A Northwest Georgia woman, Vickie Long, age 45 of Ringgold, was sentenced to 30 years, with 15 to be served in confinement, on March 6, 2025, after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the exploitation of her elderly mother. Long entered a non-negotiated guilty plea for one count of exploiting an elder person, one count of identity fraud, and one count of theft by taking.
Five individuals are facing a multitude of animal cruelty charges following a shocking discovery made during a house hunting trip in Walker County. James Delbert Fields, Jr. (78), Miriam Fields (65), Mario Lopez (42), Melodie Lopez (40), and Britni Fields (20) have each been charged with 13 counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike are invited to New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, for a special “First Saturday Hike” from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the site’s scenic nature trails alongside an experienced park ranger. Participants will delve into the rich history and natural beauty of the grounds, walking the same paths once traversed by the Cherokee people. This family-friendly event welcomes visitors of all ages and offers an engaging experience for everyone. The hike is designed to be easy to moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. For a small admission fee ($6-$8), attendees will gain access to not only the ranger-led hike but also admission to the on-site museum and a self-guided walking tour of the historic grounds. This comprehensive package provides a captivating glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of the Cherokee Nation’s capital. New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site is conveniently located one mile east of Interstate 75 (Exit 317) on GA HWY 225 N, near Calhoun, Georgia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with history and nature in a meaningful way. For more information, please call 706.624.1321 or visit GaStateParks.org/newechota.
For Sale – 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Ultra Glide Classic 1450 with a six speed transmission. Runs and rides great. Has a lot of new upgrades and price is firm at $6,100. Call 706-978-6086
Mrs. Maggie Tallent of Gaylesville, AL, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the age of 99.
Mrs. Tallent was born June 15, 1925. Maggie and Cecil were married August 3, 1945, and were blessed with 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. When Cecil passed away just a few days shy of his 83rd birthday, he and Maggie had been married for 56 years. During those 56 years, they worked side by side gardening, canning, and watching Braves baseball. If you called, you could tell if the Braves were on TV, as they would make it pretty obvious that you were interrupting the game. The best thing you could do was to hang up and call back later.
Maggie worked hard her entire life and was as tough as they come. She worked at Centre Manufacturing for 32 years and cooked biscuits every single morning before she went to work. Then she would come home from work and do what needed to be done. She would also make time to cook and to visit the sick or the elderly in the community. She was always willing to help anyone that needed help.
Today, the family and friends left behind are heartbroken, but Cecil has been waiting on this day for 23 years. We, the kids, were blessed with the best parents in the world and can only imagine the smile on their faces when they saw each other again.
In addition to her parents, Maggie was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Cecil Tallent; a son, Hugh Don Tallent; brothers, Ernest Ray, Alvin Ray, George Ray; sisters, Mae Nixon, Ruth Harris, Louise Gaylor, Bobby Crane, Beatrice Reynolds, Willie Lee Broome, and June Prestwood.
Survivors include her sons, Charles (Wanda) Tallent, Larry (Deborah) Tallent; a daughter, Carol Tallent; brother, Bobby Eugene (Rosemary) Ray; 7 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. There is also a long list of kids that Maggie and Cecil welcomed into their home over the years and treated like their own. Anyone that needed a place to stay knew they would always be welcomed at their house.
Graveside and interment services for Mrs. Tallent will be held at 11:00 A.M. (EST) Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mount Zion Cemetery with Bro. Daryl Kelly officiating. Active pallbearers will be Brandon Tallent, Jeremy Tallent, Lucas Tallent, Donny Webb, Ben Riley Chandler, and Wayne Chandler. Honorary pallbearers will be Rita Hurley, Lois Thrift, Jillian Pedraza, Anna Brown, Felicia Davidson, and the Staff of Amedisys Hospice of Gadsden.
There will be no visitation.
To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.
Mrs. Mary Lynn Aldridge, age 67, of Gaylesville, AL, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at her residence.
Mrs. Aldridge was born December 11, 1957, in Trion, GA, daughter of the late Raymond F. and Cathryn Inez Hughes Sims. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Aldridge enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, and arts and crafts.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Aldridge was preceded in death by her son, Robert Aldridge as well as several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her husband, Johnny Robert Aldridge; sons, J.W. (Christina) Aldridge, Frankie (Jennifer) Aldridge; daughters, Jennifer (Joseph) Tucker, Emily Aldridge Jones, and Misty Aldridge; 14 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Graveside and interment services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Johnson Cemetery with Rev. Steve Collins officiating. Active pallbearers will be J.W. Aldridge, Frankie Aldridge, Joseph Tucker, Jimmy Miller, Cecil Ferguson, and B.J. White. Honorary pallbearers will be her daughters and daughters-in-law.
Mrs. Aldridge will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 11:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.
To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.
Ms. Shirley Ann Crain, age 89, of Menlo, GA, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.
Ms. Crain was born August 5, 1935, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Lillard and Maude Bennett Smith. She was a member of Menlo First Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Mount Vernon Mills.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Crain was preceded in death by her siblings, Doyle Smith, Mell Smith, Claude Smith, and Edna Willingham; nephews, Terry Glenn Willingham, Donnie Smith, and Ray Smith.
Survivors include her nieces, Pam Willingham, Deborah Lieske; special niece, Anita (Eddie) Smith; nephews, Greg Smith and Mark Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 4, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenny Roach officiating. Interment will follow in Subligna Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Greg Smith, Mark Smith, Eddie Smith, Chamie Willingham, Chuck Powell, and Matthew Willingham. Honorary pallbearers will be Hugh Jean Baker Sunday School Class of Menlo First Baptist Church.
Ms. Crain will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday.
To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 1, 2025:
Northwest Georgia residents should be prepared for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon, with a potential for strong, isolated severe thunderstorms bringing gusty winds. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory indicating a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 PM today. The day will start cloudy, gradually becoming mostly sunny with a high near 83 degrees Fahrenheit. A south wind will be blowing between 5 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. The risk of thunderstorms continues into the night, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 AM, and a slight chance of further activity after 2 AM. Temperatures will dip to a low around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind will be calmer in the evening, after beginning as a southwest wind around 5 mph. Wind gusts could reach as high as 15 mph. Looking ahead, forecasters predict more widespread thunderstorm activity from Friday into Saturday. While most storms are expected to be relatively mild, a few may become strong to marginally severe, potentially producing gusty winds, small hail, and frequent lightning.
Two individuals were injured Tuesday night in Calhoun after being shot by a federal agent during an attempted traffic stop, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on April 29, 2025, on Outlet Mall Road, according to a GBI news release issued at the request of the Calhoun Police Department. The preliminary investigation indicates that local, state, and federal drug task force agents were conducting a drug investigation involving multiple agencies. During the operation, officers attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by a male driver and a female passenger. According to the GBI, the driver allegedly drove the vehicle toward several officers attempting to make an arrest. In response, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent discharged their firearm, striking both occupants of the vehicle. The male driver and the female passenger were transported to local hospitals. The female occupant was airlifted via Life Force helicopter. No officers were injured during the incident. The GBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Upon completion, the case will be handed over to Gordon County District Attorney Erle Newton III for review. As of Thursday morning, authorities have not released the names of the individuals who were shot. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
