A Lindale man, Steven Mark Busby, 53, died early Monday morning following a high-speed chase that originated in Cherokee County, Alabama, and ended in Floyd County, Georgia. Floyd County officials released the name of the deceased. According to reports from the Floyd County Coroner’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol, the incident occurred on Alabama Highway. Busby, driving a 2023 Chevy Camaro, was being pursued by a Cherokee County, Alabama, sheriff’s deputy when he lost control of his vehicle while attempting to navigate a turn near Fosters Bend Road. The Camaro reportedly rolled several times before erupting in flames. Busby was ejected from the vehicle during the rolls and was pronounced dead at the scene. WEIS radio news reported that the deputy initially attempted to stop Busby in Alabama, leading to a high-speed pursuit. The deputy reportedly lost sight of Busby after crossing the state line into Floyd County and terminated the chase. While returning to Alabama, the deputy discovered the wrecked and burning Camaro. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement confirming there was no contact between the deputy’s vehicle and Busby’s. The reason for the initial traffic stop and subsequent pursuit remains undisclosed at this time. The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the incident.

A Rome woman is facing charges, including felony serious injury by vehicle, after allegedly hitting a 74-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk on Broad Street Wednesday morning. According to Floyd County Police, Heather Marie Erb, 55, of Rome, was under the influence of prescription drugs when her vehicle struck the man at the intersection of Broad Street and East Sixth Avenue. Floyd County Jail records indicate the pedestrian crossing sign was active at the time of the incident. The victim, whose name has not been released, sustained fractures and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Erb is charged with felony serious injury by vehicle, as well as misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence (DUI) and failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. She was being held at the Floyd County Jail.

On Friday, a forest fire started on Marks Hill in Chattooga County. Thanks to the fast and brave efforts of several fire departments and agencies, including the Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, Menlo, Teloga, and Hays Fire Departments, the fire was contained by Friday evening.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia are urged to exercise extreme caution on Friday as high fire danger conditions are expected due to dry fuels and very low relative humidity. A Fire Danger Statement has been issued for the region, lasting throughout Friday afternoon and evening. Authorities are reminding residents to consult with their local burn permitting agencies for specific regulations regarding outdoor burning.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, February 28, 2025:

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Southern rock fans should save the date! The City of Summerville, along with Summerville Main Street, is hosting a concert featuring the tribute band Strictly Skynyrd on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Music lovers can join in downtown Summerville for a night filled with classic hits and Southern rock vibes. Strictly Skynyrd is recognized for faithfully recreating the sound and energy of the famous 1970s band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The tribute band includes talented musicians: Christopher Lee (Vocals), Gene Ingram (Guitar), Paul Daniels (Guitar), Scott Brown (Guitar), Jason Cosper (Bass), Bobby Graham (Drums), and Lynn Hicks (Piano). Attendees will enjoy all their favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. More information about vendors and other event details will be shared soon. Watch the City of Summerville website and Facebook Page for more details.

Stargazers can look forward to a planetary parade happening this evening, February 28, just after dusk. During this event, seven out of the eight planets in our solar system will be visible in the sky, with six of them observable for most of the week. On Friday, Mercury will join Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in this alignment.

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A Centre, Alabama woman has been arrested and charged with arson and insurance fraud following an investigation into a fire and subsequent burglary at her residence in the Bomar Community. Mary Ann Studdard, 51, was taken into custody earlier this week after investigators uncovered inconsistencies in her account of events. The initial fire, which caused partial damage to the home, was initially believed to be accidental. However, the following day, a deputy from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a burglary at the same residence. Sheriff Jeff Shaver stated that due to the suspicious circumstances, the deputy requested the assistance of Sheriff’s Office investigators. The State Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to the scene to collect forensic evidence. As investigators continued their work, they identified several inconsistencies in the homeowner’s account of events, according to Sheriff Shaver. Following further investigation, Mary Ann Studdard was arrested and charged with Arson in the 2nd Degree and Insurance Fraud in the 1st Degree. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.

In this Shorter University photo: Shorter University recently received a grant from the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation. Pictured from left to right: Rev. Thomas Hammond, Executive Director, Georgia Baptist Mission Board; Dr. Don Dowless, President, Shorter University; Rev. Larry Wynn, Executive Director, Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, Inc.; and Mr. John Howard, Board Chair, Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, Inc.

Shorter University is pleased to receive a generous grant from the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation. This foundation supports health care initiatives by providing financial assistance to organizations across Georgia. In 2025, it awarded nearly $9 million to 87 organizations, benefiting over 5 million lives in the past 19 years. Dr. Don Dowless, the President of Shorter University, accepted the grant at the foundation’s Grant Distribution Luncheon. This year’s funds will support the nursing program, and additional money will go towards nursing student scholarships, continuing the positive impact of the foundation on the University. Dr. Dowless expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its importance in helping the University fulfill its mission and enhance its nursing program.

Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley recently broke ground on its 61^st home build and seeks volunteers to help with construction.  The Coosa Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity serves Chattooga, Floyd and Polk Counties.

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