Chattooga County Deputy Involved in Accident While Responding to Cardiac Arrest Call

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A Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy was involved in a single-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon while en route to a cardiac arrest call. According to Sheriff Mark Schrader, Deputy Ben Mollohan was responding with emergency lights and sirens traveling southbound on Highway 100 just before the Four Mile Curve when the incident occurred. “As Deputy Mollohan crested the hill, a truck, reacting to the emergency lights, immediately stopped in the roadway,” Sheriff Schrader stated. To avoid colliding with the stopped vehicle, Deputy Mollohan took evasive action, steering the patrol car into a large ditch adjacent to the highway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Sheriff Schrader confirmed that the only property damage sustained was to the patrol vehicle itself. No other vehicles or property were damaged in the incident. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) responded to the scene and conducted the accident investigation.

Weekly Legislative Report From State Rep. Eddie Lumsden

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:

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Summerville Resident Arrested After Vehicle Vandalized In Rock-Throwing Incident

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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.

Friends Of Sloppy Floyd State Park Joined By Berry College Students & Campers In Sprucing Up Playground Area

Over the past weekend, volunteers helped spruce up Sloppy Floyd State Park in Summerville. The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park, who actively make improvements to the local state park, were joined by Berry College Student volunteers in replacing mulch in the children’s playground area at the park. Even campers who were visiting the park joined in on the project to get the park ready for Spring. The local chapter of Friends of Georgia State Parks works tirelessly throughout the year to make Sloppy Floyd State Park an inviting place for visitors and local residents alike.

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Berry College Physician Assistant Program Hits Milestone

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has accredited Berry College’s Physician Associate program. This program will begin in August with 28 students, growing to 40 by 2027. Graduates will earn a Master of Medical Science degree after completing the 127-credit hour, 24-month residential course. Berry’s PA program, focusing on rural health medicine, is the first in Northwest Georgia. The college aims to recruit students interested in serving the region, partnering with local health systems for clinical practice experiences in the second year. The program’s launch coincides with the construction of the new Morgan-Bailey Health Sciences Building, to be finished this summer. This building will provide modern facilities for hands-on learning, which is essential for PA education. Only accredited programs can qualify graduates for national certification and state licensing.

Arrest Made in Rosedale Wildfire; Woman Charged With Arson

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.

WRGA contributed to this story

Georgia Gas Prices Remain Steady Despite National Climb

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Georgians are enjoying relatively stable gas prices at the pump, with the current average holding steady at $2.94 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA. This price is unchanged from last week, a penny lower than last month, and a significant 38 cents cheaper than this time last year. Filling a 15-gallon tank will cost drivers an average of $44.10, offering a nearly $7.00 saving compared to last year’s prices.

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Ford Recalls Escapes & Bronco Sports Due To Cracked Fuel Injector

Ford Motor Company is recalling 33,576 Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles due to a cracked fuel injector that could lead to a potential engine fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall, stating that the affected vehicles had previously undergone incorrect repairs under two separate recall campaigns. According to the NHTSA, the fuel injectors in the recalled vehicles may be cracked, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment. This fuel, if it comes into contact with a hot engine component or exhaust, could ignite and cause a fire. The recall encompasses certain 2020-2022 Ford Escape models and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport models. To address the issue, Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software free of charge. This update is designed to detect a cracked fuel injector and, in the event of a leak, will trigger a warning message to the driver and reduce engine power to minimize the risk of fire. Ford will notify owners of the affected vehicles by mail after April 24th. Owners with questions or concerns can contact Ford directly at 866-436-7332, referencing Ford’s internal recall number 25S21.

Sunny Today, Heat Wave Approaching

After a day of active weather that brought severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings to parts of Georgia on Monday, residents can expect a calmer day today. A cold front stretching across central Georgia, from just south of Columbus to Augusta, is bringing low-level clouds and reduced visibility, with possible fog in the area until around 10 AM. The National Weather Service reports that drier air is moving into the northern portion of the state, following the front’s passage. As the day progresses, cloud cover will dissipate, leading to a sunny afternoon with high temperatures ranging from the lower 70s to the lower 80s.

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Arrest Report – Tuesday – April 1, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, April 1, 2025:

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