Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, February 20, 2025:
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 61-year-old Deta Joy Ratledge after a deadly multi-vehicle accident on January 24, 2025. Ratledge, age 61 of LaFayette, was arrested by Deputy Kevin Phillips on February 18 and charged with Following Too Closely and DUI/Drugs/Less Safe. The accident caused the death of 28-year-old Travis Bailey from Summerville. Ratledge was released on bond the same day her booking report was made public on February 19. Preliminary information from the Georgia State Patrol indicated that the crash happened around 6:50 PM on Georgia Highway 114 near Bargain Lane. A red Chevrolet S-10 truck had broken down, blocking the southbound lanes. A grey Nissan Sentra stopped to avoid hitting the truck, but a silver Toyota Corolla, following too closely behind, crashed into it from behind. After the collision, the driver of the Toyota stepped out to talk to witnesses. Meanwhile, a blue Jeep Compass approached the scene and failed to stop, hitting the Toyota and its driver, Travis Bailey. Bailey sadly died from his injuries at the scene. Drug paraphernalia and prescription medications were found in the Jeep, and Ratledge, the driver, was impaired and agreed to a blood test. The Georgia State Patrol State Crash Reconstruction Team investigated the incident.
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: