Summerville Resident Reports Vehicle Keyed While Away From Home

A Summerville man reported that his vehicle was intentionally damaged while it was parked outside his apartment, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.

Police responded to 50 Saratoga Way, Apartment A20, at approximately 8:19 p.m. on June 29 after Garry Lovingood, 63, requested to file a report about his vehicle being keyed.

According to the incident report, Lovingood told Officer J. Pledger he discovered the damage after returning from out of town and believes it occurred while his 2011 white Nissan Murano was parked in the apartment complex parking lot. He said he did not know who may have been responsible and declined to identify any possible suspects because he was uncertain.

Officer Pledger documented the damage, photographed the vehicle, and noted in the report that the scratch appeared to be fresh. Police also advised Lovingood that officers would conduct extra patrols in the area.

The incident was documented as non-criminal damage to a vehicle, and no suspects have been identified.

Chattooga County Historical Society to Feature Local Veteran Who Took Part in Historic World Events

The Chattooga County Historical Society invites everyone to its Summer Meeting on Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. at the historic Summerville Depot for a fascinating program featuring one of Chattooga County’s own whose life placed him at the center of several significant moments in American history.

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Georgia Health Officials Urge Precautions Against Cyclosporiasis

The Georgia Department of Public Health is urging residents to take extra precautions when purchasing, preparing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.

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Allen Considering Moratorium on Tiny Home and Container Home Developments in Chattooga County

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says he is considering a temporary moratorium on certain tiny home, container home and other non-traditional development projects while the county reviews how those projects should be regulated in the future.

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LaFayette to Build New Wrestling Facility as Recreation Program Continues Rapid Growth

The City of LaFayette is investing in the future of its youth wrestling program with the construction of a new dedicated facility, providing a permanent home for a program that has grown significantly over the past decade.

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Chattooga County Partners with UGA to Strengthen Cybersecurity

Chattooga County is partnering with the University of Georgia to strengthen its cybersecurity through the UGA CyberArch Program, a statewide initiative that helps local governments identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and improve their digital defenses.

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Arrest Report – Monday – July 13, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 13, 2026:

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Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Through Tuesday Before Typical Summer Pattern Returns

Residents across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet start to the week as a slow-moving weather system brings numerous showers and thunderstorms through Tuesday before conditions gradually return to a more typical summertime pattern later in the week.

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Chattooga County Coroner Warns Families About Funeral Home Impersonation Scam

The Chattooga County Coroner’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families following the death of a loved one.

In a public alert, Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney said scammers are posing as funeral home employees after monitoring online obituaries. The scammers then contact family members and demand immediate payment, falsely claiming to represent the funeral home handling funeral arrangements.

McElhaney urged anyone receiving such a call not to provide any personal or financial information. Instead, he advises families to hang up and contact their funeral home directly using a trusted phone number to verify whether the call is legitimate.

“I personally know the owner/operators of all three Chattooga County funeral homes and can assure you that is not the way they conduct business,” McElhaney said.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning to help prevent others from becoming victims of the scam.

Summerville Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charge Following Police Investigation

A Summerville man is expected to face an animal cruelty charge following an investigation into reports that a dog was being kept without adequate food, water or shelter during hot weather, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police were dispatched at approximately 7:54 p.m. on July 1 after receiving a complaint about a dog allegedly being neglected. According to the incident report, the complainant identified the dog’s owner as Dakota Marks and reported seeing the dog tied to a tree with a ratchet strap.

When officers arrived, they found a large dog secured by a ratchet strap with one end attached to the animal and the other fastened to a tree. The report states the immediate area contained no shelter from the heat, no accessible food, and the only water container had a crack in the bottom, preventing it from serving as a reliable water source. Officers also noted the area was heavily littered with trash and that the restraint was not long enough for the dog to reach a nearby camper.

The responding officer photographed the scene and requested assistance from Animal Control. Attempts to locate Marks at the location were unsuccessful.

According to the report, a warrant was issued for Dakota Marks on a charge of Cruelty to Animals.