Get ready for some hands-on science fun! The Chattooga Library is partnering with the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center (GYSTC) to host a captivating science presentation on Tuesday, July 15th at 2:00 PM.
Jodeci Walker was arrested on June 25th for allegedly trespassing on Summerville Housing Authority (SHA) property and fleeing from police. At around 2:25 PM, a Summerville Housing Auhtority employee reported Walker’s presence, despite her being banned from the area. An officer recognized Walker and saw her running through an open field. When instructed to stop, she refused and fled towards Hawkins Drive. The officer pursued her as she entered a backyard of a resident, who opened the door after hearing Walker scream. The officer entered the home and arrested Walker, who did not cooperate during transport to the patrol car. Walker faces charges of criminal trespass and obstruction of an officer for fleeing and resisting arrest. She also had an outstanding warrant. Evidence against her includes a letter from SHA confirming her ban and prior police reports documenting her warnings.
Georgia has been facing a serious opioid crisis for over ten years, which reflects a national increase in overdose deaths. From 2010 to 2022, opioid-related overdose deaths in Georgia rose by 302%. Initially, this crisis was mostly due to the misuse of prescription opioids, but lately, it has been driven by illegal opioids, especially fentanyl, which is a powerful synthetic opioid. Between 2019 and 2022, fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased by 308%, from 392 to 1,601. By 2022, fentanyl and synthetic opioids were involved in 64% of all overdose deaths in the state. The overdose death rate in Georgia hit its peak in 2022, recording 25 deaths per 100,000 residents, the highest since 1999. Although this rate is lower than the national average, the effect on local communities has been severe. In 2020, drug overdoses became the leading cause of premature death in Georgia. However, there is some positive news. Preliminary data from the CDC shows about a 22% drop in drug overdose deaths in Georgia for the year ending September 2024 compared to the previous year. The Georgia Department of Public Health is closely tracking overdose trends to inform prevention efforts. Initiatives include increasing access to naloxone, supporting peer services, and funding treatment programs. Despite the encouraging decline, the opioid crisis remains a major public health issue, requiring ongoing efforts to continue the progress seen recently.
Sources: CDC / Georgia DPH
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 4, 2025:
Residents across Northwest Georgia can expect a hot and largely dry Independence Day, with temperatures soaring into the low to mid-90s. The presence of a fairly dry air mass aloft is contributing to conditions that are set to persist through the holiday weekend. Coupled with the ambient humidity, heat index values are projected to reach as high as 97 degrees, potentially nearing lower triple digits in some localized areas. A north wind of approximately 5 mph is expected to shift to an east wind in the afternoon. Authorities and weather officials urge those spending time outdoors today to prioritize hydration and plan frequent breaks in shaded areas to mitigate the risk of heat-related illness. Tonight, conditions are expected to remain mostly clear, with a comfortable low around 71 degrees and a light northeast wind. The heat trend is set to continue through the weekend. Saturday will see sunny skies and a high near 93 degrees, with calm winds becoming eastbound around 5 mph in the afternoon. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 70 degrees and continued calm winds. Sunday is also forecast to be sunny with a high near 93 degrees. Winds will remain calm, becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 71 degrees. Looking ahead to Monday, the forecast indicates another hot day with a high near 94 degrees. There is a slight, 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 2:00 PM, providing the first potential for precipitation in several days. With sustained high temperatures on tap, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant about heat safety throughout the long holiday weekend.
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day weekend that goes beyond the usual barbecue and fireworks? James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville, Georgia, offers a refreshing alternative, with a series of guided nature activities perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with Georgia’s beautiful natural landscape. Escape the bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the park with these exciting events:
A Chattooga County woman was arrested this week after Chattooga County deputies were called to a shoplifting incident. According to the sheriff’s office, Payton Fielding Ragland, age 26 from Summerville, was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart on Monday. The arrest resulted in drug possession charges after sheriff’s deputies reportedly found marijuana and methamphetamine in Ragland’s purse. Deputies reviewed security footage that showed Ragland and another woman, at the checkout area. While the other woman paid for her items, Ragland allegedly did not pay for four concealed items. When deputies questioned Ragland, she reportedly admitted to having marijuana and pills. Deputies detected a strong smell of marijuana from her purse, and found a bottle of Alprazolam and a packet of suspected marijuana. They also discovered crystals suspected to be methamphetamine. Field testing proved positive for the suspected methamphetamine. Ragland faces charges for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Theft by Shoplifting, while the other woman was not charged.
Unleash your inner designer with free Canva classes offered at the Trion Library! Whether you’re a small business owner looking to boost your social media presence, a student needing to create engaging presentations, or simply someone who enjoys crafting visually appealing content, Canva offers a powerful and user-friendly platform for all your graphic design needs.
Two Summerville residents are facing multiple drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop on Redmond Road in Rome on Tuesday that led to the discovery of a significant amount of methamphetamine.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved a plan to keep Georgia Power’s base electricity rates stable until at least the end of 2028. This plan, following an agreement reached with the commission’s staff, will handle storm costs separately. Base rates are what customers pay for electricity, excluding fuel costs. Georgia is experiencing significant growth and increased electricity demand due to economic development, prompting Georgia Power to work with various stakeholders to ensure energy demands are met while keeping costs affordable. “At Georgia Power, we appreciate that our customers depend on us to deliver reliable and affordable energy every day to power their homes and businesses – that is our focus every day, with every decision we make,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “The rate freeze resulting from this plan is a great result for customers, balancing the mutual benefits of extraordinary economic growth among all stakeholders and helping to ensure that we remain equipped to continue supporting growth in this state. A plan like this is only possible due to the strength of Georgia’s constructive regulatory environment, and we thank the Georgia Public Service Commission for their vote today.” The company will also seek to recover costs related to Hurricane Helene restoration and other storm responses through electric rates by the end of 2025. A separate regulatory proceeding for this is expected in early 2026.