First Responders performed a heroic rescue at Raven Cliff Falls Friday
Business, News May 23, 2022
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — First responders from seven jurisdictions, the Georgia State Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service conducted a heroic and dangerous six and a half hour rescue of a female patient who fell approximately 50 feet down Raven Cliff Falls Friday and became wedged in a very narrow gap where the rock faces of the falls come together.
Rescue crews made contact with the patient at 6:50 pm. Two rescuers ascended down to the patient and began working shortly after. Georgia State Patrol personnel lowered two members from Cobb County GSAR team to assist rescuers.
Members from Gainesville’s GSAR (Georgia Search & Rescue) Task Force 1 team and Rabun County TRT (Technical Rescue Team) also responded to the scene to assist due to the dangerous terrain and extreme technicality of the call.
Rescue personnel worked tirelessly on freeing the lodged patient throughout the evening. The patient was freed from the rock crevice at 11:16 pm. The patient was lifted to the top of the falls by rope personnel at 11:42 and was evaluated by EMS personnel.
The patient appeared to have only received minor injuries and was able to walk, assisted by rescuers, off of the falls and down the trail area. The patient was extricated from the trail area at 1:34am and further evaluated and transported by White County EMS.
Rescue crews remained on the scene until approximately 3:30 cleaning up rescue supplies and getting all personnel and equipment off of the mountain.
White County Public Safety David Murphy said he would like to add a special thank you to the following agencies who assisted in making this rescue mission successful. With their help we were able to obtain the best possible outcome for the patient and rescue personnel:
White Co 911
White Co Fire
White Co EMS
White Co EMA
White Co CERT
White Co SO
Helen Fire
Hall Co EMA
Clarke Co EMA
Rabun Co EMA TRT
Cobb Co TRT
Gainesville – GSAR Task Force
GSAR 6 Team – NW Georgia
GEMA
GSP Aviation
US Forest Svc LE
Helen Hwy. Fire is under investigation
Business March 12, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Fire crews responded to 4092 Helen Hwy, Thursday afternoon, (March 11) to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, units found the structure approximately 50 percent involved and the occupant injured from his escape.
Fire units began a defensive attack until more personnel arrived to safely make an interior attack on the residence. Fire units were already busy on a woods fire off the Duncan Bridge Rd area. County Stations 3 and 2 with mutual aid from Cleveland and Helen responded to the incident.
The occupant, who escaped on his own was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville by EMS.
Units remained on the scene for extensive overhaul operations for approximately 5 and a half hours. The fire is under investigation by White Co Sheriff’s Office, this was the third fire within a week at this location.
2-year-old suffers serious dog bite injuries after walking away from home
Press Release March 7, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – On Friday, Mar. 5, White County Sheriff’s Office responded to 243 Hiawatha Hills Rd. in reference to a missing 2-year old, who had been missing for a short period of time. As Deputies arrived, they were met by the child’s mother and another adult, who had located the child at a neighbor’s residence, where it appeared he had walked to. Deputies learned the child had been bitten multiple times, by a group of dogs and had serious injuries. The child was transported to the hospital by White County EMS and was last said to be in stable condition.
White County wreck injures five people
News November 24, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — A two-vehicle crash injured five people, including two children who were life flighted to an Atlanta area hospital Sunday.
According the report filed by Sgt. Austin Allen of Georgia State Patrol Post 6, Samantha Wade, 26, of Cleveland was driving a Toyota RAV 4 southbound on SR 11 when her vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Ford Edge driven by Gerritt Moot, 50, of Blairsville, head on.
Wade and Moot were transported by White County EMS to Northeast Georgia Mediccal Center in Gainesville. Casie Sidel, 29, a passenger in the Wade vehicle, was transported to Habersham Medical Center. Two infants who were passengers in the Wade vehicle were life flighted to Atlanta area hospitals.
According to the report, the two juveniles were restrained by shoulder belts but should have been in da carseat/booster seat.
An eyewitness said he was traveling northbound on SR 11 when the Wade vehicle crossed the centerline a had to pull off the highway to avoid being struck.
No injuries reported in cabin fire at Mountain Lakes
News November 3, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County firefighters were summoned to a fire at 101 Adventure Way in Mountain Lakes at 11:30 p.m. Monday.
Fire units arrived and found a three-story multi-apartment type rental cabin about 60 percent involved. They made a defensive attack knocking the fire down until firefighters could make entry. Firefighters made an interior attack stopping the fire from spreading into the other apartments.
Only one apartment had fire damage the others had smoke damage. Cleveland Fire, Helen Fire, Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute and White County EMS along with State Fire Marshal responded, firefighters cleared the scene at 3:30 AM today.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation and no injuries were reported.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
White County EMS issues update of COVID-19 Preparedness
News March 17, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — In an effort to guard against the potential spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, White County Emergency Management Agency has released new operating guidelines that restrict access to emergency services and fire stations. The guidelines also implement a screening process for anyone seeking emergency medical help.
According to the new guidelines, only essential personnel are now allowed into fire and EMS stations. No visitors are allowed. In addition, walk-in/drive up patients who may be experiencing a medical emergency will be required to return to their vehicle, call 911 and go through the screening process that all 911 callers are required to do.
Once the screening process is completed, and if the individual is experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19/Coronavirus, station personnel will be able to don the proper Personal Protective Equipment and make contact with the individual. Personnel will also provide a proper “Mask” for the individual to put on, which will protect both the individual and the emergency personnel.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy says the new guidelines are necessary to protect the county’s emergency staff and facilities from potential exposure to COVID-19, thus preserving their ability to serve others in the White County community. “Our employees are our top priority,” Murphy says. “We need to keep them safe so we can assure the help to our citizens in the event of emergencies.”
Additionally, White County EMS is limiting ambulance rides to patients and one family member only. Family members will be required to wear a mask during transport to the hospital. Once at the hospital the family member will be taken to the registration area until cleared to reunite with the patient by emergency department personnel.
Notices about the new guidelines are posted at the entries of each White County fire station and EMS facilities.
Murphy says other modifications and updates to guidelines will be implemented as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. “The situation is rapidly changing but we will continue to make decisions to provide the best protection we can for our employees and the White County community.”
For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.
New state-approved pilot program allows EMS teams in four counties to provide blood transfusions for trauma patients
News December 3, 2019
GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) and the Region 2 Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC) are partnering on new blood transfusion programs that will increase trauma patients’ chances of surviving both in ambulances and at the hospital.
Starting in early 2020, NGMC will be the lead agency in a state-approved pilot program that will allow EMS teams in four counties – Dawson, Habersham, Jackson and White – to provide blood transfusions to patients who need them during long ambulance rides.
“The RTAC team worked for months to create a proposal to develop a pre-hospital blood transfusion program, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to carry out a pilot project in our region,” said Dr. Nathan Creel, a trauma surgeon at NGMC and member of Region 2 RTAC.
“This program is unprecedented in the state of Georgia.”
Currently, in Georgia, only air medical helicopters staffed with a registered nurse and a paramedic can initiate blood transfusions. Unfortunately, occasional bad weather or limited availability mean helicopters aren’t always an option in critical situations.
“The goal of the pilot program is to prove blood products can be safely administered by paramedics in ground ambulances,” said Chad Black, chairman for Region 2 RTAC. “I’m constantly proud of the healthcare workers in our region who go above and beyond to develop new programs to improve patient outcomes. We have no doubt that this program will not only save many lives, but also serve as a model for other regions in our state.”
In addition to the pilot program, NGMC is also among the first hospitals in the state and nation to now offer whole blood transfusions. That means any patient who suffers major blood loss – which can occur during childbirth, surgery, traumatic accidents or various other situations – can be treated with whole blood for increased chance of survival.
Historically, civilian hospitals like NGMC have only provided component blood therapy. Component blood therapy involves separating donated blood into packed red blood cells, plasma and platelets – then transfusing the different components depending on each patient’s specific need. However, military research has found infusing whole blood can improve outcomes for actively hemorrhaging patients.
“Whole blood transfusions are not typically seen in civilian hospitals across the United States, especially in non-urban areas, so we’re proud to offer this life-saving treatment close to home for people in Northeast Georgia,” said Jesse Gibson, trauma program manager for NGMC. “We will still offer component blood therapy as well, which means we have more tools in our arsenal to care for our community.”
NGMC Gainesville is a nationally-verified Level II Trauma Center. Learn more about the advanced services provided, and read an annual report full of stories about real patients whose lives were saved, at www.nghs.com/trauma.
ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega, the four NGMC campuses have a total of more than 700 beds and more than 1100 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than 1 million people across more than 18 counties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
White County firefighters, EMS kept busy Tuesday
News August 14, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. – For most folks and eight-hour day is fairly routine. But White County firefighters and EMS personnel eight hours on Tuesday was anything but routine.
At 3 p.m., they were dispatched to assist an injured hiker at the top of Mount Yonah. Assisted by C.E.R.T. personnel, they hiked about half a mile from the Ranger Station to the top rock face to find the hiker who had an injured lower leg. They placed the hiker into a Stokes Basket and hiked back down to a med unit where he was evaluated but refused transport to the hospital.
At 10:30 p,m., they responded to a report of a tree that fell on a home during the storm that passed through the area. Once on scene, firefighters confirmed a tree that had fallen onto the house and that the home owners were out of the house and sitting in their car. Fire personnel checked the house and found no additional hazards then called for Red Cross to assist the home owners. There was heavy damage inside and outside the home but there were no injuries to the occupants or responders.
At 11:01 p.m. E-911 received a call for a residential fire reported as a lighting strike to a house on Phillips Drive. White County firefighters along with Automatic Aid from City of Cleveland Fire and Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute Fire Brigade (L.A.C.I.) responded.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a 2,000-square foot home heavily involved with flames showing through the roof. All occupants were out of the home; Red Cross was contacted to assist the three adults and one pet. White County also requested the assistance of our C.E.R.T. personnel to assist with rehab. There was a vehicle in the garage of the home that sustained heat and smoke damage. No injuries were reported; firefighters were on scene for six hours.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Man rescued after fall from Yonah Mountain
News September 16, 2019
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Sunday September 15th at approximately 4 p.m. White County firefighters responded to Yonah Mountain to the report of a person that had fallen from the rock face.
White County EMS were first to arrive and advised all incoming agencies of the status of the patient and the location and conditions. White County Fighters had a total of 10 personnel with mutual aid from Lee Arrendale, CERT REHAB team, Department of Natural Resources and the City of Cleveland firefighters. A total of 21 responders were on scene.
While rappelling off the rock face, a 55-year-old male lost his footing and fell down approximately 100 feet landing on the first plateau of the rock face. Although injured, none of his injuries were life threatening.
Rescue teams hiked into the area and set up a rope system and using a stokes basket, pulled the injured man to safety. A helicopter was requested but there would be a 2 hour delay. White County EMS transported the patient to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. There were no other injuries; the incident lasted 3 ½ hours.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
It was a busy weekend for White County first repsonders
News April 8, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. –White County first responders spent a very busy weekend responding to calls.
Saturday evening, firefighters responded to the report of a lost hiker on Yonah Mountain. The hiker was located and walked out to the parking area on Chambers Road. The hiker was evaluated by EMS but did not require transport to the hospital. This search and rescue operation lasted approximately three hours.
Sunday morning, E-911 advised fire officials that several hikers on Yonah Mountain saw a dog that was stranded out on a ledge. Four personnel from White County Fire Services along with Jessica Tanner of White County Animal Control responded. A firefighter was lowered down the cliff where he secured the dog and both were then hoisted back up. The dog was placed in the custody of Animal Control; the dog was not injured.
Sunday evening, White County firefighters — with mutual aid from Lee Arrendale firefighters and White County EMS — responded to a report of a high level fall on Yonah Mountain. Upon arrival, it was found to be a male that had fallen at the rock steps sustaining an injury to his leg. Responders hiked in about one-quarter mile, placed the patient in a stokes basket and brought him out to the awaiting ambulance. Firefighters then assisted in packaging and loading the patient for transport.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland woman injured in wreck on Hwy. 115
News November 29, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. – A Cleveland woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident Sunday at the intersection of Hwy. 115 and Pless Road in White County.
Hilda Seymore, 69, of 2226 Black Road in Cleveland, suffered undisclosed injuries when the 1997 Buick LeSabre she was driving attempted to cross Hwy. 115 from Pless Road. According to the White County Sheriff’s Office accident report, the Seymore vehicle failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck on the driver’s side by a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Jacob Glore.
There were no passengers in either vehicle. Seymore was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville by White County Emergency Services.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Mayo indicted for murder of his girlfriend
News December 24, 2017
Scott Mayo charged with murder.
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Justin Scott Mayo, of Cleveland, was indicted last week in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Stephanie Ann Smith, Nov. 4.
The White County Grand Jury indicted the 35-year-old Mayo for malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
As FetchYourNews reported last month, Mayo appeared at the White County Sheriff’s Office to report that he found Smith unresponsive. According to Lt. Rick Kelley, deputies and White County EMS responded to the scene at 794 Stanley Nix Road and found the victim deceased.
Kelley added the victim had significant injuries and trauma to her body. White County Sheriff’s Office Investigators along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents processed the scene, collected evidence, and conducted numerous interviews.
During the investigation they discovered Mayo and the victim had been involved in a verbal altercation in Helen late the previous night. The victim’s body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur for an autopsy and Mayo was arrested.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Fall Injures Woman on Smith Creek Trail
News August 7, 2017
An unidentified woman is being airlifted by a DNR helicopter after being injured Saturday.
HELEN, Ga. – An unidentified 53-year-old female suffered a broken ankle Saturday while hiking along Smith Creek Trail in Unicoi State Park just north of Helen and had to be airlifted by a Department of Natural Resources helicopter.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokesman Mark McKinnon said, “Because of how rugged the terrain is we couldn’t transport her on a stretcher so we used a long line beneath a helicopter to extract her and bring her to the nearest landing zone.”
White County Public Safety Spokeswoman Ana Newberry said White County firefighters with mutual aid from the City of Helen and Lee Arrendale and White County EMS were also dispatched to provide assistance.
One firefighter received minor injuries from a fall during the rescue attempt but did not need to be transported.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Helen Man Dies in Cleveland Traffic Accident
News April 21, 2017
CLEVELAND — James Henry Schmitt, 73, of Helen, died as a result of injuries he suffered in a single-vehicle accident in the pre-dawn hours Thursday.
According to a White County Sheriff’s Office report, the accident happened when Schmitt’s 1995 Nissan pickup truck ran off Asbestos Road near Dukes Creek Baptist Church, struck a tree and turned onto its side.
Schmitt was transported by White County EMS to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, where he succumbed to his injuries.
White County Sheriff’s Office Releases Sketch of Robbery, Shooting Suspect
News March 2, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Sheriff’s Office has released a sketch of the suspect in Monday’s robbery and shooting at Woodlawn Gardens and Farm.
Sheriff Neal Walden said a white male believed to be about 40-50 years old, approximately 5’8″ tall, weighing 150 pounds with a tattoo on the left side of his face attempted to rob Tim Motes who was cleaning the restaurant at the time. When Motes said he didn’t have any money, the suspect shot him in the stomach.
Motes was transported by White County EMS to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where his injury is believed to be non life-threatening.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call White County Sheriff’s Office at 706-865-5177.
Search Continues for Suspect Who Robbed Woodlawn Gardens and Farms and Shot Worker
News February 28, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The search continued Tuesday afternoon for a lone gunman who shot a worker at Woodlawn Gardens and Farms during an attempted robbery around 10:30 p.m. Monday.
White County Chief Deputy Bob Ingram said authorities from the White County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol and Alto K-9 unit combed the area last night and throughout the day today but have not located the suspect.
Sheriff Neal Walden reported that a white male with a tattoo on the left side of his face walked up to the drive-in window at the restaurant and demanded money from Tim Motes, who was cleaning the restaurant at the time. When Motes said he didn’t have any money, he was shot in the stomach.
Motes was transported by White County EMS to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where his injury is believed to be non life-threatening.
Fetch Your News will continue to follow this story and present more details as they become available.