The Georgia House of Representatives has recently passed two bills concerning the use of speed detection cameras in school zones, sparking debate and setting the stage for further discussion in the State Senate. There are no school zone cameras in Chattooga County, but neighboring Floyd County has a camera in place near Armuchee Primary School on Highway 27 North and is considering another for the Armuchee Elementary School Zone on Highway 140.
Justin Eli Durham, a Summerville resident, was arrested on Tuesday of this week, after an incident involving assault and resisting arrest at a residence on 375 Union Street. Summerville Police responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute at approximately 6:54 PM. Upon arrival, officers found Durham on the porch, hunched over. According to the police report, Durham refused multiple commands to stand up, responding to officers with, “Make me b****.” After being stood up and placed in handcuffs, Durham reportedly continued to resist law enforcement and exhibited signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol. He was subsequently taken to the ground and then secured in a patrol car after further resistance. The investigation revealed that Durham had arrived at the residence uninvited and refused to leave when asked. The victims, whose names are not included in the police report, sought assistance from two other women to persuade Durham to leave. According to statements given to police, Durham allegedly struck the women multiple times, causing injuries, and attempted to strike another person. Durham was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident and was charged with assault, battery, resisting arrest, and public intoxication.
As Georgians get ready to move their clocks forward an hour this Sunday, March 9th, AAA is reminding drivers about the dangers of Daylight Saving Time. Changing the time can disturb sleep patterns and increase the risk of drowsy driving, which is a major cause of accidents. Montrae Waiters from AAA warns that even a one-hour change can cause a mini-jetlag effect that takes time to adjust to. Drivers should watch for symptoms of drowsy driving, such as trouble keeping eyes open, drifting from lanes, and daydreaming. There is also a higher risk around schools in the mornings when it will be darker due to the time change. A study shows a rise in fatal crashes after Daylight Saving Time starts. AAA advises drivers to prioritize sleep, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, drive sober, and always wear seatbelts. Following these tips can help keep everyone safe on the road during this time change.
The Little River Canyon National Preserve visitor center is one of nearly 34 National Park Service locations that may lose funding due to actions by the Trump administration aimed at reducing government waste and fraud. These closures could affect visitor centers, law enforcement offices, museums, and other vital park services.
Cold air and cloudy skies continue this morning across Northwest Georgia. These clouds are expected to clear up by midday, allowing for mostly sunny skies. Daytime temperatures will be cooler, with highs in the low 50’s. Minimum relative humidity will drop to the mid 20s to mid 30s this afternoon, and fire concerns should remain low. Tonight, temperatures will dip into the low 30’s and frost is expected on Friday morning. Partly sunny skies are expected during the day on Friday and highs will be in the low 60’s. A cold front will bring light rain to north Georgia on Saturday, becoming stationary in middle or south Georgia. A weak low pressure system may develop along this front, increasing chances of rain into Sunday. Dry weather will return early next week, with temperatures increasing throughout the week.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, March 6, 2025:
Jacob Ryan Stewart, 37, was arrested last week on Wednesday evening following a domestic dispute at a residence on Hair Lake Road. Deputies responded to a call at approximately 9:51 PM reporting a physical altercation. According to the incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the complainant stated that he and Stewart had engaged in a verbal argument that escalated. The complainant retreated to his room and locked the door, but Stewart allegedly forced his way in and struck him multiple times in the face. The complainant was able to call 911 after the initial altercation, and again after Stewart re-entered the residence and allegedly struck him a second time before leaving the scene on a gray Honda motorcycle with a black helmet. Deputies located Stewart a short time later, driving the described motorcycle near the residence. After being read his Miranda rights, Stewart denied the incident and claimed the victim had injured himself. Deputies observed blood on Stewart’s hands, though he could not explain the source. The report also notes that Stewart was slurring his words, smelled of alcohol, and was unsteady on his feet. Due to the nature of the call and Stewart’s departure from the scene, field sobriety tests were not conducted. Stewart was read Georgia’s implied consent law and agreed to a blood test, which was administered by Chattooga EMS. He was subsequently transported to Chattooga County Jail and charged with battery/simple battery-family violence and DUI-multiple substances-less safe driver.
Kia has issued a recall for over 137,200 of its Seltos and Soul models due to a potential engine defect, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects certain 2021-2023 model year vehicles. The NHTSA stated that a manufacturing error involving the piston oil rings could lead to engine damage. This damage may result in stalling or, in more severe cases, an engine fire, posing a significant safety risk. The recall specifically targets affected Seltos and Soul vehicles. To address the issue, Kia dealerships will conduct a thorough inspection of the engine. If necessary, the engine will be replaced free of charge. In addition, dealerships will install a piston-ring noise-sensing system to proactively identify and mitigate potential problems. The repairs will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners. Kia anticipates notifying affected owners via mail starting after April 4th. In the meantime, owners can contact Kia directly at 800-333-4542 for more information regarding the recall. The company’s internal recall number for this issue is SC336.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office Training Division is hosting an open forum for citizen gun owners on March 12th, 2025, at 6 PM at the Walker County Civic Center, located on Highway 27 in Rock Spring.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, along with colleagues nationwide, sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting the repeal of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This letter emphasizes how the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements burden small businesses. Raffensperger stated that these rules impose unnecessary costs and complicate business creation. He asserts that the federal government already collects much of the needed information and points out the frustration seen from small business owners about unclear implementation. Raffensperger calls for immediate support for H. R. 8147, the ‘Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act,’ to address concerns about government overreach and protect privacy.
