According to a press release issued this week by the district attorney’s office, earlier this year, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson sentenced Christopher Blake Stansell to 30 years in prison , with the first 10 years in confinement. Stansell was found guilty of four counts of Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, and two counts of Cruelty to Children 1st Degree. He had entered a non-negotiated guilty plea on November 21, 2024, and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered.

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As April marks National Volunteer Month, Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is calling on community members to lend a hand in their mission of building affordable housing and supporting local families. The organization is seeking volunteers with a variety of skillsets, from those comfortable wielding a hammer to those who enjoy the atmosphere of a baseball game.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 18, 2025:

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Residents in Northwest Georgia are advised to be very cautious this afternoon and evening as the National Weather Service has issued a High Fire Danger warning. This alert is due to low humidity levels, which are expected to drop to 25% or lower for at least four hours. The risk is further increased by sustained south winds of 7 to 10 MPH, creating conditions where fires can spread quickly. Dry fuels combined with these low humidity and wind conditions significantly increase the risk of wildfires.  Area residents should be careful with anything that might ignite a fire, including discarded cigarettes and outdoor cooking equipment. Outdoor burning is advised against during this time. Residents should stay informed about local fire restrictions and report any signs of smoke or fire to authorities. The weather forecast for today predicts mostly sunny skies with a high near 84 degrees and winds from the south at 5 to 10 mph. The upcoming weather shows temperatures in the 80’s for daytime highs and lows overnight in the 40’s.  Rain chances increase at the beginning of next week.

A tragic accident in Silver Creek, Georgia, Thursday afternoon claimed the life of the 11-year-old son of a Rome Police Officer. The child succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a pickup truck. The incident occurred around 3:54 pm in the area of Timberwood Drive and Ramblewood Drive.

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James Steven Rehberg, 54, of Armuchee, was arrested this week on charges of felony theft by deception after allegedly stealing a man’s truck. According to police reports, Rehberg borrowed the victim’s 2013 Ford F150, valued at $20,000, on October 15th of last year under the pretense of washing it, but never returned it. The victim reported that he made repeated attempts to have Rehberg return the vehicle, but Rehberg consistently refused. This led the victim to file a police report, culminating in Rehberg’s arrest this week. Rehberg remains in custody and is facing charges of felony theft by deception.

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