Georgia Meat Processors Can Now Sell Products Nationwide Under New USDA Agreement

Small meat processors across Georgia will soon have access to customers across the country following a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

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Arrest Report – Tuesday – August 4, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, August 4, 2026:

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GBI Arrest Fuels Ongoing Debate Over Flock Cameras Across Georgia

An arrest involving alleged misuse of an automated license plate reader system is adding to the ongoing debate over Flock cameras across Georgia, including concerns raised here in Chattooga County about privacy, access and government oversight.

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Berry College Partners With Georgia Department Of Corrections To Bring College Courses To Walker State Prison (Correction)

Berry College is partnering with the Georgia Department of Corrections to expand access to higher education for incarcerated individuals, with a focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and successful reentry.

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Lyerly Woman Indicted On Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

A Lyerly woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges related to child sexual abuse material and bestiality following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

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Search Continues For New Rome-Floyd Development Authority CEO

The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority is continuing its search for a new president and chief executive officer following the departure of Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg.

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Taco Bell Lettuce Linked to Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak

Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause prolonged watery diarrhea.

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Number of Immigrant Children in Georgia Foster Care Rises Amid Increased ICE Enforcement

The number of immigrant children entering Georgia’s foster care system has increased significantly over the past year as federal immigration enforcement actions have intensified, placing additional demands on the state’s child welfare system.

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Chattooga County Coroner Warns Families About Funeral Home Impersonation Scam

The Chattooga County Coroner’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families following the death of a loved one.

In a public alert, Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney said scammers are posing as funeral home employees after monitoring online obituaries. The scammers then contact family members and demand immediate payment, falsely claiming to represent the funeral home handling funeral arrangements.

McElhaney urged anyone receiving such a call not to provide any personal or financial information. Instead, he advises families to hang up and contact their funeral home directly using a trusted phone number to verify whether the call is legitimate.

“I personally know the owner/operators of all three Chattooga County funeral homes and can assure you that is not the way they conduct business,” McElhaney said.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning to help prevent others from becoming victims of the scam.

One Suspect In Custody, Two Sought Following Alleged Shoplifting At Trion Walmart

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One man is in custody and two others remain at large following an alleged shoplifting incident Friday at Walmart in Trion.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, three men were stopped while leaving the store after they were believed to have stolen several iPads.

Authorities say the suspects fled the scene before Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies arrived. Law enforcement was able to apprehend one of the three men, while the other two remained at large as of Friday night.

Sheriff Schrader said investigators believe the three men may also be connected to other shoplifting incidents in Michigan and in Dalton, Georgia.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information has not yet been released.

WZQZ will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.