Fugitive Wanted on Child Sex Charges Identified Ss Man Found Dead In Dade County Pond

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has officially identified the body found in a Dade County pond last week as 46-year-old John Richard Sweatt, a man who had been actively sought by authorities for serious felony charges, including aggravated sexual battery and child molestation.

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Discarded Temporary Tag Lands Lyerly Man with Peach Pass Bill

A Chattooga County resident has become the victim of an unusual license plate fraud, racking up multiple toll violations on Georgia’s Peach Pass system after his discarded temporary tag was illegally used by an unknown perpetrator, according to a Summerville Police Department investigation.

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SNAP Benefit Cuts Expected To Trigger Surge in Food Assistance Demand Across Georgia

Proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, are expected to significantly increase the demand for food assistance programs throughout Georgia, according to local advocates and food banks. The potential impact of these cuts, driven in part by the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has raised concerns about food security for vulnerable populations in the state.

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Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refunds On Track Despite Some Residents’ Frustration

Despite growing impatience among some Georgians visible on social media, Governor Brian Kemp’s office maintains that the state is on track to distribute surplus tax refunds in line with previous years. As of Tuesday, $621 million has been returned to eligible and qualifying taxpayers, a significant jump from the $488 million reported on Friday.

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Chattooga Co-Ed Football Camp Starts July 8

A free, co-educational youth football camp for ages 5-11 is set to kick off  July 8th, at Little Bighorn Stadium in Chattooga. The three-day camp, running through July 10th, offers young athletes the opportunity to learn football fundamentals from Chattooga High School players and coaches.

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Mega Churches Are Not The Norm For Georgia Worshipers

Georgia is a state known for its vibrant religious landscape, but behind the headlines of massive megachurches, lies a more nuanced reality: the vast majority of Georgian congregations are small, intimate gatherings. While the state boasts a significant number of megachurches, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area, these large institutions represent a minority of the overall religious picture.

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Trion Fall Sports Registration Underway

Get ready for some fall fun! The Trion Recreation Center is now accepting registrations for a variety of fall sports programs for children ages 5-12. With options ranging from volleyball to football, there’s something for every young athlete!

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Arrest Report – Saturday – July 5, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 5, 2025:

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Hot Dry Weather Continues For The Weekend With Increased Rain Chances Next Week

Northwest Georgia residents can expect a continuation of hot and mostly dry conditions through the beginning of next week, the National Weather Service announced today. While the region enjoyed a beautiful and dry Fourth of July holiday, forecasters are emphasizing high afternoon temperatures as the primary concern, with increased chances for afternoon thundershowers anticipated from Monday through Thursday.

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Chattooga County Internet Lawsuit Advances As Zentell Owner Located

Chattooga County’s legal battle against Zentell Communications, a Tennessee-based company contracted to provide high-speed internet to the Menlo area, has gained momentum after the company’s owner was located in Chattanooga. The discovery follows nearly two months of searching by law enforcement, The Summerville News reported this week.

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