Rep. Eddie Lumsden Recaps Week One Under the Gold Dome as 2026 Session Begins

State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below:

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Arrest Report – Wednesday – January 21, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 21, 2026:

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UPDATE – WEDNESDAY – 4:30 AM – Henry’s BBQ Destroyed by Fire in Summerville, Cause Under Investigation

Henry’s BBQ Fire Likely Started Near Front Heater; Employee Heard Popping Before Smoke Filled Dining Area

Fire officials now say the Tuesday night fire at Henry’s BBQ in Summerville may have started in or around a heater near the front of the restaurant. Summerville Police Chief and Public Safety Director Brian Ozment said an employee was in the back of the building preparing for business the next day when she heard popping sounds coming from the front. When she went to check, Ozment said the front area was already filled with heavy smoke.

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DUI Arrest Reported After Trion Traffic Stop, Report Cites Prescription Drug Impairment Indicators

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports 55-year-old Angela Donice Jennings was arrested following a traffic stop in Trion. In the incident narrative, a deputy says Jennings was observed failing to maintain her lane and nearly striking another vehicle before both vehicles pulled into a nearby parking area, identified in the report as the United Community Bank location.

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Arrest Report – Tuesday – January 26, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 20, 2026:

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Summerville Man Arrested in Floyd County After Meth Found at Rehabilitation Home, Reports Say

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.

Arrest Report – Monday – July 19, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 19, 2026:

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Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About “Jury Duty” and “Ankle Monitor” Phone Scams

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.

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Kemp Delivers Final State of the State, Pushing Tax Relief and Major Investments as His Last-Lap Agenda Takes Shape

Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his final State of the State address this week at the Georgia Capitol, using the annual speech to lay out what he wants lawmakers to prioritize as he enters the home stretch of his second term. In front of a joint session of the General Assembly, Kemp struck an upbeat tone about Georgia’s economy and growth, while arguing the next set of decisions should center on affordability for families, long-term competitiveness for the state, and keeping Georgia “open for business” in a changing national landscape.

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Arrest Report – Friday – January 16, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 16, 2026:

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