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Georgia To Launch New Statewide Teacher Job Search System In January

Finding teaching jobs in Georgia will soon become easier as the Georgia Department of Education prepares to launch an enhanced statewide educator job board in January 2027.

The Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission are partnering to develop the new system through a collaboration between TeachGeorgia and Teach in the Peach.

The updated job board will provide a centralized location where teachers and other education professionals can search for employment opportunities throughout Georgia.

Job seekers will be able to search for available positions by location and receive alerts when openings matching their interests become available.

The system is also designed to help school districts recruit qualified educators by reaching a larger pool of potential applicants while reducing duplicate administrative work.

The new platform could benefit school systems across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools, by making their available teaching positions easier for prospective employees to find.

State education officials say the improved job board is part of an effort to simplify the hiring process and better connect educators with employment opportunities throughout Georgia.

The enhanced statewide system is scheduled to launch in January 2027.

GNTC Graduation Letters Mailed To Summer And Fall Graduates

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is reminding students planning to participate in its December commencement ceremony that graduation letters have been mailed to summer and fall graduates.

College officials say the letters contain important instructions that graduates must follow and complete by Friday, November 6, in order to participate in the ceremony.

Students who submitted a graduation application for either the summer or fall semester but have not received their graduation letter are encouraged to contact the college as soon as possible.

Those students should email graduation@gntc.edu to notify college officials that their letter has not arrived.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students throughout Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, through its campuses and educational programs.

Rising Child Care Costs Put Financial Pressure On Chattooga County Families

The rising cost of child care is creating financial challenges for working families across Georgia, including those in Chattooga County, where parents must balance the expense of caring for young children with the need to earn a living.

A report released in July by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that nearly eight out of ten Georgia families with children age five and younger would face child care expenses exceeding the federal government’s affordability benchmark.

According to the report, the estimated cost of full-time child care in Georgia averages $200 per week for infants and toddlers and $180 per week for preschool-age children. That translates to approximately $10,400 annually for one infant or toddler and $9,360 for a preschooler.

For families with two young children requiring care, the combined expense could approach $20,000 annually at those statewide rates.

The Federal Reserve’s analysis found that 79.1 percent of Georgia families with young children would need to spend more than seven percent of their household income on child care, the federal benchmark for affordability. The median estimated expense statewide was 13.9 percent of household income.

Researchers also found that child care prices increased 29 percent between 2020 and 2024, compared with a 22 percent increase in overall consumer prices during the same period.

In Chattooga County, child care costs may be lower than statewide estimates, but they still represent a substantial household expense.

The private child care directory CareLuLu lists an estimated average cost of $539 per month for full-time child care in Chattooga County, or approximately $6,468 annually. However, the directory does not specify when its local pricing data was collected, and actual rates vary depending on the child’s age, provider and type of care.

For a family with two children, even that lower estimated rate would represent nearly $13,000 annually in child care expenses.

The financial impact can extend beyond household budgets. Researchers with the Federal Reserve say expensive child care can force parents to reduce their working hours, turn down employment opportunities or leave the workforce altogether.

Finding available child care can also be a challenge. A separate study released by the Urban Institute in 2026 found that about half of Georgia child care providers surveyed in early 2025 maintained waiting lists, including 59 percent of child care centers.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying Georgia families through the state’s Childcare and Parent Services program, commonly known as CAPS. The program helps eligible parents pay for child care while they work, attend school or participate in approved training.

Families in Chattooga County seeking information about available child care providers can also contact Quality Care for Children, which operates the state’s child care resource and referral service for Northwest Georgia, at 1-800-308-1825.

Researchers say the affordability and availability of child care remain important issues not only for families raising young children but also for employers who depend on a reliable local workforce.

Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (July 15, 2026); Urban Institute (2026); Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning; CareLuLu Chattooga County child care directory

Georgia Forestry Commission Warns Of Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

The Georgia Forestry Commission is urging residents across the state to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that threatens trees, agricultural crops and other plants.

The colorful insect has been detected in Georgia, with known infestations currently concentrated in the Atlanta area. Forestry officials say preventing the insect from spreading to other parts of the state will require help from the public.

The spotted lanternfly can damage plants by feeding on their sap. It also produces a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can accumulate on trees and other surfaces and encourage the growth of sooty mold.

The Georgia Forestry Commission, working with the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, has released an educational video to help residents identify the insect and understand what to do if they encounter one.

Officials are encouraging Georgians to inspect outdoor furniture, equipment and other items for lanternfly egg masses before moving them to another location.

Anyone who spots a suspected lanternfly should take a photograph and report the sighting through EDDMapS, an online system used to track invasive species.

Residents can also contact their local Georgia Forestry Commission forester or county Extension agent for guidance on managing the insect.

Forestry officials say early detection and public awareness are important to protecting Georgia’s forests, farms and landscapes from the invasive pest.

Tooga Theatre Restoration Moves Forward As County Prepares To Open Construction Bids Tuesday

The restoration of the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville is approaching another important milestone, with Chattooga County scheduled to open construction bids tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27.

