Chattooga High Student Earns State Recognition For Award-Winning Welding Sculpture

Chattooga High School is recognizing Abbigail Smith for an outstanding achievement after her award-winning welding sculpture was honored at the state level.

Abbigail, along with Superintendent Michelle Helie, CTAE Director Angie Culbert, and Welding Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor Carter Woodall, attended the State Board of Education meeting on March 26, 2026, where her sculpture was showcased.

Smith earned the silver medal in Welding Sculpture at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference, an accomplishment that highlights her talent, creativity, and dedication to welding.

School leaders praised Abbigail’s success and also recognized the educators and administrators who continue to support student achievement and career-focused education at Chattooga High School.

Congratulations to Abbigail Smith on this impressive honor and statewide recognition.

Summerville Woman Cited After Dogs Found Malnourished, Removed From Home

A Summerville woman has been cited following an investigation into animal cruelty after multiple dogs were found in poor condition at a residence on Northwest Congress Street.

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Habitat For Humanity Coosa Valley Seeks Volunteers For Rome Emperors Season, Promotes Overall Ball

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Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley is gearing up for the return of Rome Emperors baseball and hopes fans visiting AdventHealth Stadium will come hungry.

Executive Director Betsy Allgood says Habitat operates two of the large concession stands and the nacho stand at the ballpark during Emperors home games. Fifteen percent of the concession proceeds benefit Habitat, and the organization also accepts tips.

Habitat is now looking for volunteers ages 14 and older to help work concessions throughout the season. Anyone interested in volunteering can register through Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley.

The organization is also preparing for its upcoming Overall Ball, scheduled for Saturday evening, April 25, at Oak Hill. The event will feature entertainment from the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos.

Allgood says proceeds from the Overall Ball will support Habitat’s latest home build. Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley serves families in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk counties.

GNTC hosts 2026 Spring Plant Sale April 13-16

The annual Spring Plant Sale at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rome is set for April 13 through April 16, offering a wide selection of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more while supporting the school’s Horticulture program.

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Trion Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Trafficking Arrest

A traffic stop in Trion last week resulted in the arrest of a man on multiple drug-related charges after deputies say he attempted to discard narcotics during a pursuit.

According to the report, Deputy Riley Reeves observed a vehicle traveling on Central Avenue without functioning taillights in the early morning hours of March 26. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to immediately pull over and made abrupt movements, at one point turning into the opposite lane before continuing south toward Highway 27.

During the pursuit, the deputy reported seeing an object thrown from the driver’s side window. After the vehicle eventually stopped, the driver—identified as 47-year-old Christopher Jeff Edwards—was detained. Authorities later recovered suspected narcotics from the area where the object was discarded.

Investigators say the recovered items included substances believed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with related paraphernalia. Edwards was taken into custody and transported to jail without further incident. He faces multiple charges, including trafficking of controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Schedule II drugs, and abandonment of dangerous drugs.

Today Is Sine Die As Georgia Legislature Reaches Final Day Of 2026 Session

Today is Sine Die at the Georgia State Capitol, the final day of the legislative session when lawmakers must give final approval to bills if they are to become law this year. The term “Sine Die” is Latin for “without a day,” meaning the General Assembly adjourns without setting a date to return for the current session.

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Arrest Report – Wednesday – April 1, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 1, 2026:

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Patchy Fog This Morning, Warm and Stormy Pattern Continues Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

Drivers in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia could see reduced visibility this morning as isolated areas of patchy fog drop visibility below a half mile in some spots. Conditions are expected to improve by around 10 a.m.

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Thunderbirds Arrive In Rome Ahead Of Wings Over North Georgia Air Show

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have landed at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome, kicking off preparations for this weekend’s Wings Over North Georgia Air Show.

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Sixteen Graduate From GNTC Electrical Lineworker Program In Rockmart

Graduates from GNTC’s Electrical Lineworker program for spring 2026 are (from left, front row) Yoni Bautista, Widman Diaz, Jose Pacheco, Javier Plaza, Miguel Rebolloso, Eric Salazar, Dontarious Thompson, Cayden Watson; (back row) Trey Scales, Evan Hayes, David Postell, Miguel Martinez, Luis Perez, Christian Rodriguez, Omar Munguia and Gage McWhorter.

Sixteen students graduated on Wednesday, March 25, from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.

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