Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has decided not to run for Senate, causing Republican officials to scramble for a backup plan and avoid a divisive primary. There are concerns in the GOP that if Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene becomes the nominee against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, her divisive reputation could hinder the party’s chances of winning. The Republicans see this race as a vital opportunity to increase their Senate majority.
According to a report released this week, Chattooga County Animal Control Director Lindsey Momon was bitten by an aggressive dog while attempting to apprehend it on May 4, 2025. Deputies were dispatched to the Chattooga County Animal Shelter at approximately 6:38 PM following the incident. The initial call stemmed from reports of multiple dogs attacking each other at 155 Bittings Avenue, reportedly triggered by one of the dogs being in heat. Animal Control located a brown dog of unknown breed, suspected of being involved in the attacks. According to the incident report, the dog became highly aggressive while Momon and Animal Control Officer Emily Wright attempted to transport it to their truck. The dog bit Director Momon during the initial attempt to secure it. Even after the truck arrived, the animal remained agitated, biting both Momon and Wright before being contained within the truck’s cage. Following the incident, both Director Momon and Officer Wright planned to seek medical attention at a local urgent care facility after housing the dog at the Animal Control Shelter. Photos of the bite marks and the dog have been submitted as part of the official report.
Maisha Ludy, a dedicated resident of Chattooga County, was recognized as the Early Head Start (EHS) Center Volunteer of the Year at the Family Resource Agency of North Georgia’s (FRAGA) annual volunteer appreciation event this past Friday. The award celebrates Ludy’s exceptional commitment and service to the EHS program.
A Dade County jury found Jesse Miles Seals guilty of child molestation on April 22, 2025, following a two-day trial held before the Honorable Judge Don Thompson in Dade County Superior Court. The conviction stemmed from courageous testimony by the victim, who detailed numerous instances of inappropriate contact with Seals beginning when she was approximately 12 years old and he was dating her older sister.
For over 140 years, American service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers have relied on the American Red Cross for support during military service challenges. Red Cross programs, led by staff and volunteers, many of whom have military ties, address the humanitarian needs of the military community.
Friends, family, and community members gathered on May 2 at the Conference Center at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun to celebrate 13 students graduating from Basic Law Enforcement Training Class BL11-2025-01.
Following a three-hour probable cause hearing in the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex, Magistrate Court Judge Griffin (of Whitfield County) issued an arrest warrant for Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen on one count of simple battery.
Mr. Billy Robert “Gear Jammer” Hughes, age 84, of Summerville, GA, died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.
Mr. Hughes was born December 6, 1940, to Jack and Lula Mann Hughes. He was retired from Thompson Enterprise in Kennesaw, GA, and was a part-time employed for Chattooga County for several years after his retirement.
Mr. Hughes enjoyed studying the Bible and deer hunting with his brother, Rayburn. He took pride in teaching his grandson, Blaze “Tator Chip” how to take a diesel engine apart then put it back together, and also teaching him how to weld.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Matt “Jammer Jr.” Hughes; his daughter, Billie Hughes; and a grandson, Josh Elrod.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Marietta Rutledge Hughes; daughter, Janie Robin (Timmy) Prince; grandchildren, Blaze and Jordan Hughes, Kelly Gill, Amy and Andy Stivers, Anna Elrod, Allie and Chuck Barksdale, Jordanne and Joesph McGinnis; great-grandchildren, Dixie Hughes, Hyde McGinnis, Rosie and Chance Elrod, Gavin, Finley, and Tylee Stivers, Ava, Cora, Cross, and Devan Barksdale; a brother, Rayburn and Shirley Hughes; uncle, John Mann; and several nieces and nephews.
There are no formal services planned at this time.
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.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 7, 2025:
