Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, March 20, 2025:
A routine traffic stop on Highway 114 early March 9th led to the arrest of Rhonda Johnson on charges of driving under the influence of drugs and possession of methamphetamine. Summerville Police observed a red 1988 Ford Ranger traveling southbound on Highway 114 with a suspended registration. After initiating a traffic stop on Hartline Street, the deputy approached the vehicle and observed Johnson, the driver, displaying bloodshot eyes and exhibiting mumbled, confused speech. The passenger, identified as Joseph Bethea and the owner of the vehicle, was informed of the suspended registration. During questioning, Johnson initially claimed her driver’s license was stolen, but later admitted to possessing methamphetamine after being asked to empty her pockets. A subsequent search of her purse revealed modified straws containing a white crystalline substance also suspected to be methamphetamine. Field sobriety tests indicated impairment. Johnson reportedly displayed six out of six clues on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test and struggled with the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests. Johnson also admitted to taking Valium the previous day. Based on these observations, the deputy placed Johnson under arrest for DUI drugs. She agreed to a blood draw, which was conducted by EMT Codie Tate, and subsequently transported to the Chattooga County jail. The suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were collected as evidence and secured. Bethea was not charged in the incident.
Press Release:
“United Through Art” Countywide Student Art Show In Summerville Depot Saturday, March 22 Free To The Public
In celebration of the National Youth Art Month, Summerville Main Street will sponsor “United through Art” – A Countywide Student Art Show on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Summerville Depot. All mediums of art work created by our county’s youth, ranging from grades K-12 will be on display inside the depot from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. New for this year several adult artists will join in to demonstrate and display art and photography.
Youth Art Month is a month of promoting art and art education in the United States. It is observed in March, with thousands of American schools participating, often with the involvement of local art museums and civic organizations. Schools and homeschoolers countywide will be participating in the show.
Extra highlights for the day include a performance by Menlo Elementary Chorus at 11:00 a.m. and watercolor demonstrations by local watercolor artist Sheila Johnson from 1:00 -2:00 p.m. Artist Billy Smith will also be onsite demonstrating painting throughout the day. Free simple face painting for children will be offered between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Several food vendors will be on site offering a variety of items for the public to enjoy. Vendors include: Reita Cabe with fried pies, Brunswick stew, homemade ice cream and jellies, and Small Town BBQ with ribs, chicken & pulled pork plates. Food items will be available for dine-in or take home.
The public is encouraged to attend this free event to celebrate and encourage youth art. For more information on this event contact Summerville Main Street at (706) 859-0900 ext. 1337.
Mark your calendars, the Chattooga High School FFA (Future Farmers of America) is excited to announce the dates for their annual plant sale. Students have prepared a wide variety of plants, including colorful flowers and vegetables, ready for your garden. This is a great chance to support local agricultural education while enhancing your home. The sale will happen on March 27th and 28th, and April 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th, all from 8 AM to 5 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to support Chattooga FFA Students.
This week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the appointment of Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. She will be sworn into office on April 4th and will complete the term of Bruce Thompson, who passed away last November. Governor Kemp expressed pride in this historic appointment, highlighting Holmes’ proven success in economic development and education, and wishing her success in her new role.
Atrium Health Floyd will hold a Career Fair today, Thursday, March 20, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rome Civic Center, 400 Civic Center Drive.
Both clinical and non-clinical opportunities are available at multiple locations. Drop-ins are welcome; applicants can also pre-register here: https://bit.ly/4gU4v9H
While people often think about doctors and nurses when they hear about healthcare careers, office managers, office assistants, security officers and dietary/cafeteria teammates are just a few of the positions that support Atrium Health Floyd’s commitment to provide excellent patient care.
To learn more about open positions, visit https://careers.atriumhealth.org Potential applicants are encouraged to bring resumes.
The Georgia General Assembly is taking decisive action to address the deteriorating condition of the state’s correctional facilities, according to State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee). With many prisons facing critical infrastructure issues, lawmakers are prioritizing the safety and well-being of both inmates and correctional officers.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is issuing a public service announcement urging vigilance when selecting perpetual care and memorialization services following a recent scam that preyed on a grieving widow. The incident, reported in January, involved a Georgia resident whose mother was targeted by a scammer impersonating a representative from the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) cemetery where her late husband was to be buried.
(From left) Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC; Kathi Vroman; scholarship recipient Shasten Tomas; Tim Vroman, who is holding a photo of GNTC Aviation Maintenance Technology graduate Matthew Vroman; and Jon Byrd, executive director of Aviation at GNTC and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state aviation advisor, celebrate the award of the first Matthew Vroman Memorial Scholarship.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named Shasten Tomas as the first recipient of the Matthew Vroman Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors Matthew Vroman, who graduated from GNTC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program and tragically passed away in 2024 at age 25 due to health struggles. It supports students in aviation who exemplify Vroman’s kindness, strong values, and hardworking spirit.
Due to an email issue, WZQZ News didn’t receive arrest reports from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Here is the latest arrest report for March 17-19, 2025 as of 4:30 PM, March 19, 2025: