Georgia Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison In Cocaine Smuggling Scheme
An Georgia man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a scheme that used sham companies to import cocaine from Mexico and launder drug proceeds back to Mexico.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia says Carlos Salazar-Garcia, 37, of Atlanta, used fake produce companies connected to shipments containing nearly 200 pounds of cocaine.
Federal authorities say agents in Laredo, Texas, intercepted a shipment from Mexico in December 2022 containing 119 pounds of cocaine hidden among electronic transformers. The shipment was destined for a farmers market in Clayton County, Georgia, and investigators linked it to a sham produce company operated by Salazar-Garcia.
In November 2023, agents at the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas, intercepted another shipment containing approximately 66 pounds of cocaine concealed among limes. Investigators said that shipment was also headed to a sham produce company operated by Salazar-Garcia.
Authorities say Salazar-Garcia and co-defendant Andrea Principe, 37, of Stone Mountain, also used a variety of financial transactions to launder more than $1 million in drug proceeds to Mexico.
Salazar-Garcia pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine importation and money laundering charges. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Principe pleaded guilty June 30 to conspiracy to commit money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced October 15.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Premier Weight Loss & Medispa Opens New Downtown Summerville Location
Summerville’s Premier Weight Loss & Medispa held a grand opening Thursday for its new downtown location and will begin seeing patients at the new clinic on Tuesday, September 8.
The business has moved to 9943 Commerce Street in downtown Summerville.
Premier Weight Loss & Medispa says the move marks a new chapter for the business and thanked customers for their continued support.
The grand opening on Thursday gave customers and community members an opportunity to see the new location ahead of the clinic’s first official day of operation.
The business is also holding a giveaway for one month of free B12. Those interested in entering should share the original Premier Weight Loss & Medispa Facebook post, with a winner to be selected following the grand opening.
Premier Weight Loss & Medispa officially begins operations at its new location Tuesday, September 8, at 9943 Commerce Street.
Labor Day Gospel Fest Coming Up Monday In Cloudland
The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department is getting ready for its Labor Day Gospel Fest, coming up Monday at Cloudland Community Park.
The event will run from 10 AM until 2 PM Eastern Time, with no admission charge.
There will be open-mic gospel music, and sound equipment will be provided. Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to bring an instrument and join in.
The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department will also be serving barbecue plates for $10, including a drink.
Again, the Labor Day Gospel Fest is Monday from 10 AM until 2 PM at Cloudland Community Park, sponsored by the Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department.
Georgia Republicans Ask Attorney General To Clarify State Gun Law After Federal Ruling
U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde is leading seven other Republican members of Georgia’s congressional delegation in asking Attorney General Chris Carr to clarify how Georgia gun law should be applied following a recent federal court ruling involving the National Firearms Act.
Clyde and the other lawmakers sent Carr a letter Wednesday asking him to issue a legal opinion addressing what they say is now a conflict between Georgia law and federal requirements.
The issue stems from an August 5 ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, consolidated with Jensen v. ATF. The court ruled that National Firearms Act registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and certain other weapons could no longer be constitutionally supported by Congress’s taxing power after Congress reduced the applicable NFA taxes to zero.
However, the federal ruling does not simply eliminate the requirements for every gun owner nationwide. Its injunction applies to the plaintiffs covered by the lawsuit, including members of plaintiff organizations, and independent state restrictions can still apply.
That is where Clyde and the Georgia lawmakers say a problem arises.
Georgia law generally prohibits possession of certain weapons, including short-barreled rifles and shotguns, machine guns and silencers. One exemption applies to people authorized to possess them because they have registered them in accordance with the National Firearms Act.
The lawmakers argue that the language creates uncertainty because some Georgians covered by the federal court ruling may no longer be required to complete the federal registration that Georgia law references as the basis for its exemption.
Clyde said Georgia gun owners need clear guidance from Carr’s office about how the state statute applies under the new federal legal landscape.
Joining Clyde in the request are Georgia Republican U.S. Representatives Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, Clay Fuller, Brian Jack, Barry Loudermilk and Rich McCormick.
Georgia was itself a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit challenging the NFA requirements.
The case followed congressional action that eliminated the longstanding $200 federal tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms while initially leaving associated registration requirements in place. The Texas court subsequently found that the challenged registration scheme could not be justified under Congress’s taxing power once the underlying tax was eliminated.
The lawmakers are asking Carr for a legal opinion clarifying how Georgia’s existing statute should now be interpreted rather than leaving gun owners to determine for themselves whether conduct permitted under the federal ruling could still violate state law.
