On Wednesday of last week, February 5th,  at approximately 9:24 PM, Summerville Police were dispatched to a call regarding a disturbance involving a white male, identified as 41-year-old Anthony Hines, at the Amoco station on Commerce Street. Reports indicated that Hines was consuming alcoholic beverages despite repeated requests from the store clerk to cease. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed Hines exiting the store and entering a gray GMC Jimmy that was heading northbound on Commerce Street. The vehicle was stopped at the Fit Pit gym shortly thereafter. The driver of the GMC, Heather Lawson, informed officers that she was there to pick up Hines. During questioning, Hines admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages while at the Amoco. Due to his apparent intoxication and the circumstances, law enforcement took the decision to place him under arrest for public intoxication. Following his arrest, Hines was transported to Chattooga County jail for processing.

Walker County Commissioners are addressing the issue of stray and feral animals with a new surgical voucher program coordinated by Walker County Animal Control. During a meeting held last week, Walker County Commission Chairwoman Angie Teems thanked the community for their patience as the board discussed solutions. A previously proposed mandatory spay and neuter law was scrapped due to public opposition. Instead, 40 free spay and neuter vouchers will be available each month for newly adopted pets, funded by donations, with an estimated cost of $65,000. In other business, commissioners approved new mobile radios and vehicles, and a new wireless telecommunications facility in Chickamauga to improve 911 services and internet access to underserved areas. The next commission meeting is scheduled for March 6th at 6 PM.

LG Electronics is recalling about 500,000 electric ranges because the front knobs can be accidentally turned on by people or pets. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the front knobs on these ranges can be activated by touch. The recall includes both slide-in and freestanding models.

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For the 4^th year, the Chattooga County Democratic Party will sponsor a Black History Month celebration on Saturday, February 22 at 7 PM. The event, titled “Celebrating Our Heritage Through Poem and Song,” will once again feature local talent performing songs, dances and spoken word tributes to black history.

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The School of Humanities at Georgia Highlands College has opened registration for the eighth annual Highlands Writers Conference on March 8. It’s free for GHC students, staff, and faculty, while community registration is $50, including lunch. Virtual-only registration is $25. Keynote speaker Marcela Fuentes will present, and there will be virtual workshops available this year. See full details and a link to register below:

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is urging anglers, boaters, and lake visitors to help stop the spread of invasive snail species. Recent studies show these snails can carry a worm that may cause illness in humans if consumed.  Recently a rat lungworm was discovered in Georgia.

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating a vehicle theft involving a grey Volkswagen Passat. The car was reported stolen on February 3, 2025, by its owner, Zack Christopher, who stated it was last seen at 7:05 PM the previous evening. He mentioned that the keys were left inside the car.

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The Summerville City Council will hold its monthly meeting tomorrow, February 10th, at 5 PM at Summerville City Hall. Community members can join a Q&A session starting at 4:30 PM. The council will read and vote on the 2024 Year-End Budget Ordinance and discuss the 2024-2025 Mid-Year Budget Ordinance. They will also review meeting minutes from January, approve a payment for a project, and address various policy updates. Additionally, they will consider a mobile home request from Kaleb Park. WZQZ will broadcast the meeting on Facebook.