. “Ozone is really hard to control,’’ Ryan said. “We can still crank down [ozone] a little bit here,’’ but a major reduction would be difficult to achieve, he added.

Coastal Georgia has less population and vehicle emissions, along with favorable air currents, Ryan said.

Deen noted that there was a glitch in the EPA’s data-gathering on particle pollution in the metro Atlanta area, largely due to the impact a winter storm in January 2011 had on monitoring sites and laboratories.

Nationally, the Lung Association report found mixed progress on air quality. Many cities experienced strong improvement, while others suffered worse episodes of unhealthy air. Nearly 138.5 million people — almost 44 percent of the nation — live where pollution levels are too often dangerous to breathe, the report said.

The improvements in air pollution stem from the implementation of the Clean Air Act during the Nixon administration more than 40 years ago, Deen said. That has led to cleaner diesel and other fuels, along with cleaner power plants, she said.

She also said more alternative sources of power are being used. Georgia’s Legislature this year passed a bill making it easier and more affordable for Georgia homeowners and small businesses to put solar panels on their rooftops.

But she noted the General Assembly also eliminated tax breaks for the purchase of electric cars. It also added a $200 annual registration fee on all alternative-fuel vehicles.

“That was a real blow,’’ Deen said, “and short-sighted.”

Source: Rome News

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Things to do in Cherokee County Friday, May 1

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

The Family Care Center in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center in Centre includes a Thrift Store open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Family Care Center helps others by giving clothing, food and possibly hope to families in their time of need. The Center asks for your help by supporting its thrift stores. There are currently three locations, the one in Centre, another at 5511 Main St. in Hokes Bluff and another in Cedar Bluff. The Center is currently helping more than 100 families per week and thanks the community for its continued support. Director is Cindy McGinnis.

Celebrate Recovery, Centre, meets every Friday at 5 p.m. at the ROC. The following support groups are available: Loved Ones of the Chemically Dependent, Divorce and Grief, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Men’s Issues, Chemical Dependency, and Emotional Issues. Meal at 5 p.m., Large Group at 6:15 p.m., Small Groups at 7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided. For more information call (256) 393-2861 or (256) 927-5427.

Celebrate Recovery in Centre is now offering an Open Share Group for battered and abused women. Join us at 5 p.m. at the ROC campus Friday nights for help and support.

In high school baseball action, the AHSAA State Playoffs are scheduled. In Class 1A, Shoals Christian (16-16) plays at Cedar Bluff (22-9 (DH) beginning at 5 p.m.; IN Class 3A, Winfield (27-12) plays at Piedmont (21-8) (DH) beginning at 5 p.m. In high school softball action, the Class 2A, Area 13 Tournament will be played at Ider beginning at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Class 3A, Area 13 Tournament will be played at Sand Rock beginning at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

In high school track and field action, the Class 1A-3A State Meet will be held at Cullman, beginning at 8 a.m. The Class 4A-7A State Meet at Gulf Shores will be played at 8 a.m.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Cherokee County Arrest Report Friday, May 1

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

Local law enforcement agents have made the following arrests in recent days:l

-Thomas Christopher Whorton for domestic violence in the third degree.

-Robert Heath Troxtel, conditional release violation.

-Charles Lee Cunningham for violation of the prohibition law.

-Wanda Diane Griggs, Grand Jury indictment for assault in the first degree, burglary in the first degree and attempted murder.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Live art installation to be created during First Friday Block Party

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Another project of the #UnexpectedCanvas movement will be created live during Friday’s block party at 516 Broad Street. The wall and sidewalk mural will be a tribute to the Monarch butterfly by artist collective, Sister Cat Studios. Artists include Claremont House owner, Holly McHaggee, and her sisters Sally Hagge-Bailey and Katherine Jenkins, both area art teachers. Kids of all ages will be able to participate in the creation of the project with paint and sidewalk chalk that will be provided.

“Monarchs are increasingly endangered,” said McHaggee, “we would love to help raise awareness of the flowers these important pollinators need to grow and thrive.”

This is the third temporary art installation led by Makervillage co-founder, Tricia Steele.

“This exhibit will be extremely short-lived,” said Steele, “but we believe it can inspire others towards creative pursuits of their own, much like the butterfly effect in physics where tiny changes create great impact.”

The installation idea came up just this week and was met with extremely responsive and enthusiastic support of the Downtown Development Authority, including a project grant to provide supplies.

“This kind of impromptu creativity is what we want to encourage and celebrate in our downtown community,” said Director Ann Arnold, “we are appreciative to Mark Wall and to our planning department for being willing to support these community experiences.”

Source: Rome News

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Zimmermann does it all to help Nationals win 2nd straight

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

ATLANTA — Jordan Zimmermann won for the first time in four starts and hit a three-run single to help the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 13-4 on Wednesday night.

Denard Span, who had five hits the previous night, added a three-run homer in the ninth. The Nationals banged out 15 hits again, giving them 30 hits and 26 runs scored over the last two games.

The biggest swing in this one belonged to their starting pitcher. In 264 career at-bats over seven seasons, Zimmermann had just 12 RBIs, but his bases-loaded single in the four-run fourth inning gave Washington the lead for good.

On the mound, Zimmermann (2-2) gave up eight hits, one walk and four runs — three earned — with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

Washington has won two straight after dropping six in a row. Atlanta has lost seven of nine.

Braves starter Alex Wood (1-1) allowed six hits and five runs, striking out eight in five innings. The left-hander had gone 15 straight starts without allowing more than three earned runs and had a 2.18 ERA over that span since last July 30 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Washington cut the lead to 2-1 in the second on Wilson Ramos’ RBI single, but the Nationals took a 5-3 lead in the fourth.

Bryce Harper doubled and scored from second when left fielder Kelly Johnson bobbled Ryan Zimmerman’s single. After Danny Espinosa singled and Uggla walked, Zimmermann cleared the bases with a single into the gap in left-center.

Trevor Cahill replaced Wood, giving up Uggla’s RBI groundout in the sixth and Jayson Werth’s RBI single and Espinosa’s two-run single in the seventh to make it 9-4.

In the ninth, Uggla had an RBI single and Span added his second homer, a three-run shot off John Cornely, to put the Nationals up 13-4.

The Braves went up 2-0 in the first on A.J. Pierzynski’s two-run double and 3-1 in the third on Freddie Freeman’s RBI single. Atlanta cut the lead to 5-4 in the fifth when Eric Young Jr. scored on Nick Markakis’ double-play grounder.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Nationals: RHP Max Scherzer will to the rotation Friday at the New York Mets after missing his scheduled start Tuesday with a sprained right thumb. .. OF Reed Johnson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injured left leg. Michael Taylor, recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day, took his place on the roster. … Manager Matt Williams said that 3B Anthony Rendon, on a rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg, was out of the lineup for the fourth straight day with soreness in his side.

Braves: Manager Fredi Gonzalez said RHP Julio Teheran is healthy after being asked about the pitcher’s knee the night before. Teheran has allowed 12 earned runs in his last three starts, a span of 15 innings. Gonzalez and pitching coach Roger McDowell watched video Wednesday with Teheran to show the staff ace that he’s been throwing his fastball less than 50 percent of the time — a trend Gonzalez wants to stop.

UP NEXT

Nationals: RHP Stephen Strasburg (1-2) is 3-1 with a 1.97 ERA and has held the Mets to a .171 average in five career starts at Citi Field.

Braves: RHP Shelby Miller (3-0) has made six career starts against Cincinnati, going 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA

Source: Rome News

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Bob Baffert has top 2 early favorites for Kentucky Derby

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bob Baffert clapped his hands to his mouth when early 5-2 favorite American Pharoah avoided the dreaded No. 1 post for the Kentucky Derby. The anxiety wasn’t over yet.

He still had to wait to find out where Dortmund would end up. Thankfully for Baffert, it was the No. 8 spot for the 3-1 second choice. American Pharoah got the No. 18 hole.

“I did not like the way it was playing out. I just couldn’t believe they hadn’t called one of my horses,” Baffert said. “A lot of the holes were being taken that I sort of like, and then I was really relieved to get 18 so I was happy with that.”

The far inside spot was the last to be filled Wednesday. Ocho Ocho Ocho ended up there.

Baffert offered some advice to Jim Cassidy, who trains Ocho Ocho Ocho.

“Start drinking heavily early,” the white-haired trainer joked.

Baffert should know. Lookin At Lucky, the favorite in the 2010 Derby, broke from the No. 1 spot and was wiped out almost immediately. He ended up sixth.

The rail is considered a serious disadvantage because the other 19 horses immediately begin angling toward the inside out of the gate, creating a potential traffic jam.

“The one-hole is just the one that you feared,” said Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains 15-1 shot Frosted.

With only two openings remaining, four-time Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas pumped his first when Mr. Z landed in the No. 17 post, avoiding the rail.

“I love it,” he said.

Ocho Ocho Ocho is among four horses at 50-1, along with Keen Ice, War Story and Mr. Z.

American Pharoah comes into the Derby on a four-race winning streak, including an eight-length victory in the Arkansas Derby. Only one horse has won from the No. 18 post, Gato Del Sol in 1982.

“I’m extremely happy. I love 18. Not like, love,” owner Ahmed Zayat said. “He’s outside in the clear. He can do whatever he wants. He can sit and watch. The jock has so many options. That’s the best post.”

The No. 8 spot has produced eight winners, most recently 50-1 stunner Mine That Bird in 2009. Dortmund will put his 6-0 record on the line in the 1 1/4-mile race Saturday at Churchill Downs.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Baffert said. “It’s probably the last stressful part of the whole Derby. We have the holes and hopefully our name will be hanging up there in the winner’s spot.”

Blue Grass winner Carpe Diem, one of Pletcher’s four entries, is the 8-1 third choice from the No. 2 post.

“There were limited numbers left,” Pletcher said. “We’ll go with it. What else can we do? My confidence has not changed at all.”

Another Pletcher horse, Florida Derby winner Materiality, and Sunland Derby winner Firing Line are co-fourth choices at 12-1 odds. His other horses are even longer shots: Itsaknockout and Stanford, both 30-1.

American Pharoah, Dortmund and Carpe Diem were the only horses listed at single digits by Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia. Favorites have won the last two years, with California Chrome last year and Orb in 2013.

Louisiana Derby winner International Star drew the No. 12 post is 20-1. UAE Derby winner Mubtaahij drew the six hole and is listed at 20-1.

Far Right will have the most ground to make up out of the far outside No. 20 post under jockey Mike Smith.

“I thought, ‘I’ll take the outside because I didn’t want the one spot with everyone crashing down on top of you,'” trainer Ron Moquett said.

Bolo is a 30-1 shot that drew the No. 9 spot for Carla Gaines, who will try to become the first female trainer to saddle a Derby winner.

The 21st horse on the points list is Frammento and Tale of Verve is 22nd. They would need a defection before 9 a.m. Friday, when Derby wagering opens, to get into the $2.2 million race.

Post time is 6:34 p.m. EDT Saturday.

Source: Rome News

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Former sports journalist, literacy champion dies

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

A pillar of the Northwest Georgia community died, Wednesday morning in Calhoun.

Wayne Minshew, 78, a member of the Rome-Floyd County Sports Hall of Fame, loved baseball.

“We hit it off early because he was a huge baseball fan and so am I,” said Coleen Brooks, Minshew’s friend of 12 years. “We talked baseball just about every day.”

Minshew was born in Cherokee County, Alabama, and graduated from Model High School, where he played base-ball.

On the varsity team in the 11th grade, he played for a mill team in Shannon and moved on to college baseball.

Minshew turned in two amazing years at the University of Georgia in 1957 and ‘58.

In 1957, Minshew led the team with five wins and struck out 40 batters, but his eye-pooping ERA of 1.02 still stands today as the lowest season ERA of any UGA pitcher.

Minshew also won five games for the Bulldogs in 1958 and was the team captain. He struck out 49 batters that season.

In his two seasons, Minshew posted a 10-4 record with a 2.50 ERA and is listed as a Georgia Great in the UGA Baseball Media Guide.

Per Baseballreference.com, Minshew played one season in the minor leagues. He played in 1958 with the Wytheville and Hobbs both affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Minshew played shortstop and hit .455 in four games with Wytheville before moving to Hobbs where he played in 26 games.

When he did not make it in the major leagues, he opted for a career covering the sport. Minshew found that his background in baseball was helpful as he moved into the world of journalism.

Although he became a sportswriter, Minshew didn’t totally leave baseball. In 1961, he played one game for Jacksonville in the South Atlantic League. In that game, he threw five innings of no-hit ball. After leaving the field, Minshew wrote the game story, which received national attention at the time.

“It (the major league stint) made for great summer employment, but the best part of it was eight years later, it gave me credibility when I started covering major league base-ball,” Minshew said in 2012. “There is something about sports; if you played, then you’re OK. If you didn’t play, they look at you kind of funny sometimes.”

Following stints at smaller newspapers, Minshew in 1965 signed on with the Atlanta Constitution and became the first Atlanta Braves beat writer. The team had just moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta.

Minshew covered the Braves for 13 years before he moved into media relations for the team and eventually became its public relations director.

“I loved listening to his stories about Hank Aaron and others,” said Brooks, who became friends with Minshew when he became the second executive director of the Calhoun-Gordon County Council for a Literate Community. “He was in his element when he talked baseball. Just recently while I was visiting with him, we talked about the Braves and what kind of season the team would have. He wasn’t too hopeful.”

Minshew used his public relations know-how to help a number of organizations.

He served on the Atlanta Paralympics Organizing Committee, publishing and editing the first media guide for the event in Atlanta, and volunteered for the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, writing a research paper used by architects to design and construct the museum in Macon.

