Chattooga County Courthouse Flag To Fly At Half-Staff In Memory Of Ronnie Winters
The flag at the Chattooga County Courthouse will be flown at half-staff Sunday, September 20, in memory of Ronnie Winters.
Chattooga County officials announced the tribute Saturday, remembering Winters as both a respected local businessman and a veteran who served his country.
“Mr. Winters was not only a respected businessman in our community but also a veteran that served his country,” the announcement from the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office stated. “He was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.”
County officials also extended their condolences to Winters’ family and loved ones.
The courthouse flag will remain at half-staff Sunday as Chattooga County honors Winters’ life, his military service and his contributions to the community.
Finster Fest Continues Today At Paradise Garden
Finster Fest continues today at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville, giving visitors one more opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s signature annual events.
The second and final day of Finster Fest 2026 runs from 10 AM until 5 PM today. The festival features more than 70 folk, contemporary and craft artists, along with live music, artist demonstrations, special exhibitions, food and family activities.
Sunday’s entertainment includes performances by Abe Partridge, Tyler Key, Seventeen Wheeler, Julia Barfield, T. Hardy Morris, Jeneal Johnson and Jackie Hammond, Marlin Brackett, and Brownlow & Sims. Atlanta-based Beacon Dance is also scheduled to perform in the Mosaic Garden.
Admission is $10, and a free children’s art workshop is being offered. Festival admission also gives visitors an opportunity to explore Paradise Garden, including the recently rehabilitated World’s Folk Art Church, which reopened after being closed for 25 years.
Visitors are encouraged to use the free parking area at Walmart on U.S. 27, where complimentary shuttle service is available to Paradise Garden. Limited onsite parking is reserved for visitors with mobility challenges.
Motorists should also remember that Rena Street remains reduced to one lane during the festival because of increased pedestrian and shuttle traffic. Drivers should use caution and be prepared for possible delays.
Finster Fest celebrates the life and creative legacy of internationally known folk artist Howard Finster, while bringing artists, musicians and visitors from across the region to Chattooga County.
Congressman Clay Fuller Joins EPA Officials In Chickamauga For $6 Million Brownfields Announcement
Congressman Clay Fuller, who represents Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, joined federal, state and local officials in Chickamauga Friday to highlight $6 million in federal funding aimed at cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated or underused properties across Northwest Georgia.
Fuller appeared at the Chickamauga Civic Center with EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber and other officials for the announcement.
The largest portion of the funding — $4 million — is going to the City of Chickamauga for cleanup of the former Crystal Springs Print Works property. Officials hope remediation of the former industrial site will allow the property to eventually be returned to productive use.
The announcement also has a broader Northwest Georgia impact.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission is receiving $1.5 million to assess properties throughout the region for possible redevelopment. That grant is particularly significant locally because the Regional Commission serves Chattooga County and other counties across Northwest Georgia.
Another $500,000 is going to the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority to expand its inventory of brownfield properties and conduct assessments of potential redevelopment sites.
Brownfields are properties where actual or suspected contamination can complicate redevelopment. EPA funding can be used to identify environmental problems, conduct assessments and, depending on the grant, help clean up sites so they can be put back into productive use.
EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber said the goal extends beyond environmental cleanup, with brownfield redevelopment potentially supporting economic development, job creation and improvements to surrounding communities.
Friday’s event also brought Fuller back to an area he knows well. Before being sworn into Congress in April, Fuller served as district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Chattooga counties. The U.S. House Clerk lists Fuller as the current representative for Georgia’s 14th District.
Fuller is also scheduled to be in Chattooga County Tuesday evening, when he will speak at the Chattooga County Republican Party’s September meeting in Summerville.
Rising Gas, Diesel And Grocery Costs Put More Pressure On Chattooga County Families
The cost of living is becoming an increasingly important issue for Chattooga County households as residents face higher prices for several basic necessities — particularly gasoline, diesel fuel and groceries.
The pressure can be especially noticeable in a rural county where driving is often a necessity. Many residents commute outside the county for work, while farmers, contractors and other businesses depend heavily on gasoline and diesel.
According to AAA, the Georgia average for regular gasoline reached $4.09 per gallon Saturday, September 19. That’s up from $2.92 a gallon one year ago, an increase of about $1.17 per gallon, or 40%. A month ago, the statewide average was $3.81.
That means filling a 15-gallon tank at the statewide average costs about $61.42 today, compared with roughly $43.81 a year ago — nearly $18 more for a single fill-up.
The numbers are similar close to home. AAA’s Rome-area average Saturday was $4.06 for regular gasoline, compared with just $2.81 one year ago. That’s an increase of approximately 44% in a year.
Diesel Hits Record High In Georgia
The increase in diesel fuel is even more dramatic.
AAA reports Georgia’s average diesel price reached $6.35 per gallon Saturday — the highest statewide average AAA has recorded. One year ago, diesel averaged about $3.56, meaning the price has increased roughly $2.79 per gallon, or 78%, in twelve months.
In the Rome area, diesel averaged $6.32 Saturday, compared with $3.47 a year ago.
That matters beyond what diesel-truck owners pay at the pump. Diesel powers much of the equipment used by farmers, trucking companies, construction crews and other businesses, and trucks transport much of the food and merchandise sold locally. Higher transportation costs can therefore work their way into prices consumers pay elsewhere.
Grocery Bills Continue To Climb
Families are also paying more at the grocery store.
The newest Consumer Price Index report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that grocery prices across the South were 1.9% higher in August than one year earlier. Five of the six major grocery categories increased over the year.
Some categories increased considerably faster. In the South, fruits and vegetables were up 3.6%, nonalcoholic beverages were up 4%, cereals and bakery products increased 2%, and the broad category of other food consumed at home increased 2.1%. Meat, poultry, fish and eggs increased 1.1%, while dairy prices declined 2.3%.
Nationally, grocery prices were 2.2% higher than a year ago, while restaurant food increased 3.4%.
And those increases are on top of the substantial food-price inflation consumers experienced earlier in the decade, meaning a relatively modest year-over-year increase does not mean grocery prices have returned to previous levels.
Lower Incomes Make Increases More Noticeable
The impact can be particularly significant in Chattooga County because household incomes are lower than in many other parts of Georgia.
The latest Census estimates put median household income in Chattooga County at about $50,000, while per-capita income is approximately $24,000. Nearly one in five county residents lives below the poverty line.
For a household already spending most of its income on housing, food, utilities and transportation, another $15 to $20 to fill the vehicle — combined with steadily higher grocery bills — can leave considerably less money available for discretionary purchases or unexpected expenses.
The latest inflation data also show that the squeeze isn’t limited to food and gasoline. Across the South, electricity costs are 2.5% higher than a year ago, natural gas is up 7.7%, and overall fuels and utility costs are up 3.9%.
The South’s overall Consumer Price Index increased 3.1% during the past year.
For Chattooga County families, however, the headline inflation number may not fully reflect what they’re experiencing. A household that drives long distances, operates a diesel vehicle or spends a larger percentage of its income on groceries can experience a much larger increase in its essential expenses.
Gasoline is roughly 40% higher statewide than a year ago. Diesel is nearly 80% higher. Grocery prices continue to rise. For households with limited room in the monthly budget, those increases can add up quickly.
Outdoor Adventure Day Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park Saturday
Families are invited to spend a day outdoors at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday, September 26, during the park’s Outdoor Adventure Day.
The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM and will feature activities for both children and adults.
One of the highlights will be a Kids Fishing Rodeo, with 50 tagged fish offering chances to win prizes. Young visitors can also take part in archery instruction led by park staff.
The day will include several wildlife programs, including a snake show presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle show from Greg’s Turtle Haven, and a birds of prey program presented by Wings to SOAR.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will have special “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for purchase.
Outdoor Adventure Day is being presented by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park. A $10 parking pass per vehicle is required.
The park is located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.
Trion Wrestling Parent Meeting Today
Parents of Trion Middle School and Trion High School wrestlers are encouraged to attend an important parent meeting today at 2 PM at the Trion Wrestling Building.
Coaches will provide an overview of the upcoming wrestling season and schedule and discuss team requirements and expectations.
The meeting will also cover parent involvement and volunteer opportunities, fundraising and program needs, dues and gear, food and team meals, and commitment and responsibilities for the upcoming season.
Parents of students planning to participate in the Trion wrestling program are encouraged to attend today to learn more about the season and ways they can support the team.
Free AI Class For Small Businesses Coming To LaFayette
Small business owners and entrepreneurs interested in learning how artificial intelligence can help their businesses will have an opportunity to attend a free class in LaFayette later this month.
The class will be held Tuesday, September 29, from 5:30 until 7 PM at the LaFayette-Walker County Public Library.
The session will be taught by Ed Bennett, an AI and automation architect, and will focus on moving beyond one-time questions to AI tools and workflows that can help businesses save time, automate routine tasks and generate new business opportunities.
The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
Organizers say the class is designed for people who want a practical look at ways artificial intelligence can be used in day-to-day business operations.
For more information, call the LaFayette-Walker County Public Library at 706-638-2992.
Chattooga County E-911 Hiring Dispatchers
Chattooga County E-911 is looking for new dispatchers, offering paid training, benefits and a starting wage that increases after an employee’s first year.
According to E-911, no previous experience is required, and the county pays for the training and certifications needed for employment. Those include Georgia state certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch certification, Georgia Crime Information Center certification and CPR certification.
Starting pay is $16 per hour, increasing to $18 per hour within the first year. Dispatchers also receive a $140 guaranteed on-call bonus per pay period during their on-call rotation.
The schedule consists of 12-hour shifts, with employees working two days on and two days off, providing three full days off every other weekend. The rotating schedule also results in eight hours of built-in overtime pay during alternating pay periods.
Required state training includes one week at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. Lodging on campus is provided at no cost, mileage is reimbursed at 60 cents per mile, and meals can be reimbursed up to $25 per day.
Benefits include a 401(k) retirement plan, $30,000 in employer-paid life insurance, health benefits and accruing paid leave.
Chattooga County E-911 says dispatchers play a critical role in supporting law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel and residents during emergencies.
Those interested in a career in emergency communications are encouraged to apply with Chattooga County E-911.
Chattooga County Voters Reminded Of Registration And Absentee Ballot Deadlines
With the November 3 General and Special Election approaching, the Chattooga County Elections and Registration Office is reminding local voters about several important upcoming deadlines.
The deadline to register to vote or make changes to an existing voter record, including a name or address change, is Monday, October 5. Georgia’s official 2026 election calendar confirms October 5 as the registration deadline for the November election.
Applications for an absentee-by-mail ballot are already being accepted. Chattooga County election officials say applications must be received no later than October 23. That deadline also appears on the Georgia Secretary of State’s official election calendar.
For most absentee voters, counties can begin mailing ballots October 5. Completed absentee ballots must be received by election officials by 7 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Military and overseas voters are subject to different deadlines.
Another important date arrived this weekend. Under Georgia’s 2026 election calendar, September 19 is the deadline for election officials to post sample ballots for public viewing, 45 days ahead of the election. Voters can also access their sample ballot and other personalized election information through Georgia’s My Voter Page.
The November ballot will include the General Election along with local and state questions and races applicable to Chattooga County voters.
Arrest Report - Saturday - September 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, September 19, 2026:
Hot Saturday With A Few Afternoon Storms; Better Rain Chances Next Week
Another hot and humid day is ahead across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values could reach around 102, so anyone spending time outdoors should take precautions during the hottest part of the afternoon.
There is only a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 PM, but any storm that develops could produce strong gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy rain.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 70 and only a slight chance of an early-evening storm.
Sunday stays hot, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 93, and heat index values near 100. Rain chances remain low during the day, with only a 10 percent chance of a late-afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
A more unsettled weather pattern begins Monday. Highs remain near 93, but rain chances increase to around 40 percent Monday afternoon and 60 percent Monday night.
By Tuesday, showers and thunderstorms become more widespread, with rain chances reaching 70 percent and a high near 89. Scattered showers and storms continue into Wednesday, when temperatures finally begin to fall, with a high near 83.
By Thursday and Friday, much more comfortable weather is expected. Highs should settle near 82 degrees, with nighttime lows dropping into the lower 60s and drier conditions returning.
Forecasters say unseasonably hot conditions will continue through the beginning of the work week before the weather pattern finally changes. The combination of increasing moisture and afternoon instability will also keep a marginal risk for isolated strong to severe thunderstorms, with damaging wind gusts the primary concern.
