Barrow County
Reporting about Barrow County, Georgia. Some stories will be republished in the Barrow News-Journal with Mainstreet News as part of a news-academic partnership with Grady Newsource.
-
Early Voting Begins in Northeast Georgia
For those looking to avoid long lines on municipal Election Day, early voting has begun in Georgia. On Oct. 14, polling places across the state opened for voters looking to turn in their ballots before the official Nov. 5 Election Day. They will be voting in municipal general and special…
-
Barrow County School Board Responds to Recent Student Misconduct
For years, schools nationwide have been facing issues with school safety, bullying and violence within their student bodies. Barrow County School System has been in the headlines following a fight between two students. In lieu of this event, the Barrow County School System is increasing its emphasis on disciplinary consequences.…
-
Can Foster Homes Keep up with the Increase of Children Entering the Foster Care System?
Dr. John DeGarmo lost his first child 23 years ago. This loss fueled a passion in Dr. DeGarmo to help children who are suffering. He and his wife Dr. Kelly DeGarmo opened their doors to more than 60 foster children. Nationwide the increase in the number of children in need…
-
Emergency Medical Service Shortage Affects Northeast Georgia
A nationwide shortage of Emergency Medical Service personnel has swept the nation, including counties all across Georgia. Because of these shortages, EMS workers in affected areas have had to work a lot of overtime, and in extreme cases, ambulances have had to stop operations for lack of employees. In Madison…
-
Barrow County Parents Charged With Child Abuse While 4-Month-Old Is In Hospital
A Barrow County father was arrested March 28 for abusing his 4-month-old boy, according to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office. The next day, the mother was arrested for child cruelty. Police said the child is doing “okay” despite having more than 20 broken bones. On March 28, the Barrow County…
-
Fire Kills Vietnam War Veteran, Destroys Barrow County Home
A 71-year-old veteran, Duane Downey of Bethlehem, Ga., died Monday morning when his house caught fire on the 300 block of Lokey’s Ridge Road. His family said he was a father, a grandfather, a motorcycle lover and a Vietnam War veteran. Downey survived the war and a severe motorcycle accident a…
-
Barrow County Emergency Services to Continue Providing Medical Resources County Wide
The commissioner for the Georgia Department of Public Health rescinded his decision to open Barrow County’s Emergency Medical Services to bids from outside vendors this week. On Jan. 22, Patrick O’Neal directed the Northeast Georgia Region 10 EMS council to accept bid proposals from all interested licensed ambulance providers, which…
-
Illegal Drone Flights Spotted By Planes In Barrow, Jackson Counties
A plane flying at 20,000 feet spotted a drone in illegal air space over the Cabin Creek Drive area in Jackson County at the end of January. The drone sighting was reported to the Federal Aviation Administration who then contacted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to investigate. Upon arrival to the…
-
Home in Statham Destroyed by Fire
A fire that is believed to have started in a chimney caused major damage to a home in the 2400 block of Peace Circle in Statham on Feb. 20. The two individuals and cat living in the house managed to evacuate the home without any injuries, according to Barrow County…
-
Barrow County Police Arrest Parents For Abusing 3-Week-Old Son
A couple from Winder was arrested Feb. 8 for abusing a 3-week-old boy, according to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office. Police said the couple’s son is alive, but has multiple broken bones. The child’s mother, 22-year-old Megan Richmond, was charged with aggravated battery and first-degree cruelty to children. The child’s…