Cherokee County, Alabama District Attorney Summer Summerford announced last week that Pero Markis, a Serbian national, was convicted on March 18, 2025, for Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Promoting Prison Contraband in the second degree, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On December 19, 2023, officers from the Cedar Bluff Police Department stopped a truck driven by Markis after it swerved into oncoming traffic. They found over 50 packages of a white powdery substance in the vehicle, leading to his arrest. More packages were later discovered hidden on his body, confirmed to contain a mixture of fentanyl.

Judge Jeremy Taylor presided over the case, and a sentencing hearing is set for May 15, 2025. Summerford emphasized the dangers of fentanyl and encouraged parents to educate their children about illegal substances.

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has appointed Lindsey Momon, a resident of Trion, as the new director of the county’s Animal Control facility. Commissioner Andy Allen says that he sought input on the decision, including recommendations from the Summerville Veterinary Clinic and that he chose Momon for her passion for helping animals. Her first tasks include cleaning and repairing the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, as well as planning for its future. Momon aims to involve volunteers in socializing adoptable animals. Commissioner Allen appreciated local veterinary input in selecting her. Momon has a diverse background, including 10 years as a jail officer and various certifications in emergency medical response and law enforcement.

Walker County officials have released the names of the two men tragically killed in the plane crash at the Barwick-LaFayette Airport on Thursday. LaFayette Public Safety Director Stacey Meeks confirmed the identities as 48-year-old Russel Edward Jones of LaFayette and 52-year-old Steven Boyd Powell of Cartersville, using information obtained from their phones.

According to Meeks, Powell owned the aircraft and Jones was acting as a pilot instructor. While Powell was a certified pilot, he was reportedly working to upgrade his license, potentially to a commercial pilot status. “The flight instructor was there with him, and they were doing what was described to us as a very routine flight pattern that is very consistent with other pilots that are doing like check off skills to upgrade their license,” Meeks explained.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA confirmed that witness statements are aiding their investigation. However, the cause of the crash remains unknown. “Whatever it was happened suddenly and quickly as they were attempting to land,” Meeks stated. The NTSB has taken the lead in the investigation, with investigators arriving at the crash site Friday morning. Jim Hall, Chairman of the Chattanooga Airport Authority Board, estimates the investigation could take six to twelve months. He emphasized the thoroughness of the process, comparing it to investigations of large commercial airliner crashes. Hall stated the investigation will examine pilot records, aircraft records, and conduct a detailed analysis, with the goal of providing answers to the families and preventing future accidents.

“We as a society value human life. It’s a very important investigation to the families involved, to the community of people that knew the loved ones, as well as the safety of aviation,” he said. Meeks expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the LaFayette community for their assistance in providing tips and information to investigators.

The NTSB’s findings will be released to the public upon completion of their investigation.

A Rome woman, identified as 32-year-old Veronica Ortiz, was arrested and charged with public intoxication on Wednesday of last week following an incident on Hawkins Drive. According to a police report, Summerville Police officers responded to a call concerning a suspicious female pedestrian reportedly walking in the roadway and yelling at passing vehicles. Upon arrival, officers located Ortiz on Hawkins Drive. After multiple verbal commands for her to stop walking away, officers were able to approach Ortiz. She allegedly stated she had no identification. Police then informed her they had received complaints about her behavior in the roadway. Ortiz claimed she was on her way to meet her children. The reporting officer noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Ortiz. After repeated requests, she eventually provided her name and date of birth. When asked to move to the patrol vehicle for further questioning, she refused. According to the police report, officers then escorted Ortiz to the front of the patrol vehicle, at which point she resisted. She was subsequently placed under arrest for public intoxication.

Photo Credit: All on Georgia

A significant shift in leadership has occurred within the Chattooga County Republican Party, following elections held at the Chattooga Senior Center this past Saturday. A large crowd of party members gathered to cast their votes, resulting in the election of a new slate of officers. Meredith Rosson was elected as the new Chair of the Chattooga County Republican Party. Serving alongside her will be Ron Williams and Jimmy Lenderman as Vice Chairs, Kevin Gilliland as Treasurer, and Herb Skelton as Secretary. The election marks a turning point for the local Republican Party, as the previous leadership had implemented several measures that sparked concern amongst Republican voters. A key point of contention was the vetting of candidates for office in 2024, a practice which drew criticism from many local Republicans who felt that the selection of candidates should be left to the voters at the ballot box, not determined by party leaders. Sources within the Chattooga County Republican Party have expressed optimism to WZQZ News that the new leadership will foster a more inclusive and transparent environment for all Republican voters within the county. The hope is that the change will revitalize the party and encourage greater participation from all members.

Preston “Bumble” Hampton, son of Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton, models a high-visibility safety vest available at the tax commissioner’s office.

A Chattooga County truck driver and the County Tax Commissioner are joining forces to launch a pedestrian safety initiative in response to a series of nighttime pedestrian fatalities. Recent years have seen several tragic incidents where pedestrians were struck and killed after dark, highlighting a critical need for increased visibility and awareness. Marlie Payne, a local over-the-road truck driver and daughter of the late Chattooga County Probate Judge Jon Payne, is spearheading the effort.

Drawing on her professional expertise, Payne emphasizes the paramount importance of safety. “As a truck driver, safety is my top priority, both for myself and for everyone around me,” Payne explained. “Thinking about safety back home, I’ve been concerned about the amount of foot traffic, especially at night. A conversation with friends sparked the idea of safety vests, and I realized it was time to take action.” Partnering with her mother, and Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton, Payne is making high-visibility safety vests readily available to the public.

Starting this week, residents can pick up free vests at the Tax Commissioner’s Office and the Chattooga County Resource Center. The initiative also encourages community involvement through donations. The Tax Commissioner’s Office and the Resource Center are accepting donations of Class 2 or Class 3 safety vests (washed if used). Monetary donations will also be gratefully accepted and used to purchase additional vests for the community.

Payne concluded with a call to action: “If you can’t donate a vest or money, please just spread the word to anyone you see walking, or tell people who you know walk a lot at night!” This collaborative effort aims to increase pedestrian visibility, reduce nighttime accidents, and create a safer environment for everyone in Chattooga County.

The community is encouraged to participate and help spread awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety after dark.

This morning, temperatures are in the low to mid-30’s across the area and we will see a warmer today with sunny skies and highs around 70 degrees. Northwest Georgia is under a high fire danger warning this afternoon and evening because of low humidity and strong winds, leading officials to strongly advise against outdoor burning.

A Red Flag Warning and Fire Danger Statement are in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM today. The National Weather Service reports that humidity levels may fall to 25% or less for several hours, with westerly winds of 8 to 12 mph and gusts up to 24 mph, creating a high risk of wildfires. This fire danger is expected to continue through the week, with similar conditions forecasted for Sunday and from Tuesday to Saturday.

Weekend and Next Week Forecast:
Today: Sunny, high near 70 degrees, northwest winds with gusts up to 25 mph.
Tonight: Clear, low around 40 degrees, calm winds.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 76 degrees, south winds 10 to 15 mph, gusts up to 25 mph.
Sunday Night: 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, low around 53 degrees.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 69 degrees.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, March 22, 2025:

The American Red Cross of Georgia is issuing a call to help ensure no one faces a disaster alone by donating on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26.

During the first 50 days of 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to more big disasters in the U.S. than days — including more than 50 volunteers from Georgia who went out to aid people impacted by Hurricanes Debby and Helene, the California Wildfires and the Kentucky floods. And that’s on top of everyday crises like home fires that have upended lives here in Georgia. Meanwhile, more Red Cross blood donations have gone uncollected so far this year due to weather than throughout all of 2024.

“This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply for patients,” said Alicia Doherty, CEO, Red Cross of Georgia. “As we enter spring disaster season, families are relying on us to come together as a community and support them when help can’t wait during future crises. Join us today by making a financial donation or giving blood or platelets.”

Visit redcross.org today to make a financial donation or schedule an appointment togive blood or platelets in March:

• MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION: Donations will be part of Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 individuals to help people affected by disasters big and small. A gift of any size makes a difference. For example, a donation of $3 can provide a comfort kit with supplies like a toothbrush, comb and shampoo, and a gift of $11 can provide a nutritious meal, snack and drink.

For those who are able, any donor who gives $140 or more in March will receive a choice of a Red Cross monopack or a pair of socks as a thank-you for supporting our mission. Donors can make their gift and claim their thank-you by visiting redcross.org any time during March.

• GIVE BLOOD OR PLATELETS: To help overcome the significant weather impact on blood donations, the Red Cross also urges the public to give lifesaving blood or platelets by making an appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org, on the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People of all blood types are needed now to help avoid further strain to the blood supply.

The Red Cross is expanding its health offerings by performing free A1C testing (commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes) on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details on both offers.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is offering a reward for information about 65-year-old Timothy McSears, who has been missing for over two weeks. His brother, Donnie McSears, expressed the family’s distress, saying it’s hard to cope with his absence. At a press conference, Sheriff Steve Wilson, along with McSears’ family, provided an update on the case. McSears was last seen at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on March 6, 2025, where he often volunteered. His family is concerned as he did not attend a family gathering. A local resident reported seeing him throwing away trash that same day. The last use of his phone was on March 7. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts. If anyone has seen him or has information, they are encouraged to call 706-670-1953 or submit a tip online.

Georgia Power is warning its customers about a rise in scams where criminals pretend to be utility employees. These scammers make fraudulent calls and create misleading online ads to steal money or personal information. The company has noticed a spike in these deceptive activities, which include impersonating employees, making fake payment requests, and threatening to cut off power if immediate payments are not made. A spokesperson from Georgia Power emphasizes the importance of educating customers about these scams to help them stay safe.

Some common tactics used by scammers are: pretending to be Georgia Power employees and demanding payments or personal information; creating fake online ads that link to unofficial websites; asking for cash or other quick payment methods; threatening service disconnection if payment isn’t made; requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers; and using fake toll-free numbers to deceive victims.

To help protect themselves, Georgia Power advises customers to verify anyone claiming to be from the company by calling Georgia Power directly at 888-660-5890 or visiting their official website, GeorgiaPower.com. Customers should not trust caller IDs since scammers can fake them. They should never share personal details unless they have confirmed the identity of the caller or visitor. Payments should only be made through Georgia Power’s official channels, not through cash apps or cryptocurrencies.

Customers are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity, whether it’s a phone call, in-person visit, or online advertisement through GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam. They should delete any suspicious emails requesting immediate payment or personal information from unknown senders. It’s important to ensure that they are using the official Georgia Power website and to look for employees in uniform with proper identification badges. Also, official vehicles will display the Georgia Power logo.

By staying informed and taking these precautions, customers can reduce the risk of becoming victims of scams. Georgia Power urges anyone who suspects they have been targeted to report the incident quickly.

In honor of National Youth Art Month, Summerville Main Street is hosting “United Through Art,” a countywide student art show, today at the Summerville Depot. The free event celebrates the artistic talent of local youth, featuring artwork from students in grades K-12 across a variety of mediums.

The show is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This year’s show includes a new feature: demonstrations and displays from adult artists and photographers, adding an extra layer of creativity and inspiration. National Youth Art Month is a nationwide celebration observed in March, promoting art and art education. Schools and homeschoolers from across the county are participating in the show, highlighting the importance of arts in education. Attendees can enjoy additional highlights throughout the day, including a performance by the Menlo Elementary Chorus at 11:00 a.m. and watercolor demonstrations by local artist Sheila Johnson from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Artist Billy Smith will also be demonstrating his painting techniques throughout the day. For the younger crowd, free and simple face painting will be available between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

A variety of food vendors will be on-site, offering delicious options for attendees. Reita Cabe will be selling fried pies, Brunswick stew, homemade ice cream, and jellies, while Small Town BBQ will be serving up ribs, chicken, and pulled pork plates. Food items are available for dine-in or take-home. The public is encouraged to attend this free event and show their support for young artists in the community.

Georgia lawmakers are addressing a long-standing dispute regarding land in Tennessee that Congress originally assigned to Georgia in the 1700s.

The land in question is along the 35th parallel. Georgia State Representative Martin Momtahan from District 17 has introduced a bill aiming to reclaim this area, highlighting a survey from 1818 that defined the line a mile south of the current proposal.

Momtahan describes the 35th parallel as a contested region that includes places like St. Elmo and East Ridge in South Chattanooga. He insists that this is not a land grab but a rightful claim to an area that Georgia should have. He believes residents are missing out on opportunities, such as in-state tuition and access to cultural events like Major League baseball.

Tennessee maintains that Georgia is after water rights from the Tennessee River.

Momtahan is committed to seeing the bill through, especially after a previous veto by Governor Kemp. The current bill is in the House Rules Committee and could be effective by 2026 if passed.

The Georgia Senate has passed a bill that would eliminate state income taxes on military retirement benefits, marking a significant step towards providing financial relief to veterans. The bill, a version originating from the Georgia House of Representatives, received Senate approval on Friday, paving the way for its return to the House for final consideration.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has voiced his strong support for the bill, urging members of the House to swiftly pass the legislation. Currently, Georgia law allows retired military service members under the age of 62 to exempt the first $17,500 of their retirement income from state income taxes. “I want to thank the Senate for its bi-partisan support of this important measure,” Jones stated. “Eliminating the income tax on military retirement benefits is a common-sense approach to providing tax relief to heroes who have risked their lives to keep our communities, state and nation safe. Allowing these benefits to be earned tax-free will also help make Georgia a leading destination for servicemen and women as they transition from the military into civilian life and bring their talents and experience to workplaces across our state.” Jones also expressed his gratitude to the Senate for their diligent work on the legislation.

If approved by the House without any modifications and subsequently signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, House Bill 266 would provide a complete exemption from Georgia income taxes for all income paid to military retirees as retirement benefits. This legislation is poised to significantly impact the lives of Georgia’s military veterans, attracting and retaining skilled individuals within the state.

The Summerville Veterinary Clinic responded to allegations on social media about the ownership and care of a dog with a gunshot wound to the face.

The clinic’s statement refutes claims of wrongdoing and clarifies the situation. Although the initial post that stirred controversy was deleted by mistake, the clinic has screenshots of the relevant comments. The dispute involves someone asserting they own the injured dog, which was brought in by animal control. This person provided mixed information, claiming the dog was microchipped, but the clinic found no such chip. When asked, the individual said the chip had “ejected out. ” The person also insisted the dog lacked a spay tattoo, which was visible to the clinic.

The clinic emphasized it will not return a dog without proof of ownership, stressing they do not want extra animals due to the costs involved. They contacted the Humane Society, where the individual claimed the dog was spayed and microchipped. The Humane Society stated they did not provide paperwork for a malfunctioning microchip. The Summerville Veterinary Clinic confirmed that the dog remains safe and under their care, addressing false claims about its euthanasia.

Going forward, the clinic will stop taking in strays or owner surrenders, instead directing everything through animal control. They reaffirmed their commitment to the care of all animals and their responsibility in handling each case.

A former Lyerly Fire Chief has passed away. Ronald “Ronnie” Daine Stephens, a devoted veteran, firefighter, and respected community member, died peacefully at home on March 20, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born on August 19, 1948, in Rome, GA, to Harbin Monroe and Ethel Lee Green Stephens. Mr. Stephens served in the U. S. Army and was a retired employee of Consolidated Freightways. A 1966 graduate of Chattooga High School, he continued to support his alma mater and served on the Class of 1970 Board in memory of his late wife, Sharon Norton Stephens. He dedicated 52 years to firefighting, including serving as Fire Chief for both the Lyerly and Powdersville, SC Fire Departments, as well as working with the Anderson County Hazardous Materials Team. Also, he was a dedicated worker with the Summerville Main Street Program. He was active in several organizations and is survived by his family. Funeral services will be on March 25, 2025, at Mason Funeral Home Chapel.

A small plane crash near Barwick–LaFayette Airport has resulted in the deaths of two people, shocking the local community. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident that occurred around 2:30 p. m. on Thursday when a Cirrus SR22 aircraft crashed just before landing. An investigator from the NTSB is set to arrive at the scene today to gather evidence and examine the wreckage.

Eyewitnesses reported that the plane caught fire upon impact, visible from nearby roads. Both occupants were confirmed dead by local officials.  The names of the victims have not been released as of Friday morning.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A spokesperson expressed sadness about the event and assured that the agency would conduct a thorough investigation in collaboration with the NTSB. Details about the victims are not yet public, as their names are being withheld until formal identification is completed.

A preliminary report is anticipated within a month, but the entire investigation might take up to two years. The investigation will consider various factors, and NTSB officials have requested anyone with information to come forward.

A chilly start to the day on Friday in Northwest Georgia as we see low temperatures in the 30s under clear skies with light NW winds. A ridge of high pressure will move over the Southeast US, leading to dry weather and warming temperatures. Fire weather is a concern as humidity drops to 15-20% in the afternoon. Highs today will reach the 60s, with light northwest winds.Tonight, lows will range from the upper 30s to low 40s, with warming into the 60s and 70s on Saturday. Fire weather remains a top concern, especially with increased winds. Looking ahead, dry fuels and low humidity may keep fire concerns high through next week. Showers and thunderstorms are possible Sunday night and Monday, with a limited severe risk. Fire weather issues are expected due to low humidity values, especially Tuesday to Friday after modest rainfall. The potential for severe weather on Sunday night exists, but flooding is not expected.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, March 21, 2025:

On Thursday evening, Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement to local media saying that Lookout Mountain District Attorney Clay Fuller met with Sheriff Schrader and Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson and said that the investigation involving Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen and a Kentucky truck driver should be investigated by an agency outside the judicial circuit.

The investigation centers around an altercation between Commissioner Allen and William Wilson, a cattle hauler, who alleges that Commissioner Allen physically assaulted and threatened him. Wilson and his wife were in Chattooga County to pick up a load of cattle from William Mitchell’s farm back on March 3rd. Due to the narrow nature of Little Sand Mountain Road, Wilson stated he had to temporarily block the road to back his truck into the farm. Commissioner Allen, who was also traveling on the road, reportedly took issue with the blockage, leading to the confrontation. Wilson alleges that Allen grabbed his shirt and made threats, nearly pulling him from his truck. The Commissioner’s account alleges that the driver created a dangerous situation.

Originally, Sheriff Schrader had recused his office from investigation and asked neighboring Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson to investigate.  Now, the investigation into the incident will be handled by the GBI Field Office in Calhoun.

Sheriff Schrader released the following statement on Thursday: