Social Security nominee vows service will improve despite mass firings, office closures

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March 25, 2025

Frank Bisignano, the nominee for Social Security commissioner in the Trump administration, testifies before the Senate Finance Committee at his confirmation hearing on March 25, 2025. (Screenshot from Senate webcast)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Social Security Administration pledged Tuesday that if confirmed, he’d ensure Americans can access customer service however they choose, though Democrats questioned how that would be possible if thousands of employees are fired and offices throughout the country are closed.

Social Security Commissioner nominee Frank Bisignano testified during a nearly three-hour hearing in the Senate Finance Committee that he wants to ensure beneficiaries have the option to visit an office, use the website, or speak to a real person after calling the 1-800 number.

“On the phone, I’m committed to reducing wait times and providing beneficiaries with a better experience; waiting 20 minutes-plus to get an answer will be of yesteryear,” Bisignano said. “I also believe we can significantly improve the length of the disability claim process.”

Bisignano promised lawmakers he would reduce the 1% error rate in payments, which he said was “five decimal places too high.” And he said repeatedly that personally identifiable information will be “protected.”

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Elevator music

Democrats and Republicans on the panel repeatedly raised concerns about how long constituents already wait for their phone calls to be answered when they need to make changes or have an issue with their Social Security benefits.

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said that on Monday to prepare for the hearing, his staff called the Social Security Administration’s customer service number, but were disconnected twice and then had to wait an hour while listening to “D-grade elevator music.”

“It could have at least had Olivia Newton-John or some mediocre 70s music,” Daines said while playing a recording of the hold music.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy asked Bisignano how he’d ensure potential changes at the Social Security Administration wouldn’t exclude seniors who are unable to attend in-person meetings at a field office.

Bisignano said he views the phone as a “mandatory way for people to communicate,” especially since the Social Security Administration received more than 80 million calls last year.

“If you look at the Social Security website, and you look at the statistics, taking 20-plus minutes to answer the phone is not really acceptable,” Bisignano said. “And that’s the reason why only 46% of the phone calls get answered; people get discouraged and hang up.”

Bisignano said he believes he can get wait times on the phone line down to under one minute.

“I think we can also help the people within the organization answer questions better by bringing artificial intelligence to them to prompt them with the information they need,” Bisignano said.

Bisignano, of New Jersey, works as chairman of the board and chief executive officer at Fiserv, Inc., which “enables money movement for thousands of financial institutions and millions of people and businesses,” according to its website. The company is based in Wisconsin.

He previously worked as co-chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Mortgage Banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

DOGE pursues office closures

Democrats appeared unconvinced that proposed changes from the U.S. DOGE Service and Elon Musk would have a positive impact on the Social Security Administration.

“Earlier this month, at the direction of Elon Musk and DOGE, the administration announced plans to close 47 Social Security offices, including the one in Littleton, New Hampshire,” Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan said. “Shortly thereafter, the Social Security Administration announced plans that would force more applicants and beneficiaries to go in-person to offices while at the same time laying off staff who work in those remaining offices. If the Littleton office is closed, North Country seniors would be forced to travel nearly 100 miles to the next closest New Hampshire field office.”

Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet criticized the Trump administration for announcing plans earlier this month to eliminate “access to a number of service options over the phone.”

“Instead, they’ll need to either use an online verification process or call to make an in-person appointment,” Bennet said. “The agency itself estimates that this will add 75,000 to 85,000 in-person visitors a week to field offices.

“As my colleagues have already said, wait times for appointments can already take a month. And that in-person appointment is only going to get harder to make if the agency cuts 7,000 employees and ends up with the lowest headcount in decades.”

Minnesota Democratic Tina Smith said the Trump administration’s choosing to “drastically reduce phone service and force people to apply for benefits in person” while shuttering offices was unacceptable.

“So you can call this rank incompetence, or you can call it the don’t-know-don’t-care game plan that DOGE has taken across the board,” Smith said. “But to me, it honestly looks like sabotage.”

Bisignano testified that he, and no one else, would make the final decision about whether to close field offices.

