Arie Phillips died after a hit and run accident in Columbus (Columbus Police Department)
The Columbus Police Department is asking for the public’s help with an unsolved hit and run case. The incident happened ten years ago and claimed the life of 14-year-old Arie Phillips.
On March 27, 2016, around 9:20 p.m., 14-year-old Arie Phillips was walking on the sidewalk near 6381 Milgen Road when she was struck by a vehicle. The driver didn’t stop. Arie later died from her injuries.
Ten years later, her family is still waiting for answers. Someone knows something. If you do, say it. Help bring the family closure.
Call Reserve Officer R. Hall at 706-225-4501 or email [email protected]. You can remain anonymous.
The Salvation Army of Columbus hosts grand opening for the Center of Hope (The Salvation Army of Columbus, GA)
After nearly 10 years in the making, the Salvation Army of Columbus celebrated the new Center of Hope’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
According to the Salvation Army, The Center of Hope isn’t just an emergency housing facility. It is our unique response to breaking generational cycles of poverty by offering individualized family services to address the root causes of homelessness. By helping families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, The Salvation Army and our collaborative partners will guide families toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.
The Center of Hope features 17 apartments. Some can be connected to allow for larger families. Options range from one large area as in a hotel to larger facilities with a divided bedroom and living room space. A cafeteria downstairs provides meals. Other rooms provide space for education related instruction. There is also a playground outside for children.
The River Church sign marks the entrance to the Alto campus, where leaders are working to expand youth recreation opportunities. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
ALTO, Ga. — For many families in the southern end of Habersham County, youth sports can be out of reach — not because of interest, but because of distance.
Leaders at The River Church in Alto are working to change that by transforming more than 30 acres behind their campus into a youth sports and recreation complex designed to serve families who often lack nearby options.
Deborah Roach said the need is especially evident among working-class families the church serves, many of whom face challenges getting children to programs in Clarkesville.
Deborah Roach stands inside The River Church in Alto, where leaders are planning a youth sports complex to serve families in South Habersham County. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“Our church serves a lot of single families — single moms, single dads,” Roach said. “We have a lot of people here in the community that are working class. This is a very underserved area, and for them to transport their kids up to Clarkesville for recreation is not feasible.”
“So we just know this is a way for us to connect with them,” she said.
The project builds on a long-term plan for the church’s property, which spans more than 30 acres and extends to Smokey Street.
“Well, we have a land plan,” Roach said. “We have a land plan that involves two multi-purpose fields, a gymnasium. I want a bike trail around the property.”
The vision goes beyond organized sports, with an emphasis on accessibility and community use.
A site plan outlines proposed features for The River Church’s 30-acre property in Alto, including multi-purpose fields, a gymnasium and walking trails. (photo submitted)
“We need a place where kids that are in cross country can run safely,” she said. “We need a place where families can teach their children how to ride bicycles — a place we’d like to pave so that if a person’s on a walker, they could use that if they’re trying to get back into movement.”
“There’s nothing down here in the south end of the county for our community,” she added.
The idea for expanding the church’s recreational offerings grew out of youth camps already held on the property.
The church currently has a basketball court — built in part through grant funding — where it has hosted Upward basketball and cheerleading camps, drawing dozens of children.
“We’ve already had Upward basketball camp and cheerleading camp there,” Roach said. “Forty to 50 — I don’t know how many kids ended up being there. It was quite a few.”
A soccer camp held on the grounds just before the COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated demand, though momentum slowed during that period.
“We did a soccer camp … I think it was right before COVID hit,” she said. “So it kind of shut us down for a while. So yeah, getting this field up and running, we can touch more lives quicker.”
Plans for the expanded complex include two multi-purpose fields, a walking and bike trail, and a gymnasium with a full basketball court, seating and classroom space.
“To have a gymnasium with a full court and seating — that’s a nice area,” Roach said. “It’ll be on two levels, with the gym floor in the back and classrooms as part of the building.”
Church leaders say the effort is rooted in long-standing outreach work that has connected them with families facing economic hardship across the area.
A newly graded field behind The River Church in Alto is being prepared for use as part of a planned youth soccer program. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“Parents are so overwhelmed with just trying to meet the daily needs,” Roach said. “They’re trying to keep them fed and a roof over their heads.”
Through ministries such as “His Heart, Our Hands” and partnerships with groups like Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the church has provided beds, furniture and household items to families in need.
