Officers with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office are still actively looking for one person who fled the scene of a traffic stop earlier today on Interstate 85. According to the sheriff's office, the search is for a "Hispanic male who is wanted for questioning for possible human trafficking."
Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed said officers initiated a traffic stop on a GMC Yukon with 12 people inside and three of those people fled.
One was captured and two are on the loose at first. One was later caught, while the third one remains at large.
“We have detained 10 people who are in custody for questioning at this time,” Speed said at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday. “We are still actively looking for the other two.”
Speed said officers were still set up along I-85 at Hwy. 59 and Martin Bridge Road near Banks Crossing.
Banks County is getting assistance with the search from the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Team, the Motor Carrier Compliance Division and Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute.
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I-85 high speed chase started in Banks County
A high-speed chase Tuesday afternoon that ended in Franklin County with one dead and two injured began in Banks County.
Banks County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Shawn Wilson said at approximately 1:50 p.m. BCSO officers observed a car containing three occupants, traveling north bound on Interstate 85 at Exit 149 – Banks Crossing.
“The car was paced at approximately 95 m.p.h. and continued at a high rate of speed even after entering a Department of Transportation construction zone,” Wilson said. “Officers activated their emergency lights and siren, but the driver refused to sop and actually accelerated reaching speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h.”
The driver entered Franklin County, and shortly thereafter, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol took over the pursuit until the driver crashed around Exit 175.
One passenger in the car died at the scene, the driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital, and a second passenger was transported to Ty Cobb Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Wilson said the identities of the driver and passengers are being withheld pending investigation and notification of family members of the person killed.
The accident shut down the north bound lanes of I-85 for several hours.
Banks County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Shawn Wilson said at approximately 1:50 p.m. BCSO officers observed a car containing three occupants, traveling north bound on Interstate 85 at Exit 149 – Banks Crossing.
“The car was paced at approximately 95 m.p.h. and continued at a high rate of speed even after entering a Department of Transportation construction zone,” Wilson said. “Officers activated their emergency lights and siren, but the driver refused to sop and actually accelerated reaching speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h.”
The driver entered Franklin County, and shortly thereafter, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol took over the pursuit until the driver crashed around Exit 175.
One passenger in the car died at the scene, the driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital, and a second passenger was transported to Ty Cobb Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Wilson said the identities of the driver and passengers are being withheld pending investigation and notification of family members of the person killed.
The accident shut down the north bound lanes of I-85 for several hours.
Banks BOC budget talks continue
As budget talks continued on Friday afternoon, the Banks County Board of Commissioners continued to make cuts in the $12.59 million requested budget for fiscal year 2014.
The BOC met with Banks County E-911 Director Deidre Moore to go over her proposed $817,506 FY2014 budget line by line.
Moore proposed adding three full-time dispatchers, to bring the number to three per shift, a training officer and an administrative assistant. [Full Story »]
The BOC met with Banks County E-911 Director Deidre Moore to go over her proposed $817,506 FY2014 budget line by line.
Moore proposed adding three full-time dispatchers, to bring the number to three per shift, a training officer and an administrative assistant. [Full Story »]
Hewell headed to state in track
The Banks County High School Leopard track team competed in the state sectionals at Bulloch High School on April 27.
Makayla Hewell placed third in 3200 girls meter run with a school record time of 12:07.56. Makayla will be participating in the AAA state final track meet in Albany Georgia on May 9.
Jaylyn Lack participated in the girls 400 meter dash, Greg Cannon in the boys 400 meter dash, and the 4x400 meter boys relay team consisted of five seniors, Tyler Hubbard, Francisco Hurtado, Greg Cannon, Eli Smallwood, and alternate Ryan Seabolt.
Makayla Hewell placed third in 3200 girls meter run with a school record time of 12:07.56. Makayla will be participating in the AAA state final track meet in Albany Georgia on May 9.
Jaylyn Lack participated in the girls 400 meter dash, Greg Cannon in the boys 400 meter dash, and the 4x400 meter boys relay team consisted of five seniors, Tyler Hubbard, Francisco Hurtado, Greg Cannon, Eli Smallwood, and alternate Ryan Seabolt.
Lula Railroad Days coming up Friday and Saturday
The City of Lula’s 37th Annual Lula Railroad Days are Friday and Saturday.
The festivities will kick off Friday night from 7-10 p.m. at the depot stage with music and dance, featuring the Steve Dyer Band.
Festivities on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. with the opening of local arts, crafts and food vendor booths at the Lula Train Yard.
The annual Railroad Days Parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade will travel the length of the old historic downtown railroad tracks with a variety of floats and unique entries, leaders state.
Entertainment at the depot stage begins after the parade and stage performances will run throughout the day featuring singers, dancers, local bands – Bluegrass, country rock and gospel – including the national recording artist Steve Bryson Band.
“This is a wonderful family event offering great entertainment, unique arts and crafts and a fantastic food selection with a local flare,” leaders state. “So make plans to join in all the festivities and fun for all.”
The festivities will kick off Friday night from 7-10 p.m. at the depot stage with music and dance, featuring the Steve Dyer Band.
Festivities on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. with the opening of local arts, crafts and food vendor booths at the Lula Train Yard.
The annual Railroad Days Parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade will travel the length of the old historic downtown railroad tracks with a variety of floats and unique entries, leaders state.
Entertainment at the depot stage begins after the parade and stage performances will run throughout the day featuring singers, dancers, local bands – Bluegrass, country rock and gospel – including the national recording artist Steve Bryson Band.
“This is a wonderful family event offering great entertainment, unique arts and crafts and a fantastic food selection with a local flare,” leaders state. “So make plans to join in all the festivities and fun for all.”
Stabbing investigated in Banks County
The Banks County Sheriff’s Office investigated a stabbing in the northern part of the county on Wednesday night.
BCSO Investigator Captain Dan McDuffie said officers responded at approximately 9:30 p.m. to a group of young males, including both juveniles and adults, gathered in the parking lot of Harmony Baptist Church for the purpose of fighting with each other.
One person was stabbed and transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Several of the males sustained injuries.
McDuffie reported a search warrant was executed on a residence in the Hollingsworth Community in reference to this case.
“Due to the case being under investigation, additional information is not being release at this time,” McDuffie said.
If anyone has any information, or may have seen anything suspicious regarding this incident, they are being asked to call the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677-2248.
BCSO Investigator Captain Dan McDuffie said officers responded at approximately 9:30 p.m. to a group of young males, including both juveniles and adults, gathered in the parking lot of Harmony Baptist Church for the purpose of fighting with each other.
One person was stabbed and transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Several of the males sustained injuries.
McDuffie reported a search warrant was executed on a residence in the Hollingsworth Community in reference to this case.
“Due to the case being under investigation, additional information is not being release at this time,” McDuffie said.
If anyone has any information, or may have seen anything suspicious regarding this incident, they are being asked to call the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677-2248.
Parson selected as new BCHS head football coach
Biff Lee Parson, Milner, was selected as the new head football coach for Banks County High School.
At Monday’s monthly board meeting, following a 30-minute closed session to discuss personnel, the Banks County Board of Education approved Parson as a teacher and head football coach for the 2013-14 school year.
BOE member Mike Boyle abstained from the vote to hire Parson. Boyle said the reason he abstained was because his wife is related to Parson.
Parson comes to BCHS from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth where he is an offensive coordinator for the football program and a health and physical education teacher.
Parson’s father, Ronald Parson, coached at Banks County High School. B. Parson attended school in Banks County through his eighth grade year. He graduated from Franklin County High School.
Before Parson went to Mary Persons, he was at Lamar County High School.
BCHS principal Jody Goodroe said, “We are excited to have Coach Parson join our team at Banks County High School. We believe his character and leadership will continue to develop our young men on the field and in life.”
[Full Story »]
At Monday’s monthly board meeting, following a 30-minute closed session to discuss personnel, the Banks County Board of Education approved Parson as a teacher and head football coach for the 2013-14 school year.
BOE member Mike Boyle abstained from the vote to hire Parson. Boyle said the reason he abstained was because his wife is related to Parson.
Parson comes to BCHS from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth where he is an offensive coordinator for the football program and a health and physical education teacher.
Parson’s father, Ronald Parson, coached at Banks County High School. B. Parson attended school in Banks County through his eighth grade year. He graduated from Franklin County High School.
Before Parson went to Mary Persons, he was at Lamar County High School.
BCHS principal Jody Goodroe said, “We are excited to have Coach Parson join our team at Banks County High School. We believe his character and leadership will continue to develop our young men on the field and in life.”
[Full Story »]
Dining at Woodfire Grill is culinary adventure
BY SHERRY LEWIS
A meal at the Woodfire Grill in Atlanta is more than an evening out — it’s a culinary adventure.
That is part is due to the innovative creations of Executive Chef Tyler Williams, who grew up in what was originally a farming community in Michigan. He was introduced to ethnic foods early on through Arabic and Lebanese friends, which encouraged him to seek out new culinary experiences.
After studying cultural geography at Arizona State University, he decided to enroll in the Western Culinary Institute. Once Williams completed his degree, he headed to Portland, Ore., then Chicago, as he developed his own technique. In 2010, he moved to Atlanta where he has made quite an impression, being named the 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef.
At Woodfire Grill, Williams incorporates the seasonal offerings of small local farms and purveyors as well as sustainable beef, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood for thoughtfully prepared, often playful cuisine. Foods are fire-roasted and grilled with a menu comprised of first, second and main courses in addition to chef's tasting menus. [Full Story »]
A meal at the Woodfire Grill in Atlanta is more than an evening out — it’s a culinary adventure.
That is part is due to the innovative creations of Executive Chef Tyler Williams, who grew up in what was originally a farming community in Michigan. He was introduced to ethnic foods early on through Arabic and Lebanese friends, which encouraged him to seek out new culinary experiences.
After studying cultural geography at Arizona State University, he decided to enroll in the Western Culinary Institute. Once Williams completed his degree, he headed to Portland, Ore., then Chicago, as he developed his own technique. In 2010, he moved to Atlanta where he has made quite an impression, being named the 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef.
At Woodfire Grill, Williams incorporates the seasonal offerings of small local farms and purveyors as well as sustainable beef, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood for thoughtfully prepared, often playful cuisine. Foods are fire-roasted and grilled with a menu comprised of first, second and main courses in addition to chef's tasting menus. [Full Story »]
Day’s personnel contract approved: Salary split between Development Authority and Chamber CVB
Following an approximately one-hour closed session at the monthly meeting on March 19, the Banks County Development Authority approved executive director Brad Day’s personnel contract and a memorandum of cooperation with the Banks County Chamber CVB that approves Day to serve as the executive director for that organization.
The employment agreement, approved by the Banks County Board of Commissioners on March 12, outlines the duties, terms, salary, termination and severance pay, termination due to disability, performance and evaluation, hours of work, outside activities, county vehicle, disability, health and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, dues, subscriptions and professional development, indemnification and general provisions.
The contract states the salary is $80,000 annually payable by the Chamber of Commerce CVB and the Development Authority. Additionally, an amount shall be paid monthly not to exceed $15,000 annually by the Chamber of Commerce CVB for reimbursement of expenses toward disability, health and life insurance. Receipts must be provided.
The Development Authority agrees to pay 75 percent of the $80,000 salary with the Chamber CVB paying the remaining 25 percent, according to the memorandum of cooperation between the two groups.
The effective date for both agreements is March 15, 2013.
The employment agreement is a two-year contract with an evaluation on performance to be done annually.
The employment agreement, approved by the Banks County Board of Commissioners on March 12, outlines the duties, terms, salary, termination and severance pay, termination due to disability, performance and evaluation, hours of work, outside activities, county vehicle, disability, health and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, dues, subscriptions and professional development, indemnification and general provisions.
The contract states the salary is $80,000 annually payable by the Chamber of Commerce CVB and the Development Authority. Additionally, an amount shall be paid monthly not to exceed $15,000 annually by the Chamber of Commerce CVB for reimbursement of expenses toward disability, health and life insurance. Receipts must be provided.
The Development Authority agrees to pay 75 percent of the $80,000 salary with the Chamber CVB paying the remaining 25 percent, according to the memorandum of cooperation between the two groups.
The effective date for both agreements is March 15, 2013.
The employment agreement is a two-year contract with an evaluation on performance to be done annually.
Three face robbery charges in Banks County
Three people with Florida addresses were arrested on Saturday afternoon for their part in “till tapping” at Walmart, Commerce.
According to the report on file at the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Mike Marks, 78, 8010 Colony Circle 105, Tamarac, Fla., Richard Lee Mitchell, 57, 2017 South Ocean Drive, Holandell, Fla., and Tiffany Mitchell, 18, 8010 Colony Circle 105, Tamarac, Fla., each face charges of party to a crime – robbery. Marks and R. Mitchell are also charges with obstructing or hindering a law enforcement officer.
A warrant was taken for a fourth person, a 55-year-old female, in connection with the crime and a female juvenile that was with the group was placed in foster care by a Banks County Department of Family & Children Services caseworker that was called to the scene. [Full Story »]
According to the report on file at the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Mike Marks, 78, 8010 Colony Circle 105, Tamarac, Fla., Richard Lee Mitchell, 57, 2017 South Ocean Drive, Holandell, Fla., and Tiffany Mitchell, 18, 8010 Colony Circle 105, Tamarac, Fla., each face charges of party to a crime – robbery. Marks and R. Mitchell are also charges with obstructing or hindering a law enforcement officer.
A warrant was taken for a fourth person, a 55-year-old female, in connection with the crime and a female juvenile that was with the group was placed in foster care by a Banks County Department of Family & Children Services caseworker that was called to the scene. [Full Story »]
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