Summerville Resident Reports Handgun Missing After Parking Vehicle

A Summerville man has reported a handgun missing after discovering it was no longer inside his vehicle, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say James Parker contacted dispatch on June 28, 2026, to report that his Taurus G3 9mm handgun was missing. Parker told officers he believes someone stole the firearm while his vehicle was parked on Hawkins Drive.

According to the incident report, Parker last saw the handgun at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 27 and discovered it missing around 1:30 a.m. on June 28. The firearm was identified by its serial number in the report.

The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department, and no suspects have been identified.

Georgia State Election Board Approves New Rules Aimed at Increasing Election Transparency

The Georgia State Election Board has approved two new election rules supporters say are designed to increase transparency and public confidence in the state’s voting process ahead of the 2026 elections. The rules were adopted during the board’s July meeting following public comment and debate.

One of the new rules requires that vote tabulation and consolidation be conducted in public, allowing election observers to watch the process as precinct-level results are combined into countywide totals. State law already allows authorized poll watchers to observe many aspects of the election process, and supporters say the rule further reinforces public access.

The board also approved a rule giving State Election Board members access to the Secretary of State’s election operations center, often referred to as the “election night bunker,” during elections. Supporters say the change provides additional oversight, while critics have questioned whether the board has the legal authority to require such access.

The rule changes come as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle and continue an ongoing discussion over election administration and transparency in the state.

Summerville City Council to Meet This Evening; Fair Donation, Building Regulations Among Agenda Items

The Summerville City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting this evening (Monday) at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall. The meeting agenda includes recognition of a retiring firefighter, infrastructure-related contract changes, building regulations, and a proposed contribution to the Chattooga County Fair.

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Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley Seeks Volunteers to Help Build Homes and Hope

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Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is seeking volunteers to support its mission of building homes and creating hope for families across Chattooga, Floyd and Polk counties.

Volunteers do not have to be experienced with construction to help. The organization offers several ways for community members to get involved.

Ground was broken in late May on Habitat’s 62nd home, which will be built for the Cornejo family. Executive Director Betsy Allgood encourages residents to watch for upcoming information about volunteer opportunities connected with the home build.

Volunteers are also needed to work concessions during Rome Emperors home games at AdventHealth Stadium. Habitat operates two large concession stands and the nacho stand, receiving 15 percent of the proceeds along with any tips donated by customers.

Habitat also welcomes volunteers, donations and shoppers at its ReStore near Central Plaza in Rome.

More information about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is available at www.habitatcoosavalley.org.

Replica of Declaration of Independence Now on Display in Downtown Summerville

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Chattooga County residents have a chance to view a full-sized replica of America’s founding document right in downtown Summerville.

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Sloppy Floyd State Park Hosting Cloud Spotters Program and Night Hike Saturday

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.

The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.

Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.

Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Mrs. Rebecca Eugenia “Becky” Holcomb Dunaway, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Rebecca Eugenia “Becky” Holcomb Dunaway, age 76 of Armuchee, passed from this life to her heavenly reward on July 1, 2026.

Mrs. Dunaway was born in Summerville, Georgia on July 22, 2026, daughter of the late William Eugene Holcomb and Jewell Inez Arthur Holcomb.  She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and had served her family as a homemaker.  Mrs. Dunaway was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and friends.  She loved to cook and enjoyed teaching others her skills, and enjoyed collecting anything that had to do with butterflies. Mrs. Dunaway’s life was an inspiration to other because of her mental, physical and emotional strength provided by her Faith and relationship with the Lord.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dunaway was preceded in death by a son, Willis Eugene Dunaway; twin granddaughters, Madeline Grace and Kateline Belle Dunaway; a sister, Linda Terry and a brother, Jimmy Ray Hickman.

Mrs. Dunaway is survived by her husband, Benjamin Franklin Dunaway, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, Benji and Shelly Dunaway; brother and sister-in-law, William Joe and Judy Holcomb; grandchildren, Mason T. Dunaway and Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Dunaway, III; and a number of niece, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Dunaway will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor James Baird and Rev. Greg Montgomery officiating.  Interment will follow in the New Armuchee Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include her nephews:  Greg Montgomery, Wayne Dunaway, Dewey Dunaway, Kenny Kendall, Scott Montgomery, Walter Montgomery, Johnny Dunaway and Dalton Kendall.

Mrs. Dunaway will lie-in-state at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 14, 2024, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Mr. Hugh Jack Carr, Obit. (C)

Mr. Hugh Jack Carr, age 85 of Menlo, Georgia passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at his residence.

Mr. Carr was born in Rome, Georgia on August 24, 1940, son of the late Joe Carr and Daisy Smith Carr.  He was retired from the Spears Mattress Factory in Rome.  Mr. Carr enjoyed fishing, working on lawnmowers and visiting Trade Day, where he added to his collection of Albums and VHS Movies.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Carr was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Ruth Bailey Carr; sisters, Ruby, Grace, Edna and Adalena Beatrice; and brothers, Henry Ford Carr, and Virgil Eugene Carr.

Mr. Carr is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Sharon Payne and Terry and Connie Payne; daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Mike McGraw and Ange and Dustin Hogan, Linda Reque and Georgeanne Daniels; grandchildren, Cameron Payne(Samantha), Payton Payne(Kaitlin), Annie Morgan McGraw(Austin), Chase Ewing(Sarah), Hunter Gentry(Hope), Laurie Gentry(Kyle), Tiffany Roach(Ryan), Phillip Daniels(Peyton), Meredith Caldwell, Megan Dye(Willie) and Evan Cave(Ellie); great grandchildren, Levi, Rowan, Heidie, Elowyn, Callen, Emma Claire, Anthony, Hadji, Moe, Lucas, Seraji, Valerie and Harper; and a number of nieces, nephews and other family members.

Graveside and Interment Services for Mr. Carr will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the New Hope South Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the residence, 92 Franklin St., Menlo, Georgia Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 P.M.

Mr. Paul Alexander Nance, Obit. (ER)

MR. PAUL ALEXANDER NANCE, age 58, of Martin Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly July 6, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. A native of Kansas City, Mo., He was born on March 26, 1968, a son of James Arthur Nance and Donna Inlow Nance. Mr. Nance served in the U. S. Army National Guard in Indiana and was a Truck Driver for Western Express.

 

Surviving are His wife, Debbie Edgeworth Nance; daughters, Tomi (Joie) Nance, Terri Raison, Jessie (Chris) Secrest, Bobbie Savory, and Heather Carmicheal; mother, Donna Jackson; sister, Mecinda (Jason) Baker and Becca (Earnie) Nichols; brothers, Chris (Amber) Horn and Daryle Jackson; several Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews also survive.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Arrest Report – Sunday – July 12, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 12, 2026:

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