Additional charges against Build An Ark as other rescues continue taking animals
News April 5, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – With more seizures ordered from vets and additional charges coming against Build An Ark, two more animal rescues have stepped in to take animals in from the animal rescue outside of Coosawattee River Resort in Ellijay, Georgia. Posting photos of the animals and sharing stories about the animals they are receiving, these two rescues are also speaking out against what they are calling abuse and neglectful treatment.
With major action having begun in January of this year, more and more people are speaking publicly against Build An Ark. During the owners arraignment hearing on March 4, 2022, protestors gathered both inside and outside the Gilmer Courthouse in downtown Ellijay. Many of those protestors swore to continue action and public measures during the proceedings.
Photos by Waddle On Inn Rescue and TMMA Farms & Sanctuary.
Now, additional animals are being taken from the location in April as both Waddle On Inn Rescue Inc., a rescue near Blue Ridge, Georgia, and TMMA Farms & Sanctuary, a rescue near Trion, Georgia, say they worked together to take ducks, a chicken, an alpaca, and two horses with plans to take more including at least a donkey. Waddle On Inn posted a statement saying, “We’ve been involved with this since Jan 12th. We have personally taken 26 animals to date.”
Additionally, both of these rescues have started fundraisers for feed and care for the newcomer animals. According to TMMA Farms, other rescues are also helping with animals they cannot. They have taken in the horses. They specifically noted Savethehorses.org and Flynn Fields Rescue, Inc who helped with a pig. Much of this extra help is needed, according to statements made on social media, because these two rescues specialize in certain animals. Waddle On Inn states that they are specifically a waterfowl rescue and TMMA Farms states they normally just rescue llamas and alpacas.
Both have made several posts vehemently admonishing the conditions they say that animals are being found in at Build An Ark. Citing only the animals they took, the noted an abscess on one horse along with a hoof infection, a growth that is likely cancerous in the eye of a horse, matts in wool and feathers, malnourishment, mites, possible leg injuries on the alpaca that causes her to be unable to stand or walk, and many others.
TMMA Farms has reported that the alpaca has slightly improved since the seizure, but is still fighting to be able to stand for more than 18 seconds at a time.
With the additional seizures and investigations, these rescues also claim that additional charges have been filed. FYN spoke with Animal Shelter and Animal Control Director Daniel Laukka who did confirm that he is in the process of reporting 10 additional citations to the courts.
Build An Ark owner Susan Littlejohn was arraigned on two counts of Animal Abuse and two counts of Animal Cruelty on March 4, 2022. The case is set to go before the Magistrate Judge on May 11, 2022. In speaking with a representative of the Magistrate Court, they stated that depending on what the charges are could influence if they are included in the same date or could require a separate hearing.
Additionally, reports say that other litigation is underway to evict Build An Ark from its current location on Coosawattee River Resorts property.
Friday will see protest against Build An Ark in Ellijay
News March 2, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – With permits and permission completed, a group of citizens will be gathering this Friday Morning outside of the Gilmer County Courthouse in a planned protest against Build An Ark animal rescue.
Looking for a peaceful protest according to statements made, the group is gathering in the county parking lot next to the courthouse and behind the Gilmer Chamber Downtown Welcome Center.
According to Martha Cash, one of those who sparked the idea and initiated the protest, they planned the protest to line up with the arraignment of Susan Littlejohn, of Build An Ark, on animal cruelty charges.
Coosawattee has already terminated the rental contract for Build An Ark in February according to reports and Gilmer County’s Animal Control has taken animals from the facility. However, this is not the first time that Build An Ark has been investigated. Complaints and reports in 2017 saw the Department of Agriculture investigate allegations at the site. At that time, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told FYN that cases like this are referred to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources as they are better equipped and better trained for such investigations.
The Department of Agriculture is once again involved this year as Build An Ark again faces allegations on animal cruelty. Vets have been onsite and forced relinquishment of animals in the rescue. Cash said that Gilmer County Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka has been “instrumental in getting most of the animals out.”
However, Linda Lowe, another of the organizers for Friday’s protest, said that eviction isn’t the end of the issue. She is pushing to remove the remainder of the animals from the facility. Lowe stated that there are three other rescue organizations looking to take the rest of the animals. Lowe volunteered at Build An Ark for four years and is setting the protest to send a message to the judge for Friday that she wants a prevention from any possibility for Susan to go somewhere else and start again.
Lowe stated, “We need people to help us with this.”
Now, with social media posts also advertising the protest, citizens are gathering to, as one post on Ellijay PETS stated, “bring awareness and express a desire to see Susan held accountable for this animal house of horror.”
However, despite statements from citizens, the court case is only in its beginning stages and no conviction has been made yet. Build an Ark stated in 2017 that they have been investigated four times by the Department of Agriculture upon claims before, all of which resulted in no citations.
The protest is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. downtown.
Rodriguez arrested in Delgado murder, extradition could mean trial in Georgia
News July 3, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – Joint releases continue from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as another arrest has been made for involvement with April 2021 murder of Rossana Delgado, this time for Juan Ayala-Rodriguez.
Reaching all the way back to the original warrants for their alleged involvement, the GBI, working in partnership with the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) Atlanta and San Diego, coordinated the transfer to U.S. custody of Juan Ayala-Rodriguez, age 35, after his arrest in Mexico.
Rossana Delgado was discovered in April of 2021 in Cherry Log where she was allegedly murdered.
On April 24, 2021, FYN reported Rodriquez, of Gainesville, Georgia, along with three other suspects, as wanted in connection to the murder. Later, in May 2021, reports came of the arrest of two of those original four alongside a fifth suspect. Now, Rodriquez is the third of the original four arrested.
According to the GBI, “Rodriguez was arrested in Durango, Mexico on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The USMS-San Diego and Customs and Border Protection oversaw the transfer of Rodriguez to USMS custody and subsequent detention at a California facility. Rodriguez is pending extradition to Georgia to face murder charges.”
No specific information is available on which court Rodriguez may face the charges in. Delgado was last seen in Doraville, Georgia on April 17, 2021. Her husband and authorities tracked her phone as a possible location of Delgado to Covington Highway, which is more on the southeastern side of Atlanta. Eventually, her body was found in a residence in Cherry Log, Georgia, in Northeast Gilmer County.
The GBI stated, “USMS and the United States Department of Homeland Security (HSI) have worked diligently to assist the GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office in this case and in this arrest. The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office are very grateful for the support and efforts of the USMS, HSI and all agencies involved in effecting this arrest.”
The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office continue to actively investigate this case and the individuals involved in the murder of Rossana Delgado. With three of the four original warrants executed and in custody, the fifth suspect arrested and in custody, the GBI asserted that a coordinated effort to locate and arrest the other three murder suspects, Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez, Carolina Jazmin Rodriguez-Ramirez and Maria Chavez is active and ongoing.
As always, the GBI requests that anyone with information to please contact the GBI. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Favorito speaks on election ballots court case in Henry County
BKP Politics, Election 2020 April 14, 2021
The day after the Henry County, Georgia, trial over election ballots, Founder of VoterGa.org Garland Favorito spoke in an interview about the case, current elections, and the process to achieve voter integrity.
A 20-year-veteran of elections and voter integrity since the rise of paperless “DRE” (direct recording electronic) voting machines, Garland Favorito has pushed heavily since the 2020 Presidential Election for voter integrity and elections reforms.
Speaking on the changes in voting machines and the inclusions of Dominion, Favorito spoke on the original issues that citizens and his group raised with Dominion and any other software that records votes through a barcode or QR code. However, over their objections, legislation approve the software.
Now, Favorito speaks out about other key pieces of evidence of election law violations through signed affidavits from Poll Managers handling counterfeit ballots. Specifically in Fulton County and the Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office, Favorito took an Open Records Request to court over seeing ballots casts that was denied by both the county and Raffensperger.
Looking to verify counterfeit ballots, double scans, or other evidence of voter fraud, Favorito is seeking to bring in experts in documentation and forensic examiners to aid him in inspecting Fulton’s elections ballots.
Calling it corruption, Favorito has denounced both Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Georgia’s Attorney General Chris Carr for putting in roadblocks to keep his organization from looking at public documents. Georgia’s “Sunshine Law” allows for Open Records Requests submissions to view public documents. Favorito’s basis is viewing these public documents under the allowance for Open Records.
He went on to add that he believes the Secretary of State does not want any investigation that could reveal things that don’t add up, meaning he, as the Secretary, would have a major issue to explain.
During the court case, the judge ruled to turn over the ballot images. Images would be of a lower quality, according to Favorito, who said the quality would not be sufficient to perform the analysis he wants. The simple question he raises is why can he not simply view the original ballots. Yet, Favorito only sees this a step on the path, as he said he wants to return, as ordered, with a more in-depth plan and redoubled efforts to reach the actual, physical ballots.
Favorito calls the case a victory, gaining one of the four things he wanted, the images. But it is not over.
Returning to the case in 34 days, his organization is asking for a visual inspection, a forensic inspection, and the standard election report.
Along a similar note, Favorito commented on Georgia’s SB 202. Favorito called the bill a “mixed bag” of good and bad. While it did allow for public ballot images and elimination of private money, the bill did not provide any protection, according to Favorito, from having to spend thousands of dollars and months in courts to get physical access. He also noted the bill does not provide for forensic examinations of election ballots.
With elections processes the way they are and with Dominion machines still in place, Favorito said he didn’t see how Georgians could feel comfortable with elections under Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger who has attacked election directors in counties reporting machine failures and defends the machines that have failed.
County backs off from creating Board of Elections
News February 11, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Once again returning to conversations of an election board in Gilmer County, the Board of Commissioners is putting the agenda item to create a board on hold.
According to Commission Chairman Charlie Paris, the BOC will not host the agenda item on every meeting as previously planned. The decision came among the board’s agreement after Paris reported that he thought it best to seek an alternative path due to his investigations and considerations of the board’s make-up.
Paris said, “When I got to looking around some at Elections Boards, what I found is that yeah almost all counties have them, but a lot of counties are having a lot of problems with them.”
Paris noted Fulton County specifically whose election board is denying legal requests for documents. He also noted reported problems in Fannin County where board members won’t speak to each other.
Paris said, “I don’t believe the two parties can hold civil conversation between themselves nowadays.” Though he noted that he previously believed Gilmer might be one of the few places it could occur, he no longer felt that way.
Acknowledging that elections have grown, Paris said he understood that elections are so minutely watched and that the work is substantially larger than it used to be.
The discussion continued with Post Commissioner Hubert Parker saying he agreed with not moving forward on an election board until the alternative has been studied.
Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain
That alternative that the Board of Commissioners agreed to pursue and the Probate Judge Scott Chastain is currently looking into, involves reconfiguring the Probate Office to possibly include some extra staff to “offload” some of that work.
What the Probate Office would use this staff for in off years without elections is yet to be discussed. However, the concept is in very early stages as both entities continue to look for a path forward.
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson said, “I think that’s fantastic because that group has done a fantastic job with our elections.”
Paris echoed the sentiment saying Gilmer is among the few counties, in his opinion, that had a flawless election.
With a solid path forward for the commissioners, Paris made a final note that he told Judge Chastain that if there was a push in state legislation to force a Board of Elections, Gilmer would “fight it tooth and nail.”
However, Paris was also quick to note that while he shared this with Judge Chastain, it was not as a threat. Rather he wanted him to know the county’s stance. Paris said the conversation was “not contentious.” He went on to add that Chastain has been very civil in all conversations considering the county’s path forward for elections.
County budget pushes Probate-Elections debate to next year
Election, News December 8, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Among budget discussions, the County’s Board of Commissioners revisited a major topic of discussion in recent months over elections in the county and what office or board should oversee them.
While approving an increase for Tracey Teague as she was appointed Associate Judge, the county has not settled on a decision on how to move forward with elections within the Probate Court Office, Registrar’s Office, and the possibility of an Election’s Board.
While the BOC stated it understands the importance of this subject to the Probate Court, Chairman Charlie Paris questioned saying, “I think the decision we have to make is how important is it to the county as a whole.”
Paris stated that he was speaking only personally when he noted that he has not found an Election Board configuration that he liked for Gilmer.
Additionally, adding an additional Election Board would increase the budget to fund that board. While the Probate Judge, Scott Chastain, receives a stipend for being Elections Superintendent of $4,500, Paris said a full election board would increase above that.
Probate Judge Scott Chastain
The board said collectively that they understood the impact and added stress of having the elections in his office as well as some concerns of the running and operating the elections that he also is running for his position in.
Post Commissioner Hubert Parker pointed out some community response as citizens have spoken with him saying that they debated the point saying he knew the elections were a part of the job when he first ran for office.
An alternative to an election board, the commissioners discussed increasing the stipend for Chastain to continue overseeing the elections. An idea Chastain himself brought up in a county meeting previously.
While the entire Probate Office operates and is used for elections through their office, the Commissioners discussed that much of the detailed work and oversight is undertaken by Chief Registrar Tammy Watkins. Elections, in essence, is already overflowing out of the Probate Office into Registrars. However, this is nothing new. Watkins has been working on elections in some degree for years, reaching back into the previous Probate Judge Anita Mullins.
The difference since those previous years has come as Watkins went from simply working on elections, to overseeing large portions of the process as Chief Registrar. Early Voting is completely undertaken in the Registrar’s Office at the courthouse, Watkins has also spoken recently with the second recount that was called for Georgia elections about the work she and staff has undertaken.
Chief Registrar Tammy Watkins
Increasing the stipend for Probate Judge Scott Chastain as overall Superintendent would increase his pay for that process, but would not change much in the office as far as the operations. However, creating an Elections Board would increase more costs for the county as they establish an entire board for oversight.
A comment from Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson brought up another avenue explored previously by the board as she again questioned appointing another person as Election Superintendent. Previously, Watkins, as the county’s Chief Registrar, was considered to take the position of Elections Superintendent and, possibly, move the stipend from Probate Judge to Chief Registrar. Previous concerns over the election superintendent not being an elected position brought up questions about the position’s responsibility and how they answer to the people.
The commissioners agreed that they understood that the Chastain shoulders a lot of responsibility as the Elections Superintendent, and respected the request for something to be done. As discussion continued, the Commissioners opted to continue and finish out the current elections “as is.”
Moving forward, the commissioners will revisit the conversation in 2021 to take action on the item before the next big elections coming in 2022. Paris said that he wants to look into the subject and revisit the subject on a timetable rather than just leaving the item in discussion at every single commissioner’s meeting.
Gilmer Probate recognizes Clerks state certification
News November 19, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County’s Probate Office has recognized achievements for two of its clerks as they have reached 90 hours of state training to become “Certified Probate Clerks.”
Probate Clerk Jennifer West, right, receives her certification from Gilmer Probate Judge Scott Chastain, left.
Probate Judge Scott Chastain presented both Jennifer Carney and Jennifer West with certificates for their state certification at a ceremony this week.
Chastain said, “Carney is a deputy probate clerk who focuses most of her time on probate matters, but is also very capable of doing just about anything that needs to be done in the office. West is a deputy probate clerk who focuses most of her time assisting citizens with general questions, marriage licenses, weapon carry licenses, paying traffic citations, death and birth certificates and many other duties at the front window.”
The training is administered and approved by the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education and the Council of Probate Judges. Chastain noted last year that these programs offer a recognition for 30 hours and 60 hours of training for the program.
Speaking to both Carney and West, Chastain said, “I am extremely proud of these ladies and their tremendous accomplishment.”
Probate Clerk Jennifer Carney, right, receives her certification from Gilmer Probate Judge Scott Chastain, left.
While this week celebrated and recognized these two clerks for their accomplishments, this day also represents another step for the Probate Office. In April 2019, Judge Chastain stated a goal that he wanted to have all five staff members state certified.
Now, with the completion of the 90-hour certification program, Gilmer County now has all five of the probate clerks state certified. This is includes Jennifer Carney, Jana Grno, Lyndsay Hightower, Tracey Teague, and Jennifer West. The previous three, Jana Grno, Tracey Teague, and Lyndsay Hightower, were recognized last April.
With this, according to Chastain, there are currently 12 Probate Offices in the state of Georgia that have all of their clerk’s state certified. However, Chastain added, “I believe Gilmer County is the only county in Georgia that has a staff of five and all of them are certified.”
Chastain seeks Election Board instead of Probate Office for elections
News November 15, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Amid budget talks and election recounts, Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain is continuing seeking to move elections out of the Probate Office and to an alternative, like an election board.
Scott Chastain, Probate Judge of Gilmer County
The issue has been broached in budget talks over recent years as the number of Probate Judges’ in Georgia remaining as elections superintendents has decreased. Chastain has requested that Gilmer’s Board of Commissioners take steps now to move elections to be run by an appointed board.
Chastain commented in the Commissioners November meeting saying, “I think with 23,500, plus or minus, registered voters in Gilmer County and 16,500 or so of those voting in this last election, Gilmer County has risen to the level of population where it is very difficult, I believe, for me to continue to do what I do as a Probate Judge and put on a hat as an Election Superintendent as well. It has always bothered me, too, that I am in control of elections in a county that I run for office. I am on the ballot. To me, that is a conflict…”
Rising debates from the commissioners explored ideas of a three-person-board versus a five-person-board as well as the idea of appointing a new election superintendent that isn’t the Probate Judge. They immediately questioned such a position and its accountability, but did consider options from other public positions either elected or appointed by the county.
