The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet and silent auction on March 29, 2025, at Sarah Jane Farms. The event celebrated local businesses and individuals who have contributed significantly to the community and raised funds for the Leadership Chattooga Student Edition program, which helps high school juniors and seniors develop leadership skills and knowledge about their local area. Cindy McGraw, the Executive Director of the Chamber, expressed gratitude to all community members for their contributions.
State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) shared his weekly report for the 11th week of the legislative session. As the Sine Die deadline approaches, lawmakers are focused on passing many bills, including those on chronic absenteeism, support for foster youth, and tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking. “We returned to the Capitol determined to provide meaningful solutions for our communities,” said Rep. Lumsden, noting significant progress on issues affecting the state, from helping students to protecting citizens from fentanyl dangers. One important bill passed this week was Senate Bill 123, which addresses chronic absenteeism in public schools by defining it, introducing strategies to improve attendance, and focusing on support for struggling students. Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 85, which establishes the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act to assist current and former foster youth with higher education costs. The House passed Senate Bill 72, providing a legal safe harbor for hospitals offering specialized care for individuals with rare diseases. Additionally, Senate Bill 42 and Senate Bill 79 were passed to address crime involving minors and strengthen penalties for fentanyl trafficking. Other bills, including those on electronic device bans in schools and tax reductions, have also passed and are awaiting the Governor’s decision. As the session ends, lawmakers are finalizing key legislation to meet the needs of Georgia’s citizens. You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:
A Summerville man was arrested Saturday night following an incident where a vehicle was damaged by thrown rocks on Martin Street. According to a police report, officers responded to a call at approximately 10:24 PM on March 29, 2025, after Ashley Fowler reported her vehicle had been struck by rocks. Ms. Fowler told police that while driving past 1022 Martin Street, she was confronted by members of the Caldwell family. She alleged that a woman wearing a pink shirt threw a rock that struck and damaged her front windshield. Furthermore, she stated that a shirtless male subject struck and shattered the rear window of her vehicle. Passengers in Ms. Fowler’s vehicle corroborated her account, identifying Jacob Caldwell and Sinclaire Snowden as the individuals responsible for the damage. Police then made contact with Caldwell and Snowden at 1022 Martin Street. Caldwell reportedly denied damaging the vehicle but stated he was willing to take the blame as long as Snowden was not taken into custody. Jacob Caldwell was subsequently arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
An arrest has been made in connection with the March 23rd wildfire that scorched approximately 200 acres in the Rosedale area and threatened a nearby subdivision off Highway 156. Ainsley Brianna Sutton, 22, of Armuchee, Georgia, was charged with three felony counts of 1st-degree arson, one count of destroying or damaging any material or device used in the detection or suppression of wildfires, and one count of reckless conduct. Sutton is accused of intentionally starting the fire, which quickly spiraled out of control, ultimately destroying an outbuilding and damaging a residence. According to a Floyd County Police Department report, responding officers found a rapidly spreading fire with flames reaching approximately 10 feet high, about 100 feet into the woods. Property owners were present at the scene along with Sutton, who was reportedly covered in soot on her face and arms. The report further states that Sutton appeared remorseful and was visibly upset. She allegedly admitted to starting the fire by using a lighter to burn pine straw, citing anger towards a family member as the motivation. Sutton was transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Floyd County Jail early Tuesday. The investigation remains ongoing.
(From left) Ben Canedo, Roper’s Human Resources senior business partner and a member of GNTC’s Board of Directors; scholarship recipients Tammy Chandler and Hayleigh Cochran; and Luther Ingram, Roper’s president and executive director and a member of the GNTC Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has announced the first recipients of the Roper Corporation Scholarships, highlighting Roper’s commitment to workforce development in Northwest Georgia. The scholarships have been awarded to Tammy Chandler, a Computer Support Specialist student, and Hayleigh Cochran, who is studying Business Management. Both students are enrolled at GNTC’s Walker County Campus in Rock Spring. Luther Ingram, Roper’s president, emphasized the company’s support for developing skilled workers through this scholarship, which is intended to create opportunities for students entering essential fields. The Roper Corporation Scholarship, established in 2024, assists GNTC students employed by Roper Corporation, which employs over 2,500 people in LaFayette. Eligible students can use the funds for tuition, fees, and essential educational materials. Ben Canedo from Roper noted the importance of the partnership in addressing workforce needs through specialized training programs.
