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June 27, 2026

Floyd County Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty

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A Floyd County man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he seriously injured a dog with a machete at a Rome hotel.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 25-year-old Joseph Robert Bisher was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following an incident at a hotel on Martha Berry Boulevard.

Investigators allege Bisher struck a dog named “Oreo” with a machete, causing a deep laceration.

According to the arrest report, when questioned about the incident, Bisher allegedly told authorities he did not want to strike his girlfriend, so he struck the dog instead.

The case remains under investigation.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

According To Georgia Recorder, More Than Half Of Georgia Teachers Now Use AI To Prepare For Class

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More than half of Georgia’s public school teachers are now using artificial intelligence to help prepare lessons and complete other classroom tasks, according to a new report highlighted this week by the Georgia Recorder.

The report, based on findings from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, found that 54 percent of teachers surveyed said they use generative AI tools for lesson planning, classroom activities, grading, or other instructional purposes. At the same time, many educators expressed concern that students’ growing use of AI could negatively affect learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

The findings come as school systems across Georgia continue developing policies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. State education leaders have also released guidance encouraging schools to use AI in ways that support teaching while protecting student privacy and promoting ethical use.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Spark Day Happening Today In Summerville

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A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.

“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.

Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.

Spark Day will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.

The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Receives Grant Reimbursement For New Soccer Mini-Pitch

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The City of Summerville has received a $187,798.50 grant reimbursement for construction of a new soccer mini-pitch at the Fairgrounds property near Fairway Recreation.

The City of Summerville, with assistance from the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, successfully applied in 2025 for the GA 100 Initiative Project soccer mini-pitch grant. The project was funded through a $100,000 contribution from the Atlanta United Foundation’s GA 100 Initiative and $87,798.50 from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation.

The new 60-foot by 120-foot soccer mini-pitch will provide additional recreational opportunities for local youth and families while enhancing Summerville’s growing parks and recreation offerings.

Additional support for the Fairgrounds improvements included a $20,000 grant from the Menlo-Tillotson Foundation for new restroom facilities and a $10,000 contribution from Georgia Power for electrical upgrades at the site.

Future plans for the Fairgrounds property include adding a full-size soccer field and expanded parking to support continued growth in recreational programming and community events.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County School System Hiring Maintenance Technician

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The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Maintenance Technician position to help ensure school facilities throughout the district remain safe and operating efficiently.

The full-time position is benefits eligible and follows a 208-day work schedule each school year. Employees work a four-day schedule with most Mondays off and participate in a rotating on-call schedule to respond to after-hours emergencies. Pay is based on certifications and experience, with wages up to $27.21 per hour.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED along with HVAC certification and/or electrical technician experience. Candidates should also have working knowledge of building maintenance trades, be able to work independently or as part of a team, climb ladders or scaffolding, lift heavy objects, possess a valid driver’s license, and successfully complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.

Applications are available through the Superintendent’s Office or online at www.chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting Menu, District Services, then Human Resources.

Completed applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education, 33 Middle School Road, Summerville, Georgia 30747.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Deputies Assist In Chattooga County Shoplifting Arrest

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A Chattooga County woman was arrested on a charge of theft by shoplifting after investigators say she was identified through store surveillance video and later located by Walker County deputies.

According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany responded on June 19 to a report of a shoplifting at a local business. Store employees told the deputy they observed 32-year-old Crissy Leigh Ingram on surveillance video remove a pair of purple aviator-style sunglasses from a display, conceal them in her pocketbook and leave the store without paying.

Store personnel provided investigators with surveillance footage and a vehicle tag number, which was relayed through Chattooga County 911 to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Walker County Sheriff’s deputies soon located a vehicle matching the description and detained a woman matching the suspect shown in the surveillance footage.

Deputy Garmany met Walker County deputies at the Walker County line near the Highway 27 and Highway 151 intersection, where custody of Ingram was transferred. She was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident on the shoplifting charge. The incident was recorded on the deputy’s body-worn camera.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Offering Night Classes For Diesel Technician Program

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is making it easier for working adults and others with busy schedules to prepare for a career in the diesel industry by offering night classes in its Diesel Equipment Technology program.

According to GNTC, diesel technicians are in high demand as freight transportation continues to grow, creating an ongoing need for skilled professionals to maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including independent maintenance and repair shops, corporate fleet maintenance, truck leasing and rental operations, and trucking logistics facilities.

Early registration for fall classes is underway, with the registration deadline set for August 4.

For more information about the Diesel Equipment Technology program or to apply, visit gntc.edu or call 866-983-4682.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

County Dumpsters To Open Sunday Afternoons At Chattooga Transfer Station

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Chattooga County residents will soon have another opportunity to dispose of household garbage at the county’s free dumpsters.

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the dumpsters at the Chattooga County Transfer Station on Stockade Road in Summerville will now be open on Sunday afternoons for residents bringing household garbage.

Allen noted that the Transfer Station itself will not be open on Sundays, only the free household garbage dumpsters.

The county also reminds residents of the current transfer station fees, which are scheduled to take effect Monday, September 8, 2025. Fees listed include $60 per ton for in-county garbage, $80 per ton for out-of-county garbage, $45 per ton for brush, $160 per ton for car tires, $260 per ton for truck tires, and $10 each for mattresses and box springs. The minimum dump fee is $5.