The following press release has been issued by Polk County TN Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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On Thursday, February 4, 2016, Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to Peoples Bank in Ducktown, TN in reference to a robbery. Deputies and investigators responded and quickly put out a "Be On the Lookout" of the suspect. Approximately 20 minutes later, the vehicle and suspect was spotted by Sgt. Epperson on Hwy 64 and pulled over. Investigators along with the FBI confirmed it was the suspect and he was taken into custody.  Corey Wehunt of Cleveland, TN has since been charged federally with the robbery. 

​Special thanks to Deputy Michael Cochran, Sgt. Brian Epperson, Captain Keith Barker, Captain Brian Fields, Detective Pete Roberts, Detective Kevin Cole, Communications Officers Mike Loudermilk and L'Ene Creasman for a job well done.  

Polk County Sheriff's Office says they are thankful that no one was injured during the bank robbery.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Union County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office arrest of James Lanier Heaton, George David Gowder III, John Michael Gowder, Virginia Lou Harkins, Gail Gowder and Jamie Harkins, all who provided Blairsville, Georgia addresses, for charges stemming from a joint investigation into prescription fraud.  (Photos not available as of publication time.)

The joint operation involved members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tactical Diversion Squad, the Union County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office. Although the investigation is ongoing to date, information has been discovered that would indicate that the ring was operating in Cherokee County, North Carolina and suspects may be facing charges in Cherokee County as well.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We enjoyed the opportunity to work with the agencies involved.  Sheriff Mack Mason and his Office have been a tremendous ally as we are sending the message.  No longer can you deal drugs across county and state lines - We will hunt you down and prosecute you.”

Here's more on that story from AccessWDUN:  http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/2/367724/union-general-hospital-ceo-arrested

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming the first travel-related case of Zika virus in Georgia. Testing was done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The non-pregnant individual traveled to Colombia between the end of December and the first of January and has made a full recovery. Tests are still being done on specimens from several other Georgia residents with travel history to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing.
 
“It is extremely important that individuals who have traveled to countries where there are on-going Zika virus outbreaks keep guard against additional mosquito bites,” said Cherie Drenzek, D.V.M, state epidemiologist for DPH. “During the first week or so of infection, Zika virus can be passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people.”
 
DPH cautions travelers, especially women who are pregnant, headed to countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others. The complete list of Zika affected countries can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.
 
There are urgent concerns about Zika virus infection and pregnant women. Zika virus infections have been confirmed in infants with microcephaly and in the current outbreak in Brazil, a marked increase in the number of infants born with microcephaly has been reported. Pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant should not travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who have traveled to these areas should consult their physician immediately. Health care providers should ask all pregnant women about recent travel.
 
Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Most people infected with Zika virus never know they are sick.
 
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Travelers should check CDC travel advisoriesfor their destinations and take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitos:
·  Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
· Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535 (use as directed)
·  Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents)
·  Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms

The number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases could result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the country, including Georgia.
 
For more information about Zika virus and current travel advisories, visit dph.georgia.gov or cdc.gov/zika.