The project has generated considerable public interest, particularly among residents who have seen improvements to the theater’s Commerce Street exterior and wondered why additional renovation funding is needed.

However, the exterior restoration represents only part of a much larger effort to return the historic building to public use. Much of the work necessary to transform the former movie theater into a functioning entertainment and community venue remains inside the building.

A Look Back At The Tooga’s History

The Tooga Theatre opened in 1947, replacing the Royal Theater, which had operated near the intersection of Commerce Street and Georgia Avenue since 1927.

Built by two businessmen from Ellijay, the Tooga became a popular destination for movies and entertainment in downtown Summerville. Over the decades, the building served several purposes, including a movie theater, auditorium and community performance venue.

During its ownership by the Chattooga County Shrine Club, the building was known as the Dandee Denson Auditorium, named in memory of Dandee Denson, the son of local Shriner Pete Denson.

In 2015, under former Sole Commissioner Jason Winters, Chattooga County acquired the theater from the Shrine Club for $125,000, beginning a new chapter in the building’s history.

The theater continued to host some community activities following the county’s acquisition, including Chattooga Curtain Call’s production of The Lion King Jr. in 2019.

Restoration Efforts Begin

Restoring the aging theater has been a project spanning multiple county administrations.

Early improvements included work on the building’s exterior, particularly the Commerce Street facade and marquee. Those improvements helped restore the theater’s appearance and preserve an important part of downtown Summerville’s historic streetscape.

In 2021, then-Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry discussed additional improvements needed to make the building watertight and eventually suitable for public use.

At the time, Elsberry estimated that making the theater usable could cost between $500,000 and $700,000, while a more complete restoration could exceed $1 million.

Those were preliminary estimates made several years ago, before the current construction plans and bidding process.

The theater has also received preservation assistance through the Fox Theatre’s grant programs, including awards of $39,275 during fiscal year 2021–2022 and $20,000 during fiscal year 2024–2025.

While the improvements visible from Commerce Street have given the building a renewed appearance, the restoration of the exterior did not complete the overall project.

Major Interior Renovations Still Needed

The next stage of restoration is considerably more extensive than the exterior improvements already completed.

The county’s current construction plans call for demolition and interior renovations, improvements to the rear portion of the building, work on the ticket booth and front entrance, and installation of audio-visual and information technology equipment.

The project also includes furnishings, fixtures, accessories and other work required under the construction plans.

These improvements are intended to move the theater toward becoming a usable public facility rather than simply a restored historic building.

The project has received $1 million in funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission, with the current Phase One project budget estimated at approximately $1.372 million.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is serving as the administering state agency for the federal grant.

Although the current construction contract is designated Phase One, it is important to distinguish that designation from the earlier restoration efforts. The county has already completed improvements to the building, while the current phase represents a separate, more extensive construction project.

Plans For A Community Entertainment Venue

Once restored, the Tooga Theatre is intended to serve as a multipurpose entertainment and community facility.

Plans call for the building to accommodate live theatrical productions, concerts, movies, business meetings, conferences, weddings, receptions and other public and private gatherings.

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is expected to manage the theater’s operations and marketing, with an advisory board supporting programming and activities.

County officials and project supporters envision the restored theater as an attraction that could bring additional visitors to downtown Summerville while providing local residents with a venue for entertainment and community events.

The restoration is also intended to support downtown revitalization and economic development by creating additional opportunities for businesses and organizations to host events in Chattooga County.

Construction Bids To Be Opened Tuesday

The county originally sought bids for the renovation project earlier this year but reopened the bidding process in September after interested contractors requested additional time to evaluate the building and prepare proposals.

The latest deadline for contractors to submit bids was Friday, October 23.

The bids are scheduled to be publicly opened and read aloud tomorrow at 10 AM at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office on Commerce Street in Summerville.

The opening will provide county officials with proposed construction costs for the planned renovations. The county will then have an opportunity to evaluate the proposals before determining how to proceed.

There is not yet an established timeline for completion of the restoration or reopening of the theater.

For now, Tuesday’s bid opening represents another step in a restoration effort that has continued for more than a decade, with the ultimate goal of returning one of downtown Summerville’s historic landmarks to active community use.

Fall Colors Developing Across Northwest Georgia With Peak Expected In Early November

Fall colors are becoming more noticeable across Northwest Georgia, but residents hoping to see the most vibrant autumn foliage may want to wait another week or two.

According to the Georgia Forestry Commission’s latest Leaf Watch report, released October 21, fall color development across Northwest Georgia is running slightly behind last year, with peak viewing conditions expected during the first two weeks of November.

Forestry officials report that approximately 17 percent of leaves have changed color at elevations above 3,000 feet, while lower elevations are showing about 15 percent color change.

Hickory trees are beginning to display shades of yellow with hints of orange, while some oak trees are developing patches of yellow. Other tree species are showing more advanced color changes, although the region has not yet reached its peak.

