The Trion Police Department is assisting in an investigating after a tanker truck explosion at Mount Vernon Mills that happened early Friday morning. When emergency responders arrived, they found the truck driver unresponsive and later declared him dead at the scene. The tanker was unloading salt needed for manufacturing when it exploded. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is leading an investigation into the accident.  Chattooga County Coroner Earle Rainwater confirmed to WZQZ News on Friday evening that the deceased truck driver was Richard Tooley of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Rome Floyd Fire Department and Rome Police Department responded late Thursday night to a worksite accident on Coosawattee Avenue, near the Circle K off Shorter Avenue in Rome. Emergency units were dispatched at approximately 11:30 PM following reports of a traumatic injury involving construction workers.

At the scene, Rome Floyd Fire Division Chief Jamie Stone provided preliminary information about the incident. Two workers were found trapped in a trench, prompting the immediate request for additional assistance, including a Heavy Rescue unit and the GSAR Search and Rescue Task Force 6. Emergency responders worked swiftly to extricate the workers from the trench and provided immediate care. Both individuals were transported by Floyd Atrium EMS for treatment.

Tragically, one of the workers, identified as James Rayburn, who served as an employee of the City of Rome Water and Sewer Division, succumbed to his injuries. As the community mourns the loss of Rayburn, the cause of the incident remains under investigation. Authorities are working diligently to gather details surrounding the circumstances that led to this tragic accident.

The Rome Floyd Fire Department and city officials extend their condolences to the family and colleagues of James Rayburn during this difficult time.

The seven acres surrounding Trion Heights Baptist Church has been transformed into a magical Christmas light and live nativity wonderland this holiday season. The church invites the community to partake in “The Light of Christmas,” a heartwarming event that allows visitors to experience the true spirit of the season through the eyes of a live nativity scene. The last night of the week-long event is this evening, starting at 6:30 PM.  The drive-thru event draws families and individuals of all ages to enjoy a drive along a quarter-mile path depicting various stages of Jesus’ life, particularly His miraculous birth.  As an expression of generosity and goodwill, the dazzling lights and the live nativity experience are offered free of charge to the community, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Trion Heights Baptist Church is located at 301 Rossville Boulevard, Trion. All are welcome to join in this festive celebration and create lasting memories this holiday season.

Donald Trump has chosen former Georgia Senator David Perdue as the ambassador to China. Perdue has much business experience in Asia, having served as the CEO of Dollar General and a top executive at Sara Lee and Reebok. He has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong and previously highlighted this expertise during his Senate campaign in 2014.

Trump praised Perdue’s background and his work on Senate committees related to armed services and foreign relations. He stated that Perdue will help maintain peace in the region and build a good relationship with China’s leaders. Perdue served one term in the Senate but lost his re-election in 2021. Trump had also recruited him to run for governor of Georgia in 2022, but he lost that primary significantly.

Perdue’s past support for moving jobs to Asia has clashed with Trump’s America First policy. Recently, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Chinese goods if they don’t address fentanyl trafficking.

A Chattooga County man is facing serious charges of child rape after enough evidence was found to bring the case to trial in Chattooga County Superior Court. The Summerville resident, John Michael Capo, 34, of 194 Crowe Street, has been charged with rape, statutory rape, three counts of child molestation, and first-degree cruelty to children. The case was sent to trial recently by the Chattooga County Grand Jury.  These allegations are from an incident on July 28, 2023, where Capo is accused of sexual relations with a female child. Court records show that on September 5, 2023, Capo allegedly caused harm to the child by coercing her to recant her claims, leading her to attempt suicide. The trial date will be set by a Chattooga County Superior Court Judge.

The Georgia Farm Bureau is calling on its members and the agricultural community to reach out to their Congressional representatives regarding the recently released USDA annual Farm Labor Survey (FLS) report.

This report serves as a crucial indicator for the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A employees, and the potential implications are alarmingly significant. Released last month, the FLS report indicates that if historical trends continue, Georgia and its neighboring states could see an astronomical wage increase of $1.40 per hour, bringing the AEWR to $16.08/hour by 2025. This follows a staggering 24% increase over the past two years, further straining farmers who are already grappling with rising operational costs. The proposed hike threatens the viability of agricultural operations across the region, which are essential to the local economy and food supply. With the government facing a funding deadline, the urgency to act is paramount. Congress is working against the clock to finalize the budget before the current Continuing Resolution expires on December 20. Notably, the House version of the Labor/HHS appropriations bill includes a critical provision for a two-year wage freeze at 2023 levels, which would serve as a lifeline for struggling farmers. It is crucial that this provision is included in the final appropriations package to safeguard the future of American agriculture. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to take swift action.

The Georgia Farm Bureau is urging all members to contact their House Representatives and Senators to advocate for the inclusion of the wage freeze in the upcoming budget negotiations. “Time is running out, and every voice matters in this critical moment for our agricultural community,” said a spokesperson for the Georgia Farm Bureau. “We need to ensure that our elected officials understand the direct impact of these wage changes on our farms.” To take action, members can click the “Take Action” button provided by the Georgia Farm Bureau to easily contact their representatives. They are also encouraged to personalize the pre-drafted email with details about how the proposed wage changes will specifically impact their agricultural operations.

Last Saturday, a deputy was patrolling Silver Hill Road when he spotted a silver Jeep Commander, which he recognized as frequently driven by Joshua Sword. Knwoing that Sword did not have a valid driver’s license, the deputy initiated a pursuit after observing the vehicle’s erratic driving behavior. The chase escalated quickly, with Sword’s Jeep Commander reaching speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour. The deputy followed closely as the vehicle dangerously weaved between lanes and failed to stop at a stop sign, finally coming to a halt on the shoulder of Highway 100. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy drew his weapon and ordered both Sword and his passenger to exit the Jeep. They complied without incident and were promptly detained. A subsequent search revealed a plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance, later identified as suspected methamphetamine, found on Sword. Despite his attempt to resist arrest, officers were able to subdue Sword and take him into custody, with additional quantities of the suspected drug discovered in the surrounding area. The passenger in the vehicle distanced himself from the drug-related activities, asserting that he had simply accompanied Sword on a trip to Rome. However, all charges have been filed solely against Sword, who now faces felony possession of methamphetamine, driving under the influence of drugs, and several related charges.

The highly anticipated Wings Over North Georgia Air Show is set to make its thrilling return to the Richard B. Russell Airport in Floyd County from October 17 to October 19, 2025. Adding to the excitement, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels made a spectacular entrance on Thursday, flying in their iconic Boeing F-18 Super Hornets and giving a sneak peek of the dazzling aerial displays to come. As the Blue Angels touched down at the Russell Regional Airport, a select group of onlookers gathered to witness the impressive arrival of these naval aviators, renowned for their precision flying and breathtaking maneuvers. The Air Show weekend promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the Blue Angels headlining performances on both Saturday and Sunday. This year’s event also includes an exciting addition: a Friday evening twilight show featuring stunning aerial displays and a fireworks finale, ensuring that attendees are treated to a night of exhilarating entertainment. Wings Over North Georgia is a beloved tradition, drawing aviation enthusiasts and families from across the region for an unforgettable weekend of thrilling performances, static displays, and community fun. With the Blue Angels leading the charge, this upcoming show is expected to be bigger and better than ever. For more information on the 2025 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show, including schedules and ticket details, visit (https://www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com/). Mark your calendars and prepare for a spectacular celebration of aviation!

Residents in the Teloga Community may experience low water pressure over the next 24-hours after contractors working on utility lines on Trion-Teloga Road damaged water lines.  The damage was just past the Grateful Paws property.  Those in the affected area should be prepared for low to no water pressure as the Chattooga County Water District works to repair the lines that were damaged.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, December 6, 2024:

Officials at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion say that a truck driver was delivering a tanker of salt water to the Mill at 1 AM on Friday morning and was pumping air into the tanker when it exploded, killing the driver.  The incident is still under investigation.

On Wednesday, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement unveiled a list of schools across Georgia designated as “underperforming,” a classification that now grants parents of students in these schools the opportunity to apply for financial assistance for private education. Among the schools highlighted in the report, LeRoy Massey Elementary School and Summerville Middle School in Chattooga County were identified as underperforming.

This designation allows eligible families to apply for a voucher of up to $6,500, which can be used towards private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, or other education-related costs.  This initiative is part of the Promise Schools voucher program, which was signed into law earlier this year by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp through Senate Bill 233. The program aims to provide educational opportunities for students zoned in public schools that fall within the bottom 25% for academic achievement.

School systems across the state are questioning the matrix used by GOSA to determine the designations. A school is considered low-performing if its CCRPI score is at or below the 25th percentile for its grade cluster. The CCRPI measures a school’s performance and progress on multiple measures, including test scores. Based on 2018-2019 CCRPI scores, schools with the following scores are “low-performing schools” for the purposes of this law:

• Elementary Schools: 2018-2019 CCRPI score of 66.1 or less
• Middle Schools: 2018-2019 CCRPI score of 66.3 or less
• High Schools: 2018-2019 CCRPI score of 66.2 or less

Chattooga County School Supt. Michelle Helie says that both local schools scored just below the GOSA required minimum.  Heile told WZQZ News, ” Underperforming is such a strong word, especially when both schools have shown such improvement”.  The superintendent is urging any family considering using the voucher program to contact the principal at LeRoy Massey or Summerville Middle School to have a discussion about the implications of withdrawing their student and choosing home school or private school.

Families considering using the voucher program should also realize that it is a reimbursement program, and all reimbursement expenses up to $6,500 must be approved by a review board before the money can be refunded.

An Armuchee man, Robert Keith Tincher III, pleaded guilty to killing his 82-year-old grandmother, Doris Cumming, and storing her body in a freezer for months. Tincher, 31, forced his grandmother into plastic bags, dragged her through their home, and placed her in a large freezer, causing multiple broken bones.

