Emma Marshall, a Chattooga High School graduate and current senior at Georgia Southern University, is making a name for herself in the scientific community. Marshall is attending the prestigious American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) conference in Chicago this week, a significant accomplishment for an undergraduate student. Marshall is not just attending the conference; she’s also presenting her groundbreaking research on the anti-cancer activity of Naphthoquinone derivatives. This research was conducted in Dr. Kocerha’s lab at Georgia Southern University. The ASBMB conference provides a platform for leading scientists and researchers to share their latest discoveries, making Marshall’s participation a testament to the quality and significance of her work. Marshall is also scheduled to present her research at the Georgia Southern University Research Symposium next week. With her passion for science and commitment to research, Emma Marshall is poised to make a significant impact on the world of biochemistry and molecular biology.

The Acworth Police Department has shared details about the arrest of three people at a town hall meeting led by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on Tuesday. The arrests were due to disruptive behavior that posed a public safety threat, according to a police news release. Before the meeting, crime analysts noticed online posts indicating possible disruptions, prompting law enforcement to prepare. The situation escalated as soon as Congresswoman Greene began speaking, with some audience members becoming disruptive, which police described as an “imminent public safety threat. “

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Dr. Gregory John Stewart of Carrollton, Georgia, a notable microbiologist originally from Chattooga County, Georgia, died last week at the age of 68. He was married to Patricia Herrin Stewart. Born on January 19, 1957, in South Carolina, he grew up in Summerville, Georgia, and graduated from Chattooga High School. Dr. Stewart earned his degrees in Microbiology from the University of Georgia and a PhD from the University of California at Davis. His career included roles as a professor at the University of South Florida, Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of West Georgia, and a Foster Fellow with the U. S. Department of State. He also worked for several scientific organizations before retiring from Johns Hopkins University in 2022. Dr. Stewart wrote many research papers and textbooks. He enjoyed gardening, writing, scuba diving, cooking, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, stepchildren, grandchildren, and siblings, with a celebration of his life planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Caring Bridge, the American Cancer Society, and Carrollton Presbyterian Church.

The Summerville Police Department is investigating a reported assault that took place earlier this week. Officers were dispatched to a residence on McGinnis Circle late Tuesday night in response to the incident. According to a police report, officers responded to 25 McGinnis Circle at approximately 10:38 PM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, regarding an incident that reportedly occurred at 89 Smith Street. Upon arrival, they met with the victim, identified as Christopher Coleman. Mr. Coleman reported that a pair of glasses had gone missing from his residence several days prior. He stated that his girlfriend’s son, Kimberly McGuire, visited the residence with two friends. After asking the group to leave, Coleman alleges that one of the individuals confronted him, another restrained him, and a third struck him on the left side of his face. Following the alleged assault, Mr. Coleman was picked up by his mother. His girlfriend and the three male suspects then left the residence. Mr. Coleman identified the three males as being between 20 and 22 years of age, and provided the names Dylan Ward, Brandon Barly, and Carson. The police report notes that Mr. Coleman appeared to have a busted lip. The Summerville Police Department is currently investigating the incident

As the weather warms and flowers bloom, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are experiencing a surge in visitors eager to enjoy the beauty of spring. Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator, reports a significant increase in Georgians taking advantage of the state’s natural and historical offerings. “Georgians are flocking to our state parks to soak in the sights and sounds of the season,” Hatcher enthused. With Easter and Mother’s Day approaching, Hatcher encourages families looking for fun and engaging activities to consider spending time exploring the great outdoors at a state park or delving into history at a historic site. For those looking for a special Easter experience, the Easter Bunny will be making a guest appearance at Sloppy Floyd State Park in Summerville, GA, on Saturday, April 19th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. He will be available for photos at the fire ring in front of the park office. The event is free to attend, and each child will receive a treat bag. A parking pass or annual park pass is required for entry. To discover the full range of state parks and historic sites across Georgia, visit the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website at www.gastateparks.org.

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is set to celebrate the invaluable contributions of administrative professionals with a special luncheon on April 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Chattooga Civic Center. The Chamber aims to recognize the hard work and dedication of secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, personal assistants, receptionists, client services representatives, and all other administrative support professionals who keep businesses running smoothly. The highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of the prestigious “Administrative Professional of the Year” award, honoring an outstanding individual for their exceptional performance and dedication. The Chamber is inviting businesses to show their appreciation by reserving a seat for their administrative professional to attend this catered lunch. Attendees will be treated to gifts and participate in door prize drawings, making it a truly special occasion. Reservations are required to attend this event. To reserve a seat for your administrative professional and nominate them for the Administrative Professional of the Year award, please visit HERE

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced that the unemployment rate for March remained at 3. 6%, the same as February. This rate is lower than the national rate by six-tenths of a percent. Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes highlighted the job market in Georgia, stating there are nearly 5 million jobs available with three openings for every person in the state. She emphasized her commitment to working with the governor, lawmakers, and job creators to connect people with job opportunities and maintain Georgia’s status as the top state for business.

In March, the state added 6,900 jobs and 23,100 jobs over the year, totaling 4,979,500 jobs. The biggest job gains in March were in health care and social assistance (3,100 jobs), information (2,400 jobs), and other sectors. However, some sectors like transportation and warehousing, and accommodation and food services, saw job losses. Over the past year, health care and social assistance had the highest growth with 22,500 new jobs, while sectors like administrative and support services experienced notable decreases.

The labor force decreased slightly, totaling 5,384,258. The number of employed individuals fell by 6,654, while the unemployed rose slightly by 35. Initial unemployment claims decreased to 19,296 in March, though this number is still higher than last year.

One person is dead and another had been taken into custody in connection with a two-vehicle accident that happened early this morning on Highway 48 (the Menlo Highway).  The Georgia State Patrol told WZQZ News that a pickup truck traveling eastbound on Highway 48 was struck by an oncoming pickup truck that was traveling westbound.  The driver of the westbound truck crossed over the centerline and hit the other truck head-on.  David Joe Gill of Cloudland was the driver of the eastbound truck and was critically injured in the accident.  Gill was transported to a Rome hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  The driver of the westbound vehicle was identified as David Michael Arnold, age 47 of Trion.  Arnold was not injured and was taken into custody and charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to maintain a single lane.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 17, 2025:

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Northwest Georgia residents can expect a clear day with plenty of sunshine. Following a cool start with temperatures in the low to mid-40s, today promises to be a beautifully sunny Spring day with a high near 78 degrees. A calm wind will shift to a gentle southeast breeze around 5 mph in the afternoon. The pleasant weather continues into the week. Tonight, expect mostly clear skies with a low around 51 and a southeast wind around 5 mph. Friday will bring even warmer temperatures, soaring to a high near 84 with mostly sunny skies. A south wind of 5 to 10 mph will be present, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. Friday night mirrors the daytime, with mostly clear skies and a low around 56, accompanied by a south wind around 5 mph and gusts up to 15 mph. Saturday will remain warm with partly sunny skies and a high near 86. Winds will continue from the south at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 60. However, the sunny streak may be coming to an end. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 86. Sunday night brings a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, developing into a greater chance of showers after 2 AM, with a low around 62 and a 30% chance of precipitation. The unsettled weather pattern continues into early next week. Monday sees a 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8 AM. Partly sunny skies are expected, with a high near 81. Monday night has a similar forecast, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly cloudy skies, and a low around 54. Tuesday offers a slight reprieve, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and partly sunny skies, with a high near 79.