Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, March 11, 2026:
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen said Tuesday that a barn on his farm was destroyed after being struck by lightning during storms overnight.
Allen and his wife, Whitney, said the lightning strike hit a fence charger, which sparked the fire that resulted in the barn being a total loss.
In a statement, the Allens thanked the Gore Fire Department and Hays State Prison firefighters for their quick response.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank Gore Fire Department and Hays Prison on their quick response and professionalism that they showed early this morning,” the statement said. “During the storms last night lightning hit our fence charger which sparked a fire and our barn was a total loss.”
The Allens said firefighters worked quickly to ensure the fire was fully contained and did not spread to their nearby horse barn.
“We appreciate their efforts and kindness,” the statement concluded.
Another week is bringing another jump at the pump for Georgia drivers, with gas prices continuing to trend higher across the state.
The Summerville City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting this evening at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, with a full agenda that includes budget matters, equipment purchases, appointments, and several community-related requests. (See complete agenda below).
Local high school student Grace Winder has been awarded a community service grant through the Bullard Community Champions program, a youth leadership initiative connected to the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. The grant helped support Winder’s project to assemble “Confidence Kits” for students across Chattooga County.
Each kit includes basic toiletries meant to help students with personal hygiene while also promoting dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. Every school in Chattooga County received 30 kits total — 15 for boys and 15 for girls — helping make sure students in need have access to everyday essentials.
The grant program is part of Youth LEAD Georgia, which helps high school students build leadership skills and take on service projects that make a difference in their local communities. Through the Bullard Community Champions program, students are given support to turn ideas into action and address real needs close to home.
Grace’s project is a meaningful example of student leadership in action, and school leaders expressed appreciation for her hard work and compassion in helping fellow students throughout Chattooga County.
Trion High School senior Jana Price has been awarded the Helping Hands Scholarship, recognizing her dedication to community service and volunteer work through the Helping Hands program at Trion City Schools.
Price earned the scholarship after completing more than 500 hours of community service, reflecting years of commitment to helping others through the program. She is the daughter of Kyle and Kelly Price of Summerville.
The Helping Hands program is part of the Helping Hands Ending Hunger initiative, which began in the Trion community and focuses on helping students and families facing food insecurity. Student volunteers collect unopened food from school cafeterias and help organize food bags that are distributed to students and families in need, helping ensure they have food for nights and weekends.
The scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to the program while making a meaningful impact in their school and community.
School officials praised Price for her hard work and compassion, thanking her for the many hours she has invested in helping others through the Helping Hands program.
The Summerville Recreation Center gym will be closed for the next couple of weeks beginning today, Monday, March 9 as work continues to complete the HVAC installation in the gym.
Officials say the temporary closure is necessary to finish the project and apologized for any inconvenience to the public. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly while the work is underway.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 8, 2026:
A Summerville man was arrested Thursday at North Elm Street and Laurel Avenue in Floyd County and charged with aggravated assault after allegedly pointing a firearm at a woman during an argument.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 51-year-old Phillip Cornell Williams is accused of pointing the gun at the woman during the dispute at a location on Shorter Avenue.
Williams is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Summerville City Council will meet Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. with several action items on the agenda, including the mid-year budget ordinance, a bid award for a Caterpillar backhoe, and approval of five part-time summer internship positions.
Council members will also consider appointing Maisha Ludy to fill an unexpired term on the Sara Hightower Regional Library board, along with requests involving a mobile home at 92 Hill Avenue, sign permits, and a proposal for BRAG riders to camp at the Summerville Recreation Center and serve alcohol on May 31.
Another discussion item will focus on whether city customers should be allowed to opt out of garbage service.
The meeting will be held in the council room at Summerville City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.