During the hearing, Floyd County Assistant District Attorney Elisabeth Giuliani revealed that Cumming was still alive when Tincher put her in the freezer. Tincher allegedly heard her breathing while dragging her and later inside the freezer.

Despite pleading guilty to charges including malice murder and kidnapping, Tincher denied causing his grandmother’s death. He expressed a desire to leave Floyd County and live his life, which raised concerns for Judge Sparks about accepting a guilty plea from someone unacknowledged of their actions. After further questioning, the judge accepted the plea.

In Georgia, the possible sentences for malice murder are life in prison or life without parole. Tincher’s sentencing will occur on December 11 at 2 p. m.

Georgia’s US Senator Jon Ossoff continues to go after the US Postmaster General at hearings held on Thursday.

U. S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy faced scrutiny from senators about mail delays and the postal service’s forecasted $9. 5 billion losses this year. Senator Ossoff, concerned about delays from the Palmetto USPS facility, criticized DeJoy for failing to meet financial targets and maintain delivery efficiency in Georgia. DeJoy stated that improvements were being made despite the challenges faced by the USPS during the pandemic.

During the hearing, tensions rose as Ossoff highlighted the impact of delays on seniors needing prescriptions and small businesses. DeJoy countered that Ossoff’s criticism was personal. Ossoff vowed to keep pressuring the USPS for solutions and hinted at potential actions against DeJoy if improvements were not made.

On the night of November 28, 2024, local authorities responded to a report of an intoxicated man causing disturbances at Judy’s Herb Shop. The incident led to the arrest of 59-year-old Horace Emanuel Wooten, Jr. , for public drunkenness and possession of marijuana. An EMS worker witnessed Wooten’s behavior inside the store and reported it. Summerville Police were busy with a vehicle crash, so deputies from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office were sent. They initially could not find Wooten, but he tried to flee when he saw them. After a brief chase, he was caught. Wooten smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. He was taken to jail, where marijuana was found in his jacket. Wooten was charged with crossing the guard line with drugs in addition to public intoxication charges and obstruction of law enforcement charges.

In November 2023, the U. S. Department of Agriculture informed state officials that Georgia was “severely out of compliance” with SNAP application processing times. A report highlighted problems like a mismanaged application prioritization, insufficient staff for 52,000 backlogged applications, and lack of a system to reassign applications.  Little has improved over the past year.

Georgia’s public benefits system faces major challenges, including a faulty website, staff shortages, and ongoing technology issues, which have been highlighted by consumer advocacy groups and former state employees. Since the launch of the “Georgia Pathways to Coverage” Medicaid work requirement program in July 2023, processing times for Medicaid applications have increased significantly, with many applicants waiting over a month and a half. This has made Georgia one of the slowest states for processing income-based applications. Only 5,542 residents have enrolled in the Pathways program, which could cover almost 300,000 individuals if Medicaid were expanded. Administrative costs are high, and extensive manual checks delay benefits access.

Critics suggest that more investment in the public benefits system is needed to address these problems effectively.

A Georgia Lottery player purchased a lucky $10,000 winning Mega Millions ticket in Rome for the drawing held on Dec. 3, 2024. The next Mega Millions drawing is set for tonight, with an estimated jackpot of $579 million — the 10th largest in the game’s history.

The winning ticket, sold at Elm Food & Beverage at 204 North Elm St. in Rome, matched four of the five winning numbers plus the Mega Ball.

The winning numbers for the Dec. 3 drawing were:

52-60-61-66-67

Mega Ball: 23 | Mega Plier: 4x

Mega Millions winners in Georgia have 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes. As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions benefit education in the state of Georgia.

AdventHealth Redmond announced that it has received accreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Surgical outcomes focus on weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes, sleep apnea and others. Research shows accredited centers experience lower complications, and better outcomes than that of non-accredited facilities.

“Achieving accreditation through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest standard of care for our bariatric patients,” said Sarah Hunt, metabolic and bariatric surgery coordinator at AdventHealth Redmond. As an MBSAQIP-accredited hospital, AdventHealth Redmond also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know AdventHealth Redmond is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.

“This recognition validates the hard work of our entire team in meeting rigorous quality and safety standards, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care at every stage of their journey. It also positions our program as a leader in metabolic and bariatric surgery, reflecting our dedication to continuous improvement and positive patient outcomes,” said Hunt.

“As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, AdventHealth Redmond has shown a commitment providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.

Not only has Hunt and the metabolic and bariatric surgery team focused on quality, but also on individualized attention to each person’s needs, motivation, health and goals. Hunt walks alongside each patient during their weight loss journey to provide both clinical and emotional support.

“Achieving this accreditation reflects AdventHealth Redmond’s unwavering commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care,” said Isaac Sendros, president and CEO of AdventHealth Redmond. “This program is not only about meeting high standards; it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where each patient receives the personalized care they deserve. Through this accreditation, we demonstrate our dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring our patients experience the best possible outcomes at every step of their journey to better health.”

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, December 5, 2024: