Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen announced earlier this week that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $1 million grant for renovations at the historic Tooga Theater, located in downtown Summerville. This funding is part of a continued effort to enhance community spaces and promote economic development in the region.
All veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam era from November 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975 are invited to a luncheon on Friday March 28, 2025. The event will be held at 12 noon at the Chattooga County Memorial Home located at 818 Memorial Drive Summerville. All Vietnam veterans are encouraged to attend and bring their families to enjoy a time of food and fellowship.
The following day, Saturday March 29, is the official National Vietnam War Veterans Day which marks the day the last combat troops departed Vietnam on March 29, 1973. This national holiday is a time to pay tribute to the nine million Americans who served not only in-country, but at posts around the world in support of the lengthy war effort. It is also a time to thank the families for their support and sacrifices.
The luncheon on Friday is sponsored by VFW Post 6688, the auxiliary, and local volunteers. For further information, call Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394 or Barbara Reece at 706-862-2657.
AdventHealth Redmond has announced the groundbreaking for its highly anticipated Heart and Vascular Institute, taking place on Friday, February 21, at 2 PM. The ceremony will occur in the Southwest parking lot of AdventHealth Redmond, welcoming both community members and staff to join in celebrating this significant advancement in heart care.
In a late-night incident on February 14, 2025, Brandon James Alexander, a 25-year-old male, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding on Highway 114. The arresting officer, Deputy Jonathon Reynolds, initiated a traffic stop around 10:15 PM after clocking Alexander’s motorcycle traveling at 70 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. According to the incident report, Deputy Reynolds observed the suspect make a right-hand turn onto Charlie Street after failing to stop at the initial signal. The motorcycle ultimately came to a halt at a residential driveway on Charlie Street, where the officer approached the driver. Upon inspection, Deputy Reynolds noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Alexander, who initially denied consuming any alcoholic beverages. Deputy Reynolds proceeded to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to assess Alexander’s level of impairment. The results of the tests indicated several signs of intoxication, including difficulties in balance and coordination. Notably, during the one-leg stand test, Alexander struggled to maintain his balance and used his arms for support, raising significant concerns about his ability to operate a vehicle safely. Despite being given the opportunity to take a Portable Breath Test, Alexander refused, leading to his arrest for DUI. After being placed in handcuffs and transported to Chattooga County Jail, he once again declined a blood draw and maintained his claim of sobriety. Alexander is currently facing charges of DUI and speeding.
The Rome News Tribune reported that after 60 years, the Chiaha Harvest Fair is ending. This festival has been an important part of Rome’s culture, attracting thousands of people every fall to enjoy food, live music, arts, crafts, and community connection.
Authorities in Piedmont, Alabama have confirmed the death of Steven Kyle Satterfield, a 51-year-old man from Piedmont, found under a vehicle on his property. Initial reports suggest he may have been attacked by his own pigs, which had escaped their enclosure. Emergency responders arrived on Bramlet Road, discovering Satterfield’s body with visible injuries caused by the hogs. It seems he sought shelter under the vehicle where he eventually died from his injuries. The Piedmont Police Department and Piedmont Rescue are investigating the incident and gathering more evidence. They have contacted Satterfield’s family and ask the community to respect their privacy. The police expressed their condolences to his friends and family. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be shared as new information comes in.
Georgia’s low-income households are facing uncertainty due to recent federal funding cuts affecting key energy assistance programs. Community action agencies provide weatherization services to help eligible families lower energy costs and enhance home comfort. Hundreds of people in Chattooga County rely on the energy assistance programs that are provided for elderly, homebound, and disabled individuals that depend heavily on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for necessary heating and cooling support.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 19, 2025:
Trion Drugs: Opening today at 11 AM.
Chattooga County Schools:
GNTC Campuses:
Due to a Winter Weather Advisory in our service area and possible impacts to travel, all campuses of GNTC will be closed on Wednesday, February 19
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden reported on the fifth week of the Georgia General Assembly starting February 10th. The House passed several bills, including HB 61 for separate license plates for ambulances and hearses, and HB 199 for judges’ safety. Other bills include HB 216 for semiconductor workforce education, HB 81 for school psychologists’ licensing, and HB 105, which increases compensation for fallen educators to $150,000. Additional bills addressed banking laws and guardianship. The House will meet again on February 18th and invites constituents to share their concerns.