In 2011, he retired from the literacy council after nine years of service. During that time, he engineered a special project: the GED Wall of Honor at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, where an adult education student is honored each year.

“The thing I’m proudest of (as a part of the literacy council) is the GED Wall of Honor, because all those recipients had great stories to tell,” Minshew said in 2012. “I mean they came out of wherever to succeed, to accomplish a good thing.”

Minshew was enshrined in the Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 as a Professional Athlete.

In addition to volunteer boards, Minshew served on the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce’s Marketing & Business Development Committee and was involved in the early planning of the Chamber’s “Keep It In The County” program, according to spokeswoman Joni Harbin, who also serves on the literacy council.

“Gordon County lost a fine man, literacy lost a fine advocate and I am only one of a legion who lost a fine friend,” Harbin said.

Minshew leaves behind a son, daughter and grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m., at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 224 Trammell St. in Calhoun, with Rev. Louis Tonsmeire officiating and eulogy by Lee Walburn.

Source: Rome News

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Money the big thing as Mayweather, Pacquiao ready for fight

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

LAS VEGAS  — His middle name is Money, or at least it used to be before Floyd Mayweather Jr. stopped flashing $100,000 wads of cash every time he saw a camera.

That doesn’t mean money is ever very far from his mind. Certainly not now, when he’s the richest man in the richest fight ever.

Mayweather has spent as much time this week talking about the mansion in Las Vegas, the home in Miami and the private jet that seats 14 than he has about Manny Pacquiao. He even figured out the math when it comes to dividing it up among his kids.

“Let’s say I make $200 million,” Mayweather said. “That means my kids for this fight will get $50 million apiece. I think I made a smart move.”

Indeed, Mayweather proved a smart businessman in signing for a fight that will likely earn him $180 million or more. But the smartest thing he may have done was delay the fight five years so it would be must-see TV, even at a record price of $99.95.

“Five years ago this was a $50 million fight for me,” Mayweather said, “and a $20 million fight for him.”

The frenzy for the boxing’s biggest event of the century continued to build Wednesday, even if the two fighters themselves were very subdued. They appeared at a final prefight press conference with nothing bad to say about each other, and couldn’t even bring themselves to scowl for pictures.

If the past five years were personal, with the two camps trading barbs, the fight itself is not. Pacquiao will be fighting for his legacy and a country desperate for him to win, while Mayweather will be fighting to add to his already substantial bank accounts.

That was apparent when Mayweather was asked if being undefeated was the biggest motivation for him.

“At the end of the day my daughter can’t eat no zero,” Mayweather said of his unbeaten mark. “She can’t spend a boxing ring.”

Money shouldn’t be a problem for the Mayweather family after this fight. Not with total revenue of some $300 million — and possibly more if the pay-per-view is the hit that network executives privately think it will be.

Mayweather won’t be the only one getting rich. Pacquiao will also share in the $120 million or so his side will pocket for the fight, beginning with a $25 million check from promoter Bob Arum the night of the fight.

“I don’t like to write checks of an amount I don’t have in the bank,” Arum said. “I can cover 25 so that’s the amount he will get fight night.”

Pacquiao said he couldn’t even conceive of the kind of money he makes now to fight.

“I used to sleep in the street starving and hungry,” the Filipino congressman said. “I can’t imagine the boy who slept in the streets was raised to this level where I am today.”

Both fighters finished their major preparation earlier in the week, with both facing challenges unlike they have seen before.

In Mayweather’s case it’s a southpaw who fights in spurts and comes from different angles, a style he will have to figure out early in the fight. For Pacquiao, it’s a defensive wizard who has fought 47 fighters and beaten every one of them.

“I think we can outpoint this guy,” trainer Freddie Roach said. “If a knockout comes it will be a bonus.”

Mayweather has been rather quiet about his strategy, preferring instead to talk about how he became the highest paid athlete in the world or promoting his websites. But he said his father, Floyd Sr., has crafted a game plan that will help him remain unbeaten after 19 years in the sport.

He said critics of the way he fights don’t really understand boxing, and that he doesn’t need to be great defensively to beat Pacquiao.

“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a very exciting fight,” Mayweather said. “But sometimes I shut guys out and they call it a split decision or majority decision. My hands are always tied behind my back. The standards are always set higher for me.”

The two fighters did disagree on which man was the one to actually get the fight to happen five years after it should have happened.

Mayweather said he kept calling his adviser, Al Haymon, telling him to make the fight because he wanted it so much. But Pacquiao said it was the pressure he put on since beating Chris Algieri in Macau last November that finally forced Mayweather’s hand.

”I feel I’m the one who really wanted this fight to happen,” Pacquiao said.

Source: Rome News

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Two men accused of having meth, oxycodone

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Two men remained in jail Wednesday after being accused of having methamphetamine and oxycodone, according to Floyd County Jail reports.

According to reports:

Joshua Scott Herndon, 34, of 395 Jones Bend Road, and Jeffrey Allen Hughes, 48, listed as homeless, were arrested Tuesday at 5:51 p.m. at 10 Elmwood St., when officers found plastic bags containing suspected methamphetamine residue and oxycodone in a silver wrapper.

Both men were charged with felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor counts of pills not in the original container.

Both men were in jail Wednesday night on probation holds.

Source: Rome News

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Man found with a pound of marijuana

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

A Rome man was released on a $10,100 bond Wednesday after being accused of having a pound of marijuana in his car, according to Floyd County Jail reports.

According to reports:

Tavarous Dewayne Samples, 37, of 2 Abigail Lane, was stopped by police Tuesday night on Callier Springs Road at Archer Lane for driving a car with the windows tinted too darkly. Officers also found a pound of marijuana in his car.

Samples was charged with a felony count of possession of more than an ounce of marijuana and a misdemeanor count of window tint.

Source: Rome News

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Softball: Lady Hawks make postseason debut at GSC tourney

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Their time has finally arrived.

On Thursday, the Shorter softball team makes its debut in the NCAA postseason spotlight when the Lady Hawks take the field at Steel’s Diamond at Blazers Park in Valdosta as the No. 4 seed in the 2015 Gulf South Conference Softball Tournament.

“It’s been a long time coming,” head coach Al Thomas said as the Lady Hawks (34-14) open the tourney facing No. 5 seed Union at 12:30 p.m.

“It’s even sweeter that we’re playing after we were denied the chance to play in the tournament the past two years,” he added about the program’s non-eligible status to be a part of the event while Shorter was making the transition to the Division II level. “This weekend we begin another chapter in the program’s book.”

The first page of that new chapter will no doubt include the fact that the Lady Hawks begin the postseason competing in arguably the toughest Division II conference in the nation as the top three seeds are top 20 teams.

Heading that list is host Valdosta State, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation – the Lady Blazers (46-5) won the 2012 national title and was the runner-up last year – that will be gunning for their seventh straight GSC crown, while No. 11 Alabama-Huntsville (37-12) and No. 16 North Alabama (32-10) have conference and national designs. Sixth-seed Delta State (26-22) round out the field.

“We’ve beaten all of the other five teams and all five of those teams have beaten us. It’s wide open,” Thomas said about the loaded field.

Shorter enters the tournament having closed out the regular season last weekend setting the table for the tournament by winning its three-game GSC series at North Alabama and squares off against a Union squad that the Lady Hawks split with during the regular season.

The Lady Hawks, however, will bring a squad into the tournament that has established themselves as a contender, with five players earning the program’s first-ever All-GSC accolades.

Garnering first-team all-conference honors earlier this week were senior catcher Paige Rowland and freshman outfielder Niki Cook, who was also named the SC’s Freshman of the Year, while freshman pitcher Amanda Blanchard, senior pitcher Maddie Bray and junior shortstop Kendall Johnson were second team picks.

Rowland is closing out her final season with the Lady Hawks boasting a .374 average at the plate, with 12 extra base hits including five home runs. The catcher from Eufaula, Ala., also boasts a .990 fielding percentage while throwing out 13 would be stolen bases.

A native of Buford, Ga., Cook made an immediate impact in her first season with the Lady Hawks leading the conference in stolen bases during the regular season with a near-perfect performance, swiping 50 in 51 attempts, and with 1.1 steals per game she ranks second in the nation. As the lead-off hitter, Cook is hitting .385 and has scored 49 runs.

Johnson led the Lady Hawks with a .396 batting average and drove in a team-high 41 runs; Bray – a preseason GSC selection – has a 10-9 record and a 2.30 ERA; and Blanchard led the team with a 16-3 record with a 2.21 ERA and 120 strikeouts.

Having a pair of pitchers with proven numbers is a huge plus for the team, Thomas pointed out, noting that instead of seeing a foe’s No. 1 hurler twice during a three-game regular-season GSC series the double-elimination tourney demands pitching depth.

“In a double-elimination tournament like this,” he said, “that No. 1 pitcher won’t be able to pitch two-thirds of the time.”

Against Union, however, the Lady Hawks will more than likely face one of the best pitchers in the conference in senior Kelly Robey, who leads GSC in wins (28), strikeouts (317), complete games (31) and innings pitched (249.)

“She’s phenomenal,” Thomas said of Robey.

The winner of Thursday’s tilt between Shorter and Union return to the field at 5:30 p.m. to face top-seeded Valdosta State, but the Lady Hawks’ opener is critical as in addition to seeking the championship they are mindful that they can help their chances of getting an at-large berth to the national tournament by keeping or bettering their No. 6 regional ranking.

“We do not need to be in the loser’s bracket right away,” said Thomas. “Yes, we want to win the championship, but realistically we’re also fighting for that high spot in the region.”

Source: Rome News

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Floyd County Jail reports April 29, 8 p.m.

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Floyd County Jail releases arrest reports twice a day – 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mobile users follow this link to view the 24-hour report on ISSUU.com.

Source: Rome News

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Things to do in Cherokee County Thursday, April 30

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

The Family Care Center in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center in Centre includes a Thrift Store open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Family Care Center helps others by giving clothing, food and possibly hope to families in their time of need. The Center asks for your help by supporting its thrift stores. There are currently three locations, the one in Centre, another at 5511 Main St. in Hokes Bluff and another in Cedar Bluff. The Center is currently helping more than 100 families per week and thanks the community for its continued support. Director is Cindy McGinnis.

The Sew Joyful Quilting Circle meets Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon at the Cherokee County Public Library.

Cloud Farrow teaches an Art Class Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants are urged to bring two Number Two pencils and an 8 X 10 sketchbook.

In high school softball action, the Class 1A, Area 13 Championship will be played at Spring Garden beginning at 6 p.m. The Class 3A,Area 13 Tournament will be played at Sadn Rock at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and the Class 3A, Area 12 Championship will be played at Wellbron beginning at 7 p.m.

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism 2015 Annual Meeting is Thursday, April 30, beginning at 6 p.m., in the Gadsden State Community College-Cherokee Arena, 801 Cedar Bluff Road in Centre. The event is sponsored by the Cherokee county Industrial Development Authority. Welcome will be provided by Mickie Kerr, chairperson and catering by Lanny’s. Entertainment will be provided by Cutting Edge Dualing Pianos. Tickets are available at the Chamber through Wednesday, April 22. They may also be purchased via email to bcochran@cherokee-chamber.org. or by phone: 256-927-8455. A table of eight is $225, a table of six, $170 and individual tickets, $30.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Cherokee County Arrest Report Thursday, April 30

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

Local law enforcement agents have made the following arrests in recent days:

-Joshua Lee McMurray on court order.

-Mary Francis Dumas for fraudulent use of credit/deb, illegal possession of credit/deb and court order.

-Sidney Wayne Cox on 48-hour court order.

-Christina Louise Johnson for endangering welfare of child.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Rome Braves Recap: Braves shut out Legends

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Final: Rome 3, Lexington 0

How it happened: The Braves scored three runs in the top of the third inning and the combination of Brandon Barker and Bradley Roney at the mound struck out 11 batters to help Rome shut out the Legends.

Who did what for Rome: Bryan De La Rosa hit a solo home run early in the third inning to put the Braves on the board. Later in the inning, Keith Curcio doubled to score Ozzy Albies, and Jordan Edgerton singled to score Curcio.

On the mound: Brandon Barker (1-2) earned his first win of the season in seven innings of work. Barker retired seven batters and only allowed four hits. Roney earned the save in the final two innings. Roney struck out four and allowed only one hit.

Next Game: The Braves continue their series against the Lexington Legends today at 10:05 a.m.

Radio: 99.5-FM

Next Homestand: The Braves return to State Mutual Stadium next Wednesday for a four-game series against the Hagerstown Suns.

Source: Rome News

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Softball: 10 Berry players honored by SAA

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Southern Athletic Association announced the 2015 Softball All-Conference award winners and regular season and tournament champion Berry College earned 10 honors. Berry’s Kassie Howard won the top prize of Player of the Year. Berry’s Cori Thiermann was selected Coach of the Year by her peers for the third straight time. Howard also clinched a spot on the all-conference first team as a pitcher. A freshman out of Duluth, Georgia, Howard posted a league-best 1.01 ERA in 111.0 innings pitched in her first year as a Viking. She also struck out an SAA-high 121 batters, allowing opposing batters a .164 batting average against her in the circle.

Theirmann also earned her third straight SAA Softball Coach of the Year honor, as she improved her career record to 153-73, posting a .674 winning percentage. In only six years at Berry, Theirmann has led BC to three consecutive regular season titles, as well as an SAA tournament title and a 32-6 overall record this season.

Kylie Aiken, Sarah Moore, Brittany Ferrell, and Brittany Tuttle each earned spots on the SAA All-Conference first team as well.

A freshman second baseman from Johns Creek, Aiken batted .404 for the Vikings, hitting in 30 RBIs and scoring 23 runs on the season.

Moore, a sophomore shortstop out of Rising Fawn tabbed her second All-SAA award in as many years. Moore batted .412 on the year, knocking in 40 RBIs and scoring 27 runs for the Vikes.

A sophomore outfielder from Powder Springs, Brittany Ferrell collected her second All-SAA honor for the second straight time. Ferrell posted a .452 batting average, scoring 28 runs and batting in 17 RBIs from the leadoff position.

Tuttle, a freshmen outfielder from Snellville earned a spot on the all-conference first team batting a team-high .470. Tuttle knocked in eight RBIs and scored 37 runs for the Vikings in her 34 game appearances. She also stole 13 bases on the season.

Three other BC players clinched spots on the all-conference second team: Marie Collop, Allison DeBusk, and Allie Coronado.

An SAA honorable mention last year, sophomore first baseman Marie Collop earned a spot on the second team this year as she batted .314 with 23 RBIs and a team-high four home runs on the season.

A sophomore third baseman from Corryton, Tennessee, Allison DeBusk earned her second straight SAA honor batting .356 for the Vikings on the season. DeBusk brought in 19 RBIs for BC and scored 24 runs.

Earning her third SAA honor in as many years, junior pitcher Allie Coronado posted a 2.14 ERA en route to the Vikings best season yet. Coronado struck out 33 batters in her 78.1 innings pitched over the course of the season.

Rachel Bartoe clinched the final SAA all-conference spot for the Vikings on the all-conference honorable mention team. Bartoe hit .321, knocking in 16 RBIs and scoring 26 runs for the Vikings.

Source: Rome News

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Lacrosse: Berry’s Hall named Player of Year

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Southern Athletic Association announced the Men’s Lacrosse All-Conference award winners. Berry College earned seven honors, highlighted by Offensive Player of the Year Cory Hall.

Hall, a senior attack from Suwanee guided the Vikings to regular season tri-champion status by being one of the most dominant offensive forces in the SAA. He spearheaded Berry’s dynamic offense all year long and appears inside the Top 10 of several major statistical categories.

Hall led the league in shots (158), was second in goals scored (42), second in shots on goal (80) and eighth in assists (18). Hall led the Viking on an eight-game winning streak at the end of the season that was only derailed in the SAA title game in a slim 7-6 defeat to Sewanee. Hall is Berry College’s all-time leader in goals (163) and points (218). He earned SAA first team honors last year, and was a second team selection as a Berry sophomore.

Three other Vikings joined Hall on the SAA first team: Jack Chase, Maxwell Smerka, and Nate Mayer.

Chase, a senior defender, becomes the Vikings’ first four-time SAA first team honoree in men’s lacrosse. He anchored a defense which allowed a stingy 7.79-goals per-game and also scored 3 goals and passed two assists — in addition to causing 16 turnovers.

A senior midfielder, Smerka scored 15 goals and had 10 assists for Berry. Smerka was tabbed to the SAA second team in 2014.

Mayer earned first team honors as a senior short-stick middie. The senior scooped a team-high 51 ground balls, caused 14 turnovers and added two goals and one assist for Berry.

Berry placed one student-athlete on the second team: Christian Akers. A junior midfielder, Akers placed third on the team with 37 points (31 goals, 6 assists).

Senior defender Patrick Towner was named to the SAA Honorable Mention Team for the second time in his career. He scored one goal, caused a team-high 34 turnovers and recorded 34 ground balls for the Vikes.

Berry finished 2015 with a 12-5 record, a conference co-championship and reached the SAA Championship game.

Source: Rome News

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Five Shorter softball players earn All-GSC honros

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Shorter softball made the most of its first season of Gulf South Conference as five Lady Hawks earned All-GSC recognition the conference announced Tuesday.

Niki Cook headlined the announcement for Shorter garnering Freshman of the Year accolades after turning in a banner first year.

Cook along with Paige Rowland received First Team All-Conference selections; while Amanda Blanchard, Maddie Bray and Kendall Johnson each earned a Second Team selection.

En route to receiving the conference’s top freshman award, Cook a native of Buford, led the league in stolen bases during the regular season; turning in a near perfect average, swiping 50 in 51 attempts. And, at 1.1 steals per game, she ranks second in the nation. Cook boasts a .385 average in the lead-off spot for Shorter, and has scored 49 runs – averaging 1.09 per game.

Rowland capped off her final season with the Lady Hawks with a first team all-conference selection after posting a .374 average (43-115) during the regular season with 12 extra base hits, 5 of those homeruns. Defensively, the catcher from Eufaula, Ala. boasts a .990 fielding percentage while throwing out 13 would be stolen bases.

Johnson earns second team recognition after leading the Lady Hawks offensively with a .396 average (53-134) during the regular season. Of her 53 hits, 19 are for extra bases with 7 homeruns. The junior from Chickamauga posts a team high 41 RBI, and has turned in 20 stolen bases in 21 attempts while starting at shortstop in each of Shorter’s 45 games.

Bray, who was one of Shorter’s preseason All -GSC selections, caps off her senior season with second team honors after turning in a 2.30 ERA in 21 starts in the circle for the Lady Hawks. In 25 total appearances she holds a 10-9 record with nine complete games. Through 106.2 innings, the Hixson, Tenn. native has allowed 117 hits, 50 runs – 35 unearned – with 75 strikeouts.

Blanchard led the pitching staff with a 16-3 record in 29 games in her first season with the Lady Hawks en route to the second team recognition. With an ERA of 2.21, in 136.1 innings of work, the Royal Palm Beach, Fla. native has allowed 126 hits, 49 runs – 43 unearned – with 120 strikeouts; a mark that ranks her third in the Gulf South Conference.

Source: Rome News

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Seven Berry lacrosse athletes earn All-SAA honors

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The SAA announced the 2015 Men’s Lacrosse All-Conference award winners. Berry College earned seven honors, highlighted by Offensive Player of the Year Cory Hall.

Hall, a senior attack from Suwanee, guided the Viking to regular season tri-champion status by being one of the most dominant offensive forces in the SAA. He spearheaded Berry’s dynamic offense all year long and appears inside the Top 10 of several major statistical categories.

Hall led the league in shots (158), was second in goals scored (42), second in shots on goal (80) and eighth in assists (18). Hall led the Viking on an eight-game winning streak at the end of the season that was only derailed in the SAA title game in a slim 7-6 defeat to Sewanee.

Hall is Berry College’s all-time leader in goals (163) and points (218). He earned SAA first team honors last year, and was a second team selection as a Berry sophomore.

Three other Vikings joined Hall on the SAA first team: Jack Chase, Maxwell Smerka, and Nate Mayer.

Chase, a senior defender, becomes the Vikings’ first 4-time SAA first team honoree in men’s lacrosse. He anchored a defense which allowed a stingy 7.79-goals per-game and also scored three goals and passed two assists–in addition to causing 16 turnovers.

