The Band Chickamauga To Headline Chattooga River Fest This Saturday In Trion
The Band Chickamauga will bring its mix of rock classics and Southern rock favorites to Trion this Saturday as part of the 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest.
The festival will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Trion Recreation Area and will run from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Presented by the Family Crisis Center, Chattooga River Fest celebrates the Chattooga River, outdoor recreation, and community involvement with a full day of family-friendly activities.
Festival highlights include a free family-friendly kayak paddle, a free KidZone, an open mic stage, a cornhole tournament, educational demonstrations and talks, exhibitors, food vendors, kayak raffle tickets, and event merchandise at the Chattooga River Group tent.
Live music will close out the day with The Band Chickamauga performing from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Organizers describe the group as more than an average cover band, with a set list spanning more than 70 years of rock music and a special focus on Southern rock.
The event will take place at the Trion Recreation Area near Park Avenue and Dalton Street. Those using GPS should enter 90 Dalton Street, Trion, Georgia 30753. From U.S. 27, drivers can take Central Avenue at the light, then Allgood Street to Park Avenue and follow signs for parking.
Admission and parking are free. Registration and fees are required for those participating in the cornhole tournament or serving as festival vendors.
Additional information is available through ChattoogaRiverGroup.org and the Chattooga River Group Facebook page.
Former Dade County Jail Administrator Arrested On Theft, Oath Charges
A former administrator at the Dade County Jail has been arrested following allegations that he used county funds for personal purchases.
According to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph William Chambers, 52, of Flintstone, turned himself in Thursday after state investigators issued two arrest warrants. Chambers is charged with theft by conversion and violation of oath by a public officer.
The sheriff’s office said concerns were raised after questionable past purchases were discovered. Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford requested assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on May 28.
Chambers’ employment was terminated on June 1 after the sheriff’s office learned of preliminary findings from state investigators. Officials said no additional information about the ongoing investigation would be released at this time.
Once the GBI completes its investigation, the case file will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson said Chambers had been employed with the agency since 2008. His bond was set at $500 by a Superior Court judge.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Georgia DNR Says Canada Geese Will Be Temporarily Grounded This Summer
Canada geese may be more noticeable around neighborhoods, parks, ponds, and other public spaces in Georgia over the next few weeks as the birds go through their summer molting season.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, Canada geese typically replace their flight feathers from late June into early July. During that time, the birds are temporarily unable to fly.
Wildlife officials say the flightless period only lasts a few weeks, and property owners are encouraged to be patient until the geese regain their ability to fly and move on.
For communities across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, that could mean more geese staying close to ponds, lawns, and shoreline areas through part of the summer.
DNR officials say harassment methods, such as noise makers, reflective tape, or trained herding dogs, may be useful during other times of the year, but may not work while geese are molting and unable to leave the area.
After molting season, property owners dealing with continued goose problems can try repellents, physical barriers, or contact the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division for information about special permits.
Officials remind the public that Canada geese are protected under state and federal law. It is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase, or possess Canada geese except under Georgia’s migratory bird regulations.
Rome Shrine Club Members Raise Concerns After Downtown Concert Incident
Members of the Rome Shrine Club attended Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting after an incident during Saturday’s First Friday concert in Downtown Rome, where a Shriner was asked by police to stop collecting donations.
Tim Minter said he was at the concert with a donation bucket when officers approached him and told him he could not continue. Minter emphasized that the officers were professional and respectful, and said he did not fault them personally.
Minter told commissioners he was not blocking sidewalks, using a megaphone, harassing anyone, or aggressively soliciting. He said he was simply standing at the event, wearing his Shriner attire and holding the bucket, when he was told to stop.
According to Minter, he was advised the complaint came from the Rome Downtown Development Authority. The DDA later stated on social media that solicitation is not permitted without prior authorization under existing city ordinances and event policies.
Section 11-311 of the City of Rome Code of Ordinances prohibits solicitation on city streets without proper authorization and permitting.
Minter said his purpose in addressing the commission was not to create conflict, but to encourage clearer policies, better training, and a better understanding of the constitutional rights of citizens involved in charitable activities.
Rome Mayor Jim Bojo invited Minter to stay after the meeting to speak with him and Kelley Toles, Director of Strategic Initiatives, saying they could work together to find a way for the Shrine Club to continue its efforts downtown.
The mayor’s comments drew applause from those in attendance.
WRGA contributed to this report
Woman Arrested on Disorderly Conduct Charge Near Mountain View Baptist Church
A Chattooga County woman was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge following an incident near Mountain View Baptist Church on June 7, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Riley Reeves reported that he was dispatched to the area around 1:51 p.m. after receiving a complaint about a woman being loud and throwing rocks in the roadway.
Upon arriving, the deputy located Sandy Waynnette Wilson, 48, near the intersection of Mountain View Road and Davis Road. According to the incident report, Wilson appeared confused and was unable to clearly explain where she was going or staying.
The deputy stated that Wilson was yelling, throwing rocks, and standing in the roadway. The report also notes that she displayed signs of impairment and was unable to complete coherent sentences.
After repeated requests for Wilson to allow an evaluation and comply with instructions, the deputy placed her under arrest on a charge of Disorderly Conduct.
Wilson was transported without further incident, according to the report.
Chattooga County Property At Center Of International Lawsuit Linked To Hong Kong Charity Scandal
A large tract of land in Chattooga County has become the focus of an international legal dispute tied to a Hong Kong charity scandal and a multimillion-dollar development proposal.
