Flags flying for Battle of Chickamauga
FORT OGLETHORPE — Flags representing the 20 states that sent soldiers to fight the Battle of Chickamauga are on display through October on LaFayette Road.
The city decided to buy the flags as part of its efforts to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battle.
Pat Silcox, in full 1863 dress, presented the flags and an update on signage to the Fort Oglethorpe City Council with help from Boy Scout Troop 2 from Fort Oglethorpe and Scout Troop 52 from St. Elmo.
“I had ancestors that fought with the Confederacy in Alabama and ancestors that fought from Tennessee, and some of those fought for the Union,” Silcox said. “So I had them on both sides, and I like to say, we just remember the veterans — we don’t choose a side. So tonight we are going to remember. These flags represent about 124,000 men and boys.”
Two large road signs will be added to the display on LaFayette Road. They list the states and the number of soldiers who fought and died in the nearby battlegrounds.
Thee city’s Tourism Association is planning a Sept. 14-15 festival with food, vendors and entertainment. The event will be at the polo field in Fort Oglethorpe in conjunction with National Park Service events scheduled for the same days.
All clear: Bridge reopens to traffic
CEDARTOWN — The old cobblestone bridge on College Street reopened to traffic Mon- day after being closed during the weekend to assess damage.
An 18-wheeler became stuck on top of the bridge while attempting to cross over on Saturday.
Cedartown police cited the driver, Gerald Davis of Ellenwood, who said he was following his GPS device.
The truck had to be towed off and the bridge was shut down so officials could check for damage and safety issues. Bob Worthington, head of the city’s street maintenance department, reopened the bridge Monday, saying there was no damage to the structure.
Visit www.thepolkfishwrap.com for more news.
Felony indictments returned in scam
ROSSVILLE — A Walker County grand jury has returned six indictments against Christi Re- nee Morgan, 46, and Roger Allen Morgan, 52, of Rossville.
The couple allegedly bilked Jackie Humphrey of her life savings during a three-year period, beginning in 2008.
The jury charged the Morgans with six felonies — one for violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and five counts of federal tax evasion.
Prosecutors claim the couple used Humphrey’s debit card in Hamilton County, Tenn., for at least $83,000 in purchases as well as for $20,000 in purchases made by their son, Christopher Morgan.
The Morgans filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in response to a civil lawsuit against them in 2011.
The Morgans’ arraignment hearing is scheduled for July 31 in Walker County and the case is tentatively being added to the November docket of criminal cases.
Visit www.catwalkchatt.com for more news.
Hartline is Legion second in command
CENTRE — The American Legion Department of Alabama has a new vice commander.
Cherokee County’s own David L. Hartline was sworn in June 22 in Huntsville. This is the first time Cherokee County has had a veteran reach these heights in the national organization.
“This is an honor to be selected by my own post, district, division and state to serve them in the fight for veterans rights — and to work with young people in the 39 programs within the American Legion,” said Hartline.
Hartline has given motivational speeches all around the country to churches clubs and veterans groups and active duty troops for many years.
His previous American Legion positions include Post No. 62 commander, District 13 commander and Division 1 commander.
Visit www.cherokeeherald.com for more news.