Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 22, 2025:

Temperatures around Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are in the teens, with some single digit readings being reported in higher elevations. Temperatures will rise above freezing briefly in the evening before dropping back down after sunset. Drier air and surface high pressure will keep the weather calm during the day. Overnight lows will be back in the teens. In the long term, a shift to warmer weather is expected starting Thursday night as a trough moves through the Southeast. High temperatures will gradually rise into the mid to upper 40s by Saturday and upper 40s to mid 50s by Sunday. Moisture will return late Sunday into Monday, bringing a chance of rain, though it is unlikely to be wintry precipitation as temperatures will be above freezing.

The Georgia General Assembly started its 40-day legislative session last week. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, was reelected to lead the House with a vote of 153-21, promising to focus on sensible policies related to tax cuts, illegal immigration, and infrastructure. The Senate also saw familiar faces, as John Kennedy, R-Macon, was unanimously reelected president pro tempore, and Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, was voted in as House speaker pro tempore with a 158-19 vote. Among the 180 House members, 18 took the oath for the first time, and four new senators joined, suggesting a possible change in the dynamics. Sen. David Lucas, D-Macon, began his 50th legislative session, expressing surprise at his long tenure. Lawmakers prepared for a busy agenda, and a target adjournment date of April 4.

At the request of the Ringgold Police Department, agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) are currently conducting an investigation into a death that occurred in Ringgold. Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 10:00 a.m. on January 18, a woman’s body was discovered down an embankment near South Chickamauga Creek, close to Emberson Drive, by a passerby.

Authorities have not yet identified the victim, and no arrests have been made as the investigation remains active and ongoing. The GBI, in collaboration with the Ringgold Police Department, is working diligently to gather more information surrounding the circumstances of the discovery. They are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward.

Community members can contact the Ringgold Police Department directly at 706-935-3066. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), visiting the GBI’s website at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app. Special Agent in Charge Joe Montgomery is overseeing the investigation and encourages anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual in the area to reach out. As the situation develops, updates will be provided to keep the public informed.

The GBI emphasizes the importance of community involvement in solving cases like this.

Governor Brian Kemp has announced the creation of the Georgia US250 Commission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort endorsed by Congress to mark this important milestone. Governor Kemp highlighted Georgia’s significant role in U. S. history, noting that it was the 13th colony represented by three signers of the Declaration. He aims to empower local communities to honor Georgia’s contributions.

The commission will be led by Cameron Bean, chairman of the Georgia Humanities Council, with Todd Groce from the Georgia Historical Society as vice chair. Other key members include Pat Wilson from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Mark Jaronski from the same agency, along with Mary McCartin Wearn overseeing its administration. The commission invites local and county groups from both public and private sectors to collaborate on events celebrating the anniversary.

Participating organizations will receive access to marketing materials, such as the official anniversary logo. Todd Groce encouraged all groups to share their civic activities, aiming to inspire a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across Georgia are urged to engage in planning activities that reflect the spirit of independence and teamwork.

State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) has released his weekly legislative report for the first week of the 2025 Georgia General Assembly.  Rep. Lumsden reported the Georgia House of Representatives started its new session with all members taking the Oath of Office. Jon Burns was re-elected as Speaker of the House, and Jan Jones was re-elected as Speaker Pro Tempore. They held a moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in December 2024. The House adopted an Adjournment Resolution, setting the session calendar, which ends on April 4, 2025. Governor Brian Kemp delivered his State of the State Address, focusing on recovery from Hurricane Helene and proposing solutions for inflation and tax relief. He emphasized the need for tort reform and emphasized the importance of school safety, proposing additional funding. The House Committee on Assignments announced committee roles. The week ended with a Celebration of Service for Martin Luther King Jr. This week, the Georgia House began the state budget process.  You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:

Legislative Update – Week One

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Georgia House of Representatives convened for the first day of the 2025 legislative session, marking the start of a new biennium for the 158^th Georgia General Assembly. To begin the session, all 180 House members took the Oath of Office, which was administered by Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Boggs. Following the swearing-in, our next order of business was the election of the Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore. Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) was re-elected as the 75th Speaker of the House, and Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton) was also re-elected to her respective position.

After the election of the Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore, members of the Georgia House of Representatives observed a moment of silence to honor the life and legacy of Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in Plains, Georgia, on December 29, 2024. As the 39th President of the United States and Georgia’s 76th Governor—the only Georgian to ever be elected president—Carter’s impact on both the state and the nation was immense. This moment of reflection symbolized the House’s collective gratitude for his life and contributions to our great state and our nation.

Also on Monday, the House voted to adopt an Adjournment Resolution, establishing the legislative calendar for the 2025 legislative session. In accordance with the State Constitution, the Georgia General Assembly is required to be in session for 40 non-consecutive legislative days. This year, Senate Resolution 6, outlines the legislative calendar, with the final day of session, or “Sine Die,” scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025. With the calendar set, the House is ready to move forward and get to work to address the important issues facing Georgians this legislative session.

On Thursday, members of both the House and Senate gathered for a joint session in the House Chamber to hear Governor Brian Kemp deliver his annual State of the State Address. This address gave the governor the opportunity to present his assessment of the state’s current condition and outline his legislative priorities for the year ahead, which include increased funding for school safety and security, the need for tort reform legislation, expanding access to healthcare in rural areas and increased support for Georgia’s Department of Corrections. You can watch a video archive of the governor’s address here, and I will highlight some of his address.

Governor Kemp began his State of the State address by reflecting on the impact and destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Helene last September. Georgia Power reported that Hurricane Helene was the worst storm in Georgia’s history, resulting in 34 Georgians who lost their lives during the storm. The governor went on to share some of the heroic stories of first responders and neighbors alike who risked their lives to help those in need. In response to this devastation, the state prioritized funding for hard-hit areas and repurposed $100 million to the Georgia Development Authority to support the farming and timber industries. Although Georgians are still grieving and rebuilding from Helene, the legislature remains focused on prioritizing support for the hardest hit regions and communities of our resilient state.

In his address, Gov. Kemp also emphasized that while communities directly affected by Hurricane Helene still need substantial disaster relief, all Georgians, regardless of location, also need long-term solutions to offset rising costs and inflation. He noted that Georgia families have struggled in recent years, but despite record inflation, Georgia achieved success through tax cuts, gas tax suspensions, a 2024 homeowner tax relief grant and an income tax cut that saved taxpayers more than $7.6 billion. Building on previous tax cuts, he proposed an additional reduction in the state income tax rate from 5.39 percent to 5.19 percent during his address. This move would save Georgians an expected $7.5 billion over the next decade.

Also in his address, Gov. Kemp underscored his administration’s ongoing efforts to address rising insurance costs, particularly for small businesses, and the need for tort reform. He highlighted the passage of House Bill 1114, the Data Analysis for Tort Reform Act, which was signed into law last summer and enables Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner to gather data and propose reforms that are aimed at stabilizing insurance costs, expanding consumer choices and preventing carriers from leaving Georgia. The governor pointed out that some small businesses have seen their insurance premiums increase by as much as 100 percent, threatening their operations. To combat this, he announced that one of his top priorities this session is passing comprehensive tort reform legislation designed to limit civil lawsuits.

Lastly, we reflected on the tragic shooting that occurred at Apalachee High School, honoring the victims and their families, as well as the heroes who prevented the incident from becoming an even greater tragedy. Responding Sergeant Chase Boyd, Deputy Brandon King and Sheriff Jud Smith joined us in the gallery during the governor’s address while we applauded their brave actions on that day. We were also joined by several caregivers who provided mental health services in the critical days following the events at Apalachee High School. In response, Gov. Kemp touched on the $294 million that has been allocated to school safety thus far, and his budget proposal includes an additional $159 million to bolster those efforts.

Also, this week, the House Committee on Assignments completed its work and announced committee assignments for each representative. I have been reappointed to serve as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee as well as a member of the Public Safety and Homeland Security, Appropriation, Rules, Governmental Affairs and Veterans Affairs Committees for the next two years. You can learn more about these committees on the House’s public website here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/house.

To end our week, my colleagues and I joined Gov. Kemp, Speaker Burns and Lt. Gov. Jones for a Celebration of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event was a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s impact on our nation and the ongoing work to advance his vision of equality, justice and service to others. The celebration not only commemorated his achievements but also encouraged all of us to engage in meaningful acts of service to strengthen our communities and uphold the values he fought for.

Next week, my legislative colleagues and I will return to the Capitol to begin the state budget process where we will hear directly from Gov. Kemp and state agency leaders as they present their budget requests to the Joint House and Senate Appropriations Committee, in an event often referred to as “budget week.” The Appropriations committees will continue meeting throughout the week, and I look forward to providing updates on the budget process as it gets underway.

Throughout our time here at the State Capitol, I look forward to continuing to work to support our community and my constituents. To follow along with important updates from the House, please see our House X (Twitter), @GaHouseHub; Instagram, @gahouseofrepresentatives and Facebook accounts for updates, legislative floor proceedings, press releases and more. To watch livestreams and keep apprised of our House committee meetings, please view the House website. Furthermore, please reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have as we move through this legislative session. I can be reached at Eddie.Lumsden@house.ga.gov or by phone at 404-656-7850.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your state representative for the 2025-2026 legislative term.

Eddie Lumsden

Three projects will be getting underway in the coming months after the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) awarded contracts totaling approximately $13.25 million to replace a bridge and resurface two roadways, including I-24. The I-24 project was awarded the largest contract for a resurfacing project across the state at $6.51 million. Talley Construction Company, Inc. will resurface the entirety of I-24 in Georgia, about 4.1 miles as it stretches from the Tennessee state line through Georgia and back to the Tennessee state line. The project is slated to be completed by Oct. 31, 2025.
In Floyd County, C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. was awarded a contract to resurface SR 156 from just east of SR 1 all the way to the Gordon county line. The $2.59 million project is also expected to be finished at the end of October. In Paulding County crews will replace the Morningside Drive bridge over Mill Creek. The $4.16 million contract was awarded to Williams Contracting Company, LLC with a planned completion date of March 2027.

The projects are just a few of the dozens of construction and maintenance projects underway in Northwest Georgia. With warmer temperatures coming in a few months, motorists can expect to continue to see GDOT crews on the road working on construction projects, safety initiatives, resurfacing projects, and more this spring.

“We look forward to these projects getting started soon,” said GDOT District Six Engineer Grant Waldrop. “We ask that motorists slow down and move over if possible when you see our crews working in the road or on the shoulders.”

AdventHealth Redmond is hosting the AngioScreen bus from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday, Feb. 1. The AngioScreen bus will be parked in front of the main entrance of the Forum River Center, located at 301 Tribune St, Rome, Ga, 30161. An AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.

This painless 10-minute assessment delivers immediate results at the time of screening. An AngioScreen includes carotid artery screening ultrasound looking for plaque (the leading cause of stroke), 5 lead ECG of the heart rhythm, ankle-brachial indices and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. If you have any of the following risk factors, you should consider scheduling an appointment today:

· Age 55 or above

· High blood pressure

· High cholesterol

· History of smoking

· Family history of stroke

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Family history of heart attack

· A personal medical history of other cardiovascular issues

The screening is free of charge and HSA eligible. To register for this screening, visit app.acuityscheduling.com/health-expo and for more information, call 706-290-8008.

Authorities in Floyd County arrested a Chattooga County woman late last week on burglary charges.  According to reports from the Floyd County Jail, 31-year-old Jessica Danielle Henderson was arrested for burglary after police say she broke two windows of a home on East Hermitage Road in Rome to gain entry into the home.  Police say that the incident happened last Friday, just before 10:30 AM.

Last week, the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of bird flu at a poultry facility in Elbert County, raising concerns among local residents about the safety of poultry products. In response to the situation, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has moved to reassure the public that consuming poultry remains safe. “Every Georgian can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products offered for sale in the state of Georgia,” Harper emphasized during a press briefing.

His statement comes amid heightened scrutiny following the identification of the avian influenza case. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has assessed the risk of infected birds entering the food supply chain as low. They further noted that poultry and eggs, when properly prepared and cooked, pose no health threat to consumers. This guidance is crucial as many individuals express concerns over food safety in light of the recent discovery. To mitigate any potential spread of the virus, all commercial poultry operations within a six-mile radius of the affected facility have been placed under quarantine. These farms will undergo rigorous surveillance testing over the coming weeks to ensure the safety of their flocks and the products they provide.

As the state continues to monitor the situation closely, officials are committed to transparency and public health safety, urging residents to remain informed and confident in the poultry supply. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is actively working to manage this outbreak while ensuring that food safety protocols are upheld.

From Chattooga School Supt. Michelle Helie:

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 21, 2025:

As of this morning (4:30 AM), there is still a lot of uncertainty in the weather forecast concerning how far north winter precipitation will be a factor this afternoon. To illustrate, the weather forecast for Armuchee is calling for a possibility of flurries this afternoon between 1 and 2 PM, while the forecast for Summerville is showing cloudy skies and no mention of winter precipitation. The forecast for Rome says there is a possibility for snow this afternoon. While forecasters are fairly certain areas south of Rome will see significant snowfall today, just how far the precipitation moves to the northwest is uncertain. What forecasters are sure of is that the bitterly cold weather will continue for another 36 hours. Another Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for the area for tonight, into Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to make it to around 40 degrees on Thursday.

Chattooga County Schools

Floyd County Schools

Rome City Schools

Walker County Schools

Gordon County Schools

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Trion City Schools are OPEN – Absence will not counted if parents don’t deem safe

The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District office in Rome and health departments in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker counties will be closed today, Tuesday, January 21, due to cold weather.

State Senator Colton Moore’s recent arrest at the Georgia Capitol has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across Northwest Georgia, revealing a stark divide among local constituents and political affiliations. The incident, which unfolded last week when Moore attempted to enter the House Chambers despite being banned, has drawn both support and criticism from various circles within the community.

In the wake of the arrest, the official Republican Party apparatus in Walker and Chattooga Counties has extended its backing to Moore. However, his colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly have largely remained silent, leaving many to question the implications of his actions on his political future and effectiveness as a representative. Local constituents express disappointment in Moore’s behavior and decisions.

Bart Bryant, Moore’s Democratic opponent in the last general election and a resident of Chattooga County, voiced strong concerns, stating, “Since taking office, Colton Moore has alienated himself from the people he needs to work with. He’s been kicked out of the Senate Republican Caucus and banned from the Senate floor, making it impossible for him to advocate for his constituents.” He further criticized Moore’s approach as one focused on self-promotion rather than meaningful governance. “These stunts aren’t leadership; they’re nothing more than showboating and have left this district without a voice,” Bryant added.

Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas also weighed in on the unfolding situation, labeling the incident as “unfortunate and avoidable.” In a social media post, he highlighted that Moore’s comments about the late House Speaker David Ralston, made during a ceremony honoring him, were inappropriate and disrespectful. “There is a time to keep silent, and a time to speak,” Thomas noted, emphasizing that Moore’s choice of words at that moment carried significant consequences. The mayor referenced House Speaker Jon Burns’s invitation for Moore to apologize to Ralston’s family, underscoring that Moore’s refusal to do so further alienated him from his peers. “If he had followed the rules of decorum set by the Georgia Senate, this incident might have been avoided,” Thomas asserted. Despite the backlash, Moore has issued multiple press releases and fundraising emails, likening his arrest to the legal troubles faced by former President Trump. This comparison has sparked additional debate about Moore’s priorities and approach to representing his constituents.

As the dust settles from this turbulent episode, residents of Northwest Georgia are left reflecting on the implications of Moore’s actions and the future of representation in their district.

A quick response from several local fire departments was essential in fighting a house fire on Moore Street in Summerville recently. Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the house and learned from the homeowner that everyone had evacuated safely. They quickly set up attack lines and fought the flames inside. They faced tough challenges, including no visibility and intense heat, made worse by double ceilings that made it hard to put out the fire in the attic. Still, they were able to control the fire and even rescued some fish from the smoke-filled home. Luckily, there were no injuries reported for the occupants or firefighters. The fire started in the living room near a wood heater used for heat. Firefighters from Summerville, Trion, and the Hays Correctional Fire Department fought the fire, despite the water freezing in the cold temperatures. The Red Cross was contacted to help the affected family. With more cold weather ahead, residents are reminded to use heating sources carefully and check smoke detectors.

The average gas price in Georgia rose to $2. 96 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. This is an increase of 3 cents from last week and 4 cents from a month ago. Filling a 15-gallon tank now costs about $44. 40, which is 6 cents more than a month prior. Montrae Waiters from AAA explained that rising crude oil prices, high demand for heating, and sanctions against Russia are causing the increase. Nationally, the average gas price also rose to $3. 12 per gallon, influenced by oil prices around $80 per barrel. While gasoline demand decreased, domestic gasoline stocks increased, and gasoline production was up to 9. 3 million barrels daily. Lastly, WTI oil prices ended at $80. 04 a barrel, with crude oil inventories down by 2 million barrels.

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.03), Athens ($3.01), and Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.98).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Augusta-Aiken ($2.89), Columbus ($2.87), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.83).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.77), Walker ($2.81), Floyd ($2.94), Gordon ($2.97), DeKalb, AL ($2.76), Cherokee, AL ($2.81).

One of the last two World War II veterans in Chattooga County, Mr. William Henderson, will be laid to rest tomorrow. He was a 99-year-old Navy veteran who passed away on January 17, 2025, at his home in Trion. Mr. Henderson was born on March 20, 1925, in Fort Payne, AL, and worked at Riegel/Mount Vernon Mills before retiring. He was active in his church, Trion First Baptist, and loved gardening and the Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his son, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many close friends. The funeral services will be held at 3:00 P. M. tomorrow, January 22, 2025, at Mason Funeral Home, with interment at West Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4-6 PM this evening at the funeral home.

The GBI has arrested Seth Roberts, 20, from Trenton, Dade County, GA, for Sexual Exploitation of Children. In September 2024, the GBI’s CEACC Unit began investigating Roberts due to a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about possible online possession and sharing of child sexual abuse material.

This investigation led to a search warrant for his home, resulting in his arrest, with assistance from the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Trenton Police Department, and GBI Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun.

Roberts has been booked into the Dade County Jail. This investigation is part of the ongoing efforts by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which aims to identify those involved in child sexual abuse material trading. The ICAC Program was created to address the rise in online threats to children.

Anyone with information about child exploitation cases should contact the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline.

The Summerville City Council will hold a called meeting coming up this evening at Summerville City Hall on Georgia Avenue, across from Summerville First Baptist Church.  The council is expected to approve a payment to Templeton & Associates for a valve for the water department and approve Mayor Harry Harvey to enter into an agreement with the county government and other municipalities in Chattooga County to call for a vote on the Special Local Option Sales tax in March.  This evening’s meeting gets underway at 5:30 PM and is open to the public.  You can see an agenda for this evening’s meeting below: