Habitat Coosa Valley Breaks Ground On 62nd Home

Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley has broken ground on its 62nd home, which will be built for the Cornejo family.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday, May 31, at the future home site on Brown Street in East Rome. Habitat officials say the project marks an important step toward providing the family with safe, affordable housing and long-term stability.

Executive Director Betsy Allgood said the home represents more than walls and a roof, calling it a foundation for stability, opportunity, and hope.

Habitat homes are built through partnerships involving volunteers, donors, community organizations, and the future homeowners themselves.

Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley serves Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk counties. More information about volunteer opportunities or ways to support the organization is available at habitatcoosavalley.org.

 

Summerville Man Charged In Armuchee Assault Case

A Summerville man was arrested this week after authorities say he assaulted a 50-year-old woman at the Circle K on Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee.

According to reports, 36-year-old Brandon Michael Montgomery of Summerville allegedly attempted to strike the woman’s vehicle with his own vehicle. Authorities say Montgomery is then accused of attempting to confine the victim inside her vehicle.

Reports further state that Montgomery allegedly placed his arms around the victim’s neck in an attempt to strangle her.

Montgomery has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and false imprisonment.

Two Men Accused Of Stealing Tractors From Rome Assembly Plant

Two men have been arrested on felony theft charges after allegedly stealing tractors and a trailer from TYM North America’s facility on Cedartown Highway in Rome.

According to arrest warrants, 51-year-old Jason Matthew Stewart of Cave Spring and 58-year-old Travis Leslie Patterson of Rome are accused of taking two tractors and a trailer from the facility on May 20.

Authorities said each tractor was valued at $15,000, while the trailer was valued at $1,500.

TYM North America’s Rome operation is part of the company’s agricultural equipment manufacturing and assembly network. The Cedartown Highway facility was previously associated with Branson Tractors before TYM expanded its North American operations, including a multi-million-dollar investment in the Rome location.

Both men were charged with felony theft by taking.

Berry College Earns A+ Financial Health Rating From Forbes For Second Straight Year

Berry College has once again received national recognition for its financial strength, earning an A+ rating in Forbes’ 2026 College Financial Grades.

Read more

Floyd County Expands Fight Against PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contamination

Tuesday evening, the Floyd County Commission approved Arnold & Itkin LLP as lead counsel to represent the county in pursuing legal claims connected to PFAS contamination affecting local landfills, drinking water wells, parks, and other public properties.

Read more

Georgia Gas Prices Remain High As Memorial Day Travelers Head Home

Sample Image

As Memorial Day weekend travel comes to a close, AAA says thousands of Georgia drivers are expected to crowd highways heading home, while gas prices continue putting pressure on family travel budgets.

Read more

Rising Gas Prices Creating Financial Strain For Chattooga County Commuters

High gasoline prices are continuing to put financial pressure on thousands of Chattooga County residents who travel outside the county each day for work.

Read more

Summerville Man Arrested On DUI Charge In Rome

A Summerville man was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol over the weekend on a charge of driving under the influence.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 34-year-old Kevante Lamar Baldwin of Turner Street in Summerville was taken into custody Saturday following a traffic stop in the area of North Second Avenue and West Third Street in Rome.

Arrest reports indicate Baldwin was charged with DUI after authorities determined he was over the legal limit for alcohol.

Baldwin was later released from custody after posting bond.

Bethlehem, Georgia Man Arrested In Rome On Obscene Internet Contact Charges

A 54-year-old Bethlehem, Georgia man was arrested in Rome after investigators say he sent obscene photos and messages to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old female.

According to reports, Kenneth Stephens Ray allegedly communicated with the undercover officer by text message on April 28 and April 29, 2026, believing he was speaking with a minor. Authorities say the messages included obscene images and sexually explicit comments.

Ray is charged with two counts of furnishing obscene materials to a minor and one count of obscene internet contact with a minor.

Habitat for Humanity Seeking Volunteers for Rome Emperors Games; Groundbreaking Planned for 62nd Home

Sample Image

Coosa Valley is continuing its search for volunteers to help operate concession stands during Rome Emperors home baseball games at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome.

Read more