Newspaper Page Text
Ralph Kellett Promises
Change, Fresh Beginning
from front page
personnel matiers, delegating responsibilities, and followin,
y £ s g
Rfyt: m&tfi the dgltix;s have l‘)’een carriedbout efficiently.
80 qualifies me to
?:r our current sherifgs department &VSE:? laca:qa%% 3?111?;51‘:
Wways to reduce operating costs without affecting the quali
a' of services. I have gained this experience as Service
anager of the Summerville Ford dealerships for the past 18
Yezl’hfl. as an employee of NGEMC, for six years, as a soldier
ltliian ?09-4 g ;:;r;y for three years and as a Chattooga Coun
| e
. Have you promised anyone a job or i
promotion, or to
m‘?l:'tl:;e;n ?;l the department if you are elected? If so, who?
A. My only promises have been to retain emplo ho
dqttgleir jobs effigi_exgtly and who will dedicate thengel{,r::zlvzng
with me to glrowdmf the highest level of law enforcement
possible to the people of Cha&tooga County.
*
Q. Do you plan to fire anyone now employed in the sheriff’s
office? If so, who? And wl):y? ® y’ 5
“ t%. I haveno plans to fire anyone. I believe that my answer
emplg ;;':svmus question make clear what I will require from
: * * *
Q. Who will be your chief assistant if you are elected?
A. I will make that decision after I am elected, based only
on qualifications. &
* *
Q. (For Ralph Kellett only). Will your lack of a law enforce
ment background be helpful, harmful, or make no difference,
in the first few months if you are elected? Please explain.
A. The first few months of any new administration are
bound to be a time of change. People have questions, and they
want answers. Emploiees get concerned because they feel that
the w%hgngs have been done is the only way to get things
done, That is where I believe that my skills as an administrator
will be extremely helpful. I'm not already locked in to doing:
things one way; I can see alternatives. I will bring a fresh ap
proach to problems, and my management skills will make the
transition period easier.* L
Q. In your view, what is the main crime problem in Chat
tooga County? What do you plan to do about it? Please be
as specific as possible.
_ A. 1 see the sale of illegal drugs and burglaries as the main
crime problems in our county. I will combat the drug problem
in several ways, working with school systems to e(fixcate our
youth about the da:f%ers of drufis, by investigating and ar
resting those who traffick in illegal drugs, and by working with
the courts to prosecute the offenders. My effort to reduce the
number of burglaries in Chattooga County will include patrol
ing the rural areas more, reducing the response time to a safe
minimum, having invels)toigators who are trained in the most
efficient detection methods, and working to upgrade and ex
pand the Neighborhood‘Watcih programs.
*
Q. Will you become active in community organizations and
programs, such as the chamber of commerce, civic clubs,
educational groups, etc. if you are elected sheriff? Should you?
A. I believe that the sheriff is a representative of the peo
ple, and I will cooperate with and squort all community
organizations. However, my responsibility to grovide for the
law enforcement needs of the county would be my highest
priority as your sheriff.
* * *
Q. Will incident reports and the docket book remain open
to the rublic and news media as has been the case under both
Sheriff Gary McConnell and Sheriff Ron Turner?
A. Under the Open Records Law passed b{ the Georgia
legislature, this practice is mandated, and I will comply with
that mandate as with all othirs. .
Q. What role will you play in major investigations by your
department?
A. Mag'or investifiations often require the expertise of a
number of different departments and agencies such as GBI,
State Crime Lab, arson investigators and others. As Sheriff
of Chattooga County, I would coordinate such investigations
to insure that procedures are followed properly, all available
resources are used, and investigations are done thoroughly
in order to arrest the 7uilty and provide for the courts infor
mation which is reliable and adequate. Lesser charges would
be handled by my staff under my direct supervision, and ac
cording to the same guigelimis I j\:st mentioned.
Q. If you are elected next Tuesday, what would be the first
act you would take on Wednesday morning as sheriff?
A. I would first review ever)l' on-going invgstifatiop in the
sheriff's department. I also plan to immediately initiate a
physical inventory of all property and equif)ment in the depart
ment, and I would evaluate anfsl' personnel vacancies to deter
mine if they are necessary to the operation of the department
before beginning the process 05 advsrtising and interviewing.
*
. Would you favor instituting some type of merit or civil
sen?lce s(;rustegl for employees of %he sher¥&'s office to avoid
possible wholesale layoffs for political reasons after a change
of administrations in the future? Please explain your answer.
A. I have never heard of wholesale lay-offs, either political
or any other reason, in any governmental unit or ifl)ohtxcal situa
tion in this county nor do I anti&iipate this. I'w sui)port any
qualified legislation for the good of employees as long as it
is fair, equitable, and nc:rdisgrimigatory.
Q. Why should you be elected sheriff rather than your
opponent?
. Before making my decision to run for sheriff, I thought,
a lo?ab:ut what it tgkesy to make a good sheriff. I also thought
about the responsibility I would be taking on, and I thought
about the size of the task that lies in store. After considering
every aspect that I could think of, I came to a decision, and
I paid my qualifying fee. I am confident that I can do the job.
I am ready to accept the responsibility that goes with it, and
I am committed to devoting my time and my resources to
developing a sheriff’s department staffed by people who are
concerned, efficient, courteous and trustworthy. For these
reasons, I ask the voters to elect me sheriff on March 5 for
a fresh start in Chattooga County’s law enforcement.
If THE NEWS Didn't Tell You 7
HOW WOULD YOU KNOW o
T
| frsironce
INSURANCE @
For All Your Life & Health Needs
Offers These Fine Products . . .
LIFE — Burial Policies, Child
|ssue, Family Policies, Universal/{;\alrt}bltc:l tfigg ffifif
HEALTH — Major Medical, Hospital S
lements, Cancer, Tempo ’ i el
&edicare Supplements. £t Major N
ALSO CHECK QUR PERSONAL UMBRELLA LI
CALL TODAY
CARpEraiLs .......... 807-60621
Larry Kellett Emphasizes
Investigative Experience
: from front page
mitments to the last administration, furthermore I want to
begin a new administration of law enforcement and get an ex
perienced and knowledgeable fresh start in combatting crime
in our county.
g e
Q. What are your qualifications to be sheriff?
A. I meet all state qualifications to be a candidate for the
office of sheriff. I have nearly five years experience in law en
forcement with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department
during which time I have been certifiet{ by the State of Georgia
as a peace officer, certified in jail operation and administra
tion, trained by the Georgia Police Kzademy in all aspects of
law enforcement with over 750 classroom hours specializing
in investigations and drug enforcement. I have strong con
nections with GBI, FBI, DEA, IRS and U.S. customs
through coordination with these departments on major in
vestigations. I have initiated, either directly or indirectly, more
drug arrests than anyone in the history of the Chattooga Coun
ty Sheriff's Department. I know first-hand through 51688 ex
periences the criminal p:obler:ls fa‘(l:ing Chattooga County.
Q. Have you promised anyone a job or promotion, or to
retain them in the department if you are elected? If so, who?
And why? ;
A. I have made no promises to anyone, neither to present
em;l)lloyees or persons seeking emEloyment. I want to evaluate
each existing employee and do thorough background checks
on aglplicants to insure a respected, productive and profes
sional department providing the very best service and pro
tection to our citizens.
ol ow
Q. Do you plan to fire anyone now employed in the sheriff’s
office? If so, who? And why?
A. I have made no dplans to dismiss anyone. A thorou%h
evaluation will be made of each existing employee with the
department’s best opera}ion in mi’x.ld.
Q. Who will be your chief assistant if you are elected?
A. 1 havenot made any decisions, in respect to supervisory
E)opitions. I expect to reconstruct the operations with two
hings in mind: First, to provide the most effective law en
forcement glossible; second, to cut expenses in all possible
areas including payroll without taking away effectiveness. I
feel that my experience, trainilfil and administrative
knowledge qualifies me to supervise all operations until an ef
fective supervisor strucaure can be; set up.
Q. (For Larry Kellett only). Will your association with the
past administration of Sheriff Gary McConnell be helpful,
harmful, or make no difference, if you are elected? Please
explain.
A. It will be helpful in respect that during my employment
under this administration, I was able to gain valuable
knowledge and training, plus hands on experience. However,
it will make no different in the operation of the department
under my administration. I'm my own man, with my own ideas
not havinF any commitment to any one, includini Gary
McConnell. The only commitment I will make is to the peo
ple of Chattooga County is to serve and protect them to the
very best of my ability.
* * *
Q. In your view, what is the main crime problem in Chat
tooga County? What do you plan to do about it? Please be
as specific as possible.
A. Illegal drug sales. This problem, if not controlled at
some level, creates an increase in all crimes, especially
burglaries. This is the number one crime problem in our na
tion; not just our county. I intend to continue my battle
against this t{:;oblem. increasing the Sheriff Department’s ef
fectiveness through any State grants and traininé. I will sup
port the now existing Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug,
Task Force, which is state-funded and costs our county
nothing. I will hit the drug dealers where it hurts, in confisca
tion otg money, real estage ang othsr personal property.
Q. Will you become active in community organizations and
programs, such as the chamber of commerce, civic clubs,
educational groups, etc. if you are elected sheriff? Should you?
A. Yes, these organizations work toward a better society
for us all to be a part of. As your sheriff, I would want to stay
informed and be a part 2f th(i grov:th of our communities.
Q. Will incident reports and the docket book remain open
to the public and news media as has been the case under both
Sheriff Gary McConnell and Sheriff Ron Turner?
A. Yes, most definitely.
* * *
Q. What role will you play in major investigations by your
department?
A. Due to my strong investigative background and utmost
concern for investiFation bein% given high priority. I will per
sonally oversee and be a part of all major investigations. I will
exercise authority to see that all criminal investigations be
completed.
* 0w
Q. If you are elected next Tuesday, what would be the first
act you would take on Wednesday morning as sheriff?
A. I will take office and immediately begin administrating
effective law enforcement and evaluating operations, includin,
the $1.4 million budget. With the experience, training ang
knowledge I have gained, I would be pleased to begin serv
ing you as your new sheriff.
* * *
Q. Would you favor institutin% some ty})e of merit or civil
service system for employees of the sheriff’s office to avoid
possible wholesale layoffs for political reasons after a change
of administrations in the future? Please explain your answer.
A. Yes, I would favor this protection for emfloyees. The
cost of training professional law enforcement officers is too
great for a new administrator to take over and change out all
employees (fire trained-hire untrained). Professional employees
deserve better than that. Each individual should be evaluated
separately. I feel that a system implemented of this nature
should be based on employee Ferformance and professionalism
so that administrators sl}'llou d not be forced to keep person
nel that don't do their job. -
Q. Why should you be elected sheriff rather than your
opponent?
A. 1 am experienced, trained and qualified to immediately
take over the positions without delays to provide effective law
enforcement to the citizens. My ogponent is not. For the past
five years, almost, I have worked hard making man;;gersonal
sacrifices along the way to see something accomplished in local
law enforcement. My work has been dedicatedr,’ coming from
within my heart out of compassion for little children ang other
victims who are the recipients of wrong-doing by the criminal
element now existing in our county. I enjoy the challen%e of
law enforcement work. It is my desire to give the people of
Chattooga County the very best in effective law enforcement
and service.
Are you one of the 60 million
: Americans who have
#8 ) <( HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
; and don’t know it?
% CHECK IT AT
A .
iy McGINNIS
With Our New Computerized Blood Pressure Check
It’s important that you know!!!
Sheriff To Be Sworn
from front page
son, 189; and Monroe Mathis,
65. Ragland is superintendent
of the county transportation
system. Hartline runs a Lyer
ly iasoline station and is an
author. Wilkerson is a Sum
merville magistrate. Mathis is
a sergeant at the Summerville
Police Department.
INTERIM
Probate Judge Payne ap
pointed Ron Turner as interim
sheriff following McConnell's
Burglaries Investigated
The Chattooga County
Sheriff’s Office is investigatin%
two major residentia
burglaries in the Gore-Subligna
area.
More than $7,000 worth of
items were stolen from the
home of David Ulsrude, Sum
merville Rte. 4, on Monday, ac
cording to Sheriff Ron Turner.
Entry to the house was gained
by knocking in French doors,
he said. Listed as missing were
a 13-inch television set, por
table telephone, binoculars,
diamond ring, video cassette
recorder, two necklaces, two
pair of earrings gnd two
watches.
Inv. P. R. Hill investigated.
On the same day, tfiieves
hit the home of Bilf;' Eugene
Cargle, Little Sand Mountain
Road, Armuchee (Chattooga
County), Turner said. Entry to
the house was gained by pry
ing open sliding glass doors,
reports added.
Listed as stolen were a .12
gauge shotgun, .30-.30 caliber
rifle, .308 caliber rifle, remote
control, gold necklace and a
quilted spread, all valued at
$825. Inv. Hill also probed that
incident.
A 1981 model vehicle own
ed by Debbie Evans, 47 7th St.,
Trion, was stolen from her
residence Sunday ni%xt, the
sheriff said. Dep. Diantha
Wood filed the re¥ort.
About sllO in food stamps
were stolen from the purse of
Marie Shropshire, 1120 Cathie
Ln., Summerville, last Friday,
according to a rlgport filed by
Dep. Tara Van Pelt.
A vehicle owned by Billy
Ray Hill, 1122 Central Ave.,
Trion, was vandalized Monday
while it was parked in a field in
the South Trion area. Two win
dows were broken out, two
bullet holes were in the vehicle
and the ignition switch was
missing, reported Dep. Tony
Cobb.
Someone broke windows
out of a van owned by Wanda
Trammell, Trion Rte. 1, at the
Trion skating rink, Dep. Cobb
reported Monday.
THEFTS
In addition, several more
thefts are still being R:'obed by
the sheriff’s office this week.
A radio, amplifier, zi)eakers
and radar detector valued at
$1,070 were stolen from the
pickup truck of Michael Mon
tgomery, Summerville Rte. 5,
on Sunday, the sheriff said.
Dep. Stan Mosley added that
the total doesn’t include
damage to the rear window of
Montgomery's truck.
A tool box and tools valued
at $250 was stolen from Ran
dy A. Prince, Summerville Rte.
5, between Feb. 9 and last
Saturday, according to Sheriff
Turner and Inv. P. R. Hill.
Sheriff Turner said Dep.
Steve Duncan investifated the
theft of a $175 bicycle from a
shed at the home of Lura
Reeves, Summerville Rte. 2,
last Thursday or Friday.
A .22 caliber weapon was
reported missing from the
home of Nell Morrison, Chat
tanooga Street, Lyerly, last
Thursday, according to Sgt.
Dan Young.
BRACELET
A tennis bracelet valued at
$1,500 was reported missing
from the home of Brenda
Woodard, Menlo, between Feb.
15 and 18, according to Inv.
Ladon Lively.
A video cassette recorder
was reported stolen from Lyer
ly School between Feb. 16 and
18, according to a refiort filed
by Lively. The desk of the
school’s seventh grade teacher
was also entered, he added.
Prescription pills valued at
$65 were rclagorted stolen from
Debbie Phibbs, Trion Rte. 1, on
Feb. 20 at Palmer’s Farmers
Market, Trion, reported Sgt.
