A Summerville man was arrested following an alleged shoplifting incident at the Dollar General on Calhoun Road in Floyd County.
According to Floyd County Police reports, 33-year-old Dalton Taylor Worthington was observed taking a backpack from a store shelf before going into the restroom and returning a short time later.
Investigators say the backpack was then used to conceal two Shamrock drinks along with other merchandise while store employees watched the incident unfold.
Police said Worthington walked past all points of sale without paying for the items, which had a reported total value of $19.25.
Worthington was later charged with Theft by Shoplifting.
A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.
House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.
State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.
However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.
Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.
House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.
Majors Hank and Eunice Harwell, current Corps Officers for The Salvation Army of Rome, are preparing to say goodbye to the community.
The Harwells will leave Rome in mid to late June to take on new leadership roles with The Salvation Army in Dothan, Alabama.
Major Hank Harwell says they will miss Rome and the people of Northwest Georgia, but he is also excited about the future of the local organization under incoming leaders Lieutenants Cory and Cristina Tilley.
The Salvation Army of Rome serves both Floyd and Chattooga counties, providing assistance and support to families in need throughout the area.
Major Harwell is encouraging continued community support in the years ahead. For more information, visit salvationarmyrome.org or call 706-291-4745.
Summerville Police are investigating suspicious activity reported behind Advance Auto Parts on Commerce Street.
According to the report, officers responded after the store manager discovered someone had apparently tried to break into the business by damaging a power meter box near the back of the building.
Police also reported finding a pile of trash behind the dumpster containing items that did not appear to belong to the business, including toilet paper, canned foods, and other materials.
Extra patrols were requested around the property, and the investigation remains ongoing.
May is National Foster Care Month, and local officials are encouraging families in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia to consider opening their homes to children in need.
According to Georgia foster care data, more than 10,800 children are currently in foster care statewide, with hundreds of children still waiting for permanent homes and supportive families.
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services says foster parents play a critical role in providing safe, stable, and caring environments for children who have been removed from unsafe situations because of abuse, neglect, or other family crises.
Officials say there continues to be a need for additional foster families in rural communities like Chattooga County, especially for sibling groups, teenagers, and children with special needs.
People interested in becoming foster parents must complete training, background checks, and home evaluations before children can be placed in their care. State officials say foster families receive support services and guidance throughout the process.
The Chattooga County DFCS office is located at 102 Highway 48 in Summerville, and residents can call 706-857-0817 for more information about fostering or adopting children.
Additional statewide foster care information is also available by calling 1-877-210-KIDS.
A Summerville man was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office following a late-night traffic stop and drug investigation on Saturday, May 23.
