Starting July 1st, Georgia has officially launched a new program designed to compensate individuals exonerated of felony convictions, providing a vital lifeline as they rebuild their lives after years of wrongful imprisonment. The Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act establishes a clear process for exonerees to receive financial support and reimbursement for legal fees. Under the new law, those exonerated will receive $75,000 for each year they were unjustly incarcerated.
A Walker County woman will serve five years in prison after being sentenced to 20 years, with the remainder on probation, for trafficking fentanyl. Mary Louis Harvey pleaded guilty to the charge following an investigation by the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force (DTF). On June 5, 2024, DTF agents, acting on credible intelligence, visited Harvey’s residence and discovered fentanyl-laced materials hidden in a dresser in her bedroom. Harvey voluntarily led agents to the stash. While in custody, she further revealed the location of another stash of contraband. In total, agents seized 11 grams of fentanyl. A forensic analysis of Harvey’s phone revealed messages indicative of ongoing drug deals. Harvey was charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl and pleaded guilty. Chief Assistant District Attorney Lynsay Chapman prosecuted the case. “If you’re trafficking fentanyl in Walker County, get ready for prison because that’s where you belong when you are pushing that poison into our communities,” stated District Attorney Clay Fuller. “Fentanyl kills, and we are done playing games with those who profit from it. Thanks to the DTF, another trafficker is off the streets.” The case highlights District Attorney Fuller’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting fentanyl-related crimes and protecting Northwest Georgia from the deadly opioid crisis. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
The unemployment rate in Chattooga County has risen to 3.8% in May, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor. This marks an increase from the 3.4% rate recorded in April. The data reveals 342 individuals filed for unemployment benefits in Chattooga County during May, a jump from the 305 claims reported the previous month. While this figure represents a month-over-month increase, it remains lower than the 4.2% unemployment rate reported in May of 2024. Neighboring counties experienced lower unemployment rates in May, with Walker County reporting 3.2% and Floyd County at 3.4%. Regionally, Northwest Georgia reported an average unemployment rate of 3.2%. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes addressed the statewide figures, stating, “Georgia’s strength isn’t measured in single months — it’s proven over time. Even with slight unemployment increases throughout Georgia’s regions in May, most of our metropolitan areas are showing lower unemployment than a year ago. That resilience reflects our modern, adaptive workforce, which is what keeps Georgia the No. 1 state for business in today’s competitive, global marketplace.” The Georgia Department of Labor continues to monitor unemployment trends and provides resources and services to assist individuals in finding employment.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to protect their pets and livestock from dangerous heat index values, which are reaching 100-108 degrees Fahrenheit. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is providing resources and guidance on how to identify and prevent heat stress in animals, which can be lethal.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition is encouraging the community to mark their calendars for the annual Health Initiative for Men and Women, scheduled for Saturday, August 16th. This vital community event will be held from 8 AM until 12 Noon, at the Floyd County Health Department, located at 16 East 12th Street in Rome. Erin Hernandez, President and CEO of the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “This initiative will feature a range of health screenings and valuable resources for both men and women, promoting proactive healthcare within our community.” Further details about the specific screenings and activities available at the event will be released in July. The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition is proud to collaborate with the 100 Black Men of Rome-Northwest Georgia and numerous other organizations to present the Health Initiative for Men and Women each year. The collective effort ensures access to essential health information and services for the residents of Northwest Georgia. For additional information about the Health Initiative for Men and Women, please contact the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition at (706) 291-9809.
Prepare for another scorching day, Northwest Georgia residents. Forecasters predict a repeat of this week’s toasty conditions with highs soaring into the low to mid-90s today and Saturday. The northeast mountains will offer a slight reprieve, with temperatures expected in the low to mid-80s. The heat index, a measure of how hot it feels to the human body, will peak between 98 and 101 degrees, making it crucial to stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit strenuous outdoor activities. The culprit behind this persistent heat wave is a subtropical high pressure system lingering over the western Atlantic. This high keeps Northwest Georgia firmly on its western fringes, trapping warm, moist air and creating conditions ripe for daily afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Overnight lows will offer some respite, dipping into the upper 60s to low 70s. However, relief is on the horizon. As the upper-level ridge that fueled this week’s heat wave exits the region and increased cloud cover from the daily storms develops, temperatures are expected to gradually decrease in the coming days. Sunday’s high is predicted to be in the low 90s, with temperatures largely settling into the upper 80s by Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the heat.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 27, 2025:
A routine traffic stop on Highway 27 on June 21, 2025, led to the arrest of Jeffery Wade Greene, 53, on multiple charges including DUI, failure to maintain lane, having an open container of alcohol, and obstruction of officers. His passenger, Koby Chandler Bunner, 24, was also arrested and charged with obstruction of officers.
A Rome coffee shop is out $1,500 after falling victim to a sophisticated phone scam. According to a report from the Rome Police Department, an employee at Lumina Coffee on Braves Boulevard was contacted by a man claiming to be a lieutenant with the Rome Police Department. The caller falsely stated that Lumina Coffee had counterfeit money circulating within its cash stock. He instructed the employee to send the “counterfeit” money to him via a pay service at a nearby drugstore, promising to replace it with legitimate currency. Following the caller’s instructions, the employee made three separate transactions of $500 each, sending a total of $1,500 to the scammer. Unfortunately, all three transactions were non-refundable. The Rome Police Department is investigating the incident and reminds businesses to be wary of unsolicited phone calls requesting money transfers. They urge businesses to verify the identity of callers claiming to be law enforcement or government officials before taking any action. Anyone with information about this scam is encouraged to contact the Rome Police Department.
Tomorrow, Summerville Main Street will hold a celebration for National Dairy Month at the Summerville Depot, featuring the 2025 Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and an Ice Cream Eating Contest. The event starts at 10:30 AM, and attendees can enjoy homemade ice cream and watch a steam engine train arrive around 1 PM. Ice cream eating contestants can register in youth or adult divisions starting at 10:30 a.m., with contests beginning at 11:00 a.m. Winners will receive $25 gift cards. Registration for the ice cream contest is open until 11:30 AM., with prizes for the top three competitors. The public can buy wristbands for $5 to taste entries and vote for the People’s Choice Award from 12:45 to 2 PM. The event runs from 10 AM until 3 PM.
