Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced this week an active investigation into a large-scale, multi-state cattle theft scheme, urging potential victims to contact authorities immediately. The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement is seeking information on any individuals who may have been defrauded by Garrett Hill, also known as Jared Smith.
Georgia-Pacific announced it will permanently close its containerboard mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, leading to the layoff of all 535 employees, with most job losses occurring by August 1. There is no fixed schedule for the shutdown, as production will continue to fulfill customer commitments until a safe closure is achieved.
Georgia is poised to become the 13th state in the US to legalize human composting, also known as terramation, offering residents a more environmentally conscious option for end-of-life arrangements. Governor Brian Kemp recently signed the groundbreaking bill into law, paving the way for a more sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation. The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1st. Supporters of human composting hail it as a natural and responsible way to honor loved ones. By accelerating the natural decomposition process using organic materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw, the method transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil within a few months. This soil can then be used by families to plant trees, nourish gardens, or even contribute to conservation efforts. “This law will allow funeral homes and other businesses to establish composting facilities within Georgia,” a spokesperson stated, highlighting a key benefit of the legislation. Prior to this, Georgians interested in human composting were forced to transport bodies to West Coast states where the practice was already legal, adding significant expense and logistical complexity.
Trion City Schools are celebrating a remarkable achievement, having been presented with a total of four state awards by the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE). Trion Elementary, Trion Middle, and Trion High Schools each received the prestigious Masters of Mathematics award, recognizing their exceptional implementation of Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards and outstanding student achievement in mathematics. Adding to the accolades, Trion Middle School was also honored with the Literacy Leaders award, acknowledging the school’s significant strides in improving student reading proficiency. The awards were presented by Dr. April Aldridge, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the GDOE, during a special ceremony. “These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our teachers, staff, and students,” said Dr. Phil Williams, Superintendent of Trion City Schools. “We are incredibly proud of the progress our schools have made in both mathematics and literacy, and we are committed to continuing to provide our students with a high-quality education.”
Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms late tonight. The National Weather Service is forecasting a line of storms to enter the region, bringing with it the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rain. The primary threat associated with these storms is damaging wind. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects and be aware of the potential for downed trees and power lines. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 87 degrees. A southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph, is expected. The chance of precipitation tonight is 70%. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 4 am, then showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 am. The low will be around 67 degrees with a south wind of 5 to 10 mph, and gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch are expected, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend. Saturday brings a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 87 degrees. Sunday also has a 60% chance of precipitation. While Monday offers a slight respite, with only a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 16, 2025:
The penalty for trafficking fentanyl has increased in Georgia after Governor Brian Kemp signed a new law aimed at reducing illegal sales of the drug. Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, is 100 times stronger than morphine and can be deadly, especially when mixed with other drugs. Even a small amount, two milligrams, can be fatal depending on individual factors. The Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act sets mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl traffickers. For amounts between four grams and 14 grams, offenders will face at least five years in prison. Senator Russ Goodman, who introduced the bill, highlighted the unique danger of fentanyl, noting personal stories of families affected by its use, particularly among teenagers. The South Georgia blueberry farmer said Tuesday that he introduced SB 79 because fentanyl is unlike any other drug experienced by older generations. If those older drugs are BB guns, then fentanyl is a nuclear bomb, he said, and teenagers are particularly at risk because they are unaware.
Cortes Warren Mayville, 43, of Armuchee, was arrested this week following allegations that he imprisoned and attacked a 42-year-old woman at a residence on Mossy Oaks Lane. According to reports, the incident occurred at the Mossy Oaks Lane home, where Mayville allegedly shoved the victim to the floor and restrained her by pinning her chest with his knee. The reports further allege that Mayville then choked the victim, restricting her breathing. As a result of the incident, Mayville is facing charges of aggravated assault, battery, and false imprisonment. As of Thursday, he remained in custody at the Floyd County Jail. Further details regarding the incident are pending investigation.
A male victim was pulled from a burning residence on Dogwood Circle in Lyerly, Georgia, Thursday afternoon. Quick action by local firefighters spared the man’s life after he became trapped inside the engulfed structure. Multiple fire departments, including Lyerly, Menlo, Summerville, Hays Correctional, and a Walker County Fire Department unit from LaFayette, responded to the blaze. The coordinated effort proved crucial in rescuing the victim. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader confirmed the successful rescue, praising the bravery and efficiency of the responding fire departments. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, fire officials report that the house is a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
Citing concerns for participant safety due to a potentially severe weather forecast, the Summerville Main Street program has announced the postponement of the highly anticipated Ducky Derby, originally scheduled for this Saturday. Summerville Main Street Manager Susan Locklear made the announcement Thursday afternoon, emphasizing that the decision was made with “abundant caution” after reviewing projected forecasts indicating a risk of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. As the Ducky Derby is a water-based event held in the local creek, organizers prioritized the safety of participants. “We want to keep our participants’ safety a first priority,” Locklear stated. The Ducky Derby has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 7th, and will now be incorporated into the already planned Double Steam Engine Train arrival and Cowboy Western Heritage Festival. Organizers anticipate a lively and well-attended event on the new date. “We look forward to a great event on June 7th,” Locklear added. The Summerville Main Street program thanks the community for their understanding and looks forward to seeing everyone on June 7th.
