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Pentagon watchdog will probe ‘Signalgate,’ in response to senators

By
Jennifer Shutt
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FILE PHOTO - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee during a confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on Jan. 14, 2025. (livestream image)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — The Defense Department’s Office of the Inspector General announced Thursday it has opened an investigation into Secretary Pete Hegseth’s highly criticized use of the Signal messaging app to communicate about plans to bomb Yemen.

The evaluation stems from a letter the chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Republican Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Democrat Jack Reed of Rhode Island, sent last week, asking the watchdog agency to look into the matter.

Acting Defense Department Inspector General Steven A. Stebbins wrote in a memo announcing the investigation that the Inspector General Act of 1978 “authorizes us to have access to personnel and materials as we determine necessary to perform our oversight in a timely manner.”

The purpose of the evaluation, he wrote, “is to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business. Additionally, we will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements.”

The investigation will take place in Washington, D.C., as well as U.S. Central Command Headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

Concerns about the use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app available commercially, began after The Atlantic published an article detailing how its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently added to a group chat exchanging messages about national security plans. The ensuing controversy has been dubbed “Signalgate.”

Vice President J.D. Vance, Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and others were all in the group.

They were discussing plans for U.S. troops to bomb Houthi rebels in Yemen, which has raised significant concerns about how senior Trump administration officials are communicating and handling classified information.

White County Commission designates April 14-18 as Exceptional Children’s Week

By
Dean Dyer
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Pictured are, left to right, front row: Jane Grillo, Sophia Suggs, Dr. Mary Kay Berry, Maddox Sweeney, Julie Collins, Jocelyn Dowdy, Kaylee Pressley, Penelope Hall, Nara Allen, Bailey Ellis, Brooke Ellis, Quinn Schmidt, Ezabella Loggins, and Dr. Laurie Burkett. Back row: Commissioners Shan Ash, Craig Bryant, Travis Turner, Edwin Nix, and Lyn Holcomb

Exceptional Children’s Week is an event created by the Georgia Council for Exceptional Children to showcase the education and quality of life for children and youth with exceptionalities and to enhance the engagement of their families.

In White County, commissioners proclaimed April 14-18 as Exceptional Children’s Week in the county.

With almost a dozen exceptional children present during the March 31 meeting, Commissioner Shan Ash read a proclamation designating the special week. Ash said that 717 students in the White County School System are currently receiving special education services.

He explained, “During Exceptional Children’s Week, White County Schools and the community at large will participate in activities centered around celebrating all types of disabilities and exceptionalities.”

Driver charged with DUI after rollover wreck on GA 197 South

By
Daniel Purcell and Joy Purcell
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Emergency units responded to this crash in front of Habersham Central High School on GA 197 South in Mt. Airy, Georgia, on March 31, 2025. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

A Mt. Airy man was arrested and charged with DUI after a rollover wreck late Monday night on GA 197 South.

The Georgia State Patrol reports that 45-year-old Joseph Reed was taken into custody following the wreck shortly after 10 p.m. on March 31.

The preliminary crash report says Reed was driving northbound on GA 197 South near Hilltop Road when he ran off the road in a curve. The vehicle struck a culvert and overturned onto the driver’s side on the side of the road across from Habersham Central High School.

Troopers charged Reed with DUI and failure to maintain lane, both misdemeanors. He was booked at the Habersham County Detention Center and was released the next day on a $1727.50 bond, online jail records show.

No injuries were reported. Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa investigated the crash and released their findings on April 3.

Local pastor selected as 2025 HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

By
Staff Report
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Brian James, Ph.D, the senior pastor of Level Grove Baptist Church since 2006, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Habersham Central High School (HCHS) Lifetime Achievement Award.

A 1990 graduate of HCHS, James is being recognized for a lifelong commitment to faith, education and community service.

James pursued higher education with a bachelor of science in agribusiness from the University of Georgia in 1996, followed by a master of business administration from Brenau University in 1999. His theological journey led him to earn a master of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003 and a doctorate in ministry in expository preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017.

A key figure in youth mentorship, James co-founded Camp Koinonia (Camp K), an area-wide discipleship camp that has grown to serve hundreds of children and young adults annually. The camp offers mission training, community outreach opportunities and leadership development for young counselors, impacting thousands of North Georgia residents.

Beyond his work at Camp K, James has played a pivotal role in global and local mission efforts. His leadership has facilitated mission trips to Haiti, the Bahamas, Honduras and various states across the U.S., including Florida, South Dakota and South Carolina. In partnership with local pastors in the Dominican Republic, he has contributed to the training of ministry leaders. Additionally, his compassion ministry provides vital assistance to those in need within the local community.

James’ influence extends beyond the church, as he has served on the Board of Directors for the Victory Home Alcohol/Drug Rehabilitation Center and as chairman of the Nominating Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention. Since 2004, he has also served as Chaplain for the Habersham Raider Football team. His dedication to education and faith has led to the publication of various curricula, including materials for church leaders, premarital counseling and camp programs.

Under his leadership, Level Grove Baptist Church has become one of the largest congregations in northeast Georgia. His philosophy of leadership is rooted in servanthood and humility, believing that “a pastor should not only be the worship leader but the lead worshiper in a body of believers.”

James and his wife, Paula, reside in Demorest with their four daughters: Morgan, Aubrey, Annabelle and Aedyn. He will be honored at a ceremony at Habersham Central on May 23, where he will also deliver an address to the graduating Class of 2025.

States ordered by U.S. Education Department to certify school DEI ban or lose funds

By
Shauneen Miranda
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The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., pictured on Nov. 25, 2024. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — The U.S. Department of Education demanded in a letter to state education leaders on Thursday that they certify all K-12 schools in their states are complying with an earlier Dear Colleague letter banning diversity, equity and inclusion practices if they want to keep receiving federal financial assistance.

The department’s sweeping order gives K-12 state education agencies 10 days to collect the certifications of compliance from local school governing bodies, and then sign them and return them to the federal department.

The new demand stems from a February letter threatening to rescind federal funds for schools that use DEI, or race-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring, scholarships and other aspects of student life.

Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said “federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” in a statement Thursday.

“When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements,” Trainor said. He added that “unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI.”

He did not cite examples in the statement.

Trainor said the department “is taking an important step toward ensuring that states understand — and comply with — their existing obligations under civil rights laws and Students v. Harvard.”

In the February letter, Trainor offered a wide-ranging interpretation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023 involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The nation’s highest court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

Trainor wrote that though the ruling “addressed admissions decisions, the Supreme Court’s holding applies more broadly.”

The four-page letter raised a slew of questions for schools — from pre-K through college — over what exactly falls within the requirements.

The department later released a Frequently Asked Questions document on the letter in an attempt to provide more guidance.

In the document, the department noted that it’s prohibited from “exercising control over the content of school curricula” and “nothing in Title VI, its implementing regulations, or the Dear Colleague Letter requires or authorizes a school to restrict any rights otherwise protected by the First Amendment.”

The agency also clarified that “programs focused on interests in particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world” are allowed as long as “they are open to all students regardless of race.”

Meanwhile, legal challenges are already underway against the Dear Colleague letter, including one spearheaded by the American Federation of Teachers and another from the National Education Association.

Rabun County wildfire nearly 90% contained

By
Brian Wellmeier
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The Big Ridge Fire in Rabun County is 88% contained after ongoing efforts by fire crews (U.S. Forestry Service)

After burning for over nine days, reports from officials released Thursday, April 3, indicate the Big Ridge wildfire in Rabun County is at least 88% contained, according to the U.S. Forestry Service, as fire crews continue to battle the blaze.

Authorities report a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms Thursday over the Big Ridge Fire area, which could impact firefighting efforts.

Crews made significant progress Wednesday, April 2, in constructing direct fire lines. Officials say the only uncontained portion remains in the southern area between Hoods Creek and Walnut Fork, as structure protection specialists from the Georgia Forestry Commission will continue assessing and assisting communities near the fire zone.

Fire activity and suppression efforts

Officials do not expect the fire to spread further Thursday, April 3. The remaining heat is confined to large logs and stump holes, which crews will focus on identifying and extinguishing. Additionally, fireline repair efforts are underway to restore areas affected by suppression actions.

