The Menlo Lions Club is preparing Brunswick Stew on Friday, March 7th and the stew will be ready for pickup at the Menlo School Cafeteria on Saturday morning from 7 AM until 10 AM. The cost is $30 per gallon or $8 per quart. Pre-ordering is advised. To order, call Lee at 706-862-2857 or Elaine at 706-844-2349. The Brunswick Stew Fundraiser helps with scholarships for seniors at Chattooga High School
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, March 3, 2025:
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released its latest health inspection scores for food service establishments and tourist accommodations for the last half of February 2025. Among the restaurants inspected, The Crushed Tomato located at 205 Montgomery St, Summerville, received a score of 85. The Willow Tree Grill on Highway 48 scored slightly higher at 87. Leslie’s Burger Shack on Rome Blvd earned a respectable 88. However, Dos Maguey’s Mexican Restaurant on Commerce St needs to make some improvements, receiving a score of 74 during its inspection on February 24th. Dunya Camp, a tourist accommodation on Garvin Road, achieved a perfect score of 100 during its inspection on February 19th. The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department conducts regular inspections to ensure food safety and sanitation standards are met. These scores are indicative of the conditions present at the time of inspection. Residents with concerns or complaints regarding any food service or tourist accommodation in Chattooga County are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department directly at 706-857-3377.
A high-speed chase involving a 16-year-old driver and a 15-year-old passenger ended with a rollover accident in Chattooga County on Saturday. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the incident began at approximately 8:40 PM on Williams Cemetery Road when a trooper attempted to stop a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer for lacking a rear license plate and weaving erratically. The driver of the Blazer allegedly refused to stop, initiating a pursuit that led officers north on Williams Cemetery Road, west onto Halls Valley Road, and finally south onto Highway 27 (Georgia 1). Troopers say the driver then began traveling south in the northbound lanes of Highway 27, before crossing the median and returning to the southbound lanes directly in front of the pursuing trooper. In an effort to end the dangerous situation, the trooper executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.) maneuver. The Blazer spun into the median and overturned, ultimately coming to rest on its roof. The driver, identified as a 16-year-old male, and his 15-year-old female passenger were both transported to Atrium Chattooga Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries and were later released. The Chattooga County Juvenile Justice Intake Officer was notified regarding charges against the 16-year-old driver, but authorities chose not to detain him. The investigation is ongoing.
In a unanimous decision, the justices of the Georgia Supreme Court have elected Presiding Justice Nels S.D. Peterson to serve as the state’s next Chief Justice. Peterson will succeed current Chief Justice Michael Boggs, who announced his resignation earlier this week to return to private practice in Waycross, effective after March 31st. Peterson, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2016 by then-Governor Nathan Deal, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as a judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals, general counsel for the University System of Georgia, Georgia’s first solicitor general in the Attorney General’s Office, and executive counsel to the governor. He was elected to full six-year terms in 2018 and last year, demonstrating strong confidence in his abilities. The Chief Justice in Georgia serves a four-year term, acting as the spokesperson for both the Supreme Court and the entire state judiciary. The Chief Justice also presides over the court’s oral arguments. “We are confident that Justice Peterson will serve the people of Georgia with integrity and distinction in this vital role,” a statement from the court read. In light of Peterson’s elevation, the justices also unanimously elected Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren as the next Presiding Justice
The City of Summerville, in partnership with Summerville Main Street, is excited to announce a vibrant Youth Art Show at the historic Summerville Depot on Saturday, March 22nd, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event, held in celebration of Youth Art Month, a nationally recognized program promoting visual art education for students in grades K-12, promises a day of creativity, inspiration, and family fun. Youth Art Month highlights the importance of art education and fosters support for quality school art programs. The 2024/2025 theme, “Healing Through Color,” will be showcased throughout the exhibit, featuring diverse artworks created by elementary through high school students from across Chattooga County. Attendees can expect a captivating display of young talent, along with free interactive art activities designed to engage and inspire young artists. New for 2025, the show will also feature Adult Art Exhibits, adding another layer of artistic expression to the event. In addition to the stunning artwork, the Youth Art Show will offer a selection of food vendors and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for all. Admission and parking are both free. Don’t miss this opportunity to support young artists and experience the healing power of color at the Summerville Depot on March 22nd!
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its Annual Awards Banquet, celebrating the “Best of Chattooga County” business members and recognizing the prestigious Volunteer of the Year. The event will take place on March 29th at Sarah Jane Farms. This year’s banquet, sponsored by Atrium Health, promises an evening of celebration and community spirit. A highlight of the event will be a Silent Auction, raising vital funds for the Leadership Chattooga Student Edition program. Thanks to the Chamber’s fundraising efforts, the Leadership Chattooga Student Edition remains tuition-free for participating juniors and seniors, removing financial barriers and empowering the county’s future leaders. The Chamber is also actively seeking donations for the Silent Auction. Businesses and individuals interested in contributing an item are encouraged to contact the Chamber. Donors will receive a 10% discount on tickets to the Awards Banquet as a thank you for their generous support. The Annual Awards Banquet is a cornerstone event for the Chattooga County business community, providing an opportunity to network, celebrate successes, and support the development of future leaders.
Colby Elliott Watkins, 35, of Rome, Georgia, was arrested this week following an alleged assault on a nurse at Atrium Health Floyd Hospital. According to police reports, the incident occurred at the hospital, where Watkins is accused of striking a 24-year-old female victim in the head with his fist. The report further alleges that Watkins verbally assaulted the victim, calling her a derogatory name, before striking her in the chest with a can of Diet Coke. The victim, that reports indicated is a nurse at the hospital, sustained unspecified injuries. Watkins is now facing charges of two counts of simple battery and disorderly conduct.
The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held a graduation ceremony for 73 newly trained Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) cadets on Friday, February 21, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga. The cadets have joined the ranks of other JCOs at DJJ secure facilities across the state.
According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, released on Friday of last week, Edward Starr, a Summerville resident, was arrested on February 22nd, 2025, after police observed him driving erratically.
