The Miss University of Georgia Pageant crowned its 2026 winner Friday night in Athens, naming Sailor Ott, a biological sciences major from Toccoa, as Miss UGA. Ott emerged from a field of 19 contestants, earning the title and a $1,250 scholarship.
An Armuchee man is facing drug trafficking charges after authorities reportedly found approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine during the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Herring Road. According to an arrest warrant and Floyd County Jail records, 61-year-old Kenneth Gerome Espy was taken into custody following the search. Investigators also reported that Espy had a firearm in his possession. In addition to trafficking, Espy is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A Chattooga County man was arrested late last week in Floyd County on drug charges after reports indicated he was found in possession of methamphetamine while at a rehabilitation home.
Floyd County authorities arrested Isaac Eric DeWayne Hines, 22, of Summerville, in Rome. Reports said the arrest followed an incident at the rehabilitation home where the suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Formal case details and court proceedings will determine how the charges move forward.
Georgia Power customers may see some relief on their monthly electric bills later this year. The company’s president and CEO, Kim Greene, said this week that Georgia Power plans to file upcoming changes that would lower rates starting in June 2026.
Georgia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would expand the state’s restrictions on student cell phone use, potentially banning personal devices in high schools statewide.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 19, 2026:
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents about a phone scam making the rounds in the area that involves callers impersonating law enforcement or court officials and using intimidation to demand immediate payment.
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released health inspection results for the first half of January 2026, showing perfect scores for two tourist accommodation facilities in the county.
Express Inn & Suites, located at 14364 Highway 27 in Trion, earned a score of 100 on its most recent inspection conducted January 14, 2026.
James H. Floyd State Park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road in Summerville, also received a score of 100 on its latest inspection conducted January 7, 2026.
Should you ever have any complaint about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, you can contact Chattooga County Environmental Health at (706) 857-3377.
The State of Georgia says net tax collections in December totaled $3.44 billion. That’s up by about $101 million, or 3 percent, compared to December of last year.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 16, 2026: