Gang-Related Altercation At Hays State Prison Triggers Lockdowns Across Georgia
Three inmates were injured in an altercation at Hays State Prison in Trion on Tuesday, October 27, prompting the Georgia Department of Corrections to place more than two dozen correctional facilities across the state on lockdown amid concerns about possible gang retaliation.
In a statement provided to WZQZ News, the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed that four inmates were involved in an altercation believed to have been gang-related. The incident was contained to two dormitories at Hays State Prison.
According to the department, three inmates were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. All three were treated and subsequently returned to the prison.
No correctional officers or other staff members were injured.
The department said intelligence received following the altercation raised concerns about possible retaliation, prompting officials to implement lockdowns at numerous state correctional facilities.
In addition to Hays State Prison, the affected facilities include Hancock State Prison, Augusta State Medical Prison, Johnson State Prison, Rogers State Prison, Smith State Prison, Macon State Prison, Telfair State Prison, Valdosta State Prison, Phillips State Prison, Baldwin State Prison, Washington State Prison, Autry State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, Calhoun State Prison, Coastal State Prison, Pulaski State Prison and Ware State Prison.
Other affected facilities include the Special Management Unit, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, McRae Women’s Facility, Riverbend Correctional Facility, Wheeler Correctional Facility, Coffee Correctional Facility and Jenkins Correctional Facility.
The Department of Corrections said the facilities will remain on lockdown until further notice. Security threat assessments will be conducted periodically as investigations continue.
The department has not disclosed the identities of the inmates involved, the gangs suspected of involvement or the specific intelligence that prompted the widespread security measures.
WZQZ News has also received information concerning possible drone activity at Hays State Prison around the time of the incident. The Department of Corrections did not address that information in its initial response, and WZQZ has not independently confirmed whether a drone was involved.
WZQZ News has submitted additional questions to the department seeking clarification about the reported drone activity, possible gang connections, the extent of the security threat and when normal operations might resume.
The investigation remains ongoing, and WZQZ News will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Source: Georgia Department of Corrections, direct statement provided to WZQZ News concerning the October 27, 2026, incident.
Arrest Report - Thursday - October 29, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 29, 2026:
Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance To State Softball Final Four With Shutout Victory
The Trion Lady Bulldogs are moving on in the Georgia High School Association Class A State Softball Tournament after opening Elite Eight competition Wednesday with a 2-0 shutout victory over Irwin County in Columbus.
The victory extends Trion’s winning streak to 11 consecutive games and moves the Lady Bulldogs into the winners’ bracket semifinals, putting them among the final four undefeated teams in the tournament.
Trion will face Emanuel County Institute today, Thursday, October 29, at 12:30 p.m. at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.
Emanuel County Institute advanced with a 6-2 victory over Johnson County on Wednesday.
The Lady Bulldogs entered the state tournament with a 23-5 record after sweeping Taylor County in the second round of the playoffs. Wednesday’s victory improves Trion’s record to 24-5.
Under head coach Trent Stamey, Trion is making its second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight and continues its pursuit of a state championship.
The tournament uses a double-elimination format, meaning teams must lose twice before being eliminated. Competition continues through Saturday, October 31.
Fans can watch the games through the NFHS Network, while tickets for in-person attendance are available through GoFan.
Warm, Dry Weather Continues Thursday Before Weekend Rain Arrives
Chattooga County residents can expect another warm and mostly sunny day Thursday, but a change in the weather pattern will bring increasing rain chances over the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, Thursday will be mostly sunny with an afternoon high near 76 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming northeast around 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 47 degrees.
Friday will bring even warmer temperatures, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 79 degrees. Friday night will become mostly cloudy, with an overnight low around 55.
The weather begins changing Saturday as clouds increase ahead of an approaching storm system. There is a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers, with a high near 73 degrees.
Rain chances increase significantly Saturday night, particularly after 2 a.m., when showers and possibly a thunderstorm are expected. The chance of precipitation Saturday night is 60 percent.
Sunday looks to be the wettest day of the weekend, with an 80 percent chance of showers and a high near 65 degrees. Rain is expected to continue into Sunday evening before gradually diminishing.
National Weather Service forecasters say there is still uncertainty about how much rain the approaching system will produce. Some weather models suggest substantial rainfall, while others indicate considerably lighter amounts.
