Georgia Sees Uptick in Jobless Claims, Bucking National Trend of Declining Filings

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia rose last week, contrasting with a broader national decline in new claims, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday.

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Armuchee Man Arrested, Faces Child Molestation Charges

An Armuchee man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including child molestation, following an alleged incident involving a child under 12 at his Old Summerville Road home.

Shane Bryan Carter, 35, is facing charges of child molestation, sexual battery, and aggravated sexual battery. According to an arrest warrant and records from the Floyd County Jail, the alleged offenses occurred between September 13 and 14.

The victim in the case is reported to be under the age of 12.

In addition to the sexual offense charges, Carter is also being held by authorities for a probation violation. He is currently in custody at the Floyd County Jail.

As with all criminal accusations, Carter is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Federal Watchdog: Georgia’s Medicaid Work Requirements Cost More to Administer Than Provide Care, Raising Concerns for National Rollout

A federal watchdog reported Thursday that Georgia’s controversial program requiring able-bodied adults to document low-paying work to receive Medicaid benefits has incurred administrative costs far exceeding the amount spent on actual health care services. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on “Georgia Pathways” highlights the program’s financial inefficiencies, sparking debate as similar work requirements are slated for a national rollout.

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September Sizzle Continues: Northwest Georgia Braces for Low 90s This Weekend

Residents of Northwest Georgia and Chattooga County are set for a warm and mostly sunny start to the weekend, with Saturday, September 20, 2025, ushering in a stretch of summer-like conditions. High temperatures are expected to climb into the low 90s today, a trend of warmth and humidity that will largely continue through early next week, albeit with gradually easing temperatures.

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Arrest Report – Saturday – September 20, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, September 20, 2025:

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Chattooga’s Ground Attack Secures First Season Win, Downs Armuchee 45-27

The Chattooga Indians put an emphatic end to their winless streak Friday night, defeating the Armuchee Indians 45-27 on the road, largely thanks to a powerful ground game that proved too much for their hosts. Both teams entered the contest desperate for their inaugural victory of the season, with Chattooga sporting an 0-3 record and Armuchee standing at 0-2. It was Chattooga, however, that ultimately broke through, showcasing determination that had been building through tough early-season matchups.

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Chattooga Library In Summerville Hosting Fall Festival Today

The Chattooga County Public Library, a part of the Sarah Hightower Library network, is inviting the community to usher in the autumn season with a lively Fall Festival today, September 20, 2025. Kicking off at 11 AM at the library’s location at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville, the event promises snacks, games, and fun for all ages, while also serving as a key highlight of Library Card Sign-Up Month.

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Chattooga Man Arrested After Multi-County Pursuit Leads to Methamphetamine Charges

A Chattooga County man, Franklin Delon Hawkins, 54, was arrested on September 9, 2025, following a high-speed pursuit that spanned two counties and concluded with charges of methamphetamine possession, fleeing law enforcement, and failure to maintain lane.

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Trion Elementary’s Tina Lee Champions Innovative Food Rescue Program at State Conference

Trion Elementary School’s own Mrs. Tina Lee recently stood alongside Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods at the NOURISH Helping Hands Conference held at Emory University, shedding light on the profound impact of the “Helping Hands Ending Hunger” (HHEH) program. Mrs. Lee spoke about the initiative’s importance and the tangible difference it continues to make in her community and across the state.

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Georgia DOT Northwest Urges Drivers: Protect First Responders, Abide by “Move Over” Law

Georgia DOT’s Northwest District, serving 17 counties across Northwest Georgia, is issuing a critical reminder to motorists about the state’s “Move Over” law, emphasizing the severe dangers faced by first responders working on road shoulders. The Cartersville-based government organization highlights that crashes occurring on the shoulder are just as serious, if not more so, than those in active travel lanes, often involving the very individuals dedicated to public safety.

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