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August 28, 2026

Connecticut Man Jailed In Floyd County On Grooming And Threat Charges

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A Connecticut man was booked into the Floyd County Jail Thursday on charges involving alleged online contact with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

According to arrest warrants, 29-year-old Gabriel Reno Lorenzo Grant of Norwich, Connecticut, is charged with grooming a minor, obscene internet contact with a child, and terroristic threats and acts.

The warrants allege that Grant sent text messages between June 8 and June 11 to an individual he believed was a 14-year-old female. Investigators say the messages were intended to prepare, persuade or coerce the juvenile into a sexual offense.

The warrants further allege that Grant discussed various sexual acts during the messages and later made threats to blind, rape and murder the individual.

Grant was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Thursday. The charges are allegations, and Grant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AdventHealth To Host Free Night Of Hope Concert In Rome

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AdventHealth is inviting families from across Northwest Georgia to come together for an evening of music, worship and encouragement at the Night of Hope on Saturday, September 19, at Ridge Ferry Park in Rome.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Property Tax Appeal Forms Available Saturday In Downtown Summerville

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Residents who still need to file a property tax appeal will have another opportunity to pick up a free appeal form Saturday morning in downtown Summerville.

Nancy Bishop says volunteers plan to be in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office near Jefferson’s Saturday morning and will remain there until at least noon, or until rain moves in.

Drivers are invited to slow down or stop to pick up a form, but organizers are asking everyone to be careful and considerate of other traffic in the area.

The deadline to file a property tax appeal is Monday, September 14.

Bishop also reminds residents that they do not have to complete all of their research before filing an appeal. She says if a property owner later determines that the value they asserted was too low, they can raise that amount, but they cannot lower the asserted value after the appeal is filed.

Residents may also designate an agent to represent or assist them during the appeal process. According to the post, that agent does not have to be a real estate or insurance professional and could be a friend, family member, business associate or hired professional.

Organizers hope to get additional clarification about the agent process during Monday night’s property tax class at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

Anyone who still needs an appeal form can stop by downtown Summerville Saturday morning.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Could Receive Nearly $135 Million In Landmark Meta Settlement

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Georgia could receive nearly $135 million under a landmark multistate settlement with Meta Platforms that will also bring major changes to how children and teenagers use Facebook and Instagram.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two Special Events Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two special outdoor programs Saturday, August 29, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park from sunrise through moonrise.

The day begins with a Sunrise Paddle from 7 until 8 AM. Participants will join park rangers for an early-morning paddle around the Lower Lake. Those attending should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water and clothing that can get wet.

The Sunrise Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 for participants who bring their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.

Saturday evening, the park will host a Moon Pie Hike beginning at 8 PM.

Rangers will lead an easy hike around the Lower Lake before participants enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise from the lower dam. Participants should bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on and comfortable walking shoes.

The Moon Pie Hike costs $3 per person, in addition to the required $10 park pass.

Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hiking 101 Program Coming To James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a special Hiking 101 program on Saturday, September 12.

The program begins at 2:30 PM, with participants meeting in front of the park office.

Park rangers will lead a guided hike along the Lower Lake Trail, teaching participants some of the basics of hiking. The program will cover how to safely hike trails, what hikers should pack and how to prepare for an emergency while enjoying the outdoors.

Organizers say the program is open to all ages and is designed for people who are new to hiking as well as those who simply want to spend some time outdoors and learn more about safely navigating trails.

The Hiking 101 program itself is free, although a $10 park pass is required.

Anyone interested in participating is asked to register by calling the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Could Add 145 Species To State Protected List

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Georgia is considering the first major update to its list of protected plants and animals in two decades, a move that could add 145 species whose populations are declining or facing significant threats.

August 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Opening Day Weather Outlook For The Chattooga County Fair

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The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens today, and the weather may require fairgoers to keep an eye on the sky.

August 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – August 27, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, August 27, 2026:

August 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Agricultural Fair Opens Today

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The wait is over for one of Chattooga County’s biggest annual events, as the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens this afternoon in Summerville.