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September 3, 2026

Georgia Fugitive Captured After Jumping Into Weiss Lake

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A Georgia fugitive wanted out of Floyd County was taken into custody in Cherokee County, Alabama, after authorities say he ran from deputies and jumped into Weiss Lake.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a campground in the Wildwood Cove area off County Road 182 Tuesday afternoon to serve a warrant for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies located 33-year-old Eric Carl Virta of Cartersville, Georgia. Authorities say that when deputies attempted to take Virta into custody, he ran and jumped into the water. Virta reportedly crossed to the other side and entered the Kirk’s Grove/Mud Creek area.

Deputies responded to that area and searched for more than an hour before finding Virta hiding in a swampy area in Mud Creek. He was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol transported Virta and the deputies back across the water by boat.

Virta was wanted in Floyd County on a probation violation connected to charges involving possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and terroristic threats and acts.

He was also charged in Cherokee County with fugitive from justice and attempting to elude.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office thanked ALEA, the Leesburg Police Department and the Cedar Bluff Police Department for their assistance.

September 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Finally Ease After Weeks Of Increases

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Georgia motorists are getting at least a little relief at the pump heading into the Labor Day travel period, with the statewide average for regular gasoline falling after several weeks of increases.

AAA says the Georgia average is now about $3.78 per gallon, down roughly 3 cents from a week ago and 11 cents from a month ago. However, prices remain about 88 cents higher than this time last year. A typical 15-gallon fill-up at the current statewide average costs about $56.70.

August 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Man Arrested In Cherokee County On Harassment Charge

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A Trion man was arrested earlier this month in neighboring Cherokee County, Alabama, according to jail and arrest records.

Derrick Hogue, 31, of Trion, was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on August 18. Records show Hogue was booked at approximately 8:33 PM.

Hogue was reportedly charged with harassment.

Available online booking information does not provide details concerning the circumstances that led to the harassment charge.

Records indicate Hogue was subsequently released from custody on August 20.

The arrest occurred in Cherokee County, Alabama, which borders Chattooga County to the west.

An arrest is based on probable cause, and Hogue is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

August 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Climb Amid Middle East Tensions

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Gas prices in Georgia continue to move higher as ongoing conflict in the Middle East adds pressure to global oil markets.

August 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Climb As Oil Markets React To Middle East Uncertainty

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Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump this week as rising crude oil prices and continued uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East put upward pressure on gasoline prices.

August 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Community Benefit Planned For Longtime Gaylesville Fire Chief Bobby Millican And Family

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A community that has been served for decades by Gaylesville Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Bobby Millican and his family is being asked to rally around them as they face a difficult period involving serious health challenges and mounting expenses.

August 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Fall As Drivers See Relief At The Pump

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Georgia drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gasoline prices continue to decline, with Northwest Georgia among the least expensive areas of the state.

August 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Begin To Fall As Oil Costs Ease

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Georgia drivers are getting a little relief at the pump as gasoline prices begin to decline following a drop in crude oil prices. The decrease comes as concerns over potential global supply disruptions have eased, reducing the cost of producing gasoline.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gas Prices Rise Again As Global Oil Concerns Push Costs Higher

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Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump this week as rising crude oil prices and continued instability in the Middle East drive fuel costs higher.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is now $3.92, up 15 cents from last week, 31 cents from a month ago, and $1.01 higher than a year ago. The national average has climbed to $4.11 per gallon.

AAA says uncertainty surrounding global oil supplies, including concerns involving the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed crude oil prices near $90 per barrel, increasing gasoline prices across the country.

For local drivers, the average price in the Rome metro area, which includes Floyd and Gordon counties, is $3.79 per gallon, while the Catoosa-Dade-Walker metro area averages $3.75, making it one of the least expensive areas in Georgia. Chattooga County is not tracked separately by AAA but typically follows prices in the Rome and Catoosa-Dade-Walker markets. Across the state line, the Gadsden metro area, which includes Cherokee and DeKalb counties, Alabama, averages $3.73 per gallon.

AAA encourages motorists to compare prices between stations, use grocery or fuel rewards programs when available, and avoid waiting until their tank is nearly empty before filling up, as prices could continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Cherokee County Alabama Lieutenant Appointed Secretary of National School Resource Officer Association

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Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jordan Kelley has been appointed secretary of the National Association of School Resource Officers, giving the local agency representation in a national school-safety leadership role.