The DeKalb County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office has made progress in fighting human trafficking by arresting eight men during an undercover investigation aimed at protecting children. The suspects were caught knowingly meeting a child under 16 for illegal sexual contact. The suspects are identified as: Jose Gonzalez, 55, of Scottsboro; Juan Miguel Castillo, 44, of Fort Payne; Jonathan Holmes Golden, 40, of Somerville; Juvah Tertius Williams, 29, of Gadsden; Reid Edgar Simmons, 64, of Ohatchee; Pascual Mateo-Diego, 28, of Fort Payne; Austin Lee Battles, 29, of Attalla; and Casey Lynn McCormick, 35, of Boaz. Each has been charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. The operation led to the seizure of seven vehicles, various weapons, and over $2,000 in cash, illustrating the severity of the crimes.

In Georgia, 1 in 7 people face food insecurity, unsure of where their next meal will come from. There’s Hope for the Hungry is a Christian ministry, started in 2003, that aims to feed and bring hope to those in need. They are active in Chattooga County and will distribute food tomorrow in Summerville. Their mission is to provide immediate food relief while guiding people towards self-dependence and faith in Jesus Christ. The food distribution will be at South Summerville Baptist Church tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM, with no ID needed for pickup.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, December 16, 2024:

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Kindred Fire is thrilled to announce the Yuletide Jamboree Show & Market on Thursday, Dec. 19, at The Vogue in Rome, Georgia. Presented in partnership with Russell Cook & the Sweet Teeth and Paradise Gardens, this festive event blends live music, local artistry and holiday cheer while celebrating the enduring legacy of visionary artist Howard Finster.

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There were no health inspections to report from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the first half of December.  Should you ever have any complaint with any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, you may file that complaint with the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department by calling 706-857-3377.

The Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office will hold its last meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 10 AM at the Chattooga County Civic Center, located on Highway 48 in Summerville across from Truist Bank. This meeting is open to the public and will cover important topics, including a public review of the proposed county budget for 2025. Each department will present their monthly reports along with a year-end review of achievements and challenges. The meeting will also include the appointment of a new board of elections, as required by state law. Residents can review the proposed budget at several locations, such as the Chattooga County Courthouse, the Courthouse Annex, the Chattooga County Library, and the Commissioner’s office. The budget will also be available online at chattoogacounty.gov. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate.  The public meeting will be the last one for outgoing Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry.  Commissioner-Elect Andy Allen will take office on January 1, 2025.

On Monday, December 9th, educators in the Chattooga County School system met for a Teacher Professional Learning Day (PL Day) that included a conference-style workshop aimed at improving teaching practices and resources.

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The Summerville City Council is looking into selling four small land parcels owned by the city, which resulted from previous “clean and lien” actions.

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The Georgia Department of Education is announcing its 2025 legislative priorities, which will guide State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ conversations with lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session, along with the agency’s work during the session and beyond.

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