Over a hundred students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Cartersville campus on Monday to celebrate GHC President Dr. Mike Hobbs, who was presented with the prestigious White Rose Award.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed a second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer harvested in Berrien County, South Georgia. The infected deer, a 4.5-year-old male, was located approximately 400 yards from the site of the first CWD-positive deer found in the area. The sample was collected from a landowner permittee assisting with ongoing sampling efforts as part of the DNR’s CWD response plan. This discovery underscores the importance of continued monitoring and management strategies in the region. “Our staff continues to work in collaboration with landowners and hunters in the CWD Management Area to sample for the disease. These collaborative efforts will help us manage CWD and ensure Georgia maintains healthy deer herds,” said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon.
Chattooga County has sued Zentell Communications, LLC, and Jonathan W. Allen for breach of contract and fraud related to a late-2024 communications project. The lawsuit, filed in Chattooga County Superior Court, claims Zentell did not meet contract obligations and misused county funds. Former County Commissioner Blake Elsberry paid $333,265 for work that was allegedly not completed. The lawsuit seeks damages equal to the payments made, plus additional compensation for fraud and attorney fees. Attorneys from the Palmour Law Firm are handling the case. Zentell Communications has not yet responded to the lawsuit. WZQZ will have more on this story in tomorrow’s news on the radio and online at www.chattoogainfo.com.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 23, 2025:
Drivers in Northwest Georgia are urged to exercise caution this morning as patchy, dense fog is expected to significantly reduce visibility. The National Weather Service advises motorists that visibility could be less than one-half of a mile in affected areas. The fog is expected to dissipate after 9 AM. Until then, drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Later today, scattered thunderstorms are possible across portions of North Georgia. Despite the potential for storms, the day is expected to be partly sunny with a high of 80 degrees. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 59 degrees. Patchy fog is expected to return on Thursday morning. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, isolated thunderstorms are forecast from Thursday through Sunday across portions of North and Central Georgia, with the highest chances in North Georgia. Forecasters currently do not expect widespread severe storms during this period.
Veterinarians in Georgia are concerned about an increase in a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) has described this illness as an unidentified respiratory disease and is investigating its cause and treatment options. Veterinarians have noted the difficulty in diagnosis due to the unknown nature of the illness. Her clinic has treated about 15 dogs with symptoms over the last two months, which include a persistent cough similar to whooping cough and low energy levels. The lack of a clear diagnosis complicates tracking the illness’s spread, and it has shown resistance to standard antibiotic treatments, requiring multiple medication rounds. The outbreak seems to be linked to increased dog interactions at boarding and daycare facilities. As the illness is likely airborne, complete avoidance is hard. To protect their pets, veterinarians advise dog owners to keep vaccinations up-to-date and discuss risk factors with their veterinarian, as well as reduce exposure to busy dog areas. Most healthy dogs are expected to recover without issues, but extra care is needed for older dogs or those with existing heart or respiratory problems. Health officials urge dog owners to contact veterinarians if their pets show any signs of respiratory problems.
The Town of Trion, under the leadership of Mayor Lanny Thomas and the Town Council, is inviting residents and visitors alike to a FREE concert at the Trion Parks and Recreation Center on May 10th. Sponsored by the Town of Trion, this event promises a night of fantastic music and community fun. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and prepare to enjoy an evening filled with classic rock anthems. The night kicks off at 7:30 PM with a set by “One-Hit Wonders,” sure to bring back memories of those catchy tunes we all know and love. Then, at approximately 8:30 PM, prepare to be blown away by “Pink Houses,” a high-energy live stage show experience dedicated to the incredible musical legacy of John Mellencamp. From “Jack & Diane” to “Hurts So Good,” expect a night of singalongs and unforgettable hits. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Trion Parks & Recreation, ensuring you can stay fueled and refreshed throughout the evening. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a free concert, support your community, and celebrate the music of a rock and roll legend.
The Trump administration’s recent decision to grant exemptions from federal emission rules to over 60 power plants, including Plant Bowen and Plant Scherer in Georgia, has sparked controversy among clean energy advocates. The exemptions allow these plants to avoid mercury and other air pollutant regulations, which critics view as prioritizing the coal industry over environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the two-year exemption at Southern Co. ‘s request, citing a need for energy security. This decision contrasts with the Biden administration’s push for stricter toxic metal emission standards. Critics argue the exemptions threaten public health and hinder the shift to cleaner energy. Isabella Ariza from the Sierra Club and Keri Powell from the Southern Environmental Law Center have criticized this move, emphasizing the increased risk to local communities. Despite this, Southern Co. claims compliance with federal guidelines and seeks more time for adjustments. The debate on coal power’s future in Georgia continues.
The Georgia Recorder
Last week, a Summerville man came to the police station to report a fraudulent check. According to a report released on Monday, the complainant said someone had printed a fake check on his account and Regions Bank and cashed the check. The complainant said when he discovered the check had cleared his bank, he spoke with the Regions Bank in Summerville who said that they would correct his account, but that he needed to file a police report about the incident. The case is currently under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
What started as a rush to a child’s soccer game ended with a Chattooga County man behind bars. Cody Ray Harmon, 33, was arrested last Thursday, and charged with reckless driving and speeding after being clocked traveling at 97 mph in a 55 mph zone on Highway 27. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, Deputy Gene Whitworth observed a white Kia Soul traveling north at a high rate of speed near Stoleman Road. Using radar, Deputy Whitworth clocked the vehicle at 97 mph. The report states Deputy Whitworth had to accelerate to 129 mph to catch up to the vehicle before initiating a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy 27 South and Halls Valley Road. When questioned about his excessive speed, Harmon reportedly told Deputy Whitworth he was rushing to his son’s soccer game. He was then arrested, handcuffed, and transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Harmon was issued citations for Speeding 97/55 and Reckless Driving. His vehicle, a white 2020 Kia Soul with Georgia license plate SCP4133, was impounded and towed by Gill’s Wrecker Service.