Cancer Navigators Walk Set For Tomorrow

Cancer Navigators’ annual 1-Mile Walk and Daisy Drop will take place this year tomorrow, on Sunday, April 28th.

Participants can help local cancer patients in their fight against cancer by signing up for the walk, which will begin at Historic Barron Stadium at 2 p.m. Registration costs $20 and includes an event T-shirt.

To register and for more information: visitbit.ly/43wj26u, call 706-509-5040, or visit the Cancer Navigators office located on the 3rd floor of the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center, 321 W. Fifth St., Rome.

The public’s support will help Cancer Navigators provide the following free services: social support, counseling, nutrition assistance, transportation assistance, medical supplies, wigs, hats and scarves, stress management and caregiver support.

The Daisy Drop is a free event for the community. Cancer Navigators’ staff will be set up near the Courtyard by Marriott distributing complimentary daisies to drop in the Oostanaula River in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer.

The drop will begin at 3 p.m. at the Chief John Ross Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Oostanaula River to link the Town Green with the Courtyard by Marriott.

Parking for both events will be available at and around Historic Barron Stadium.

Cancer Navigators was established in 2006 to serve as a complement to the medical expertise of cancer care providers by guiding those in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama affected by cancer toward a better understanding of diagnosis and care while connecting them with needed resources.

For more information contact Cancer Navigators at 706-509-5040.

Sixty-Year-Old Man Arrested On Multiple Drug Charges

A sixty-year-old Chattooga County man was arrested on a litany of drug charges this week after investigators uncovered a drug selling operation.  According to information received by WZQZ News, deputies and investigators with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office arrested Don Warren after they discovered drug activity at an address located on Highway 48 just outside of Summerville.  Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released the following statement: On Thursday evening, Narcotics Agents with the  Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the LMJC Drug Task Force, along with deputies and with the assistance the Georgia State Patrol executed a search warrant at 4883 Highway 48. The search warrant was the result of an investigation involving the sale of methamphetamine. The home owner, Don Warren, age 60 was arrested on numerous felony drug charges. He is currently being held in the Chattooga County Jail

GNTC Boasts Strong Partnership With Chattooga County

(From left) Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry, GNTC Vice President of Adult Education Lisa Shaw and GNTC Adult Education Instructional Coordinator Derrick McDaniel

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) maintains a strong presence in Chattooga County—providing Adult Education, Driver’s Education and Dual Enrollment classes to serve area residents.

“Our partnership with GNTC has grown and continues to grow,” said Blake Elsberry, sole commissioner of Chattooga County. “Whether it be in the field of healthcare or in one of the many other career fields that GNTC provides training for, Chattooga County and GNTC continue to build on our strong partnership.”

“We are always looking at ways to do more in the counties GNTC serves in the areas of adult education, economic development and technical education,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “Chattooga County has been a great partner and understands the value of education. Within each division of the college, I have asked how we might grow our partnerships. In some instances, it is simply communicating what we are currently offering and exploring ways to become more visible within a community.”

Adult Learning Center

The Chattooga Adult Education Center offers GED® (General Educational Development) and HiSet® (High School Equivalency Test) classes Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The facility is located at 152 Senior Drive, Summerville.

“The center helps with basic skills and knowledge to help individuals qualify for jobs requiring a high school equivalency,” said Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC. We also offer Training on the Go, which allows students to obtain an industry-recognized credential. These opportunities are aligned with local workforce development plans and with input from industry partners to best serve the workforce needs of the community.”

The center also works with the local Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop program in cases of plant closings, layoffs or other situations when residents need support services to get back in the workforce, she said.

“Chattooga’s Adult Learning Center has been here for a number of years and has helped countless individuals obtain their GED® diploma,” Shaw said. “Many of our students have been laid off from jobs or are just looking for a brighter educational future. We are always working towards increasing our enrollment. We will also continue to provide quality instruction and workforce preparation training to help our community the best we can.”

Derrick McDaniel, instructional coordinator for Adult Education at GNTC, supervises the Chattooga Adult Learning Center. Jacob (Blake) Edgeman is the student service assistant, and Ginger Nelms is the Adult Education Student Success coach.

“We are always welcoming new students,” Edgeman said. “Our goal is to help as many students as possible.”

“We also offer online learning programs and flexible hours for students who are currently in the workforce or have other responsibilities,” Shaw said.

The biggest challenge the program faces is public awareness of the location and class offerings, Shaw said.

“Our program is also supported by the Chattooga Literacy Council, which has provided supplies, student testing fees and recognition events for our students over the years,” Shaw said.