By the latter part of next week, drier air should move into the region, bringing what forecasters describe as a pleasant taste of fall.
Trion Blanks LFO While Chattooga Falls At Ridgeland
It was a split Friday night for Chattooga County’s two high school football teams, with the Trion Bulldogs rolling to a 49-0 shutout win over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, while the Chattooga Indians fell 27-17 on the road at Ridgeland.
Trion Rolls Past LFO 49-0 For Third Straight Win
Trion turned in its most dominant performance of the season, controlling the game from start to finish and keeping LFO off the scoreboard. The Bulldogs improved to 4-1 overall and have now won three straight after victories over Ridgeland, Dade County and LFO. Trion has scored 129 points during that three-game winning streak.
The Bulldogs opened the season with a 36-7 win over Gordon Lee before falling to Model. Since then, Trion has responded with wins of 38-24 over Ridgeland, 42-35 over Dade County and Friday night’s 49-0 victory over LFO.
Trion will be back on the road next Friday, September 25, traveling to face Northview at 7:30 PM.
Chattooga Falls To Ridgeland 27-17
Meanwhile, Chattooga showed increased offensive production Friday night but could not pick up its first win of the season. The Indians fell to Ridgeland 27-17, dropping Chattooga to 0-4. The 17 points were the most Chattooga has scored in a game so far this season.
Chattooga entered the game following losses to LaFayette, Model and Coosa. Friday night’s game also gave Ridgeland its first victory of the season, moving the Panthers to 1-4.
The Indians now turn their attention to Region 7-AA play. Chattooga will return home to the Little Big Horn next Friday night, September 25, to host Gordon Lee at 7:30 PM.
Other Friday Night Football Scores
- Model 59, Coosa 7
- Heard County 49, Armuchee 0
- Heritage-Catoosa 35, Gordon Lee 21
- Rockmart 42, Coahulla Creek 6
- Bremen 44, Mt. Zion 0
- Ringgold 28, Union County 6
- Murray County 14, Sonoraville 7
- Sequoyah 42, Rome 7
- North Oconee 38, Calhoun 0
- Adairsville 35, Pickens 14
- White County 28, Fannin County 24
Georgia DNR Reminds North Georgia Residents To Be BearWise This Fall
As cooler weather approaches and more people head outdoors, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding Northwest Georgia residents that fall is also an especially active feeding period for black bears.
The Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division says bears are entering hyperphagia, a period when they dramatically increase their food intake in preparation for winter. Bears can spend much of the day searching for high-calorie food, increasing the chances they will be attracted to garbage, pet food, birdseed and other easy food sources around homes and campsites.
North Georgia is home to one of Georgia’s three primary black bear populations, making the advice particularly relevant for residents and visitors in the mountain counties.
State Bear Biologist Adam Hammond says black bears naturally tend to avoid people, but problems can develop when bears learn that homes, campsites or other areas occupied by people provide an easy meal.
DNR is encouraging residents and outdoor enthusiasts to take several precautions this fall.
Garbage, food and other attractants should be kept secured. Pet food should not be left outdoors, and bird feeders can also attract bears because seeds and grains provide a high-calorie food source. Grills should be cleaned after use and stored securely when possible.
Hikers and campers are encouraged to remain alert, keep children nearby and keep dogs on a leash. Food scraps and trash should always be packed out rather than left along trails or around campsites.
Campers should also keep food, trash, toiletries and clothing worn while cooking out of their tents. DNR recommends using an approved bear-resistant container, storing those items out of sight in a locked vehicle, or suspending them at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from the tree.
If you encounter a black bear, do not approach it. If the bear has not noticed you, quietly move away. If it sees you, DNR recommends backing away slowly rather than running.
If a bear continues approaching, officials advise standing your ground, making yourself noticeable by waving your arms and yelling, and staying together if you’re with a group. Bear spray can also be used if an approaching bear creates a dangerous situation.
DNR says the goal of the BearWise program is simple: reduce conflicts between people and bears by preventing bears from learning to associate people, homes and campsites with food.
With fall hiking, camping and hunting activities increasing across Northwest Georgia, wildlife officials say a few precautions can help keep both people and Georgia’s black bears safe.
North Georgia EMC To Begin Charging $2 Monthly Fee For Paper Bills
North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation customers who still receive their monthly electric bill through the mail will soon have to pay extra for that service.
Beginning January 1, 2027, NGEMC members who receive a paper bill will be charged $2 per month. The electric cooperative says the new fee is being implemented to help offset rising printing and postage costs.
The change will affect customers who continue receiving traditional paper statements, including NGEMC members served through the cooperative’s Trion office on Highway 27.
Customers can avoid the $2 monthly charge by switching to E-Bill, NGEMC’s electronic billing option. Once enrolled, customers will receive their monthly electric bill at the email address associated with their account.
NGEMC says customers can sign up for E-Bill by logging into their account through the cooperative’s website or the My NGEMC Account app. Members can also contact an NGEMC office by telephone, send the cooperative a message through its website or visit an office during regular business hours.
Customers using the website can change their billing method by going to Billing and Payments and selecting Bill Notification. App users can make the change by selecting My Account and then E-Notifications.
Members enrolled in electronic billing can also access their six most recent bills through their online account or the NGEMC app.
NGEMC notes that customers who currently receive both an electronic bill and a paper bill will still be charged the $2 monthly fee unless they discontinue the mailed paper statement.
Customers who have already opted out of receiving paper bills do not need to take any action.
The new charge amounts to $24 per year for customers who continue receiving a paper bill each month.
NGEMC’s Trion office is located at 13822 Highway 27 in Trion. The office can be reached at 706-734-7341.
The paper billing fee takes effect January 1, giving customers a little more than three months to switch to electronic billing if they want to avoid the additional charge.
GNTC Foundation Awards Scholarships Honoring Late College Leader
The Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation has announced the fall 2026 recipients of a scholarship established in memory of a longtime GNTC administrator who dedicated more than two decades to helping students succeed.
Crystal Carr of Dalton and Ethan Queen of Chatsworth have been selected to receive Selena’s Scholarship, which honors the late Selena Magnusson, former vice president of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success at GNTC.
Carr is studying Healthcare Management at GNTC’s Walker County Campus, while Queen is a Cybersecurity student at the Whitfield Murray Campus.
Selena’s Scholarship is designed to recognize high-achieving, first-generation college students. According to GNTC, eligible students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and the scholarship provides a $1,000 award when funding is available.
Magnusson, a Chickamauga resident, worked at Georgia Northwestern Technical College for 26 years before her death in June 2024. She began her career at the college in 1998 as an Employability Services case manager and later served as registrar, executive director of Student Affairs and associate vice president of Student Success before becoming vice president in 2019.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship continues Magnusson’s commitment to student success by supporting first-generation students working toward their educational goals.
Magnusson’s sister-in-law, Staci Brockwell, said the family was filled with hope and excitement seeing students like Carr and Queen working to improve their lives through education.
The scholarship is administered through the GNTC Foundation, which uses contributions from donors and industry partners to provide scholarships and other assistance aimed at helping students complete their education and enter the workforce.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students throughout Northwest Georgia with campuses in Catoosa, Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties.
Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia
Saturday will be a busy day across Chattooga County and the surrounding area, with Finster Fest, a community food distribution, activities at Sloppy Floyd State Park, a special Trion High School event, and several events just a short drive away.
One of the biggest events of the weekend will be Finster Fest, the signature annual festival at Paradise Garden in Pennville. The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, from 10 AM until 5 PM each day.
Finster Fest celebrates the life and work of internationally known folk artist Howard Finster and will feature arts and crafts, live music, speakers and demonstrations, food and children’s art activities. Admission is $10, with limited on-site parking available for those with mobility needs. A shuttle will also operate from the Walmart parking lot on U.S. 27.
Motorists in the area should be aware that Rena Street will be reduced to one lane beginning Saturday morning because of pedestrian and shuttle traffic associated with the festival.
Teloga Community Food Drive
Residents in the Teloga area can take part in a Community Food Drive Saturday from 10 AM until noon, or until supplies run out, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337.
No identification is required to receive food. Organizers ask those attending not to line up before 9:30 AM.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the distribution, which is being held under the theme “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” The event is supported by the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands Food Support Community.
Trion High School Harvest Moon Gala
Saturday night will also be a special evening for students at Trion High School, as the school holds its Harvest Moon Gala at the Summerville Train Depot.
The event is taking the place of Trion’s traditional Homecoming Dance this year. According to a report from AllOnGeorgia’s Bulldog Barker coverage, scheduling conflicts and competitions prompted organizers to move the dance earlier in the school year and transform it into the Harvest Moon Gala.
The gala is being held about a month before Trion’s other Homecoming festivities. The Bulldogs’ 2026 Homecoming football game is scheduled for October 23 against Manchester, with Homecoming activities including spirit week, a Pink-Out pep rally and presentation of the Homecoming Court.
Saturday Activities At Sloppy Floyd
There will also be plenty to do Saturday at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.
A Marble Mine Hike is scheduled for 10 AM, giving visitors an opportunity to explore one of the park’s best-known trails and learn more about the area’s natural and historical features.
Saturday evening, the park and Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host a free Outdoor Movie Night at 8 PM at Picnic Shelter 1. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The movie is free, although the regular state park parking fee applies.
Firewise Adventure Day In Armuchee
In neighboring Floyd County, Firewise Adventure Day will be held Saturday from 9 AM until 4 PM at Camp Sidney Dew, located at 3624 Everett Springs Road in Armuchee.
The free family event will include a Touch-a-Truck experience, Scouting demonstrations, outdoor activities and wildfire prevention and safety information.
Several emergency and utility agencies are expected to participate, including the Floyd County Police Department Bomb Squad and SWAT Team, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Floyd County EMA, Georgia Power, Georgia DNR, Georgia State Patrol and AirLife.
Night Of Hope In Rome
Saturday’s activities continue into the evening in Rome with Night of Hope at Ridge Ferry Park.
The free community worship event begins at 7 PM, with gates opening at 5:30 PM. Christian recording artists Naomi Raine and Pat Barrett are scheduled to perform, along with local musician Daniel Mulkey during the preshow.
With Finster Fest in Pennville, the Teloga food distribution, the Trion High School Harvest Moon Gala, activities at Sloppy Floyd, Firewise Adventure Day in Armuchee and Night of Hope in Rome, residents have plenty of options for getting out and enjoying Saturday across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
Child Cruelty Charges Filed Following Armuchee Drug Investigation
Two people already jailed on methamphetamine trafficking charges are now facing additional charges after authorities say a 2-year-old child was found living in unsafe conditions at an Armuchee-area residence.
According to Floyd County Jail records, the new charges stem from the execution of a search warrant on September 4 at a home on Turkey Mountain Road.
Investigators say the child was living inside a bug-infested residence where methamphetamine was within reach. Authorities allege the conditions inside the home were so unhealthy that they caused physical and mental pain to the child.
45-year-old Roland Jovan Johnson and 27-year-old Marissa Shaye Cannon are each charged with second-degree cruelty to children.
Both Johnson and Cannon were already being held in jail following their earlier arrests in connection with the Turkey Mountain Road investigation.
They had previously been booked on charges including trafficking methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The additional child cruelty charges were filed after investigators reviewed the conditions found inside the residence during the September 4 search
Cartersville Woman Charged With DUI After Early-Morning Traffic Stop In Summerville
A Cartersville woman was charged with driving under the influence after a city police officer reported seeing her vehicle speeding and having difficulty maintaining its lane early Wednesday morning.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, an officer was patrolling near Commerce Street and Ross Street at approximately 3:11 AM on September 16 when he noticed a white passenger car traveling southbound.
The officer reported that the vehicle appeared to be traveling above the posted 35 mph speed limit. Radar reportedly showed the vehicle traveling 55 mph. Police also reported seeing the vehicle fail to maintain its lane, traveling in the center turn lane and inside lane.
The officer initiated a traffic stop, with the vehicle stopping near Georgia Highway 1 and Highway 48.
The driver was identified as Suzanne Inman. According to the report, Inman initially told police she was speeding because she was in a hurry to reach a doctor’s appointment.
Police reported detecting the odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. When asked whether she had consumed alcohol that evening, Inman reportedly said she had consumed alcohol earlier at approximately 7 PM.
