Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 15, 2025:

Northwest Georgia  Residents can expect continued dry conditions and above-average temperatures through Friday as an upper-level ridge dominates the region’s weather pattern. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies today, with a high near 86 degrees and a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, potentially gusting up to 20 mph. The influence of the upper-level ridge will create a warm layer in the atmosphere, suppressing the development of thunderstorms. As a result, no thunderstorms are expected for Northwest Georgia today or tomorrow. Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 68 degrees. The southwest wind will diminish to around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening. Gusts could still reach 15 mph. Friday will bring more of the same, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 87 degrees. Southwest winds will persist at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. However, a change is on the horizon. Friday night brings a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 68 degrees and continued southwest winds around 5 mph, gusting to 15 mph. The chance of showers and thunderstorms continues into the weekend, with a 50 percent chance on Saturday and a 40 percent chance on Sunday. Temperatures will remain relatively mild, with highs in the mid-80s.

A Chattooga County man was arrested for driving under the influence last week after deputies discovered his vehicle in a ditch on Highway 48 near Menlo. According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call on Tuesday, May 6th, regarding a vehicle located at 6465 Highway 48 near Pop’s Country Store. Upon arrival, deputies found the vehicle facing the roadway in a ditch. The driver, identified as Gilbert Eugene Laverne, was questioned by the responding deputy. The report states that there was no visible damage to the vehicle. The deputy initially inquired if Laverne needed assistance with a tow truck. During the conversation, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Laverne. Laverne reportedly admitted to consuming four alcoholic beverages at a bar in Rome approximately 45 minutes before. Following field sobriety tests, Laverne was placed under arrest and transported to the Chattooga County Jail. He faces charges of driving under the influence.

The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in April were nearly $3. 73 billion, a decrease of $230. 4 million, or 5. 8%, from FY 2024, which totaled $3. 96 billion for the month.

The reduction in individual and corporate income tax collections was due to the hurricane-related extension of filing deadlines to May 1, 2025. However, early payments in May showed an increase compared to the same time in May 2024, showing that many filers used the extension. Year-to-date, net tax revenue reached $27. 77 billion, an increase of $312. 2 million, mainly from the motor fuel excise tax, which was paused for two and a half months in FY 2024. Adjusting for changes in motor fuel taxes, year-to-date net revenue was down $154. 2 million, or 0. 6%.

In April, Individual Income Tax collections were $1. 91 billion, down $55. 9 million, or 2. 8%, from last year. This decline was due to decreased refunds, withholding payments, and return payments. Gross Sales and Use Tax collections rose to almost $1. 65 billion, up $70. 4 million, or 4. 5%. Corporate Income Tax collections fell to $540. 2 million, a drop of $207. 9 million, or 27. 8%. Motor Fuel Tax collections rose by $6. 6 million, or 3. 4%, while Motor Vehicle Tag & Title Fees and Title Ad Valorem Tax also increased.

AdventHealth is excited to share that the AngioScreen bus will be available at AdventHealth Redmond on May 29, AdventHealth Gordon on June 11, and AdventHealth Murray on June 17. 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 EKG 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 your 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 $85 per person and is HSA eligible. To register for this screening, contact Madelyn.Byars@adventhealth.com or call 706-290-8008.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill this week that changes how intellectual disability is treated in death penalty cases in Georgia. The new law requires a judge to determine whether a defendant is intellectually disabled during a pretrial hearing. Previously, a jury made this decision while also considering the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

Advocates, like Joia Thornton from the Faith Leaders of Color Coalition, praised the bill as a significant step for Georgia and the intellectual disabilities community. They have long worked to end the execution of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Nationally, Black people are over represented on death row, and in Georgia, 44% of death row inmates are Black, even though they make up only one-third of the population.

Critics have pointed out that defendants had to prove their intellectual disability to a high standard, which was difficult. Since a law in 1988 banning executions of intellectually disabled people, no defendant has successfully proven their status. The bill passed unanimously in the state House and with one dissenting vote in the Senate.

House Bill 123 becomes active law immediately but does not change the sentences of the 34 people currently on death row.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Georgia is issuing a warning to students regarding a surge in loan forgiveness scams targeting borrowers as federal student loan repayment is set to resume on May 5th. This comes after the Department of Education announced that debt collection would recommence and clarified that there would be no mass loan forgiveness program.

The resumption of loan repayment will impact approximately five million student borrowers, who are expected to receive email notifications outlining their repayment options. The BBB cautions students to be wary of companies promising to reduce their debt through purported student loan forgiveness programs in exchange for an upfront fee. According to the BBB, these scams often involve dishonest collectors claiming they can save borrowers money by consolidating their loans and requiring a minimal initial payment. “Just make sure you are using a secure website and create an FSA student ID and can pay it directly to that company and don’t use a random website and if someone calls, verify that caller to make sure,” advised Taelore Hicks, BBB Atlanta spokesperson.

The Department of Education urges borrowers to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID online at Studentaid.gov to access and check their loan balance securely. This allows them to manage their loan information and make payments directly through authorized channels, minimizing the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

The BBB advises students to exercise caution and verify any offers or claims regarding student loan forgiveness or consolidation before providing personal information or making any payments. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission.

House Republicans unveiled a proposal yesterday aimed at tightening eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), triggering immediate debate and highlighting partisan divisions, particularly within the Georgia congressional delegation.

The proposal focuses on expanding work requirements for SNAP recipients. Two Georgia congressmen serve on the committee overseeing SNAP, placing them at the forefront of the national discussion. Metro Atlanta Democrat David Scott strongly condemned the plan, asserting it would jeopardize food security for a significant portion of his constituents. “My Republican colleagues are throwing these families under the bus to pay for a tax cut,” Scott stated, estimating that the changes could put thousands of Georgia residents at risk of losing food security.

However, South Georgia Republican Austin Scott praised the proposal. He argued that Georgia’s robust cash reserves are sufficient to absorb any potential reductions in SNAP assistance. “Georgia’s cash reserves are so full,” Scott stated, suggesting the state could manage the impact of the proposed cuts.

The GOP plan aims to achieve approximately $300 billion in budget savings.

The proposal is expected to face significant opposition in the House and Senate, setting the stage for a contentious debate over the future of SNAP and its role in addressing food insecurity across the nation.

A lucky Georgia Lottery player in Cartersville is celebrating a monumental win after hitting the Fantasy 5 jackpot for a staggering $2,488,184. The winning ticket, purchased at Food City on Joe Frank Harris Parkway SE, matched all five numbers (06-12-22-26-27) in the May 9th drawing, marking the end of a 13-draw streak without a jackpot winner. This incredible win is the largest Fantasy 5 jackpot ever awarded since the game’s inception in 1994, eclipsing the previous record of $2,394,862 won by a Claxton player on September 17, 2020. “This is a life-changing win for someone in our community,” said a spokesperson for the Georgia Lottery. “We are thrilled to see another Georgian benefit from the games and contribute to the state’s education system.” Adding to the excitement, another player also scored big on May 9th, winning nearly $100,000 playing 50X The Money Quick Win. The Cartersville jackpot winner has 180 days to claim their prize. As with all Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Powerball, Keno! and Diggi Games contribute significantly to Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and other educational programs.

The Summerville Veterinary Clinic, Chattooga County Health Department, and Chattooga County Extension are sponsoring a Rabies Clinic this Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Chattooga County High School. Residents are encouraged to bring their dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. The clinic will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entry to the high school grounds accessible via Highway 100. The cost for each rabies vaccination is $10.00. This annual event provides a convenient and affordable opportunity for pet owners to protect their animals and the community from the threat of rabies. Public health officials emphasize the importance of keeping pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. Don’t miss this chance to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets.

Residents of Northwest Georgia should be aware of the potential for scattered thunderstorms today, with a risk of some storms becoming severe. The primary threat associated with these severe storms is large hail, but damaging wind gusts are also possible. The National Weather Service forecasts a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 am, followed by a slight chance of more showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm. Today will be partly sunny with a high near 83 degrees. Winds will be calm, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon, with potential gusts reaching up to 15 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 62 degrees. Looking ahead, Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 86 degrees. The southwest wind will be between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 87 degrees. There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am Friday night. The weekend forecast indicates a 70% chance of precipitation on Saturday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by likely showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 am. The high will be near 84 degrees. Residents are advised to stay informed of the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions in case of severe weather.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 14, 2025:

A Chattooga County man is facing felony charges in Floyd County after allegedly stealing money from an elderly person. According to Floyd County Jail reports,  Malcolm Jamal Shockley, 32, of Summerville, was arrested over the weekend and charged with exploitation of the elderly. According to an arrest warrant, Shockley is accused of using the victim’s debit card to make transactions through his Cash App account and other platforms, depriving the elderly victim of $716. The alleged incidents occurred between May and July of last year. Shockley was being held in the Floyd County Jail pending bond.

The Foundation at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has awarded a significant boost to the educational futures of 48 graduating high school seniors in northwest Georgia, distributing 51 scholarships totaling over $36,000. The scholarships will assist these students as they pursue higher education opportunities at GNTC. Several scholarships were awarded to local students, including the Chattooga High School Alumni Scholarship, which was granted to Connor Elrod, Micheal Cordle II, McKenzie Evans, Akeyla Hendrix, and Preslee Hurley. In addition, Sam Rodriguez from Chattooga High School and Josie Skelton from Trion High School were named recipients of the GNTC Foundation High School Graduate Scholarship. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is committed to providing accessible and high-quality workforce education to the residents of northwest Georgia. With diverse program offerings ranging from aviation to business, health, industrial, and public service careers, GNTC provides students with the opportunity to earn associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, equipping them for success in today’s competitive job market. In the past year, GNTC served 13,775 individuals through its comprehensive range of credit and noncredit programs. GNTC boasts an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start. To learn more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College and the opportunities it provides, please visit www.GNTC.edu.

WZQZ has reported on higher car insurance premiums in Chattooga County, but what some drivers may not realize is, your credit score could be driving up those car insurance premiums. Minimum coverage in the county averages around $1,013 annually, while full coverage can cost upwards of $2,901. These figures surpass the national averages of $808 for minimum coverage and $2,692 for full coverage, as reported by Bankrate.

While individual rates fluctuate based on factors like driving record, vehicle type, and coverage level, the data suggests that Chattooga County residents are paying a premium for their auto insurance. The trend also holds true when compared to the Georgia state average of $1,018 for minimum coverage and $2,889 for full coverage, indicating that Chattooga County’s rates are slightly elevated even within the state.

One significant factor influencing these rates is credit score. Insurance companies utilize credit-based insurance scores to assess a driver’s risk, with lower scores often resulting in higher premiums. Research indicates a correlation between credit scores and the likelihood of filing claims. While most states allow the use of credit scores in rate calculations, exceptions exist in states like California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan, where such practices are restricted or prohibited, according to Equitable Advisors | The Empire Branch.

Drivers seeking to lower their car insurance premiums can take steps to improve their credit scores. CNBC recommends strategies such as paying bills on time, managing debt-to-credit ratio, and limiting new credit applications. By proactively managing their credit, Chattooga County drivers may be able to alleviate some of the financial burden of high car insurance rates.

Chattooga Family Connection is preparing to host its annual Back-to-School Bash on July 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Chattooga High School Gym. This year’s goal is to equip 400 students from Trion School and Chattooga County School systems with the essential school supplies they need for a successful academic year.

In a change from previous years, students will now be able to personally select their supplies from individual tables, each dedicated to a specific item like pencils, glue, or folders. This ensures a fairer and more personalized experience for each child. “We’re excited to offer this new approach,” says Maisha Ludy, Coordinator for Chattooga Family Connection. “Allowing students to choose their own supplies gives them a sense of ownership and ensures they receive exactly what they need.”

The organization is currently seeking donations of essential school supplies including pencils, composition books, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, glue, pens, folders, and binders. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. “Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us reach our goal of supporting 400 students,” Ludy added.

Local barbers and stylists are also needed to volunteer their services at the event. Currently, Julie Wilson, Ashley Howell, and Zack Martin have committed their time and talent, but at least three more are needed. Chattooga Family Connection expresses special thanks to Alpine Church and Felicia Foster for donating 400 spiral notebooks, Chattooga County DFCS for providing pencils and erasers, and the Chattooga County Public Library for donating 3-prong folders.

The event will also feature live music by Zander Martin, providing DJing throughout the evening. Students must be present to receive supplies.

For questions or to contribute, please contact Maisha Ludy at chattfc@windstream.net.

AAA – The Auto Club Group projects a staggering 1.38 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a significant increase of nearly 45,000 compared to last year’s figures. Nationwide, the numbers are even more impressive.

AAA anticipates over 45.1 million Americans will hit the road or take to the skies for the holiday weekend. This surge in travel marks a new Memorial Day record, exceeding the previous high of 44 million travelers set in 2005. “Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,” stated Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether travelers are looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are budget-friendly options for every plan. Working with a travel advisor can help uncover exclusive discounts and create a vacation that best meets your interests and needs.”

Where are all these travelers headed? According to AAA booking data for trips between May 22nd and May 26th, Orlando, Florida, takes the top spot domestically, fueled by its world-famous theme parks and the nearby Port Canaveral cruise terminal. Seattle and Anchorage also feature prominently due to the start of the Alaska cruise season.

Internationally, Rome reigns supreme, followed by Vancouver, another popular cruise departure point. The remaining top international destinations are all European cities, continuing their strong appeal to global travelers.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, book accommodations in advance, and be prepared for increased traffic congestion throughout the holiday weekend.

With an active hurricane season predicted and wildfires posing a threat to parts of the Southeast, the American Red Cross is urging the public to download its Emergency App to stay informed and prepared. According to Patti Duckworth, Executive Director of the Northeast Georgia chapter, now is the crucial time to take proactive steps. “Preparation is key, and the Emergency App provides essential information and resources to help individuals and families navigate any type of disaster,” Duckworth stated. The free app can be downloaded at www.redcross.org/apps or through the Apple App Store and Google Play. It offers real-time alerts, safety tips, shelter locations, and other vital resources during emergencies. Beyond encouraging preparedness, the Red Cross is actively seeking volunteers to support its disaster relief efforts, service to armed forces, biomedical services, and other vital programs. Duckworth emphasized that comprehensive training is provided to all willing volunteers. In related news, Duckworth, who has served as the interim leader for the Northwest Georgia chapter for the past couple of months, will be departing from that role. The chapter is set to welcome Tina Dean, a long-time Red Cross employee, as its new Executive Director on May 27th.

WLAQ

A 52-year-old Armuchee man, Billy Kenneth Stockton, was arrested this week following reports of inappropriate online communications with an individual he believed to be under the age of 16. According to police reports, Stockton allegedly sent numerous nude photographs to the victim and solicited nude photos in return. Authorities also allege that Stockton described specific sexual acts he wished to perform with the child. In addition to the online exploitation charges, police also cited Stockton for having excessive window tint on his vehicle, exceeding the legal limit. Stockton now faces a multitude of charges including sexual exploitation of a child, obscene internet contact with a child, use of a computer to solicit a child to commit an illegal act, and three counts of electronically furnishing obscene materials to a child.