Sex Crime Charges Among Latest Chattooga County Indictments

Sex crime charges are among the latest indictments returned by a Chattooga County grand jury, with two Summerville men named in the cases.

According to the indictment report, Ayden Matthew Ard, of 271 Scoggins Street in Summerville, was indicted on charges of statutory rape and sodomy. Court records cited in the report state the alleged victim is between 13 and 16 years old and younger than the accused. Also indicted was Michael Lamar Battles, of 702 Scoggins Street in Summerville, on charges of child molestation and grooming of a minor.

The indictments are part of the latest group of felony cases returned in Chattooga County. An indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Trion City Schools Hiring Literacy Coach to Strengthen Early Reading Success

Trion City Schools is now accepting applications for a Literacy Coach position aimed at improving student reading outcomes and strengthening classroom instruction across the district. The role will focus heavily on supporting teachers and students through evidence-based practices grounded in the science of reading.

Read more

CRC Chattooga to Host Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner April 25

CRC Chattooga is inviting volunteers, donors, churches, and mission supporters to a special Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the North Summerville Gym, located behind the current CRC Food Pantry.

Read more

Busy Week Ahead for Chattooga High School Athletics and Events

Chattooga High School is gearing up for a busy week of athletic competition and school events as the countdown to graduation continues.

According to school officials, Track and Field athletes will compete in the Region meet on Monday at Gordon Central. The tennis team will be in action Tuesday through Friday in the State Playoffs, while the baseball team is also scheduled to compete in the State Playoffs from Wednesday through Saturday.

In addition to athletics, the school will host its Choral Spring Concert on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.

School leaders note that graduation is now just five weeks away, with several activities planned in the coming weeks as the school year winds down.

Officials also announced that an April fire drill is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.

 

Trion Boys and Girls Tennis Teams Capture Region Championships

Trion High School is celebrating a big accomplishment after both the Trion Boys Tennis Team and Trion Girls Tennis Team were crowned Region Champions.

Read more

Georgia Power Bills Strain Families as Summer Heat Approaches

As temperatures begin to climb across Northwest Georgia, many residents are bracing for another season of high Georgia Power bills — and for some families, the financial strain is already being felt.

Read more

Arrest Report – Sunday – April 19, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 19, 2026:

Read more

Cold Front Brings Light Rain, Elevated Fire Danger To Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia

A cold front moved into Northwest Georgia early Sunday, bringing only limited rainfall to Chattooga County and surrounding areas. While a few scattered showers passed through during the morning hours, most communities across the region are expected to receive very little rain, with many spots seeing less than a tenth of an inch. Even in the areas that pick up the most rainfall, totals are not expected to be enough to make a meaningful dent in the ongoing dry conditions.

Read more

Summerville Seeks Proposals for Wastewater Biosolids Hauling and Disposal

The City of Summerville is now accepting proposals from qualified contractors for the hauling and disposal of biosolids from its wastewater treatment facilities.

City officials say the request for proposals is aimed at securing a reliable partner to handle the routine removal, transportation, and proper disposal of biosolids, while ensuring full compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including standards set by the EPA and Georgia EPD.

The selected contractor will be responsible for managing biosolids generated at municipal facilities as part of the city’s ongoing environmental operations.

Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on April 19, 2026, at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue.

Officials say complete details, including technical specifications, insurance requirements, and bid forms, are available through the city.

Shoplifting Arrest Made Following Incident at Trion Walmart

A woman was arrested earlier this month following a shoplifting incident at the Walmart in Trion.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the store on April 10th after reports of a suspected shoplifter attempting to leave with unpaid merchandise.

Upon arrival, deputies identified the suspect as Alexis Louise Dollar, who had allegedly been seen on camera selecting items and attempting to leave the store without paying. Loss prevention personnel advised that Dollar had passed all points of sale with merchandise valued at more than $180.

Authorities later located the suspect’s vehicle traveling on Highway 27. After an investigation and review of surveillance footage, deputies obtained a warrant through Rome City Court.

Alexis Louise Dollar was later taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor shoplifting. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.