Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 8/4 – 8/10
Arrest Reports, Police & Government August 12, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Taylor announces plans to run for re-election in 2020
Election, Politics August 7, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
Current Post 5 councilwoman, JoAnne Taylor, has confirmed that she will run for re-election for Dahlonega City Council in 2020. 
Taylor told FYN that her most important accomplishment during her current term was, “Tax reduction of 5.14% for the proposed 2020 budget.” She further explained that the City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 15, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a City Council meeting on September 3 at 6:00 p.m., “to adopt the budget resolution.” 
According to Taylor, water, sewer, sanitation, and recycling costs for in-city residential customers will not increase, “We will continue a high level of service, make needed infrastructure improvements, and deliver new amenities to our community within the proposed budget.”
Taylor credits the tax reduction to the “teamwork and focus by the Mayor, City Council, and dedicated Staff on reducing costs,” and she also explained that her main focus item was reducing costs, “I have participated in all budget meetings. I also lent my business expertise to the staff in evaluating much-needed new financial application software…The new application, when fully implemented, will increase overall efficiency and improved citizen communication.”
Taylor also expressed to FYN her appreciation for being voted into the City Council, “I have been enormously privileged to be a public servant to Dahlonega. My $400 salary, net taxes, has been donated to local not-for-profits. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to serve.”
If re-elected, Taylor said her main focus would be, “Containing costs and managing growth while preserving the very special place we call home, Dahlonega.” Taylor further explained that she would focus on continuing to add amenities to Dahlonega, such as the Gold Adventures All-Abilities Playground in Hancock Park, the Farmers Market, and the Wimpy Mill picnic area, “We need to balance the significant costs of infrastructure, such as stormwater management, with providing improved amenities…I will continue to welcome feedback from our citizens, a vital form of government. Thanks in advance for your support!”
Gold Adventure All-Abilities Playground in Hancock Park.
Philip Dale Folger: Obituary
Obituaries August 6, 2019
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home is announcing the service of Philip Dale Folger for H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, Atlanta GA.
Link to H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel: http://www.hmpattersonoglethorpe.com/
Molly Patricia McGuire: Obituary
Obituaries August 2, 2019
MOLLY PATRICIA McGUIRE, age 68, departed this life on July 30, 2019 at her beloved home outside Dahlonega, GA. Molly was born on September 8, 1950 to Hugh and Jean McGuire in Joplin, MO. Molly grew up in Joplin before attending high school at Notre Dame de Sion in Kansas City, MO. Molly then attended Emory College, Emory University where she graduated in 1972. She then worked for the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. before moving to Florida to work as a legal secretary. Molly visited the north Georgia mountains outside of Dahlonega more than 35 years ago and knew she had found her home. Molly’s home was filled with love and laughter and treasured pets.
Molly was predeceased by her parents and brother, James Patmore McGuire. She is survived by many, many friends who will always remember her infectious laughter and enormous heart.
A Celebration of Molly’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.
To share a memory of Molly or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
LC Sheriff inducted as president of Georgia Sheriff’s Association
Community, Feature News July 30, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, was sworn in as the 2019-20 president of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association (GSA) on Thursday, July 25 during their annual Sheriff’s Summer Conference.
The conference is typically three days, ending with the induction ceremony. This year, the conference was located at Lake Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge and went from Tuesday, July 23 until Thursday, July 25.
Jarrard was sworn in by Lumpkin County Probate Judge, Michael Chastain. Judge Chastain told FYN that it was “certainly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to administer the oath to the officers of the Georgia Sheriffs Association, and in particular Sheriff Jarrard…As a resident of Lumpkin County, I am very proud of what Sheriff Jarrard has accomplished during his tenure as our Sheriff and during his career in law enforcement.” Chastain also explained why he felt Jarrard was “well suited to serve as the president of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association,” with the main reason being that he was “elected to the position by his peers…As a whole, the 159 Sheriff’s of the state of Georgia chose him to serve as their representative. This shows me an incredible amount of confidence in his abilities from the people who know best what is needed to be successful in the position.”
When asked what he hoped to accomplish as GSA president, Jarrard told FYN that his main goal was to make it so that Georgia’s local jailers, dispatchers, and anyone working in public safety would be able to receive Peace Officer’s Annuity and Benefits (POAB), “Unfortunately, when people first enter law enforcement, they have to work without it counting towards their retirement. I want to make that happen….Just like with a lot of professions, the entry-level employees are the hardest working of the whole establishment…that’s what I’m working hard for; I have a year to try and make this happen.”
Before being elected as GSA president, Jarrard had to work his way through the GSA, including being president of the GSA youth homes for three years, “I was already planting bugs at that time that I was going to run for this [GSA President] and that’s what my main mission was [POAB for all public safety employees].”
Lumpkin County Coroner, Jim Sheppard, attended the ceremony with his wife, Rhonda, and their daughter. Sheppard also expressed his elation over Jarrard as GSA president, “I am so, so proud of Stacy. Him being named the president of the GSA just furthers our footprint here in North Georgia that Lumpkin County is one of the top counties when it comes to elected officials, public support, the community, and the partnerships we’ve created together…he’s [Jarrard] is going to be a major player down at the capital. He’s going to have a strong voice.”
Former GSA president, Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, told Fetch Your News that during his term, his number one goal was to, “restore and rebuild bridges with our state politicians.” Nicholson further explained that collectively, the main priority of the GSA is public safety. He described his experience of handing the gavel over to Jarrard as a “very rewarding experience. I was very happy to hand over the gavel to Sheriff Jarrard; I feel like he’s going to do a great job.”
The GSA was founded in 1954 and is a non-profit corporation that is limited to 159 elected sheriffs who support the law enforcement community. According to the GSA website, their mission is, “To promote and further professionalize the Office of Sheriff in order to enhance public safety throughout Georgia.”
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Reggie Hiram Clark: Obituary
Obituaries July 25, 2019
Mr. Reggie Hiram Clark, age 59, of Gainesville passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019.
Reggie was born in Duluth, GA on June 10, 1960 to the late Robert and Montine Satterfield Clark. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Ben Clark. Reggie loved music and he loved playing his guitar. He loved to garden and feed his animals. Reggie was a good-hearted man and will be missed.
Survivors include his brother Billy Walker, Athens; sister Judy Thompson, Gainesville; brother and sister-in-law Ricky and Velvet Clark, Gainesville; sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Ricky Smith, Lula; sister Martha Saunders, Lula; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM Friday, July 26, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Dwayne Smith, Jr. and Mr. Howard Truman will officiate. Interment will follow in Hightower Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Reggie or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 7/14 – 7/20
Arrest Reports, Police & Government July 22, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Fred Ridsdale: Obituary
Obituaries July 3, 2019
Fred Ridsdale
December 20, 1925 – June 04, 2019
Fred Hammerton Ridsdale December 12, 1925-June 4, 2019
Born in Greensburg, Pa. in 1925 to the late Harriet Walton and Fred H. Ridsdale and raised in Cleveland, Ohio by his late aunt and uncle Alice and Thomas Toon. He was also pre-deceased by his sister Margaret E. Ridsdale Floro.
A WWII veteran, he was wounded in combat during the Battle of the Bulge. A Master Mason, he became a member of the Shrine in 1948.
In 1953 he married Helen K. Cunsolo and moved to Walton Hills, Ohio where they raised their family. Later moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida for many years until retiring to Dahlonega, Georgia in 2007.
Survivors include his wife Helen, sons Fred W. and Tedd F.; granddaughter Mackenzie E., great grandson Grayson J. Additional family members include, brother in law Robert D. Floro, nephews Donald R. and James D. Floro, 7 grand nieces and nephews, 14 great grand nieces and nephews and cousins Sally A. and Thomas E. Fritsch.
A private memorial service will be held at Dahlonega Funeral Home on Sunday June 9, 2019 at 2pm for immediate family only. There will be no viewing.
Burial at a later date in Bedford Cemetery in Bedford, Ohio to be handled by Johnson Romito Funeral Home Bedford, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests, if desired, remembrances to Kindred Hospice, 1100 Sherwood Park Dr., Gainesville, GA 30500 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683)
Mary Viola Baliles: Obituary
Obituaries July 3, 2019Mary Viola Baliles
November 04, 1925 – June 30, 2019
Mrs. Mary Viola Baliles, age 93, of Dahlonega passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2019.
Mrs. Baliles was born in Lumpkin County on November 4, 1925 to the late Alfonso and Annie Reeves Abercrombie. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Baliles; son Glenn E. Baliles; sisters Ruth Jenkins, Maudell Anderson and Nellie Mae Ross; brothers George Abercrombie, Hubert Abercrombie and Johnny Abercrombie.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Linda and Tommy Sisk, Dahlonega; daughter-in-law Lucy Baliles Carrier, Dahlonega; grandchildren Lorrie Westmoreland of Cleveland, Cindy Baliles of Jefferson, Tara Baliles of Dawsonville and Melanie and Mark Fortner of Dahlonega; great-grandchildren Ashley and Cody Pitts, Nathan Flanagan, Chase Westmoreland, Dylan Westmoreland, Tyler Westmoreland, Logan Fortner, Austin Arnold and Kinsley Arnold; great-great grandchildren Greyson Flanagan, Luke Flanagan, Cara Pitts and Cami Pitts; special friends Carrie Shope, Barbara Lawson, Pastor Bobby Whitmire, Tommy Burns, David Dillon and Bob Jones; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Bobby Whitmire will officiate. Interment will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Mrs. Baliles or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Dorothy Knauff: Obituary
Obituaries July 3, 2019Dorothy Knauff
June 02, 1925 – June 06, 2019
Mrs. Dorothy (Dottie) Knauff, age 94, of Dahlonega passed away Thursday, June 6, 2019.
Dottie was born in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania on June 2, 1925 to the late George B. and Irene Bassett Lewis. She was a constant ray of sunshine…always energetic, happy and optimistic, and it was contagious. Dottie never met anyone she did not call a friend. After marrying a WWII fighter pilot and raising a family, she worked as a legal secretary. Upon retiring, they moved to Florida where she enjoyed the beach, gardening, and golf. Sadness followed when she lost her husband Bill, son Michael, and her grandson RJ Corradino within a period of four years. Dottie later moved to Dahlonega with her son Douglas. She quickly made friends at Dahlonega United Methodist Church, Singles Over Sixty, and the Senior Center. Dottie was a well-loved member of the community.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Douglas and Melanie Knauff; son Barry Knauff; daughter and son-in-law Holly and Randy Corradino; two grandchildren Michael Knauff and Ashley Gogoj; four great-grandchildren; two sisters; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A celebration of Dottie’s life will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. Dr. Steve Schofield will officiate. Dottie’s family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Dottie’s memory to the Dahlonega United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 455, Dahlonega, GA 30533.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful staff at Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
To share a memory of Dottie or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 6/16 – 6/22
Arrest Reports, Police & Government July 2, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
LCHS seniors clean up trash in Adopt-A-Road initiative
Business May 24, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
Lumpkin County High School class of 2019, along with LCHS principle Billy Kirk, participated in an Adopt-A-Mile initiative on Wednesday, May 22. They chose a one-mile stretch of roadway in front of the high school to ‘adopt’ and collected over 200 pounds of “miscellaneous trash and debris,” according to the LCHS Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of LCHS
Kirk explained to FYN, “The students wanted an opportunity to leave a legacy and we bounced ideas and the Adopt a Road initiative was born.” He also stated that the LCHS seniors wanted to give back through community service work since the community had done so much for them, “We decided cleaning the road in front of our school to beautify our community would be a great way to accomplish this. Today, we took the senior class on a journey that resulted in 62 bags of garbage and debris from the roadway and close to 200 pounds.”
Photo courtesy of LCHS
According to Kirk, “It is amazing the amount of trash people throw out on our streets and we are hoping this act of service will be replicated all over our community.”
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Jerry Boatfield: Obituary
Obituaries May 23, 2019
Jerry Boatfield
February 09, 1937 – May 15, 2019
Mr. Jerry W. Boatfield, age 82, of Dahlonega passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2019.
