Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 7, 2025:
The Fifth Annual Trion Fire Department Community Day is today from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Trion Track Field. Rositas will serve food starting at 11 AM. The event will feature live music, two large bounce houses, corn hole, a DUI beer goggles course, and many vendors. Children can try on firefighter gear and use a fire attack line at the Trion Engine 12 display. Life Force will showcase their helicopter. At 2 PM, there will be a live reenactment of a DUI crash scene with emergency vehicles and aircraft. Interested individuals can visit the recruit booth for firefighter application information. Trion Fire shirts and bracelets will be available for sale, along with raffles. Sparky the fire dog will also appear, promoting fire safety. Free smoke alarms can be requested. All profits support fire department equipment needs.
The Free Clinic of Rome is bringing vital healthcare services directly to the residents of Summerville with a free satellite clinic scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located on Middle School Road. The clinic aims to eliminate transportation barriers and improve access to healthcare for Summerville residents who often travel to Rome for care. Services offered will address a range of common health concerns including high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, asthma, and more. Renee Blackburn, Director of the Free Clinic of Rome, is urging residents to register, as appointment slots remain available. “We want to ensure everyone who needs our services has the opportunity to access them. This local clinic is designed to make it easier for residents of Chattooga County to get the care they deserve,” Blackburn stated. Appointments are required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. To check eligibility and schedule an appointment, please call 706-234-1331. If you reach voicemail, leave a message and a clinic representative will return your call to confirm your eligibility. To qualify for services, patients must be uninsured and have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Clinic staff are available to assist individuals in determining if they meet the requirements and can provide guidance on necessary documentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive free healthcare services right in your community. Call today to schedule your appointment
Georgia hunters can now apply online for most quota hunts, including youth, deer, alligator, waterfowl, and dove hunts, as announced by the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Tina Johannsen, Assistant Chief of the Game Management Section, advises hunters to check application deadlines and not to wait until the last minute. Quota hunts are events where a limited number of hunters can participate at Wildlife Management Areas or state-managed properties, providing a quality hunting experience.
Leigha Burnham, the dedicated library media specialist at Summerville Middle School (SMS), has been recognized as a 2025 Rural Educator of Excellence by the Office of Rural Education & Innovation at the Georgia Department of Education. The prestigious award was presented by Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, Deputy Superintendent, during the school’s annual Awards Day ceremonies on Wednesday, May 21st. The award recognizes Ms. Burnham’s outstanding contributions to education within a rural setting and her commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning within the Summerville community. Following the ceremony, Ms. Burnham was honored with a special reception held in the SMS library. Attendees included Dr. Michelle Helie, CCS Superintendent; Mrs. Kelli Johnson, Director of Special Education; the SMS administrative team, and several teachers from the SMS literacy team. The celebration acknowledged Ms. Burnham’s dedication and the positive impact she has had on the students and faculty at Summerville Middle School.
The Chattooga County Water District is seeking a qualified Water Maintenance Technician to join their team. This position offers a rate of pay that is dependent on experience and provides an opportunity to contribute to the vital operation and maintenance of the county’s water system. The primary function of this role is to operate equipment and perform manual labor related to the construction, repair, and maintenance of the water system. Essential duties include operating machinery such as dump trucks, trailers, and backhoes, as well as transporting and unloading equipment and materials. The technician will also be responsible for performing manual work functions associated with water system construction, maintenance, and repair, as well as maintaining machinery and equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and at least six (6) months of experience in equipment operation, construction/maintenance work, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may also be considered. A valid driver’s license is required, and the successful applicant must be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license within one (1) year of employment. The position also requires the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and assist in customer surveys. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for the position.
The Town of Trion has released its proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, totaling $15,199,377.88 in both revenue and expenses across all departments. The comprehensive budget covers the General Fund, Gas Revenue Fund, Sewer/WWTP Fund, Water Fund, and SPLOST Fund. A detailed copy of the proposed budget is available for public review at the Town Hall Business Office during regular business hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The town is encouraging resident participation and input in the budgetary process. A public hearing work session is scheduled for June 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. This session provides an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the proposed budget and voice their opinions. The final budget adoption is slated for the regular council meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
A concert that was postponed last month due to inclement weather will be happening next week at the Trion Recreation Department. “Pink Houses” is a high-energy tribute band dedicated to the legendary music of John Mellencamp. Expect to hear all your favorite Mellencamp classics, from “Jack & Diane” to “Hurts So Good,” in a live stage show next Friday, June 13th, that will have you singing and dancing along. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Trion Parks & Recreation throughout the evening. The event is free and is sponsored by the Town of Trion and the Trion Recreation Department.
Get ready for a day of family fun as the 4th Annual Chattooga River Fest makes its triumphant return to Lyerly, Georgia, the town where it all began. On Saturday, June 14th, residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a day packed with free activities, entertainment, and local flavor.
UPDATE: Murder victim and murder suspect identified by police.
UPDATE: Summerville Police say a suspect is now in custody.
6:20 PM – Friday
A Summerville man is dead following a shooting on Oak Street earlier today. At approximately 12:36 pm, Summerville Police Department officers responded to a call regarding a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, they discovered 27-year-old Christopher “DJ” Chapman of Summerville unresponsive in the roadway, suffering from a serious gunshot wound. Chapman was immediately transported to Chattooga ER, where he was later pronounced dead.
The initial investigation identified 24-year-old Deoveon Price of Summerville as the alleged shooter. Price reportedly fled the scene in his vehicle. A short time later, Price was apprehended during a traffic stop on Taylors Ridge. He was found to be driving a different vehicle at the time of his arrest and was taken into custody without incident. According to police investigations, Price and Chapman were involved in a physical altercation prior to the shooting. During the altercation, Price allegedly drew a pistol and shot Chapman in the chest. Price is facing the following charges: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.
The Summerville Police Department released a statement extending their gratitude to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol for their invaluable assistance throughout the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
Earlier:
Summerville Police are actively searching for a suspect after a man in his late 20s was shot on Oak Street earlier today, according to Police Chief Brian Ozment. The victim sustained extremely serious injuries from a handgun wound. The shooting occurred in the middle of Oak Street, where the victim was discovered and immediately treated by Atrium Floyd EMS personnel. Chief Ozment confirmed the incident but offered limited details due to the ongoing investigation. The suspect remains at large, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called in to assist with the investigation. Emergency medical crews worked intensively at the scene to stabilize the victim. While the full extent of the injuries has not been released, authorities described them as life-threatening. The incident has triggered a significant police presence in the area, with officers focused on locating the shooter and securing the crime scene. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available from law enforcement officials.