The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that a hunter-harvested white-tailed deer has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The infected deer, identified as a 2.5-year-old buck, was harvested on private land in Lanier County in November 2024. The sample was obtained as part of the DNR’s routine surveillance efforts to monitor wildlife health.
Residents of Northwest Georgia are waking up to another chilly morning as the National Weather Service (NWS) reports temperatures plunging into the teens and mid-20s, significantly below the average for late January. However, a gradual warming trend is expected this afternoon as high pressure settles in over the region.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 23, 2025:
Area fire departments responded to a house fire near Orchard Hill Road in Summerville on Wednesday morning. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was already heavily damaged. Smoke was visible for several miles. The Summerville Fire Department was joined by Trion and Hays Correctional fire departments. Firefighters faced freezing temperatures that caused water to freeze quickly. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire was not immediately released.
After years of resistance from Republican lawmakers, Georgia is taking a significant step toward expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income families. Governor Brian Kemp announced on Tuesday that the state will seek federal approval for a new initiative called Georgia Pathways, aimed at providing Medicaid assistance to low-income parents and legal guardians of children up to age six.
The City of Summerville has released its 2024 financial audit, showing its commitment to transparency and accountability. This thorough audit helps officials, citizens, and stakeholders understand the city’s financial health and performance. An independent firm conducted the audit, checking the city’s financial records for compliance with rules and standards. The findings showcase the city’s fiscal responsibility and highlight areas for improvement. The audit gives insights into revenue, spending, and overall performance, helping citizens see how their city is doing financially and what is being done for sustainable growth. The 2024 financial audit is available for public access on the city’s official website. You can find a link to the 2024 audit HERE
The Walker County Sheriff Office is asking for assistance in identifying this person pictured. He made several stops at residences in the Chattanooga Valley area of the county over the past weekend asking for food/water. He is wanted for questioning in relation to several reports of criminal trespass/burglary. If you know the suspect contact Det. Andy Cash at 706-638-1909 Ext. 1298. or at acash@walkerso.com, or contact Crimestoppers at 423-698-3333 or at www.stopchattcrime.com.
A 30-year-old woman from Summerville was taken into custody on Monday and is facing a felony theft by shoplifting charge. According to jail records, Hannah Louise Hughes allegedly attempted to steal nearly $585 worth of merchandise from the Walmart located on Redmond Circle in West Rome. The Floyd County Police reported that Hughes managed to pass all points of sale without scanning several items at the register. Hughes was detained by Walmart employees and subsequently arrested and booked into the Floyd County Jail.
The Summerville Police Department is looking into a burglary reported by local resident Jackie Askea. She stated that her Marvin Avenue apartment was broken into on January 8, 2025, between 3:15 PM and 7:00 PM, resulting in the theft of $300 from her pocketbook on the kitchen counter. Mrs. Askea emphasized that her door was locked and showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the thief may have had a key. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper announced on Wednesday that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a second commercial poultry flock located in Elbert County, Georgia. This marks the second case in Georgia and the sixth case nationwide since the outbreak began in 2022.
