New transit route improves jobs access for Roper Corp. employees in Walker County
Walker County Sheriff’s Office booking report for Feb. 1-7
Walker Transit recently expanded its services to improve access for workers in need of transportation to one of Walker County’s largest employers. The creation of a new route for Roper Corp. provides the plant’s workforce with direct pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Walker County.
“Roper Corporation approached us about addressing some of the employment barriers that exist in our community,” said John Logan, Walker Transit director. “One solution we agreed on was helping those without adequate transportation get to and from work. Through a partnership with our local Hardee’s restaurants, we established bus stops at their locations in Rossville, Chickamauga and LaFayette to provide a ride to Roper.”
The new route operates on the following schedule for pickup Monday through Friday:
5:15 a.m. – Hardees, 300 McFarland Ave., Rossville
5:35 a.m. – Hardees, 12876 N. U.S. 27, Chickamauga
5:55 a.m. – Hardees, 813 N. Main St., LaFayette
6:15 a.m. – Roper Corp., 1507 Broomtown Road, LaFayette
Walker Transit then returns to Roper Corp. at 5:30 p.m. and transports riders back to the Hardee’s bus stop location of their choice.
Roper Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of GE appliances, employs more than 2,100 people in Walker County. Due to increased demand for appliances, the company announced plans last month to add another 150 workers locally.
“The Roper route is a pilot project that could be expanded to assist other industries in
the future,” Shannon Whitfield, Walker County Board of Commissioners chairman, said. “There are several other large employers in our county that may find a service like this beneficial to their employees.”
One-way transportation costs $4 per person, which is the standard rate for all Walker Transit customers.
♦ Bennett Jr., Larry Charles, 33, 306 Cedar St., LaFayette, Ga., simple battery (family violence)
♦ Walker, Melissa Jill, 54, 300 Cooper St., 201, LaFayette, Ga., criminal trespass — trespassing on property
♦ Howard, James Meredith, 71, 1628 Wilson Road, Rossville, Ga., simple battery, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor), simple battery (family violence), battery (family violence) (first offense) (misdemeanor)
♦ White, Dakotah Hawke, 31, 128 Blue Grass Lane, (city not provided) Ga., criminal trespass — family violence
♦ Frye, Michael Shane, 46, 277 Hill Drive, LaFayette, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
♦ Dempsey, Shane Lamar, 37, 118 Mundee Drive, Rossville, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
Clingan Jr., Robert Edward, 50, 473 Hurtt Road, Chickamauga, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
♦ Smith, Kevin Wayne, 42, 571 Marble Top Road, Chickamauga, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
♦ Lusk, Richard Carter, 48, 212 Sams Drive, Chickamauga, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
♦ Long, David Brian, 37, 206 Wilder Road, Chickamauga, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
♦ Clingan Christian Lea Nicole, 22, 166 Parrish Circle, Chickamauga, Ga., aggravated cruelty to animals (X11), loitering and prowling, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor)
♦ Smith, Cody Dewayne, 30, 191 Lawson Road, Trenton, Ga., fugitive from justice
Mosier, Ronnie Dean, 38, 2106 Foust St., Chattanooga, Tenn., probation violation (felony)
Gregory, Mason Delane, 25, 2442 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone, Ala., probation violation (felony)
♦ Hudson, Hayden Bruce, 28, 51 N. Ridge Drive, LaFayette, Ga., failure to obey traffic control device, driving under the influence of alcohol, possession less than 1 ounce marijuana, open container beer/ale/proter/stout/other similar beverages
♦ King, Nathan Bryan, 27, 145 Cherokee Drive N.E., Cleveland, Tenn., trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana or methamphetamine
♦ Sanders, Louisa Ann, 45, 369 Cooper Road, Rock Spring, Ga., tampering with evidence (felony), possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana or methamphetamine
♦ Carney, James Arthur, 41, 820 8th St., N.E., Cleveland, Tenn., trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana or methamphetamine
Sanders, Randall Keith, 57, 11 Old LaFayette Road, Rock Spring, Ga., tampering with evidence (felony), possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender; trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana or methamphetamine
♦ Sanders, Justin Morgan, 48, 1035 Clearbrook Court, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., improper lane change/failure to maintain lane, following too closely, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol
Sanchez Jr., Steven Paul, 30, 733 W. James St., Rossville, Ga., failure to appear (felony), battery
Edwards Jr., David Gene, 44, 204 Lake Ridge Road, Chickamauga, Ga., probation violation (felony), possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance
Madaris, Dora Michelle, 46, 783 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville, Ga., probation violation (felony), possession of methamphetamine; receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender
♦ Nerren Jr., Richard Allen, 39, 272 Lake Ridge Road, Chickamauga, Ga., possession of methamphetamine; receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender
♦ Parker, Christopher Eugene, 34, 506 Magnolia St., LaFayette, Ga., altered license plate, no insurance, driving without a valid license (misdemeanor), probation violation (felony)
♦ Ellison, Fred William, 32, 240 Chapman Court, LaFayette, Ga., possession of methamphetamine; purchase, possess, manufacture, distribute or sale marijuana
♦ Rackley, Justin Brock, 37, 35 King St., LaFayette, Ga., probation violation (felony), criminal trespass — damage to property under $500, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor), possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon or felony first offender
♦ Whitten, Lauren Elizibeth, 30, 734 Greenbush Road, LaFayette, Ga., simple battery (family violence), criminal trespass — damage to property under $500, probation violation (misdemeanor)
♦ Delancett, Charisse Lynn, 33, 6178 S. Highway 27, LaFayette, Ga., battery, probation violation (felony)
♦ Owen, Terry Allen, 45, 146 Alton Terrace, Rossville, Ga., battery
♦ Sweet, Travis Scott, 28, 1095 Airport Road, Trion, Ga., criminal trespass — family violence
♦ Farmer, Cherity Hope, 23, 307 S. Main St. Apartment 15, LaFayette, Ga., disorderly conduct
♦ Farmer, Barron Antonio, 42, 79 Hardin Road, Chickamauga, failure to appear (felony)
♦ Ballard, Nikki Austine, 43, 20 King St., LaFayette, Ga., hold for court
♦ Doss, David Wayne, 37, 204 Hamilton Drive, Chickamauga, Ga., parole violation, simple battery (family violence), simple assault (family violence), terroristic threats, obstructing or hindering persons making emergency phone calls
♦ Seals, Jordan Christopher, 21, 306 Shahan Lane, LaFayette, Ga., criminal trespass — family violence
♦ Curry, Leonard Jonathan, 42, 101 Park St., LaFayette, Ga., failure to appear (felony)
♦ Roach, Whitney Lashay, 30, 203 W. 10th St., Chickamauaga, Ga., burglary first degree, possession of Schedule I heroin, possession of methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property (felony), probation violation (felony)
♦ Hayes, Mitch A., 46, 3908 Calhoun Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn., burglary first degree, possession of Schedule I heroin, possession of methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property (felony)
♦ Cutcher, Ryan Terrell, 36, 44 Corinth Road, LaFayette, Ga., theft by taking (misdemeanor); injuring, tearing down or destruction of mailboxes; injuring, defacing or destroying mail
♦ Crutchfield, Adam Lee, 31, 135 Garretts Chapel Road, Chickamauga, Ga., possession and use of drug-related objects, possession of methamphetamine
♦ Carnes, Ricky Len, 44, 70 Cone Lane, Chickamauga, Ga., fugitive from justice, speeding, driving while license suspended or revoked (first offense)
♦ Hamilton, Devon Waron, 26, 827 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville, Ga., probation violation (felony)
♦ Berry, Marion Jewett, 29, 303 N. Flora St., LaFayette, Ga., simple battery (family violence)
♦ Lykes, Marion Deunta, 2907 E. 25th St., Chattanooga, Tenn., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Burk, Thomas Andrew, 31, 101 Park St. Apartment F, LaFayette, Ga., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Hurt, Chad Franklin, 28, 408 Dogwood Circle, LaFayette, Ga., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Shirley, Brian Dale, 24, 47 Greenbriar Lane, Ringgold, Ga., probation violation (felony)
♦ Bone, John Anthony, 61, 4606 Kirkland Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn., probation violation (felony)
♦ Hayworth, Robert Bradley, 42, 27 Taylor Drive, Chickamauga, Ga., theft by taking (felony)
♦ Engle, Athena Nicole, 19, 101 Park St., LaFayette, Ga., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Curry, Sarenia Frye, 38, 101 Park St., LaFayette, Ga., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Beaird, April Michelle, 19, 101 Park St., LaFayette, Ga., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Denson Jr., Warren John, 52, 894 Kemp Road, LaFayette, Ga., willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (misdemeanor), driving under the influence of drugs, theft by taking (felony) (motor vehicle)
♦ Parker, Keith Franklin, 40, 4511 Delishment Road, Hixson, Tenn., probation violation (felony)
