Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital is in Rome, Ga. Photo by Ryan Smith

ROME, Ga.

Hospital to stay open for now

The closing of a state psychiatric hospital in Rome has been delayed amid concerns that community services for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled aren't ready.

Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital was scheduled to close June 30. Officials say it will remain open until at least Sept. 30 while the state rolls out new community services.

Officials say the effort is part of a push to move mentally ill and developmentally disabled people into the community under an agreement reached last fall between the state and the U.S. Department of Justice.

CHATSWORTH, Ga.

School names top teacher

Regina Mantooth has been named teacher of the year at Spring Place Elementary School in Chatsworth, Ga.

In a news release, school officials said the award was bestowed on Mantooth, a kindergarten teacher, by her colleagues "because of her love and dedication to the students" and her expertise in her profession.

FLINTSTONE, Ga.

Canine agility classes offered

The Obedience Club of Chattanooga, 244 Lake City Drive, will hold registration for obedience, rally and new agility classes for puppies and dogs on June 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. A copy of shot records is required for registration. During registration, various dog/handler teams will present training demonstrations. Classes begin June 6. For more information, visit chattanoogaobedienceclub.org or call 423-517-1448.

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.

TVA investigates teen's drowning

A 14-year-old girl has drowned in northeastern Tennessee, touching off an investigation into the death by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

TVA operates the 4,400-acre Boone Lake in Sullivan County. A TVA spokesman told WCYB-TV that the girl drowned just after 6:30 p.m. EDT Sunday while she was with her family at the lake.

The call to officials came from the beach near the dam. TVA declined to release the girl's name.

- Staff and Wire Reports