Concerns are being raised about Georgia’s significantly high incarceration rate, exceeding the national average by a staggering 2.5 times. With 881 individuals incarcerated per 100,000 people, including those in prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice facilities, Georgia faces mounting pressure to address its criminal justice system.
This past week, the Chattooga High School construction team, the reigning Georgia state champion in Teamworks, made an impressive showing at the SkillsUSA National Competition held in Atlanta. The event, which showcases the teamwork, technical, and leadership abilities of students in the construction trades, drew participants from all over the country, with Chattooga competing against 37 other Gold Medal teams from various states.
A Chattooga County woman was arrested earlier this month on DUI charges, according to a report released last week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. On June 21, 2025, a routine license and safety checkpoint in Chattooga County led to the arrest of 59-year-old LaBrenda Mae Jones for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. The checkpoint, aimed at improving road safety, raised concerns about impaired driving and accountability after the incident. At about 10:12 p.m., deputies from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and Trion Police were conducting the checkpoint on Club Drive when they stopped Jones, who was driving a tan Chevrolet Malibu. The arrest report noted that the officer smelled alcohol on Jones’s breath and inside her vehicle. When asked about her drinking, she said she had only consumed “1 beer. “However, field sobriety tests indicated she was impaired. A breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was . 120, exceeding Georgia’s legal limit of . 08. After her arrest, Jones refused a state chemical blood test despite being informed of the consequences. While in custody, deputies said Jones exhibited inappropriate behavior and used explicit language towards the officers. Jones was charged with DUI for alcohol, failure to change name or address on driver’s license and a tag light violation.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen wants to significantly reduce property taxes for homeowners by introducing two new sales taxes – both of which would need to be approved by voters. Commissioner Andy Allen, supported by local leaders from Lyerly, Menlo, Trion and Summerville, is proposing the Flexible Sales and Use Tax (FLOST) and the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST), which will be voted on countywide in November.
Georgia is set to introduce several new laws on July 1, 2025, that will significantly impact various areas, including school sports, legal reimbursements, and taxation.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) highlights the importance of selecting DDS-certified driving schools for both new driver training and driver improvement courses. Using a certified school guarantees qualified instructors and a curriculum that follows state laws, covering essential topics like traffic rules and safety.
Georgia Highlands College recently honored the late mathematics professor Tracy Kight with the Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award. Kight passed away in June 2024, but her influence on students is still remembered. GHC President Mike Hobbs praised her unmatched dedication to student success. The Walraven Award is given annually to a faculty member who goes above and beyond for their students and was established to honor Wesley C. Walraven, a past academic dean at the college. Kight’s family accepted the award on her behalf. Hobbs noted that she created a supportive learning environment and often stayed late to help students. Kight began her journey at GHC as a student in the 1990s and earned her master’s degree in Mathematics Education in 2006. She joined the faculty in 2016. Hobbs emphasized that Kight chose to serve her local community and made a transformative impact on many students’ lives, leaving a lasting legacy.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 29, 2025:
The National Weather Service is predicting isolated to scattered thunderstorms each afternoon and evening across Northwest Georgia, from today through Thursday of this week. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of localized flash flooding, frequent lightning, and gusty winds during the storms. Expect high humidity and warm temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s, along with mild morning lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Patchy fog and low clouds may develop, particularly near bodies of water or in areas that received rainfall the previous day, but visibility should improve after sunrise.
Churches in Georgia are facing a significant drop in donations, reflecting a national trend despite an overall increase in charitable giving in the U. S. in 2024. Contributions to religious organizations have decreased when adjusted for inflation, continuing a slow decline in church giving over recent years. One major factor in this challenge is the reduced practice of tithing, where individuals traditionally give 10% of their income.
