Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, February 27, 2025:
Northwest Georgia will be experiencing increased cloud cover today as a frontal boundary approaches from the north. According to current satellite loops, the leading edge of the front is expected to move into Northwest Georgia around daybreak, bringing with it the possibility of scattered, light showers – but they will not be widespread. While the front is not expected to produce significant rainfall or thunderstorms due to a lack of moisture and instability, residents should anticipate gusty winds throughout the day.
The Chattooga Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a busy March, labeled “March 2025 Madness,” filled with events for members to connect, grow, and learn.
A Chattooga County family is picking up the pieces after a devastating house fire ripped through their home on Mountain View Road this past weekend. Tracy and Teresa Barksdale, along with their two children, are now displaced after the blaze erupted around 4:30 AM on Sunday morning. Multiple fire departments, including Trion, Summerville, and Hays Correctional, responded to the scene, along with Atrium Health Floyd EMS and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, first responders encountered heavy fire and smoke pouring from the front of the residence. Firefighters acted swiftly, launching a fire attack team and successfully bringing the blaze under control. The Barksdale family suffered a total loss of their home and belongings. In the wake of this tragedy, the Chattooga County community is stepping up to support the Barksdale family. A donation account has been established at United Community Bank to assist the family in rebuilding their lives. Anyone wishing to contribute to their recovery is encouraged to donate at United Community Bank in Summerville or Trion.
The City of Summerville is announcing al spring clean-up of the Summerville Cemetery, scheduled to begin on March 11, 2025. In preparation for the clean-up, the city is requesting that all families and individuals with loved ones interred at the cemetery remove any outdated or prohibited decorations from gravesites before the deadline. Specifically, the city is asking residents to remove the following items:
* Faded flowers, both real and plastic
* Holiday and seasonal items and decorations
* Glass items
Any decorations remaining at gravesites after March 11, 2025, will be removed and disposed of by City of Summerville workers.
Legislation to stop Georgia Power from charging residential and small business customers for electricity costs related to data centers passed a state Senate committee on Tuesday. The bill is being championed in the Senate by Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a Republican from Rome.
A Rome woman is facing multiple charges, including felony counts, following a Monday morning traffic accident on Highway 27 North at Dixie Park Road in the Armuchee area. Shannon Marie Hampton, 40, of Rome, was arrested and booked into the Floyd County Jail after an investigation into the crash. According to jail records, Hampton was allegedly under the influence at the time of the incident, which resulted in one individual sustaining a broken left leg. Following the accident, authorities conducted an inventory search of Hampton’s vehicle. During the search, officers discovered a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine inside Hampton’s purse. In addition, a burnt marijuana cigarette was located inside a cigarette box in the back seat of the vehicle. Hampton is charged with felony counts of serious injury by vehicle and possession of methamphetamine. She also faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence (DUI), failure to yield while turning left, no seat belt violation, suspended registration, and failure to yield while turning.
A downtown Summerville business will be closing its doors on March 1st, 2025, after serving the community for six years. Thatcher’s BBQ said earlier this week that they will be closing this weekend. In a statement released Tuesday, the restaurant cited economic challenges as the reason for the closure. “It is with a heavy heart that we share that our last day open in Summerville will be March 1st 2025,” the statement read. “The last 6 years getting to serve your community has been incredible! However, due to economic challenges we have been forced to consolidate our operations. We would love to serve you at one of our other locations in Trenton, Ringgold or Calhoun, Ga!” The statement expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years. “It has been a wonderful journey. Thank you for your patronage and support over the last 6 years.”
Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs has announced his resignation from the Supreme Court of Georgia, effective March 31, 2025, which is the last day of the current term. He plans to return to private practice in South Georgia. In his resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, he highlighted his 25 years of service in elective office, including over 21 years as a judge. Chief Justice Boggs expressed that he aimed to serve the public trust and found it rewarding to improve the state’s judicial system.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 26, 2025: