GBI releases sketches of homicide suspects

CANTON — Georgia investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify two men wanted in connection to a home invasion turned homicide that occurred in North Georgia last year.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation released two sketches of male suspects who are believed responsible for the death of an Emerson man who was found shot on Interstate 75 in January 2016.

Herbert Perkinson, 49, of Emerson, was shot and killed after a home invasion at his residence in Emerson, then Cherokee Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Jay Baker reported to the Tribune.

Perkinson was found along I-75 after deputies were dispatched to an unknown trouble call on southbound I-75 just north of the Cherokee County line at about 5:49 a.m. Jan. 17, 2016, and discovered he had suffered a gunshot wound.

“Deputies located a male lying on the inside warning lane of the interstate with an apparent gunshot wound to his torso,” Baker said at the time.

Perkinson was transported to WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.

Emerson Police posted on Facebook the same day Perkinson was found that a home invasion robbery occurred at a residence off 11th Street in Emerson at about 5:15 a.m. Chief Stan Bradley said the robbery was an “isolated incident,” in the post. It was apparent Perkinson “knew his assailants and was targeted by them due to a disagreement,” he said.

Anyone with any information about the suspects is asked to call 1-800-597-8477.

Madison Hogan, Cherokee Tribune

Company seeking approval to put in 4,000 solar panels near Trion

SUMMERVILLE — A company is seeking Georgia Power’s approval to install 4,000 solar panels inside the Town of Trion.

United Renewable Energy LLC, of Alpharetta, wants to build a solar farm and sell the energy its produces to the power company, according to Mike Joelly, utility projects manager for United Renewable Energy.

If approved, the company will build the panels off U.S. 27 between the Triangle Shopping Center and the river bridge. The property is owned by Larry C. Martin of Rome.

The town voted to support United Renewable’s application to Georgia Power. The site is located near the town’s wastewater treatment plant and could indirectly supply it some power through Georgia Power’s system, Jolley said.

“The energy will be sold to Georgia Power. There will not impact the town of Trion,” Jolley said.

Mayor Larry Stansell said he was surprised the council agreed to support the project. He did not think United Renewable had supplied the council with enough information to make an informed decision.

Jolley told the council that if Georgia Power approves the project, United Renewable would give the town $10,000.

“The project would also add about a $1 million-plus to the tax digest,” Jolley said.

The solar company would pay Trion $4,792 a year based on the town’s current property tax rate.

The Summerville News