Jamie Allison Smith, 38, of Alabama, was found guilty of homicide this past week by Floyd County, Georgia Superior Court Judge William F. Sparks in connection with a fatal car crash last June that claimed the lives of two individuals on Alabama Highway. Judge Sparks sentenced Smith to 15 years in prison, in addition to ordering her to pay a $2,500 fine and contribute $8,700 to the victim’s compensation fund.

The charges stemmed from a June 8, 2024, incident where Smith was charged with felony homicide by vehicle and serious injury by vehicle in the deaths of Rico English, 18, and Ashley Jackson, 31. The accident occurred around 8:40 a.m. when Smith, driving a white 2023 Acura eastbound on Alabama Highway near Halls Valley Road, veered into the opposite lane and collided with a Freightliner tractor-trailer. The impact of the initial collision caused the Freightliner to then strike a 2020 Nissan Altima driven by Ashley Jackson, carrying passengers Rico English and Jeremiah Jackson, 18. English and Jeremiah Jackson were reportedly best friends on their way to a football camp at Shorter University. Ashley Jackson was in a relationship with Jeremiah Jackson’s father.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Smith, who worked as a bar manager in Birmingham, Alabama, was driving home at the time of the crash. Furthermore, her driver’s license was suspended due to a prior DUI offense, and she had two additional DUI cases pending. Following the accident, a portable breath test indicated the presence of alcohol. Subsequent toxicology reports, taken from a blood sample while Smith was hospitalized, revealed acute levels of methamphetamine in her system.

Rome News Tribune

The Summerville City Council will hold a called meeting on Monday to discuss the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget.  The meeting will be held at the Summerville Depot and will get underway at 5:30 PM.  The public is invited to attend.

Georgia residents only have two weeks left to ensure their driver’s licenses or ID cards are REAL ID-compliant before the rapidly approaching May 7, 2025, deadline. Starting that day, a standard Georgia driver’s license or ID without the designated REAL ID star will no longer be accepted to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is urging residents to check their cards now to avoid potential travel disruptions next year. **How to Check Your ID:** Look at the top right corner of your Georgia-issued driver’s license or ID. If you see either a gold or a black star, you’re already compliant with REAL ID requirements and no further action is needed. “Both stars indicate compliance with federal REAL ID requirements,” stated DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “The color only changed due to a card design update.” **What if My ID Doesn’t Have a Star?** If your ID card lacks a star in the upper right corner, you will need to visit a DDS center to apply for a REAL ID. You will need to bring documentation proving your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency. “Most Georgians already have a REAL ID, especially if your card was issued after 2012,” explains the DDS. However, it’s essential to verify your compliance now to avoid any inconvenience when the federal mandate takes effect. Don’t wait until the last minute! Head to your local DDS office to secure your REAL ID and ensure seamless travel and access to federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

The American Lung Association (ALA) has released its 2025 “State of the Air” report, painting a mixed picture of air quality across Georgia. While the Atlanta metropolitan area faces significant challenges, Chattooga County has earned an “A” grade, highlighting the stark disparities in air quality throughout the state. The report, which analyzed air quality data from 2021 to 2023, reveals that nearly half of the U.S. population resides in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Atlanta fares poorly, ranking as the third worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution and the fourth worst for year-round particle pollution. Adding to the concerning trend, the Augusta area was ranked fourth-worst in the Southeast for soot. However, the report did highlight that some parts of Georgia remain among the cleanest in the nation for smog. Further south, the Savannah area saw its smog rating decline from an “A” to a “B,” indicating worsening air quality conditions. The ALA selected 19 counties across Georgia to represent different regions for the 2025 report. Chattooga County, representing Northwest Georgia, stood out with its exceptional “A” rating. The ALA urges residents and policymakers to take action to improve air quality for all Georgians.

Cyclists of all skill levels are invited to kick off their spring season with the 8th annual Honeybee Bicycle Ride, taking place on April 26th in LaFayette, Georgia. The Honeybee Bicycle Ride features routes catering to various levels of experience, offering 33, 52, and 74-mile options that wind through the area’s beautiful backroads. For families and casual riders, a 10-mile family fun ride through downtown LaFayette will also be available. Same-day registration will be offered for $85. Participants can pick up their packets at the LaFayette Recreation Center on Friday, April 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or on Saturday, April 26th from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The first 250 paying participants will receive a special gift bag, including a free pass to the popular Rock City attraction! All routes will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m., with the exception of the 10-mile family fun ride, which will commence at 8:15 a.m. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the beauty of Northwest Georgia while enjoying a challenging and rewarding cycling event. For more information visit: https://www.bikereg.com/honeybeebicycleride

Olympic bronze medalist Brody Malone, a native of Trion, Georgia, was the featured speaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) banquet held this past Thursday evening at the Colonnade in Ringgold. Malone, fresh off his success at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, shared his journey and message of perseverance with the area’s young athletes and coaches. Malone, who secured a bronze medal as part of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics team, brought his hard-earned medal, offering attendees a rare opportunity to see an Olympic prize up close. Despite his international travels and accomplishments, the celebrated gymnast emphasized the importance of his roots. “It’s always cool to be back in Northwest Georgia,” Malone stated, connecting with the audience through shared experiences and local pride. His presence and inspiring words undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those in attendance, reinforcing the values of dedication, faith, and community.

Last week, the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia approved a class settlement to provide clean drinking water to residents affected by PFAS contamination in the City of Summerville water supply.

This follows a 2021 lawsuit filed by Earl Parris, Jr. , concerning PFAS levels in the city’s water that exceeded EPA safety standards. The contamination was linked to the Mount Vernon Mills, Inc. textile mill in Trion, Georgia, where discharges led to PFAS spreading into local water sources.

A $1 million Temporary Drinking Water Fund will be set up to supply bottled water or filters to Summerville water customers, managed by Settlement Administrator Ed Gentle. Residents will be informed about how to access these resources. Further settlements with other companies aim to expand the fund and ensure clean water availability until a permanent treatment system is built.

The City of Summerville has also settled with Pulcra to improve its water systems for removing PFAS.

Local young farmers and aspiring homesteaders are invited to Sunset Creek Farms on Thursday, May 1st, at 6 PM for an informative and engaging workshop focused on achieving greater self-sufficiency. The Chattooga Young Farmer event will be hosted at 13780 Georgia 151 in Trion, GA, and will offer attendees a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced farm owners about the practical steps they’ve taken to reduce reliance on external resources. Sunset Creek Farms boasts a diverse range of sustainable practices, including raising miniature Jersey cattle and Kiko goats, cultivating a robust garden, canning vegetables, freeze-drying food for preservation, and even producing homemade detergent and goat milk soap. Hamburgers, hotdogs, trimmings, and dessert will be provided, sponsored by Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply. Due to catering logistics, please RSVP by Tuesday, April 30th, at noon to Lauren Jarrett at LJarrett@chattooga.k12.ga.us

Patchy dense fog may occur across Northwest Georgia this morning due to clear skies, low moisture, and nearly calm winds. Drier air is expected to settle in tonight, with little cooling behind the front.

A shortwave trough is moving across the area this morning, bringing a broken line of showers and thunderstorms that are shifting east and should weaken before sunrise. A cold front is positioned from the central Great Lakes to the mid Mississippi River Valley, and it will move south and east through the area by early Sunday. High pressure will build from the northeast later on Sunday, offering minimal forcing at the surface but some potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms during the day.

For today, we will see mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80’s.  Tonight, clear with a low of 54.

In the long term, from Sunday night through Friday, initially dry conditions early in the week will become more active by late week, with above-normal temperatures. A surface high will move south from the Northeast and settle off the Mid-Atlantic coast by Monday, promoting drier conditions, though isolated rain is possible in the west. A warming trend will begin Tuesday and continue into midweek, with rain chances increasing by Thursday and Friday as a trough approaches, necessitating monitoring for severe weather potential. Expected temperatures will rise from the upper 70s to the mid-80s by midweek, reaching up to the lower 90s.

Today is National Kids and Pets Day. As families prepare for spring and summer vacations, National Kids and Pets Day highlights the importance of keeping children and pets safe in vehicles. AAA – The Auto Club Group emphasizes that drivers must take precautions to protect their young and furry passengers. Montrae Waiters, a spokesperson for AAA, urges people not to leave children or pets in hot cars and to ensure they are secured while traveling. Small steps can help keep everyone safe.

According to data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, 74% of car seats checked in 2023 were installed incorrectly or not used properly. Additionally, 25% of children were moved to booster seats too early, and 93. 6% transitioned to seat belts before they were ready. AAA offers advice on child passenger safety, including: finding the right car seat for a child’s age, weight, and height; correctly installing the car seat by reviewing instructions and videos; getting the car seat inspected; ensuring safety belts fit properly every time; and registering the car seat for recall notices. Waiters stresses that car seats are vital for protecting growing children and that using the correct seat can help safeguard their lives.

The safety message also applies to pets. Traveling with pets requires careful planning to ensure their comfort and safety. AAA recommends providing fresh water, packing favorite toys, taking breaks for exercise and bathroom needs, and securing pets to avoid distractions. Key tips for pet safety include keeping them out of the front seat, using crates for larger dogs, utilizing pet harnesses and seatbelts, and placing them in the back seat or cargo area for safety. Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for both children and pets.

Chattooga High School is working with Atrium Health Floyd to provide free sports physicals for student-athletes in grades 9 through 12. The annual Atrium Health Floyd Physical Event will occur on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chattooga High School War Lodge (989 Highway 114, Summerville, GA 30747).

This screening is meant for high school sports participation and includes a medical history review, vision exam, blood pressure check, orthopedic exam, and a general sports screening. Important Information for Participants: GHSA Sports Physical Form Required: Students must bring the updated GHSA physical form, completed and signed by a parent or guardian. Forms will be checked at the entrance. Preparation: Wear contacts or bring glasses if needed. Avoid physical activity for 1 to 2 hours before the screening. Parental/Guardian Presence Required: Parent or Guardian must fill out and sign all physical forms before attending. Screening, Not Complete Physical: This does not replace an annual physical with a personal doctor. Physical Form Retention: Atrium Health Floyd will not keep copies of the physicals. Contact your Athletic Director if you need a copy.

This free event is a great chance for young athletes to ensure they are ready for the upcoming sports season.

New data released by the Georgia Department of Labor reveals a mixed employment picture across Northwest Georgia for the month of March. While some counties saw modest improvements, Chattooga County continues to struggle with the region’s highest unemployment rate.

Chattooga County’s unemployment rate remains at 4.1%, placing it significantly above its neighboring counties. Dade County experienced a slight dip from 3.6% in February to 3.5% in March, while Catoosa County saw a decrease of a tenth of a percent to 3.3%. Walker County held steady at 3.4%, a minor increase from the 3.1% recorded in March of the previous year. Floyd County’s March numbers showed an unemployment rate of 3.5%.

Statewide, the report indicates job losses in sectors such as transportation and warehousing (-3,200), accommodation and food services (-1,100), and professional, scientific, and technical services (-400). However, there were significant year-over-year gains in other industries. Health care and social assistance led the way with an impressive 22,500 new jobs. Local, federal, and state government positions also saw considerable increases, adding 4,200, 4,100, and 3,700 jobs respectively.

The finance and insurance sector also experienced growth, with 3,100 new positions. Despite these gains, certain sectors experienced job declines compared to the previous year, including administrative and support services (-8,700), accommodation and food services (-5,500), retail trade (-4,600), transportation and warehousing (-3,100), and durable goods manufacturing (-2,500).

The Town of Trion is giving residents a helping hand in sprucing up their properties with the launch of Spring Cleanup Days, running from April 28th through May 12th. The initiative offers a free and convenient way for residents to dispose of unwanted items and enhance the overall appearance of the town. The Town of Trion will provide a dumpster, conveniently located at Trion Town Hall, for residents to use for disposal at no charge. Town officials are strongly encouraging everyone to participate in the cleanup, highlighting its importance in boosting curb appeal and ensuring compliance with city ordinances. “This is a great opportunity for our residents to freshen up their properties after the winter months,” stated Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas. The Spring Cleanup Days also serve as a reminder for residents to maintain their properties according to town codes. Following the cleanup period, town officials will be actively inspecting properties and addressing any outstanding code violations. Residents are advised that this cleanup offers a valuable opportunity to address any potential issues before stricter enforcement measures, including fines and penalties, are implemented. So, mark your calendars, Trion! Take advantage of the Spring Cleanup Days between April 28th and May 12th. Utilize the free dumpster at Town Hall to dispose of unwanted items and contribute to a cleaner, more beautiful Trion for everyone.

A report released by the Georgia State Patrol on a deadly accident on Highway 48 on April 17th, that took the life of a Cloudland man was released and contains details that implicate a Trion man.  David M. Arnold, 47, is facing charges of second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to maintain a single lane in connection to the death of 51-year old David Joe Gill. The crash occurred around 8:30 AM near the intersection of Highway 48 and Indian Trail.

According to Arnold, who was driving a maroon 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, Gill’s red 1999 GMC Sierra “suddenly darted into his lane,” resulting in the collision. However, the Georgia State Patrol’s investigation paints a different picture. Post Commander Chris Harris stated, “Roadway evidence showed that all debris, tire marks, and road marks were in the eastbound lane. There was no evidence that Gill’s vehicle crossed the center line of the road prior to or after the collision.”

The official report indicates that after the initial impact, Arnold’s truck continued westbound in the eastbound lane before striking a guardrail. Gill’s vehicle spun counter-clockwise, left the roadway, and came to rest on the south shoulder. Arnold’s charges stem from second-degree vehicular homicide, a misdemeanor under Georgia law.

If convicted, Arnold could face up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and potentially community service or other penalties determined by the court.

The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is continuing its investigation into the incident.

The Chattooga County Board of Education will auction older vehicles, including school buses, vans, and a truck, to streamline operations and address rising repair costs. This decision was made during a recent board meeting. After an unsuccessful attempt to sell the vehicles with a $1,000 reserve price, the Board will now offer them without a minimum bid. An advertisement for the auction will appear in the local newspaper next week, with bids opening this coming Friday. The Chattooga County Board of Education emphasized that this decision reflects responsible management of taxpayer money, as the aging vehicles are costly to maintain. If the auction does not yield satisfactory offers, the Board may consider scrapping the vehicles to clear the non-operational equipment from their property. The motion for the sale was proposed by Bonnie Fletcher, seconded by Chad Dodd, and received unanimous support. Interested bidders should check  local media next week for details.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has penned a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, imploring the Trump Administration to prioritize and thoroughly vet the asylum claims of Afghan Christian refugees currently residing in the United States. Raffensperger voiced his concern that these individuals face imminent danger if returned to Afghanistan, where Christians face persecution and even execution under Taliban rule.

The plea comes shortly after Easter, a significant event in Christianity, prompting Raffensperger to highlight the precarious situation of these refugees. “Many of these Afghan Christians had risked their lives for religious freedom and democratic values in service of American forces in-country,” Raffensperger stated. “We should make sure we hear their asylum claims before sending them back to a government that is known to persecute Christians.” Raffensperger emphasized the perilous environment for Christians in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, citing reports from organizations like Help the Persecuted and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. These reports detail targeted violence, state-sponsored persecution, and the near-certain threat of execution under the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law.

“Afghanistan under the Taliban remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians,” Raffensperger stated emphatically. He concluded his letter by reaffirming Georgia’s and the United States’ dedication to defending human rights and religious liberty. “America has long stood as a beacon of hope to the oppressed and a defender of religious freedom. I respectfully request that DHS continue in that tradition in how they treat these Afghan Christian families,” Raffensperger wrote. “Our nation’s moral leadership is defined not just by the policies we enact, but by the people we choose to protect.” He calls for a continued commitment to upholding America’s legacy of providing refuge and protection to those facing persecution.

An Armuchee man was arrested and jailed Wednesday on felony terroristic threats and acts charges. Alex Maxwell Carver, 35, of Old Dalton Road, is accused of making threats against two individuals. According to a warrant issued by the Floyd County Police Department, Carver allegedly threatened another man in his Old Dalton Road home, stating, “I will hang you.” A similar threat was reportedly made against a worker with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Floyd County Police took Carver into custody, and he was subsequently booked into the Floyd County Jail.

Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. While a widespread severe weather event is not anticipated, the strongest storms could bring gusty winds, small hail, and locally heavy rainfall. The forecast also includes patchy fog before 10 am, giving way to mostly cloudy skies with a high near 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A south wind of 5 to 10 mph is expected. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts estimated between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though higher amounts are possible in areas affected by thunderstorms. Looking ahead to the weekend, the National Weather Service forecasts isolated thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday across portions of both north and central Georgia. Forecasters emphasize that widespread severe storms are not expected at this time.  Rain chances decrease on Monday and sunny skies and warm temperatures are expected to start the new work week.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 25, 2025:

Student enrollment at Georgia’s public colleges and universities has reached a historic high for the spring semester, totaling 345,823 students. This record number was announced by Angela Bell, Vice Chancellor of Research and Policy Analysis for the University System of Georgia (USG), during a Board of Regents meeting held at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. The impressive spring enrollment figures mark the second consecutive year of growth for the USG’s 26 institutions. This positive trend follows enrollment declines in 2022 and 2023, as the system navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bell attributed the resurgence to a combination of factors, including renewed student interest in higher education and the USG’s ongoing efforts to make college more accessible and affordable. The record-breaking enrollment underscores the continued importance of Georgia’s public colleges and universities in providing educational opportunities to students across the state.