Summerville Police were called to investigate a burglary on Bittings Avenue on December 17th. According to a report, the homeowner returned home from work to find that someone had entered her house and stolen several items. Police determined that the burglars had accessed the house through a back window on the north side of the house. It appeared that the offenders exited the home through the back door. The report did not indicate what items were taken from the home.
A Chattooga County tradition continues tonight at Alpine Community Church on Highway 337, just south of Menlo. For over thirty years, church members have donated their time and efforts during the holiday season to putting on one of the best live nativities in the area. The church’s members consider it a ministry to the community and spend the two days before, and Christmas Day each year putting on the Christmas event at one of Chattooga County’s oldest churches. In addition to the live Nativity that features a camel and other live animals, you can go inside the church building and view the historic church decorated for Christmas. Afterwards, you can go across the street to the fellowship hall and enjoy light refreshments. The event is free and will take place this evening, Christmas Eve and on Christmas, starting at 7 PM.
A bipartisan bill led by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has increased retirement benefits for teachers and first responders in Georgia.
Big Lots, a nationwide discount retailer, has officially announced a “going out of business” sale at all its locations nationwide. The announcement comes as the company seeks to protect its finances and find a potential buyer amidst challenging market conditions.
A sex offender, who was sentenced to two years in prison in 2019 for sexually assaulting a drunk man, was sent back to prison after appearing in Chattooga County Superior Court. Michael Luke Shedd was handed down a sentence of five more years in prison for failing to register as a sex offender. At the time of his sentencing in 2019, Shedd confessed to performing a sex act on a male acquaintance while the man was passed out from drinking, and recording the incident on a cell phone. Shedd also admitted to possession of child pornography at the time.
From the City of Summerville: In observance of the Christmas holiday, the City of Summerville will close Monday December 23rd at 12 noon, and be closed Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th 2024. We will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, December 26th at 8:00am. In case of an emergency, please contact 911. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.
At their meeting last Thursday evening, Walker County Commissioners voted to cut the annual county supplement for Sheriff Steve Wilson. Sheriff Wilson said he was surprised by this decision, as he received no prior notice that it would be discussed.
If your child would like a last-minute virtual visit with Santa Claus before the big day on Wednesday, they can “chat” with Santa during a Facebook Live event on Monday evening, December 23rd. You can visit Chattooga County State Court Judge Jon Dennis’ Facebook Page and leave your child’s name for a “shout-out” from Santa. Santa Claus visits around the area this year included events at Dowdy Park, Dry Valley Baptist Church, Sloppy Floyd State Park, Menlo First Baptist and this past week they concluded at Kaleidoscope and the Chattooga Senior Center – along with visits at 292 East Washington Street in Summerville. Santa’s Facebook Live event will be tomorrow evening from 6 PM until 7:30 PM.
Many people are traveling for the holidays, but next Christmas, flying may not be possible without the right ID. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 for added security after the Twin Towers attack. Enforcement was originally set for 2008 but has been delayed, with a new start date of May 7, 2025. This act aims to set standards for issuing identification, like driver’s licenses and state ID cards, as stated by Homeland Security.
