Georgia Insurance Commissioner Opens Investigation Into State Patrol ‘PIT for Pay’ Scandal

Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has opened an investigation into the Georgia State Patrol’s so-called “PIT for Pay” scandal involving former troopers who allegedly profited from insurance claims tied to crashes they caused during vehicle pursuits.

The investigation follows the firing of four Georgia State Patrol troopers who were found to have pursued personal injury settlements after performing PIT maneuvers, a law enforcement tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles by intentionally causing them to spin out.

According to records released during the investigation, three former troopers received nearly $100,000 in combined insurance settlements. A fourth trooper was fired for failing to report the practice and attempting to participate himself.

One case involved former Trooper Hunter Waters, who reportedly received a $25,000 insurance settlement following a pursuit-related crash involving a vehicle owned by Latesha Banks. Banks was not driving the vehicle and was not present when the crash occurred.

Banks says she later learned of the insurance claim and has since faced higher insurance premiums despite not being responsible for the incident. She is seeking to have the settlement money returned and her insurance costs reduced.

Internal investigations found that multiple former troopers referred pursuit-related crashes to an attorney and obtained settlements through insurance claims.

The four troopers involved were terminated for violating department policy and ethical standards. No criminal charges have been filed.

The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance continues to investigate the matter, while some insurance companies involved are reportedly reviewing their legal options.

Summerville Montessori School Announces Limited Georgia Pre-K Openings

Summerville Montessori School is now accepting applications for a limited number of free Georgia Pre-K openings for the 2026–2027 school year.

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Solid Rock Baptist Church Homecoming

Solid Rock Baptist Church
Homecoming June 21
11:00 Special Singers : Instruments of Grace
Special Preacher: David Romine
Lunch after service
Pastor Ralph Sumner invites everyone to attend

Water Service Interruption Expected in Hwy 48 Area

Some City of Summerville water customers may experience low water pressure or no water service today due to a scheduled Georgia Power outage.

The outage is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, and will affect the city’s water pump station located on Highway 48.

Areas that may be impacted include Peach Orchard Road, Highway 48, Hairlake Road, and Beavers Road.

City officials say the estimated restoration time is approximately three hours.

Anyone with questions can contact the City of Summerville Maintenance Department at 706-859-0907.

 

Arrest Report – Friday – June 19, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 19, 2026:

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Juneteenth Brings Sunshine Before Stormier Pattern Returns

After a mostly cloudy start to the Juneteenth holiday, skies will gradually clear across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to top out near 86 degrees, with light winds making for a comfortable day.

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Strictly Skynyrd To Close Out Summerville’s Friday Night Concert Series

Summerville’s Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series wraps up tonight, Friday, June 19, with a free downtown concert featuring Strictly Skynyrd, a premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band.

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Georgia Highlands College To Celebrate Community Impact Day June 26

Georgia Highlands College is inviting students, employees, alumni, families and community members to a special Community Impact Day celebration on Friday, June 26, at its Floyd Campus in Rome.

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Georgia Surpasses 5 Million Jobs As Unemployment Rate Falls To 3.4 Percent

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state has reached a major economic milestone, surpassing 5 million jobs for the first time in state history.

According to the latest labor report, Georgia recorded 5,002,400 jobs in May, an all-time high. The state’s labor force also reached a record 5,470,704, while total employment climbed to a new high of 5,283,862.

Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in May, down from a revised 3.5 percent in April and well below the national unemployment rate.

“Five million jobs, an all-time high labor force, and record employment in a single month: This is what a modern, adaptable economy looks like when it works for all Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.

The state added 6,900 jobs during May and has now experienced job growth for three consecutive months. Employment increased by more than 56,000 jobs over the past year.

Among the industries posting the largest gains in May were accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, transportation and warehousing, local government and state government.

Over the past year, health care and social assistance led all sectors with nearly 25,000 new jobs added statewide.

The labor department also reported that initial unemployment claims declined in May, another sign of continued strength in Georgia’s workforce and economy.

Juneteenth Celebrates Freedom And Marks A Pivotal Moment In American History

Today, Friday, June 19, 2026, communities across the United States are observing Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day is recognized as a time to reflect on freedom, history and the continuing pursuit of equality.

Locally, Chattooga County government offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. Municipal offices in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and Menlo are also closed. Banks, post offices and many other government offices across the nation are not operating today.

However, Chattooga County officials remind residents that the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules throughout the holiday.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is celebrated nationwide with educational events, community gatherings, cultural programs and opportunities to reflect on an important chapter in American history.