Today is the last day to vote early in the runoff election to decide who will replace Colton Moore in the state senate for the 53rd District and Marjorie Taylor Greene in the United States House of Representatives for the 14th Georgia Congressional District.
A Trion woman was arrested on DUI charges early March 29 following a complaint about an intoxicated individual refusing to leave a residence.
According to the report, deputies responded to Welcome Hill Road around 5:00 a.m. after a homeowner called 911, stating a woman was in their driveway honking her horn repeatedly and would not leave. The suspect had already left the scene by the time deputies arrived, but was later located nearby after matching the description of the vehicle provided.
When deputies made contact with the driver, identified as 40-year-old Leah Ann Johnson, they reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol. Authorities say Johnson showed signs of impairment, including unsteady movement and slurred speech, and admitted to drinking earlier in the night.
Johnson was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and traffic-related offenses. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail following a blood draw conducted at a local medical facility.
The latest health inspection scores released by the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department show perfect scores for two Summerville restaurants.
Burger King, located at 11245 Highway 27 in Summerville, received a score of 100 on a routine inspection conducted March 30, 2026. The inspection was completed by Rashelle Eubanks.
Taco Bell, located at 11317 Highway 27 in Summerville, also earned a perfect score of 100. That routine inspection took place on March 17, 2026, and was also conducted by Rashelle Eubanks.
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department reminds residents that complaints involving any food service establishment or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County may be reported by calling 706-857-3377.
The AdventHealth Gordon Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarships for a select group of nursing and allied health students.
Current high school students, recent graduates who have earned their CNA certification, and students who have already been accepted into or are enrolled in a nursing or allied health program are encouraged to apply. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Eligible allied health fields include ultrasound, paramedic/EMT, laboratory, respiratory therapy, and radiology.
Applications are available in person at the AdventHealth Georgia Foundation office at AdventHealth Gordon, Resource Center 2, 1035 Red Bud Road in Calhoun, as well as online. The deadline to apply is April 18 at 3 p.m.
For more information and application details, visit the scholarship link provided by AdventHealth Gordon Foundation.
Chattooga High School is recognizing Abbigail Smith for an outstanding achievement after her award-winning welding sculpture was honored at the state level.
Abbigail, along with Superintendent Michelle Helie, CTAE Director Angie Culbert, and Welding Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor Carter Woodall, attended the State Board of Education meeting on March 26, 2026, where her sculpture was showcased.
Smith earned the silver medal in Welding Sculpture at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference, an accomplishment that highlights her talent, creativity, and dedication to welding.
School leaders praised Abbigail’s success and also recognized the educators and administrators who continue to support student achievement and career-focused education at Chattooga High School.
Congratulations to Abbigail Smith on this impressive honor and statewide recognition.
A Summerville woman has been cited following an investigation into animal cruelty after multiple dogs were found in poor condition at a residence on Northwest Congress Street.
Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley is gearing up for the return of Rome Emperors baseball and hopes fans visiting AdventHealth Stadium will come hungry.
Executive Director Betsy Allgood says Habitat operates two of the large concession stands and the nacho stand at the ballpark during Emperors home games. Fifteen percent of the concession proceeds benefit Habitat, and the organization also accepts tips.
Habitat is now looking for volunteers ages 14 and older to help work concessions throughout the season. Anyone interested in volunteering can register through Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley.
The organization is also preparing for its upcoming Overall Ball, scheduled for Saturday evening, April 25, at Oak Hill. The event will feature entertainment from the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos.
Allgood says proceeds from the Overall Ball will support Habitat’s latest home build. Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley serves families in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk counties.
The annual Spring Plant Sale at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rome is set for April 13 through April 16, offering a wide selection of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more while supporting the school’s Horticulture program.
A traffic stop in Trion last week resulted in the arrest of a man on multiple drug-related charges after deputies say he attempted to discard narcotics during a pursuit.
According to the report, Deputy Riley Reeves observed a vehicle traveling on Central Avenue without functioning taillights in the early morning hours of March 26. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to immediately pull over and made abrupt movements, at one point turning into the opposite lane before continuing south toward Highway 27.
During the pursuit, the deputy reported seeing an object thrown from the driver’s side window. After the vehicle eventually stopped, the driver—identified as 47-year-old Christopher Jeff Edwards—was detained. Authorities later recovered suspected narcotics from the area where the object was discarded.
Investigators say the recovered items included substances believed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with related paraphernalia. Edwards was taken into custody and transported to jail without further incident. He faces multiple charges, including trafficking of controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Schedule II drugs, and abandonment of dangerous drugs.
Today is Sine Die at the Georgia State Capitol, the final day of the legislative session when lawmakers must give final approval to bills if they are to become law this year. The term “Sine Die” is Latin for “without a day,” meaning the General Assembly adjourns without setting a date to return for the current session.
