Area briefs: Jackson Co scam, I-85 police pursuits

Former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner and US Congressman John Barrow, campaigning for a seat on the Georgia Supreme Court, is facing criticism from former justices. Five of them signed a letter earlier this week raising concerns about Barrow’s campaign promise to protect abortion rights. Barrow is looking to unseat Justice Andrew Pinson in the election that will be decided on May 21.

There is a heads-up for drivers in Oconee County, with paving work on ten streets continuing through the week: motorists can look for delays on Old Salem and Old Farmington Roads; also on Mars Hill Road, Kaplan Court, Springview Court, and Saint Andrews Drive, and on McNutt Crossing, Millers Point, Club View Circle, and Grey Drive in Oconee County.

Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum says some Jackson County residents have been getting scam phone calls, with callers claiming to be from the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. The callers are trying to get money by claiming that loved ones due to be released from prison will need ankle monitors; they’re asking the scam victims to make payments.

School officials in Morgan County have released a statement saying they can’t comment on the arrest of a parapro at Morgan County Middle School. Nicole Lambert is accused of having alcohol at the school in Madison, some of which was consumed by a middle school student.

A Cobb County man is in the Franklin County jail, arrested after a high speed police chase on I-85. 30 year-old Omar Smith (pictured) is from Austell. He’s looking at charges related to the police pursuit; he’s also looking at counts for drug possession. And, in another police chase on I-85 in Franklin County, a South Carolina man is arrested and charged. Glen Smith is 49 years old, from Inman South Carolina.

Daniel Rawlins pleads guilty and gets life in prison for last year’s murders of parents. The 40 year-old Rawlins was sentenced in Hall County Superior Court in Gainesville for the May 2023 deaths of William and Leanette Rawlins, who were bludgeoned to death at their home near Flowery Branch.