On Saturday evening, June 28th, Georgia State Patrol Post 38 Troopers responded to a single-vehicle accident in the Gore area that occurred around 7:09 PM. The incident took place on Farmersville Road, in the vicinity of Little Sand Mountain Road. The vehicle involved, a Ford Explorer, was traveling northbound when the driver lost control. The Explorer veered off the roadway, coming to rest on the east shoulder where it collided with a power pole. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Michael Dooley of Armuchee, sustained minor injuries in the crash. He was subsequently transported to Atrium Floyd Medical Center for treatment. Following the investigation, Mr. Dooley was issued a citation for Failure to maintain lane.

The City of Summerville Fire Department will be conducting essential hydrant flushing throughout the city from Monday, June 30th to Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily. This proactive maintenance is a vital component in ensuring the effectiveness of the city’s fire suppression system and maintaining water quality for all residents.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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:

Read more