♦ Bell, Erika Jeanine, 29, 3725 Fountain Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn., possession less than 1 ounce marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession and use of drug-related objects; crossing the guard line with weapons, intoxicants or drugs; possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit a crime
♦ Wiley, Jacarie Breshaila, 22, 2766 4th Ave., (no city or state listed), failure to obey traffic control device, possession less than 1 ounce marijuana, driving under the influence of drugs
♦ Mitchell, Phillip Eugene, 22, 7258 N. Marble Top Road, Chickamauga, Ga., possession less than 1 ounce marijuana, driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane change/ failure to maintain lane
♦ Starnes, Nicholas Paul, 31, 594 Walnut Grove Lane, LaFayette, Ga., improper lane change/failure to maintain lane, driving while license suspended or revoked (first offense)
♦ Norwood, Ian Michelle, 35, 76 Virginia Ave., Rossville, Ga., driving while license suspended or revoked (first offense)
♦ Cranfield, Shaun Phillip, 41, 2316 Meadowbrook Trail, Chattanooga, Tenn., possession and use of drugrelated objects, possession of methamphetamine; receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender; possession of firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit a crime
Owens, Timothy Edward, 32, 1400 Chamberlain Ave., (no city or state listed), driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while license suspended or revoked (first offense), no insurance, improper lane change/failure to maintain lane, failure to yield to emergency vehicle
♦ Lee, Rachael Shabhon, 40, 411 Carolyn Drive, Chickamauga, Ga., hold for court
♦ Shaw, Amanda Joelle, 29, 15590 Alabama Highway, Rock Spring, Ga., driving without license on person, no license plate, driving under the influence of drugs, possession of less than 1 ounce marijuana, possession and use of drug-related objects, possession of methamphetamine
♦ Mark, Lee Harry, 43, 601 James St., Rossville, Ga., possession of methamphetamine
♦ Teems, Travis Lamar, 55, 57 Breezy Trail, Rossville, Ga., failure to appear (misdemeanor), theft by bringing stolen property into state (felony), theft by receiving stolen property (felony), possession and use of drug-related objects, possession of methamphetamine
♦ Hakes, Gary Taylor, 26, 158 W. Fork Lane, Chickamauga, Ga., too fast for conditions, improper lane change/failure to maintain lane, driving under the influence of alcohol
♦ Brown, Jeremy Chad, 34, 828 Childress Hollow Road, Chickamauga, Ga., too fast for conditions, improper lane change/failure to maintain lane, driving under the influence of alcohol
♦ Parker, David Rene, 38, 12349 N. Highway 27, Chickamauga, Ga., disorderly conduct
♦ Baggett, Angeline Allanna, 40, 2018 Rogers Road, Rossville, Ga., possession and use of drug-related objects, possession of methamphetamine
♦ Cotton, Michael Edward, 29, homeless, Ga., probation violation (felony)
I’ve stayed away from writing to you about the COVID-19 virus because there is so much more information out there and I don’t have anything scientific to add.
We’ve all developed new habits and learned to appreciate staying at home.
I try to keep in touch with church friends by telephone and by jotting a few lines on an old-fashioned post card. They are no longer a penny but at least you don’t have to lick the flap of an envelope and try to create enough interesting things to take up a whole sheet of paper.
Most people are learning to read again and exploring new television channels.
We’ve learned to shop by phone and have groceries and meals delivered to our cars. Some churches have drivein services. You have to wear your mask everywhere.
Having the vaccine available gives people something new to fuss about.
Finding a pharmacy or supplier for the shot has become the modern version of an old scavenger hunt with a time limit.
Store clinics either had the vaccine or will have it in the future, but nobody has it right now.
The last time we went through something like this, those of us “of a certain age” were children and the polio epidemic swept the country in the mid-century.
Polio is caused by a virus and there is still no cure, but vaccines are available.
There was so little information on living safely from polio that our parents kept us at home and made us take naps. Polio created some scary summers because kids were out of school and wanted to be together but we couldn’t and didn’t understand why.
There were patients with impaired respiratory systems in “iron lungs.” These things look like iron coffins with windows and worked by creating low air pressure inside where the patient was lying prone.
Some hospitals had rooms full of the things and some were hauled around on trucks so people could see them in action. It wasn’t pretty, but it wasn’t meant to be: It was meant to be educational.
