Samuel Ross Jenkins, an 18-year-old resident of Rome, Georgia, was apprehended in Chattooga County on March 24th, 2025, stemming from outstanding warrants in Bartow County. Jenkins was subsequently transferred to the Bartow County Jail and released on March 25th, 2025, after posting a $14,000 bond. He faces multiple charges related to alleged incidents occurring on March 11th and March 19th, 2025. The charges include contributing to the delinquency of a minor, simple battery, statutory rape, and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

A Georgia Senate panel has approved a revised version of House Bill 397, a piece of election legislation that has faced scrutiny for potential changes to voting laws. While the amended bill eliminates some of the most controversial proposals, including plans to hand voter challenge complaints to state election officials and enforce new ballot counting methods, it still retains elements drawing criticism.

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A traffic stop for a tag light violation last weekend led to the arrest of Jose Luis-Agela Sandoval for driving under the influence (DUI), according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Cpl. Villagomez was observing traffic on Highway 48 near Jamestown Road in Menlo when he noticed a dark-colored Mustang pass by with non-functioning tag lights. The traffic stop was initiated, and the vehicle pulled over at the intersection of Highway 48 and Highway 337.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering a roundabout as a potential solution for the notoriously dangerous intersection of Gore-Subligna Road and U.S. Highway 27 in Chattooga County. The DOT has allocated $1.2 million in 2023 for engineering studies related to the project. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen recently shared proposed drawings of the roundabout, released by the Georgia DOT, with the public. The DOT believes a roundabout could significantly improve safety at the intersection. In a statement, the department explained the core principle behind the design: “Roundabouts are a type of circular intersection defined by the basic operational principle of entering traffic yielding to vehicles on the circulatory roadway. Roundabouts have geometric features providing a reduced speed environment that offers substantial safety advantages and excellent operational performance.” The project is part of a wider initiative across Georgia to increase the use of roundabouts. Currently, 98 roundabouts are in operation statewide, with 50 more under construction and plans in place for an additional 240. The DOT hopes that the implementation of roundabouts will lead to a reduction in accidents and improved traffic flow at problematic intersections throughout the state. Further details about the timeline and community input opportunities regarding the Gore-Subligna Road and U.S. Highway 27 roundabout project are expected to be released by the Georgia DOT in the coming months.

Following Mayor Allen Keen’s resignation on Monday, the City of Menlo is now tasked with appointing a new leader to fill the remainder of his term, which expires on December 31st. According to the city charter, the Menlo City Council must appoint a replacement.

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and Southern Adventist University have formed a partnership that allows GNTC students to enroll in Southern Adventist University’s online Adult Degree Completion (ADC) program.

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Atrium Health Floyd is lifting temporary masking and visitor restrictions due to a steady decrease in respiratory illnesses among patients and teammates. Children 12 and under will again be able to visit Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center, and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center. Masks will continue to be available for visitors who wish to wear them.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, March 28, 2025:

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All Vietnam War era veterans and their families are invited to a special luncheon today, at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, located at 818 Memorial Drive in Summerville. The event will begin at 12 Noon. The lunch welcomes veterans who served during the Vietnam era, spanning from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975, whether their service was in Vietnam or at support posts worldwide. The program promises a meaningful event, featuring the awarding of Quilts of Valor to US Army veterans Jim Parker and Delbert Patty. Major General Dwayne Wilson, Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense, and Patricia Ross, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, will be present to share updates and information regarding their respective state departments. District 1 VFW Commander Dwayne Kilboure will also offer greetings and an update on the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) activities. The annual Vietnam Veterans event is proudly sponsored by VFW Post 6688, its auxiliary, and dedicated local volunteers. No reservations are required for the event, providing easy access for all Vietnam veterans and their families to partake in the food and fellowship. This luncheon serves as a poignant precursor to National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which will be observed across the US on Saturday, March 29th. This national day marks the withdrawal of the last combat troops from Vietnam in 1973 and honors the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam veterans.