Region News: Early voting begins in Georgia


              In this Nov. 1, 2016, photo, a voter is reflected in the glass frame of a poster while leaving a polling site in Atlanta, during early voting ahead of the Nov. 8 election day. If all goes smoothly, the American people will choose a new president on Tuesday, the Electoral College will affirm the election and either Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump will take the oath of office Jan. 20.  (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Nov. 1, 2016, photo, a voter is reflected in the glass frame of a poster while leaving a polling site in Atlanta, during early voting ahead of the Nov. 8 election day. If all goes smoothly, the American people will choose a new president on Tuesday, the Electoral College will affirm the election and either Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump will take the oath of office Jan. 20. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Early voting begins in Georgia

Georgia voters can cast their ballots early, beginning Oct. 16 and running through Nov. 3. Election day is Nov. 7.

If you text "GA" to the number "2vote" or download the "GA" app on your phone, Secretary of State Brian Kemp said in a news release, you can get the following on your phone: information about whether you're registered to vote, locations to vote early, contact information to local voting officials and a sample ballot.

If you're going to use a paper ballot, Kemp said, mail it in as soon as you can.

Among items on the ballot locally this year: A new state representative from the Whitfield County area, whether the Dalton City Schools board can issue a $50 million (plus interest) bond for a sixth- and seventh-grade academy building in Dalton, and whether customers will pay an extra 1-percent sales tax in Dade County and Walker County. The money on that sales tax goes toward transportation projects, like paving roads.

Dalton State to host inland port presentation

DALTON, GA. - If you had any questions after Murray County, Ga., announced the opening of the Appalachian Regional Port, you may soon have a chance to get answers.

Dalton State's Wright School of Business is hosting a free presentation by executives of the inland port. The public is invited to attend the hour-long session on Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. in Goodroe Auditorium.

Regional port executives speaking at the presentation will be John Petrino, director of business development; Wes Lanier, director of strategic operations and safety; and Wesley Barrell, terminal manager.

The inland port is expected to ease congestion on Interstate 75 and allow companies to ship at a cheaper rate, since it costs less to ship by rail, Dalton State Wright School of Business dean Dr. Marilyn Helms said.

Police name toddler who drowned in grease pit

AUBURN, ALA. - Officials have identified the girl who drowned in an Alabama ice cream shop grease pit as Sadie Grace Andrews.

The Auburn Police Department said Monday that a video shows the child playing in a grassy area on Saturday when she fell through a lid covering the underground grease- separating container.

Police said they took over CPR from family members when they arrived, and paramedics rushed Andrews to a nearby hospital. However, the girl couldn't be revived.

Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said the death appears to be an accidental drowning. Police said no foul play is suspected, but said they will present the case to a grand jury, as is routine.

Andrews' mother, Corrie Andrews, told Al.com that Sadie Grace was a "little blonde bundle of joy," with an "infectious smile."

Man faces rape charges in Rhea County

DAYTON, TENN. - A Rhea County man has been charged on three counts of child rape, among other sex crimes, in connection to incidents that allegedly occurred several years ago.

David Manser was indicted by a Rhea County Grand Jury, which said he "unlawfully and knowingly" assaulted the victim between June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2009. It was noted the victim was less than 13 years old.

Manser turned himself in and was charged on Oct. 11 and shortly after he was released on a $150,000 bond. A jail official said his next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16 in the Rhea County Circuit Court.

Tennessee Highway Patrol hosting job fair

CHATTANOOGA - The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be hosting a job fair event at Chattanooga State on Tuesday for anyone in the area interested in becoming a state trooper.

Members of the department will be on campus from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST for questions and comments.

Several vehicles, including patrol cars and a department helicopter, also will be available for viewing, and human resources will be available for specific questions about the hiring process and benefits packages.

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