Rome Drug Task Force Seizes 2.13 Kilos Of Meth

On Friday, the Rome/Floyd Metro Task Force carried out a search warrant at 101-A Paris Drive linked to a drug investigation. They seized approximately 2. 13 kilograms of methamphetamine and $17,064. The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $106,500. Quavarez Marquel Cunningham, 41, was arrested and is in Floyd County Jail without bond, facing charges for trafficking and possession of methamphetamine. Mescha Latonya Sullivan was also arrested for conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act. The operation involved various local law enforcement agencies. To report illegal drug activity, contact the Crime Line at 706-236-5000 or the task force at 706-238-5160.

WRGA

Trion City Schools Announces Multiple Job Openings for the 2025-2026 School Year

Trion City Schools is seeking dedicated educators and support staff to join its team for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The district has announced several open positions across its elementary, middle, and high school campuses.

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Southern Company /Georgia Power Posts Earnings Of $4.4 Billion For 2024

Southern Company reported 2024 earnings of $4. 4 billion, a $400 million or 10 percent rise from the previous year. Georgia Power President Christopher C. Womack praised the team for their performance. However, this news comes as Georgia Power customers face their sixth energy rate increase since 2023, raising concerns about the balance between profits and affordability. Energy advocate Patty Durand criticized the situation as a wealth transfer from lower-income Georgians to company executives. Georgia Power’s rate hikes, approved by the PSC, are to fund Plant Vogtle and infrastructure upkeep. PSC Commissioner Tim Echols defended the company’s profits, emphasizing their role in maintaining a robust utility system. Critics argue that better management is needed, citing low grid utilization. The Georgia legislature is considering SB 94 to better represent consumer interests. Public hearings on Georgia Power’s 2025 resource plan will begin on March 25.

Chattooga Indians’ Season Ends, But Star Player’s Record-Breaking Year Celebrated

The Chattooga Indians Boys Varsity basketball team concluded their season this past week, but Chattooga High School is shining a spotlight on a player who delivered a season for the history books: Dan Meyer. Meyer etched his name into Chattooga High School basketball lore by scoring an astounding 674 points, the most ever recorded in a single season. The remarkable feat is even more impressive considering Meyer’s recent history. “After coming back from a severe leg injury and missing an entire season, he solidified himself as the greatest to ever play in the red and black. Numbers don’t lie!” the team proclaimed on social media. The post further highlighted Meyer’s potential, adding, “College coaches, you’re getting a fearless competitor and hard worker in this kid. Don’t miss out!” While the team’s season may be over, Dan Meyer’s record-breaking performance will be remembered for years to come, leaving a lasting legacy on the Chattooga High School basketball program.

Georgia General Assembly Honors EMCs, Tree Farmers, and Morehouse College

The Georgia General Assembly recently recognized several organizations and individuals for their significant contributions to the state, according to State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee). Rep. Lumsden highlighted the honors in a recent statement, emphasizing the “lasting impact” these groups have on Georgia. On Monday, the Assembly paid tribute to the members of the Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) with an Invitation Resolution on the House Floor.

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Open Door Home Hosts “Party on the Plaza” to Support Northwest Georgia Youth

Open Door Home, a long-standing haven for youth in need across Northwest Georgia, is hosting its annual “Party on the Plaza” fundraising event on **Friday, March 21st at 6 pm** at Rotary Plaza in downtown Rome. For nearly a century, Open Door Home has provided vital care and support to young people facing challenging circumstances, including neglect, abandonment, abuse, and the absence of parental figures. They offer both emergency and extended care, equipping youth with the resources they need to thrive, both during their stay and as they transition to independent living.

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Jeffery Allen Thomas, Obit (C)

Mr. Jeffery Allen Thomas, age 53 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 in a Chattanooga hospital.

Jeff was born in Rome, Georgia on April 6, 1971, son of Arlen S. Thomas and Brenda Stowe Johnston. He had worked at the Computer Shop and had attended the Dry Valley Baptist Church. He was an avid gamer and was very knowledgeable and proficient in computer gaming and building gaming systems. Jeff enjoyed attending ComiCon conventions and was a true Star Trek Fan. He loved astronomy, and could regularly found with his telescope out looking at celestial events. In his younger years, he enjoyed carpentry work, bicycling, and even did some soccer officiating. Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Amy Thomas and Bob and Carleen Stowe.

Jeff is survived by his mother and step-father, Brenda and Frank Johnston; father and step-mother, Arlen and Anna Thomas; sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Jeff Coley; brother, Jeremy(Missy) Thomas; step-sibliings, Wayne(Meredith) King, Andrew(Kelsey) King, Brian Johnston, Elizabeth King and Kellie(Trey) Thomas; special friends, Valerie and Trevor Gilreath; and a number of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and his “munchkin” great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral Services for Jeff will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with his cousin, Rev. Kevin Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Andrew King, Brandon Veatch, Trevor Gilreath, Valerie Gilreath, Morgan Stowe and Brian Johnston. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Palmer, Randy Money, Cole Thomas, Kerry Thomas, Scott Clements and the 1990 Graduating Class of Trion High School.

Jeff’s family will receive friends Monday, February 24, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Jeffery Allen Thomas.

Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Elco “Paul” Swiney, Obit (M)

Mr. Elco “Paul” Swiney, age 73 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Friday, February 21, 2025 at a local healthcare facility.

Mr. Swiney was born January 5, 1952 in Hapeville, GA. He was a retired Firefighter in Clayton County Georgia and enjoyed fishing and college football. He served as a deacon at Pine Grove Baptist Church.  He preceded in death by his wife, Tamara Purmort Swiney; and brother, Steve Swiney.

Survivors include his sons, Kevin Swiney and Adam (Ann) Swiney; grandchildren, Katelyn (Joshua) Bell, Joshua Swiney, Alex Swiney, Lauren Swiney, and Aiden Swiney; and great-grandchildren, Hunter Bell and Nathan Bell.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr. Swiney will take place at 2:00 PM EST Tuesday, February 25 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery with Austin Agan, Jim King, Jim Pahl, James Cloud, Tony Bray, and Tom Conroy serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:00 until 2:00 EST at the funeral home.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral home, Summerville, GA.

Cloudy & Warmer Today – Rain Chances Increase Next Week

Residents of Northwest Georgia will see increased cloud cover today, Saturday, February 22, 2025, but little chance of rain. A weakening high-pressure system is letting clouds move into the area. A weak wave over Arkansas and Missouri will move east into the Carolinas tonight, bringing mid-to-high level clouds without showers. Clear skies are expected tonight as high pressure returns but will be short-lived due to a new wave forming along the Texas Gulf Coast, increasing rain chances in the coming days. Temperatures will be slightly warmer today, with highs near 60 degrees and lows in the 20s. A low-pressure system is predicted to develop over the Louisiana Gulf Coast, with a small chance of light showers in far southern Georgia. A northwesterly flow pattern is expected until Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the low 70s, followed by a cold front on Thursday, which may cause isolated thunderstorms and a 30% chance of rain.

Arrest Report – Saturday – February 21, 2025

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

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