Chastain himself suggested at one point that the Board of Commissioners consider creating the Board of Elections within the Registrar’s Office and possibly including Chief Registrar Tammy Watkins on the board or as the superintendent. The sentiment was later partly echoed by Board of Voter Registration member Sherri Jones who offered her personal opinion saying that she would also like to see the elections join with the Registrar’s Office.
Probate Judge Sott Chastain speaks to Gilmer’s Board of Commissioners about elections and moving them out of the Probate Office.
Chastain urged the commissioners to take action on creating a Board of Elections before the increasing numbers of counties moving to a board creates state pressure. He said that he wanted to work with the county on building it with them the way they wanted it before a state legislation comes and mandates the move. A direction that he strongly feels is coming in the future and a legislation that he said he would likely support if brought up. It is a sentiment that he feels many other probate judges would share. He also added that he did not, personally, believe that the Council of Probate Judges would oppose it.
Already researching legislations from other counties that have created an election board, Chastain presented this research as well as a plea to reconsider the idea that has seen no fruition to this point. Noting that there are 32 counties left in Georgia that still have the Probate Judge overseeing the elections including Gilmer. He stated that 28 0f the remaining 31 judges (not counting Gilmer) in the state that still oversee elections want it removed from their office.
Chastain said, “It’s a matter of time before, I think, the state does that.”
The board has still not taken action on the subject as it was brought up during Citizens Wishing to Speak section and not on the agenda. However, the Board of Commissioners did look to put the item on the December agenda for further consideration and possible action through options like a new superintendent or an election board.
Probate Court gets Associate Judge
News November 8, 2020
ELLIJAY, GA. – Gilmer County’s Probate Court Judge Scott Chastain is naming a new Associate Judge in the office.
Tracey Teague was the name mentioned during meetings as Chastain began speaking with the Board of Commissioners about the promotion to fill in for him in certain situations. He also said that he was told he had to bring the request to the Board of Commissioners as the position normally comes with a pay increase along with an increase in responsibilities. Because of the pay increase, it becomes a budgetary issue.
Gilmer County Probate Court Associate Judge Tracey Teague
Chastain said that he needed the Associate Judge for times when he may be away for training courses or other matters requiring him to be out of the county. He told the Commissioners that he, historically, has had the Pickens County Probate Judge fill in in times like this. However, with the recent virus outbreak, several Probate Judges have been exposed to COVID and a statewide recommendation has suggested that Probate Offices consider appointing someone to this position so that there will be support as well as a clear fill-in should something happen or to cover the possibility of a death.
The position is appointed by Chastain serves at his leisure and can be replaced whenever the Judges wishes. However, initial appointment and establishment of the position goes back to the previously mentioned budgetary requirements for the board.
Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain
Also, the appointment shall only last as long as he stays in office, the new Judge could decide and appoint a new associate as they wish.
Teague, since approved, will step in a serve whenever Chastain requests for her to fill in due to an absence. A prime example of such needs came mere months ago when Scott Chastain tested positive for COVID-19. In that situation, it would have fallen to Teague to carry on until he returned.
The approval for Teague came with a caveat that the position was approved. But the Board made comments that the position’s pay increase would be put in with the budget requests as normal and was not approved in the same motion.
Teague was announced as Judge Chastain’s Chief Clerk in 2019 and had already served as Chief Clerk under Judge Mullins. She handles much of the requirements in traffic court, and Chastain previously that he already uses her as Chief Clerk for certain administration needs when he is out of the office.
Possible COVID-19 exposures in Gilmer and Fannin’s Court Systems
News July 7, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Several offices in both Fannin and Gilmer County are closing today as reports indicate one or more employees may have had exposures to the Coronavirus in recent days.
The District Attorney’s Office in both Fannin and Gilmer have closed today. Additionally, Gilmer’s Probate Office has confirmed closing and the Gilmer Board of Commissioners has cancelled its Wednesday morning Work Session citing a “recent spike in Covid-19 cases.”
The Gilmer County Probate Court released a statement with this photo saying they would be closed immediately and “until further notice.”
The Probate Court of Gilmer County issued a statement on Social Media saying, “The Probate Court Office of Gilmer County will be closed effectively immediately and remain closed until further notice.”
FYN has also confirmed that every office of an elected official in Gilmer County has been closed until Monday along with the court systems with the exception of the Sheriff’s Office.
According to County Attorney Lynn Doss and Fannin Magistrate Judge Brian Jones, Fannin County’s Court systems are also shutting down including Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and Probate Court. The closings come “by order of the Chief Judge Brenda Weaver.”
According to Fannin County Commission Chairman Stan Helton, only the second floor of the courthouse is closed and it will reopen on Monday after it has been sanitized.
Despite the offices closing and courts canceling, the Gilmer Courthouse and Fannin Courthouse are both, as a whole, not closed at this time. Citizens may still enter the courthouses.
Reports are coming in that in Gilmer, Sheriff’s Deputies at the security checkpoint in the entrance are informing citizens of the offices and courts closing and are directing visitors accordingly.
Additionally, FYN confirmed that the Gilmer Planning and Zoning Office was closed late last week due to possible exposures of an employee.
Sources tell FYN that at least one of the exposures this week may have been related to a recent church revival held in Gilmer County. However, no cases have been officially confirmed at this time.
Current Magistrate Judge Ken Roberts Announces Candidacy for Gilmer County Chief Magistrate
News February 18, 2020
Ken and his wife, Karen, have called the Coosawattee neighborhood home for thirteen years and describe Gilmer County in one sentence: “Friendship with a sense of community.”
Ken’s public service career began with a five-year tour in the United States Air Force, followed by a fire service career in Central Florida, where he retired as Assistant Fire Chief after 25 years.
His public service career continued with the Seminole County Department of Public Safety, serving first as the Public Information Officer, then as County Emergency Management Director, and retiring as the Director of Public Safety. All of these positions involved coordination with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the navigation of county-level government operations.
Ken currently serve as a Magistrate Judge for Gilmer County. He has served the Magistrate Court – which is often referred to as “the People’s Court” – with one simple philosophy: Do the right thing, always. This approach has served Gilmer County well, earned him the respect of the local law-enforcement community, and proven to be especially valuable when dealing with citizens coming to court for the first time.
Ken is running for Chief Magistrate in order to continue applying his philosophy of fairness, respect, and always doing the right thing; and would appreciate your vote.
For more information, visit electkenroberts.com
Judicial Order closes Courts in the Appalachian District
News March 13, 2020
GILMER, Ga. – An order declaring a Judicial Emergency has been released from Chief Judge Brenda Weaver was filed today in Gilmer County regarding civil and/or criminal court proceedings in the Appalachian Judicial Circuit (Gilmer, Fannin, Pickens counties).
The order states, “The nature of this emergency is the continued transmission of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 throughout the State of Georgia and the potential infection of those who are required to appear in our courts and interact with large groups due to jury service, including grand jury service, or other large, non-essential calendars.”
As for the cases slated for next week, the order states, “It is the order of the Court that jury trials are CONTINUED, and no jurors or grand jurors shall report, and no jury trials shall be held for a period of 30 days from the date of the entry of this order.”
The order charges all parties and attorneys in specially-set hearings between March 13, 2020, and April 11, 2020, to contact the assigned judge for directions.
The order provides this list of the Amended 2020 Superior Court Calendar in that same time frame:
Additionally, the order calls for attorneys and clients to report and notify each other of any sign or showing of symptoms of illness, even mild ones, prior to or after court as well as any contact or exposure to a Coronavirus positive individual. The attorneys should then contact the judge’s office if this occurs.
The order also states a list of people that “shall not enter Pickens, Gilmer, or Fannin Courthouse or any probation office Pickens, Gilmer, or Fannin Counties, without prior permission from the Chief Judge.” Those people include:
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Persons who have been in any of the following countries or regions within the last 14 days:
STATE OF WASHINGTON
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK
CHINA
SOUTH KOREA
JAPAN
ITALY
IRAN
EGYPT -
Persons who reside or have had close contact with someone who has been in one of the countries listed above within the last 14 days;
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Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency;
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Persons who have been diagnosed within, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19);
The order charges Sheriff’s offices in these counties to deny entry to those in violation of this order. It also gives guidance to those under this order’s restrictions on the steps to take. Read the full Judicial Order below:
Judicial Order p1
Judicial Order p2
Judicial Order p3
Judicial Order p4
Judicial Order p5
Judicial Order p6
Judicial Order p7
Reagan Griggs Pritchett announces candidacy for Magistrate Judge of Gilmer County
News February 17, 2020
To the citizens of Gilmer County:
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Reagan Griggs Pritchett and I am running for Chief Magistrate. A multigeneration citizen and native of Gilmer County, I am the daughter of Maynard and Denise Griggs. I am married to Kevin Pritchett. The son of Doug and Lynne Pritchett, he is also a lifelong resident and now a member of the Ellijay City Council. A member since childhood, we attend the First United Methodist Church of Ellijay.
I am an honor graduate of Gilmer High School. I also graduated with honors from the University of North Georgia. I went on to get a Masters in Political Science from Georgia State University. I am currently a PhD candidate at Georgia State. My PhD is in political science with a concentration in public law. I also currently teach American Government undergraduate courses at Georgia State University. Government and the law are both my knowledge and my passion.
I am choosing to run for Magistrate because I want to help make a difference in the county that helped raise and mold me into the person I am today. My father is a retired Post Commander of the Georgia State Patrol. Before pursuing a passion for teaching, my mother was a special agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Being the daughter of both a law enforcement officer and a teacher taught me the importance of the intersectionality of toughness, fairness, and compassion. I want to build on the legacy and foundation left by those who have held the office previously. I believe that I have the honesty, integrity, and solid work ethic that will be required by this position. As a lifelong native, I am fully invested in Gilmer County. This is my home and my community and I wish to be an active member of its future as your future Magistrate. I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and your vote in the Republican Primary on May 19, 2020. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email at: [email protected].
You can also find more information on www.facebook.com/reagangpritchett
Thank you and God Bless our great county,
Reagan Griggs Pritchett
Kevin Johnson Announces His Candidacy for the 2020 Gilmer County Chief Magistrate Elections
Election February 14, 2020
Kevin Johnson proudly announces his candidacy for the 2020 elections for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer County.
As a veteran of the Marine Corps and with over 30 years of law enforcement experience, his dedication to service continues on as he humbly asks for support in his campaign to further his community that he cares so much for.
As a former Georgia State Patrol Trooper, he has received annual training in courtroom demeanor, case law, affidavits, arrest warrants, search warrants, and courtroom testimony. He is very experienced in courtroom demeanor and procedures as it relates to trial law. During his career, he has often been called upon to give expert testimony in both criminal and civil court cases.
His background establishes a solid foundation to serve as your Chief Magistrate. He has the experience that makes him the right choice to serve our community in this role.
Election day is Friday, May 19, 2020. The elections will be held concurrently with the statewide primary election.
Learn more about Kevin Johnson and his campaign by visiting www.facebook.com/badgetobench
Contact info:
Name: Kevin Johnson
Organization: Kevin Johnson for Chief Magistrate
Email: [email protected]
Norman Gibbs III announces his candidacy for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer
Election March 6, 2020
Hi everyone, My name is Norman Gibbs III. I would like to let everyone know that I am running for Chief Magistrate Judge of Gilmer County. I am married to Ginger Logan Gibbs. We have two sons, two daughter-in-laws and 5 grandchildren. I have lived in Gilmer County for over 45 years. My wife has lived here all of her life. We are proud and very thankful to live in this wonderful county.
Over the years this nation has significantly changed, but Gilmer County has continued to be a great place to raise a family. I have decided to run for Chief Magistrate because I enjoy making decisions based on the facts using the law and because it gives me an opportunity to use my experience for the good of our county. I want Gilmer County to maintain that safe hometown feel that will allow my grandchildren and future generations to enjoy it.
I worked in Ellijay at Blue Ridge Carpet Mills for 31 years. The last 20 years I served as Vice-President of Operations and Vice President of Logistics. My responsibilities included complete control of the manufacturing operation as well as inventory control, customer service, production planning and scheduling. There were over 100 employees involved in the operation. Important decisions had to be made on a daily basis. I also learned throughout my career the importance of dealing with all situations in the correct manner. This gives me the experience needed to carry out the responsibilities of this office.
As an ordained Baptist minister for 29 years I know the importance of having integrity, honesty and treating all people equally. All people are special and should be treated as such (for we all have a soul).
I sincerely ask for you to vote for me in the upcoming Primary on May 19, 2020. Your vote will be greatly appreciated! Thank you and may God bless the United States of America!!