Update 12:45 PM:

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement this afternoon concerning an incident at United Community Bank in Trion.  According to the sheriff, early this morning “the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) alarm at the United Community Bank, Trion branch.  Deputies arrived to find a stolen truck, which was used in an unsuccessful attempt to ‘hook’ and steal the ATM.  The ATM was severely compromised during this attempt”.  The sheriff added, “We would like to thank the staff of United Community Bank for their quick response and assistance in the investigation”.  The sheriff says that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Posted earlier:

A note was posted on the drive-thru window at United Community Bank in Trion this (Monday) morning saying “Our Trion branch will open at 10 AM due to a crime incident.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Our Summerville Office will be open at normal hours.” WZQZ News reached out to United Community Bank and law enforcement about the unspecified crime incident.  United Community Bank replied saying this is an ongoing investigation and all questions are being handle through the United Community Bank security corps team.  WZQZ News will have more information as soon as it is available.

A 53-year-old man,  identified as Torre Perez Darden, was arrested early Wednesday, New Year’s Day, for criminal trespass at a McDonald’s location on Highway 27. The arrest followed a call for service made to Chattooga E911, indicating that Darden, who had previously been barred from the premises, was found in the restaurant’s lobby. According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received the call at approximately 3:34 AM. Upon arriving at the scene just nine minutes later, a sheriff’s deputy found Darden sitting in a booth with his head down. The deputy recognized Darden from a prior incident that occurred on December 17, 2024, during which Darden had been formally trespassed from the establishment. Due to the repeat nature of the offense, deputies took Darden into custody without incident. Darden was transported to the Chattooga County Jail, where he was charged with criminal trespass.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced that starting Monday, January 6, through Friday, January 10, crews will be conducting nightly lane closures on 2nd Avenue as part of an ongoing improvement project. The closures, weather permitting, will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. The 2nd Avenue improvement project stretches from the Oostanaula River to just north of the intersection with Turner McCall Boulevard. Motorists should prepare for temporary lane closures that will be implemented periodically in both directions between West 3rd Street and Turner McCall Boulevard. “We advise all motorists to exercise caution in the area during these times,” said a GDOT spokesperson. “Delays are expected, and we urge drivers to reduce their speed while traveling through the work zones.” To stay informed about the latest traffic conditions and work status, drivers can call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app before heading out.

At the request of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating a death in Macon County after hunters discovered a body in the woods near Flint River.

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The Chattooga County Board of Education will have a called meeting on January 7, 2025, at 7:00 AM.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss O.C.G.A. 48-5-44-2 (HB 581).  The meeting will be held at Chattooga County Education Center, 206 Penn Street, Summerville, GA 30747.  The public is welcome to attend.

A boil water advisory remains in effect for water customers in the City of LaFayette due to ongoing issues at the Lee School Road Water Treatment Plant. Despite a decrease in turbidity levels, city officials have confirmed that they have not yet dropped to a safe threshold to lift the advisory.

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An 18-year-old Alpharetta woman was transported to the AtriumHealth Floyd Chattooga Emergency Department on New Year’s Day following an accident at the intersection of Commerce Street (Highway 27) and Highway 48.  Summerville Police worked the accident and say that Isabelle Beasley was in a 2022 Kia Soul and attempted to turn left onto Highway 48 and pulled into the path of a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 21-year-old Anastasia Reynolds.  The vehicles collided and Beasley’s Kia overturned and then struck a 1996 Ford F-250, driven by 48-year-old Jonathan Smith of Gaylesville, Alabama.  Beasley had to be extracted from the vehicle, but did not sustain any serious injuries.