During a roadside investigation, police reported observing several signs they believed indicated impairment. The report states that another officer arrived to assist with the investigation.
According to police, Inman later told officers that her last drink had actually been around 10 PM and said she had consumed seven to eight Michelob Ultra beers.
Police said a roadside breath test indicated a positive result for alcohol consumption.
Based on the officer’s observations, traffic violations and the results of the roadside investigation, Inman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
She was transported to the Summerville Police Department, where a blood sample was collected and secured for submission to the state crime laboratory for analysis.
Inman was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail and turned over to jail staff.
Police said she was cited for DUI/alcohol/less safe, speeding and failure to maintain lane.
United Community Bank Warns Seniors And Families About Financial Scams
United Community Bank is reminding older adults and their families to stay alert for financial scams that use phone calls, text messages and emails designed to appear as though they are coming from a trusted bank, business or even a family member.
The bank says scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, telling potential victims there is suspicious activity on an account, money is at risk or immediate action is required. The goal is often to pressure someone into providing personal or banking information before they have time to question the request.
One increasingly convincing tactic is caller ID spoofing. Criminals can manipulate caller ID information so that a call appears to be coming from a legitimate bank or other trusted organization, even when it is not.
United Community Bank stresses that it will never call, text or email a customer and ask for sensitive information such as an account number, username, password, PIN or secure access code.
Customers receiving a suspicious call claiming to be from United Community Bank should hang up rather than relying on the number shown on caller ID. They can then contact the bank directly using a trusted telephone number.
The bank also advises customers to be suspicious of unexpected text messages or emails containing links. Phishing messages can direct victims to websites designed to resemble legitimate financial institutions, where information entered by the victim can be captured by criminals.
Older adults are frequent targets of financial fraud, and scammers may try to take advantage of trust, isolation or concern for family members.
United Community Bank is also supporting an effort called Secure Seniors, which was created by three Union County High School students in North Georgia to educate older adults about financial scams.
According to the bank, the students began their work by reaching out to nursing homes and senior communities. Their educational effort has since reached more than 250 nursing homes nationwide, and the students have also taken their message about protecting seniors from fraud to the Georgia State Capitol.
Families can play an important role by talking with older relatives about common scams and encouraging them to check with someone they trust before sending money or providing financial information.
Some warning signs include unexpected requests for money, pressure to act immediately, demands for passwords or verification codes, requests to move money to supposedly protect it, or instructions to keep a transaction secret from family members or bank employees.
Another important rule is never trust a caller simply because the caller ID looks familiar.
Anyone receiving a suspicious communication claiming to be from United Community Bank can end the conversation and contact the bank directly at 1-800-822-2651.
Bank officials say taking a few extra minutes to independently verify a request can prevent a scammer from turning fear or urgency into a financial loss.
Child Passenger Safety Week Begins Sunday Across Georgia
Parents and grandparents are being encouraged to take a few minutes to make sure children are riding safely as National Child Passenger Safety Week begins Sunday, September 20.
The annual safety campaign runs through Saturday, September 26, with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety encouraging parents and caregivers to have child safety seats checked regularly to make sure they are properly installed and appropriate for the child using them.
GOHS Director Allen Poole says more than half of the child safety seats seen by certified technicians nationwide are not properly installed, which can make them less effective in protecting children during a crash.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can check whether a seat is installed correctly, determine whether it is subject to a recall and help parents learn how to properly secure their child. Technicians can also determine whether the seat is appropriate for the child’s age and size.
Georgia law requires children under age 8 to be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat. State safety officials also say children under 8 generally must ride in the rear seat.
Choosing the correct restraint is important as children grow. Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown a forward-facing car seat but are still too small for an adult seat belt to fit properly. According to GOHS, children using booster seats are 59 percent less likely to be injured in a crash than children using a seat belt alone.
Parents should also check the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements for their child’s seat and make sure the harness or seat belt fits properly.
National Child Passenger Safety Week concludes with National Seat Check Saturday on September 26, when families around the country are encouraged to have their child restraints inspected by trained technicians.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety maintains an online directory of free child passenger safety inspection stations across Georgia, where parents and caregivers can receive help with car-seat installation throughout the year.