A Summerville man was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat and was threatened on McKenzie Avenue earlier this week. According to a Summerville Police report, officers were dispatched to the scene on May 22, 2025, at approximately 5:32 PM after receiving a call about a male subject with a head injury. The victim, identified as Danny Green, stated he was walking home from work when a male, later identified as Zack Hill, allegedly emerged from a residence and struck him on the head with a baseball bat, causing a laceration. Green stated he defended himself, at which point Hill allegedly brandished what appeared to be a Glock handgun and threatened to kill him. Green fled the scene while a neighbor called 911. Responding officers observed and photographed Green’s injuries. After Green positively identified Hill from a photo lineup, officers and investigators proceeded to Hill’s residence. According to the report, Hill initially denied any altercation but later admitted to a verbal argument. He claimed to own a BB pellet rifle, a .22 caliber rifle, and a BB CO2 cartridge pistol. Officers noted that Hill appeared visibly nervous during the interview. Investigators discovered a trail of blood near Hill’s residence. Hill was subsequently arrested and transported to Chattooga County Jail. Hill’s wife, consented to handing over a BB CO2 cartridge pistol to authorities. The pistol, described as resembling a Glock with a silver barrel and brown handle, was photographed and its serial number recorded. The incident remains under investigation.

In a late-breaking development that could impact the upcoming election for the Public Service Commission (PSC), Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has disqualified Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman. The decision comes as early voting is already underway. According to officials, the disqualification stems from a recent ruling by a state judge finding Blackman ineligible to run for the District 3 seat. The judge determined that Blackman did not meet the residency requirement, failing to live within the district for at least 12 months prior to the November 4th deadline. The PSC holds significant power in Georgia, overseeing utilities like gas and electric companies, and playing a crucial role in regulating Georgia Power’s plans and rates. With early voting in progress, notices will be posted at polling locations informing voters that votes cast for Blackman will not be counted. The disqualification leaves three Democrats – Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, and Keisha Sean Waites – vying for the nomination in the June 17th primary. The winner will then face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the November general election. This unexpected turn of events is likely to reshape the dynamics of the race and could influence the outcome of the crucial election for the Public Service Commission.

As part of changes in the organization, Amos Willingham was promoted to the High-A Emperors from the Atlanta Braves’ Florida Complex League team on Tuesday before their game against Asheville. He made his debut that night, pitching one inning and allowing two earned runs in a 13-6 victory. Willingham, a 26-year-old, graduated from Chattooga High School in 2016 and played college baseball at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2019 and pitched 25 1/3 major league innings in 2023 and 2024 before being designated for assignment in January. After being claimed by the Braves, he had a brief season with Triple-A Gwinnett.

The City of Summerville honored retiring Police Officer Ricky VanPelt this week, celebrating his decades of service to the community. VanPelt, a fixture in the Summerville Police Department, officially retired this week, marking the end of a distinguished full-time career that began in 1985. Although VanPelt briefly served with other law enforcement agencies throughout his career, he consistently returned to the Summerville Police Department, finding his true home and dedicating the majority of his professional life to the city. “Officer VanPelt’s knowledge and experience were deeply valued,” a city statement read. “His dedication to the City of Summerville was easily seen by those working around him.” However, Summerville residents haven’t seen the last of Officer VanPelt. He will continue to serve the community on a part-time basis, donning the uniform when needed and providing his expertise to the department. The City of Summerville extends its heartfelt congratulations to Officer VanPelt on his retirement and anticipates his continued contribution to the department.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) warns residents about a new text message scam that falsely claims individuals owe traffic ticket payments. The scam texts appear to come from a fake “State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)” and include links to a fake DDS website. DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon advises that these messages are fraudulent attempts to steal money and personal information and that DDS employees do not request payments or confidential info. Those receiving such texts should delete them without responding. To check license status, visit the secure DDS website. Residents are encouraged to create an Online Services Account and to be cautious of any unsolicited communications requesting personal information.

State Senator Colton Moore, a vocal conservative representing Chattooga and surrounding Northwest Georgia counties, has announced he is seriously considering a bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026. Moore, known for his unwavering conservative stance and frequent disagreements with fellow Republicans in the Georgia Senate, cited a desire to combat a “broken system” as the driving force behind his potential run.

Read more

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 29, 2025:

Read more

Get ready to “Color Our World” this summer! The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is hosting a kickoff event for their 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at the Trion Library this Friday, May 30th. Located at 15 Bulldog Blvd in Trion, the event promises two hours of fun, games, and exciting prizes. Families are invited to join the library in launching their summer reading program with a vibrant celebration. Attendees can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, engage in entertaining games, and earn rewards for their participation. What’s more, the library will be offering refreshing snow cones and delightful goodie bags to all attendees, making it a perfect start to a summer filled with reading and discovery. Don’t miss this chance to ignite your child’s love of reading and embark on a colorful adventure with the Sara Hightower Regional Library System! The event is free and open to the public.

Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for scattered thunderstorms today, with the possibility of isolated severe storms developing this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service is warning of potentially damaging winds, small hail, periods of heavy rain, and frequent lightning across the region. The forecast for today is mostly cloudy with a high near 75 degrees. A calm wind will become south around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is estimated at 70%. The threat of thunderstorm activity will continue across the region through Friday. Officials warn that damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, frequent lightning, and hail will remain the primary hazards. While less likely, a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Tonight, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 pm, followed by a slight chance of showers after 2 am. The skies will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 62 degrees. A break in the weather is expected on Friday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers before 8 pm, followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 56 degrees. Saturday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 80 degrees. However, occasional isolated thunderstorms could return to North Georgia on Sunday afternoon.