A man was arrested on multiple charges after Summerville Police responded to reports of several physical altercations during an event in the area of Sixth Avenue and Highland Avenue on June
Walker County officials are clarifying the county’s new spay and neuter ordinance and explaining which pet owners may qualify for exemptions.
The ordinance requires most dogs and cats six months of age or older to be spayed or neutered unless the animal qualifies for an exemption or the owner purchases an annual unaltered animal license. County leaders say the goal is to reduce pet overpopulation and ease pressure on the Walker County Animal Shelter.
Exemptions include animals owned by licensed commercial breeders or pet dealers, animals with a veterinarian-certified medical exemption, and working animals used for farming, herding, hunting, service work, law enforcement, or show purposes. Owners must have proper documentation.
Pet owners who do not qualify for an exemption may purchase an annual license through the Walker County Animal Shelter. The fee is $100 per year for dogs and $50 per year for cats, with proceeds going toward the county’s spay and neuter voucher program.
County officials say the ordinance will be reviewed later this year to evaluate how well it is working.
A 43-year-old man was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office after deputies found him asleep behind the wheel of a pickup truck that had stopped in the roadway on Gore Subligna Road.
Families in Chattooga County can now sign up children for fall youth sports as both the Summerville and Trion Recreation Departments have opened registration for the upcoming season.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a federal initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen security and better protect their members, staff, and facilities.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is asking Georgians to help the Georgia State Patrol bring home a national title by voting in the 2026 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Best Looking Patrol Car Contest.
Voting is now underway, and the annual contest features patrol vehicles from state law enforcement agencies across the country. Supporters can cast one vote for Georgia’s entry through July 10.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is also encouraging residents to like and share the contest announcement on social media and invite friends and family to participate. Officials say every vote helps showcase the pride, professionalism, and tradition of the Georgia State Patrol on a national stage.
To vote, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026bestlookingcruiser
Everyone is welcome to join us for our Homecoming service on July 12th at 10:30 AM at Fostermill Drive Baptist Church in Lafayette, Georgia.
The service will feature music by Just One Band, and a lunch will be served immediately following the service.
We hope to see you there!
Pastor Ricky Clark
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Vickie Lynn Smith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Mrs. Smith was age 73, of a Trion address and passed away at her home on July 1, 2026 surrounded by family after a period of illness.
Vickie was born the daughter of the late John R. Silvernail and Beverly Jane Holly Silvernail on January 5, 1953 in New York.
Time found her living in different areas of the United States before settling into the Chattooga County area. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, hiking and camping just to name a few interests. During her working years, she had been employed by Mt. Vernon Mills as a card operator and Shaw Industries as a twister operator.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Wandell; granddaughter, Alliyah Wilkens; grandson, Desmound Wandell; brother, Owen Silvernail and sister, Robin Palmer.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Smith; sons, Jay Wandell, Chris Wandell; step sons, Charles “Zeke” Smith, Brandon Smith; daughters, Traci Wandell Edwards, Jamie Wandell Etchison; brothers, John Silvernail, Bob Silvernail; sisters, Renee Silvernail, Linda Silvernail; grandchildren, Darnay Wandell, Devin Wandell, Scott Sprayberry, Tristan Smith, Ozmound Stout, Tori Hill, Colby Russell, Eric Hargrove, Dilyan Glenn and Harmony Wandell. Vickie also leaves behind several great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
In accordance to Mrs. Smith’s wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial may be held at a later date.
Mr. John Wesley Baldwin, age 65, of Summerville, GA, died Sunday, June 28, 2026. John was born April
2, 1961 in Rochester NY. He was the son of the late Liston Eugene Baldwin and Louise Jean Diekert
Baldwin. John grew up in Pensacola, Florida. Growing up he was an avid surfer and his love for the beach lasted his whole lifetime. As an adult, he relocated to central Florida where he met the love of his life, Cheryl. John and Cheryl were married September 1, 1990.
He met many lifelong friends throughout his construction and handyman career with his charming personality and goofy sense of humor. John was known for his honesty, work ethic, and attention to detail in his field.
John was a loving and devoted husband of 35 years and a phenomenal father to Hannah and Haley. John’s daily goal was to make his wife laugh. He loved to make people smile and was known as the fun loving favorite neighborhood dad – skateboarding, bike riding, and rollerblading after work, no matter how tired he was.
After moving back to the Panhandle and then again to Knoxville, TN, John found his love of the mountains. He loved the change of seasons and enjoying the outdoors. He loved exploring nature with family.
John moved back to Florida to help care for his parents, who he loved dearly, throughout the end of their lives. He then moved with his wife, Cheryl to Summerville, GA to retire on their property in the mountains with plans to watch all of the amazing sunrises and sunsets, putter around on his tractor, and play with his beloved grandchildren. Before John’s passing, he was able to build a home, much of it himself, and achieve some of his lifelong dreams.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Lynn White Baldwin; daughters and sons-in-law, Hannah Marie (Josh) Albin, Haley Michelle (Dillon) Grider; a brother, Carl Eugene Baldwin; sister, Theresa Louise (Eddie) Toenes; grandchildren, Parker Dean Albin, Gwen Helena Albin, and soon to be born, Baby Boy Grider.
Funeral services for John will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 5, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel.
Mr. John Baldwin will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 2, 2026: