You’re Invited! Fannin County Republican Party’s 2025 Valentine’s Day Dinner

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SEC Charges Russell Todd Burkhalter and His Atlanta-Based Firm With $300 Million Ponzi Scheme and Obtains Emergency Relief

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Burkhalter allegedly stole investor funds to buy a $3.1 million yacht and fund a lavish lifestyle.  According to public Georgia records, Burkhalter owns multiple properties in Fannin County, Georgia.

Washington D.C., Aug. 14, 2024 —

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it obtained a preliminary injunction, asset freeze, and other emergency relief against Atlanta-based Drive Planning LLC and its founder and CEO, Russell Todd Burkhalter, to halt a $300 million real estate Ponzi scheme impacting more than 2,000 investors. Additionally, a receiver was appointed over Drive Planning. The SEC alleges the defendants misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds to fund Burkhalter’s lavish lifestyle and to make Ponzi-like payments.

“Drive Planning and Burkhalter gained the trust of everyday people and encouraged them to invest in this scheme by promising exorbitant returns, but as our complaint alleges, the defendants’ business was nothing more than a classic Ponzi scheme, using new investor money to pay returns to existing investors, with Burkhalter stealing millions to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said Nekia Hackworth Jones, Director of the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office. “Investors should be vigilant when they encounter aggressive sellers who make over-the-top sales pitches and promise high rates of guaranteed returns.”

The SEC’s complaint alleges that, from 2020 through at least June 2024, Drive Planning and Burkhalter raised more than $300 million for purported real estate investments, telling investors their money would be used to fund land development projects. The defendants promised 10% interest every 3 months and encouraged investors to tap their savings, retirement accounts, and even open lines of credit to invest. In reality, the defendants did not have a business capable of generating the promised returns, and they instead used investor funds to make Ponzi-like payments, according to the complaint. The complaint further alleges that Burkhalter stole investor funds to fund his luxurious lifestyle, including to buy a $3.1 million yacht and spending $4.6 million on chartering private jets and luxury car services and $2 million on a luxury condo.

The SEC’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, charges Drive Planning and Burkhalter with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. In addition to the emergency relief granted by the Court, which the defendants did not oppose, the SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties against the defendants, and an officer-and-director bar against Burkhalter. The complaint also names Jacqueline Burkhalter, Burkhalter’s spouse, and several related entities as relief defendants and seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains from them.

The SEC’s ongoing investigation is being conducted by Austin Stephenson and Cody Turley, under the supervision of Peter Diskin and Justin Jeffries, of the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office. The SEC’s litigation will be led by Pat Huddleston and H.B. Roback, under the supervision of M. Graham Loomis.

Fall Festival Saturday October 1st at Epworth Community Club with Speaker of the House Rep David Ralston and US Senate Candidate Herschel Walker

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Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Jakey

Community

Meet Jakey, an owner surrender due to no fault of his own. This handsome fox terrier mix is around 8 months old; and 26 lbs. and full of puppy energy. He would love a fenced area and kids to play with! If you have chickens, he is not the pup for you! He is house trained; will have his vetting done soon and be ready for his forever home! For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between
Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Ask the Doc! Cologuards and the Lance Armstrong Shot

Community
ask the doc

Dr. William Whaley has returned for the new year and is ready to answer your questions about colonoscopies vs the Cologuard test and the other about Myelodysplasia and the Lance Armstrong shot.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr5QCeVJ5Ek

Tonya Davenport: Obituary

Obituaries

Miss Tonya Davenport, age 53, of Cherry Log, Ga, died Monday February 24, 2020.

Miss Davenport was born, December 5, 1966, in Gilmer County the daughter of Monte Davenport and Carolyn Long. She was a nurse for Riverside Academy in Atlanta and of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include: mother; Carolyn Long, father; Monte Davenport, sisters and brothers-in-law; Cyndi and Corey Brown, Monja and Jamie Norwood, brother and sister-in-law; Tyler and Kaylee Davenport, special niece and caregiver; Ariel Davenport, aunts, Ann Breeden, Sue Burgess and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday Feb. 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Hagin officiating. The family will meet with friends Saturday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Miss Davenport.

Bernhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Carol Lola Stone: Obituary

Obituaries

Mrs. Carol Lola Stone age 72 of Ellijay died Sunday February 16, 2020.

Mrs. Stone was born May 9, 1947, in, Madison GA the daughter of the late Edward and Vannie Brooks Fitzpatrick.  She was a high school graduate, homemaker and loved poetry, books, painting, animals, and living in the mountains.Her parents, Billie R Stone (spouse), Amy Noel Stone (daughter), Lisa Stone (daughter in law) preceded her in death.

Survivors include: Children: Lara Stone daughter, Ryan Stone son, Julie flowers daughter, Shawn flowers son in law, Grand children:, Joshua Flowers, Caitlin Flowers, Abigail Flowers, Tori Stone, Great-grandchildren:, Jericho Flowers, Keegan Flowers, Brother: Edward Fitzpatrick ,Brother in law: Lee Stone, Sister in law: Mary Stone, Sister in law: Joyce Stone ,along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced later.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

George Washington Lee: Obituary

Obituaries

Mr. George Washington Lee, age 90, of Ellijay, died Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Mr. Lee was born, February 16, 1930, in Atlanta, the son of the late George W. and Viola Hill Lee. He held a Master’s Degree and was a retired teacher with the Fulton County School System.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Betty Moore Lee.

Survivors include: sons and daughters-in-law: George and Rebecca Lee, Newnan, Eric and Amanda Lee, Holly Springs, 3 grandchildren.

No services are planned.

Bernhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Andrew Leon “Andy” Keener: Obituary

Obituaries

Mr. Andrew Leon “Andy” Keener age 62, of Ellijay, died Monday, February 24, 2020.

Mr. Keener was born, July 14, 1957, in Gilmer County the son of Lorene Mullins Keener and the late Alvin Keener. He was retired from Lance trucking and was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his father, son; Robbie Keener, sisters; Linda Nicholson and Barbara Strickland.

Survivors include; wife; Rita Griffin Keener, sons and daughters-in-law; Adam and Abigail Keener, Matthew and Amanda Keener, mother; Lorene Keener, Ellijay, sister; Lisa Kell Ellijay, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. David Nicholson and Rev. Mitchell Pack officiating. Interment will be in the Liberty Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will meet with friends Tuesday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm at the funeral home. Family also request no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ivey Lee Wiggins: Obituary

Obituaries
Mr. Ivey Lee Wiggins, age 74 of Ellijay, GA formerly of Maysville, NC passed on Friday February 21, 2020. Mr. Wiggins was born on March 3rd, 1945 to his late parents Lam Byrd and Myrtle Marie (Cannon) Wiggins in Maysville, NC. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church of Maysville and a retiree of Northrop Grumman Aerospace with over 40 years of service. Mr. Wiggins is preceded in death by his daughter, Helen Hackney, brothers, Wilbur, Pat & Donald Wiggins. Memorial services are being planned for a future date by the family. Interment will take place in the Maysville Memorial Cemetery in North Carolina. Mr. Wiggins is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa & Derek Maxwell of Ellijay, GA, grandchildren, Michelle Ashley Olander, Dylan Scott Maxwell and Michael Lee Maxwell, great granddaughter, Melody Rose Olander, sisters, Dorothy Banks of Maysville, NC, Linda Edwards of Burgaw, NC, brothers, Jerry Wiggins and Bill Wiggins, both of Maysville, NC, Nathan Wiggins of Jacksonville, NC, Johnny Wiggins of Angier, NC and Rodney Wiggins of Pink Hill, NC, several nieces and nephews also survive. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com. Logan Funeral Home & Chapel in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Ivey Wiggins, please visit Tribute Store

Jack Larence Kerr: Obituary

Obituaries
Mr. Jack Larence Kerr, age 80 of Ft. Lauderdale, FL passed on Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 at the Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale. He was born on January 19th, 1940 in Tennessee to his late parents, John and Ruby (Lively) Kerr. Jack was of the Baptist faith and retired as a home builder. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margo (Doyon) Kerr and son, Randy James Kerr. A family memorial service is being planned and held at a later date. Interment will take place in the Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Kerr is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Eddie & Vickie Kerr, grandchildren, Brandon & Karen Kerr, Rev. Jamie & Amber Kerr, Marissa & Rev. Josh Green, Chandra & Darrell Epperson and nine great-grandchildren all of Ellijay, GA. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com. Logan Funeral Home & Chapel in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Jack Kerr, please visit Tribute Store

Alma May Mulkey Luttrell: Obituary

Obituaries

Mrs. Alma May Mulkey Luttrell, age 94, of Ellijay, died Monday February 3, 2020.

Mrs. Luttrell was born February 16, 1925, in Gilmer County, the daughter of the late Samuel and Sarah Wishon May. She worked for many years as co-owner/accountant for B&R Builders, and was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for 53 years. She was preceded in death by her husband’s Buford Mulkey and J.T. Luttrell along with son: Charles Mulkey, granddaughter: Lisa Batten, son-in-law: Dave Dagraedt and daughter-in-law: Shelba Mulkey.

Survivors include: daughter; Wanda Dagraedt, Ellijay, son; Ruel Mulkey, Ellijay, step children: Aaron and Thelma Luttrell, Dorothy and Jim Powell, brother and sister-in-law: Newell and Alice May, Ellijay. 4 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 pm from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Rubin Smith and Rev. Dan Rosser officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

The family will meet with friends Wednesday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund  at P.O. Box 779, 115 Pleasant Grove Road Ellijay, GA 30540 In Memory of Mrs. Luttrell.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Rose Welch: Obituary

Obituaries

Mrs. Patricia Rose Welch, age 85, of Ellijay died Thursday January 23, 2020.

Mrs. Welch was born October 10, 1934, in Augusta, Kansas the daughter of the late John Henry and Georgia Marie Watkins Gray.   She was a housewife and mother and member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include; daughter and son-in-law; Valerie and Rex Jones, Ellijay, sons and daughters-in-law: Darrell Joe and Diane Welch, Summerville, Albert Welch, Jr. Dalton, Larry and Tricia Welch, Jeff and April Welch all of Ellijay, stepson and spouse; James and Debbie Welch, Cleveland sister; Elaine Strimple, LA several grandchildren, great-grandchildren nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 4:00 pm from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Jones and Rev. Larry Stover officiating.  Interment will be in the Yukon cemetery.

The family will meet with friends Friday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Carew Messer: Obituary

Obituaries

Mr. Carew Messer, age 81, of Ellijay, died Sunday, February 2, 2020.

Mr. Messer was born September 30, 1938, in Hindman, KY the son of the late; Alfred and Nannie Holland Messer.  He worked in construction. He is preceded in death by his parent’s, longtime companion, Pauline Tracy and a host of other family members.

Survivors: daughter and son-in-law; Louise and Larry Vanover, Ellijay, special niece; Karen Sizemore, KY, grandchildren; Kelsey (Nathaniel) Williams, Blake Roberts, Natasha (Brandon) Quinones, Derek (Shyan),Vanover, Dustin (Shyanne) Vanover, Dawson Vanover, ,great grandchildren, Makayla Holland, Calvin Quinones, Magnolia Vanover, brothers; Willie ,Adam, Benton and John Messer, all of KY, sisters; Rachel Cornett, Callie Collins, both of KY.

Graveside services will be held Saturday February 8, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Tracy-Messer cemetery in Viper, KY.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Blaine Free: Obituary

Obituaries

Mr. Blaine Free, age 86, of Cherry Log, died Monday January 20, 2020.

Mr. Free was born May 10, 1933 in Fannin County, the son of the late, Homer and Mary Bearden Free. He was a farmer. His parents, and siblings Bonnie Aaron, Charlie Free, James Free, Gladys Long and Eunice Weaver preceded him in death.

Survivors include: sister; Hazel Neal, Blue Ridge, several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Watkins officiating. Interment will be in the Rock Creek Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will meet with friends Wednesday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Billy C. Helton: Obituary

Obituaries

U.S. Veteran

Mr. Billy C. Helton, age 83, of Cherry Log, died Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Mr. Helton was born February 2, 1937, in Gilmer County the son of the late Jess and Jessie Whitener Helton.  Billy was a veteran serving with the U.S. Air Force, of the Baptist Faith and also worked with the Gilmer County Sheriffs office for a number of years.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Barbara Stacy Helton, son; Joel Helton, siblings, Clarence, L.D. and Frank Helton, Agnes Garland and Ruth Painter.

Survivors include: son: Ronnie Helton, Cherry Log, daughter; Phyllis Mayfield, Blue Ridge,   7 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Joey Patterson and Rev. Kenny Hagin officiating.  Interment will be in the Underwood cemetery with graveside honors by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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