Earlier this month, on Highway 48, Summerville Police stopped a red 2006 Jeep Wrangler that was reported stolen. The vehicle belonged to David Hughes and was being driven by Leslie Bishop. Police confirmed the vehicle was stolen with 911 dispatch and initiated a traffic stop. Bishop initially claimed she borrowed the vehicle but later admitted to stealing it. A search of the Jeep revealed a burnt rolled cigarette suspected to contain marijuana, personal belongings of Bishop, and confirmation from Sgt. Rogers that the Jeep was reported stolen. Brandi Thompson, Hughes’s daughter, shared her struggles to retrieve the vehicle from Bishop, who she said had been avoiding contact. Hughes decided to press charges, and Bishop was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property, given the Jeep’s value exceeding $5,000. Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene, and Bishop was taken into custody.

According to a report released recently by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Kevius Kenti Reed was arrested for disorderly conduct after a disturbance at a residence on Packer Dairy Road. A Chattooga County Deputy responded to complaints of family members causing trouble while intoxicated around 12:01 AM. Earlier that evening, the deputy  had intervened to prevent a potential physical altercation at the same residence. Upon his return, the deputy found a verbal argument escalating quickly, with Mr. Reed on top of a female identified as Jasmine Reed. Despite Mr. Reed insisting he was assisting Ms. Reed, eyewitnesses reported differently. Ms. Reed’s grandmother stated that Mr. Reed had been disruptive since the earlier incident. Despite Mr. Reed’s emotional distress during the arrest, he was taken into custody without incident and transported to Chattooga County Jail. Charges against Mr. Reed included disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit, released safety report with slight downgrades for the two hospitals located in Rome. Georgia ranks 35th in the country for “A” hospitals, down from 23rd in the spring. AdventHealth Redmond got a “B,” after earning “A”s since fall 2022. Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center received a “C,” down from a “B” in the spring. Statewide, 79 hospitals were graded, with 17 “A”s, 29 “B”s, 28 “C”s, and 5 “D”s. Two North Georgia hospitals got “A”s. Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper and Wellstar Paulding Hospital in Hiram. None received a “D” grade. . The Leapfrog Group urges continued work to improve patient safety, recognizing hospitals in Georgia for prioritizing patient safety. The grading system is transparent, peer-reviewed, and updated each fall and spring based on 30 performance measures.

United Community has been named one of the Best Banks to Work For in 2024 by American Banker and Best Companies Group. This recognition is based on employee satisfaction and benefits offered. This is the eighth year United has been selected.

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Georgia gas prices were parked in neutral at the pumps compared to a week ago.  Georgians pay an average of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 22 cents more than a month ago and 9 cents more than this time last year. It costs drivers an average price of $43.95 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, November 18, 2024:

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As the landscape of demographics continues to shift, Chattooga County is projected to see a median age of 40.2 years in 2024, surpassing both the state of Georgia and the national average. This data highlights a growing trend that reflects not only the aging population but also the unique characteristics of the county’s residents. For comparison, the median age in Georgia is estimated to be 37.0 years, while the United States as a whole is expected to have a median age of 39.3 years.

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A stolen U-Haul truck was reported to Summerville Police earlier this month.  According to a report released last week by the Summerville Police Department, a representative from U-Haul contacted police in Summerville and reported the stolen vehicle.  The representative told police that the truck was rented on October 16th and was supposed to have been returned on October 17th, but was never returned.  The employee, who works in the U-Haul Stolen Recovery Vehicle Department, told police that the truck was rented in Summerville, but suspected that the truck was located on Ridgeway Road in Trion.  County deputies traveled to the Ridgeway Road address, but were unable to locate the stolen vehicle. The investigation into the theft is ongoing.

Northwest Georgia Football has named Chattooga High School standout Zayden Cook as their “Small School Player of the Year” for 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights Cook’s incredible performance this season, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable talents in high school football. The dynamic running back has had a stellar season, leading the state with an impressive 2,735 rushing yards and an astonishing 31 touchdowns. Cook’s remarkable ability to make explosive plays has not only dazzled fans but also bolstered his team’s success. Averaging an impressive 8 total touchdowns per game, he has consistently proven to be a game-changer on the field. In addition to his rushing prowess, Cook demonstrated his versatility by recording two interceptions, showcasing his skills on both sides of the ball. His contributions have been instrumental in elevating Chattooga’s football program and inspiring a new generation of athletes in the community. Zayden Cook joins a distinguished list of former recipients of this honor, including local legends such as Toby Maddux, Seth Griffin, Jahmyr Gibbs, Luke Holloway, and Clay Hyatt. These former winners have each left an indelible mark on Northwest Georgia football, and Cook’s achievement places him in esteemed company. Cook’s immense talent, dedication, and passion for the game make him a standout athlete not only for Chattooga but for the entire Northwest Georgia region.