The Chattooga County Board of Education has announced a called meeting scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Chattooga County Education Center, located at 206 Penn Street in Summerville. The primary purpose of the meeting is to address critical financial matters concerning the upcoming fiscal year. On the agenda are two key items: the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY’26) Tentative Budget and the establishment of the estimated millage rate for 2025. The approval of the FY’26 Tentative Budget is a crucial step in ensuring the efficient and effective allocation of resources for the county’s school system. The setting of the 2025 estimated millage rate will directly impact property taxes and funding for local schools. The public is invited to attend the meeting to stay informed about these important decisions impacting the future of education in Chattooga County. Residents are encouraged to visit the Chattooga County Board of Education website for further details and budget information as it becomes available.

A devastating house fire on Oak Hill Road in Lyerly late last week saw Chattooga County first responders hailed as heroes after they pulled a man from a burning structure. According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, the victim, identified as Jeff Floyd, was trapped inside the burning home. Sheriff Schrader praised the bravery and determination of the first responders, particularly highlighting the efforts of a small group who repeatedly entered the dangerous structure to rescue Floyd.

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A Chattooga County man was jailed in Rome after a traffic stop for speeding on a motorcycle led to drug charges. Michel Tyler Hogue, 32, of Summerville, was arrested following the incident. According to police reports, Hogue was clocked speeding at 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. Further investigation revealed that Hogue was driving with a suspended license and was also in possession of marijuana. Hogue now faces multiple charges including possession of marijuana, violation of driver’s class, operation of an unregistered vehicle, driving on a suspended license, and speeding.

A Northwest Georgia victim lost thousands of dollars from her bank account after becoming the victim of identity theft. A Savannah woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing $20,000 from a woman residing in Rome. Tomisha Lashan Heath, 31, is accused of illegally accessing the victim’s bank account on eleven separate occasions. According to arrest warrants and Floyd County Jail records, Heath utilized a computer or computer service to gain unauthorized entry into the victim’s account. Further investigation revealed that Heath allegedly created and altered the victim’s financial records, adding her own name to the signature card. This allowed her to access and misappropriate the funds. Heath is now charged with felony theft by taking, as well as eleven counts each of computer theft, computer trespass, and computer forgery. She is currently being held at the Floyd County Jail pending further legal proceedings. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The Town of Trion will hold a regular workshop and council meeting coming up this Thursday, May 22, 2025.  The workshop begins at 6 PM, with the regular meeting following shortly thereafter.  The meeting will be held at the Town Hall Conference Room.  Anyone with questions may contact Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas or the Trion Town Hall Office.

A City of Summerville employee has been terminated following an arrest stemming from a domestic altercation at his home in the Armuchee community three weeks ago. Christopher Larry Tuggle, 48, was dismissed from his position by Summerville City Manager Jason Winters due to a violation of city policy. According to Floyd County law enforcement reports, Tuggle and Keri Ann Mullins, 29, were both arrested at their residence on Warren Road on April 25th, after a verbal dispute escalated into a physical confrontation. Police reports indicate that Mullins sustained a bruise on her lip and a bump on the back of her head, while Tuggle suffered cuts to his cheek, neck, and left hand. Both individuals were charged with battery. City Manager Winters cited Tuggle’s arrest as a clear violation of city policy, leading to the decision to terminate his employment. Tuggle has retained Summerville Attorney Steve Miller to represent him in appealing the termination decision.

Just over five months remain until the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and other top aviators take to the skies of Rome, Georgia for the 2025 Wings Over North Georgia air show.

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The Summerville Main Street program has postponed the Ducky Derby, planned for today, due to safety concerns over severe weather. Summerville Main Street Manager Susan Locklear announced this decision after seeing forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms. The event will now take place on Saturday, June 7th, alongside the Double Steam Engine Train arrival and Cowboy Western Heritage Festival.

Law enforcement officials in Georgia are urging residents to be vigilant after an elderly woman was defrauded of over $47,000 in a sophisticated scam originating from a seemingly harmless online crossword puzzle. According to the Johns Creek Police Department, the victim was completing a crossword puzzle online when a pop-up message directed her to call a specific phone number.

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced this week an active investigation into a large-scale, multi-state cattle theft scheme, urging potential victims to contact authorities immediately. The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement is seeking information on any individuals who may have been defrauded by Garrett Hill, also known as Jared Smith.

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