Dual Enrollment

Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program allows qualified high school students in GNTC’s nine-county service area to maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit at the same time for free. Degree-level core classes will transfer to any institution in the University System of Georgia (USG) or the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Degree-level core courses also count toward HOPE Scholarship rigor requirements.

Chattooga High School and Trion High School have been offering general education classes through GNTC’s Dual Enrollment program to their students for several years, said Kristi Hart, director of High School Initiatives at GNTC. Approximately 230 high school students took Dual Enrollment courses between the two high schools during the current academic year.

Students can participate as early as grade 10 for Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses, and students in grades 11 and 12 can take any college course that is included in the state-approved course directory, Hart said. Highly-motivated students who are willing to take more than 12 credit hours per semester and to attend classes in fall, spring and summer terms until they graduate from high school can earn an associate degree or diploma from GNTC while pursuing their high school diploma.

“Dual Enrollment in Chattooga County has been a great benefit to many of our students at both (Trion City and Chattooga County) school systems for many years, Elsberry said.

Hart said GNTC plans to discuss further how the college can grow the partnership with Chattooga officials and educators to increase students’ opportunities and provide in-demand skills instruction and training.

Economic Development

Over the years, GNTC’s Office of Economic Development has provided education opportunities in Chattooga County covering many topics including computer skills, leadership and Driver’s Education, said Patty Hart, director of Economic Development at GNTC.

The most in-demand class is Driver’s Education, which is available to anyone who is at least 15 years of age and has a valid Learner’s Permit. Joshua’s Law requires all 16- and 17-year-olds applying for a Class D driver’s license to complete an approved driver education course, Patty Hart explained. Driver’s Education is offered at the Chattooga High School Academic Enrichment Center (AEC).

GNTC began offering Driver’s Education in 2016, said Angela Berch, vice president of Economic Development of GNTC. The class meets at the AEC, and driving appointments are scheduled for pick-up and drop-off at Chattooga High School.

“Some high schools offer the Driver’s Education class, but not all do,” Hart said. “GNTC offers classes at several of our campuses for students who did not take it at their school or whose high schools did not offer it.”

In Fiscal Year 2023, 168 students completed the Driver’s Education program at GNTC, Hart said.

GNTC has also partnered in the past with local industry, Berch said. She is touring Chattooga County industry on May 9 as a guest of Cindy Rivers McGraw, Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Customer Service classes are ongoing at the Adult Learning Center, Berch said.

Future Growth

Elsberry said plans are underway to potentially offer more healthcare programs in Chattooga County.

Over the past two years, Elsberry has spoken with the Chattooga County and Trion City school systems, the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University, GNTC and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) about possibly bringing more healthcare programs of study to Chattooga County, he said.

“That expansion will increase the career opportunities for the youth of our county,” Elsberry said.

“In Chattooga County, we are looking at ways to increase GNTC’s technical education programs, specifically in the area of healthcare,” Popham said. “Additionally, we have incredible partnerships with Chattooga and Trion high schools in the area of dual enrollment and are always open to expanding the program, especially in the high-demand careers areas.”

Employee Injured At International Paper In Coosa

A Rome man was seriously injured in an accident at International Paper in Coosa in neighboring Floyd County this week.

A number of social media posts have gone up over the last 24 hours, asking the community to pray for Timmy Obenlander.

Kelly Trumbo, communications manager with International Paper, confirmed there was an incident on-site Wednesday evening where a team member was injured and transported to a local hospital.

They are in the investigative process to determine exactly what happened, adding that safety is a priority.

“We want to make sure that we are taking care of our team members,” she said.

Trumbo added that she did not have any more specifics at this time, but will release more information once it is known.

According to Roger Haggard, Battalion Chief with the Rome Fire Department, Obenlander had already been freed from the machine and was receiving medical treatment when firefighters arrived on the scene.

WRGA

Chattooga County Gets "A" For Air Quality From American Lung Association

The American Lung Association has released its 2024 “State of the Air” report, which covers air quality and pollution levels across the United States.

“In the 25 years that the American Lung Association has been doing our ‘State of the Air’ report, we have seen incredible improvement in the nation’s air quality. Unfortunately, more than 131 million people still live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution, and Metro Atlanta still has work to do,” Danna Thompson, Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association in Georgia, said in a statement. “Climate change is making air pollution more likely to form and more difficult to clean up. There are actions we can and must take to improve air quality, such as calling on EPA to set long-overdue stronger national limits on ozone pollution.”

Chattooga County ranked high on the list, getting an “A” on the State of the Air report.

Chattooga Extension Food Preservation Class

The Chattooga County Extension Office will be hosting a Food Preservation Fermentation Workshop coming up in May.  The class is limited to 25 participants and will be held at the Extension Office / Chattooga County Ag Building on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from noon until 2 PM.  The cost of the class is $25.  Participants will take part in a hands-on workshop where they can acquire the knowledge of safe techniques for fermenting vegetables at home.  For more information, or to register for the class, contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744.

Former NW Georgia Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty To Child Molestation Charges

Despite the fact that a former Cartersville youth pastor pleaded guilty to molesting two young boys who attended his church, prosecutors said there were many more victims who may never see justice.  Christopher Matthew Codding, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony child molestation and one count of sodomy on Thursday.

As part of that plea, Codding will be sentenced to 60 years on probation and serve a sentence in prison of up to 19 years. The amount of serve time will be determined by a judge during a sentencing hearing on May 16.  The case involves the sexual abuse of two boys, both approximately 10-years-old at the time, who attended the church where Codding was a youth pastor between 2012 and 2017.

Despite the timeline of the charges in this case, prosecutors said there is evidence of prior incidents as well.

At the time of his arrest in 2022, Codding was employed as a radiologic technician, often working in Baltimore, Maryland, and an instructor at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. He volunteered as a youth pastor at Cassville Baptist Church in Cartersville. To add insult to injury, Codding taught child abuse prevention and youth protection classes at the church, Johnson said.

The case began when one of the victims learned that Codding was attempting to adopt two young boys, and stepped forward, Johnson said. Once the floodgates were opened, more and more victims came forward.

Codding, who has been out on $30,000 bond since 2022 on an ankle monitor, will be sentenced on May 16 at 9 a.m.

Advent Health Redmond: Strike Out Stroke

On Tuesday, May 7, AdventHealth Redmond is hosting Strike Out Stroke Night to support stroke awareness and prevention.

Throughout the game, courageous stroke survivors and some of AdventHealth Redmond’s medical experts will be featured. Each AdventHealth Redmond team member receives two free tickets; proof of badge is required at the box office. Free t-shirts will also be given to every game attendee.

Strokes are the primary leading cause of long-term disability and death. BE FAST educational materials will be available during the game. BE FAST is the popular acronym to help individuals remember the signs of a stroke, and it outlines a difference in balance, eyes, face drooping, arm, speech and time.

AdventHealth Redmond is proud to partner with AdventHealth Stadium to bring awareness and provide education in hopes to combat this prominent health care issue.

For more information on neurology care at AdventHealth Redmond, please visit https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-redmond/neurology-care

Arrest Report - Friday - April 26, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 26, 2024:

Northwest Georgia Unemployment Numbers Up Slightly

Yesterday, the Georgia Department of Labor released unemployment numbers for Northwest Georgia.  Despite a slight increase in unemployment numbers, Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson remains optimistic about Georgia’s job market.

“Georgia’s job market is red hot with opportunity,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “This continuous growth is a strong indicator that our economic momentum is not slowing down any time soon. Once again, Georgia continues to shatter records in growing businesses statewide and creating jobs for hardworking Georgians.”

Northwest Georgia

• The unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 3.1 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.2 percent one year ago.
• The labor force was up 3,423 over-the-month and up 8,047 over-the-year, to 448,089, an all-time high.
• The number of employed was up 2,476 over-the-month and up 7,954 over-the-year, to 434,073, an all-time high.
• Initial claims were down 355 (-16%) over-the-month and down 1,164 (-39%) over-the-year, to 1,817.

Armuchee Man Leads Police On High-Speed Chase

James William Bishop, 61 of Armuchee, is facing felony dug charges after leading police on a high-speed motorcycle chase.

Authorities stated that they clocked Bishop driving at speeds of over 15 mph above the posted limit when he refused to pull over.

After driving to and arriving at his home on Haywood Valley, Bishop is accused of running on foot.  When he was captured, he was found to have been driving while drunk.

Deputies went to say that after arriving at the jail he was found with suspected methamphetamine on him.

Bishop is charged with possession of meth, obstruction, unlawful possession of drugs by an inmate, DUI, speeding and violation of driving class.

Coosa Valley News

Calhoun HERD Field Day - May 3, 2024

"Squatting Bill" Signed By Governor

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation criminalizing squatting, the illegal practice of entering and residing on someone else’s property without their consent.

Under current law, the practice of squatting is treated as a civil matter by law enforcement, which places a burden on the property owner in getting the squatters out of a residence. The property owner would then have to go to court and get an eviction notice, allowing the squatters to remain for weeks, months – or in some cases over a year before being forcibly removed from the property.

The Georgia Squatter Reform Act makes squatting a misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. It also speeds up the timeline to evict a squatter, giving landlords and law enforcement more tools to establish that someone is trespassing and to demand that they leave.

The new law directs local law enforcement to issue citations and arrest people accused of squatting if they don’t provide a valid lease or proof of payment within three days. If they do produce such documents, it moves eviction proceedings to magistrate courts, and requires cases to be heard within seven business days after filing.

If the judge deems documents they present to be forged or fake, those accused of squatting could be charged with a felony. And judges can impose more fines based on the fair market value of rent that landlords lose.

Governor Kemp Signs Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation

Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, members of the General Assembly, state and local leaders, and members of the GRACE Commission signed a package of anti-human trafficking legislation into law, including SB 370 – the ninth piece of legislation brought forward and passed by First Lady Marty Kemp and the GRACE Commission.

Sponsored by Senator Mike Hodges, signed by Senators Ben Watson, John Albers, Bo Hatchett, and Kay Kirkpatrick, carried in the House by Representative Soo Hong, and heard in the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities by Chairman Bill Cowsert and the House Committee on Regulated Industries by Chairman Alan Powell, SB 370 includes convenience stores, body art studios, businesses that employ licensed massage therapists, manufacturing facilities, and medical offices in the list of businesses that must post the human trafficking notice; allows the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy to initiate inspections of massage therapy businesses and board recognized massage therapy educational programs without notice; requires massage therapists affix a passport sized photo with their license certificate that is displayed at their place of work; and requires massage therapy board members to annually complete human trafficking awareness training.

“For years Georgia was considered a hot spot for human trafficking, but thanks to the GRACE Commission, under the leadership of First Lady Marty Kemp, we have established Georgia as a national leader in this fight by passing legislation that cracks down on both traffickers and buyers while also, and even more importantly, empowering survivors,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I could not be more proud to sign the ninth piece of legislation brought forward by the GRACE Commission since its formation only 5 years ago, continue to go after human traffickers and make sure that those caught in trafficking situations know in Georgia, there is always help for them, both in getting to safety and in moving on to a better life.

Along with SB 370, Governor Kemp signed two additional pieces of legislation included below:

HB 993, sponsored by Representative Alan Powell, signed by Representatives Tyler Paul Smith, Jason Ridley, Derrick McCollum, J. Collins, and Trey Rhodes, carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, and heard in the House Committee on Juvenile Justice by Chairwoman Mandi Ballinger and the Senate Judiciary Committee by Chairman Brian Strickland, creates the felony offense of grooming of a minor and prohibits the defense from prosecution for offenses relating to visual mediums depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on the basis that the visual medium was created, adapted, or modified to show an identifiable minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Special thanks to Attorney General Chris Carr and Hannah Palmquist, the head of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, for their support and work on this legislation

HB 1201, sponsored by Representative Houston Gaines, signed by Representative Tyler Paul Smith, Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, Representatives Deborah Silcox, Soo Hong, and Katie Dempsey, and carried in the Senate by Senator Brian Strickland, allows human trafficking survivors that received first offender or conditional discharge status the ability to vacate such status for certain crimes, so long as the crime was a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking, and defines the term “commercial sexual exploitation recovery center.”

Special thanks to the Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Jay Neal and the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services and Division of Family and Children Services, Candice Broce, for their support and work on this legislation.

Woman Says She Thought Her Dog Was "Playing" With Neighbor's Chickens

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office was called to an address on Bryant Road in Summerville about a dog killing and injuring chickens.  When a deputy arrived on the scene and spoke with the complainant, she told the deputy that her neighbor’s dog had been attacking her chickens.  The woman showed the deputy a hen with visible injuries to its left wing and leg.  The complainant said that another dog had been removed by animal control from her neighbor’s residence due to similar complaints.  When the deputy spoke with the neighbor in question, she told the deputy that she thought her dog was “just playing with the chickens” and didn’t realize that the dog was hurting the poultry.  The deputy reminded the neighbor about her responsibility to keep her dog on her own property.  The deputy noted that the dog owner had a fenced-in back yard that the dog could be contained in.  The woman promised to start keeping her dog contained.

Arrest Report - Thursday - April 25, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 25, 2024:

Federal Judge Won't Allow Catoosa GOP To Remove Candidates From Ballot

Summerville Man Reports Being Threatened With A Gun

Summerville Police are investigating an incident that happened on Tuesday evening on Economy Street.  A complainant met with a Summerville Police officer and told the officer that another man pointed a gun at the complainant after a rumor that the complainant had “turned on” the suspects water.  The complainant said that he had no idea what the suspect was talking about.  The officer took the name of the suspect and turned over the incident to an investigator.