Final Fourth of July Holiday traffic toll
News July 8, 2019
GEORGIA STATE PATROL PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA — Traffic crashes across Georgia during the July Fourth holiday travel period resulted in 26 traffic deaths. This year, the holiday travel period was 102 hours long. It began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.
Statewide, Georgia State Troopers investigated 513 traffic crashes resulting in 307 injuries, and 17 fatalities. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, 422 people were arrested for driving under the influence, while 12,554 citations and 16,846 warnings were issued.
In 2018, the Fourth of July travel period was 30 hours long.
1 Killed, 1 Serously Injured in Dahlonega Crash
News June 26, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – One person was killed and another seriously injured in a head-on collision on Morrison Moore near the intersection of Rabel Drive in Lumpkin County Friday at 7:34 p.m.
According to the report by Georgia State Patrol SFC Curtis W. Bradshaw Jr., Bonnie Bisbee, 50, of Dahlonega was killed while traveling south on Ga. Hwy. 60 in a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer that crossed the centerline, striking the 2006 Dodge Ram driven by Shandra Loggins, 50, of Dahlonega head on.
Bradshaw stated that the Bisbee vehicle rotated counter clockwise and came to an uncontrolled rest, blocking the northbound travel lane facing east.. The Loggins vehicle traveled off the east shoulder rotating counter clockwise and came to a final uncontrolled rest facing west
Bisbee was pronounced dead at the scene. Loggins received serious injuries and was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment
Dahlonega man charged with vehicular homicide in fatal crash Monday
News March 26, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga — On March 26, 2019, at approximately 11:57 hours, Troopers from the Cumming Post of the Georgia State Patrol were called to investigate a fatal crash in Lumpkin County on SR 9/SR 52 (Morrison Moore Parkway) at Auraria Road.
A 2004 Dodge Durango, driven by 74 year old David Woodburn Davis from Dahlonega, was towing a 1980 homemade utility trailer and was turning left from SR 9/SR 52 (Morrison Moore Parkway) onto Auraria Road. A 2018 JIAJUE JJ150T-26 motorcycle, driven by 68 year old Loyd Randall Ash from Dahlonega, was traveling east on SR 9/SR 52 (Morrison Moore Parkway) toward Dahlonega.
The Dodge Durango turned left in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the left side of the trailer being towed by the Dodge Durango. Mr. Ash was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Davis was arrested at the scene, was charged with failure to yield while turning left and homicide by vehicle (2nd degree), and was transported to the Lumpkin County Jail. Mr. Davis was not injured in the crash.
Mr. Ash was wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the crash and did possess a motorcycle permit to operate the motorcycle.
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
Georgia State Patrol reminds drivers to be safe St. Patrick’s Day weekend
News March 14, 2019
ATLANTA — St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend, and the Georgia State Patrol is reminding partygoers to put safety first. State troopers will be on patrols keeping an eye out for impaired drivers and any other traffic violations that could potentially cause a crash.
“St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays where troopers see a spike in impaired driving,” said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against Georgia law and compromises the safety of everyone on the road, so if you drive impaired you will be arrested,” he added.
Last year, during St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March 16-18, 2018), Georgia State Troopers investigated 304 crashes that resulted in 178 injuries and six fatalities. In addition, troopers arrested 196 people for driving under the influence and issued a total of 2,554 citations and 3,195 warnings.
The best way to prevent alcohol-related traffic deaths during this holiday is careful planning. “Partygoers should have a plan for getting home safely if they choose to drink alcohol,” said Colonel McDonough. “Designate a sober driver or make other arrangements to get home by taxi or rideshare service,” he added.
If you are the designated driver, make sure you keep an eye out for pedestrians. Also, drive carefully and defensively. You may be sober, but that may not be true for the other drivers or pedestrians on the roads. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, do not hesitate to notify local law enforcement. You could save someone’s life.
In addition to planning a safe ride home, partygoers should stay hydrated and not leave their drinks unattended. Party hosts should serve lots of food, have non-alcoholic beverage choices, keep a watchful eye on their guests, and have the phone number of local cab companies on hand should someone need them. But most importantly, if you see someone who is about to drive impaired, try to help them make other arrangements to get home safe.
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
Georgia State Patrol Defending “America’s Best Looking Cruiser” Title
State & National August 9, 2017
Lumpkin Co. Traffic Stop Results in Chase, Four Arrests
News March 1, 2017DAHLONEGA, Ga. –M
onday at about 9:25 p.m. officers with Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Black Jeep Grand Cherokee for erratic driving and failure to maintain on Ga Hwy. 115. The vehicle failed to stop, thereby initiating a vehicle pursuit that led into White County with speeds exceeding 85 miles per hour.
The suspect drove through some yards in a subdivision off of Asbury Mill Road in White County before wrecking into a tree.
The driver then ran into the surrounding woods. The other three suspects in the vehicle were immediately detained. The driver of the vehicle was apprehended shortly afterwards by a Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit.
Georgia State Patrol assisted in the vehicle pursuit and the accident report.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Chad Click, 27. The other three passengers were identified as Joshua Gilleland, 28, Joan Martin, 24, and Angel Turpin, 20, all from Hall County. Martin sustained some minor injuries due to the vehicle wreck.
Click was issued numerous citations which included DUI/Drugs, fleeing and attempting to elude a Police Officer, driving without a license, along with numerous other traffic violations. An amount of methamphetamines was located within the vehicle. Currently, all subjects are in Lumpkin County Detention Center pending warrants for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act. A bond has not been set at this time.
State troopers set for busy Memorial Day weekend
News May 20, 2019
ATLANTA –The Georgia State Patrol is urging drivers who will be traveling throughout the state this weekend to make safety a priority. This year’s Memorial Day 78-hour holiday travel period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 27.
During the holiday period, state troopers will be on high-visibility patrols keeping an eye out for impaired drivers and other traffic violations that could potentially cause a crash. “We want to make holiday travel as safe as possible,” said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “Observe the posted speed limit, don’t drive distracted, and plan a safe way home if consuming alcoholic beverages is in your plans,” he added.
Before you begin your trip, make sure your vehicle is “road ready”, by checking fluids, tires, brakes, etc. Also, make sure that everyone is wearing their seatbelt and that small children are properly restrained. “Remember to stay alert behind the wheel, ‘pack your patience’, and be courteous to other drivers at all times,” the commissioner said.
During the 2018 Memorial Day holiday, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 510 traffic crashes that resulted in 320 injuries and three traffic fatalities. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, troopers arrested 323 people for driving under the influence, while issuing 8,639 citations, and 11,979 warnings.
During the Memorial Day travel period, the Georgia State Patrol will again be participating in the national mobilization of the ‘Click It, or Ticket’ program. State troopers will be working alongside sheriffs’ deputies and police officers to enforce Georgia’s seat belt laws and to educate the public on the importance of wearing seat belts while traveling in motor vehicles. This program is coordinated in Georgia by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
The holiday traffic fatality count will be updated throughout the travel period on the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Twitter account: http://www.twitter.com/ga_dps.
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
Lumpkin County deputy injured in Sunday crash
News April 16, 2018CLEVELAND, Ga. — A Lumpkin County deputy on his way home following his shift Sunday morning was injured in a three-vehicle accident on Hwy. 115 just inside the White County line.
The Georgia State Patrol incident report indicates the deputy, Donald Lewis, and the driver of a Honda Minivan were traveling east on Hwy. 115 while the driver of a Toyota Tacoma was driving west.
The driver of the Toyota traveled off onto the shoulder of the road then over corrected, crossed the center line and struck the minivan. The deputy’s patrol car was struck by the Tacoma in the right side.
All three drivers were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The deputy has a broken right foot and right hand. The at-fault driver is 18 years of age. He is being charged with failure to maintain lane, driving under the influence under 21 years of age, possession of alcohol under 21 and serious injury by vehicle.
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
Motorcyclist Injured After Police Chase in Dahlonega
News November 3, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – What started as a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) for a motorcyclist riding in a reckless manner, ended in a high-speed chase, crash and the arrest of seven of the motorcyclist’s fellow riders.
Lt. Alan Roach of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office reported that a deputy on patrol on Ga. Hwy. 9 received the BOLO then spotted a black motorcycle travelling north near Ben Higgins Road at a high rate of speed.
The deputy activated the lights and siren on his marked patrol vehicle. As the pursuit entered into City of Dahlonega, the driver of the motorcycle lost control and crashed while negotiating a curve. The responding officers provided medical attention until EMS arrived.
Roach said deputies had difficulty communicating with the unidentified motorcyclist in an attempt to determine the extent of injuries due to a language barrier.
“He was able to communicate to the officer in some broken English that he was hurting in his hip and also in his shoulder,” Roach said. “The officer, of course, immediately kept him stationary and waited for fire and EMS to get there to treat him for the injuries.”
After EMS arrived, the motorcycle rider’s fellow riders arrived on scene to check on him. The officers checked the identification of the riders and found that seven were operating the motorcycles without a license.
They were arrested and transported to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Detention center. The original rider was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The accident was turned over to the Georgia State Patrol, and charges are pending on the driver that had been involved in the accident.
Motorcyclist Suffers Serious Injuries in Lumpkin Co.
News February 20, 2017
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — Michael Wayne Evans, 57, of Cumming was injured when he lost control of his Harley Davidson motorcycle and crashed into the west embankment on SR 11 (Hw. 129) in Lumpkin County Sunday evening.
The motorcycle overturned onto its right side and slid into the embankment. Evans was transported by Lumpkin County EMS to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where he reportedly sustained serious injuries.
Sgt. Casey Coffee, Assistant Post Commander of Georgia State Patrol in Cumming, said that no charges are forthcoming.
Lumpkin Co. Drug Bust Nets $43,659 in Methamphetamine
News January 31, 2017DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) and Georgia State Patrol made a drug bust Monday that netted two suspects and nearly a pound of methamphetamine with a street value more than $43,000.
Sheriff’s deputies and ARDEO agents served a warrant at 15520 HWY. 129 (Mountain View Campground)
As the search was being obtained, Georgia State Patrol provided surveillance of the residence. Charles Buck Granados left the residence just prior to the search being conducted and was arrested at Linda’s Convenience Store 5001 Hwy. 129. Granados was a federal fugitive being sought by the U.S. Marshal’s. In addition to the federal charges, he has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine in Lumpkin County. Laurie Morgan was also arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine in connection with this search warrant.
Lumpkin County Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide
News December 7, 2016
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A 22-year-old Dahlonega man has been charged with first degree vehicular homicide after one person was killed and five others injured in a wreck near the intersection of Thompson Bridge Road and Price Road in north Hall County Tuesday around 9:30 p.m.
The Georgia State Patrol said Jonathan Flanagan, 22, of Dahlonega was driving a Mitsubishi Endeavor northbound on Thompson Bridge Road when he failed to maintain his lane and hit a southbound Hyundai Sonata being driven by Elizabeth Alvarez-Perez. The victim, Jesus Alvarez-Perez, the driver’s son, was one of three passengers in the Sonata.
Cpl. Spencer Munger said four occupants of the Sonata were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in critical condition. Jesus Alvarez-Perez died Wednesday morning as a result of his injuries.
Flanagan was taken to the hosputal, but suffered only non-life threatening injuries.
In addition to vehicular homicide, Flanagan has been charged with DUI drugs, three counts of DUI serious injury by motor vehicle and a list of other traffic and criminal charges. He said Flanagan will be transported to the Hall County Jail when he is released from the hospital.
City Officials Discuss FY ’17 Budget at Work Session
News June 17, 2016
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Dahlonega City Council held a work session Thursday. A key item up for discussion was the FY 2017 budget.
Council is considering producing a summary budget rather than a detailed budget for FY 2017. The summary budget would be designed to save time and effort and reduce the potential for error. A more detailed budget will be available to the public by request. On July 27, the city will publish the millage rate, 5-year history and availability of the budget and will advertise for public hearings. If a proposed millage increase is above the roll-back rate the city will advertise for public hearings for “Notice of Property Tax Increase.” The completed tax digest will be submitted to the State Revenue Commissioner by Sept. 1.
Also on the agenda was the purchase of two work stations and one server with dual hard drives and data software from Universal Control for the Water Treatment Plant at a cost of $27,475.
Council then discussed renewal of the 2-year option in its contract with United Community Bank.
A discussion of Capital Asset Policy followed. Council discussed changing the Capital Asset Policy threshold from $2,000 to $5,000, setting the Capital Project Fund threshold at $50,000 (currently there is no limit) and preparing a 5-year window for the Capital Improvement Project that would listing only items above the $50,000 threshold in the Capital Project Fund.
The city’s law enforcement needs are currently provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office via a Service Delivery Strategy (SDS), the Georgia State Patrol and University of North Georgia. With SDS renewal discussion about to take place, city council expressed the desire to review its options and is considering appointing a sub committee to aid in that review.
Council also heard a request by the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce to change the street closings for Dahlonega’s Family 4th of July Celebration to include closing of the North & South Public Square parking lot on Sunday July 3 after 6 pm for vendor setup and the closing of West Main & Waters Streets on Monday, July 4 from 6 am – 8 pm.