“What I will commit to is that there will be no decision made without you knowing about it,” he said. “I have no intent to close field offices, but I’ve studied nothing on the topic. So, it’s a little hard to commit to something.”

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis urged Bisignano not to “pull any punches” on decisions about closing field offices.

“What you’re going to find out is, after you do the analytics, every member of Congress, except for me probably, will like your analytics, except to the extent that it affects one of their offices and their district or state,” Tillis said.

‘Fraudsters,’ newborns and layoffs

Bisignano distanced himself from some of the comments Trump administration officials have made about Social Security, though he appeared reluctant to do so.

He didn’t agree with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who said on a podcast that his mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a Social Security payment and that “the easiest way to find the fraudster is to stop payments and listen because whoever screams is the one stealing.”

“It would be hard to get to that conclusion,” Bisignano said.

He said he didn’t agree with trying to use Social Security as a political weapon, after Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto asked about news reports the acting Social Security commissioner tried to make changes to how Social Security numbers are issued to newborns in Maine.

“The current Social Security administrator briefly ended a contract that had allowed parents of newborn babies in Maine to sign their children up for a Social Security number at the hospital,” Cortez Masto said. “Instead, he required them to do so in person at an office.”

“The current administrator, according to a New York Times article, said he had ordered the move after watching Gov. Janet Mills clash with Mr. Trump at the White House,” she added. “He then quickly reversed that decision but said he did it because he felt that the governor of Maine was not being real cordial to the president.”

Bisignano appeared to reject the possibility of mass layoffs at the Social Security administration when asked about the issue by Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders.

“Do I think it’s a great idea to lay off half of the employees when a system doesn’t work? I think the answer is probably no,” Bisignano said.

Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch asked whether Bisignano would have taken the same approach to firing some federal workers that DOGE has, which Welch described as a “shoot first, aim later” system.

“No,” Bisignano said.

During another part of the hearing, Bisignano said that he believes his job as commissioner would be to “ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments on time, that disability claims are processed in the manner they should be.”

“So my first actions are going to be to get organized around delivering the services,” he said. “And I’ve only been given one order, which is to run the agency in the right fashion.”

Bisignano also rejected the possibility of privatizing Social Security.

“I’ve never thought about privatizing. It’s not a word that anybody’s ever talked to me about,” Bisignano said. “And I don’t see this institution as anything other than a government agency that gets run to the benefit of the American public.”

Florida Senate committee votes to repeal child labor restrictions

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Jay Waagmeester

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March 25, 2025

The Target store on West Tennessee St. in Tallahassee on Dec. 31, 2024. (Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

TALAHASSEE, Fl. (Florida Phoenix) — Teenaged Florida students would no longer be restricted by laws limiting working hours for teenagers under a bill moving in the Florida Senate.

Republican Sen. Jay Collins faced opposition from members of both parties and from children’s advocates during the Commerce and Tourism committee Tuesday morning when he presented his bill, SB 918.

“This is a parental-rights thing. Parents know their kids best. I can promise you that, even though I was challenged, my mom would have smacked me with a flip flop if my academic grades had suffered, that’s very much the same thing in most families. For those that don’t, often this is the respite they need to step forward and grow and become the best version of themselves,” Collins said.

The bill would allow 16- and 17-year-olds and certain 14- and 15-year-olds to work overnight on school days and work longer than eight hours the day before school days.

Public comment speakers feared that the bill would take power away from parents and give it to employers. Florida law provides an opportunity to opt out of working restrictions.

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith noted a line from Gov. Ron DeSantis last week during a roundtable at New College of Florida on immigration. “Why do we say that we need to import foreigners, even import them illegally, when, you know, teenagers used to work at these resorts, college students should be able to do this stuff,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis was “saying the quiet part out loud, the quiet part being that we’re somehow going to solve the current labor shortage that we have in Florida, that was worsened with anti-immigrant rhetoric, with child labor,” Smith said.

Collins later told reporters that he believes DeSantis was talking about “soft skills” benefits of young people working.

Collins reiterated that workers remain protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act, a federal law spelling out labor protections for minors, including prohibiting hazardous working conditions.

‘Bad message’

The measure advanced 5-4, with three Democrats joined by Republican Sen. Joe Gruters in opposition.

“I think this sends a bad message,” Gruters said. “I think we need to let kids be kids. I think the guardrails that we’re removing, even though it may be a part of federal law, not in favor of it.”

According to the Florida Policy Institute, more than 110,000 Florida workers would be affected by the bill.

An uncommonly long list of public commenters advocated against the bill.

Jackson Oberlink from Florida For All suggested labor shortages can be addressed by other means.

“This is not about opportunity; it’s about exploitation. Make no mistake, the children who will suffer the most under this law will be low-income, working-class, and migrant youth, the same communities that corporations already exploit. Let’s be honest about the real labor crisis in Florida — it’s not a worker shortage, it’s a wage shortage,” Oberlink said.

Republican Sens. Nick DiCeglie and Tom Wright said that, although they voted up, they want to continue the conversation about how the legislation could be improved before it goes in front of the entire Senate.

“This is not about corporations. This is not about demonizing small businesses or Publix or organizations out there,” Collins said. Instead, he continued, it’s about students learning “soft skills,” “self-determination,” managing money and growing.

Collins said he would continue to work on the bill.

The bill has two more committee stops, Regulated Industries and Rules, before it would head to the Senate floor.

Harold William Simmons

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Now Habersham

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March 25, 2025

Harold William Simmons, a beloved figure in his community, was born on July 15, 1947, in Cornelia. Harold went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Athens, leaving behind a legacy that reflects his warmth, generosity, and passion for life.

As a proud member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Harold’s values guided his life, shaping him into a man who cherished family above all else. He was known as a person who loved his family dearly, a true “people person” whose heart was open to all. Harold’s commitment to his family is evident in the fond relationships he built with those around him.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Terrell and Shirley Simmons, Nero and Denise Simmons, and Steve Simmons. Additionally, he will be remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews who benefited from his kind spirit and nurturing nature.

Harold was an ardent sports enthusiast, finding joy in cheering for the Atlanta Braves and supporting the Georgia Tech football team. His love for sports was just one facet of a vibrant personality that brought happiness and connection to those fortunate enough to know him.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, William Willis Simmons, and Beatrice Norton Simmons, and his brothers and sister-in-law, Glenn Simmons and Dwayne and Margaret Simmons.

To celebrate Harold’s life and the many lives he touched, a funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Homer, starting at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Robert Nix and Mr. Shane Simmons officiating.

Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery with Rev. Chris Segars officiating.

Visitation will be held at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home in Cornelia on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Harold leaves behind cherished memories and a resounding impact on his family and community. His spirit will continue to inspire those who loved him, reminding us all of the importance of love, family, and connection.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

National security officials insist no top secret info in leaked group chat on war plans

By

Ashley Murray

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March 25, 2025

Tulsi Gabbard and John Ratcliffe — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, left, and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe appear during a Senate Committee on Intelligence Hearing on March 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (livestream image)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — National security officials grilled by Democratic senators Tuesday denied any wrongdoing by Trump administration Cabinet members who discussed plans to bomb Yemen on a Signal group chat shared with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard sidestepped questions about specific details shared in the text chain and insisted no classified information was relayed over the messaging app.

The officials testified for nearly two hours during the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s regularly scheduled hearing on worldwide threats.

Ratcliffe’s and Gabbard’s denials that operational details, including timing and strike targets, were disclosed in the chat contradict Goldberg’s stunning report on the breach. His article was published less than 24 hours prior to their appearance before the panel.

Goldberg told of receiving an invitation, presumably inadvertent, from National Security Advisor Michael Waltz to join a group chat of top security officials. Goldberg remained in the chat, apparently unnoticed, for multiple days and witnessed discussion of planning details and subsequent celebrations of U.S. strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

‘I don’t want to get into this’

Gabbard initially refused to confirm she was part of the chat, under the initials “TG.” “I don’t want to get into this,” she told Sen. Mark Warner, the panel’s vice chair.

Turning to the CIA director, Warner asked “You were the ‘John Ratcliffe’ on that chat?”

“I was,” Ratcliffe confirmed to the Virginia Democrat.

Ratcliffe defended the use of Signal, an encrypted commercial messaging app, as a regularly used channel by government officials to “communicate and coordinate for work purposes provided, Senator, that any decisions that are made are also recorded through formal channels.”

“My communications, to be clear, in the Signal message group were entirely permissible and lawful and did not include classified information,” Ratcliffe said.

Gabbard also testified to the panel that no classified information was discussed in the group chat.

Sen. Angus King, independent of Maine, told Gabbard he was “puzzled” by her assertion.

“According to open source reporting, at 11:44 on the morning of March 15, (Defense) Secretary Hegseth put into this group text a detailed operation plan, including targets, the weapons we were going to be using, attack sequences and timing,” King said. “Wouldn’t that be classified?”

“Senator, I can attest to the fact that there were no classified or intelligence equities that were included in that chat group at any time,” Gabbard said, telling King to ask the Pentagon for further information on classification.

“If that’s the case, please release that whole text stream so that the public can have a view of what actually transpired on this discussion,” King said.

While Goldberg did publish verbatim portions and screenshots of the chat — including emoji symbols the officials used to celebrate the strikes — the national magazine editor, citing troop safety concerns, did not quote from Hegseth’s messages regarding targets, weapons to be used and sequencing of strikes.

Adversary nations

Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff questions CIA Director John Ratcliffe during the U.S. Intelligence Committee hearing on March 25, 2025. (livestream image)

Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia brought up the scenario that a wider leak of the chat would have been of interest to adversary countries, particularly revealing the “time period during which enemy air defenses could target U.S. air crews flying in enemy airspace.”

“Director Ratcliffe, this was a huge mistake, correct?” Ossoff asked.

“No,” Ratcliffe replied.

A Pentagon-wide advisory warned officials on March 18 against using Signal because of possible spying, according to an NPR investigative report published Tuesday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the Signal group chat Tuesday morning in a post on the social media platform X, attacking Goldberg as “well-known for his sensationalist spin.”

“Here are the facts about his latest story: 1. No ‘war plans’ were discussed. 2. No classified material was sent to the thread. 3. The White House Counsel’s Office has provided guidance on a number of different platforms for President Trump’s top officials to communicate as safely and efficiently as possible,” Leavitt wrote.

She added, “the White House is looking into how Goldberg’s number was inadvertently added to the thread.”

Attack on media

Just after noon Eastern Tuesday, the White House press office issued a statement characterizing media reporting on the breach as a “coordinated effort to distract from the successful actions taken by President Trump and his administration to make America’s enemies pay.”

When pressed by a reporter Monday at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman in Hawaii, Hegseth attacked Goldberg and said, “Nobody was texting war plans, and that’s all I have to say about that.”

Warner and other Democratic lawmakers have called for the resignations of Hegseth and Waltz.

Tuesday’s Senate Intelligence panel hearing was streamed in its entirety on C-SPAN.

Dozens were killed in the March 15 strikes, according to reporting by The Associated Press that cited Houthi-run health officials.

Former President Joe Biden, joined by British forces, also targeted Houthi strongholds in Yemen beginning in January 2024.

The rebel group has been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea since the beginning of Israel’s war on Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

Rabun County wildfire holds at 200 acres as dry conditions raise concerns of spread

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 25, 2025

Rabun wildfire — Fire crews continue to battle wildfire in Rabun County (U.S. Forestry Service)

While there’s been limited spread of the wildfire burning across 200 acres of Warwoman Wildlife Management Area in Rabun County, weather conditions in the coming days could create a situation more difficult to contain.

James Wettstaed, a spokesperson with the U.S. Forestry Service, said on Tuesday, March 25 that growth of the blaze has remained minimal for the last 24 hours – though increasingly warm and dry conditions expected throughout the week raises the potential for fire to spread.

Currently, the fire is burning in the area between Sarah’s Creek and Walnut Fork, north of Warwoman Creek, according to Wettstaed.

