Trion Hosts Model Tonight At Sam R. McCain Stadium
The Trion Bulldogs return to Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium tonight looking to build on an impressive start to the 2026 football season as they welcome the Model Blue Devils to Trion.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.
Coach Sean Patrick’s Bulldogs are 1-0 after opening the season with a convincing 36-7 victory over arch-rival Gordon Lee. Trion showed plenty of offensive firepower in the opener while its defense held the Trojans to just seven points.
Among the Bulldogs to watch tonight is senior quarterback and defensive back Linc Allen, who rushed for 116 yards in the opener and accounted for four touchdowns. Junior Landon Kimbell contributed 85 receiving yards, while senior Hudson Thomas led the defense with 12 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks.
Model also comes into tonight’s non-region matchup at 1-0. The Blue Devils are coached by Jeff Hunnicutt and compete in Class AA, while Trion is a Class A program.
Recent history between the two schools has favored Trion. The Bulldogs have won four of the last five meetings, including a 28-21 victory at Model last season. Trion defeated Model 22-12 at home in 2024 and 31-12 on the road in 2023. Model’s most recent victory in the series came in 2022, when the Blue Devils edged Trion 31-27.
There is also some history on the line for the Bulldogs this season. Following last week’s win, Trion stands at 592 all-time football victories, leaving the program eight wins away from becoming one of a relatively small group of Georgia high schools to reach 600 victories.
Tonight’s game is the second of two consecutive home games for Trion. The Bulldogs travel to Ridgeland next Friday before visiting Dade County on September 11.
The Chattooga Indians have the night off tonight and return to action next Friday, September 4, when they host this same Model Blue Devils team at the Little Big Horn.
WZQZ will have tonight’s Trion-Model game live. Fans can listen on WZQZ 99.1 FM and AM 1180, or watch the live broadcast on the WZQZ Radio Facebook page. Kickoff from Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium is at 7:30 PM.
Arrest Report - Friday - August 28, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, August 28, 2026:
Friday Brings Mostly Sunny Skies, Slight Storm Chance
Northwest Georgia will see a mostly sunny and seasonably warm Friday, with only a small chance for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for patchy fog between 7 and 8 AM, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. Winds will remain calm. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM.
While scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected across parts of Georgia today, the greatest storm coverage and severe-weather threat will remain farther south and east of Northwest Georgia. A few storms in eastern Georgia could become severe with damaging wind gusts, while locally heavy rainfall could produce isolated flooding in portions of central Georgia.
For Friday night, there is just a 10% chance of an early evening shower or thunderstorm, mainly between 7 and 8 PM. Otherwise, skies will become partly cloudy with a low around 68.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 90 and a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 69.
Sunday brings another mostly sunny day with a high near 90 and a 20% chance of afternoon storms. The chance drops to around 10% Sunday evening, with an overnight low near 70.
The weather should cooperate fairly well for the final days of the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair, although anyone attending outdoor activities should keep an eye on the sky for an isolated afternoon thunderstorm.
Heat Builds Next Week
Temperatures begin climbing again next week. Labor Day Monday will be sunny with a high near 91 and only a 20% chance of an afternoon storm.
Tuesday should be sunny and around 92, followed by highs near 93 Wednesday and Thursday.
The National Weather Service says a strengthening upper-level ridge will bring hotter conditions next week. By early to midweek, heat index readings could become widespread in the 100 to 104-degree range. If readings of 105 degrees or higher become widespread, Heat Advisories could eventually be needed.
Free Property Tax Class Set For Monday In Chattooga County
Chattooga County residents who have questions about their property assessments, appeals or tax bills will have an opportunity to hear directly from county officials during a free property tax class Monday, August 31.
The class, “Understanding Property Taxes in Chattooga County,” will begin at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
The goal is to give residents a clearer understanding of how property taxes work at the local level, including assessments, appeals, exemptions, tax relief, tax bills and how the county millage rate is established.
Sole Commissioner Andy Allen will open the class with an overview of the property tax process and explain the roles of the different elected county officials involved. Allen will also discuss how the millage rate process works.
Chattooga County Tax Assessor Nancy Edgeman will explain the property tax appeal process and the duties of the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton will cover how taxpayers can understand and estimate their tax bills, the different layers of property tax relief available in 2026 and property tax exemptions.
The class comes at a particularly important time for local property owners, with many Chattooga County residents questioning their latest property assessments and filing appeals.
The program is Monday, August 31, at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered After Being Found On Oak Street
A vehicle reported stolen from a Summerville residence was later recovered on Oak Street, according to a Summerville Police Department incident report.
