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Banks County Investigators are currently looking into a commercial burglary that occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. Friday morning.
Deputies were dispatched to an alarm call at Country Boys Sports located on Caudell Road. When deputies arrived, they found the business had been burglarized and it appeared that a number of guns were missing from the interior of the business.
“We have requested GBI Crime Scene Technicians and the ATF to assist us with processing the scene,” sheriff’s office spokesman Carissa McFadden said. “Our investigators are actively looking into leads of the possible suspects. We are asking any citizen who may have seen anyone or anything suspicious in the area to please contact Investigator Spenser Ventrice at 706-677-2248.”
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Burglary reported at Banks business
Man dies in Banks County house fire
A man died in a Banks County house fire on Sunday. The victim was identified on Monday as Wayne Lee Arrowood, 59 years old.
The residential structure fire, reported to Banks County 9-1-1 at 7:44 p.m. on March 20, was on West Coker Road in Alto.
“Upon the arrival of our units, the house was reported to be fully involved in fire,” said Banks County Fire Chief Robert Wilkins. “We did get a report that a person was most likely inside.”
After the fire was knocked down enough for crews to make entry and conduct a search, the body of a male in his late 50’s was found in a bedroom adjacent to the living room, Wilkins stated.
Wilkins, who is the lead investigator, said the preliminary investigation points to the fire being accidental in nature and originating in the area around a wood heater located in the living room.
“Although everything appears to be accidental, as with any fire death, other steps are taken in the investigation to make sure that it is nothing more than a sad and tragic event,” Wilkins said.
Units from the Lee Arrendale State Prison, Baldwin Fire Department and Banks County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the incident.
The residential structure fire, reported to Banks County 9-1-1 at 7:44 p.m. on March 20, was on West Coker Road in Alto.
“Upon the arrival of our units, the house was reported to be fully involved in fire,” said Banks County Fire Chief Robert Wilkins. “We did get a report that a person was most likely inside.”
After the fire was knocked down enough for crews to make entry and conduct a search, the body of a male in his late 50’s was found in a bedroom adjacent to the living room, Wilkins stated.
Wilkins, who is the lead investigator, said the preliminary investigation points to the fire being accidental in nature and originating in the area around a wood heater located in the living room.
“Although everything appears to be accidental, as with any fire death, other steps are taken in the investigation to make sure that it is nothing more than a sad and tragic event,” Wilkins said.
Units from the Lee Arrendale State Prison, Baldwin Fire Department and Banks County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the incident.
RR wants to take down Lula's bridge
Norfolk Southern Corporation has offered to pay the City of Lula for the demolition of its bridge. The Lula City Council discussed the issue at its March 14 meeting.
City manager Dennis Bergin said that Norfolk offered to pay the city $100,000 and entirely remove the Cobb Street railroad bridge.
The Georgia Department of Transportation closed the bridge earlier this year. The DOT recently found, and Norfolk concurred, that the bridge would need to be completely replaced. [Full Story »]
City manager Dennis Bergin said that Norfolk offered to pay the city $100,000 and entirely remove the Cobb Street railroad bridge.
The Georgia Department of Transportation closed the bridge earlier this year. The DOT recently found, and Norfolk concurred, that the bridge would need to be completely replaced. [Full Story »]
Six local races contested
At the close of qualifying on Friday, six local races are contested.
Races are set for sheriff, BOC chairman, BOC Districts 2 and 4, probate judge and coroner.
Those who qualified include:
•Sheriff – Mark Bandy, incumbent Carlton Speed and Robert “Bob” Blackwell
•Board of Commissioners Chairman – incumbent Jimmy Hooper and Will Ramsey
•BOC District 2 – incumbent David Duckett, Freddie Dalton and David Jones
•BOC District 4 – incumbent Charles Turk and Jerry Baker
•Probate Judge – Keith Gardiner, Shannon Gowder, Helen Hewell and Carolyn Hooper
•Magistrate Judge – incumbent Ivan Mote
•Tax Commissioner – incumbent Becky Carlan
•Clerk of Courts – incumbent Tim Harper
•Coroner – incumbent Bobby Eubanks, Mark Savage and Cameron Boswell
•County Surveyor – incumbent Andy Jordan
•Board of Education Post 1 – incumbent Anthony Seabolt
•BOE Post 2 – incumbent Wes Whitfield
•BOE Post 4 – incumbent Atha Dalton
Races are set for sheriff, BOC chairman, BOC Districts 2 and 4, probate judge and coroner.
Those who qualified include:
•Sheriff – Mark Bandy, incumbent Carlton Speed and Robert “Bob” Blackwell
•Board of Commissioners Chairman – incumbent Jimmy Hooper and Will Ramsey
•BOC District 2 – incumbent David Duckett, Freddie Dalton and David Jones
•BOC District 4 – incumbent Charles Turk and Jerry Baker
•Probate Judge – Keith Gardiner, Shannon Gowder, Helen Hewell and Carolyn Hooper
•Magistrate Judge – incumbent Ivan Mote
•Tax Commissioner – incumbent Becky Carlan
•Clerk of Courts – incumbent Tim Harper
•Coroner – incumbent Bobby Eubanks, Mark Savage and Cameron Boswell
•County Surveyor – incumbent Andy Jordan
•Board of Education Post 1 – incumbent Anthony Seabolt
•BOE Post 2 – incumbent Wes Whitfield
•BOE Post 4 – incumbent Atha Dalton
Inmate has been captured
The Banks County Sheriff’s Office reported around 6 p.m. today the inmate who fled the recreation area of the Banks County Jail Thursday evening has been captured in the area of Trout Lane.
Paul Dylan Gross, 23, fled at approximately 6:55 p.m. Thursday evening and a search, both on the ground and in the air, has been ongoing since that time.
Paul Dylan Gross, 23, fled at approximately 6:55 p.m. Thursday evening and a search, both on the ground and in the air, has been ongoing since that time.
Search still on for escaped inmate
The Banks County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for an inmate who fled the recreation area of the Banks County Jail Thursday night.
"We are working diligently to locate (him)," a Banks County Sheriff's Office Facebook page post states. "We will not stop until he is found. We are currently investigating leads, along with other agencies, and saturating the area where he was last tracked."
Paul Dylan Gross, 23, fled at approximately 6:55 p.m. March 10. He is described as a white male, 5’9”, 150 lbs, brown hair and hazel eyes. Gross is possibly wearing a white T-shirt, orange pants and he was last known to be shoe-less.
“A perimeter near the sheriff’s office is in place and Banks County K9 units are on the ground at this time,” said Sgt. Carissa McFaddin. “We are receiving assistance from other agencies.”
Gross was being held on burglary, theft by receiving and obstruction charges. Anyone who makes contact with Gross should call 911 immediately.
"We are working diligently to locate (him)," a Banks County Sheriff's Office Facebook page post states. "We will not stop until he is found. We are currently investigating leads, along with other agencies, and saturating the area where he was last tracked."
Paul Dylan Gross, 23, fled at approximately 6:55 p.m. March 10. He is described as a white male, 5’9”, 150 lbs, brown hair and hazel eyes. Gross is possibly wearing a white T-shirt, orange pants and he was last known to be shoe-less.
“A perimeter near the sheriff’s office is in place and Banks County K9 units are on the ground at this time,” said Sgt. Carissa McFaddin. “We are receiving assistance from other agencies.”
Gross was being held on burglary, theft by receiving and obstruction charges. Anyone who makes contact with Gross should call 911 immediately.
Road improvements planned at dangerous intersection
Road improvements are planned at a dangerous intersection in Banks County following a request from county leaders to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
A four-way stop will be located at the intersection of Hwy. 63 and Hwy. 198. The Banks County Board of Commissioners, as well as Rep. Dan Gasaway and Sen. John Wilkinson asked the DOT to address the issue. A tragic traffic wreck occurred at the intersection two weeks ago.
“They (the DOT) have completed their work and will be moving forward with changes at that intersection beginning on Thursday, March 10, to be completed by March 24,” Rep. Gasaway said. “Many in Habersham, Banks and Stephens counties use this route. The initial improvement will be to make the intersection a four-way stop. The longer term solution will be the installation of a continuous flow round-a-bout at that location. I appreciate the Georgia Department of Transportation prompt action and attention to this matter.”
A four-way stop will be located at the intersection of Hwy. 63 and Hwy. 198. The Banks County Board of Commissioners, as well as Rep. Dan Gasaway and Sen. John Wilkinson asked the DOT to address the issue. A tragic traffic wreck occurred at the intersection two weeks ago.
“They (the DOT) have completed their work and will be moving forward with changes at that intersection beginning on Thursday, March 10, to be completed by March 24,” Rep. Gasaway said. “Many in Habersham, Banks and Stephens counties use this route. The initial improvement will be to make the intersection a four-way stop. The longer term solution will be the installation of a continuous flow round-a-bout at that location. I appreciate the Georgia Department of Transportation prompt action and attention to this matter.”
Races set for sheriff, District 2 commissioner, probate judge
As of Monday afternoon, races had been set for the sheriff’s seat, District 2 on the Banks County Board of Commissioners and probate judge.
Qualifying opened Monday for seats on the May 24 General Primary Election. Qualifying ends at noon on Friday.
