The 12u Summerville Indian All-Star baseball team is gearing up for the State Baseball Tournament in Statesboro, GA, and is hosting a BBQ fundraiser and car wash to help offset travel and tournament expenses. The BBQ fundraiser will be held this Saturday, June 21st, in the Fit Pit parking lot. BBQ plates will be available for $10 each. Pre-orders are being accepted leading up to the event, but plates will also be available for purchase on-site. In addition to the BBQ, the team will also be hosting a car wash in the Auto Zone parking lot at the same time. For just $7 a car, or any generous donation, you can get your vehicle clean while supporting these talented young athletes. All proceeds from both the BBQ and car wash will go directly towards covering travel costs and ensuring the team has a memorable experience during the State Baseball Tournament. Come out on Saturday, June 21st, grab a delicious BBQ plate, get your car washed, and support the Summerville Indian All-Stars!

A Chattooga County man was charged in Floyd County this week on sexual battery charges. Paul Joseph Rector, 51, of Trion, Georgia, was arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old family member. According to police reports, officers were dispatched to a residence following a complaint from the teenage victim, who stated that Rector had been inappropriately touching her for approximately one year. The victim reported that, when she was 15, Rector allegedly struck her buttocks, causing a small bruise, while making inappropriate comments about her appearance. A second incident reportedly occurred a month prior to the police report, where the victim alleged that Rector grabbed and rubbed her inner thigh while making explicit comments. Rector is currently being held on charges of sexual battery. The investigation is ongoing.

Chris Wooten, a former Trion Police Department officer and member of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force (LMJC), was arrested on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and charged with Aggravated Battery (Felony) and Violation of Oath of Office (Felony) following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

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Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and into the evening, with the primary concerns being gusty winds and frequent lightning. The National Weather Service also warns of a potential for localized flooding in areas experiencing heavier rainfall. According to weather reports, showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 4 p.m. today. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 87 degrees. Tonight, the chance of showers and thunderstorms continues before 8 p.m., with a slight chance returning after 2 a.m. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low around 70 degrees and a south wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is currently estimated at 30%. Looking ahead to Juneteenth, the forecast predicts showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., followed by showers and potentially more thunderstorms after 5 p.m. The high will be near 86 degrees with a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts expected to range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in areas impacted by thunderstorms. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend. Daily thunderstorm activity is anticipated, with the highest probability of storms occurring during the afternoon and evening hours each day. While the risk of severe weather remains low, officials urge caution as stronger storms are possible.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 18, 2025:

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The City of Summerville is now accepting applications for the position of Public Works Street Department Director. This vital role is responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of the city’s street department operations, ensuring the safe and efficient maintenance and improvement of Summerville’s infrastructure. The Street Department Director will be responsible for developing long-range plans, establishing departmental priorities, and implementing operating procedures. This includes supervising personnel involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, bridges, driveways, and rights-of-way. Key duties also involve inspecting work sites, operating heavy equipment, evaluating maintenance needs, servicing equipment, and instructing employees on proper work methods. The Director will also be responsible for managing the department’s budget, records, and responding to public inquiries. A critical component of the role is also the oversight and coordination of cemetery maintenance. The position requires an Associate’s degree or equivalent experience, along with at least five years of experience in a related field. Candidates must possess or be able to readily obtain a valid Georgia driver’s license. The work environment involves both office and outdoor settings, with potential exposure to various environmental factors. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately for this leadership opportunity within the City of Summerville’s Public Works Department.

Georgia is taking its place at the national forefront of agricultural policy, with Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper selected to join the America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) newly formed America First Agriculture Commissioners and Secretaries Council. Harper is one of just twelve members chosen from across the country to contribute to the council. Harper expressed his pride in representing Georgia on this important council, vowing to champion policies that prioritize the success of American and Georgian farmers. He emphasized the importance of Georgia having a voice in the national agricultural conversation, given its status as a leading agricultural state. The council is committed to advancing the Farmers First Agenda, which focuses on three key pillars: driving economic prosperity in rural communities, re-evaluating government structures to better serve farmers, and crafting nutrition policies that prioritize American health and security. Joining Harper on the council are agricultural leaders from states including Arkansas, Texas, Iowa, and South Carolina. AFPI, the non-profit organization spearheading the initiative, underscores its commitment to ensuring American values remain central to public policy, a sentiment keenly observed by agricultural producers nationwide. This new council aims to be a powerful advocate for farmers across the country, shaping the future of American agriculture.

Source: Aginfo.net

A Summerville man was arrested on multiple charges following an incident involving a pellet rifle on May 30th, according to a report released yesterday by the Summerville Police Department. Officers were dispatched to 206 NW Congress Street after receiving a report of shots fired and a suspect barricading himself inside a residence. Upon arrival, Captain Railey made contact with Johnny Price, identified as the suspect in the incident. According to the report, Price initially denied possessing a firearm but granted officers consent to search his residence. Inside, officers discovered a .22 caliber pellet rifle in Price’s room, which was subsequently secured. Price was then taken into custody. Police noted that Price appeared to be intoxicated and reportedly stated he was unsure if the weapon was real. The victim, identified as Charles Johnson, told officers he had just returned from Rome when Price approached his apartment from the rear. Johnson stated that Price used the butt of the rifle to break a window on the side of his apartment. He further claimed Price fired a shot in his direction, though it missed. After Johnson retreated inside, Price allegedly kicked his screen door, causing damage. Johnny Price was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident. He faces charges of Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, and Criminal Trespass. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joined forces with Secretaries of State across the nation on Monday to announce the launch of “Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking” (GBAT), a new initiative designed to engage Georgia businesses in the fight against human trafficking. The GBAT program aims to raise awareness and provide businesses with the tools and training necessary to identify and report potential cases of human trafficking.

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A 17-year-old resident of Trenton, Georgia, Jonathan Daniel Plaster, found himself behind bars at the Floyd County Jail Saturday after being accused of stealing a truck belonging to his father. Plaster faces a felony charge of theft by receiving stolen property. According to Floyd County Jail records, Plaster was apprehended in Rome while in possession of a 1999 GMC pickup truck. The arrest occurred at a location on Shorter Avenue. Authorities confirm the vehicle had been reported stolen on June 13th in Trenton, Georgia. The truck’s estimated value is $4,500.