Police were called after Marc Ladon Hogg, 62, reported that his 2013 white Chevrolet Suburban had been taken from his residence on Edmondson Street. Hogg told police he had last seen the vehicle at approximately 11 PM before going to bed and discovered it missing when he woke up. Based on that information, police believed the Suburban was taken sometime between 11 PM and 6 AM.
Hogg told police he had not loaned the vehicle to friends or family members. He initially believed there was no key inside the Suburban, but later told the officer he was unsure whether his wife, who normally drives the vehicle, had a copy of the key.
While investigating, police observed a tire mark in the driveway that could indicate the direction the vehicle traveled. Another tire track was found in the mud and grass, suggesting the Suburban may have backed into the yard before leaving. Police photographed the tire marks and issued a BOLO — Be On the Lookout — to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
The Suburban was subsequently located at the dead end of Oak Street in a parking space at 318 Oak Street. Police confirmed through state tag information that it was Hogg’s vehicle.
According to the report, the Suburban appeared to have recently been driven through dirt and mud. Police also discovered damage to the passenger-side mirror, which was hanging from the vehicle. The backing of the mirror was found on the ground behind the Suburban.
An on-call investigator was notified, and photographs were taken of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. The report states that officers noticed items on the center console and dashboard that could potentially belong to whoever had driven the vehicle. However, because the vehicle was locked, police could not immediately examine those items more closely.
Police attempted several times to contact Hogg to arrange for him to retrieve the vehicle but were unsuccessful. E-911 then requested a wrecker, and LuAllen’s Wrecker Service transported the Suburban to its lot, where it was to remain until the owner could be contacted.
The incident report lists offenses including theft by taking a motor vehicle, entering an automobile with intent to commit theft, duty upon striking a fixed object and driving without a valid license.
The report provided to WZQZ does not identify a suspect or indicate that an arrest had been made in connection with the theft.
Northwest Georgia Unemployment Falls To 3.1 Percent In July
Unemployment declined across Northwest Georgia in July, with the regional jobless rate falling to 3.1 percent, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.
That rate was down three-tenths of a percentage point from June and well below the 3.8 percent rate recorded one year ago.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said July brought lower unemployment in every metro area and region of the state. She credited cooperation among state leaders, local communities and businesses, saying the department remains focused on putting Georgians to work and expanding economic opportunity.
In Northwest Georgia, the labor force declined by 1,274 people over the month but was still up 7,400 compared with a year ago, reaching 459,530.
The number of employed residents increased by 164 over the month and by 10,492 over the year, bringing total employment in the region to 445,273.
Initial unemployment claims rose by 148 from June, totaling 1,956, but were still down sharply from a year earlier — by 2,196 claims.
The July numbers point to continued year-over-year improvement in Northwest Georgia’s labor market, with more people working and fewer residents unemployed than at the same time last year.
Connecticut Man Jailed In Floyd County On Grooming And Threat Charges
A Connecticut man was booked into the Floyd County Jail Thursday on charges involving alleged online contact with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
According to arrest warrants, 29-year-old Gabriel Reno Lorenzo Grant of Norwich, Connecticut, is charged with grooming a minor, obscene internet contact with a child, and terroristic threats and acts.
The warrants allege that Grant sent text messages between June 8 and June 11 to an individual he believed was a 14-year-old female. Investigators say the messages were intended to prepare, persuade or coerce the juvenile into a sexual offense.
The warrants further allege that Grant discussed various sexual acts during the messages and later made threats to blind, rape and murder the individual.
Grant was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Thursday. The charges are allegations, and Grant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
AdventHealth To Host Free Night Of Hope Concert In Rome
AdventHealth is inviting families from across Northwest Georgia to come together for an evening of music, worship and encouragement at the Night of Hope on Saturday, September 19, at Ridge Ferry Park in Rome.
The free community event will feature nationally recognized Christian artists Naomi Raine and Pat Barrett, along with music from local performer Daniel Mulkey and messages from area faith leaders.
Gates will open at 5:30 PM, with the program beginning at 7 PM.
AdventHealth says Night of Hope was created to bring people together through music, faith and fellowship while offering a message of encouragement to communities across Northwest Georgia.
Isaac Sendros, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Georgia Market, said the organization believes caring for a community extends beyond hospitals and clinics. He said the event gives people from across the region an opportunity to gather, be encouraged and experience the connection between faith, music and community.
Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor concert. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will also be available throughout the evening.
Previous Night of Hope events have featured Christian artists Danny Gokey and Brandon Heath.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets can be reserved at NightofHopeGA.com.
