Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 27, 2026:
A Lyerly woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges related to child sexual abuse material and bestiality following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 26, 2026:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 25, 2026:
A strong thunderstorm Friday afternoon caused flooding in downtown Summerville and damaged Chattooga County’s emergency communications system after lightning struck the county’s communications tower on Taylor’s Ridge.
Summerville City Manager Jason Winters told WZQZ News that the primary flooding occurred along Commerce Street in front of Bryant and Sons Lumber Company. Winters said the flooding was likely caused by a drainage tile beneath the state-owned railroad tracks becoming clogged with debris. He said the city has contacted the state and will work to have the tile cleared.
Meanwhile, Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen told WZQZ News that a lightning strike shortly after 5 p.m. caused major damage to the communications tower used by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, county fire departments and EMS. Allen said service was partially restored by 6 p.m. and was expected to be fully restored before nightfall. He said permanent repairs to the tower are expected to be costly but should be covered by the county’s insurance.
Press Release:
From Chattooga County Government, EMA/E-911
A lightning strike associated with a severe storm this (Friday) afternoon impacted the Chattooga County Public Safety Communications Building, affecting portions of the county’s communications infrastructure.
Emergency communications remain operational, and dispatch services continue to support public safety agencies throughout the county. Personnel are actively working to restore all systems to full functionality.
Currently, there are no unmet public safety needs, and emergency services continue to respond to calls for service.
The public is encouraged to use 911 for emergencies as normal. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews work to complete repairs.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 24, 2026:
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is correcting what he says is an inaccurate headline published in this week’s edition of The Summerville News regarding the recent indictment of a woman accused of inappropriate contact with an inmate.
A Menlo woman was arrested earlier this month after allegedly returning to a business from which she had previously been banned.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the Handi Mart in Menlo at approximately 6:10 a.m. on July 16 in reference to a trespassing complaint.
The store manager told deputies that Kimberly Joy Basham, 55, of Menlo, had been issued a criminal trespass warning and was not allowed on the property. Chattooga County E-911 also advised the responding deputy that Basham had been trespassed from the business and had previously been arrested for violating the warning.
After speaking with the manager, the deputy located Basham in the store parking lot and took her into custody. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
Basham was charged with Criminal Trespass.
A man faces multiple charges following a domestic violence investigation in Chattooga County.
A traffic stop in Lyerly earlier this month resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old woman on multiple drug charges after Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly discovered more than 100 suspected oxycodone tablets during a vehicle search.