The Summerville Police Department is investigating the reported theft of a prescription medication from Atrium EMS Station 12, located at 200 Stockade Road. Officers were dispatched to the station on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at approximately 7:15 PM following a report filed by the victim, an employee of the EMS station. According to the police report, the victim stated she had left her prescription of Phentermine, a medication often used for weight loss, on a table in the station’s day room. The medication, a full bottle containing 30 pills, was last seen on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 8:00 AM. Captain Daniel Helton and Lieutenant Steve Groves reportedly observed the prescription at that time. Upon returning to work on Wednesday, the victim discovered the prescription was missing. A thorough search of the building and its refuse containers proved unsuccessful in locating the medication. The Summerville Police Department is currently investigating the incident.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding local farmers of the crucial requirement to file Form 2290, even if they qualify for an exemption. This applies to vehicles designed and registered for agricultural use, and used more than 50% for farming activities like moving crops, equipment, and supplies. “We get audited on these forms every year,” stated Commissioner Hampton. “Even if you’re exempt, we have to turn them in or show that you’ve already filed for the year. It’s essential for compliance.” To claim the exemption, farmers need to submit Form 2290, marking it as ‘Exempt – Agricultural,’ along with the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), proof of agricultural registration, and mileage logs or farm-use documentation. A helpful tip: if your agricultural vehicle drives 7,500 miles or less annually on public roads, it most likely qualifies for the exemption. Farmers can find more information and file Form 2290 quickly and easily by visiting the Trucking Tax Center on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.

Northwest Georgia residents can finally look forward to a dry and sunny weekend after enduring a prolonged period of near-daily rainfall and thunderstorms. After a cool morning with temperatures in the mid-50s, the region is poised for a welcome respite. The shift is attributed to a deep mid-to-upper-level trough axis positioned along the Eastern Seaboard, ushering in northwesterly airflow across the Southeast. This weather pattern will bring drier air, with dew points dropping from the 60s to the 50s. Expect high temperatures to hover around or slightly below the average for late May, generally reaching the 80s, excluding mountainous regions. While clear skies are anticipated, a hazy or smoky appearance might be present due to wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada. However, the sunny break won’t last indefinitely. Cloud cover will gradually increase from west to east on Sunday, as a shortwave trough moves southeast across the Lower Mississippi River Valley and Gulf Coast states. This could lead to isolated to widely scattered showers and storms on Sunday afternoon and evening. Looking ahead, dry weather and a warming trend are predicted from Monday to Wednesday. Unfortunately, the oppressive humidity and the possibility of scattered thunderstorms are expected to return during the latter half of next week

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 31, 2025:

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Summerville Police are investigating a significant theft targeting a substation on Maple Drive. On May 26, 2025, officers responded to a call at the substation after employees of Electra Grid discovered a break-in. Police found evidence of forced entry, including a cut perimeter fence and open truck compartments. An inventory revealed a substantial loss of tools and equipment. Later the same day, officers were called back to the location after Georgia Power employees discovered their metal storage container had also been breached. Reels of copper wire were reported missing. The stolen items from Electra Grid include: 3 rolls of #6 poly wire, 6 rolls of #6 copper wire, Milwaukee impact driver and grinder, Buckingham climbing gear, Multiple Stihl and Milwaukee chainsaws, Milwaukee batteries, Coated copper wire, various lengths of “Macks”, grounding equipment, Mack heads, secondary straps, and various hand tools from Milwaukee and Klein. The total estimated value of the stolen goods is currently being calculated. Summerville Police are urging anyone with information about these thefts to contact the department immediately. The investigation is ongoing.

Downtown LaFayette is set to be abuzz this today as the annual Honeybee Festival returns, promising a sweet day of community celebration, live music, and all things honeybee. The free, family-friendly event invites residents and visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a day packed with fun, food, and entertainment.

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At the request of the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred on the evening of May 28.

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Chattooga County Schools will hold its annual Consolidated LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP) meetings on June 5th and June 19th, both at 9 AM. The meetings will take place in the Board Room at the Chattooga County Education Center, located at 206 East Penn Street in Summerville. The CLIP outlines how the school district utilizes Federal Funds to improve education within the county. This is a crucial document guiding resource allocation and program implementation. The Chattooga County School District encourages all members of the public to attend these important meetings and participate in the discussion. This is an opportunity to learn more about how Federal Funds are being used to support students and schools within the community. The Chattooga County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices.

Brandon James McGarvey-Rogers of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was sentenced to 20 years in Catoosa County Superior Court on May 28, 2025, for attempting to make sexual contact with a 14-year-old child from Georgia. McGarvey-Rogers pled guilty without a sentencing recommendation from the State of Georgia. The Honorable Judge Brian House sentenced McGarvey-Rogers to 7 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections, followed by 13 years of probation under strict sex offender conditions.

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Chattooga County residents will have the opportunity to receive free health screenings on June 17th at the Chattooga County Agricultural Building, located off Highway 100. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is urging residents to take advantage of this valuable resource sponsored by the Free Clinic of Rome. The clinic, which runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, will provide essential health services to qualifying individuals, with a focus on critical health assessments including COPD, high blood pressure, and blood sugar testing. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to receive essential health screenings at no cost,” said Commissioner Allen. “I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this valuable service.” Interested individuals must pre-qualify for the event. Renee Blackman is available at 706-346-7248 to provide details about eligibility requirements and guide community members through the screening process. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact Renee Blackman to determine their eligibility and to learn more about the specific screenings offered at the clinic. This initiative aims to provide accessible healthcare to those in need within the Chattooga County community.