Ringgold purchases new radars for Georgia State Patrol

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

RINGGOLD — The city of Ringgold recently voted to buy new radar equipment for the Georgia State Patrol in order to help troopers better monitor speeds in town.

Lately, with road projects along Ga. 151 and I-75 in Ringgold, law enforcement officers have seen habitual speeding going on through construction zones.

“We have a 60-mph construction zone on I-75, and they’re (police) pulling vehicles over going between 90 and 115 mph,” City Manager Dan Wright said during the Sept. 24 City Council meeting. “This is in no way a fee-grabbing situation. This is about safety.”

GSP Tfc. Brian Dedmon made a presentation at the council’s work session and explained how busy troopers have been in Ringgold, and how they could benefit from new radar equipment.

In August alone, troopers issued more than 650 citations in the city limits. That number is part of the 1,800-plus that were issued in total by GSP, Ringgold PD and the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office.

“It tells you a little bit about the weight the troopers are carrying inside our city,” Wright said.

In his presentation, Dedmon requested four new DSR2X radars. The council voted to purchase two radars at a cost of $6,025, and then attempt to work the other two into next year’s budget. Adam Cook, The Catoosa County News

Cobb to spend $10.8M for site of police training center

MARIETTA — A former BJ’s Wholesale store in Austell will become the future home of Cobb PD’s training center.

Cobb commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday the $10,750,000 purchase of about 19 acres and the 115,369-square-foot building at 2435 East-West Connector, that once housed the wholesale club retailer.

The purchase follows the commission’s August approval to spend $13.5 million to buy the 5.2-acre LGE Community Credit Union Office Headquarters on Fairground Street in Marietta to become the police department’s new headquarters.

Heaton said the department’s plans for the site approved Tuesday are to build an indoor firing range at the facility, and then start using the building for training. Construction of the range could take about 12 to 14 months, county officials said. Jon Gargis, Marietta Daily Journal