Chattooga County Man, 39, Arrested on Simple Assault Charge Following Reported Domestic Dispute

A Chattooga County man was arrested after a reported domestic dispute that authorities say involved calls to two nearby residences on January 9, 2026.

The arrest report lists the suspect as Ross Ladon Palmer, age 39, who was taken into custody on Jan. 9, 2026, and charged with simple assault.

According to the incident narrative, responders were dispatched to a residence on Kay Drive regarding a domestic situation, while another location on Fields Walk was also involved in the investigation. The report describes interviews with individuals connected to the call and outlines allegations that a confrontation took place, with accounts varying between those involved.

The narrative indicates the suspect was later contacted at another location, and the report notes that further investigation was expected, including reviewing any available video evidence, before a final decision was made on next steps in the case.

Avian Influenza Confirmed at Commercial Poultry Operation in Walker County

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, marking Georgia’s first confirmed HPAI case of 2026 and the fourth case in a commercial poultry operation in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.

State officials say the producer noticed increased mortality on Sunday, January 11, and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network. Samples were collected and tested Monday, with the positive result confirmed by the state lab Monday evening and later confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, January 13.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team deployed to the site to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders, and response operations are expected to continue through the week.

A 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) quarantine zone has been established around the operation. Officials say all commercial poultry operations within that radius are under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks, and the affected premises has been secured so that only authorized personnel may enter.

Arrest Report – Wednesday – January 14, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 14, 2026:

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Rome City Commission Elects Jim Bojo as New Mayor at First Meeting of 2026

Rome has a new mayor, and as is customary in the city’s commission-manager form of government, the choice came from within the City Commission rather than through a direct mayoral election.

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Arrest Report – Tuesday – January 13, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 13, 2026:

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Arrest Report – Monday – January 12, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, January 12, 2026:

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Summerville City Council to Swear In Officials, Address Budget Matters, and Consider Key Appointments Monday

The Summerville City Council will meet Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5 p.m., with the swearing-in of city officials, recognition of a local youth sports team, and several key city business matters on the agenda.

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Protest Planned TODAY at Dowdy Park Over Summerville’s Proposed Beaver Trapping

A protest is planned TODAY (Sunday, January 11) at 2 p.m. at Dowdy Park in Summerville, organized in response to Mayor Rickey Hughes’ recent comments about removing beavers from local waterways.

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Speaker Jon Burns Unveils Georgia House 2026 Agenda Centered on Affordability, Property Tax Relief, Healthcare and Literacy

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) has unveiled the Georgia House of Representatives’ policy agenda for the 2026 Legislative Session, saying the chamber will focus on affordability and quality of life for families across the state while continuing work tied to recent tax cuts, insurance-cost efforts, education initiatives and healthcare investments.

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Woman Arrested on Felony Charge Alleging Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Inmate at Floyd County Prison

A Cartersville woman has been arrested on a felony warrant accusing her of unlawful sexual conduct with a person in custody, according to an arrest warrant in the case.

The warrant alleges 26-year-old Jazmine Prechy Richardson, identified as a member of the kitchen staff at the Floyd County Prison, engaged in a sexual act with an inmate.

Investigators say the alleged incident happened during the early morning hours of October 20. No additional details were immediately available, and officials have not released further information about the circumstances surrounding the case.

Richardson’s arrest is tied to the felony warrant, and the investigation remains ongoing.