The Forestry Commission says cooler temperatures experienced across the region recently should help accelerate the changing colors as October comes to a close.

For residents of Chattooga County, the coming weeks should provide opportunities to enjoy fall scenery along Lookout Mountain, Taylor’s Ridge and other wooded areas throughout the county.

Nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park and the Zahnd Wildlife Management Area in Walker County are also among the locations highlighted for fall foliage viewing.

The Forestry Commission recommends a scenic drive along Highway 136 West and Highway 157 toward the Zahnd Wildlife Management Area, where visitors can find hiking trails through hardwood forests and scenic overlooks.

The timing and intensity of fall colors depend on several factors, including temperatures, rainfall, elevation and tree species. Cooler nights and mild, sunny days generally help produce the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges associated with autumn.

While some trees are already showing attractive colors, forestry officials expect the most widespread displays across Northwest Georgia to develop as the calendar moves into November.

Residents planning a fall foliage outing can follow the Georgia Forestry Commission’s weekly Leaf Watch reports and view updated photographs and maps at gatrees.org.

The History Of Chelsea: From The TAG Railroad To Howard Finster

Nestled in Broomtown Valley along the eastern slopes of Lookout Mountain, the Chelsea community has a history that stretches back to the early settlement of western Chattooga County. Although never incorporated as a town, Chelsea was once home to its own school, post office, church and railroad passenger stop. The community also holds a special place in the history of Southern folk art through its association with the Reverend Howard Finster, who served as pastor of Chelsea Baptist Church long before becoming an internationally recognized artist.

While Chelsea has changed considerably over the generations, its history can still be traced through the families who settled there, the railroad that connected it to neighboring communities, and the church that remains one of its most recognizable landmarks.

Early Settlement And The Families Of Chelsea

According to the Chattooga County Historical Society, the Harper, Atkinson and Strickland families were among the earliest settlers in the Chelsea area. Like other communities throughout Broomtown Valley, Chelsea developed around farming, family connections and religious institutions. The community took shape in the valley between Lookout Mountain and Shinbone Ridge, where creeks, springs and farmland provided the setting for generations of rural life.

The Chelsea community was never a municipality with a formal town government, but it developed many of the institutions that defined rural settlements during the nineteenth century. Residents maintained connections through their church, school and local businesses, while the area’s farms supported families who made their homes along the valley.

The name Chelsea became established enough to appear on maps and in postal records during the late nineteenth century, and several natural landmarks in the area continue to carry the community’s name.

Chelsea’s Post Office And Early School

By the late nineteenth century, Chelsea had become established enough to warrant its own United States post office. The Chelsea Post Office opened on December 27, 1890, and remained in operation until December 31, 1928, serving the community for approximately 38 years.

During those years, the post office was an important connection between Chelsea residents and the outside world. It provided a place to send and receive letters, newspapers and business correspondence at a time when rural communication depended heavily on the postal system. The closure of small community post offices was part of a broader change in rural America as mail delivery systems expanded and transportation improved.

Chelsea also maintained a neighborhood school during the era when small rural schools were scattered throughout Chattooga County. Those schools often served children living within walking distance and played an important role in community life. Chelsea School eventually became part of an earlier chapter in local education as schools throughout the county were consolidated into larger facilities.

The TAG Railroad And Chelsea’s Scooter Stop

Transportation played an important role in Chelsea’s development. The Chattanooga Southern Railway began operating through western Chattooga County during the late nineteenth century, connecting the region with Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Gadsden, Alabama. The railroad was reorganized in 1911 as the Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway, better known locally as the TAG Railroad. Its route through Broomtown Valley brought passenger and freight service to several small communities, including Chelsea.

Although Chelsea did not have a railroad depot, it was an established passenger stop along the TAG line. One of the railroad’s most fondly remembered services was a small motorcar passenger train known as the “Scooter,” which provided transportation for residents traveling between communities along the railroad. For people living in Chelsea and surrounding rural areas, the Scooter offered an alternative to traveling by wagon or automobile, particularly during the years when roads were less developed and car ownership was not widespread.

A surviving TAG Railroad timetable from May 1929 confirms Chelsea’s place on the passenger route. The schedule lists Chelsea 42.8 rail miles from Chattanooga, between Harrisburg and Menlo. Southbound service was scheduled to arrive at Chelsea at 9:36 in the morning, while northbound service was listed at 2:54 in the afternoon. Menlo was only 3.4 rail miles south of Chelsea, illustrating how closely the railroad connected the small communities of Broomtown Valley.

The TAG Railroad was an important transportation corridor for western Chattooga County for decades. While passenger service eventually disappeared, memories of the Scooter and the railroad’s role in the valley remain part of the area’s history.

Howard Finster And Chelsea Baptist Church

Chelsea’s most widely recognized historical connection may be to the Reverend Howard Finster, whose years at Chelsea Baptist Church preceded his rise to international fame as one of America’s best-known self-taught artists. Finster served as pastor of the church for approximately 15 years, from 1950 until 1965, during a period when he was known primarily as a Baptist minister, revival preacher and carpenter. His ministry took him throughout the surrounding communities, where he preached, conducted baptisms and participated in the religious life of rural Chattooga County.