Although widespread flooding is not currently expected, heavier thunderstorms could produce localized flooding in areas that receive repeated downpours.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and a high near 71. Tuesday brings a 40 percent chance of showers and temperatures reaching the middle 70s.
For residents planning outdoor activities this weekend, Friday offers the best opportunity for warm, dry weather before rain chances increase late Saturday and Sunday.
Chattooga County's 2025 Audit Completed, Commissioner Says Officials Addressing Findings
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county’s 2025 financial audit has been completed and approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue, marking another step in the county’s efforts to address financial reporting and accounting concerns.
In an update Wednesday, Allen said county officials are now reviewing findings identified in the audit and working with department heads to determine how best to correct any problems.
“The 2025 audit is complete and approved by DOR. We are currently working with department heads who had findings to determine the best path to resolve any issues,” Allen said.
The announcement follows months of work to bring the county’s financial records up to date.
The county’s 2024 audit, released earlier this year, identified numerous deficiencies involving accounting procedures, financial oversight, purchasing practices and recordkeeping. Among the findings were incomplete financial records, insufficient documentation for certain expenditures, problems with bank reconciliations and instances in which departments exceeded their approved budgets.
During a public meeting in July, Allen and county officials reviewed the 2024 findings and discussed corrective measures, including improvements in accounting procedures, staff training and financial oversight.
The 2025 audit had also fallen behind the state’s required filing deadline, making its completion a significant development in the county’s ongoing effort to bring financial reporting up to date.
Allen said the county will release the completed report to news organizations after officials finish reviewing the findings with department heads.
“Once we complete the process, we will provide the 2025 audit to all media outlets,” Allen said.
The specific findings in the 2025 audit have not yet been made public, so it remains to be seen which issues have been corrected and whether additional deficiencies were identified.
Sources: Statement from Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen; Chattooga County Government — July 16, 2026, Audit Findings Meeting; Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts — Local Government Audit Requirements.
Verification note: The completion and Department of Revenue approval are reported from Commissioner Allen’s statement. The 2025 audit itself has not yet been available for independent review. Georgia’s Department of Audits and Accounts is the agency responsible for tracking local government audit submissions, so DOR approval should not be treated as confirmation of that agency’s compliance status.
Nearly $2 Million To Preserve Historic Resaca Battlefield In Northwest Georgia
Nearly $2 million will be invested in preserving more than 300 acres of historic Civil War battlefield land in Gordon and Whitfield counties through a new Georgia preservation program.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced the approval of two grants totaling $945,475 through the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program. Combined with approximately $980,000 in matching funds, the grants will support an investment of about $1.9 million in protecting historically significant property at the Resaca Battlefield.
The grants are being awarded to the American Battlefield Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic battlefields across the United States.
The larger grant, totaling $634,000, will help the organization acquire and permanently protect approximately 273 acres in Gordon and Whitfield counties. The property includes historic battlefield terrain, Confederate defensive earthworks and approximately 3,200 feet of frontage along Camp Creek.
A second grant of $311,475 will support the acquisition and preservation of approximately 30 additional acres in Gordon County.
The properties were part of the Battle of Resaca, fought May 13–15, 1864, during Union General William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. The battle involved thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers as Sherman’s forces advanced southward through Northwest Georgia toward Atlanta.
The American Battlefield Trust says the newly protected property faced potential development in recent years. An industrial rezoning effort involving the land was unsuccessful in early 2025, but preservation officials remained concerned about the possibility of future development.
The additional acreage will connect with other preserved portions of the battlefield, helping protect the historic landscape and creating potential opportunities for future public access.
The grants are the first awarded through the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund, established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2025 and named in honor of the legendary University of Georgia football coach.
Dooley, who led the Georgia Bulldogs to the 1980 national championship, was also a historian and longtime advocate for battlefield preservation. He served on the American Battlefield Trust’s Board of Trustees for a decade.
The new state program provides matching grants to nonprofit preservation organizations and state agencies for the acquisition and permanent protection of historically significant battlefield properties.
The American Battlefield Trust has already preserved more than 1,000 acres at Resaca. The latest acquisitions will expand those efforts while protecting land associated with one of the most significant Civil War battles fought in Northwest Georgia.
Sources: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, October 23, 2026; American Battlefield Trust, October 26, 2026.
Trion Gas Customers Can Request Safety Valves To Reduce Risk Of Gas Leaks
Natural gas customers served by the Town of Trion have the option of requesting a safety device designed to reduce the risk of fires, explosions and property damage if an underground gas service line is accidentally broken.
The Town of Trion Gas Department offers customers the opportunity to request installation of an excess flow valve, commonly called an EFV, on the natural gas line leading to their property.
The mechanical device is installed in the service line that carries natural gas to a customer’s meter. If the line is severely damaged, such as during excavation or digging, the valve is designed to automatically restrict the flow of gas, reducing the possibility of a dangerous gas leak.
However, the valves do have limitations. They are not designed to stop leaks that occur inside a home or business, including leaks involving appliances or piping beyond the gas meter. They also may not activate when a service line develops a small leak.
Customers interested in having a valve installed can contact the Town of Trion Gas Department to request an inspection. The department will determine whether installation is possible and provide an estimate of the cost.
Installation costs vary depending on the location of the gas line and the difficulty of accessing it. For example, lines located beneath asphalt or concrete may be more expensive to access.
Once the cost has been determined, the department will contact the customer to arrange a mutually agreeable installation date.
The town says customers may also be responsible for replacement costs if they add gas appliances that require greater gas capacity, such as a swimming pool heater or emergency generator.
However, customers will not be charged for replacement if an existing excess flow valve malfunctions.
Not every gas service line qualifies for installation. Valves cannot be installed where they could interfere with normal gas service or necessary maintenance, or where the service line’s meter capacity exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per hour.
The Town of Trion’s notice explains that customers can request these valves under federal natural gas safety regulations that took effect in 2017.
Gas officials also remind residents to call 811 before digging to have underground gas lines and other utilities marked. The free utility-location service helps prevent accidental damage to buried lines.
Additional information is available through the Town of Trion Gas Department.
Sources: Town of Trion Gas Department — Excess Flow Valve Customer Notice; U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Lyerly Elementary School To Honor Veterans With Special Program November 6
Lyerly Elementary School will host a special Veterans Day program on Friday, November 6, to recognize and honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The program will begin at 9 AM in the school gymnasium, with students presenting songs, readings and music in tribute to America’s veterans.
School officials are inviting veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families to attend the ceremony, which will provide students an opportunity to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifices of military members.
The program is part of the school’s observance of Veterans Day, which is officially celebrated on November 11 each year.
Lyerly Elementary School encourages families and community members to attend and join students in honoring those who have served their country.
Atrium Health Floyd Offers Outpatient Imaging Services At Chattooga Emergency Department
Atrium Health Floyd is reminding residents that outpatient diagnostic imaging services are available at its freestanding emergency department in Trion, providing local patients with access to several common medical tests without traveling outside Chattooga County.
The facility offers CT scans, ultrasounds, standard X-rays and MRI services.
Morning and early afternoon appointments are available, and the facility welcomes same-day urgent imaging requests when additional appointments are needed.
Patients needing standard X-rays can walk in without scheduling an appointment.
Mobile MRI services are available on Mondays, excluding major holidays.
The outpatient imaging services provide a convenient option for Chattooga County residents who need diagnostic testing ordered by their healthcare providers.
Patients can schedule imaging appointments by calling 706-292-7783 or 478-353-4746.
Physicians’ offices can fax standard imaging orders to 706-292-7227.
The Atrium Health Floyd Chattooga Emergency Department is located at 13583 U.S. Highway 27 in Trion.
Georgia Farmers To Receive New GATE Cards In November
Georgia farmers and agricultural producers who participate in the state’s agricultural sales tax exemption program will soon receive new GATE cards in the mail, and officials are reminding cardholders to provide their updated information to retailers where they make tax-exempt purchases.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says new wallet-sized 2027 GATE cards will be mailed in November to participants whose program certificates expire in 2027 or later.
The Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption program, commonly known as GATE, allows qualified farmers and agricultural producers to purchase certain supplies, equipment and other agricultural products without paying state and local sales taxes.
Farmers in Chattooga County and throughout Georgia who use the program should make sure retailers have their current GATE card information when making eligible purchases. Retailers are required to verify that a customer’s card is active before allowing a sales tax exemption.
The exemptions can apply to qualifying agricultural purchases such as fertilizer, seed, livestock supplies, farm machinery and certain types of fuel used in agricultural operations. Not every purchase made by a farmer qualifies for the exemption.
GATE certificates are valid for three years, but participants receive a new card each calendar year. Farmers whose certificates remain active do not need to submit a new application simply to receive their annual replacement card.
The Department of Agriculture also announced that applications and renewals for the 2027–2029 certification period will open Monday, November 2. Farmers whose certificates have already expired must submit a new application rather than renew an expired certificate.
Participants who have changed their mailing address or business name should update their information with the Department of Agriculture to avoid delays in receiving their cards.
Farmers can check their card status, update information and learn more about the program at agr.georgia.gov/GATE.
For assistance, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s GATE customer service office can be reached at 855-327-6829.
Sources: Georgia Department of Agriculture — GATE Program, GATE Frequently Asked Questions and Renewal Information; Georgia Department of Revenue — Agricultural Sales Tax Exemption Rules.
Chattooga Family Connection Announces Holiday Food Distribution, Christmas Donation Drive And Volunteer Opportunities
Chattooga Family Connection and the Community Resource Center of Chattooga are preparing for a busy holiday season, with plans for a free food distribution event, a Christmas donation drive and opportunities for local residents to volunteer.
The organizations are inviting the community to get involved, whether by receiving assistance, donating items or giving a few hours of their time to help others.
10th Annual Home for Holidays Event
Chattooga Family Connection will host its 10th Annual Home for Holidays event on Thursday, November 19, from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Community Resource Center of Chattooga, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville.
The event will feature free food distribution and community resources for Chattooga County residents. It will be conducted as a drive-through event and is open to all county residents.
Christmas Stuff a Stocking Donation Drive
Chattooga Family Connection is also collecting donations for its Christmas Stuff a Stocking campaign, which provides small gifts and useful items for children, teenagers and families in the community.
Suggested donations include socks, hats, gloves, lip gloss, chapstick, hygiene products, hairbrushes, journals, cups, water bottles, perfume, cologne, toys, dolls, action figures and gift cards.
Organizers say even small donations can make a difference in helping bring some Christmas cheer to local families.
Community Resource Center Seeking Volunteers
Meanwhile, the Community Resource Center of Chattooga is looking for volunteers to assist with several ongoing programs.
Morning volunteers are needed to sort, organize and prepare produce for guests, while afternoon volunteers can help clean and prepare the pantry for the following day.
Additional opportunities include helping guests at the front desk, sorting and organizing clothing in the Clothes Closet, assisting with truck deliveries and unloading, and picking up donations from the Dollar Store in Trion.
The center also welcomes flexible volunteers who can fill in wherever help is needed. Some opportunities are weekly, while others are occasional.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up online at crcchattooga.galaxydigital.com.
Together, the programs offer Chattooga County residents several ways to help their neighbors during the holiday season, whether through donations, volunteer service or participation in the upcoming Home for Holidays event.
FTC Sues Dollar General Over Allegations Of Overcharging Customers
The Federal Trade Commission and 20 states have filed a federal lawsuit against Dollar General, accusing the discount retailer of repeatedly charging customers more at checkout than the prices displayed on store shelves, price tags and advertisements.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, October 26, in federal court in Tennessee, alleges that the company engaged in deceptive pricing practices for years, resulting in millions of dollars in overcharges to consumers nationwide.
Dollar General operates more than 21,000 stores across the United States, including eight locations in Chattooga County. The county has two stores in Summerville, two in Trion, and one each in Gore, Cloudland, Menlo and Lyerly.
According to the FTC’s complaint, Dollar General received 29,265 customer complaints between January 2023 and March 2026 involving stores that allegedly failed to honor advertised prices.
Federal regulators contend the company was aware of widespread pricing discrepancies but failed to take adequate steps to correct them.
Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said the company’s alleged practices caused significant financial harm to consumers, particularly those already struggling to make their paychecks last.
The lawsuit includes 20 states, among them neighboring Alabama and Tennessee. Georgia is not among the states participating in the complaint.
The FTC alleges that customers were routinely charged more than the advertised prices on everyday merchandise, including groceries and household products. Regulators say the practice particularly affects lower-income households that depend on discount retailers to stretch their budgets.
Dollar General, headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, disputes the allegations.
In a statement released Monday, the company said its goal is complete accuracy between shelf prices and register prices at every store. Dollar General acknowledged that occasional discrepancies can occur but said employees are instructed to correct those errors when customers bring them to their attention.
The company also said it has improved its price-accuracy procedures in recent years and intends to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit.
Federal regulators are seeking financial compensation for affected consumers, civil penalties and a court order requiring Dollar General to stop the alleged practices.
The lawsuit does not specifically accuse any of the eight Chattooga County locations of wrongdoing.
Consumers shopping at Dollar General or other retailers are encouraged to compare advertised prices with the amounts charged at checkout and review their receipts for possible discrepancies.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission, October 26, 2026; FTC federal complaint against Dollar General; Dollar General corporate statement, October 26, 2026.
Improvements Underway At Trion Recreation Department
The Trion Recreation Department is making improvements to two of its recreational facilities, including resurfacing the community splash pad and adding new covered batting cages.
The department announced the projects Tuesday, sharing photographs of the work underway.
The splash pad, a popular warm-weather attraction for local families, is receiving a new surface. The improvements will help prepare the facility for future use when warmer weather returns.
Meanwhile, new covered batting cages are being added to the recreation department’s athletic facilities. The covered structure will provide an area for baseball and softball players to practice their hitting skills while offering protection from the weather.
Photographs shared by the recreation department show the splash pad undergoing resurfacing and the covered batting cage structure taking shape.
The projects are part of ongoing improvements to Trion’s recreational facilities, which serve children, families and youth sports programs throughout the community.
City Of Summerville To Discontinue Fire Service Fees Following Georgia Supreme Court Ruling
The City of Summerville has announced that it will stop collecting fire service fees effective Saturday, October 31, following a recent Georgia Supreme Court decision concerning the legality of certain fire service charges imposed by local governments.
City officials say the decision follows the Georgia Supreme Court’s ruling in Chatham County v. Smith and subsequent guidance issued by the Georgia Municipal Association.
The association encouraged municipalities across Georgia to review their fire fee collection practices with legal counsel to determine whether their existing charges comply with the court’s decision.
Summerville officials say they consulted with the city’s attorney before deciding to discontinue the fees.
The change could have financial implications for the city, since fire service fees have been used as a source of funding for fire protection operations.
City leaders and staff are now evaluating alternative funding sources that would comply with state law while helping offset the loss of revenue.
Despite the change, the city says residents and businesses should not expect a reduction in the level of fire protection they receive.
In its announcement, the city emphasized its commitment to maintaining professional fire protection services while ensuring that municipal funding practices comply with legal requirements.
The city has not announced what alternative funding method it might adopt or how much revenue will be affected by discontinuing the fees.
Summerville’s decision takes effect October 31, 2026.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - October 28, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, October 28, 2026:
Warm, Dry Weather Continues Through Friday Before Rain Arrives For The Weekend
Chattooga County will enjoy several more days of dry weather and gradually warming temperatures before a developing weather system brings widespread rain to Northwest Georgia over the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City says Wednesday will be partly sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. High clouds will filter some of the sunshine, but no rain is expected. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 48 degrees.
Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 76, followed by another cool night with a low around 47.
Friday will be the warmest day of the week, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing to around 79 degrees.
The weather pattern begins changing Saturday as clouds increase ahead of an approaching storm system. Saturday’s high will be near 73, with a 20 percent chance of showers developing during the afternoon.
Rain chances increase significantly Saturday night, with a 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, especially after 2 AM.
Sunday is expected to be the wettest day of the weekend, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a high near 65 degrees. Showers will likely continue into Sunday evening before gradually decreasing.
Forecasters say the approaching system will draw moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Vance, which is expected to move inland across Mexico before spreading moisture northeastward into the southeastern United States.
The National Weather Service says the system could produce one to two inches of rainfall across much of North and Central Georgia, with locally higher amounts possible through Monday.
While widespread severe weather is not currently anticipated, forecasters say the system could produce periods of substantial rainfall.
There is still some uncertainty about exactly when the rain will begin. Current projections suggest showers could arrive as early as Saturday afternoon or hold off until late Saturday night.
Rain chances will gradually decrease Monday, although a few showers may linger into Tuesday.
For residents planning outdoor activities or Halloween events Saturday evening, the forecast bears watching. Conditions may remain dry for part of the day, but rain chances will increase as the evening progresses.
Three New Measles Cases Confirmed In Georgia, Bringing State Total To 25
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three additional cases of measles in Macon County, bringing the state’s total to 25 confirmed cases so far in 2026.
Health officials say all three individuals were unvaccinated and had close contact with a person whose measles infection was confirmed on October 12.
The Department of Public Health has notified other individuals who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing the highly contagious disease.
Georgia’s 25 confirmed measles cases this year represent a significant increase over 2025, when the state recorded 10 cases during the entire year.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A distinctive rash usually develops several days later, beginning on the face and spreading downward.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR. The first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between ages four and six.
Parents who have questions about their children’s vaccination status are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is also reminding residents that anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
People who suspect they have measles should not visit a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic without calling ahead. Advance notification allows medical personnel to take precautions to prevent exposing other patients and healthcare workers.
There have been no measles cases identified in Chattooga County in this announcement.
Additional information about measles, symptoms and vaccination is available through the Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov.
Chattooga County Sheriff Visits Cub Scout Pack 38 To Discuss Leadership And Public Service
Members of Cub Scout Pack 38 recently received a special visit from Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, who attended one of the group’s weekly meetings to talk with scouts about law enforcement, leadership and community service.
During the visit, Sheriff Schrader discussed his responsibilities as an elected official and the role of the Sheriff’s Office in protecting and serving the citizens of Chattooga County.
The meeting gave scouts an opportunity to learn more about local government, public safety and the importance of leadership in their community. Sheriff Schrader also answered questions from the young scouts, helping them better understand the work involved in keeping their community safe.
Pack 38 expressed appreciation to the sheriff for taking time out of his schedule to visit with the scouts and share his experiences in public service.
The visit was part of the Cub Scouts’ ongoing efforts to introduce young people to leadership, citizenship and community involvement.
Scouting is a year-round program offering activities designed to build character, confidence, respect and personal achievement. Local scouting opportunities are available for young people from kindergarten through age 18, with age-appropriate programs that emphasize hands-on learning and leadership development.
Families interested in learning more about scouting opportunities in Chattooga County or enrolling their children can visit www.beascout.org.
Summerville Man Indicted On Multiple Sex Offense Charges
A Summerville man has been indicted by a Chattooga County grand jury on multiple sex-related charges following allegations of sexual assault and failure to comply with Georgia’s sex offender registration requirements.
According to Chattooga County Superior Court records, Timothy Alan Bryan was indicted earlier this month on one count of aggravated sexual battery, four counts of sexual battery and one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
Bryan was arrested by Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies on July 29, 2026, in connection with the incident that led to this month’s indictment.
Court records show Bryan was convicted of statutory rape in Catoosa County in September 2003 and was sentenced under Georgia’s First Offender Act. As part of that case, he was placed on probation.
Investigators allege that Bryan sexually assaulted a younger woman during an incident in July. According to the indictment, Bryan is accused of touching the alleged victim’s intimate parts without her consent, resulting in the aggravated sexual battery and sexual battery charges.
In addition to the alleged assault, prosecutors contend Bryan violated Georgia’s sex offender registration laws by failing to notify the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office after changing his residence to 401 Roberts Drive in Summerville.
The charges were returned by a Chattooga County grand jury earlier this month. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, and Bryan is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Summerville Police Respond To Harassment Complaint Involving Family Dispute
Summerville Police responded to a harassment complaint Friday night, October 23, involving an ongoing family dispute at a residence on Sixth Avenue.
According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, officers were dispatched to 80 Sixth Avenue around 10:20 p.m. after receiving a complaint from residents who reported ongoing problems with a family member.
The residents told police that a relative had allegedly been threatening and harassing them through Facebook and repeatedly driving past their home.
Police said the incident was connected to an earlier complaint that same day involving an attempt to have the occupants removed from the residence.
During the earlier incident, an officer explained that the property dispute would have to be handled through the eviction process in Magistrate Court. Police advised that law enforcement could not remove the occupants without the required eviction notice.
The residents requested that police document the ongoing situation, and an information report was completed.
The incident was classified as non-criminal harassment, and the report was administratively closed. No criminal charges were listed in connection with the complaint.