It was supposed to be a retirement reception for Floyd County Sheriff Tim Burkhalter and his chief deputy, Tommy McGuire, on Friday. Instead, it became something of a roast. Staged in the ballroom at The Forum, featuring ample social distancing and most all in masks, guests were invited to stop in to see both… Read more
Developing: Polk County Police say wanted murder suspect Jimmy Blackmon, 50, is in custody as of Monday. Arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Office, Blackmon is now charged with murder, possession of a firearm or knife in the commission of a felony and cruelty to children, Polk County Jail records show. He is charged in… Read more
Saturday evening update: One more staffer has tested positive for COVID-19 bringing the total to 8 staffers and 15 inmates with positive cases. Friday report: With 15 inmates and seven staffers now testing positive for COVID-19 — up from four in recent days, the Floyd County Jail is implementing the Code Red Phase of its… Read more
Services have been set for the child who died in an accident on Friday: Little Miss Mariah Journey Womack-Laney, daughter of Wade Laney and Trinity Womack of Summerville, Ga., passed away Friday, October 16, 2020. Mariah was born April 23, 2019, in Rome, GA. In addition to her parents, Mariah is survived by her sister,… Read more
By Natalie Simms nsimmshh@att.net As we enter the final two weeks of a divisive election season, all eyes are focused on Nov. 3. But no matter the outcome, the various factors contributing to the current polarization in our country will not be immediately resolved. There already has been talk of legal challenges from both sides… Read more
By Natalie Simms nsimmshh@att.net Like everyone, local non-profits have not been immune from the impacts of the COVID pandemic. With many fundraisers canceled and donations decreased, some organizations are depending on virtual donations to help meet local needs. This is especially true for the Coosa Valley Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) working to raise fund… Read more
Bartow County’s problems with coronavirus took another turn Wednesday as Sheriff Clark Millsap announced the 500-inmate center was under quarantine. The agency reports multiple cases of the virus, enough to convince the sheriff to additional steps to protect both corrections officers and the inmates. “About 30” inmates have tested positive so far, according to… Read more
According to the Georgia State Patrol: A van was traveling north on U.S. 41, attempting to change lanes from the right to left lane. The driver, Ted M. Creel, 53, of Madison, Tenn., was traveling too fast for conditions, losing control of the van and running off the roadway to the right, rotating clockwise. The… Read more
Media release: A Friday afternoon shooting at 201 LaVista Ave. has left one man dead. Cedartown Police report that Kevin Quillian, 40, was killed by a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene. Police say there is no threat to public safety. The shooter has been identified and is cooperating with law enforcement. Read more
>Accident report below: Media release: The Bartow County School System mourns the loss of Cass Middle School Business and Computer Science Teacher Ginger Thompson. She died in a two-vehicle crash early Thursday. A fixture at Cass Middle School for 20 years, Thompson sponsored the 4-H Club and held various other titles throughout the years, such as… Read more
Ms. Mazura “Mattie” Kee Champion, age 74, of Rome, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020. Ms. Champion was born in Carroll County, GA on December 10, 1945, daughter of the late Clifford Riley Kee and the late Doris Gussie Lester Kee. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her… Read more
Wednesday morning update: Bartow County Jail records show Brittany McCoy has been booked into the Bartow County Jail on four charges stemming from the case. McCoy, who lives on Camp Sunrise Road, was booked into the county jail at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday. Media release: Bartow County Sheriff’s Office charges woman in connection with… Read more
7 p.m. update: All clear. Traffic on Turner McCall already is clogged this week with the opening of Panda Express at East Bend. But it got even more congested around 6:15 p.m. Tuesday following an accident that left one vehicle on its side above the Riverbend Center parking lot. You can see emergency crews… Read more