Drought conditions continue to grip Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, with little relief in sight even as rain moves into the forecast.
Four Georgia State Troopers have been terminated following an internal investigation into misconduct involving personal injury claims, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
In a statement released by the agency, officials said the investigation began after information surfaced in January 2026 indicating that several troopers were filing personal injury claims tied to incidents stemming from vehicle pursuits.
The Department’s Office of Professional Standards conducted a review and found that the troopers had submitted numerous crash and incident reports to an attorney. That attorney then sought monetary settlements on their behalf from individuals involved in pursuits that had been initiated by the troopers.
Officials determined that the manner in which the claims were made violated department policy and ethical standards. As a result, all four troopers involved were dismissed.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety emphasized that the actions of those individuals do not reflect the agency as a whole, noting its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and maintaining public trust.
The investigation has concluded, and no additional details about the individuals involved have been released.
Trust in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reached an all-time high, according to new data released by the VA.
Officials say 82% of veterans who used VA services in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reported they trust the agency to fulfill its commitment to them.
The Georgia Department of Labor says the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force and employment in February, even as the unemployment rate ticked up slightly and job totals declined for a second straight month.
A student is in custody after allegedly making online threats directed at Gaylesville School, prompting a rapid response from local and federal authorities.
Community members across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama will soon have access to expanded heart care through the new AdventHealth Redmond Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute.
With nesting season now underway, state wildlife officials are encouraging homeowners, landowners, and property managers to take steps now to prevent conflicts with Canada geese before they become bigger problems later in the year.
Michael H. (Mo) Morrison, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd.
Mike was born to Willia Dean Sentell on December 26, 1954. He graduated from Chattooga High School, Class of 1973, and went on to attend Jacksonville State University, where he proudly played baseball as a short stop. He dedicated 35 years of his career to International Paper, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment.
Mike enjoyed not only Georgia Tech football, but all sports. He also loved coaching his children as they were growing up, fishing and traveling. He will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports, and the many years he spent providing for those he loved.
Mike was preceded in death by his brothers, Hill Morrison and Keith Morrison.
Mike is survived by his spouse of 30 years, Amy Morrison; his children, Preston Morrison, Keith Morrison, Mackenzie Morrison, Jaden (Josh) Johnston, and Jackson Morrison (Jess Owin); five grandchildren, Stella Morrison, Ashby Morrison, Aubry Morrison, Charleigh Morrison, and Emmy Johnston; two sisters Monique Boulware and Marquita Petty.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Coffman Funeral Home from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A private graveside service will be held later.
Pallbearers will be Preston Morrison, Keith Morrison, Mackenzie Morrison, Jackson Morrison, Matt Holbrooks, and Randy Mitchell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ethan Nixon, Mike Hawkins, Jeff Meadows, Jeremy Guinn, George Maddux, Jerry Wilson, Steve McGill, Gary Hardeman, Smokey Howell, Alex Sentell and co-workers of International Paper.
Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Pond Spring AME Zion Church Twelve Tribes of Israel in Lyerly is inviting the community to come together for an afternoon of music and fellowship later this month.
The church will host a Gospel Jamboree at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. Organizers say church and community choirs are welcome to participate in the event, which will celebrate gospel music and community spirit.
Refreshments will be served following the program.
The church is located at 3255 Taliaferro Springs Road in Lyerly. The event is open to the public, and Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Turner Holt encourages everyone to attend.
Calvary Baptist Church in Summerville is preparing to welcome women from across the community for its annual Ladies’ Spring Banquet.
This year’s event, titled “Grace, Grit & Gumption: A Grateful Girls Gathering,” is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m. at the church. Organizers say the banquet is designed to provide a time of fellowship, encouragement, and worship for women of all ages.
The afternoon will feature a Tex-Mex buffet, special music, and a program centered on faith, testimony, and spiritual renewal. Musical guest Scarlet Wool is expected to provide worship music throughout the event.
Church leaders say the gathering will include personal stories and teaching aimed at uplifting and inspiring attendees, while also creating a space for women to connect and reflect. The event theme is based on Galatians 2:20, emphasizing faith and personal growth.
Organizers are encouraging women to invite friends and family members to attend as the church prepares for one of its most anticipated annual events.