One killed, four injured in Blairsville camper explosion

Derek Cooper of Acworth was killed in an officer-involved shooting at a Twin Mountain Lakes home where his wife and children were hiding. Cooper had recently been released on bond and had a restraining order against him. 

Statement from a family member present during Saturday’s fatal shooting:

     A Pickens Deputy shot and killed an armed man trying to break into a Twin Mountain Lakes home where his wife and children were hiding Saturday. The man had been arrested last week  in Bartow County on domestic violence charges including threats to kill his wife.

According to the GBI investigation the man, Derek Cooper, 52, of Acworth, had a restraining order against him and brandished a gun and shot at the deputy who gave a verbal command for him to stop in the yard of the home where relatives of the wife lived.

        See full story in this week's print and online editions. 

photo/Angela Reinhardt

County commissioners (l to r) Rob Jones, Becky Denney, and Jerry Barnes at the new public works building on Camp Road. An open house was held with county employees on Tuesday, Sept. 15. 

Commission Chair Rob Jones got emotional at the open house for the new 15,000-square-foot public works facility off Camp Road, held Tuesday, September 15. 

Jones said it took over 15 years to conceptualize and complete the project, and tearfully told the room full of county employees, “It looks great. I’m tickled I can leave this building.” 

Jones will complete his final term as commission chair in December. 

     Council addresses numerous items at September meeting

photo/ city of Jasper Zoom image

In a lengthy Zoom meeting, in addition to the possible property tax hike, the Jasper council discussed what could be done with this area along Main. While some contractors scoffed at the plans to make this into a “plaza” for dining, Council Member Kirk Raffield said now is the time to make downtown Jasper into a destination. 

      In preparing for a vote that could lead to a 56 percent tax increase, Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence wanted it clearly stated, they may not raise property taxes that much. The council will get into the heart of the budget in October but they need to advertise a millage now to meet state requirements.

The Jasper Council is advertising a possible jump in their tax rate from 4.655 mills to 6.78 mills and the date for public hearings on the need to increase revenue. City Manager Brandon Douglas said that the budget process is a case of “cart before the horse.” 

        See full story in this week's print or online editions. 

Press Release Cherokee County Sheriff's Office     

     Cherokee County, Ga. September 16, 2020. Cherokee Sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-car, injury accident Wednesday morning at approximately 7 a.m. on Interstate 575 just north of Riverstone Parkway in Canton. A Kia Sportage, driven by Kierra Holder, 24, of Forest Park, struck a Toyota Tacoma from behind, driven by Robert Schroeder, 61 of Jasper, causing both vehicles to lose control and strike the guard rail. After striking the guard rail, both vehicles ended up on their sides.