Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader told WZQZ News on Monday evening that the investigation is ongoing in to an attempted robbery at United Community Bank in Trion.  Yesterday, it was discovered that someone, in the early morning hours, had attempted to hook to the ATM machine at the bank and pull it up with a pickup truck.  Sheriff Schrader said on Monday that the truck was stolen and that evidently, the robbers had abandoned their attempt at stealing the ATM machine and had fled on foot.  The sheriff said that his department is working with other law enforcement agencies and following up on leads into the incident.  WZQZ News will have more information when it becomes available.

Summerville City Councilman Joe Money, Jr. is encouraging anyone who sees an animal without proper shelter, or illegally tethered, to report it to city officials.  In a a post on social media yesterday, Money said, “It’s getting ready to be brutally cold. If you see a dog without proper shelter or tethered to a stationary object please report this. We have rules for their protection within the city limits of Summerville. If you see anything like this, PLEASE report it ASAP so the dog can get the proper attention it deserves”.  You can report any incident to city officials at 706-857-0679.

Georgia gas prices have reversed a downward trend. Drivers now pay an average of $2.90 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average is 1 cent more than a week ago, 1 cent less than a month ago, and 7 cents less than last year.

Read more

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen named the members for the Chattooga County Board of Elections at a special called, public meeting on Monday evening that was held at the Chattooga County Civic Center in Summerville.  Allen told WZQZ News that the law establishing the board of elections for the county did not take affect until January 1, 2025 – his first day in office and that on advice of the county’s legal council, he would need to name the members.  The members named by Commissioner Allen were Brandon Gurley, Alfred McDaniel, John Agnew, Patricia Brison and Gartrelle Davidson.  The election board is made up of two Democrats, two Republicans and one member “at-large”.

Three people were injured after an SUV collided with a cow on Martha Berry Highway at Berry College Sunday night.

Read more

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) canceled planned construction on 2nd Avenue in Rome this week that would have periodically shut down lanes overnight. The work will resume when temperatures are warmer. The canceled work is part of the 2nd Avenue improvement project, which got underway in August of 2023 and is currently slated to be completed late next year.

During November’s General Election, more than 60% of Georgia voters approved House Bill 581, which provides property tax relief for homeowners. This law, known as the Save Our Homes Act, limits property tax increases on homes to the rate of inflation and will take effect on Jan. 1, unless local governments or school districts opt out.

Read more

A Chattooga County man was arrested recently in Floyd County. Daniel Scott Milstead, 44, from Summerville, was arrested after he was caught breaking into a car on Haywood Valley Road in Armuchee. Police reported that Milstead hid in the vehicle after being seen committing the crime. He ran from officers when they arrived. Milstead was found with several stolen items and is charged with entering an automobile with intent to commit a crime, criminal attempt to commit a crime, obstruction, and criminal trespass.

Public Alert from Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency and Teloga Volunteer Fire Department:

The Teloga community is being alerted to the installation of a new tornado siren at the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department. Installation is scheduled to begin on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8 a.m., weather permitting. The installation is expected to be completed by that afternoon, with testing of the new siren to follow.

After the initial installation and testing, 911 will conduct a monthly siren test on the first Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. In the event of inclement weather on the testing day, the test will be rescheduled to the following Wednesday at the same time.

If there are any changes to the installation date, the public will be promptly notified.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding! We look forward to adding this layer of protection to the community.

Update 12:45 PM:

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement this afternoon concerning an incident at United Community Bank in Trion.  According to the sheriff, early this morning “the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) alarm at the United Community Bank, Trion branch.  Deputies arrived to find a stolen truck, which was used in an unsuccessful attempt to ‘hook’ and steal the ATM.  The ATM was severely compromised during this attempt”.  The sheriff added, “We would like to thank the staff of United Community Bank for their quick response and assistance in the investigation”.  The sheriff says that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Posted earlier:

A note was posted on the drive-thru window at United Community Bank in Trion this (Monday) morning saying “Our Trion branch will open at 10 AM due to a crime incident.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Our Summerville Office will be open at normal hours.” WZQZ News reached out to United Community Bank and law enforcement about the unspecified crime incident.  United Community Bank replied saying this is an ongoing investigation and all questions are being handle through the United Community Bank security corps team.  WZQZ News will have more information as soon as it is available.