Mr. Boatfield was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. He was born on February 9, 1937 to the late Paul and Loudelle Moose Boatfield. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Michael Boatfield, sisters Marginia Grizzle and Fannie Dye, brothers Louie Boatfield and David Boatfield. Mr. Boatfield retired from the Wimpy Mill Road Water Plant. He was a member of Cherry Log Baptist Church. Mr. Boatfield loved to take trips to the beach and see the ocean. He was affectionately called “Pop” by his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years Shirley Boatfield; daughter and son-in-law Sherry and Lewis Smith; son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Sherry Boatfield; son Robert Boatfield; grandchildren Kimberly Sutton, and Alisha and Mitchell Garrett; great-grandchildren Paigelynn Morris, Allen Morris, Lilly Garrett, and Maddie Garrett, all of Dahlonega; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, May 20, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Phillip Robinson and the Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Mr. Boatfield or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Johnny Ray Hood: Obituary
Obituaries May 23, 2019
Johnny Ray Hood
March 29, 1960 – May 08, 2019
Mr. Johnny Ray Hood, age 59, of Dahlonega passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
Johnny was born in Duluth on March 29, 1960 to the late Harold Hunter and Lillie Mae Scott. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Lisa Hood. Johnny was a truck driver for Thomas Concrete. He was a hard worker and loved to provide for his family. Johnny loved his grandchildren and they called him “Papa Johnny”. He was an avid NASCAR fan. For his pastime Johnny loved to play poker, gamble, attend auctions, and yard sales.
Survivors include his daughters Christie Payne (James Lee Berry), Dahlonega, and Tina Weaver (Cory), Gainesville; sons Michael Hood (Haley), Dahlonega, and Terry Hood (Ashley), Gainesville; daughter Sharon Christy (Randy), Dahlonega; brother Emmett Hunter (Denise), Grantville; thirteen grandchildren; cousins Randy Hood, Douglasville, Ronnie Hood, Smyrna, and Donna Davis (Steve), Alabama; aunt Sue Hood, Douglasville; and other relatives.
A memorial service for Johnny will be 2:00 PM Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Terry Hood and the Rev. Ronnie Hood will officiate. Johnny’s wishes were to be cremated.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to help with final expenses.
To share a memory of Johnny or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Madge Whelchel: Obituary
Obituaries May 23, 2019
Madge Whelchel
May 05, 1935 – May 04, 2019
Mrs. Madge Whelchel, age 83, of Dahlonega passed away May 4, 2019.
Mrs. Whelchel was born on May 5, 1935 to the late Luster and Ruby Smith Grant. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Joe D. Whelchel; son John William Whelchel; sons-in-law Bill Hanson and Jimmy Early; sisters Nadine Holland, and Bernice Reeves; and brother Theo Grant. Mrs. Whelchel was a member of Auraria Community Club and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She loved playing the guitar. Mrs. Whelchel was a member of Etowah Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughters Brenda Anne Hanson, Dahlonega, and Martha Elliott Early, Blairsville; daughters and sons-in-law Rhonda Whelchel Huckeba and Carl Stowers, Dawsonville, and Carolyn and Big John McMahan, Sweetwater, TN; brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Sally Faye Grant; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday May 6, 2019 at Etowah Baptist Church. The Rev. Sam Rawlins will officiate. Interment will follow in the Etowah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Mrs. Whelchel or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Dahlonega shooting death may have been a case of self defense
News April 27, 2019
Axel Ricky Willis
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is expected to conclude its investigation into the April 20 shooting death of Jason Burnett, 43 of Dahlonega, by the end of next week.
According to a source close to the investigation the incident has a “99 percent certainty of being ruled a case of self defense.”
The source said Burnett arrived at the home of Axel Ricky Willis, 23, at 156 Bill Anderson Road in Dahlonega at which time, words were exchanged regarding Burnett’s estranged wife Heather living with Willis and Burnett struck Willis with a baseball bat, leaving visible marks before being shot and killed.
Georgia’s version of the stand your ground law (Georgia Code 16-3-23-1) states that a person using force in self-defense has “no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground. The key is that the person’s use of force must be in self defense. The law provides either immunity from prosecution or a defense during trial in cases in which a person uses deadly force in public, even if he or she can safely retreat.
The shooting took place shortly after 7:30 p.m. Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office deputies secured the scene before turning the investigation over to the GBI.
While social media accounts have claimed Burnett was shot in the back, sources say those statements are incorrect and that Mr. Burnett was shot in the face.
Several people witnessed the shooting, including Heather Burnett.
A small amount of marijuana was found in the home and Willis was charged with misdemeanor possession but, as of today (April 27) he has not been charged with anything relating to the shooting.
He was transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center where he was placed on a 48-hour hold but was released on $1,200 bond Tuesday, April 23.
Fetch Your News will have more information as it becomes available.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com