Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 30, 2025:
Officials at AdventHealth are excited to announce they are breaking ground on a new cancer pavilion focused on women’s health and cancer services. Construction will begin in June in front of AdventHealth Stadium on Braves Boulevard near the intersection of Veteran’s Memorial Highway and Riverside Parkway.
A Summerville man was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat and was threatened on McKenzie Avenue earlier this week. According to a Summerville Police report, officers were dispatched to the scene on May 22, 2025, at approximately 5:32 PM after receiving a call about a male subject with a head injury. The victim, identified as Danny Green, stated he was walking home from work when a male, later identified as Zack Hill, allegedly emerged from a residence and struck him on the head with a baseball bat, causing a laceration. Green stated he defended himself, at which point Hill allegedly brandished what appeared to be a Glock handgun and threatened to kill him. Green fled the scene while a neighbor called 911. Responding officers observed and photographed Green’s injuries. After Green positively identified Hill from a photo lineup, officers and investigators proceeded to Hill’s residence. According to the report, Hill initially denied any altercation but later admitted to a verbal argument. He claimed to own a BB pellet rifle, a .22 caliber rifle, and a BB CO2 cartridge pistol. Officers noted that Hill appeared visibly nervous during the interview. Investigators discovered a trail of blood near Hill’s residence. Hill was subsequently arrested and transported to Chattooga County Jail. Hill’s wife, consented to handing over a BB CO2 cartridge pistol to authorities. The pistol, described as resembling a Glock with a silver barrel and brown handle, was photographed and its serial number recorded. The incident remains under investigation.
In a late-breaking development that could impact the upcoming election for the Public Service Commission (PSC), Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has disqualified Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman. The decision comes as early voting is already underway. According to officials, the disqualification stems from a recent ruling by a state judge finding Blackman ineligible to run for the District 3 seat. The judge determined that Blackman did not meet the residency requirement, failing to live within the district for at least 12 months prior to the November 4th deadline. The PSC holds significant power in Georgia, overseeing utilities like gas and electric companies, and playing a crucial role in regulating Georgia Power’s plans and rates. With early voting in progress, notices will be posted at polling locations informing voters that votes cast for Blackman will not be counted. The disqualification leaves three Democrats – Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, and Keisha Sean Waites – vying for the nomination in the June 17th primary. The winner will then face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the November general election. This unexpected turn of events is likely to reshape the dynamics of the race and could influence the outcome of the crucial election for the Public Service Commission.
As part of changes in the organization, Amos Willingham was promoted to the High-A Emperors from the Atlanta Braves’ Florida Complex League team on Tuesday before their game against Asheville. He made his debut that night, pitching one inning and allowing two earned runs in a 13-6 victory. Willingham, a 26-year-old, graduated from Chattooga High School in 2016 and played college baseball at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2019 and pitched 25 1/3 major league innings in 2023 and 2024 before being designated for assignment in January. After being claimed by the Braves, he had a brief season with Triple-A Gwinnett.
The state of Georgia’s law prohibiting adults under the age of 21 from possessing or carrying handguns in public will remain in effect, following a unanimous ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court on Wednesday. The decision stems from a lawsuit filed by 20-year-old Thomas Stephens, backed by gun rights advocacy group Georgia 2nd Amendment, after Stephens was denied a weapons carry license by a probate court. Stephens argued that the law violated Article I, Section I, Paragraph VIII of the Georgia Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. The Supreme Court rejected Stephens’ challenge, affirming the trial court’s decision. They ruled that the law does not infringe upon the state constitutional right to bear arms, citing the provision that allows the General Assembly to regulate how firearms are carried. While Stephens urged the court to reconsider past rulings based on recent federal court decisions and to apply a “reasonable exercise of police power” test, the justices declined. The court emphasized that Stephens did not argue the law violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In their ruling, the justices concluded that Stephens failed to demonstrate that the challenged law clearly contradicted Paragraph VIII of the Georgia Constitution, nor did he provide evidence that the original public meaning of the paragraph differed from the court’s historical interpretation allowing for firearms regulations. The existing law, therefore, remains in force.
The City of Summerville honored retiring Police Officer Ricky VanPelt this week, celebrating his decades of service to the community. VanPelt, a fixture in the Summerville Police Department, officially retired this week, marking the end of a distinguished full-time career that began in 1985. Although VanPelt briefly served with other law enforcement agencies throughout his career, he consistently returned to the Summerville Police Department, finding his true home and dedicating the majority of his professional life to the city. “Officer VanPelt’s knowledge and experience were deeply valued,” a city statement read. “His dedication to the City of Summerville was easily seen by those working around him.” However, Summerville residents haven’t seen the last of Officer VanPelt. He will continue to serve the community on a part-time basis, donning the uniform when needed and providing his expertise to the department. The City of Summerville extends its heartfelt congratulations to Officer VanPelt on his retirement and anticipates his continued contribution to the department.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) warns residents about a new text message scam that falsely claims individuals owe traffic ticket payments. The scam texts appear to come from a fake “State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)” and include links to a fake DDS website. DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon advises that these messages are fraudulent attempts to steal money and personal information and that DDS employees do not request payments or confidential info. Those receiving such texts should delete them without responding. To check license status, visit the secure DDS website. Residents are encouraged to create an Online Services Account and to be cautious of any unsolicited communications requesting personal information.
State Senator Colton Moore, a vocal conservative representing Chattooga and surrounding Northwest Georgia counties, has announced he is seriously considering a bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026. Moore, known for his unwavering conservative stance and frequent disagreements with fellow Republicans in the Georgia Senate, cited a desire to combat a “broken system” as the driving force behind his potential run.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 29, 2025: