A Floyd County woman is facing a felony charge after she was accused of embezzling $220,000 from her employer over a 15-month period. Patricia Ann Morabito, 51, of Shannon, was arrested this week and charged with felony theft by taking. According to her arrest warrant, Morabito was an employee at Manco Logistics, located at 701 Broad Street, when the alleged thefts occurred. The warrant states that between May 1, 2023, and August 15, 2024, Morabito illegally deposited funds from the business into her own personal account. The warrant further alleges that Morabito also used friends and family members to help her obtain funds from the company’s account. Morabito was booked into the Floyd County Jail, where she remained as of Friday morning. The investigation into the case is ongoing.

A Chattooga County man was arrested on outstanding warrants while working his shift at the local McDonald’s last week, and now faces an additional felony charge after deputies allegedly discovered methamphetamine in his pocket during the arrest.

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Get ready for an evening of patriotic fun! The City of Summerville is gearing up to host its annual Independence Day celebration this evening, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center. The event, running from 6 PM to 10:30 PM, promises a family-friendly atmosphere packed with delicious food, energetic entertainment, and a breathtaking fireworks display.

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As families across the area prepare for backyard barbecues, poolside gatherings, and dazzling fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day, local officials are reminding the public to prioritize safety to ensure the holiday remains a time of joy, not tragedy.

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Office of Adult Education held its Spring 2025 Graduation Ceremony on June 26 for students who earned High School Equivalency diplomas. The event took place at the Conference Center on GNTC’s Gordon County Campus, welcoming families from all nine counties served by GNTC. Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education, opened the ceremony, acknowledging the challenges graduates faced and praising their determination. Guest speaker Noelia Sargento, GNTC’s EAGLE delegate and Adult Education Student of the Year, shared her journey of overcoming setbacks to earn her diploma, encouraging graduates to continue pursuing their dreams. Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president, emphasized that education is a continuous journey. Laurie Brooks presented diplomas, and Derrick McDaniel recognized honor graduates. The Adult Education program also acknowledged various organizations that provided scholarships, supporting its mission to help adult learners gain essential skills for personal and professional success. You can see a list of all the graduates below:

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A high school volleyball coach employed in Alabama was arrested Tuesday, July 1, 2025, on felony charges related to manufacturing and distributing child pornography and unlawfully video recording individuals without their consent. The arrest of Michael Lance Brown, 36, of Cloudland, Georgia, has sent shockwaves through communities in both Georgia and Alabama.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th holiday travel period. The suspension of lane closures will begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, July 3, and will continue until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. During this time, construction-related lane closures will be suspended to ease potential congestion, reduce delays, and increase safety for motorists across the state due to the holiday. Georgia DOT is committed to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and our staff. While on the roads, be mindful that crews may still be working, and some closures may remain in place for safety or emergency reasons. When in a work zone, slow down and move over one lane when possible. Visit www.dot.ga.gov for Georgia DOT’s traffic forecasts and best practices for traveling across the state for the holiday.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 2, 2025:

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