A senior midfielder, Smerka scored 15 goals and had 10 assists for Berry. Smerka was tabbed to the SAA second team in 2014.

Mayer earned first team honors as a senior short-stick middie. The senior scooped a team-high 51 ground balls, caused 14 turnovers and added two goals and one assist for Berry.

Berry placed one student-athlete on the second team: Christian Akers. A junior midfielder, Akers placed third on the team with 37 points (31 goals, six assists).

Senior defender Patrick Towner was named to the SAA Honorable Mention Team for the second time in his career. He scored one goal, caused a team-high 34 turnovers and recorded 34 ground balls for the Vikes

Berry finished 2015 with a 12-5 record, a conference co-championship and reached the SAA Championship game.

Source: Rome News

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Things to do in Cherokee County Wednesday, April 29

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

The Family Care Center in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center in Centre includes a Thrift Store open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Family Care Center helps others by giving clothing, food and possibly hope to families in their time of need. The Center asks for your help by supporting its thrift stores. There are currently three locations, the one in Centre, another at 5511 Main St. in Hokes Bluff and another in Cedar Bluff. The Center is currently helping more than 100 families per week and thanks the community for its continued support. Director is Cindy McGinnis.

The Party Bridge Match is played at the Fort Payne Senior Center. For more information, call 256-927-7754.

The Cherokee County Parks and Recreation Board meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. in its office at 101 West Main Street in Centre.

Visit the beautiful Rock Village, home of some of the best hiking and rock climbing throughout the world. Enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. Go to the intersection of U.S. Highway 411 and Highway 68 in Leesburg, turn right, turn left on Cherokee County 36, to the intersection of County Road 36 and County Road 70, turn left and follow the signs.

Visit the historical Cornwall Furnace on Cherokee County Road 92 in Cedar Bluff.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Floyd County Jail reports April 28, 8 p.m.

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Floyd County Jail releases arrest reports twice a day – 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mobile users follow this link to view the 24-hour report on ISSUU.com.

Source: Rome News

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Cherokee County Arrest Report Wednesday, April 29

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

Local law enforcement agents have made the following arrests in recent days:

-Terry Van Inman for unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Reginald Jerome Sandridge for unlawful possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree.

-Michael Anthony Sprayberry for unlawful possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree and non support.

-Renardo Jerome Sandridge for unlawful possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree.

-Jennifer Kay Tierce for unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Chelsea Leigh Pierce, released to bonding company, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of prescription drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree.

-Joseph Dennis Morgan for unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and released to bonding company.

-Jody Davis Reed for criminal trespass in the third degree.

-Timothy Scott Rothell for unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

-David Wayne Moon for driving under the influence-alcohol.

-Wesley Steven Jackson for unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia,

-Debbie Gean McDaniel for unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Haley Laraine Garrett for unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of controlled substance.

-Christopjer Sherman Stubbs for unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Crystal Nicole Locklear for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Berry announces volleyball commitments

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Berry College head volleyball coach Mika Robinson has announced that eight student-athletes have committed to enroll at the institution and continue their academic and athletic careers beginning in the fall of 2015.

“This class is arguably one of the most decorated and talented classes we have ever recruited,” said Robinson. “Their work ethic, selflessness, and character are what really make them such a great addition to the Viking volleyball family. Each one of them will be able to challenge our returning players and help us continue to pursue excellence on and off the court.”

Following is a look at each of the eight incoming student-athletes.

MICAYLA BEDOIAN

5-11 – RS/OH – Saluda, N.C. – Hendersonville HS – Club: Axis Elite

Prior to Berry: Four-year starter on Hendersonville Varsity team…helped lead Hendersonville to three consecutive state championships (1A, 2A, 3A)…co-captain as a senior…two time Western Highland All-Conference Team…ranked in top 4 for blocks in state of North Carolina for her classification each of the last three years…as a senior ranked #3 in class 2A for kill percentage…placed in high jump, 4X2 and 4X4 at Indoor and Outdoor NCHSAA State Championships…three-time Western Highland All-Conference Track.

Personal: Daughter of Michael and Shanda Ford…plans to major in biology at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Micayla Bedoian: “Micayla brings a blocking presence that can help us immediately both in the practice gym and in matches. However, her ability to play high above the net is equally matched by her ball control. She is an extremely versatile player, and her smile and competitive spirit will make her a crowd favorite immediately.”

HANNAH BILLIARD

5-10 – Middle Blocker – Matthews, N.C. – Covenant Day School – Club: Carolina Union Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Four year member of Covenant Day School Varsity team…helped lead her team to two NCISAA state championship matches…two-year co-captain…two time MAC All-Conference Team…team MVP as a senior…two-year co-captain for basketball team.

Personal: Daughter of Jody and Jennifer Billiard…plans to major in biology at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Hannah Billiard: “Hannah brings a wealth of experience playing on high level club and high school teams. She brings composure to a position that can often feel frantic, and she performs well under pressure. In addition, her competitiveness and high volleyball IQ help her find ways to score when opponents least expect it.”

CASSI CULHAN

5-9 – RS/OH – Boca Raton, Fla. – Boca Raton Community HS – Club: Tribe Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Helped lead her high school team to a District Championship in 2013…District Runners Up in 2014…named Second Team All-County in 2014.

Personal: Daughter of Bill and Terri Culhan…plans to major in exercise science or nursing at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Cassi Culhan: “Growing up in south Florida, Cassi has had the advantage of playing both indoor and sand year-round. As a result, her skill set is incredibly well rounded and will allow her to compete for playing time in a number of different positions. Throughout her club seasons, she has consistently shown a team first attitude, often playing a variety of positions in order to fill the needs of the team.”

CHRISTINA GOFORTH

5-10 – Outside Hitter – Matthews, N.C. – Covenant Day School – Club: Carolina Union Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Helped lead her Covenant Day School Varsity team to two NCISAA state championship matches…two year co-captain…two time MAC All-Conference Team…two-time All-State Team…Matthews Mint Hill Weekly Volleyball Player of the Year as a senior.

Personal: Daughter of Doug and Lisa Goforth…plans to major in exercise science at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Christina Goforth: “Christina is a talented hitter who has consistently led her teams to success. Her competitive fire is surprising when contrasted with her incredibly sweet off the court personality. She has the size and physicality to terminate balls against a big block and will be able to challenge for playing time right away.”

JESSICA GUM

6-1 – Middle Hitter – Woodstock, Ga. – Etowah HS – Club: Cobb Atlanta – Previous School: University of West Georgia

Prior to Berry: Red-shirted her freshman year at West Georgia due to an injury sustained during her senior year of high school…named All-Area as a junior and led her team in blocking and hitting percentage.

Personal: Daughter of Cliff and Beth Gum…plans to major in business management at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Jessica Gum: “Jessica gives us the opportunity to add depth and experience at the middle blocker and right side positions. Her maturity and college experience will help her make an impact on and off the floor. We are excited to watch her flourish in our system.”

ALLI JOHNSON

5-11 – Middle Hitter – Bethlehem, Ga. – Hebron Christian Academy – Club: Atlanta Extreme Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Varsity starter in 2012, 2013, and 2014…helped lead her Hebron Christian Academy team to two Regional Championships…three state Final Fours…one State Championship (2014)…named All State, All Area, All County, and Area Tournament MVP as a senior…two time Hebron Christian “Lion” Award winner…captain as a senior.

Personal: Daughter of Wallace and Paula Johnson…plans to major in exercise science at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Alli Johnson: “Alli is a highly decorated player who knows how to win. However, her leadership qualities are what stood out the most to us in the recruiting process. She is a giver who inspires her teammates to play their best, and she will have a big impact on the Berry campus on and off the court.”

SARAH SPRAGUE

5-9 – Outside Hitter – Lutz, Fla. – Sunlake HS – Club: Tampa Elite

Prior to Berry: Member of AAU national championship club team in 2013…AAU All-American…AAU Championships MVP…helped lead high school team to Class 5A Final Four…FACA Player of the Year…North Suncoast Player of the Year…Brighthouse Sports Network Player of the Week…All-Area Team…Sunlake MVP.

Personal: Daughter of Thomas and Dorene Sprague…plans to major in biochemistry at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Sarah Sprague: “Sarah exemplifies the attitude we strive to exhibit in our program. She is very self-motivated and fiercely competitive, but she is also a giver who builds up her teammates. Our fans will love her athleticism and energy, and her teammates will be able to depend on her to perform under pressure.”

MADI YOUNG

5-7 – Libero – DeLand, Fla. – Father Lopez HS – Club: Tampa Bay Volleyball Academy

Prior to Berry: Four year varsity starter…helped lead her team to two district championships…named to All District Team all 4 years…two time District MVP and Team MVP…Top 10 in Florida in kills, aces, and digs as a sophomore and a junior (kill leader as a sophomore)…broke school record for kills in a season and in a career…AAU Academic All American…team captain…two year starting goalie on high school soccer team.

Personal: Daughter of Ron and Anita Young…plans to major in animal science at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Madi Young: “Madi is a gifted athlete who plays much bigger than her size suggests. As a libero, she is a strong passer and defender, but because she has been an offensive player throughout her career she brings a huge presence from the service line and has the ability to create offense out of the back row. In addition, she brings a relentlessness that will raise the level of our play every day.”

Source: Rome News

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Last Stop Gift Shop to host jewelry trunk show Thursday

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

ROME, GA. — The Last Stop Gift Shop will host a trunk show by Ferd & Bird Jewelry on Thursday, April 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ferd & Bird features the skills of local jewelry artist Danielle Chandler. A mixed media artist, she takes vintage jewelry, metal, china and glass to create one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.

A large selection of various styles of jewelry will be available for purchase. The artist will explain construction techniques and the inspiration behind the jewelry.

“We are excited to invite the public to view and support the trunk show featuring Ferd & Bird’s work. She has a unique way of bringing together old, forgotten pieces to create a timeless treasure that is great for accessorizing any outfit,” said Charlene Mathis, manager of the Last Stop Gift Shop.

The Last Stop Gift Shop carries a large stock of jewelry, gifts, and local artwork. Additionally, the gift shop is Rome’s largest supplier of Georgia made signature apparel and gifts.

The Last Stop Gift Shop and Rome – Floyd Visitor Center is inside a 1909 restored train depot and caboose located at 402 Civic Center Drive, directly across from Applebee’s.

For more information, call the Last Stop Gift Shop at 706.295.5576 or 800.444.1834.

Source: Rome News

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Atlanta Braves: Johnson’s homer helps Braves beat reeling Nats

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

ATLANTA — Kelly Johnson homered and drove in three runs, Eric Stults pitched 6 1-3 innings and the Atlanta Braves beat Washington 8-4 on Monday night to give the Nationals their sixth straight loss.

Johnson’s two-run homer into the right-field seats came in Atlanta’s three-run sixth inning off Doug Fister (1-1). Fister gave up 10 hits and five runs, four earned, in 5 2-3 innings.

The Nationals committed four errors, including two by Fister on errant pickoff attempts. The losing streak is Washington’s longest since six straight from July 19-24, 2013. Stults (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. Johnson had three hits, including a run-scoring single off Rafael Martin in the seventh.

Before the game, Nationals manager Matt Williams said right-hander Max Scherzer will not make his scheduled start tonight because of a sprained right thumb.

Williams said Scherzer had difficulty throwing his slider. Scherzer jammed his thumb while batting against St. Louis on Thursday but could return within a few days. Cody Johnson took over for Stults with one out in the seventh and hit Reed Johnson with a pitch to load the bases. Denard Span’s fly ball to center field drove in Wilson Ramos, who singled. Cody Johnson struck out Ryan Zimmerman to end the inning.

A video review was needed to determine the pitch skimmed Reed Johnson’s hand Both dugouts were warned after Washington’s Rafael Martin hit Andrelton Simmons with a pitch to open the bottom of the seventh. Simmons moved to third when Chris Johnson’s grounder bounced past Ian Desmond.

It was Desmond’s ninth error in 20 games. Washington third baseman Yunel Escobar left the game in the fifth after his left hand was cut on Simmons’ slide into the bag. Simmons, who advanced from first on Fister’s errant pickoff throw for an error, kicked the ball out of Escobar’s glove with the slide.

Simmons was stranded on third when Freddie Freeman struck out while trying to check his swing. Freeman, standing well up the first-base line, was ejected after flipping his helmet.

Dan Uggla, who entered the game after Escobar’s injury, had a run-scoring triple off Cody Martin in the eighth. Uggla scored on Jace Peterson’s throwing error.

TRAINERS’S ROOM

Nationals: IF Anthony Rendon (left knee sprain) was scratched from a scheduled injury rehabilitation game with Double-A Harrisburg on Monday due to fatigue. Williams said Rendon is working at third base and second base at Harrisburg in preparation to play both positions with the Nationals.

Braves: Manager Fredi Gonzalez is concerned about his suddenly ailing defense. The Braves had one error through their first 12 games before committing nine errors in their last six games of a 3-6 road trip, including four on Friday night at Philadelphia. Peterson added two throwing errors against the Nationals.

UP NEXT

Nationals: RHP Tanner Roark may be the fill-in starter against the Braves on Tuesday night. Roark, 0-2 with a 2.89 ERA in six relief appearances this year, was 15-10 with a 2.85 ERA in 31 starts last year. Williams wasn’t ready to name the starter before Monday night’s game.

Braves: RHP Julio Teheran will try to bounce back after walking five batters in 4 1-3 innings in a 6-3 loss to the Mets on Thursday. Teheran is 2-1 with a 4.64 ERA.

© 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: Rome News

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Police arrest Armuchee man on drug charges

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

A Rome man made his bond Monday after he was arrested with pills and marijuana during a traffic stop, according to Floyd County Jail reports.

According to the report:

Weston Ridge Tucker, 19, of 412 Armuchee Trail, was driving late Sunday near the intersection of Old Summerville Road and Martha Berry Highway when he was seen weaving in the roadway.

After the officer pulled over the car, Tucker was found with suspected pot, a grinder, a glass pipe and prescription pills not in their original container.

Tucker was charged with felony possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, as well as misdemeanor counts of possession of less than an ounce marijuana, possession and use of drug-related objects, failure to maintain lane, and drugs not in their original container.

He made his $7,900 bond Monday.

Source: Rome News

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Police: Man stole ATV from a storage building

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

A Rome man remained in jail Monday after he allegedly took an all-terrain vehicle from a storage building, according to Floyd County Jail reports.

According to the report:

Shane Lewis Hartley, 35, of 3212 Black’s Bluff Road, took the Polaris 500 four-wheeler, valued at approximately $6,000, from a building near where he lives.

He was arrested early Monday and charged with felony second-degree burglary, as well as misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Hartley was being held on $8,500 bond.

Source: Rome News

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Youth Basketball: Lady Tarheels win Hoop Games

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Rome Lady Tarheels won the championship at the Dobbs Creek Hoop Games in Cumming. The team finished 5-0 in the tournament. 

Source: Rome News

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Youth Baseball: Braves down Rattlers for championship

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Rome Braves and Rome Rattlers competed in LaGrange at the 8U Coach Pitch-AAA USSSA Championship Belt Bash on Sunday. The Braves squeaked out the championship in their last at bat against the Rattlers. 

Source: Rome News

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Sheriff's Office requests assistance

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the assistance of the public for any information regarding a tractor stolen from a residence in the Leesburg area. The tractor is a 2003 Kubota BX2200 with a front end loader and mowing deck, orange in color, with a specially fabricated trailer hitch that connects to the three point hitch assembly.

The picture shown is a similar model. Anyone with information may contact Investigator Matt Peek at (256) 927-3365 or the Sheriff’s Office tip line at (256) 927-9999.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Floyd County Jail report, 8 p.m. April 27

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Floyd County Jail releases its reports twice each day, at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mobile users click here to see the 24-hour report.

Source: Rome News

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Things to do in Cherokee County Tuesday, April 28

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

Story Time sessions resume on Jan. 13—Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Cherokee County Public Library. The event will included crafts, songs, games, and of course, stories!

Weight Watchers meets every Tuesday. For more information call 256-526-8003.

In high school softball action, Fort Payne plays at Cherokee County beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Centre City Council meets at 5 p.m. in Centre City Hall.

The next meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Education is Tuesday, April 28, 2015 and will be held at the Central Office. The Board Meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and items on the agenda include: A. Adopt Agenda B. Approve Minutes C. Gwyn Griggs, AL Examiner of Public Accounts to Present FY 2014 Unqualified Audit Report D. Receive Financial Report E. Review Accounts Payable F. Approve Out of State Travel G. Personnel H. Review Job Postings I. Other The Board regularly meets on the first and third Tuesdays of a month at 6 p.m. at the Central Office.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Cherokee County Arrest Report Tuesday, April 28

The Latest Local News from the Cherokee County Herald

Local law enforcement agents have made the following arrests in recent days:

-Kentoria Andrea Thomas for unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Larry Joe Brannon for non support.

-Jessica Carter Williams for theft of property in the third degree.

Source: Cherokee County Herald

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Hearing in RICO case against former Floyd County Schools employee canceled

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Derry Richardson, the former Floyd County schools employee facing RICO accusations, will hand over $30,000 he removed from the bank on the same day authorities seized his Summerville home, court records state.

The former maintenance director agreed Monday to hand over the lump sum in a “prompt manner.” The agreement between Richardson and attorney Brian Bojo, the receiver or custodian of Richardson’s assets, led to the cancellation of a hearing today about the money.

“That means we don’t have a hearing, because we’ve worked it out,” Bojo said.

Bojo has said similar hearings often are postponed or canceled during good-faith negotiations.

At issue was $30,000 Richardson withdrew on April 14 — the day authorities descended on his home, seizing it and the assets inside under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Richardson withdrew the money to hire an attorney.

Prosecutors have accused Richardson and unidentified others of using fraudulent purchase orders to buy personal items like chandeliers and Viking kitchen appliances. Richardson is accused of taking over $600,000 from the county school system.

The seizure fell on the heels of the departure of five senior school staff and revelation of a criminal investigation into “questionable purchasing practices.” Officials have declined to say if the investigation and staff departures are linked.

The resignations include Richardson, maintenance director; William Greg McCary, lead maintenance specialist; Terri Snelling, director of school improvement; and Robert Chad Watson, operations coordinator. The board also accepted the retirement of Sam Sprewell, chief of operations.

Previously posted: The hearing in a RICO case of a former Floyd County schools employee has been canceled.

Attorney Brian Bojo, the appointed custodian of Richardson’s assets, asked in court documents for a hearing to compel Richardson to turn over $30,000.

Bojo said an attorney for Richardson, Bobby Lee Cook, contacted him and said the money would be turned over.

Previously posted:

The receiver in the RICO case of a former Floyd County schools employee is scheduled to attend a Tuesday hearing in his attempts to recover $30,000.

Derry Richardson, the school system’s former maintenance director, is accused in court documents of withdrawing the money on April 14 — the same day authorities seized his Summerville home and the assets inside it through the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Attorney Brian Bojo, the appointed custodian of Richardson’s assets, asked in court documents for a hearing to compel Richardson to turn over the money.

As of last week the hearing remained scheduled for Tuesday afternoon before Floyd County Superior Court Chief Judge Walter J. Matthews.

Prosecutors this month accused Richardson and unidentified others of using fraudulent purchase orders to buy personal items such as chandeliers and Viking kitchen appliances.

Richardson is accused of taking over $600,000.

The thefts started no later than 2007. Police said Floyd County Schools officials first contacted them in October.

School officials revealed on April 9 a criminal investigation into “questionable purchasing practices.” Hours later, the Board of Education voted unanimously to accept the retirement and resignations of five senior staff, including Richardson. They later reorganized, adding a deputy superintendent position.

Officials have declined to say if the investigation and staff departures are linked. The resignations include Richardson, maintenance director; William Greg McCary, lead maintenance specialist; Terri Snelling, director of school improvement; and Robert Chad Watson, operations coordinator. The board also accepted the retirement of Sam Sprewell, chief of operations.

Source: Rome News

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Floyd County Jail reports, Sunday, April 26, 8 p.m.

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The Floyd County Jail releases arrest reports twice a day – 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mobile users follow this link to view the 24-hour report on ISSUU.com.

Source: Rome News

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