The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations unit is seeking information regarding the cause of the Big Ridge Fire. Anyone who was in the area on March 22, 2025, and noticed suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Georgia Forestry Commission Arson Hotline at 1-800-428-7337.

Weather conditions

A warming trend begins today, though humidity levels are expected to remain high. The forecast calls for a high of 75 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 54%. Winds from the southeast will reach 13 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph. Friday, April 4, will be much warmer with the next significant chance of rain arriving Sunday.

Evacuations and closures

No evacuations are currently in effect, though a closure order remains in place for the area surrounding the Big Ridge Fire.

One arrested in targeted patrol operation in Towns County

By
Staff Report
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A Michigan man faces multiple charges in North Georgia after allegedly being caught with drugs in Towns County.

According to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, during a drug interdiction operation, a traffic stop on Highway 76 near El Cancun restaurant led to determination of probable cause and search of a vehicle operated by Austin Grant Messmam, 28, of Michigan.

Messmam was taken into custody and charged with felony possession of a schedule I controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects, driving while license suspended or revoked and an exhaust system violation.

Members of alleged shoplifting ring charged in multiple jurisdictions

By
Jerry Neace
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Ja'Naysia Nichelle Joyce Anderson, Amiah Unique Lovette, and Jade Kinsey Stewart face numerous charges from multiple jurisdictions, with more charges anticipated. (Habersham County Sheriff's Office)

A shoplifting ring that has reportedly been operating across the North Georgia area for at least a month came to a dramatic end on Saturday, March 29, when three women were arrested shortly after allegedly shoplifting from the Clarkesville Package Store.

The women involved in the shoplifting ring now face numerous charges filed by multiple jurisdictions, with more charges anticipated.

The women, identified as Jade Kinsley Stewart, Amiah Unique Lovette, and Ja’Naysia Nichelle Joyce Anderson, were apprehended by Habersham County deputies after a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) was issued for their vehicle following the shoplifting incident in Clarkesville.

SEE RELATED: Shoplifting incident turns violent in Clarkesville

The three women, all in their late teens, face a slew of charges in multiple jurisdictions, including charges in three cities in Northeast Georgia and additional charges from Habersham County. A total of 19 arrest warrants have been issued for the three suspects, including charges of shoplifting, drug possession, and aggravated assault. More charges are expected from other cities and counties in Georgia, and potentially from Florida as well.

Toccoa/Baldwin

According to Toccoa Police Chief Bruce Carlisle, the ring has been targeting liquor stores in Georgia, from Augusta and north, and possibly in surrounding states such as Alabama and Florida. Their primary focus appears to be top-shelf liquor.

The investigation into the group’s criminal activities began on March 1, when Toccoa Police Department Investigator David Cannon and Baldwin Police Department Investigator Peter Bartholomew started looking into shoplifting incidents at liquor stores in their cities.

SEE ALSO: Baldwin and Toccoa Police seek help identifying theft suspects

According to reports, the women struck several times, with the first notable incident occurring at the 365 Beverage Superstore in Baldwin around 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 1. The women allegedly stole approximately $200 worth of liquor. About an hour later, they are believed to have stolen around $1,917 worth of liquor from Big A Tobacco in Toccoa.

In both of these incidents, a man was seen accompanying the women, though he has yet to be identified by authorities.

South Georgia

The investigation soon expanded as Cannon received a tip from a liquor store in Pooler, GA, where the same suspects appeared to have stolen goods. Surveillance footage shared on social media by The Liquor Land in Pooler showed at least two women, wearing face masks and medical scrubs, alongside a man, also wearing medical scrubs and a face mask, all suspected of shoplifting.

Cannon later received confirmation from the Pooler Police Department that the suspects involved in two theft cases in Pooler were the same individuals responsible in the Toccoa shoplifting incidents.

Florida cases

Further calls from Florida provided additional clues to the suspects’ movements. One call came from an employee reporting that the same women had shoplifted at a store in Ponce De Leon, while another call came from an investigator in Jackson County, FL.

Both Florida locations are just south of Dothan, AL, indicating that the suspects may have also been operating in southern Alabama as well.

Cannon revealed that the suspects would use Google Maps to identify small towns with liquor stores to target. They would then drive from Florida with the intent to steal from those stores and return home to sell the stolen items. Cannon also received information that Anderson and Lovette would recruit random people to join in their shoplifting operations.

SEE ALSO: Clarkesville Package Store shoplifting suspects identified

In addition to the multiple charges in Georgia, one of the suspects, Jade Kinsley Stewart, was charged by Habersham County with being a fugitive from justice. This charge stems from a motor vehicle theft in Manatee County, FL, further complicating the women’s criminal activities.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are working across multiple states to track down additional stolen property and identify any other individuals involved in the ring. The arrested women now face serious charges in multiple jurisdictions, and authorities are continuing to piece together their crime spree across the southeastern United States.

Two in custody after Toccoa traffic stop

By
Brian Wellmeier
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Drugs allegedly seized after a traffic stop in Toccoa (Toccoa Police Department/Facebook)

A routine traffic stop by the Toccoa Police Department on Thursday, April 3, led to the arrest of two individuals.

According to the Toccoa Police Department, officers conducted the stop on a black 2014 Ford Fusion occupied by Gabriel Montrell McCurry and Angela Marie Simpson in Toccoa. During a roadside investigation, authorities allegedly discovered various offenses leading to their arrests.

McCurry was taken into custody and charged with DUI and driving without a license after officers determined he had an outstanding parole warrant for his arrest, according to police.

Simpson faces several drug-related charges, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug-related objects. She was also charged with crossing guard lines with drugs without the warden’s consent and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

Both individuals were transported to the local detention center as the investigation continues.

Hiawassee man to serve life sentence for molestation charges across North Georgia

By
Brian Wellmeier
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Tanner Boyd (Towns County Sheriff's Office)

A Hiawassee man received a life sentence (25 years) in late March after he was arrested on child molestation charges last year, according to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.

Tanner Boyd, 32, has been sentenced to life in prison, with 25 years to be served, after he pled guilty to aggravated child molestation in Towns and White Counties. The plea, entered on Monday, March 31, follows an investigation that began on June 3 of 2024, when the Towns County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding the molestation of a 13-year-old.

Authorities say the subsequent investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse dating back to when the victim was only nine years old. Police determined the molestation occurred in Towns County and other jurisdictions.

On the same day the complaint was filed, Boyd was apprehended and charged with multiple counts of rape and aggravated sodomy.

Buford man arrested in multi-store shoplifting scheme

By
Brian Wellmeier
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Speedy Gonzalez (Gainesville Police Department)

A Buford man has been arrested in connection with a large-scale shoplifting operation targeting Walmart stores across North Georgia, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

Speedy Gonzalez, 40, was taken into custody following an investigation conducted by the Gainesville Police Department in collaboration with Walmart asset protection officials. Authorities believe Gonzalez is responsible for thefts totaling more than $20,000 at multiple Walmart locations.

He is currently being held on felony charges. Officials have not disclosed whether additional suspects or charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Gainesville man re-arrested in Hall County child exploitation investigation

By
Brian Wellmeier
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Martin Pedro (Hall County Sheriff's Office)

A Gainesville man arrested last fall on child exploitation charges now faces a list of additional accusations, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday, April 3.

Authorities say Martin Pedro, 20, who was initially taken into custody on October 3 of 2024 is now charged with over 100 additional counts following an ongoing investigation by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.

According to police, the initial arrest of Pedro stemmed from a cybertip that led investigators to discover 18 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children. These videos were found during a search of email addresses connected to Pedro.

Further investigation has since allegedly uncovered an additional 134 pieces of child sexual abuse material. Authorities also determined Pedro himself allegedly produced four of the videos at a Hall County residence. The female victim in those videos has been identified and was under the age of 16 at the time, according to authorities.

Pedro was taken back into custody on Wednesday, April 2. He has been charged with 134 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, four counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of child molestation.

Pedro remains in custody at the Hall County Jail without bond. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

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