Rainy Saturday Gives Way To Sunny Skies And Cooler Temperatures Next Week

Residents should prepare for a day of heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms, particularly this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a forecast predicting showers and thunderstorms mainly before 4 PM, followed by another round of showers and possible thunderstorms after 4 PM. Some storms could produce significant rainfall, with accumulations between three-quarters and one inch possible.

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Arrest Report – Saturday – May 3, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 3, 2025:

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Cancer Incidence In Chattooga County Highlighted In National Data

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The latest data released by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveals that Chattooga County has an age-adjusted cancer incidence rate of 15.0 cases per 100,000 people for all cancer types. This means that approximately 15 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year for every 100,000 residents in the county. While this figure paints a general picture of cancer occurrence in the region, it’s important to consider it within the context of broader trends affecting rural Georgia.

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Saturday Events Include Plant Swap & Steam Engine Arrival

Looking for something to do with your Saturday? For those with a green thumb, the 5th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap is set to bloom at Teloga Springs Farm (6327 Trion Teloga Road) from 2 PM to 6 PM today. This popular event, known for its friendly community vibe and wide array of plants, is free and open to all gardening enthusiasts. Attendees can swap plants and seeds, browse local vendors, and enjoy delicious food. Meanwhile, in Summerville, the historic Summerville Depot is celebrating the highly anticipated return of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engines! The depot’s turntable will be operational for the first time this year, adding to the excitement. To mark the occasion, the City of Summerville is hosting a “May Market & Melodies” event from 10 AM until 3 PM.  The May Market & Melodies will feature a variety of food and craft vendors offering everything from fresh jams and jellies to barbecue and homemade lemonade. Live bluegrass, country, and gospel music will fill the depot freight room throughout the day. For Dukes of Hazzard fans, there will even be a photo opportunity with the General Lee. Admission to the May Market & Melodies is free.

Summerville Woman Arrested Following Welfare Check

According to a report released by the Summerville Police Department this week, a Summerville woman was arrested on Wednesday after a disturbance that followed a welfare check. According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to 295 Woodland Avenue 4-C at 8:48 AM following a request from EMS, who had responded to a call regarding Jane Marie Faulkner. Upon arrival, officers encountered Faulkner and another woman near the apartment complex. The resident manager was also present due to the earlier welfare concerns. While speaking with the manager, Faulkner allegedly confronted the officer, asking if they were there for a welfare check. She then reportedly became irate, using profanity and demanding the officer leave. Faulkner allegedly began shouting profanities in the parking area, demanding the officers to move their vehicle. Despite warnings to cease the disruptive behavior, Faulkner continued to yell and use profanity. Based on Faulkner’s “violent, boisterous outburst” and “blatant disregard for public peace and tranquility” after multiple warnings, officers made the decision to arrest her. She was transported to jail without further incident.

Northwest Georgia Man Sentenced To Ten Years For Child Porn

A Northwest Georgia man, James Myers, 52, of Catoosa County, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 30 years of sex offender probation after being convicted on charges of soliciting a minor online and distributing child pornography. The sentence comes after a two-day trial that concluded with a guilty verdict on all four counts of a March 2025 indictment.

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Georgia Bill Mandates Fertility Preservation Coverage For Medical Treatments

In a significant victory for individuals facing potential infertility due to medical treatments, Georgia House Bill 94, championed by Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) and steered through the Senate by Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome), has been enacted after being signed this week by Governor Brian Kemp. The new law mandates that all health benefit policies in Georgia, with the exception of those executed by the state and ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) plans, must provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services. The legislation addresses a critical gap in healthcare coverage, ensuring that individuals undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can have devastating effects on fertility, will have access to options like egg or sperm freezing. The law is expected to impact thousands of Georgians annually, providing them with the peace of mind and financial assistance necessary to consider fertility preservation as part of their comprehensive medical care plan. Patient advocacy groups have applauded the passage of HB 94, calling it a landmark achievement that sets a positive precedent for other states to follow.

GHC Named As Finalist For 2025 Aspen Prize For Community College Excellence

Georgia Highlands College President Mike Hobbs and others  recently represented the college at a national award ceremony in Washington, D. C. The Aspen Institute named Georgia Highlands College as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in June 2024. This recognition highlights the college’s high and improving levels of student success among over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. Josh Wyner from the Aspen Institute praised the ten finalists for their commitment to improving student outcomes through innovative approaches. Although the award went to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, GHC was the only finalist from Georgia. The recognition emphasizes the college’s achievements and the hard work of its dedicated faculty and staff. A total of ten finalist colleges were named, showcasing the possibility of strong student success across diverse settings. The award process began in summer 2023, analyzing outcomes at community colleges and inviting top performers to apply.

Trion Schools To Enforce “Closed Campus” Policy

Trion City Schools is taking a firm stance on unauthorized use of its campus facilities, announcing that the Trion Police Department will now issue trespassing tickets to individuals found using the grounds without proper authorization. This decision comes after repeated warnings and a year of posted signage regarding the district’s closed campus policy.

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Georgia Man Charged With Capital Murder In DeKalb County, Alabama Homicide

Christopher Brayden Jones, 23, from Calhoun, Georgia, has been charged with Capital Murder for the death of Marcus Adam Battles, which occurred on April 10, 2025, in Mentone, Alabama. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) issued a Capital Murder warrant for Jones on May 1st. He is currently held at the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia on unrelated charges but will be extradited to DeKalb County, Alabama, to face the murder charge once his issues in Georgia are resolved.

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