Abbie Carson, a recent graduate of Armuchee High School, has been awarded the North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation’s (NGEMC) 2025 Chairman’s Memorial Scholarship. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding students within the NGEMC service area. Carson, a resident of Chattooga County, plans to further her education at the University of Georgia. The $2,500 scholarship is available to high school seniors who reside in households served by NGEMC. It is named in honor of former NGEMC board members Howard Baker and Gerald Lowery, recognizing their dedication and service to the cooperative and its members. NGEMC is a member-owned electric cooperative providing power to residents in Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties. The scholarship program underscores NGEMC’s commitment to supporting the education and future success of young people in the communities it serves.

Charles Shannon Keen, 46, of Summerville, was arrested last week on charges of DUI after failing field sobriety tests at a license and safety checkpoint.  Chattooga County Deputies and Trion Police were conducting a safety checkpoint at the intersection of Ridgeway Drive and Tatum Road last Saturday. According to the incident report filed by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office,  Keen’s vehicle, a white Land Rover Discovery Sport, entered the checkpoint. A deputy noticing the odor of alcohol, directed Keen to pull aside. The deputy also detected the odor of alcohol and initiated a conversation with Keen, who initially denied consuming alcohol before admitting to having “three or four” drinks.  A portable breath test registered a 0.094 blood alcohol content. Keen subsequently refused a blood test after being read implied consent. Keen then asked if he could tell his wife to call a ride because she was also intoxicated, the report stated. After being read his Miranda rights, Keen admitted to having “3 or 4 beers” approximately 30 minutes prior to driving. While being transported to the Chattooga County Jail, Keen told deputies, “I’m sorry for driving I knew I shouldn’t have been.” Keen was booked into the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

Residents in Chattooga County, Georgia, and neighboring Cherokee and DeKalb Counties in Alabama, are experiencing an increased number of black bear sightings in recent weeks. In response, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging residents to practice “BearWise” principles to ensure both human and bear safety.

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A welfare check on several horses has led to the arrest of Raul Rodriguez, 47, and Belinda Rodriguez, 56, both of Walker County. The arrests follow a two-day investigation at their property located at 44 Manor Lane, outside of Rossville. Raul Rodriguez is facing 12 counts of animal cruelty, while Belinda Rodriguez is charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty. The investigation began when Walker County Animal Control officers responded to a complaint concerning multiple horses appearing malnourished. Upon arrival, officers found several animals on the property in emaciated condition, lacking sufficient feed to maintain a healthy body weight. Observations included deteriorating muscle mass, missing fur, open leg wounds, and inflamed skin on several animals. A veterinarian who assessed the animals determined that some were in pain and suffering from conditions stemming from neglect. While the veterinarian did not believe the owners acted maliciously, their failure to provide adequate care for the livestock was evident. The Rodriguez’s surrendered their animals to the county. Authorities removed a total of four horses, three donkeys, two mini-horses, two pigs, one rabbit, and multiple chickens and goats from the property. The animals in the most critical condition were transported to TMMA Farms & Sanctuary in Trion for immediate treatment. The remaining animals were placed with a livestock rescue organization. The case remains under investigation.

Residents of Northwest Georgia awoke to unseasonably pleasant temperatures this morning, with readings in the low 60s and even dipping into the upper 50s in higher elevations. The refreshing start comes ahead of rising temperatures expected later today and a weekend forecast dominated by rain. A frontal boundary is currently moving slowly across the region, bringing with it a mix of conditions. Areas along and north of the boundary are experiencing mostly clear skies and some morning fog, while central Georgia is seeing scattered showers and thunderstorms. The forecast for today calls for mostly sunny skies with highs reaching the upper 80s. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 64 degrees and calm winds. Thursday brings a 40% chance of showers, with the likelihood increasing to showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 87. The chance of precipitation remains elevated heading into the weekend. Thursday night has a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 AM, followed by a slight chance of showers. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a 70% chance of showers, becoming likely showers and thunderstorms after 11 AM. The high is expected to be near 87. Unfortunately for outdoor plans, the unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue through the weekend, with a high probability of rain on both Saturday and Father’s Day Sunday.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 11, 2025:

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The World’s Folk Art Church at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Chattooga County has been closed for over 25 years, but will reopen to the public on June 22, 2025. Howard Finster built this five-story structure beginning in the mid-1980s on top of a small country church, which he bought with partial funding from a National Endowment for the Arts grant. Finster completed the 56-foot-tall building without detailed architectural plans by July 1987, using it as an art studio and museum for artifacts.

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While some Georgia Republicans champion a return to paper ballots for state elections, the Georgia Republican Convention ironically opted against using them for their internal leadership vote held this past week in Whitfield County in Northwest Georgia. The decision sparked controversy and accusations of a rigged system. Party leaders announced the selection of the chairman and other leadership positions would be conducted using electronic “clickers,” a move that bypassed paper ballots prepared by a group of Republican activists present at the convention in Dalton.

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Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is proud to announce the launch of its Minor Home Repairs Program, designed to assist local homeowners in maintaining safe and livable homes through essential repairs and upgrades. The program specifically targets low- to moderate-income residents in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk Counties who may lack the financial resources or physical ability to undertake necessary home maintenance. “We understand that even minor home repairs can become major obstacles for many in our community,” said Betsy Allgood, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley. “This program is about preserving housing stability and dignity for those who need a helping hand.” The program aims to address critical issues that can impact a homeowner’s well-being and the integrity of their property. Priority will be given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Eligible homeowners residing in Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties are encouraged to apply. Applications are readily available online at www.habitatcoosavalley.org. Individuals can also obtain applications in person at 504 East First Ave, Rome, GA. For further information, to request an application by mail, or to inquire about eligibility requirements, please contact Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley at 706.378.0030 or via email at habitat@habitatcoosavalley.org. This program offers a vital lifeline to ensure homeowners in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk Counties can continue to live safely and comfortably in their homes.