Finster’s association with Chelsea Baptist Church extended beyond the pulpit. He used his carpentry skills to help with construction work at the church and created religious artwork that remains an important part of its history. Among those works is a mural he painted at the church’s baptistry, which remains in place today. The mural provides a tangible connection to Finster’s years in Chelsea and to the religious themes that would later become central to his artistic career.

The baptistry mural is separate from another Finster painting associated with Chelsea Baptist Church that attracted attention in 2020. As WZQZ News reported in November of that year, a painting titled Chelsea Baptist Church was offered for auction to raise money for improvements to the congregation’s facilities. Commissioned by a Sunday School class, the artwork depicted the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, along with a smaller scene showing worshipers entering the church. The congregation hoped the painting could continue spreading Finster’s religious message while providing financial assistance for needed improvements.

The Chattooga County Historical Society has also preserved a photograph showing Finster conducting a baptism in Chelsea Creek during the 1940s. The photograph offers a glimpse of an earlier era when outdoor baptisms were common in rural churches and local creeks served as gathering places for important religious occasions.

Finster would eventually gain worldwide recognition for his artwork and Paradise Garden, his extraordinary folk-art environment in the Pennville area. His work appeared on the cover of the Talking Heads album Little Creatures, and his paintings became sought after by museums and collectors. Yet his years as a minister in Chelsea remain an important part of the story of the man who would become one of Georgia’s most celebrated folk artists.

Chelsea’s Geography And Natural Landmarks

The natural landscape surrounding Chelsea is another important part of the community’s identity. Chelsea Creek and Chelsea Gulf are among the geographical features that preserve the community’s name, while nearby Blowing Spring is associated with the limestone formations found along the eastern slopes of Lookout Mountain.

The area is situated in Broomtown Valley, between Lookout Mountain to the west and Shinbone Ridge to the east. The valley’s terrain helped shape early settlement patterns, with farms, roads and communities developing along the relatively level land between the ridges. Chelsea’s location also placed it along a natural transportation corridor later used by the TAG Railroad.

Geological studies conducted during the twentieth century documented limestone deposits in the area, and exploratory drilling north of Chelsea during the 1960s examined the possibility of commercially valuable mineral resources. Those investigations provide another glimpse into the changing uses of the land surrounding the community.

Chelsea’s Place In Chattooga County History

Over the generations, Chelsea experienced many of the changes that affected rural communities throughout Chattooga County. Its post office closed, the neighborhood school became part of an earlier chapter in local education, and the TAG Railroad’s passenger service faded into history. Improved roads and automobiles gradually changed how residents traveled, worked and conducted business, reducing the importance of institutions that had once helped define small rural settlements.

Despite those changes, Chelsea has retained its identity as a community. Chelsea Baptist Church and its cemetery remain important local landmarks, while the names of early families, the surviving artwork of Howard Finster and memories of the TAG Railroad’s Scooter continue to connect the area with its past.

The history of Chelsea is a reminder that Chattooga County’s story is not limited to its incorporated towns or major industrial centers. Communities such as Chelsea helped shape the county through generations of farming, education, religious life and transportation, leaving a heritage that continues to be part of western Chattooga County today.

Sources:

National Weather Service Highlights Tool To Help Georgians Prepare For Winter Storms

With colder weather approaching, the National Weather Service is reminding residents about an online forecasting tool designed to help communities better understand the potential impacts of snow and ice.

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center is highlighting its Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index, which goes beyond traditional snowfall and ice accumulation forecasts to show how winter weather could affect travel, infrastructure and everyday activities.

The forecasting tool is not designed to predict whether Northwest Georgia will experience more or less winter weather during the upcoming season. Instead, when a winter storm becomes a possibility, it helps forecasters and residents understand how likely that particular storm is to cause problems, including hazardous travel, power outages and other disruptions.

Winter weather can present particular challenges in Northwest Georgia, where mountainous terrain, steep grades and winding rural roads can make travel hazardous. Snow and ice can also create difficulties for the Georgia Department of Transportation and local governments responsible for keeping roads safe and passable.

Conditions can vary considerably between higher elevations and nearby valleys, making detailed information about the potential impacts of a winter storm especially valuable for residents, emergency responders and road maintenance crews.

The forecasting system evaluates several factors, including snow accumulation, snow loading, ice accumulation and blowing snow, to estimate the severity of potential winter weather impacts.

The tool also provides probabilities for different levels of winter storm impacts, ranging from minor to extreme. This allows residents and emergency management officials to consider a range of possible outcomes rather than relying on a single forecast.

For Chattooga County residents, the information could be particularly useful when winter storms threaten travel across Taylor’s Ridge, Lookout Mountain and other elevated areas of Northwest Georgia.