Lisa Davexgrt.
A back door at the home of
James Gipson, Summerville
Rte. 1, was damaged by van
dals last Thursday, reported
De%.‘ Tony Cobb.
he sheriff’s office was also
continuinito probe a case of
possible abuse to a 1-year-old
child this week. No charges had
been filed bEOTuesday.
Magan Bowden, 3, town
not listed, was reportedly bit
ten lg' a neighbor’s pet raccoon
last Saturday afternoon, accor
ding to Dep. Jeff Keen.
PISTOL
George Boyles, Beaver
Road, Summerville Rte. 3,
::fiorted the theft of a 9mm
ber pistol from his home
resignation. He will serve until
the new sheriff is sworn in next
week. Turner was chief in
vestigator for Sheriff McCon
nell and will join him at GEMA
following ’l‘uesda{’s election.
Operations of the office
have groceeded smootl}_lly
under Turner’s direction. He
acted swiftlg shortly after be
ing named sheriff when a depu
(tfi'_lon patrol was arrested for
iving under the influence
(DUI) of intoxicants. Sheriff
Turner fired the deputy im
SHERIFF’S
REPORTS
between last Nov. 28 and Sun
day, reported Sgt. Lisa
Davenport. ey
Some SB9O worth of items
were stolen from two vehicles
Sunday, Sheriff Turner said.
They were taken from the
pickup truck of Doug Ledbet
ter, Spumme'ville Rte. 3, and
from Ledbetter’s mother.
Listed as missing by Inv. Live
ly wltleée twt()i ra arfd;gfcalt;ors,
amplifier and a set o ers.
g.ynn Allmond of Sun
Tropics, Highw? 114,
reported that she had received
Small Engine Class
Slated At School
The Continuing Education
Department at Walker
Technical Institute will offer a
class in small engine reia]}lrs.
This course will provide ski
which could be used for
employment with a small
engine repair company or an
opportunity to start your own
small business.
The course will be held on
'l\Jesdag's and Thursdays from
6 to 10 p.m. for eight weeks
beginning March 12 and en
ding April 4. To register, con
tact the Continuing Education
Department at Walker
Technical Institute at
404-764-1016.
Topics to be covered in the
course include: engine theory,
electrical systems, valves,
cylinders, and enqiine tear
down and repair. The course
will be tat;fiht by Leonard
Eaker, a smi eng'ne repair ex
pert who has 35 years of
experience.
ADVICE ON WILLS
If your will is not the plan
you would like to be used
tomorrow, you may want to see
a lawyer. Having a will drawn
up is relatively inexpensive,
recommend family resource
management experts with the
University of Georgia Exten
sion Service.
* * *
BEST THINGS
The goods and services we
get free really help to stretch
our money, say University of
Georgia Extension Service
home economists. Our tax
dollars buy things for the com
munity that everyone can use.
Parks, playgrounds, wildlife
areas, museums and many
other items are available to
everyone.
* * *
TOILET LEAKS
A leak at the outlet or
where the outlet pipe joins the
toilet bowl ma’ly:' require remov
ing the tank. This is not a job
for an inexperienced home
repair person. Call a plumber,
recommend University of
Georgia Extension Service
housing experts.
3 7 % STANSELL -
‘ Y N WY RN TIT:
Ny A E: A
= | 2 EREIR
)y ( 'y ”
This Area's Most Complete Parts/Service Dept.
TV’s - YCR’s - APPLIANCES
: SERVICE ON MOST BRANDS
Call Stansell Furniture & Appliance
134-7304
The Summerville News, Thursday, February 28, 1991
mediatelfi' and said he would
seek to have the man’s state
certification as a law enforce
ment officer revoked. The fir
infi was recammended by Ca%t.
Charles Dunn, head of the
department’s patrol division.
BALLOT
Next week will mark only
the second time in 30 years
that the name McConnell
hasn’t been on a Chattooga
County ballot. John Frank
McConnell, Gary’s late father.
harassing and threatening
telephone calls at the business
and at her home for the past
five months, Inv. Lively in
discat.ed in a report dated Feb.
18.
ARRESTS
Among arrests during the
past week were the following:
— Shantel J. Burnham, 18,
Scoggins Road, Summerville,
was charged Saturday with
two counts of writing a bad
check. She was released on
bond.
— Patty O. Stephens, 36,
Summemllve' Rte. 4, was charg
ed Friday with theft by taking
and released on bond.
— Carla D. Williams, 19,
Lyerly, was charged Friday
with five counts of writing a
bad check and released on
bond.
— Cary David Wells, 22,
Trion Rte. 2, was charged Fri
day with writin%a bad check
and released on bond.
— David Wayne Hurley, 23,
Summerville Rte. 2, was turn
ed over to Cherokee County,
Ala. authorities during the
weekend on theft charges.
BAD CHECKS
— Kathy D. Quarles, 33,
Timmerman’s TV
And '
VYCR Service
PHONE 857-1824
Located Next to T & D Shoes
LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT
FORT PAYNE STOCKYARD, INC.
CATTLE AUCTION TUESDAYS AT 12:30 (CENTRAL TIME)
Hauling Available
Phone (205) 845-1028
FEBRUARY 26, 1991
RECEIPTS THIS WEEK — 847
RECEIPTS LAST WEEK — 330
RECEIPTS A YEAR AGO — 1,033
FEEDER CLASSES
200-300 pounds — 137.50 to 165.00
300-400 pounds — 119.00 to 140.00
400-500 pounds — 103.00 to 123.00
500-600 pounds — 98.00 to 112.00
STEERS
600-800 pounds — 80.00 to 95.00
HEIFERS (GOOD AND CHOICE)
200-300 pounds — 125.00 to 135.00
300-400 pounds — 108.00 to 120.00
400-500 pounds — 94.50 to 1%0.00
500-600 pounds — 82.00 to 95.00
600-700 pounds — 78.00 to 86.50
SLAUGHTER CLASSES
CALVES (Good and Choice) — 75.00 to 82.00
COows
Utility — 57.75 Down
Cutter — 51.75 Down
Canner and Culls — 46.00 Down
BULLS |
Heavy — 70.00 Down J
first ran for sheriff in 1960 but
was unsuccessful. He won in
1964 but died in 1967 while in
office. Gary was apgoinwd to
serve as interim sheriff and
then elected to full terms in
1968 and 1972. He was
defeated in 1976 but won in
1980. He had served as sheriff
since that time until leaving to
%&in the Miller administration.
cConnell and Miller are lon%i
time friends and McConne
was a major supporter of Miller
in the governor's race last year.
Summerville Rte. 2, was charg
ed Thursday with writ.ingabad
check and released on bond.
— Johnny L. Strickland, 18,
Summerville Rte. 1, was charg
ed with theft by taking and
cruelty to children Feb. 20 and
released on bond.
— Kelby R. Powell, 18, 103
Hawkins Dr., Summerville,
was charged with theft by tak
ing Feb. 20 and released on
hond. ¢
— Fred D. Wilson, 25,
Knollwood Circle, was arrested
on simple battery charges
Wednesday afternoon. L
— KevinJ. Keith, 17, Trion
Rte. 2, was charged Tuesday
with being under 21 and in
possession of alcohol and
released on bond.
— Hazel Crabtree, 70,
Ridge Street, Trion, was charg
ed with shoplifting Monday
and released on bond.
v _l Cfi{lahD. Wlilfimltxs, 19,
er ighway, Lyerly, was
cfig&i adsg with fode had
check counts and released on
bond.
- Jeremg Kirk Herod, 18,
21 Hilltop Dr., Summerville,
was charged with a misde
meanor violation of the state’s
drug laws Wednesday
afternoon.
5-A