The similarity between COVID-19 and polio is “fear.” You can’t tell who is infected by looking at them so you stay away from everyone.
Georgia was at the point of polio rehabilitation at Warm Springs, where President Roosevelt built a cottage called “The Little White House” and died there.
Unlike today, the search for an effective vaccine took decades. Eventually, Dr. Jonas Salk and his staff at the University of Pittsburgh started a trial in Virginia in 1954.
I think we all look forward to COVID-19 going the way of polio. The last number of infections for polio I could find was for 2018 with 33 infections worldwide.
I think we could all live with that.
Recently I was honored to deliver the eulogy for my uncle, Owen Norris of Ider, Alabama. He was a child of the Great Depression. He learned how to build and fix things out of necessity, he served our country in a MASH unit in Korea, and he started his own business. He raised a great family, traveled the world, helped his neighbors, was an expert woodworker, a believer, an athlete, and a great storyteller. That’s the short version of an incredible 90-year life. (If you would like to read my full tribute, send me an email.)
Despite his declining health, Uncle Owen was sharp as a tack until the very end. We knew the end was near, and we told that we love him, face to face. He appreciated that, and returned our love many times over. I am glad he went to his eternal home knowing he was loved.
Baseball’s true home run king, Henry “Hank” Aaron knew he was loved too. In the decades since he hung up his cleats, countless Braves fans told him how much he meant to them. I was lucky to be among them. When he died last month at age
87, I renewed my efforts to convince the bank that owns the naming rights at the Braves stadium to name the field in his honor.
That could happen soon, as the bank yields to fan pressure to honor “Hank” in a proper way. The bank had ample time to do that during his lifetime, but chose not to do so. When they finally do the right thing, I will be there to cheer for this American hero, but I will be sad that the ceremony will not include Mr. Aaron himself.
As we “baby boomers” age, we are sadly saying goodbye to the entertainers, political figures, athletes, and role models we admired. In the age of COVID, we have been doing so at an alarming rate.
In recent weeks and months, we have lost 100-year-old George Shultz, who fought in World War II, and served three different presidents in four cabinet posts, helping to bring the Cold War to an end.
Also, we have said farewell to a full baseball team of Hall of Fame players: Don Sutton, a durable pitcher who became a popular Braves announcer; the ageless Braves knuckleball pitcher Phil Niekro, who always made time for fans; Bob Gibson of the Cardinals, the most fearsome fastball pitcher of his era; his teammate Lou Brock, one of our great base stealers; Joe Morgan of the Big Red Machine, Tom Seaver of the Amazin’ Mets; Tommy Lasorda of the Dodgers, who was one of the game’s best managers and goodwill ambassadors, and a Country Music Hall of Famer, Charley Pride, who played minor league ball for the Dodgers.
We have also said goodbye to a Who’s Who of entertainment figures: the great actress Cicely Tyson, who was 96; the master interviewer Larry King; the world-class actor Hal Holbrook, who was still doing his one-man Mark Twain stage show four years ago at the age of 91; Regis Philbin, one of the best live broadcasters of all time; and the “Jeopardy” game master Alex Trebek, who showed us it was cool to be smart.
This avalanche of notable departures is by no means complete. So rather than wait until it’s too late, here are a few familiar names who are still with us, who have earned my eternal respect and admiration.
Carol Burnett will soon turn 88. She doesn’t even need a script to make us laugh. She can do it simply by answering questions from the audience.
Betty White just turned 99. She was a legend even before “The Golden Girls” transformed her into a national treasure.
Bob Barker is 97. Anyone who knows me can tell you, he has been my idol since I learned to talk. I’m still trying to be as smooth as Bob. Spoiler alert: it’s not gonna happen.
Charles Osgood is 88. I’m still trying to be as good a writer as “Charlie.” That won’t happen either.
Dick Van Dyke is 95. Never has there been a more graceful comedian. The Kennedy Center is honoring him this year. A bit overdue, don’t you think?
Herb Alpert. Bob Newhart. Angela Lansbury. Sidney Poitier. Tony Bennett. Jerry Lee Lewis. Clint Eastwood. Norman Lear. Mel Brooks. Berry Gordy.
Here’s to all of you, and so many others for your remarkable longevity, and for enriching our lives.
One final note on bouquets for the living. As I write this, there is talk of a permanent honor for Dolly Parton at the Tennessee State Capitol. Of course, one state representative is concerned about this, because she is still alive. Not me. I agree with Snuffy Smith. “Time’s a wastin’!” Why wait?