Those relationships have helped shape the church’s approach to outreach — and now, its expansion into youth sports.
“It’s a hook,” Roach said. “Our bottom line is, we’re all about sharing Christ with people. That’s our goal.”
“I’m not even into sports myself,” she added. “But I’m into reaching families and meeting a need inside the families.”
The first phase of that effort is already taking shape.
Online registration for the church’s youth soccer program will open May 5 through Upward Sports, with teams planned across four age groups ranging from 4 to 17.
Roach said the church hopes to field multiple teams in each division. Registration is $95 per child and includes a jersey and ball, with discounts available for families with multiple children.
Evaluations are scheduled for Aug. 22, with practices expected to be held one night per week and games played on Saturdays.
“The way it works, they recommend one night a week for practice, and all the games are on Saturday,” Roach said.
The area behind The River Church in Alto where a future gymnasium and additional facilities are planned as part of a youth sports complex. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
Work on the first field is underway, though recent rain has slowed progress. Roach said the church is working to install sod and hopes the field will be ready for use within several weeks.
“If the rain cooperates, there should be something on that field by the middle of next week,” she said. “With sod, they can be on it in six weeks.”
Roach said additional resources are still needed to support the project, including seating, fencing and field materials.
“I need bleachers … we’re going to need a fence around this thing,” she said.
Despite that, she said the focus remains on building relationships through action.
“Our church is families experiencing God together,” Roach said. “People have to belong before they believe. If they feel a sense of belonging — with their team, with their coaches — it gives us the opportunity to speak into their lives.”
For more information about the project or to support the effort, contact Deborah Roach at [email protected]. Registration for the fall soccer program is available at https://registration.upward.org/UPW90652.
The Lady Indians (14-5) earned a win over #6-ranked Stratford in the quarterfinals by a 3-0 final on Wednesday early afternoon. Hours later, the girls won 3-1 over #2 Brookstone to secure the team’s first-ever state championship game appearance.
“Our girls showed incredible resilience, fortitude, and desire today,” said coach Anthony Cox following Wednesday’s match.
After starting the quarterfinals strong on April 28 and having to postpone the finish due to rain, they picked up where they left off and cruised against Stratford to earn a spot in the semis against the team that knocked them out in the semis last year.
“This year, our girls were determined to write a different ending. All seven ladies battled to the end,” said Cox.
Daniel-Joseph and Junaid were dominant, overwhelming their opponents at 1-singles and 2-singles.
Carnes and Stafford played a great first set before falling behind early in the second. It was 3-4 when the girls turned the tide.
TFS won the last three to clinch, which was even more meaningful because they defeated the doubles combo who had just beat them in the doubles state championship.
“We couldn’t be more proud of how they carried themselves, and they have earned every opportunity,” Cox said.
The championship match will take place at a day and time to be determined next week.
Atlanta Braves' Matt Olson (28) hits a single RBI in the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Olson hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Kenley Jansen, ruining a dominant performance by Tarik Skubal and rallying the Atlanta Braves to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.
Jansen, who blew his third save in nine chances, walked Ozzie Albies to lead off the ninth. Olson followed with his ninth homer, a shot into Atlanta’s bullpen to end the game.
Skubal fell behind on Ozzie Albies’ two-run shot in the first but gave up only three hits the rest of his seven-inning stint, with two of those runners wiped out by double plays.
The two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner gave the Tigers a bit of a scare in the seventh, rubbing his left arm after a 2-2 pitch to Olson to draw a visit from the trainer and manager A.J. Hinch. Skubal threw one warmup pitch, decided he was OK and struck out the side to end his night. He allowed five hits, fanned seven and didn’t walk anyone.
But Jansen couldn’t finish it for the Tigers.
Atlanta rookie JR Ritchie turned in another solid outing. He gave up three runs (two earned) in 5 1/3 innings, with five hits, four walks and four strikeouts.
Reynaldo López (2-1), who began the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter before being demoted to the bullpen this week, pitched two perfect innings for the win.
Atlanta has now won nine series this season without a loss.
Detroit tied it in the second, nicking Ritchie for two runs after he retired the first two hitters. Kevin McGonigle had a run-scoring single, reaching base for the 26th consecutive game as a starter, and the Tigers added an unearned run on Ritchie’s errant throw to first on a pickoff attempt.
Ritchie didn’t give up a homer on his very first pitch, as he did in his big league debut at Washington last week. But Riley Greene went deep in the third, launching a 417-foot drive into the center-field seats on a changeup for his fourth homer of the year.
Up next
Atlanta sends RHP Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) to the mound for the finale of the interleague set. Detroit counters with LHP Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41).
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — A long-running review of publicly funded training equipment, started by a Habersham County Board of Commissioners (HCBOC) audit and tied to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and Georgia Alliance of School Resource Officers and Educators (GASROE), has produced new questions about missing property, grant accuracy, nonprofit relationships and public-records accountability.
Records and recent responses obtained by Now Georgia show that a county-owned iMac was returned only after being factory reset; grant-funded equipment listed in budget documents may not have been purchased as described; agencies publicly identified as GASROE partners deny having formal relationships with the nonprofit; and GASROE has now retained legal counsel to respond to an open records request.
The missing iMac returned, wiped of all data
(photo provided by Habesham County Board of Commissioners – iMac reset screen)
HCSO and the HCBOC IT department have confirmed to Now Georgia that Murray Kogod returned an iMac desktop computer last week, but not in the form they expected.
IT Director Tracy Williamson said in an email, “The MAC computer was factory reset prior to it being delivered to IT. All user data, apps and settings were securely wiped, returning the computer to its original state.” Three images were provided to Now Georgia showing the computer in the fully reset state.
Sheriff Krockum told Now Georgia that he presented the circumstances of the wiped iMac to District Attorney George Christian. Despite Kogod returning the device a weekend after Krockum requested it — and after its inclusion in a Now Georgia article — the sheriff said Christian told him there was “no intent,” referring to the alleged deletion of public records.
Recently, the City of Baldwin and the Baldwin Police Department (BPD) have both faced accusations of wrongdoing by government employees. The city is dealing with an alleged $1.7 million “reality prank,” and BPD with the alleged theft of evidence funds. In both cases, government officials chose to use the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as a third-party investigative agency. The GBI, however, cannot get involved without being invited by the agency. As of this article, the GBI has not been made aware of any allegations regarding the grant funds.
LET submitted grant budget inaccuracies
Further probing revealed that a pull-behind trailer was never purchased, despite being listed in the grant budget application. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) was unclear about why the earmarked funds were not used for the budgeted item.
In a response to follow-up questions sent to CJCC, the agency said, “CJCC appreciates the matter being brought to our attention and has communicated with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office regarding the equipment referenced in your request. CJCC has been advised that the equipment has been returned to the agency and will continue to be used for grant-related training activities.” However, Sheriff Krockum disputed the usability of the GASROE-branded marketing material in a return email to CJCC.
CJCC also confirmed that one of its employees “previously served on the GASROE board in an official capacity as a representative of CJCC.” While this appears to present a potential conflict of interest, County Manager Tim Sims told Now Georgia that Kogod used the presence of a CJCC member on his board as confirmation that the financial relationship between the sheriff’s office and GASROE was acceptable.
GASROE during business hours
Looking at the dates and times of emails sent by Kogod while managing GASROE, they appear to have been sent during school hours. The school system said there is no policy regarding secondary employment. Now Georgia has asked the school system that purchased and approved the GASROE stickers on both police cars advertising the nonprofit but has not received a response.
Partners aren’t partners
The Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST), through Deputy Executive Director Terry McCormick, when asked about its partnership listed on the GASROE website, replied in an email stating, “Georgia POST does not have a partnership with GASROE; there is no MOU, agreement or email to that effect.”
Sam Ham, executive director of the Georgia Association of Pupil Transport (GAPT), also listed as a partner, told Now Georgia, “GAPT does not have a relationship with GASROE.”
Past nonprofit experience
The Barrow County Methamphetamine Task Force Inc. was formed in 2005 and administratively dissolved in 2010, with Kogod listed as the “incorporator” on the Secretary of State’s website. The articles of formation state: “To provide and assist with education, prevention, and treatment of those individuals in the Barrow County, Georgia, community affected by methamphetamine use and abuse.”
This nonprofit lists its home address as the Barrow County Historic Courthouse, which aligns with GASROE using the HCSO address. Now Georgia called the courthouse, but no one had heard of the task force or seen it operating there. Kogod’s resume shows he served as chief deputy of Barrow County from 2001 to 2008.
Request for GASROE records
Over the weekend, Now Georgia received an email from attorney Tom Kirkbride stating that he was the “general counsel for GASROE and will be providing the organization’s formal response to your [our] open records request.” Kirkbride indicated that the response would “be issued on Monday or Tuesday and will outline our legal position in full.” Now Georgia has yet to receive the response.
David Matthew Jackels, 47 of Cornelia, entered a guilty plea in early April to charges of violation of oath of office by a public officer and false statements.
HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A former Habersham County School Resource Officer arrested last year following an investigation into inappropriate interactions with students has reached a resolution in his criminal case.
David Matthew Jackels, 47 of Cornelia, entered a guilty plea in early April to charges of violation of oath of office by a public officer and false statements. The plea was entered under Georgia’s First Offender Act, which allows a defendant to serve their sentence without a formal conviction on their record if all conditions of the sentencing are successfully completed.
According to court documents, Jackels was sentenced to 10 years of probation and required to serve 72 hours in custody. As part of the agreement, Jackels is permanently barred from working in law enforcement. He must surrender his Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification and is prohibited from seeking future employment in the field.
In addition to his term of probation, Jackels will report to community supervision and must complete 120 hours of community service.
The charges stemmed from a February 2024 investigation initiated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) at the request of former Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell. Jackels, a 25-year law enforcement veteran who served as an SRO at Wilbanks Middle School, was terminated from the sheriff’s office after internal investigators discovered he had been messaging a student.
While the First Offender status offers a path for the charges to be discharged upon completion of the sentence, the surrender of his POST certification ensures that Jackels will not return to a public safety role in the state of Georgia.
Smoke produced by a wildfire in Brantley, County, GA on Friday, April 24, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Brian Kemp via AP)
Bike Nights at Rally Point Harley Davidson are filled with food, fun, music, and of course, Harleys. This Friday’s event at the dealership, May 1, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, has a special goal. The dealership is collecting donations for firefighters and other First Responders who’ve been battling the South Georgia wildfires since April 20.
“I’ve reached out to the Emergency Management directors in the most impacted counties to determine their needs. We are always focused on community impact, whether locally or for our neighbors down the road,” said Misty Gleason, Rally Point Experiential Marketing Manager.
A few donations have come in, but more are needed. (Photo/Rally Point Harley Davidson)
The most needed items include:
Saline nasal spray
Eye rinse/Eye drops
Single-serving hydration mix packets
Beef jerky
Full-sized bandanas
Monetary donations are also welcome
Firefighters and other First Responders are fighting thousands of acres of fires that continue to burn. (Photo/ GA Forestry Commission)
Emergency response teams from across Georgia are working tirelessly to contain the fires. To date, more than 50,000 acres are ablaze, destroying homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The most urgent items needed are critical to keeping First Responders healthy and helping.
“Our May Bike Night will be designated to raise funds to help with urgent needs, as well as a drop-off for donations. This is about helping each other.”
If you feel compelled to help, you don’t have to wait until Friday. Rally Point Harley Davidson is located at 3230 Williams Road and will accept donations through Saturday, May 2. The goal is to fill a trailer and haul the donation to Clinch County on May 3.
“If needed, we will host another donation drive and head back down to South Georgia to help,” said Gleason.
Bike Night at Rally Point is a fun occasion, but a time on Friday to show up and show out for South GA. (Photo/Sherry Hubbard)
Ironically, May 1 is May Day, a time for spring festivals. When you combine the words, “mayday” is a distress signal used by emergency responders to indicate an urgent situation, such as a fire. Rally Point is answering the call but needs your help.
You can follow them on Facebook or call (706) 324-4294.
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The boil water advisory issued earlier this week for the area of 2475 Helen Highway has been officially lifted, according to city officials.
Water service has been restored and testing has confirmed that the water is now safe for normal use in the following areas:
• All addresses between 2149 Helen Hwy – 2578 Helen Hwy
• 134 Asbestos Rd
• 162 Asbestos Rd
• 187 Asbestos Rd
• 204 Asbestos Rd
• 327 Asbestos Rd
Businesses in the Area:
• 2425 Helen Hwy – Owen’s Welding
• 2404 Helen Hwy – Jumping Goat Coffee
• 2475 Helen Hwy – CRW Storage
• 2578 Helen Hwy – Northeast Georgia Health System
• 327 Asbestos Rd – White County Recreation Department
Safety tips after a boil water advisory
Even though the advisory has been lifted, residents are encouraged to take a few simple precautions to ensure water quality:
Run cold water faucets for 5 to 10 minutes to flush household plumbing.
Discard any ice made during the advisory and clean ice makers thoroughly.
Before normal use, run dishwashers empty on a hot cycle.
Wash and sanitize any containers used to store water, and replace refrigerator or faucet water filters if needed.
Let water run long enough to clear any trapped air or discoloration.
Eleanor Dalton English, age 84, of Homer, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Banks County, Eleanor was born on June 29, 1941, the daughter of the late Odis Dalton and Mary Payne Dalton. She was a proud graduate of Banks County High School and devoted over 33 years of faithful service as a machine operator with Fieldale Farms Corporation before her retirement. Eleanor was a faithful member of Line Baptist Church.
Eleanor found great joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved tending to her flower gardens, sewing with care, and preparing meals that brought her family together. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Vance Dalton, Bradford Dalton, Nelson Dalton, Ralph Dalton, and Reuben Dalton; and her sister and brother-in-law, Edith Dalton Wade and Grady Wade.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons and daughters-in-law, Roger and Kathy English, and Tommy and Amy English; her grandchildren, Ace English, Grant English, Brett English, Billy and Nicole Reed, and Edward and Meghan Reed; her great-grandson, Parker Reed, with another great-grandchild on the way; her sister-in-law, Bobbie Brown Dalton; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Line Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 noon until the service hour on Friday.
Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Line Baptist Church, 3847 Old Hwy. 441, Alto, GA. 30510 or to Gideons International, c/o Habersham North Camp, P.O. Box 1855, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
Thelma Mae Daniel Elrod, 90, of Demorest, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Born in Demorest on January 4, 1936, Thelma was the beloved daughter of the late Alonzo Lafayette Daniel, Sr. and Mattie Mae Mullinax Daniel. A lifelong resident of the community she cherished, she graduated from Clarkesville High School with the Class of 1953 and went on to live a life defined by service, faith, and devotion to those she loved.
Thelma retired from the Stephens County Training Center after many years of dedicated work, touching countless lives through her kindness and commitment. She also served her community faithfully by working the voting polls for many years, continuing until her health no longer allowed. Her civic spirit reflected her deep care for her neighbors and her hometown.
A woman of many interests, Thelma was a member of the North Georgia Rock & Mineral Society and found great joy in making jewelry and traveling. Yet, above all her accomplishments and hobbies, her greatest joy came from her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, pouring love, wisdom, and encouragement into each generation.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Thelma lived her beliefs daily, offering a quiet but powerful example of grace, humility, and steadfast trust in the Lord.
Thelma’s legacy is one of unwavering love, quiet strength, and faithful service. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey H. Elrod; her sister, Mary Lou Jackson; and her brothers, Oscar Daniel, Lonnie Daniel, Jr., and Ralph Daniel.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and M.J. Zimmerman; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Laura Elrod; her sisters, Lucille Nation and Zoella Thomas; her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Queen Daniel; her grandchildren, Holli Usher, Jeremy and LaTisha Usher, Chad and Kelly Usher, Maribeth and Seth Frady, and Mattie and Cody Shore; her great-grandchildren, Judah Usher, Henry Usher, Hayes Usher, Charlee Usher, Haddie Usher, Bo Stephen Shore, and Charlie Jesse Shore; and one precious great-grandchild on the way.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Chad Usher officiating. Interment will follow at Return Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org or to Gideons International, c/o the Habersham North Camp, P.O. Box 1855, Clarkesville, GA. 30523
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
Billie Adair Tidwell, age 74 of Rabun County, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. A native of Tampa, Florida, she made her home in the North Georgia mountains with her children in 1987. Billie was a devoted mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She especially cherished her grandchildren, who brought joy and purpose to her life.
Billie was preceded in death by her father and mother, William Virgil Tidwell and Gladyce Chapman Tidwell. She is survived by her children: H. Blaine Peacock, III (M`ryanne) and Adair Chapman Peacock; four grandchildren, Emma Elizabeth Peacock Gurr (Noah), Abby Adair Peacock, Maggie McMillian Peacock, and Antonio Valencia.
Family and Friends gathered at the graveside at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Cemetery to celebrate her life on Tuesday, April 28, 2026..