MORE Burn ban in effect for White County

Containment efforts

Fire crews continue to battle wildfire in Rabun County (U.S. Forestry Service)

As containment efforts continue, fire crews have established control lines at the southern edge of the blaze and worked to strengthen them. While direct attack efforts were considered, the rugged landscape has continued to make indirect tactics the preferred strategy.

Crews are now constructing indirect control lines in preparation for a potential strategic operation later this week.

Smoke from the fire will be visible in the area and may settle into Warwoman Valley overnight, officials said.

Precautions

Roads close in Rabun County as crews work to contain wildfire (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)

While no evacuations have been issued, closures remain in effect at:

Sarah’s Creek Campground
Sarah’s Creek Road (Forest Service Road 156)
Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Hale Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 7)

Officials urge residents and visitors to stay informed and exercise caution as conditions evolve.

Outdoor burning ban in effect in White County

By

Staff Report

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March 25, 2025

White County’s government has issued an outdoor burn ban until further notice.

White County Public Safety is urging residents to refrain from any outdoor burning activities until further notice due to hazardous conditions, which officials say could lead to uncontrollable fires.

The area is currently under a Red Flag Warning, with high winds and low humidity, creating a critical fire risk.

Officials pointed to recent wildfires in nearby Rabun County and Pickens, SC, as demonstrations of how quickly fires can spread under these conditions. With similar weather patterns in place, local officials stress that the risk of fire escalation is extreme.

Residents are strongly advised to avoid any outdoor burning to prevent further fire hazards in the area.

Baldwin City Council will begin bidding process for paving projects

By

Nora Almazan

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March 25, 2025

Baldwin council A — Baldwin Council met Monday, March 24. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

The Baldwin City Council discussed two paving projects at its council meeting on Monday, March 24, and approved the bidding process to begin on this project.

One paving project in the Highland Pointe subdivision on the Habersham County side, located off of Charlie Davis Road, is estimated to cost $386,175.00. The city will use improvement grant money for this project. Emily Woodmaster, the city of Baldwin’s chief administrative officer, indicated that this project will be funded by available grant money. This grant is not a matching grant.

The second paving project is for Banks Ridge, located on the city’s Banks County side. The city will fund this project with Banks County TSPLOST for city streets on the Banks County side. The estimated cost of this project is $344,175.00.

The Council approved Woodmaster to start the bidding process for these projects.

Other business

Public Works Director Scott Barnhart updated the council on the department’s activities. Barnhart discussed the recent water main break, which caused citizens to be without water. Countless hours were spent repairing the lines. The council praised the department’s hard work in getting the water restored.

The city approved the Everbridge contract for community information. This agreement will provide the software enabling the city to notify the community of various emergency notifications, such as water outages and road closures. Notifications are available through text, email, or landline. It adds $0.23 to the monthly utility bill and could take effect by July 2025.

The council tabled a vote on purchasing a new vacuum truck for the city’s public works department. The truck can be used to assist in clearing blockages in manholes in the city’s sewer system. It can also be used as a less invasive way to excavate around utilities without the need for heavy equipment. The cost of the vacuum truck is $405,697.00. Woodmaster recommended a 7-year lease agreement at a locked-in rate of 4.64%. At the end of the lease agreement, the city will own the vacuum truck, which is estimated to have a life of 15 to 20 years.

The Homestead Exemption Affidavits for 2025 property taxes are due April 1st. You can stop by City Hall or call 706-778-6341 to find out the exemption you qualify for.

Also, the 26th annual Baldwin Clean Up Day is scheduled for April 19th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Beginning Monday, April 14, the Public Works will collect items that normally must go to the landfill, including appliances, scrap metal, and furniture. Tires, batteries, and paint cans will be accepted but must be separated from other items. All items must be placed out on the curb by 8 a.m., and sign-up is required for pick-up service. Call 706-78-6341 by April 11 to get your name on the list.

Baldwin water main break affects nearly 900 customers

Commerce commuters to face delays, detours for roadwork

By

Staff Report

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March 25, 2025

paving — (Commerce Main Street/Facebook)

The city of Commerce has announced a series of streets to be paved beginning March 31 as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements.

The project will follow a set schedule, starting with the following streets:

Avery Court
Thomas Drive
Elizabeth Street
Belmont Park Drive
Wilhard Street
Central Avenue
Clayton Street

Paving work also is scheduled beginning April 7 on the following streets:

Minish Drive
University Drive
Lakeview Drive

Residents are advised to plan for potential traffic disruptions and to follow posted detours. City officials encourage drivers to use caution in work zones.

For updates on the paving schedule, residents can visit the city’s website.

Gainesville man faces ‘hundreds’ more charges in child sexual exploitation case

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 25, 2025

A Gainesville man, initially arrested late last year on child sexual exploitation charges, now faces over 400 additional charges after forensic analysis of seized electronic devices allegedly revealed a collection of child pornography, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say William Landrum English, 23, was taken into custody on Monday, March 24 at his residence in northwestern Hall County.

The latest arrest stems from an ongoing investigation by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office after English was first arrested on December 13 following the execution of a search warrant at his home, prompted by a cybertip, according to authorities.

At that time, English was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children related to the alleged possession and distribution of a video depicting an adult female engaged in sexual activity with a minor male victim.

During the initial search, investigators allegedly seized electronic devices for forensic examination. Now, police say subsequent analysis of two cell phones recovered from English’s bedroom allegedly uncovered 437 images and videos depicting the sexual assault of children.

Hall County authorities executed the search warrant on Monday, March 24, leading to the suspect’s arrest. English is currently held at the Hall County Jail without bond.

Increased fire danger due to dry, windy weather

By

Staff Report

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March 25, 2025

Now is not a time to do your outdoor burning. The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for Northeast Georgia and the Carolinas, warning of increased fire danger due to the weather.

Dry and very gusty conditions are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon, March 25, increasing the risk of flames and embers spreading.

In extreme Northeast Georgia, where a wildfire is already burning, relative humidity values will drop below 30%, and possibly below 25% in some areas, during the afternoon. Fine fuel moisture remains very
dry after only light rainfall on Monday.

These conditions are expected to persist at least through Tuesday evening.

A statewide outdoor burn ban remains in place for both North Carolina and South Carolina. For Northeast Georgia, consult your local burn-permitting authority on whether or not you may burn outdoors. If you do burn, exercise extreme caution.

Man charged for allegedly placing tracker on Demorest woman’s car

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 25, 2025

A Tignall man is facing an unlawful surveillance charge after he allegedly placed a tracking device on a Demorest woman’s vehicle, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.

Police say the woman’s alleged discovery of the device led to an investigation by law enforcement in September of last year.

According to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to a suspicious activity call at a residence in Demorest on Sept. 22.

The caller, whose name was not released, reported finding a GPS tracking device hidden on her vehicle when she returned home.

The woman told authorities she had recently ended a relationship with Jason Edwin Lee Wilson, 48, who had moved out of her residence but still had some belongings there.

She stated that while she was out of town for the weekend, Wilson allegedly repeatedly texted her asking about her whereabouts. Eventually, according to a report of the incident, she grew suspicious when he mentioned a restaurant she had visited, despite her not disclosing that information to him.

Upon returning home, she and a neighbor searched her vehicle and allegedly discovered a black box attached to the rear bumper of her 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Inside the box, they allegedly found a Spytec GPS tracking device. The report states the woman turned the device over to authorities, who secured it as evidence.

Wilson was charged with one count of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance on Thursday, March 20, before he was booked into the Habersham County Jail on a $2,300 bond.

No serious injuries reported after truck rollover wreck on GA 365

By

Joy Purcell

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March 25, 2025

A truck rollover on GA 365 at Alto-Mud Creek Road on Monday left the driver shaken but uninjured, according to Habersham County officials.

A 911 caller phoned in the wreck to E-911 around 7:30 a.m. on March 24. Multiple units responded.

Habersham County Public Information Officer Ashlyn Brady says medics evaluated one person at the scene for minor injuries, but no one was transported to the hospital.

Firefighters assisted on the scene to ensure all of the gas and oil in the vehicle were contained.

Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa investigated the wreck but have not released any information.