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.

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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.

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The National Weather Service has issued a High Fire Danger warning for all of Northwest Georgia for Sunday afternoon and evening due to critically low relative humidity levels. According to the warning, relative humidity is expected to drop to 25 percent or less for at least four hours. Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph will further exacerbate the dry conditions. With dry fuels readily available, this combination creates a significant risk of wildfires. Local fire departments in Chattooga County are urging residents to heed the warning and refrain from any outdoor burning. The Summerville Fire Department issued a statement Saturday indicating they would be suspending the issuance of burning permits for at least five days. The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) also echoes the concerns and encourages residents to be extra cautious and avoid any activities that could potentially spark a fire. Dry weather is expected to continue through Monday, with temperatures reaching the upper 50s to around 60 degrees during the day and dropping into the 30s overnight. Relief may be on the horizon, however, as there is a good chance of rain on Tuesday night, which could help alleviate the dry conditions.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 2, 2025:

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is publicly commending local businessman Randy Patty for his critical assistance in containing a wildfire that threatened homes on Marks Hill this past Friday. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Patty’s actions were instrumental in preventing significant property damage.

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Tyrone Adams, a Summerville resident, was arrested on multiple charges including obstructing law enforcement and marijuana possession after a domestic dispute call on February 26th. According to a police report, at approximately 6:23 PM, Summerville Police Department officers were dispatched to 108 Scoggins Street in response to a report of a domestic dispute involving a male allegedly attempting to strike another male with a chain.

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The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of retired Deputy Sheriff W. Keith Smith, who passed away on February 26th, 2025. Sheriff Steve Wilson announced the news with deep sadness, expressing his condolences to Smith’s family and friends. Smith dedicated a significant portion of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career in 1972 with the Lafayette Police Department. He joined the Walker County Sheriff’s Office in 1974 and served under four different Sheriffs: Ralph Jones, Mike Ellis, Al Millard, and Steve Wilson. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Smith held various positions, including Deputy, Detective, and Captain. He was a respected member of the force and a dedicated public servant. “Sheriff Steve Wilson and the employees of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office are saddened to hear the passing of retired Deputy Sheriff, W. Keith Smith,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office read. “We extend our condolences and prayers to Keith’s many friends and family.”

Chattooga County’s basketball talent was on full display at the 39th Northwest Georgia Tip-Off banquet, with players from both the Chattooga Indians and Lady Indians squads earning prestigious awards.

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