Area fire departments responded to a house fire near Orchard Hill Road in Summerville on Wednesday morning. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was already heavily damaged. Smoke was visible for several miles. The Summerville Fire Department was joined by Trion and Hays Correctional fire departments. Firefighters faced freezing temperatures that caused water to freeze quickly. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire was not immediately released.
After years of resistance from Republican lawmakers, Georgia is taking a significant step toward expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income families. Governor Brian Kemp announced on Tuesday that the state will seek federal approval for a new initiative called Georgia Pathways, aimed at providing Medicaid assistance to low-income parents and legal guardians of children up to age six.
The City of Summerville has released its 2024 financial audit, showing its commitment to transparency and accountability. This thorough audit helps officials, citizens, and stakeholders understand the city’s financial health and performance. An independent firm conducted the audit, checking the city’s financial records for compliance with rules and standards. The findings showcase the city’s fiscal responsibility and highlight areas for improvement. The audit gives insights into revenue, spending, and overall performance, helping citizens see how their city is doing financially and what is being done for sustainable growth. The 2024 financial audit is available for public access on the city’s official website. You can find a link to the 2024 audit HERE
The Walker County Sheriff Office is asking for assistance in identifying this person pictured. He made several stops at residences in the Chattanooga Valley area of the county over the past weekend asking for food/water. He is wanted for questioning in relation to several reports of criminal trespass/burglary. If you know the suspect contact Det. Andy Cash at 706-638-1909 Ext. 1298. or at acash@walkerso.com, or contact Crimestoppers at 423-698-3333 or at www.stopchattcrime.com.
The Trion Town Council held their regular monthly meeting for January on Tuesday of this week. Normally, council meetings are held on Thursdays, but the date was changed due to scheduling.
A 30-year-old woman from Summerville was taken into custody on Monday and is facing a felony theft by shoplifting charge. According to jail records, Hannah Louise Hughes allegedly attempted to steal nearly $585 worth of merchandise from the Walmart located on Redmond Circle in West Rome. The Floyd County Police reported that Hughes managed to pass all points of sale without scanning several items at the register. Hughes was detained by Walmart employees and subsequently arrested and booked into the Floyd County Jail.
The Summerville Police Department is looking into a burglary reported by local resident Jackie Askea. She stated that her Marvin Avenue apartment was broken into on January 8, 2025, between 3:15 PM and 7:00 PM, resulting in the theft of $300 from her pocketbook on the kitchen counter. Mrs. Askea emphasized that her door was locked and showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the thief may have had a key. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper announced on Wednesday that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a second commercial poultry flock located in Elbert County, Georgia. This marks the second case in Georgia and the sixth case nationwide since the outbreak began in 2022.
AdventHealth Georgia has appointed Riley Benter as the new director of heart and vascular services and Julie Smith as the director of neuroscience and orthopedics for the Georgia Market.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to address concerns regarding an “illegal permit” granted by the former county commissioner for the construction of poultry houses in the Gore area. The meeting is set to take place next Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Building, located at 33 Middle School Rd. in Summerville.
In a statement released earlier today, Commissioner Allen highlighted the serious implications of the permit that allowed for the construction of four chicken houses in the Gore community, claiming it violates the Chattooga County Poultry Ordinance. Residents have expressed their frustration and alarm over what they perceive as a disregard for local regulations. The current administration has initiated an investigation into the issuance of this permit and is consulting legal counsel to explore options for rectifying the situation. Commissioner Allen emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating, “We are committed to addressing this issue head-on and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard. We will work tirelessly to correct past mistakes and protect our residents’ interests.”
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. For further information regarding the meeting or media inquiries, please contact Johnna Allen, County Clerk, at 706-857-0701 or via email at chattcom@windstream.net.
You can read the press release below:
