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January 31, 2026

Child Molester Returns to Court After Release in Chattooga County Case

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A Chattooga County man previously convicted of child molestation has returned to court following his release from prison, according to court records. Terry Lee Coleman was originally charged after incidents involving a child under the age of 16, with the offenses occurring over a period of time prior to his arrest.

Coleman pleaded guilty to child molestation and was sentenced to prison, later being released after serving his sentence. Court documents indicate the recent hearing involved compliance issues tied to the terms of his release, including supervision and restrictions required under Georgia law for registered sex offenders.

The case remains under the oversight of the court, with officials stressing that convicted sex offenders are subject to strict monitoring requirements designed to protect the public. Any violations of release conditions can result in additional legal action.

January 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Coosa River Basin Initiative Tracks Water Bills, Invites Public to Capitol Conservation Day

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The Coosa River Basin Initiative is keeping lines of communication open with local legislators on several water-related issues during the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly.

January 30, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Friday – January 30, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 30, 2026:

January 30, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Man Arrested After Series of Fires Reported at Vacant Property in Chattooga County

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A Chattooga County man has been arrested following an investigation into multiple fires reported at a vacant property on 228 Weems Road.

January 30, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rome Man Now Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter After Burglary Confrontation

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A Rome man who was originally arrested August 12 on a burglary charge is now facing a felony count of involuntary manslaughter. According to an arrest warrant, 52-year-old Anthony James Ponto was allegedly attempting to burglarize a home on East Hermitage Road in the Kingston area when he was confronted by 59-year-old John Richard Couey.

The warrant states a physical altercation occurred during the confrontation. After Ponto was arrested on the burglary charge, Couey reportedly suffered a medical event and later died. The new involuntary manslaughter charge has been filed in connection with the circumstances surrounding Couey’s death.

January 30, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries Seeking Volunteers and Donations to Expand Hunger Relief

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Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries is inviting the community to start 2026 by giving back, with new volunteer opportunities now available during the week and select weekends. Executive Director Lindsey Kilby says individuals can sign up online at hungerministries dot org, making it easy for people to choose available times and get involved.

Kilby adds that weekend volunteer slots are especially geared toward groups of six or more who can commit at least an hour and a half of service. Along with volunteer help, the nonprofit is also asking for donations, with details available on the organization’s website.

Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries serves low-income families, seniors, and children facing food insecurity in Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties. The organization says its mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by meeting basic needs through hunger relief.

January 30, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Lawmakers Push Constitutional Amendment to End Sales Taxes on Timber

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Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this story

A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution could eliminate sales taxes on timber, a move supporters say would help stabilize a forestry industry that has been hammered by mill closures and storm damage. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration of Mulberry is sponsoring House Resolution 1000, saying the bipartisan effort is meant to protect what he called a cornerstone of Georgia’s rural economy.

January 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Thursday – January 29, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 29, 2026:

January 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Winter Weather Focus Shifts East Again, Bitter Cold Targets Northwest Georgia This Weekend

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Once again, Georgia and much of the Deep South appear headed for a round of winter weather this weekend, but like last weekend, the best chance for frozen precipitation looks to stay mainly east of Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker Counties. The National Weather Service says confidence continues to increase for measurable snowfall across parts of northeast and east-central Georgia between Friday night and Saturday night, prompting a Winter Storm Watch for those areas.

January 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Man Arrested on Family Violence Battery Charge in Chattooga County

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A 49-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County following a reported family violence incident at an apartment on Back Penn Road. According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, William Neal Thurman was taken into custody on January 22 in connection with a misdemeanor family violence battery charge.

The report states deputies were dispatched to an apartment on Back Penn Road after an assault was reported. When they arrived, they found the victim outside with visible injuries, including a bloody nose and swelling to the head. The victim told investigators an argument escalated and she was struck multiple times, including blows to the head, and also reported being shoved and grabbed during the incident. The report indicates emergency medical personnel were called, and the victim was transported for further evaluation due to head pain and visible swelling.

Investigators later located Thurman during a traffic stop and he was arrested without incident before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Thurman was also charged with a parole violation.