Public Safety

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 34 arrests last week, including the following:

•Jason Earl Benson, 32, 6505 German Town Drive, Flowery Branch, theft by taking.

•John Zackery Byrd, 31, 142 Ramble Hill Circle, Athens, probation violation. [Full Story »] 

In a bizarre incident Friday morning, a Commerce Police officer used his pepper spray to subdue a man who attacked him as the officer investigated a report of a man cutting himself with a sword.

Officer Charles Carroll responded to the Ila Road mobile home park and as he walked up to the door a 31-year-old white female came out of the door with a 5-year-old girl beside her. The officer advised the woman to get the child out of the residence. [Full Story »] 

Public health officials confirmed Jackson County’s sixth case of rabies last week.

A raccoon killed on Lords Mill Road near Commerce tested positive for the disease. It came into contact with an unvaccinated dog, which was subsequently euthanized.

So far this year, four raccoons, one skunk and one cow have tested positive, and the cases have occurred in all parts of the county.

Public health officials advise residents to make sure all of their dogs and cats are vaccinated — which is also a requirement of the law, and advise residents to avoid any wild animal exhibiting unusual behavior such as aggression, lack of fear of people or appearances at odd times of days. Any incidents of bites from animals should be reported to the health department or to an animal control officer.

A state representative is introducing a resolution to have singer-songwriter Ricky Fitzpatrick’s song “Highway 98” recognized as the official song of Hwy. 98 between Commerce and Danielsville and to rename the road between Commerce and Danielsville as the "Highway 98 by Ricky Fitzpatrick Highway."

The estimated cost of the dedication is $1,500.

[Full Story »]