Sheriff Nick Weldon of neighboring DeKalb County, Alabama is issuing a crucial warning to local residents about a rising scam that is targeting unsuspecting individuals. The scam, which involves impersonators claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House, has alarmed authorities and prompted an urgent advisory for the community.
Mr. Nicholas Shea Crabtree age 49 of Trion, Georgia passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Shea was born in Rome, Georgia on September 17, 1975, son of Jerry Crabtree and Monnette Gurley Crabtree. He attended the New Generation Church of God and was self employed in the Construction Industry. Shea was kind hearted and never missed an opportunity to help others when the opportunity presented itself. He was an avid fisherman and could always be found near his favorite fishing hole. Shea was preceded in death by his grandparents; Patty W. and Jim Stoker and Henry and Hazel Crabtree.
Shea is survived by his children, Dexter “Cody” Crabtree, Jayden Jones, Laurel(Dallas) Thomas and Daisy Bishop; parents, Jerry and Monnette Crabtree; sister, Brisha(Chris) Young; grandchildren, Bryleigh Crabtree, Malachi Crabtree and Ryder Thomas; and a number of additional extended family.
Funeral Services for Shea will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Winston officiating.
The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Nicholas Shea Crabtree. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.
Mr. Stephen Wesley Payton, age 65, of Summerville, GA, died Friday, January 31, 2025, at Advent Health Gordon.
Mr. Payton was born October 30, 1959, in Summerville, GA, son of the late Lewis Payton and Mittie Lee Allen Payton. He loved fishing, boating, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Payton was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Hennon; brothers, Mark Payton, Malcolm Payton, and Wayne Payton.
Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer (Jackie) Burrage; brothers, Andy (Nae Nae) Payton, Marvin Payton, and Tim Payton; sisters, Sheila Payton Hayslip, Janice Payton (Jimmy) Sink, Kathy Payton (Alan) Marbutt, and Sharron Payton Gabriel; and 4 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 3, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be held privately in Garrett Cemetery.
Mr. Payton will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service on Monday.
To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.
Dry and warm weather is expected to continue for the next several days across Northwest Georgia. Rain has ended, with skies mostly clear to partly cloudy. Some areas in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama have patchy fog this, which may be dense. Motorists should use extra caution until the fog burns off sometime after sunrise. Temperatures are in the upper 30’s across the area this morning.
Low clouds are expected to move into our part of Georgia today, with high clouds gradually moving south as mostly sunny skies dominate. High temperatures will be in the upper 50s to around 60 degrees.
For the long term, dry and warm conditions are predicted until midweek. Rain and storms may return later in the week with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms developing across Northwest Georgia Wednesday night, with more widespread activity possible into Thursday and Friday.
High temperatures will be significantly warmer than usual throughout this period, reaching the low 70’s.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, February 1, 2025:
Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation’s 2025 Community Impact Grant cycle opens January 31. The deadline for submitting proposals for the 2025 grant cycle is Feb. 28. Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation was established in 2021 as a result of the strategic combination of Floyd and Atrium Health. The Foundation currently has assets valued at more than $200 million. Annual investment earnings on the assets are used to support Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center, which in turn, award grants to area agencies to address needs related to health care in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.
A new bad weather alert siren has been erected at the Teloga Volunteer Fire Station along Highway 337. The installation took place earlier this month, following a growing need for effective weather alert systems in the area. The siren will undergo a monthly testing routine, scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month at noon. However, if inclement weather is predicted on the testing day, the test will be postponed to the following Wednesday at the same time, ensuring that community members are kept informed and safe. The funding for this crucial project came through a Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. The HMGP, designed to aid state agencies and local governments in the aftermath of disasters, provides critical resources for projects aimed at reducing or eliminating long-term risks to human life and property from natural hazards. The total grant awarded for the siren’s purchase and installation was $25,916.29, with Chattooga County contributing an additional $1,054.98 to secure the funding. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to enhancing safety measures and preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay alert for the upcoming testing schedule and to utilize the siren as an important tool in maintaining safety during severe weather events.
Food prices in Georgia have recently shown signs of stabilization, with some categories even experiencing a decline. However, prices remain elevated, continuing to strain the budgets of consumers across the state. A combination of factors has contributed to the overall price increase, including ongoing supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine, turmoil in the Middle East, persistent droughts, inflation, and rising costs for farmers. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the impact of these trends on consumer spending. Families purchasing a dozen large, Grade A eggs reported spending an average of just over four dollars last month, while chicken prices climbed to more than two dollars per pound nationally.
The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce that registration is now open for its Spring 2025 Volleyball season! Young athletes aged 9 to 14 are invited to sign up for this vibrant community program, which promises to foster teamwork, skill development, and a love for the game. Parents and guardians can register their children online at www.summervillerec.org from now until February 9th, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for youth to engage in physical activity, make new friends, and learn the fundamentals of volleyball in a supportive environment. The age eligibility for this program is determined as of September 1, 2025, allowing for inclusive participation among peers. Registration fees are set at $10 for city residents and $25 for county residents, making it an affordable option for families in the area. Don’t miss out on this chance to get your child involved in volleyball this spring! For more information and to complete the registration process, visit www.summervillerec.org
This week, contractors working for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) commenced a significant repaving project covering approximately 11 miles of U.S. 27 and a portion of Hwy. 48. The initiative, divided into two federally funded phases totaling just over $7 million, aims to enhance safety and improve road conditions for local residents and travelers alike.
