Republican Party leaders expect big crowd at Pence/Kemp rally in Dalton

Here’s a look at what’s happening in other parts of North Georgia:

Vice President Mike Pence’s rally Thursday in Dalton is aimed at firing up the Republican Party’s base and getting supporters out to vote, say local GOP leaders.

Pence and the Republican Party gubernatorial candidate, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, will appear at the convention center Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The two also have rallies scheduled for Savannah and the Augusta area that day.

Pence held a rally in Dalton during the presidential campaign in August 2016, when he was Donald Trump’s running mate.

Two years ago, Pence’s rally was held in the ballroom of the convention center. This year, it will be held in a much larger arena, according to Whitfield County Republican Party Chairman Dianne Putnam.

“Two years ago, we had a capacity crowd of about 700, and security told us there were about 1,500 people who wanted to get in who couldn’t,” she said. “We are thinking this time we will have 2,000 to 2,500 people.” Charles Oliver, Dalton Daily Citizen

Deputy struck by vehicle while chasing break-in suspects

A Cobb deputy is recovering after being struck by a vehicle early Monday morning while thwarting a suspected car break-in, police say.

The incident occurred near the Square just before 4 a.m., according to Officer Chuck McPhilamy, spokesman for the Marietta Police Department.

The deputy was monitoring security video when he observed a suspect break into a parked vehicle at 32 Waddell Street. He confronted two suspects who fled the area, McPhilamy said. One left on foot and the other jumped into their own vehicle before and drove toward the deputy, striking him, according to police.

The deputy drew his weapon and fired toward the vehicle that hit him.

He was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but police are still searching for the two suspects. The Marietta Daily Journal

Man found guilty of murdering Woodstock woman

Ringgold resident Michael Russell was found guilty of murder on Friday and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was convicted of murdering 41-yearold Christy Waller, on March 3, 2017 in her apartment.

Russell, 42, was convicted on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, false imprisonment and two counts of aggravated assault, and a drug charge related to possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. Waller was described by authorities as Russell’s girlfriend. Her body was discovered by her two children.

According to indictments against Russell, he beat and strangled Waller, hitting her with his hands and a piece of a laptop computer, “repeatedly striking (Waller) about her head, face, extremities and body, causing multiple lacerations and contusions.” The Cherokee Tribune