Those who have qualified so far include:
•Sheriff – Mark Bandy and incumbent Carlton Speed
•BOC District 2 – incumbent David Duckett and Freddie Dalton
•Probate Judge – Keith Gardiner, Shannon Gowder and Helen Hewell
•Tax Commissioner – incumbent Becky Carlan
•Board of Commissioners Chairman – incumbent Jimmy Hooper
•BOC District 4 – incumbent Charles Turk
•Clerk of Courts – incumbent Tim Harper
The list will be updated each day with the final list of qualifying candidates to be posted Friday afternoon.
Qualifying opened Monday for seats on the May 24 General Primary Election. Qualifying ends at noon on Friday.
Those who have qualified so far include:
•Sheriff – Mark Bandy and incumbent Carlton Speed
•BOC District 2 – incumbent David Duckett and Freddie Dalton
•Probate Judge – Keith Gardiner, Shannon Gowder and Helen Hewell
•Tax Commissioner – incumbent Becky Carlan
•Board of Commissioners Chairman – incumbent Jimmy Hooper
•BOC District 4 – incumbent Charles Turk
•Clerk of Courts – incumbent Tim Harper
The list will be updated each day with the final list of qualifying candidates to be posted Friday afternoon.
Arrests made in armed robbery
In a joint operation, Banks County investigators and personnel from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department have arrested four suspects in connection with the armed robberies that occurred in Homer and in Athens on the morning of March 3.
Dillion Alonzo Harper, 18, was arrested at 140 Hollow Ridge Drive in Athens. Harper’s history shows that he previously lived in the Commerce area. Ladarius Clark, 17, was arrested at 1400 Town Square in Athens. Two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, were both also detained in Athens. All suspects are being charged with armed robbery and additional charges are pending.
Harper and Clark are being housed at the Clarke County Jail while the juveniles are being housed at a juvenile facility in Gainesville.
The armed robbery in Homer was at 12:44 a.m. at the Golden Pantry on Historic Homer Highway. Three male suspects went into the store wearing bandannas over their faces and armed with handguns.
An armed robbery of a Golden Pantry in Athens was reported the same day, during early morning hours.
Dillion Alonzo Harper, 18, was arrested at 140 Hollow Ridge Drive in Athens. Harper’s history shows that he previously lived in the Commerce area. Ladarius Clark, 17, was arrested at 1400 Town Square in Athens. Two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, were both also detained in Athens. All suspects are being charged with armed robbery and additional charges are pending.
Harper and Clark are being housed at the Clarke County Jail while the juveniles are being housed at a juvenile facility in Gainesville.
The armed robbery in Homer was at 12:44 a.m. at the Golden Pantry on Historic Homer Highway. Three male suspects went into the store wearing bandannas over their faces and armed with handguns.
An armed robbery of a Golden Pantry in Athens was reported the same day, during early morning hours.
Armed robbers hit Golden Pantry in Homer
An armed robbery was reported at 12:44 a.m. at the Golden Pantry on Historic Homer Highway in Homer.
The suspects are described as three young black males wearing dark sweat pants and dark hoodie sweatshirts. One of the suspects was wearing pink shoes. Two suspects were wearing backpacks--one blue and one black.
“The three males all went into the store wearing bandannas over their faces and all three males were armed with handguns,” Carissa McFadden, spokesman for the Banks County Sheriff’s Office states. “A vehicle was not seen in the parking lot by store personnel and it is unknown if a vehicle was parked nearby.”
Agencies assisting overnight in canvassing the area in attempts to locate the suspects included GSP Aviation and GSP ground units, Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division, Lee Arrendale K9 and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
Thursday morning, McFadden stated: “We have called off all efforts of a ground search of the suspects from this morning's armed robbery. A K9 track was unable to be located. It is highly possible that these individuals had a getaway vehicle out of sight of store personnel and surveillance cameras
The suspects are described as three young black males wearing dark sweat pants and dark hoodie sweatshirts. One of the suspects was wearing pink shoes. Two suspects were wearing backpacks--one blue and one black.
“The three males all went into the store wearing bandannas over their faces and all three males were armed with handguns,” Carissa McFadden, spokesman for the Banks County Sheriff’s Office states. “A vehicle was not seen in the parking lot by store personnel and it is unknown if a vehicle was parked nearby.”
Agencies assisting overnight in canvassing the area in attempts to locate the suspects included GSP Aviation and GSP ground units, Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division, Lee Arrendale K9 and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
Thursday morning, McFadden stated: “We have called off all efforts of a ground search of the suspects from this morning's armed robbery. A K9 track was unable to be located. It is highly possible that these individuals had a getaway vehicle out of sight of store personnel and surveillance cameras
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