A Chattooga County man has been arrested following an investigation into multiple fires reported at a vacant property on 228 Weems Road.
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Photo Credit: Education Week
Georgia lawmakers are considering extending a statewide ban on student personal devices to high schools, meaning today’s sophomores could face phone-free school days by their senior year. A ban covering kindergarten through middle school is already set to take effect next fall after passage last year, and the bill’s sponsor now wants to expand that policy to older students beginning in fall 2027.
The Georgia Department of Labor released new employment numbers Thursday showing continued improvement in Northwest Georgia’s job market. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said December saw more Georgians working and unemployment declining across every region of the state, adding that the focus in 2026 will remain on connecting workers to in-demand careers and helping businesses find the talent they need.
In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate fell eight-tenths of a percent over the month to 3.1 percent, down from 3.6 percent one year ago. The labor force increased by 885 over the month and by 3,180 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 459,957. Employment also reached a record high, rising by 4,207 over the month and 5,363 over the year to 445,548. Initial unemployment claims increased to 7,613, up 5,227 from the previous month and 568 higher than one year ago.
A Rome man who was originally arrested August 12 on a burglary charge is now facing a felony count of involuntary manslaughter. According to an arrest warrant, 52-year-old Anthony James Ponto was allegedly attempting to burglarize a home on East Hermitage Road in the Kingston area when he was confronted by 59-year-old John Richard Couey.
The warrant states a physical altercation occurred during the confrontation. After Ponto was arrested on the burglary charge, Couey reportedly suffered a medical event and later died. The new involuntary manslaughter charge has been filed in connection with the circumstances surrounding Couey’s death.
Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries is inviting the community to start 2026 by giving back, with new volunteer opportunities now available during the week and select weekends. Executive Director Lindsey Kilby says individuals can sign up online at hungerministries dot org, making it easy for people to choose available times and get involved.
Kilby adds that weekend volunteer slots are especially geared toward groups of six or more who can commit at least an hour and a half of service. Along with volunteer help, the nonprofit is also asking for donations, with details available on the organization’s website.
Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries serves low-income families, seniors, and children facing food insecurity in Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties. The organization says its mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by meeting basic needs through hunger relief.
Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this story
A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution could eliminate sales taxes on timber, a move supporters say would help stabilize a forestry industry that has been hammered by mill closures and storm damage. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration of Mulberry is sponsoring House Resolution 1000, saying the bipartisan effort is meant to protect what he called a cornerstone of Georgia’s rural economy.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 29, 2026:
Once again, Georgia and much of the Deep South appear headed for a round of winter weather this weekend, but like last weekend, the best chance for frozen precipitation looks to stay mainly east of Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker Counties. The National Weather Service says confidence continues to increase for measurable snowfall across parts of northeast and east-central Georgia between Friday night and Saturday night, prompting a Winter Storm Watch for those areas.
A 49-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County following a reported family violence incident at an apartment on Back Penn Road. According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, William Neal Thurman was taken into custody on January 22 in connection with a misdemeanor family violence battery charge.
The report states deputies were dispatched to an apartment on Back Penn Road after an assault was reported. When they arrived, they found the victim outside with visible injuries, including a bloody nose and swelling to the head. The victim told investigators an argument escalated and she was struck multiple times, including blows to the head, and also reported being shoved and grabbed during the incident. The report indicates emergency medical personnel were called, and the victim was transported for further evaluation due to head pain and visible swelling.
Investigators later located Thurman during a traffic stop and he was arrested without incident before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Thurman was also charged with a parole violation.
The Summerville Main Street Spring Market is returning in 2026, offering a full day of shopping, food, and entertainment to welcome the spring season. The market will take place Saturday, April 18, from 10 AM until 3 PM at Dowdy Park.
Shoppers can browse a wide variety of vendors featuring arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, body and hair care products, wooden items, food, live plants, specialty pet items, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy special musical entertainment throughout the day.
Vendors interested in participating can request vendor information and registration details by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org. Organizers remind vendors that all payments are made only to the City of Summerville Main Street. Vendors will never be asked to pay anyone else, and payments through Venmo, Cash App, or other similar services are not accepted.