The National Weather Service says the system can help people understand the likelihood of disruptive winter weather and prepare for possible hazardous road conditions, power outages and other impacts.

The Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index is available online at weather.gov/wssi-p.

Chattooga Chamber To Host Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch And Learn Tuesday

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce will host its October Lunch and Learn tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27, with a special program focusing on breast cancer awareness.

The event is being sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The program will feature a presentation on breast cancer, providing an opportunity for local business and community members to learn more about an important health issue affecting women and families throughout the area.

The Chamber’s monthly Lunch and Learn gatherings bring together local business owners, employees and community members for educational programs, networking and discussions on topics of community interest.

Tuesday’s event is open to the public, and a catered lunch will be provided. Reservations are requested to help organizers plan for the meal.

Those interested in attending can find reservation information on the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce website at chattoogachamber.org.

For additional information, contact the Chamber at 706-857-4033.

Sunny Skies And Mild Temperatures Expected Across Chattooga County Through The Week

Chattooga County residents can expect another week of dry weather, plenty of sunshine and mild fall temperatures as October comes to a close.

According to the National Weather Service, high pressure will keep rain out of the forecast for the next seven days, with afternoon temperatures gradually warming into the upper 70s by the end of the week.

Today, Sunday, will be sunny with a high near 72 degrees. Winds will be calm during the morning before becoming easterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Mostly clear skies are expected tonight, with temperatures dropping to around 46 degrees.

Monday will bring more sunshine and a high near 73, followed by partly cloudy skies Monday night and a low around 44.

Temperatures will climb slightly Tuesday, with sunny skies and a high near 76. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 47.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 74, while Thursday brings a return to full sunshine and a high near 76.

The warmest temperatures of the week are expected Friday, when sunshine will push afternoon highs to around 79 degrees. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 78.

Overnight temperatures throughout the week will generally range from the middle 40s to the lower 50s.

Forecasters say breezy conditions will continue at times through the weekend as an easterly to northeasterly wind pattern remains in place. However, winds are expected to be lighter during much of the upcoming workweek.

The National Weather Service says the persistent high-pressure pattern will keep conditions dry and temperatures near seasonal averages, with a gradual warming trend toward the end of October.

While no rainfall is expected during the coming week, forecasters are watching a developing weather system that could eventually bring a change in conditions during early November. The timing and potential for rainfall remain uncertain.

For now, residents can look forward to a pleasant stretch of fall weather, with comfortable afternoons, cool nights and plenty of sunshine across Chattooga County.

Chattooga FFA Students Attend National Convention In Indianapolis

Members of the Chattooga County FFA chapter have spent the past several days in Indianapolis, Indiana, participating in the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo, joining tens of thousands of agricultural education students from across the United States.

The annual convention provides FFA members with opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities, learn about agricultural industries and connect with students who share similar interests.

During the second day of the convention, Chattooga FFA members visited the College and Career Expo, where they explored educational programs and career opportunities available after high school. The expo brings together colleges, universities, agricultural businesses and other organizations to introduce students to potential career paths.

Students also attended the annual FFA members-only concert, featuring country music artist Ty Myers. The concert brought together thousands of FFA members for an evening of entertainment.

On the third day, Chattooga students attended their first general convention session, joining more than 70,000 FFA members from across the country. The session featured keynote speaker Scott McKain, who addressed students about leadership and personal development.

Later that day, the group toured Fischer’s Food Grade Seeds and Farms, a third-generation agricultural operation specializing in hybrid seed corn, soybeans and grain processing.

The company produces and processes food-grade white and yellow corn, soybeans, wheat, rye and barley for domestic and international customers. Its operations also include non-genetically modified and organic grain production.

During the tour, Chattooga students visited the soybean and corn processing facilities and learned about the equipment and technology used in modern agricultural production.

The experience gave students an opportunity to see firsthand how agricultural products move from the farm through processing and into markets around the world.

On the fourth day, students returned to the convention’s expo hall to explore additional exhibits and educational opportunities.

They also visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where they participated in the famous “Kiss the Bricks” tour. The tradition involves kissing the historic brick surface at the speedway’s finish line, a custom associated with winners of major races at the facility.

The group rounded out the day with outdoor go-karting activities.

Chattooga FFA members also planned to recognize several chapter alumni during the final day of the convention, celebrating their accomplishments and continued involvement in agricultural education.

The National FFA Convention is one of the largest annual student gatherings in the country, bringing together young people involved in agricultural education from all 50 states.

For Chattooga County students, the trip provides experiences extending beyond the classroom, offering exposure to agricultural technology, higher education, career possibilities and leadership development.

Salvation Army Of Rome Adds New Mobile Canteen To Serve Northwest Georgia Communities

The Salvation Army of Rome has added a new mobile canteen to its emergency response and community outreach operations, providing another resource to assist residents across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.

The new vehicle was officially unveiled Wednesday, October 21, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Rome. The addition is expected to improve the organization’s ability to provide meals, refreshments and other assistance during emergencies and community outreach activities.

The Salvation Army of Rome serves Floyd, Polk and Chattooga counties, making the new equipment an important addition to the organization’s regional operations.

Lieutenant Cory Tilley and his wife, Captain Cristina Tilley, who lead the Salvation Army’s Rome operations, said the mobile canteen will allow volunteers to take services directly to people in need rather than requiring individuals to travel to the organization’s facilities.

The vehicle is equipped with a two-burner stove, industrial coffee maker, refrigerator and generator. These features will allow volunteers to prepare and distribute food and beverages at emergency scenes and other locations where assistance is needed.

While the canteen is not designed to operate as a large-scale mobile kitchen, Salvation Army officials say it will greatly expand their ability to respond to emergencies and provide support in the field.

The vehicle can be used to assist firefighters, law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel during extended operations. It can also provide food and refreshments to residents affected by house fires, severe weather, power outages and other disasters.

The Salvation Army has a history of providing emergency assistance in Chattooga County.

During the devastating September 2022 flooding, Salvation Army disaster relief teams worked with local churches and other organizations to distribute meals, snacks and drinking water to residents affected by the disaster.

The organization’s response included food distribution at the Trion Wrestling Building, Chattooga County High School and Chattooga County Middle School, along with deliveries to vulnerable residents.

According to the Salvation Army, its disaster response operations across the affected Northwest Georgia communities provided more than 15,000 meals and snacks during that emergency.

In addition to disaster relief, the Salvation Army of Rome provides shelter services, a community evening meal program, food pantry assistance, emergency financial assistance and other support programs for individuals and families in its three-county service area.

The organization has served the Rome community for approximately 129 years.

Salvation Army officials say the new mobile canteen will make it easier to reach residents where assistance is needed and strengthen their ability to respond when emergencies occur.

The vehicle also provides another resource that could be deployed to Chattooga County when local emergencies require additional support, depending on available resources and the needs of the community.

Residents seeking information about Salvation Army assistance or volunteer opportunities can contact the Salvation Army of Rome at 706-291-4745.

Floyd County Man Freed After 26 Years In Prison Arrested On Fugitive Warrant

A Floyd County man who spent more than 25 years in prison for a murder conviction that was later overturned has been arrested again, this time on a fugitive from justice warrant out of Tennessee.

According to arrest records reported by Coosa Valley News, 47-year-old Cain Joshua Storey of Rome was taken into custody this week after authorities learned he was wanted in Hamilton County, Tennessee, for failing to appear in court on a DUI-related charge.

Storey’s latest arrest comes after a lengthy legal battle involving the 1996 shooting death of Brian Bowling in Floyd County.

Storey was originally convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in connection with Bowling’s death. He maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration.

In 2022, Storey’s murder conviction was overturned after new evidence indicated Bowling had died during a game of Russian roulette, contradicting the prosecution’s original theory of the shooting.

Following the reversal of his conviction, Storey entered a plea to involuntary manslaughter for providing the firearm involved in the shooting. He was subsequently released after spending more than a quarter-century behind bars.

The case attracted widespread attention because of questions surrounding the original investigation and the evidence used to secure Storey’s murder conviction.

In 2023, Storey filed a federal lawsuit alleging that investigators fabricated evidence and withheld information that could have helped establish his innocence. The lawsuit alleges violations of his constitutional rights during the investigation and prosecution.

Those allegations remain unresolved and have not been proven in court.

Storey has also faced additional criminal charges since his release from prison.

Earlier this year, he was arrested in Floyd County following a traffic stop on the Loop near Calhoun Road. Police reported finding suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a handgun during the encounter.

Authorities also alleged that Storey refused to comply with officers during the traffic stop.

He was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and obstruction of law enforcement.

His latest arrest involves a separate matter in Hamilton County, Tennessee, where authorities issued a warrant after he allegedly failed to appear in court on a DUI-related charge.

Storey now faces possible extradition to Tennessee to answer the outstanding warrant.

The latest arrest does not change the reversal of his original murder conviction. The pending criminal allegations are separate from the case that resulted in his lengthy imprisonment.

Georgia Attorney General Calls For Removal Of Dangerous Kratom Products From Store Shelves

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is calling on convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops across the state to immediately remove dangerous kratom products from their shelves, warning that some products contain powerful opioid-like substances that pose serious health risks.

Carr issued the warning Friday, October 23, while addressing the Georgia House of Representatives Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail Available Substances. He also urged lawmakers to consider legislation that would prohibit retail sales of kratom-derived products unless they receive specific state approval.

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It has been marketed in the United States for pain relief, increased energy and relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, health officials warn that some products sold as kratom contain highly concentrated or chemically altered substances that can produce dangerous opioid-like effects.

Of particular concern is 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called 7-OH. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the substance is addictive and can be approximately 13 times more potent than morphine.

Manufacturers have developed concentrated versions of 7-OH that are sold in tablets, gummies, liquid shots and powders. These products are often available at convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops.

Carr warned that consumers may assume products sold openly in retail stores have been tested and approved for safety, even when that is not the case.

The Georgia Poison Center has handled approximately 543 kratom exposure cases since 2021. Reported exposures increased 66 percent between 2022 and 2025, and the majority of cases required treatment at a healthcare facility.

Health officials have also expressed concern about accidental exposure among young children, particularly involving products sold as gummies and other candy-like forms.

The Attorney General pointed to several deaths involving kratom products, including two University of Mississippi students who were found dead in separate incidents last month. One of the students was from Georgia. Investigators recovered packaged kratom at the scene, although the investigations into those deaths were still ongoing when Carr issued his warning.

Carr also referenced the 2021 death of 23-year-old Ethan Pope, who died after consuming a liquid kratom product.

Georgia already has a Kratom Consumer Protection Act that regulates the sale of kratom products and prohibits synthetic 7-OH. However, Carr argues that the current law makes enforcement difficult because officers must identify a suspicious product, seize it, have it tested and establish that it contains an illegal substance.

Under the Attorney General’s proposed legislation, kratom-derived products would be presumed illegal for retail sale unless specifically approved by the state.

The proposal would establish a public list of approved products that meet safety requirements, including independent laboratory testing, accurate labeling and applicable federal marketing authorization. Products not appearing on that list could be seized by law enforcement without first having to prove their chemical contents through laboratory testing.

The proposal would represent a significant change in how Georgia regulates kratom, shifting responsibility toward manufacturers to demonstrate that their products meet state requirements before being sold.

The issue has also generated debate among lawmakers and consumers. Some kratom users say natural kratom has helped them manage pain or reduce dependence on prescription opioids, while public health officials have raised concerns about concentrated products, addiction and overdose risks.

Federal health officials have also been examining ways to distinguish natural kratom from highly concentrated or chemically altered products containing dangerous opioid-like substances.

Carr is urging retailers to voluntarily remove dangerous kratom products immediately rather than waiting for additional legislation or enforcement action.

For Georgia consumers, the Attorney General’s warning serves as a reminder that products sold legally or openly in retail stores are not necessarily free from serious health risks.

Sources: Georgia Office of the Attorney General, October 23, 2026; Georgia Poison Center reporting; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, October 9, 2026.

Former Walker County Deputy Arrested Following GBI Investigation

A former Walker County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing five criminal charges following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations that he improperly accessed confidential criminal history records and distributed evidence from ongoing investigations.

The GBI announced Friday, October 23, that 33-year-old Amadou Diaw of LaFayette had been arrested and charged with unauthorized disclosure of criminal history record information, computer theft, computer trespass, violation of oath of office and misdemeanor obstruction.

According to the GBI, the investigation began September 30, when the Walker County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from state investigators after allegations surfaced that Diaw had misused the Georgia Crime Information Center system to obtain criminal history information without authorization.

The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains criminal justice records used by law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The system provides authorized personnel with access to criminal histories and other sensitive information used in criminal investigations.

GBI agents investigating the allegations determined that Diaw had illegally accessed and obtained criminal history information through the state system.

Investigators also discovered that Diaw had distributed body camera footage and photographs from active criminal investigations. The GBI did not identify the investigations involved or disclose who received the material.

Following the investigation, Diaw was arrested Thursday, October 22, and booked into the Walker County Jail.

The five charges include offenses related to unauthorized access to protected computer records, improper disclosure of criminal history information and alleged misconduct while serving as a law enforcement officer.

The GBI says the investigation remains active and ongoing. Once the investigation is completed, the case will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-8477. Tips may also be submitted through the GBI’s website or the See Something, Send Something mobile application.

Diaw is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Dalton Woman Named Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s 2027 EAGLE Award Winner

A Dalton woman who overcame homelessness, financial hardships and the challenges of raising two children as a single mother has been selected to represent Georgia Northwestern Technical College at a statewide adult education competition next year.

Kathleen Pichardo has been named GNTC’s 2027 EAGLE Award winner and will represent the college at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute, scheduled for March 8–10, 2027, in Atlanta.

The EAGLE program, which stands for Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education, recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in adult education programs across Georgia.

Pichardo earned her high school equivalency credential through GNTC’s Adult Education program in June 2026. She is now studying Business Management at the college’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton while working in hospital admissions.

Her path to higher education was far from easy.

Growing up in the Bronx as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, Pichardo helped her single mother care for her younger siblings. After her family moved to Miami, she became a mother at 17 and put her education on hold to support her family.

By her mid-20s, she had experienced homelessness and was raising two children on her own.

Eventually, Pichardo moved to Georgia with her children, determined to build a more stable future. She stayed with her brother while waiting for housing and taught herself to drive as she worked toward establishing a new life in Dalton.

Although she had previously worked her way up to a general manager and trainer position, she found that not having a high school diploma continued to limit her career opportunities.

When family responsibilities eventually required her to stop working to care for her son, she decided the time had come to finish her education.

Pichardo enrolled in GNTC’s Adult Education program and discovered a renewed enthusiasm for learning, along with encouragement from instructors who helped her regain confidence in her academic abilities.

“Adult Education has changed the way I see myself and my future,” Pichardo said. “My journey has taught me that my circumstances do not have to determine my destination.”

Eddie Geier, an Adult Education lead instructor at GNTC, nominated Pichardo for the award, praising her determination and willingness to help other students succeed.

“Kathleen was extremely committed not only to her own success, but also to the success of her classmates,” Geier said. “She would not quit until she reached her goals.”

Lisa Shaw, GNTC’s vice president of Adult Education, said Pichardo’s accomplishments reflect the determination of students who return to school while balancing work and family responsibilities.

“Kathleen’s story exemplifies the perseverance and determination demonstrated by many of our Adult Education students,” Shaw said. “She is an outstanding role model and an inspiration to others working toward their educational goals.”

For Pichardo, completing her high school equivalency credential represents more than an academic accomplishment. It has opened the door to continuing her education and pursuing career opportunities that once seemed beyond her reach.

“Today, I’m not just working towards a better future for my children; I’m finally building one for myself, too,” she said.

The annual EAGLE Leadership Institute is sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia through its Office of Adult Education. The program recognizes exceptional adult education students while promoting educational opportunities and lifelong learning throughout the state.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students throughout Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, through its technical education and adult education programs.

Final Week Of Early Voting Begins Monday In Chattooga County

Chattooga County voters will have one final week to cast their ballots early ahead of the November 3 general election.

Early voting resumes Monday, October 26, and continues through Friday, October 30, at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office in Summerville.

Voting hours during the final week will be 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day, giving residents additional time to vote before Election Day.

There will be no early voting on Sunday, October 25.

Local voters will decide several important issues, including proposed changes to homestead exemptions, renewal of the education sales tax and a bond referendum in the Town of Trion.

Voters who do not cast their ballots during the early voting period will have their final opportunity on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, when polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Hayrides Continue Today At Sloppy Floyd State Park

Families looking for something to do this Sunday afternoon can enjoy a fall hayride at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.

The park is offering hayrides today, October 25, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the fall scenery and changing leaves at one of Chattooga County’s most popular outdoor destinations.

In addition to the hayrides, visitors can enjoy free candy, fake tattoos and popcorn as part of the seasonal activities.

Free shuttle transportation will be available from the park entrance to the hayride area.

The park’s regular vehicle parking fee is $10, although visitors with an annual Georgia State Parks ParkPass will not need to purchase a daily pass.

Those unable to attend today’s event will have one more opportunity to enjoy the hayrides on Halloween, Saturday, October 31.

The hayrides are weather-dependent and will be canceled in the event of rain.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located off Marble Springs Road near Summerville.

Catoosa County Man Sentenced To Two Life Terms Plus 110 Years For Child Abuse

A Catoosa County man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 110 years in prison after being convicted of physically and sexually abusing a nine-year-old child.

According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, 42-year-old Christopher Lee McClure was convicted September 24, 2026, following a four-day jury trial before Superior Court Judge Chris Arnt.

McClure was found guilty on all charges in an eight-count indictment, including aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, first-degree cruelty to children and aggravated assault.

Prosecutors presented evidence that McClure had subjected the child to years of physical abuse, including striking the child in the head with a broomstick and strangling the child nearly to the point of unconsciousness.

The investigation began after authorities learned of the physical abuse. During the investigation, the child disclosed repeated sexual abuse.

Medical evidence presented during the trial corroborated the allegations of physical and sexual abuse.

The case was investigated by Detective Rebecca Jordan of the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, who initially examined reports of physical abuse.

Investigators interviewed several witnesses who reported seeing unexplained bruises on the child’s face on multiple occasions. After the child disclosed the sexual abuse, additional medical evidence was gathered.

Senior Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe and Assistant District Attorney Grace Talbot prosecuted the case.

During the trial, prosecutors presented photographs documenting the child’s injuries, testimony from witnesses who had personally observed the abuse and expert medical testimony concerning the injuries sustained by the victim.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning guilty verdicts on all eight counts.

Following the verdict, Judge Arnt conducted a sentencing hearing the same day.

During that hearing, prosecutors argued that McClure had shown no remorse for his actions and continued to pose a danger to the community.

Judge Arnt imposed two consecutive life sentences, followed by an additional consecutive 110 years in prison and 20 years of sex offender probation.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, the sentence represents the maximum punishment permitted under Georgia law for the offenses.

District Attorney Kathleen V.P. Davis praised the prosecution team and investigators for their work in securing the conviction.

Davis said the outcome reflected the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement officers and community partners to protecting children and pursuing justice for vulnerable victims.

The District Attorney’s Office also recognized Victim Witness Advocate Britany Moses and Chief Investigator Christy Smith for their assistance throughout the investigation and trial.

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit includes Chattooga, Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties.