Budding anglers under the age of 16 are invited to cast their lines at the annual Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Youth Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. The free event, held at the scenic Paris Lake on the Floyd Campus in Rome, promises a morning of fishing fun and exciting prizes.
On Wednesday of this week, Summerville Police were called to the Ingles Supermarket parking lot after several witnesses noticed a man and woman causing a disturbance. According to police, witnesses said that they were concerned about the safety of those involved after they observed 33-year-old Devan Buford Smith of Cartersville and 33-year-old Stephanie Smith of Canton arguing and acting aggressively towards each other. Police said that witnesses confirmed that while the two were arguing, the female subject “got in the face” of the male subject and knocked his glasses off of his face. Both Devan Smith and Stephanie Smith were arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct.
With the heat of summer on the way, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City, Georgia is issuing a critical warning about the dangers of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH), reminding the public that leaving a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car is never safe – regardless of the season. “It can happen to anyone,” warns the NWS. “Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Sitter… anyone can be affected by this tragedy.” The NWS emphasizes that 100% of hot car child deaths are preventable.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced its April 2025 unemployment data on Thursday of this week, showing mixed results for Northwest Georgia. The overall unemployment rate is low at 2. 9%, but Chattooga County is struggling with the highest rate in the area. Chattooga County has seen a concerning rise in initial unemployment claims, with 119 claims last month, a jump of 79 from the month before.
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will be hosting a homemade ice cream sale today at the park in Summerville. Come out and enjoy a variety of flavors of delicious homemade ice cream for just $3 a cup. Credit cards are accepted, and a $5 park pass is required to park. The ice cream sale is happening today from Noon until 3 PM. You’ll find the ice cream sale next to the visitor’s center at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park today.
A 59-year-old Summerville man was arrested last Saturday after he was accused of striking a woman at his Sixth Avenue residence. Summerville Police say that Freddie Lee Newton III allegedly struck the victim on the chin. When police arrived on the scene, they say that Newton was “being uncooperative and a nuisance” and was heavily intoxicated. Newton was arrested and taken to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct.
Speak Life is a support group for families, friends, and individuals with special needs, offering monthly gatherings in Chattooga County. Run by parents of special needs children, it creates a caring space for connection, support, and access to helpful resources. Meetings take place on the last Saturday of each month (except December) at 11:00 AM in different community locations with various activities. Upcoming events include:
The Chattooga County Extension Office is hosting a one-day “Horse 101” camp for children interested in horses, with no previous experience needed.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 23, 2025:
A Summerville woman, identified as 34-year-old Tamra Winn, was arrested on Wednesday of this week following an alleged assault on her mother using a metal rod. Summerville Police Department officers responded to a call reporting an assault at a residence located at 625 NW Congress Street. While en route, officers encountered a white female, later identified as Winn, walking away from the reported address. Upon arrival at the residence, officers found Winn’s mother sitting on her front porch. The victim stated that Winn had entered her room brandishing a metal rod and accused her of being responsible for a motorcycle accident. According to the victim, Winn presented the rod as supposed evidence. The situation escalated, with Winn allegedly holding her mother down by the wrist, resulting in bruising. A Summerville Police officer was dispatched to locate and apprehend Winn. Shortly after, the officer confirmed Winn’s location and was instructed to take her into custody. Winn was informed of the charges against her, and her belongings were returned to her mother. Winn was subsequently transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
