GBI called in to investigate missing funds in Summerville police Christmas fundraiser
SUMMERVILLE — The GBI is investigating missing funds in Summerville’s Santa in Uniform bank account, according to Summerville Police Chief Stan Mosley.
Friday the chief was alerted that an undisclosed amount of money was unaccounted for in the department’s bookkeeping records. He immediately called for the GBI’s help in tracking down those missing funds.
As the investigation starts, longtime city employee and Municipal Court Clerk, Stacy Fountain, has resigned, Chief Mosley said. The police chief suspended her without pay on Sunday, pending the investigation into the bookkeeping records she controls for the Santa in Uniform and other accounts.
“I want to apologize to everyone who has helped or donated to the Santa in Uniform program because money is missing and I don’t have an answer for it yet,” Chief Mosley said. Santa In Uniform provides Christmas shopping trips to economically disadvantaged children in Chattooga County.
The Summerville News
Aragon Pumpkin Festival coming this weekend
ARAGON — Despite being the smallest town in Polk, Aragon doesn’t pull any stops when it comes to festivals or celebrations.
Alongside an annual Barbecue and Children’s Day, the city is now looking to celebrate the first ever Pumpkin Fest this weekend on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tom Pittman Field, at 105 New Prospect Road.
Scarecrows, cornstalks, and pumpkins are being gathered for decorations, and activities such as pumpkin painting contest, the find the pumpkin contest, and a cakewalk are planned for fall lovers.
Depending on the number of teams who sign up, Pumpkin Fest will be home to a softball tournament as well.
The event is free, but there will be plenty of opportunities for festival-goers to do some shopping.
A total of 24 vendors have already signed up to sell almost everything citizens could want including snow cones, cotton candy, funnel cakes, paparazzi jewelry, handmade bracelets, barbecue, LuLa Roe fashion, boiled corn, soaps, candles, pumpkins, fall and Christmas decor, Halloween crafts, peanuts and peanut brittle.
The vendors are only increasing, and there are still spots for those who want to set up shop.
“We are still taking vendors,” Pumpkin festival organizer Jess Ozment said.
“Vendors will have to go to Aragon City Hall during business hours to fill out the form and pay the $10 booth fee to reserve a spot.
“Let the city know if you will need electricity.”
The date of Pumpkin Fest is fast approaching, but the festival is still collecting vendors, players and items. “We are still on the hunt for men’s softball teams,” Ozment said. “Please contact Marcy Garrison Pope for more info at 678-901-7923.”
Sean Williams, The Polk County Standard Journal