VA Makes It Easier For Veterans To Request Personal Records
Veterans who need copies of military, medical or benefits records now have a simpler way to find the correct place to request them.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has redesigned its Freedom of Information Act and records request webpage, replacing what the agency describes as a confusing collection of legal terminology and links with clearly labeled choices based on the type of record a Veteran needs.
The redesigned page can help Veterans looking for records such as a DD214, VA medical records or benefits records and letters. Veterans do not have to determine beforehand whether their request falls under the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act or which VA administration maintains the record. Instead, they select the type of information they are seeking and are directed to the appropriate form or submission system.
The VA says the change is already having an impact. According to the department, misdirected records requests have dropped by 90% since the redesigned system was introduced. Previously, requests could be sent to the wrong VA office, potentially adding additional time to the process.
The webpage provides access to requests involving Veterans Benefits Administration records, Veterans Health Administration records, military service and next-of-kin records, DD214s, National Cemetery Administration records, employment verification and CHAMPVA claims. It also provides access to publicly available VA records.
The redesigned records page originally launched in October 2025 and has continued to be updated based on the types of questions and requests received from Veterans.
Veterans needing records can access the VA’s redesigned request system through the agency’s FOIA and records request page. VA FOIA and Records Request Information
Georgia Tech’s STEAM Camp webpage.
The 2026 STEAM Camp is returning this November, giving Georgia students an opportunity to explore engineering and transportation through hands-on activities and challenges.
The program is being promoted by the Georgia Department of Transportation and is designed for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
During the daytime camp sessions, students will participate in engineering design challenges, transportation and safety activities, creative problem-solving workshops and team-based competitions. Students will also have opportunities to learn from transportation industry professionals.
Organizers say STEAM Camp is designed to introduce young people to engineering and transportation careers while allowing them to see how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics are used in the real world.
The 2026 STEAM Camp is scheduled for November 7 and 8, from 9 AM until 3 PM.
Registration is now open through the Georgia Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, or ITE Georgia. Separate registration is available for elementary students in grades K-5 and middle and high school students in grades 6-12.
More information and registration are available here:
Arrest Report - Friday - September 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, September 4, 2026:
Labor Day Gospel Fest Set For Monday In Cloudland
The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a Labor Day Gospel Fest this Monday, September 7, at Cloudland Community Park.
The event will be held from 10 AM until 2 PM Eastern Time and there is no admission charge.
The Gospel Fest will feature open-mic gospel music, and sound equipment will be provided. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in during the event.
The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department will also be selling barbecue plates for $10, which includes a drink.
The Labor Day Gospel Fest offers residents an opportunity to enjoy gospel music, food and fellowship while supporting the Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department.
Again, the event is Monday from 10 AM until 2 PM at Cloudland Community Park, with no admission fee.
Heat Advisory Continues Today As Temperatures Reach Mid-90s
Another round of dangerous heat is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees.
The Heat Advisory for Northwest Georgia has been extended through this evening as the prolonged stretch of above-normal temperatures continues.
Today will be sunny with a high near 96 degrees, with heat index values reaching as high as 103. Winds will be light, becoming east around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 74.
The National Weather Service says high pressure remains in control, keeping most of North Georgia hot and dry. Afternoon temperatures will remain well above normal, and anyone spending extended time outdoors should stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Saturday will remain very hot, with sunshine and a high near 95. The heat index could again reach 103, with a 20 percent chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73.
Sunday stays hot with a high near 95 and a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase somewhat Sunday night as a weak front approaches the area.
A noticeable change arrives for Labor Day, with the high dropping to around 89 degrees. There will be a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Dry weather is expected to return Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs around 90 to 91 degrees.
Man Arrested After Allegedly Damaging Cable Box And Resisting Deputy
A 69-year-old man was arrested after a Chattooga County sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of someone tampering with a cable box on Mississippi Avenue last Friday.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, a deputy responded to 210 Mississippi Avenue on August 28 and found Wendell Lee Eleam, 69, sitting along the side of the roadway with what appeared to be a black object in his hand.
The report states that Eleam told the deputy he had received a call saying he had been out of business for 18 years and had removed part of a cable or internet box located near the roadway. Eleam reportedly said he lived nearby.
According to the report, Eleam began walking away while the deputy was speaking with him. The deputy told Eleam to stop and advised him that he was not free to leave because of the damage to the utility box.
The report states that Eleam then became aggressive, and the deputy attempted to take him into custody. The deputy reported deploying a Taser twice after Eleam allegedly refused commands to get on the ground. According to the report, both attempts were ineffective, and Eleam eventually got down on one knee and was held at Taser point until another deputy arrived.
Deputies then took Eleam into custody.
The resident who reported the incident told deputies that she had seen Eleam take out a knife and remove something from the utility box. Deputies reported finding several loose wires hanging from the box and an electrical component that appeared to have been removed.
The report also states that Eleam was found to be armed with a knife when he was taken into custody.
Eleam was charged with criminal trespass and misdemeanor obstruction of officers and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Georgia Department Of Labor Adjusts Timeline For New Unemployment System
The Georgia Department of Labor is adjusting the rollout timeline for UI Inspire, the largest unemployment insurance system modernization project in Georgia history.
UI Inspire is being developed to replace Georgia’s decades-old unemployment insurance system with a modern, cloud-based platform. The new system is intended to make filing and managing unemployment claims easier for workers while also providing employers with a streamlined system for unemployment taxes, wage reporting and claims.
Among the planned features for claimants are the ability to view estimated benefit amounts, review wage information, request weekly payments, enter work-search information, receive electronic correspondence, file appeals online and upload documents.
Employers will eventually be able to register, file tax and wage reports, make payments, respond to unemployment claims and notices, file appeals and update account information through a single portal.
GDOL had previously announced plans to launch the new system in Fall 2026.
The department now says it is making an adjustment to the implementation timeline. The information provided so far does not include the new launch date, so I would not put a specific revised date into the story until GDOL releases it.
GDOL says training resources, demonstrations and webinars are being provided to help employers, claimants and other partners prepare for the transition.
AAA Urges Drivers To Prepare Vehicles Before Labor Day Road Trips
AAA says nearly 405,000 drivers needed roadside assistance during last year’s Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common problems involved towing, battery issues and flat tires.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said many of the roadside problems seen during holiday weekends can be prevented with a little preparation before leaving home.
Drivers are encouraged to check several key areas before a trip, including the battery, tires, brakes, fluids, lights and windshield wiper blades.
Summer heat can shorten battery life, so AAA recommends having the battery tested if it is more than a few years old or if the vehicle has been slow to start.
Tires should be properly inflated and have adequate tread. Drivers should also check the spare tire before leaving. Brake problems such as squealing, grinding or vibration should be addressed before a long trip.
AAA also recommends checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.
An emergency kit can also be helpful during an unexpected roadside delay. AAA recommends carrying drinking water, a flashlight, phone charging cables and basic first-aid supplies.
With thousands of drivers expected to take road trips over the holiday weekend, AAA says a few minutes spent checking a vehicle before departure could help prevent breakdowns, delays and costly repairs.
Walker County To Hold Patriot Day Service On 25th Anniversary Of 9/11
Walker County will hold a Patriot Day service on Friday, September 11, to recognize and remember first responders on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The public service, led by Walker County Fire Rescue and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, will begin at 8:40 AM on the steps of the Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette.
The September 11 attacks were the deadliest incident in U.S. history for firefighters, police officers and other first responders, with nearly 400 first responders killed that day. Hundreds more have since died from illnesses linked to their work at the attack sites.
Students from LaFayette High School’s JROTC and chorus programs, along with students from Ridgeland High School, will take part in the ceremony.
Also participating will be Congressman Clay Fuller, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, Walker County Fire Chief Blake Hodge and other local first responders.
The ceremony will be held at the Walker County Courthouse, 103 South Duke Street in LaFayette, and is scheduled to conclude at 9:10 AM.
Limited seating will be available for those unable to stand.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hiring For Welding Positions
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is seeking applicants for two welding-related positions in Northwest Georgia.
GNTC is hiring a Welding and Joining Lab Assistant at its Walker County Campus. The position includes helping ensure welding lab equipment is secure and ready for instruction, maintaining supplies, assisting students as requested by instructors and helping maintain a clean and safe welding lab. The position typically requires evening hours and in-person work.
Applicants for the lab assistant position must be a former or current GNTC welding and joining student or have paid welding experience within the past seven years. Knowledge of welding and joining equipment and supplies is also required.
GNTC is also seeking a part-time Welding and Joining Dual Enrollment Adjunct Instructor at Dade County High School.
That position involves providing welding instruction to high school dual enrollment students, advising students in the Welding and Joining Technology program and participating in instructional activities. The position requires an on-campus presence and does not offer a telework option.
Minimum qualifications for the adjunct instructor position include a certificate, diploma or degree in Welding and Joining Technology or a related field, or qualifying industry experience or specialized training. Applicants must also have three years of paid work experience in the field within the past seven years.
Chattooga County Offices To Close Monday For Labor Day
Chattooga County government offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
According to County Clerk Johnna Allen, the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dump sites will also be closed Monday.
County offices, the Transfer Station and dump sites will reopen Tuesday, September 8.
Residents who normally use the Transfer Station or county dump sites on Mondays should plan accordingly for the holiday closure.
The Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office wished everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
Sunrise And Sunset Paddles Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park
Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will have two opportunities Saturday to get out on the Lower Lake with park rangers for special guided paddles.
The park will hold a Sunrise Paddle Saturday, September 5, from 7 until 8 AM. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water along with clothing that can get wet.
Later Saturday, rangers will head back onto the Lower Lake for a Sunset Paddle. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 PM, with the paddle scheduled for 7:30 PM.
For either event, the cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.
Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Man Charged With Simple Assault Following Fair Street Dispute
A 24-year-old man was arrested following a reported domestic dispute on Fair Street last Friday.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, deputies responded to 217 Fair Street at approximately 5:45 PM on August 28 after Chattooga E-911 advised that a man had reportedly trashed the house.
When deputies arrived, they made contact with Connor Sebastian Shae Peppers, 24, in the driveway. The report states that Peppers was bleeding from his mouth and told deputies that another man inside the residence had struck him.
Deputies spoke with witnesses who said Peppers had asked for a ride to a woman’s residence but became upset when he was told to wait. According to the report, Peppers became angry and got into the face of another man, identified in the report as Robert Battles, allegedly taunting him to fight.
The report states that Peppers then kicked a flower pot toward Battles and repeatedly threw a cell phone toward two people during the confrontation.
Battles told deputies that Peppers got in his face and taunted him to fight, at one point allegedly telling Battles, “I’ll bust you up.” Battles said Peppers continued taunting him and that he then struck Peppers in the face.
After speaking with those involved, the investigating deputy determined that Peppers was the predominant aggressor in the incident.
Peppers was arrested and charged with simple assault and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
State Audit Says Georgia Voter Rolls Achieve 99.9% Accuracy
Georgia election officials say a new state audit found the state’s voter registration rolls have achieved a 99.9% accuracy rate when it comes to records that could potentially allow an ineligible or improperly verified individual to vote.
According to the audit report, auditors estimated that no more than 0.1% of voter registration records could have allowed an individual to vote despite having an unverified identity, invalid residential address or unverified eligibility.
State officials are pointing to the findings as evidence that Georgia has become a national leader in maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
Maintaining voter rolls involves regularly reviewing registration records for voters who have moved, died or otherwise become ineligible, while also ensuring that eligible voters are not improperly removed.
The audit findings are particularly significant in Georgia, where voter registration and election administration have received intense scrutiny during recent election cycles.
The report’s 99.9% figure does not mean that every piece of information contained in every voter record was necessarily perfect. Rather, the audit estimated that no more than one-tenth of one percent of records had issues serious enough that they potentially could have allowed someone to vote despite an unverified identity, invalid residential address or unverified eligibility.
Georgia election officials say the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the state’s efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls while protecting access for legally registered voters.
Arrest Report - Thursday - September 3, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 3, 2026:
Heat Advisory Continues Today As Temperatures Reach Mid-90s
Another very hot day is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees.
The Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 PM today for Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia. Heat index values could reach as high as 103 degrees locally.
Today will be sunny with a high near 96 degrees. Winds will be calm, becoming southeast around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 73.
Friday will stay hot and sunny with a high near 94, followed by another mostly clear night with a low around 73.
Rain chances begin increasing over the weekend. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 95 and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. That 30 percent chance continues into Saturday evening, mainly before 8 PM.
Sunday brings a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high near 93.
Some relief from the heat begins arriving by Labor Day, when highs are expected to fall to around 90 degrees. There will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday, with another 30 percent chance Monday night.
Tuesday remains mostly sunny with a high near 90 and a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service says high pressure has been responsible for the prolonged hot and mostly dry weather. That ridge will begin weakening heading into the weekend, allowing moisture and better rain chances to return. A weak front moving into the region Sunday and Monday should also bring slightly cooler temperatures early next week.