Free Property Tax Appeal Forms Available Saturday In Downtown Summerville
Residents who still need to file a property tax appeal will have another opportunity to pick up a free appeal form Saturday morning in downtown Summerville.
Nancy Bishop says volunteers plan to be in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office near Jefferson’s Saturday morning and will remain there until at least noon, or until rain moves in.
Drivers are invited to slow down or stop to pick up a form, but organizers are asking everyone to be careful and considerate of other traffic in the area.
The deadline to file a property tax appeal is Monday, September 14.
Bishop also reminds residents that they do not have to complete all of their research before filing an appeal. She says if a property owner later determines that the value they asserted was too low, they can raise that amount, but they cannot lower the asserted value after the appeal is filed.
Residents may also designate an agent to represent or assist them during the appeal process. According to the post, that agent does not have to be a real estate or insurance professional and could be a friend, family member, business associate or hired professional.
Organizers hope to get additional clarification about the agent process during Monday night’s property tax class at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Anyone who still needs an appeal form can stop by downtown Summerville Saturday morning.
Georgia Could Receive Nearly $135 Million In Landmark Meta Settlement
Georgia could receive nearly $135 million under a landmark multistate settlement with Meta Platforms that will also bring major changes to how children and teenagers use Facebook and Instagram.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the agreement Wednesday. The overall settlement is worth up to $17.1 billion and resolves claims from 47 states and several U.S. territories alleging Meta designed Instagram with addictive features, exposed young users to serious mental-health harms and misled the public about the safety of its platforms.
Georgia is expected to receive close to $100 million, with its share potentially increasing to nearly $135 million. The agreement has been described by Carr’s office as the largest state consumer-protection settlement in history outside of the tobacco settlements of the 1990s.
But the settlement could have an even more noticeable impact on families through new restrictions on how children use social media.
Under the agreement, Facebook and Instagram will have a combined two-hour daily time limit for children, along with mandatory “productive pauses” after 15 minutes of continuous use and again after 60 and 90 minutes. The two-hour limit is scheduled to remain in place for five years.
Children will also face a nighttime block from midnight until 6 AM, while push notifications will be eliminated during school hours — from 8 AM until 3 PM on weekdays during the school year.
Meta must also implement stronger age-verification measures and parental controls. Additional safeguards will target content involving bullying, eating disorders, suicide and self-harm. Social-comparison features, including certain beauty filters and visible “like” counts, will also be restricted for younger users.
The settlement follows a nationwide investigation launched by attorneys general beginning in 2021. States alleged Meta knew some features could negatively affect young users while continuing to design its platforms to encourage greater engagement.
Not everyone believes the agreement goes far enough. Some child-safety advocates have praised the restrictions as significant progress while arguing that more protections involving recommendation algorithms and interactions between children and adults should operate automatically rather than requiring parents to opt in.
Carr called the agreement a landmark that could establish a standard for other social-media companies, saying Meta may be the first major platform to reach such an agreement but should not be the last.
Two Special Events Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two special outdoor programs Saturday, August 29, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park from sunrise through moonrise.
The day begins with a Sunrise Paddle from 7 until 8 AM. Participants will join park rangers for an early-morning paddle around the Lower Lake. Those attending should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water and clothing that can get wet.
The Sunrise Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 for participants who bring their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.
Saturday evening, the park will host a Moon Pie Hike beginning at 8 PM.
Rangers will lead an easy hike around the Lower Lake before participants enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise from the lower dam. Participants should bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on and comfortable walking shoes.
The Moon Pie Hike costs $3 per person, in addition to the required $10 park pass.
Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Hiking 101 Program Coming To James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a special Hiking 101 program on Saturday, September 12.
The program begins at 2:30 PM, with participants meeting in front of the park office.
Park rangers will lead a guided hike along the Lower Lake Trail, teaching participants some of the basics of hiking. The program will cover how to safely hike trails, what hikers should pack and how to prepare for an emergency while enjoying the outdoors.
Organizers say the program is open to all ages and is designed for people who are new to hiking as well as those who simply want to spend some time outdoors and learn more about safely navigating trails.
The Hiking 101 program itself is free, although a $10 park pass is required.
Anyone interested in participating is asked to register by calling the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.
Georgia Could Add 145 Species To State Protected List
Georgia is considering the first major update to its list of protected plants and animals in two decades, a move that could add 145 species whose populations are declining or facing significant threats.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says the state’s current protected-species list contains 318 species. Under the proposed revisions, that number would increase to 423, with 145 species added and 40 removed after surveys indicated their populations have recovered. Another 66 species would have their protection status changed to better reflect current conditions.
Among the animals proposed for protection are the hoary bat, eastern spotted skunk, whooping crane, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Suwannee alligator snapping turtle.
The changes would mark the first update to Georgia’s protected-species list since 2006. DNR says the recommendations grew out of work on Georgia’s 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan, which involved hundreds of experts evaluating species based on their rarity, population trends and threats to their survival.
State protection carries legal consequences. Georgia law prohibits intentionally harming protected animals. Protected plants cannot be removed from state property without a permit or from private property without the landowner’s permission. Violations can be prosecuted as misdemeanors.
The proposal would also make it easier for nurseries and other sellers to offer certain native plants. An exemption would allow 39 protected plant species grown from cultivated stock to be sold without a DNR permit, while maintaining protections against taking the plants from the wild.
The Georgia Board of Natural Resources reviewed the proposal this week, with final action expected later this year. A public comment period runs from August 28 through September 20, and a public hearing is scheduled for September 8 at 7 PM at the Wildlife Resources Division headquarters in Social Circle.
DNR says updating the list is intended to focus conservation efforts on Georgia species most in need of help and, when possible, prevent declining populations from reaching the point where federal Endangered Species Act protection becomes necessary.
Opening Day Weather Outlook For The Chattooga County Fair
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens today, and the weather may require fairgoers to keep an eye on the sky.
The fair opens at 5 PM, and the latest forecast indicates scattered thunderstorms will be possible during the afternoon and into the early evening. Rain chances are highest around opening time and should gradually decrease as the evening goes on. The National Weather Service says storms today could produce brief heavy rainfall, and isolated flash flooding is possible where the heaviest rain develops.
The good news is that this does not look like an all-evening washout. Thunderstorms will be scattered, meaning some locations could receive a downpour while nearby areas receive little or no rain. Conditions should generally improve later this evening, although an isolated shower or storm will remain possible.
Temperatures will be warm and humid, but should become more comfortable after sunset.
Anyone heading to opening night should check radar before leaving home and be prepared for a passing shower or thunderstorm. Lightning would be the biggest concern for outdoor fair activities if a storm moves over the fairgrounds.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair is open 5 until 10 PM tonight, with free admission for students and $25 unlimited-ride armbands on opening night.
Bottom line: Don’t cancel your fair plans, but take an umbrella and keep an eye on the radar. The greatest weather concern appears to be around opening time, with rain chances trending downward through the evening.
Arrest Report - Thursday - August 27, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, August 27, 2026:
Chattooga County Agricultural Fair Opens Today
The wait is over for one of Chattooga County’s biggest annual events, as the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens this afternoon in Summerville.
The four-day fair runs today, August 27 through Sunday, August 30, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road. Opening-day hours are 5 PM until 10 PM today.
Fairgoers can expect the traditional combination of carnival rides, food, games, agricultural exhibits, livestock, live entertainment and activities for the entire family. Peachtree Rides is returning with midway rides and games, including rides designed for younger children. The fair will also feature its live animal exhibit, giving visitors an up-close look at animals and their importance to agriculture in Chattooga County.
Agriculture takes center stage on opening day as well. The 4-H and FFA Junior Market Goat Show begins at 5:30 PM today. Local young people will bring their projects into the show ring as part of a livestock program that continues throughout the weekend with lambs, beef cattle, poultry, dairy cattle and market hogs.
Blue Ribbon competition will also be underway. This morning, entries for same-day horticulture blooms will be received from 8 until 10 AM, followed by judging of horticulture, agriculture and food preservation exhibits from 10:30 AM until 1 PM. The exhibit area will be closed to the public during judging.
The fair continues Friday from 5–11 PM, Saturday from 2–11 PM and Sunday from 2–9 PM. The Agricultural Center itself closes one hour before the fair ends each evening.
The 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair is located at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
Commissioner Allen Seeks Changes Before Approving GMASS Agreement.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen is raising questions about the terms of a proposed new three-year contract with Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions and Services, or GMASS, the private company that provides property appraisal services for the county.
Allen says he is holding off on renewing the contract until several provisions can be addressed, particularly as the number of property tax appeals in Chattooga County continues to increase.
According to information presented by Allen, Chattooga County currently pays GMASS $158,328 annually for its appraisal work. The company provides trained and certified appraisers who assist the county Board of Assessors and visit every property at least once during a three-year period.
Allen said the county previously had enough employees to conduct appraisal work in-house, but maintaining a qualified staff has become increasingly difficult.
“We need a company that can come in and do a third of all these properties every year,” Allen said.
One of Allen’s primary concerns involves property tax appeals. Under the contract, GMASS charges the county an additional fee for each taxpayer appeal.
Allen questioned whether the company should receive additional compensation when taxpayers challenge property values established through the appraisal process.
He said a company responsible for establishing property values should have an incentive to make sure those values are accurate from the beginning.
“It’s almost a benefit for them to see more appeals,” Allen said. “I think they should have some skin in the game.”
Allen emphasized that he is not questioning GMASS’s reputation or qualifications. The company has been in business since 2008, and Allen described it as a reputable company that has provided a valuable service to Chattooga County.
Instead, the commissioner said his goal is to make sure any new agreement clearly defines the company’s responsibilities and provides taxpayers with the best value possible.
The Chattooga County Board of Assessors has already voted to approve the proposed GMASS contract, which would pay the company approximately $495,000 over three years. However, the agreement has not yet been signed by the commissioner.
GMASS is seeking a four-percent increase under the proposed contract.
Allen said he wants clarification on several provisions before moving forward with another three-year agreement.
Summerville Man Indicted On Child Molestation And Assault Charges
A Summerville man is facing multiple felony charges involving allegations that he molested one child and physically assaulted two other children.
According to Chattooga County grand jury records, Ronnie Andrew Blackmon of Hair Lake Road in Summerville was indicted August 10 on three counts of child molestation, one count of aggravated assault and two counts of second-degree cruelty to children.
The indictment alleges that Blackmon inappropriately touched a female child on the breasts, vagina and buttocks. The alleged incidents occurred between April 1, 2023, and January 24, 2026.
Blackmon is also accused of assaulting another female child during the same time period. According to the indictment, he allegedly placed his hands around the child’s neck and squeezed, restricting the child’s airflow. That allegation resulted in the aggravated assault charge.
In a separate allegation involving a male child, Blackmon is accused of repeatedly striking the child with a belt. The indictment alleges the assault caused the child “excessive and physical pain.” He faces second-degree cruelty to children charges in connection with the alleged abuse.
The charges are allegations contained in a grand jury indictment. Blackmon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
AdventHealth Redmond Honors Alli Beth Surrett With DAISY Award
AdventHealth Redmond has named Alli Beth Surrett as its second-quarter 2026 DAISY Award recipient, recognizing her for extraordinary nursing care, compassion and patient advocacy.
Surrett was nominated by a family member after a sudden change in her great aunt’s health led to a stressful hospital stay. The family said Surrett provided excellent clinical care while also bringing calm and reassurance during a difficult time.
The patient spoke only Spanish, and the family praised Surrett for making sure she was treated with kindness and respect and felt heard and understood despite the language barrier.
Surrett’s care continued beyond the hospital room. When a medication was not ready at the pharmacy, she worked with the case manager to help make sure it would be available. After the patient was discharged and another communication problem developed at the pharmacy, the family contacted Surrett again. She continued helping until the issue was addressed.
In the nomination, the family member said Surrett’s presence brought reassurance during a time of stress and worry and added that “she felt less like just a nurse and more like family.”
AdventHealth Redmond Chief Nursing Officer Trish Price said Surrett’s compassion and dedication demonstrate the profound impact nurses can have on patients and families during uncertain moments.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes and is now an international program recognizing nurses whose clinical excellence and compassionate care make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.
AdventHealth Redmond congratulated Surrett on the recognition and thanked her for the care and compassion she provides to patients and families.
Murder Trial Underway In Chattooga County Superior Court
A murder trial is taking place this week in Chattooga County Superior Court involving the June 2025 shooting death of 27-year-old Christopher “DJ” Chapman.
The defendant, Deoveon Lawayne Price, was 24 years old at the time of the shooting and was arrested after Summerville Police identified him as the alleged shooter. Price has been charged in connection with Chapman’s death, including felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
The case dates back to June 6, 2025, when Summerville Police officers were called to Oak Street after a report of a gunshot wound. Officers found Chapman lying unresponsive in the roadway suffering from a serious gunshot wound. He was transported to Chattooga ER, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators identified Price as the alleged shooter and said he had left the scene in a vehicle. Police later located him driving a different vehicle on Taylors Ridge, where he was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop.
A separate report at the time stated that the shooting followed a physical altercation between Price and Chapman.
The original investigation involved assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force and Georgia State Patrol.
Price’s trial is now being heard in Chattooga County Superior Court. WZQZ News will continue to follow the proceedings and report the outcome when a verdict is reached.