The lawsuit was filed in Chattooga County Superior Court by developer Joseph Lee Daniell against several defendants connected to the now-defunct Christian Zheng Sheng Association, a Hong Kong charity that has been linked to an ongoing financial scandal overseas.
According to court filings, the dispute centers on approximately 736 acres on Little Sand Mountain in Chattooga County. The property was reportedly being marketed as a retreat and horse-based therapy center, with plans for a large residential development.
The lawsuit alleges that Jacob Lam, a former director of the charity, along with other defendants, engaged in a scheme involving the ownership and transfer of the property. Daniell claims he spent more than a year working on development plans and financing efforts after being promised a significant ownership stake in the project.
Court records cited in the lawsuit allege that the property was transferred between entities for $1 without Daniell’s knowledge, despite previous agreements regarding the project’s future development. The complaint further alleges that the transfer jeopardized financing efforts and ultimately caused the proposed project to collapse.
The legal battle comes after Hong Kong authorities placed Jacob Lam and other charity officials on a wanted list following allegations that millions of dollars intended for charitable purposes were misappropriated. The Christian Zheng Sheng Association previously operated programs serving young people recovering from drug addiction.
Daniell is seeking damages and asking the court to void the property transfer and recognize his claimed ownership interest in the development venture. The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not yet been proven in court.
The case has drawn attention both locally and internationally because of the connection between the Chattooga County property and the broader controversy surrounding the Hong Kong charity organization.
Chattanooga Man Sentenced To Life Without Parole For Walker County Murder
A Chattanooga man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of a Walker County resident.
According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Nicholas Antonio Cheaton, 42, of Chattanooga, was convicted of malice murder and other charges in the death of William Oliver Jones, 39, of Chickamauga.
A judge sentenced Cheaton to life without the possibility of parole plus an additional 45 years in prison.
The case stemmed from a March 2025 homicide investigation after Jones was found dead at his residence on West Highway 136 in Walker County. The investigation was conducted by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Prosecutors presented evidence linking Cheaton to the killing, and a jury returned a guilty verdict on the charges. Following the conviction, the court imposed a sentence that ensures Cheaton will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
The case was prosecuted by the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which serves Chattooga, Walker, Dade, and Catoosa counties.
District Attorney Clayton Fuller praised the efforts of investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers involved in the case, saying the sentence brings justice for the victim and his family.
Cheaton will remain in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Audit Questions More Than $29,000 In Sales Tax Paid To Broadband Contractor
Last week, Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen released the county government’s 2024 audit. The audit covers the final year that former Commissioner Blake Elsberry was in office and points to serious problems in the county’s bookkeeping and financial oversight.
One of the issues raised in the audit involved sales tax paid to a vendor connected to the county’s ARPA-funded broadband project.
According to the audit, Rural Broadband Consulting LLC collected $29,607 in sales tax, even though government entities are exempt from paying sales tax. The finding raises questions about how the charge was approved and why the payment was not caught before county funds were spent.
Auditors also noted that Chattooga County paid Rural Broadband Consulting LLC a total of $333,265, but found insufficient documentation showing services performed, project completion status, or deliverables received. The audit said records were not maintained or made available for several types of costs connected to the project.
The broadband project was funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act money, which came with specific requirements for documentation, procurement, and oversight. Auditors found the county did not have adequate records to support portions of the spending tied to the project.
The audit states that Commissioner Andy Allen consulted with legal counsel and filed a civil action against the company. According to the report, the county obtained a judgment in its favor, but no funds had been recovered as of the audit’s completion.
Allen has said stronger financial controls and oversight procedures are being implemented in response to the audit findings. The audit’s findings show that the county’s bookkeeping problems during 2024 went beyond routine accounting errors and included payments that auditors said should have been questioned or better documented before taxpayer money was spent.
Chattooga County Students Named To GNTC President’s And Dean’s Lists
Several Chattooga County students have been recognized by Georgia Northwestern Technical College for academic achievement during the spring 2026 semester.
GNTC announced its President’s List and Dean’s List, honoring students who met grade point average and course-load requirements.
To qualify for the President’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.8 or higher while carrying at least 12 credit hours. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 while carrying at least 12 credit hours.
Chattooga County students named to the President’s List include Angel Bare, Tiffany Bearden, Baylee Blair, David Bohannon, Jennifer Bohannon, Rebecca Broom, Allan Brown, Jared Campbell, Melisa Cargle, Jazmyne Crider, Raven Dallas, Nathan Elrod, Karsen Gilliam, Haley Hickman, Ella Hurley, Dalton Lewis, Kenzlee Lloyd, Derek Mitchell, Jerry Morris, Payton O’Donnell, Amanda Parker, Molly Ragon, Brittany Robershaw, Kayleigh Scoggins, Josie Skelton, Stephanie Smith, Emma Stinnett, Brittany Weinfurter, Alyssa White, Cambree White, Kendrick Williams, Mayahuel Yaoapoqa, Olin Yaoapoqa, and Sueann Yaoapoqa.
Chattooga County students named to the Dean’s List include Laura Baltazar, Jonathan Bean, Gabriel Blackburn, Kaylin Brewer, Hunter Brown, Hensley Bryant, Tammy Chandler, Tia Dunaway, Erik Farmer, Tracey Hawkins, Kadence Hayes, Isis Hines, Emma Howard, Danarea Marrow, Tony Miranda-Ambrocio, Ariel Neal, Eulalia Ramirez Ramos, Kaitlyn Swinford, and Adam Tallman.
GNTC serves students across Northwest Georgia with associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in areas including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service programs.
Complete list:
President’s List students for:
Catoosa County: April Bemis, Ian Blount, Adison Budde, Kennedy Burruano, Jayde Clark, Zachary Costlow, Jessica Crabtree, Cassandra Daniels, Victoria Gray, Isabella Griffin, Samuel Hollifield, Estrella Jaimes, Gisela Jaimes, Shayla McAdams, Kayla McAllister, Chase McGuirt, Kortney McKenzie, Madison O’Toole, Jordan Shults, Skyla Stafford, Anthony Sullivan, Matthew Tidwell, Karolyn Volz, Sarah Wallin, Brett Whittemore and Maggie Wright.
Chattooga County: Angel Bare, Tiffany Bearden, Baylee Blair, David Bohannon, Jennifer Bohannon, Rebecca Broom, Allan Brown, Jared Campbell, Melisa Cargle, Jazmyne Crider, Raven Dallas, Nathan Elrod, Karsen Gilliam, Haley Hickman, Ella Hurley, Dalton Lewis, Kenzlee Lloyd, Derek Mitchell, Jerry Morris, Payton O’Donnell, Amanda Parker, Molly Ragon, Brittany Robershaw, Kayleigh Scoggins, Josie Skelton, Stephanie Smith, Emma Stinnett, Brittany Weinfurter, Alyssa White, Cambree White, Kendrick Williams, Mayahuel Yaoapoqa, Olin Yaoapoqa and Sueann Yaoapoqa.
Dade County: Kate Bradford, Paisley Caldwell, Emily Doolittle Costa, Eli Earl, Alexandria Fowler, Christopher Gonzales, Almeda Hutchison-Smith, Emperatriz McConnell, Katerina Shadrina, Ethan Spencer and Angelia Stoglin.
Floyd County: Sintia Ambriz, Jackson Armellino, Hayden Baker, Kenzley Baker, Camilla Bice, Sarah Blake, Jon Boyd, Takiya Braswell, Sarah Brock, Amanda Brown, Christopher Caldwell, Emily Casey, Jennifer Chavez, Octavia Chesser, Kamarr Chin, Rodrigo Cisneros Ortiz, Madison Clark, Marquita Conner, Emerson Cooper, Jonathan Cornejo, Wyatt Costlow, William Cox, Leslie Cox-Vasquez, Markesha Dammond, Bianca Dean, Tramorius Dean, Hailee Delaino, Jada Denney, Emily Diaz, Alea Donaldson, Joshua Dover, Morgan Dover, Lori Duvall, Sonya English, Latasha Fluker, Nathaniel Ford, Kendyl Freeman, Steven Googe, Erika Greenwell, Tybria Gregory, Nataly Guzman, Krislyn Hann, Eric Harkins, Sophia Howell, Brandon Hunter, Alyssa Jarrard, Shelby Jarrett, Hanna Jones, Stephen Jones, Nayeli Juarez-Cruz, Yasar Kalavant, Cody Keen, Amber King, Ava Kirby, Brandon Kleimann, Breanna Knox, Chase Lawley, Jason Lin, Blaga Long, Brenda Lucas-Vail, Casimiro Marroquin, Yasmin Martinez, Malik McCluskey, Ashley McDaniel, Reginald McDaniel, Alijah McFarland, Mason Mead, Isabel Melton, Jessica Messenger, Camron Miles, Jessica Montgomery, Andrew Mooney, Grant Morgan, David Nelson, Macy Nichols, Chandler Nielsen, Chloe North, Jose Oliva Quijada, Susan Pearson, Lori Powell, Lucy Prieto, Cole Proffitt, Taylor Puryear, Melanie Ramirez-Sian, Michelle Ramon, Yonathan Ramos-Ramirez, Brandi Ray, Katelin Rayburn, Natalie Reyes, Jacob Richardson, Autumn Ridley, Dorothy Ridling, Stephen Roberts, Leila Ross, Janie Ruiz, Jennifer Sanchez, John Schreier, Daniel Scott, Karlee Sharpe, Aniya Smith, Jubilee Smith, Thomas Smith, Kaitlynn Snow, Chase Snyder, Samantha Stanley, Michael Sterno, Drew Stockton, Ava Styles, William Sullivan, Sallie Tanksley, Michelle Tassitano, Annelyse Thompson, Jordan Thompson, Juanita Thompson, Fabiana Tomas, Gisselle Tome, Mandy Tucker, Isaac Twilley, Yitsela Vazquez-Hernandez, Alexia Waits, Kristian Watkins, Naikeria Watkins, Collin Watson, Envy Westfall, David Williams, Haylie Williams, Mari Klaire Wilson, Braydon Wingo, Carson Wooten, Trinity Wooten, Madeleine Yarbrough and Jayden Zachery.
Gordon County: Tiffany Adams, Josshua Bahr, Haleigh Bennett, Alisha Bingham, Matthew Bouchard, Erik Bristol, Austin Bryant, Michael Chamlee, Kayla Chastain, Brittany Clifton, Devin Clohesy, Christopher Cooper, Cristofer Cruz Soria, Tanvi Dhavade, Naomi Dixon, Jason Escobar, Yareli Estrada, George Freeman, Mathew Freeman, William Freeman, Kevin Garcia, Amber Groomes, Rafael Guigni, Andrianna Halcomb, Ansley Hall, Haley Harrison, Christopher Honeycutt, Kassidy Hood, Alliyah Ingram, Emma Johnson, David Juarez, Miranda Kelley, Joseph Kilgore, Lyndsay Kilgore, Jennifer Kindle, Ava King, Diana Le, Jeremy Lovell, Mackenzie Luna, Deborah MacDavid, Lorraina Martin, Ivana Martinez Franco, Weston McArthur, Elizabeth McCleskey, Abigale McDaniel, Riley Miller, Ashli Mills, Katie Moore, Maria Moran, Santiago Ochoa, Jerry Ordonez Argueta, Miguel Ordonez-Argueta, Sandy Ortiz Gonzalez, Shannon Pagano, Anthony Pham, Ronaldo Ramirez, Perla Reyes, Cindy Rodriguez, Kenneth Sallies, Gibson Scott, Jonathon Sifuentes, Bryson Sitten, Alexis Smith, Emilio Sotelo, Tiffany Thompson, Angelina Tidwell, Omar Tirador, Sheetal Venkatesu, Alexis Villalobos, Isabella Ward, Kaley Wells, Hayden West, Holland West, Anna Whitener, Britni Williams and Justin Young.
Murray County: Dawn Akins, Ireland Amyx, Mariana Anaya, Jacob Bailiff, Jazmin Betterton, Ricardo Blanco, Thomas Crone, Corbin Fowler, Valeria Fraire, Casey Greene, Savanna Kersey, Ashley Knight, Cesar Montoya, Pablo Montoya, Tristan Moore, Ariel Palacio Morales, Rayhan Pantuj, Brady Pierce, Lilly Reed, Carter Ridley, Haven Sanford, Kadyn Walker, Holly Walston, Ashley Weaver and Tara Westbrook.
Polk County: Samantha Ashmore, Saray Bahena, Jaden Blevins, Jonae Branyon, Caitlin Caldwell, Breanna Cambre, Ana Carlon Gallegos, Kaleigh Clark, Mindy Cook, Madison Crawford, Sabrina Daniel, Randi Ely, Normayda Escalante, Kristen Evans, Jarred Gomez, Robert Hampton, Diana Hernandez, Miriam Hernandez Guzman, Ashlyn Hitchcock, Charlee Hunter, Megan Ingram, Gracie Isbell, Sheena Jackson, Nataley Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Hannah Marchbanks, Narmy Mata, Rae Moore, Kensley Oliver, Andy Ortiz Perez, Zaylee Peek, Isabella Petty, Emily Pruitt, Jocelin Rangel, Sarah Rice, Courtney Ripoll, Malachi Rooks, Donovan Scoggins, Beatriz Segura, Alexander Segura-Cruz, Tyler Smith, Shayla Stephens, Emme Swearinger, Elias Vasquez-Luax, Ab Velasquez, Keyni Villagran Roblero, Kimberly Vinson, Shayna Waddell and Morgan Warren Adams.
Walker County: Adyson Adams, Matthew Arbuckle, Zachary Barnes, Addyson Bethune, Brooke Brady, Samantha Buchanan, Briley Budde, Carlie Campbell, Casey Campbell, Baker Capehart, Brock Capehart, Maddie Cargile, Racheal Chambers, Savanna Chambers, Tara Clark, Blakely Cook, Misty Cornejo Sanchez, Logan Crossman, Myriah Crosswhite, Peyton Davis, Rihanna Davis, Annslee Defoor, Emma Dickson, Morgan Dinkins, Michael Doane, Jennifer Dozier, Daniel Dukes, Amber Farmer, Joyful Fesperman, Eldin Garibovic, Destiny Gomez, Ava Griffie, Glen Groves, Lukus Harmon, Savannah Harris, Victor Hayes, Mikaela Hilyard, Kathryne Hixson, Melissa Hudgins, Kairi Huggins, Carson Hunt, Quin Irvin, Maryn Johns, Isaac Johnson, Emma Kappenhagen, Logan Kendrick, Mckenzie Kyler, Mary Lacey, Joshua Long, Ethan Lyles, Shelby Madden, Shana Maston-Shields, Joyce Mathews, Mariah McBee, Carissa McClure, Jill Midura, Mercedes Mitchell, Aubree Morrison, Charlotte Mullinax, Barrett Mullins, Cameron Nelson, Cody Palmer, Charles Peek, Emma Pulliam, Jocelyn Putman, Addison Ransom, Macey Reagan, Michaela Roberts, Jacob Seiffert, Madison Sertel, Julie Shore, Alaina Shults, Kaydence Sims, Aaliyah Smith, Madison Smith, Justin Snyder, Hayden Swanson, Kaitlyn Tackett, Anneliese Taylor, Karianna Taylor, Jacob Thornton, Audrey Truelove, Kairu Tuma’e, Chloe Veal, Colton Walker, Robert Wallace, Jennie Walters, Garrett Watson, Carsyn Watts, Megan Wells and Ian Wheeler.
Whitfield County: Johana Alfaro, Aaron Alvarez, Rafael Alvarez, Joshua Avila-Sandres, Berenise Barajas, Jaritza Belman, Tennyson Bowers, Pedro Bran, Roberto Brito, Cameron Bryant, Jayda Bryant, Kristina Burns, Heaven Campbell, Sabrina Carrillo, Joan Castillo Lara, Omar Cerda-Marquez, Sahil Chaudhari, Ariel Chavez, Ethan Cisneros, Celie Collins, Lexus Cox, Desha Crawl, Roberto Cruz, Benjamin Davis, Edwin Diaz, Manuel Enriquez, Isaiah Espinoza, Brittanie Ewart, Brooklynn Fowler, Marco Fraire Triana, Leeroy Gembe, Brodie Goforth, Isabel Gonzalez, Shiloh Gragg, Caleb Greeson, Catalina Griggs, Jesus Guerrero, Yamileth Guevara Manzanarez, Naira Gutierrez, Oscar Guzman, Christopher Hall, Kody Hammontree, Nakita Harrington, Daniel Herrada, Adam Jones, Joseph Juarez, Natalie Jurado, Aubree Kilgore, Dulce Loera, Kristine Lopez, Carson Lucas, Jose Mendez, Haylee Mills, Amy Morales, Irvin Morales, Moises Morales, Sarah Neal, Sergio Paez, Isaac Paniagua, Holly Parsons, Andy Phillips, Itzel Ramirez, Alondra Rangel, Isaac Rhodes, Miranda Rivera, Valerie Rodriguez, Cesar Rosales, Lusbin Rosales Sosa, Cody Ruddell, Elexus Salaices, Daisy Sanchez, Alexis Sanders, Sammeer Shukri, Israel Suarez, Jonathan Tapia Rivera, Kristofor Teran, Jose Torres, Jasmine Villanueva, Derek White, Crystal Williams, Jackson Williams, Stephen Williams and Rubi Zapien.
Other Counties: Abby Allred, Llany Alonso Velasquez, Kyrsten Andry, Keilah Araujo, Halle Arnold, Patrick Barronton, Josie Barszcz, Cierra Beck, Lyndsay Bell, Jorge Beltran, Samantha Bennett, Jodi Benzoni, Joshua Blanchette, Sarah Blume, Hannah Bojczuk, Kadijah Branch, Aspen Bray, Nathan Brown, Rhiannon Brown, Dyemah Brown-Gordon, Destiney Cadle, Amaya Campbell, Anna Carpenter, Damon Carter, Jacob Causey, Justine Coachman, Madison Cole, Vanessa Cruz Cruz, Zachary Culp, Amber Dennis, Maria Diaz Cruz, Carson Dolan, Alyson Dunn, Chloe Earle, Andrea Erdman, Pascual Escobar-Perez, Carson Farist, Shonna Frank, Lindsey Fuller, Cindy Valentina Garcia, Lily Gibson, Jose Gonzalez Sinaloa, Tariro Gosha, Elizabeth Gray, Sydney Groves, Taylor Gwin, Garrett Haas, Monica Hamilton, Emily Hammonds, Abigale Harding, Arturo Haro, Ema Haworth-Smith, Justin Hendricks, Seth Hobbs, Kirsten Hunter, Tori Johnson, Francois Joseph-Bryson, Rachel Kusowski, Jeremiah Lamb, Nashaun Lee, Jase Lewis, Emily Lopez, Kheyla Lovain, Alicia Lydick, Tiffany Maddox, Chloe Marshall, Rachel McKinney, Autumn Moore, Vianney Munoz, Hunter Neely, Kennedy Nunn, Taiye Omitogun, Rocio Ortega, Aidan Paez, Reece Parrott, Destiny Payne, Emma Perry, Leon Phillips, Aliza Raburn, Hannah Rampley, Marqueta Reese, Wade Robinson, Catherine Roland, Makenzie Sellers, Nina Shirey, Kayla Silvers, Elijah Smith, Sydney Stayton, Kayla Steele, Steven Stegall, Emori Summers, Joshua Thang, Caitlynn Tincher, Oscar Torres, Sara Turner, Mina Underwood, Ava Walker, Chloe Warren, Jessica Warren, Layla Wheeling, Abbigail White, Jessica Williams, Sarah Williford, Jackson Woodard and Wesley Yarbrough.
Dean’s List Students for:
Catoosa County: Riley Asbill, Alexandria Bowman, Ksenia Douhne, Layla Elayan, Mykynzie Keener, Jacob McNair, James Nester, Kaitlyn Parton, Kember Perry, Briana Robinson, Catherine Stephens, Katrina Stiner, Mahayla Tallent, Cody Thomas, Chase Ward, Emilee Williams and Vallery Zimmer.
Chattooga County: Laura Baltazar, Jonathan Bean, Gabriel Blackburn, Kaylin Brewer, Hunter Brown, Hensley Bryant, Tammy Chandler, Tia Dunaway, Erik Farmer, Tracey Hawkins, Kadence Hayes, Isis Hines, Emma Howard, Danarea Marrow, Tony Miranda-Ambrocio, Ariel Neal, Eulalia Ramirez Ramos, Kaitlyn Swinford and Adam Tallman.
Dade County: Jordan Biddle, Tanner Kunkel, Brian Mussared and Courtney Sharp.
Floyd County: Donald Barnes, Ripley Bennett, Mason Black, Michael Blalock, Elliott Bowermaster, Andrew Chandler, Tanya Colding, Bo Couch, Kylie Crawford, Jasmin Cruz-Duque, Anthony Cruz-Martin, Jakari Daniel, Isila Diaz-Ambrocio, Alyssa Dixon, Cassidy Dobbs, Cardin Duong, Tianna Dupree, Erica Ellison, Tyler Fennell, Cristian Fonseca, Lauralei Gafnea, Heraldo Garcia Barrios, Taylor Glover, Lorenzo Gomez Ordonez, Sawyer Goodson, Kylie Greer, Lucina Guzman, Brinley Hendricks, Magaly Hernandez, Georgia Hibberts, Seanna Hipkiss, Major Holder, Jasmine Hood, Summer Hyde, Brighton Jager, Serenity Jeanpierre, Kathleen Johnston, Roberto Juan-Andres, Marianella Marcano, Cheyenne McCollum, Nathan McCraw, Greyson Mitchell, Makayla Nixon, Kimberly Ortiz, Preet Patel, Jessica Peinado Cruz, Deisy Perez-Sontay, Moriek Ramsey, Caroline Rayburn, Maci Reece, Leslie Reyes-Reyes, Cortraveon Robinson, Landen Robinson, Tommie Rogers, Connor Rowell, Danielle Royer, Emily Sangphim, Julia Shinholster, Terrence Stewart, Rebecca Thompson, Angel Urrutia, Tristan Verdel Aguirre, Jennifer Vicente Perez, Shelby Waits, Tabbatha Waits, Ashley Weaver, Charleigh Wiggins, Melinda Wilcox, Olivia Wilson, Kylie Womack, Summer Wood and Melina Xiloj Chavez.
Gordon County: Richard Aguilar Orozco, Christopher Ajche, Jose Avalos, Sarah Baker, Catherine Bowers, Stormy Breeding, Megan Caldwell, Rosa Canedo, Alexis Chester, Jaslyn Darden, Quinton Duke, Caleb Dye, Mccamy Ellis, Irvin Escobar Ruiz, JaBresha Evans, Kameron Fowler, Shannon Gignac, Angel Gooden-Calmeter, Jesse Hall, Sebastian Hall, Helen Hernandez-Alvarenga, Washington Holcombe, Walker Hurd, Kaylie Jacobo, Bridgette King, Moises Lanza, David Lopez, Jose Maldonado, Gustavo Martinez, Diana Ochoa, Ashley Prickett, Angelo Rivera, Valerie Rosas, Emily Sendros, Madalene Silvers, Mark Strickland and Ian Voltz.
Murray County: Katie Apodaca, William Beavers, Brandon Center, Camron Cloer, Haley Davis, Tristan Deal, Charles Dunn, Kenneth Flatters, Kevin Fleming, Chelsey Flood, April Grona, Kyrsten Hixson, Cody Howard, Jacayla Jenkins, Robert Kitzmiller, Kash Malone, Maria Perez, Javier Pulido, Jose Sanchez, Charlie Sloan, Mackenzie Stout and Porsha Sutton.
Polk County: Madison Atkins, Bridgett Carpenter, Tamara Carter, Connella Christopher, Seriena Damron, Maci Day, Amy De Leon, Jessica Deleon-Gabriel, Bria Dulaney, Olivia Edwards, Luke Evans, Thomas Freeman, Kaylee Hoskins, Mackenzie Jarrell, Brooke Manning, Santeria Mizell, Jazmin Montiel, Emma Osmer, Courtney Presley, Taylor Ruark, Carla Stokes, Emily Swindall, Avery Tanner, Annaston Twilley and Zaria Ware.
Walker County: Emylia Andrade, Olivia Barron, Kenneth Berck, Joshua Bevil, Alyssa Blake, Cameron Blankenship, Andrew Boswell, Maycee Bright, Isabella Brown, Sawyer Brown, Sydney Coats, Kelby Culberson, Jordan D’aquin, James Davis, Wilson Davis, Xoa Davis, Lexi Duckett, Seth Eichenberger, Layla Epperson, Wyatt Fisher, Nathaniel Fiumano, Jaesha Garrett-Clark, Fernando Gonzalez, Alexander Grayson, Olivia Grona, Carla Guzman-Ogushi, William Hawkins, Garyn Hughley, Jeremy Jacobs, Georgia Kendrick, Jada Kenner, Presley Lazarov, Tracy Lewis, Isaac Lloyd, Kayden Locke, Grayson Locklear, Kaylee Lopez, Samantha Mays, Jalynn McCain, Daniel Mullins, Landon Norton, Caroline Oliver, Abigail Owens, Addie Page, Braden Parker, Holly Perry, Misty Phillips, Treasure Russell, Noelia Sargento, Emily Shirley, David Stahlheber, Meghan Wallace, Brook Wallin and Michael Worsham.
Whitfield County: Sonia Avalos, Ana Avila Amezquita, Keeley Baker, Brody Bartlett, Adrean Bautista, Hayden Cagle, Christopher Calderon, Crystal Carr, Alexa Delgado, Luis Diaz, Michael Doran, Adam Duncanson, Steven Dunn, Keelan Elder, Justin Gibson, Sky Griggs, Paola Guerrero, Henry Hernandez, Gregory Huff, Evelyn Jones, William Lara, Luis Liberato Perez, Jessica Martinez, Hunter McCree, Latasha McHan, Marisa Mendez, Alan Mendoza, Andy Menendez, Sarah Miller, Garrett Mills, Emily Nicholson, Edwin Nuno, Melissa Ortiz, Salud Osegueda, Michelle Pedroza, Noah Pierce, Christopher Planzer, Flor Querido, Jose Ramirez, Ariana Ramos, Jose Reyes, Andy Reynoso, Russell Robertson, Carlos Rodriguez, Andrew Rosillo, Sonia Sanchez, Brayden Tate, Gonzalo Torres, Tyler Trew, Jesus Vasquez, Jayden Watson, Carmen Webb, Fernanda Zapata and Jose Zavala.
Other Counties: Phillip Acton, Dorothy Adams King, Casey Allen, Dylan Bearden, Julie Branch, Christopher Breeden, Gabriela Bregin, Sandi Brewster, Eric Carpenter, Joshua Clark, Cassie Collum, Austin Conner, Ashley-Marie Cowan, Sophia Crawford, Philip Denney, Lauren Falcitelli, Eian Feeley, Austin Fischer, Sara Gunnels, Katelyn Haney, Tonya Irwin, Seth Johnson, Blakelee Jones, Nicholas Jones, Ayden Kennedy, Dustin Kidd, Caleb Kollock, Izabella Mathews, Luke Millen, Sarah Minkkinen, Stover Morgan, Sydney Morrison, Malela Moulton, Sherry Mumper, Natalia Orellana, Alyssa Patterson, Riley Pruitt, Connor Ray, Emalee Ray, Teisha Stanford, Christopher Vazquez, Daisy Vellekamp, Nikolaus Von Thaden, Brady Walters, Antoninah Warui and Kaitlyn Wood.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs. For more information about GNTC, visit us at www.GNTC.edu.
Courthouse Reopens After Bomb Threat Investigation
The Chattooga County Courthouse reopened Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation and law enforcement search of the building.
According to Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen, the threat was reported to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning. Officials immediately evacuated and secured the courthouse while deputies conducted a thorough search of the facility.
Authorities later determined there was no active threat and gave the all-clear for employees and the public to return.
The courthouse resumed normal operations at 1 p.m.
Allen thanked the Sheriff’s Office, first responders, courthouse employees, and the public for their cooperation during the incident, saying the safety of the community remains the county’s highest priority.
No injuries were reported, and authorities have not released additional information about the source of the threat.
Mosteller Creek Bridge On Oak Hill Road To Close June 16
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly will close beginning June 16 following a state inspection that found structural concerns requiring immediate attention.
According to Allen, the Georgia Department of Transportation notified the county on June 2 that the bridge crossing Mosteller Creek, listed as Bridge No. 055-0025-0, must be closed for public safety reasons.
The bridge is a significant route for traffic between Alabama and the Menlo area and is used daily by local workers and members of the agricultural community. It is also located just a few hundred feet from Lyerly Elementary School.
Allen said public safety is the county’s highest priority.
Motorists should prepare for detours and increased travel times while the bridge remains closed. County and state engineers are continuing to evaluate the bridge and determine the safest and most effective repair or replacement plan.
No reopening timeline has been announced.
Chattooga County is working with GDOT and engineering teams to move the project forward as quickly as possible. Residents are encouraged to follow posted detour signs and use caution in the area.
For more information, residents may contact Public Works Director Tim Brunson at 706-767-8350 or Sole Commissioner Andy Allen at 706-506-1998.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - June 10, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 10, 2026:
Afternoon Storms and Rising Heat Index Values Expected Through Saturday
A muggy and unsettled weather pattern will continue across the region through the end of the week, bringing daily chances for isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service says storms will be possible each afternoon through Saturday, especially during the heat of the day. Any storms that develop could produce frequent lightning, gusty winds, and locally heavy rainfall.
For Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, rain chances will not be widespread every day, but residents should remain weather-aware during the afternoon and evening hours.
Temperatures will continue climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s, with humid conditions making it feel even hotter. Heat index values are expected to rise into the 90s, with some areas approaching the low 100s by the end of the week and into the weekend.
Patchy dense fog and low clouds may also develop during the morning hours, especially in areas that received heavy rain earlier in the week.
A weak frontal boundary is expected to move into Northwest Georgia late Friday and stall across the state over the weekend. That setup will help keep moisture in place and maintain daily chances for showers and storms.
Forecasters are also watching a possible weak tropical system in the southern Gulf of Mexico. While no immediate local impacts are expected, the system could help send deeper moisture into Georgia by the middle of next week.
Anyone spending time outdoors should take breaks, drink plenty of water, and head indoors when thunder is heard.
Rainwater Recognized for 50 Years of Service to Chattooga County
Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney and the staff of the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office are recognizing Senior Deputy Coroner William Earle Rainwater for 50 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Chattooga County.
Rainwater has spent more than four decades serving the county as its elected coroner, first winning election to the office in 1976. He was reelected every term thereafter, serving 48 years as coroner before transitioning to the role of Senior Deputy Coroner, a position he has held for the past two years.
His half-century of service makes Rainwater one of the longest-serving coroners in the State of Georgia.
In 2024, Rainwater’s decades of commitment to public service were recognized statewide when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Coroners Association. The award was presented during the association’s fall meeting in Warner Robins, where fellow coroners from across Georgia honored him for his 48 years of service as Chattooga County Coroner.
Coroner Jeremy McElhaney said Rainwater’s dedication, experience, and commitment to serving families during some of life’s most difficult moments have left a lasting impact on Chattooga County and set a standard for public service.
Coming Up This Saturday: Sensory-Friendly Touch A Truck Event in Summerville
The City of Summerville will host a sensory-friendly “Touch A Truck” event this Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. until noon on East Washington Street.
Mayor Rickey Hughes announced the event, which is designed especially for individuals with special needs and their families.
Touch A Truck events give children and families the chance to safely explore vehicles and equipment they may normally only see from a distance, including fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, tractors, tow trucks, and other community vehicles.
These events are also important because they help children become more comfortable with first responders and emergency vehicles in a positive, low-pressure setting. For individuals with autism, sensory processing challenges, or other special needs, a reduced-noise environment can make the experience more welcoming and accessible.
Attendees will be able to see the vehicles up close, interact with local first responders and community helpers, and enjoy hands-on learning at their own pace.
Free Kona Ice will also be available thanks to sponsorships from United Community Bank and Southeast First National Bank.
Mayor Hughes thanked local exhibitors and sponsors for helping make the event possible, saying it will be a special day for families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
The community is invited to attend and take part in a morning of learning, exploration, and fun in a safe and inclusive setting.
Summerville Student Represents GNTC at National SkillsUSA Competition
A Summerville student was among six Georgia Northwestern Technical College students who represented the college at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference held June 1-5 in Atlanta.
Jonah Nuckolls of Summerville competed as part of GNTC’s TeamWorks team, alongside Caleb Greeson of Dalton, Connor Rowell of Rome and Jackson Woodard of Calhoun.
GNTC students competed in three categories at the national event, which brought together more than 6,500 state champions competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 skilled and leadership competitions.
One GNTC student, Janie Ruiz of Rome, earned a bronze medal in the Customer Service competition. Ruiz studies Business Management at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus.
Missy McLain, SkillsUSA advisor for GNTC, said she was proud of all the competitors for their hard work and for representing the college on the national level.
The national conference drew an estimated 19,000 students, instructors and industry partners.
SkillsUSA serves more than 444,000 career and technical education students and instructors each year and has served 15 million members since 1965.
Summerville Police Investigate Assault at Convenience Store
The Summerville Police Department is investigating an assault that reportedly occurred at a convenience store and involved a woman being pushed and punched by her boyfriend.
According to the incident report, officers responded to a complaint from a female employee who stated that her boyfriend entered the store while she was working and began acting in a loud and disorderly manner.
The victim told police that during the incident, the suspect pushed her on two separate occasions and later struck her in the face with a closed fist during a third confrontation.
After arriving on scene, the responding officer reviewed surveillance video from the store. According to the report, the footage showed the suspect pushing the victim twice and striking her in the face during the altercation.
The victim declined emergency medical services and reported that the suspect had left the area before officers arrived. She told police he fled in a green pickup truck and that she did not know his whereabouts.
The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Tyrone Smith of Trion. He is listed in the report as facing charges of simple battery, battery, and disorderly conduct.
The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Two Guided Hikes Planned Saturday at Sloppy Floyd State Park
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host two guided hikes on Saturday, June 13, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park by day and night.
The first event will be a Guided Marble Mine Hike at 2 p.m. Park rangers will lead participants on a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the Marble Mine, where hikers can learn about the park’s nature and history while exploring the Marble Mine Trail. Participants should meet at the park office, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes.
Later that evening, the park will host a Firefly Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will meet at the park office at 8:30 p.m., with the hike beginning at 9 p.m. The event will give visitors a chance to see the glow of fireflies and learn how they can help protect them.
Each hike is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is required for both events.
To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Georgia Drivers Saved Nearly $200 Million During Temporary Gas Tax Suspension
Georgia motorists saved an estimated $188 million during a temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax that ended June 2, according to newly released state revenue figures.
The tax relief measure, approved earlier this year by Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers, temporarily reduced the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel for consumers across Georgia. The suspension was intended to help offset higher fuel costs and provide financial relief to families and businesses.
State officials reported that fuel tax collections dropped significantly during the period the tax break was in effect, contributing to lower overall revenue from motor fuel taxes. Despite the decline in fuel tax collections, Georgia’s broader revenue picture remained stable due to strong collections from other tax sources.
The savings translated into lower prices at the pump for drivers statewide, with the average motorist paying several cents less per gallon during the suspension. State leaders have frequently used temporary fuel tax suspensions in recent years as a way to provide relief during periods of elevated fuel prices or economic uncertainty.
With the tax break now expired, Georgia’s full motor fuel tax rate has returned, meaning drivers are once again paying the standard state tax on gasoline and diesel purchases.
Supporters of the measure say it delivered meaningful savings to Georgia households, while critics note the temporary suspension also reduced transportation-related revenues that help fund road and infrastructure projects.
Summerville Police Investigating Financial Transaction Fraud Case
The Summerville Police Department is investigating a financial transaction card fraud case after a Dalton woman reported unauthorized purchases made using her debit card information.
According to the incident report, the victim discovered several unauthorized transactions had been made using information from her food stamp debit card. The purchases reportedly occurred at multiple locations, including Ingles Supermarket in Summerville.
The victim told police she still had possession of the physical card but believed someone had obtained the information needed to make purchases without authorization. She has been working with law enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions where transactions were reported in an effort to identify and prosecute the suspect.
Police identified a suspect in the case as 27-year-old Nius Morton of Dalton. The report indicates the offense is being investigated as financial transaction card fraud.
The fraudulent transaction reported in Summerville totaled approximately $29.43. Evidence collected in the case included information associated with the victim’s card.
The investigation remains ongoing.