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July 4, 2026

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Driving Into Yard, Biting Homeowner During Domestic Disturbance

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A 20-year-old Silver Creek woman was arrested after Summerville Police say she drove into a yard, became involved in an altercation with a homeowner, and bit the victim during a domestic disturbance early Saturday morning.

According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Highland Avenue at approximately 1:40 a.m. on June 28 in reference to a domestic disturbance.

When Officer Brandon Lindsey and Officer Pledger arrived, they found 53-year-old Tara Williams standing near the roadway. Williams told officers that Lashauna Lynn Whatley, 20, of Silver Creek, had driven into a ditch in her yard, jumped from the vehicle, and attacked her. Williams alleged that Whatley bit her hand during the altercation before leaving the area.

As officers searched for the suspect, bystanders alerted them to another disturbance taking place around the corner. Police located Whatley and identified her based on a description provided by Williams. While officers were attempting to take Whatley into custody, police say she spat on Officer Adam Dawson. She was then arrested.

Williams later confirmed to officers that Whatley was the person who had driven into the ditch and bitten her hand.

Whatley was charged with simple battery, battery, and reckless driving. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

July 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CDC Investigating Multi-State Parasite Outbreak Linked to Severe Diarrhea

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Health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of a foodborne parasite that has sickened at least 145 people across the United States, including cases in Georgia.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Friday – July 3, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 3, 2026:

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Installs Prescription Drug Drop Box

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Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Explains New Spay And Neuter Law And Exemptions

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Walker County officials are clarifying the county’s new spay and neuter ordinance and explaining which pet owners may qualify for exemptions.

The ordinance requires most dogs and cats six months of age or older to be spayed or neutered unless the animal qualifies for an exemption or the owner purchases an annual unaltered animal license. County leaders say the goal is to reduce pet overpopulation and ease pressure on the Walker County Animal Shelter.

Exemptions include animals owned by licensed commercial breeders or pet dealers, animals with a veterinarian-certified medical exemption, and working animals used for farming, herding, hunting, service work, law enforcement, or show purposes. Owners must have proper documentation.

Pet owners who do not qualify for an exemption may purchase an annual license through the Walker County Animal Shelter. The fee is $100 per year for dogs and $50 per year for cats, with proceeds going toward the county’s spay and neuter voucher program.

County officials say the ordinance will be reviewed later this year to evaluate how well it is working.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia State Patrol Seeks Public Votes in National ‘Best Looking Patrol Car’ Contest

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The Georgia Department of Public Safety is asking Georgians to help the Georgia State Patrol bring home a national title by voting in the 2026 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Best Looking Patrol Car Contest.

Voting is now underway, and the annual contest features patrol vehicles from state law enforcement agencies across the country. Supporters can cast one vote for Georgia’s entry through July 10.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is also encouraging residents to like and share the contest announcement on social media and invite friends and family to participate. Officials say every vote helps showcase the pride, professionalism, and tradition of the Georgia State Patrol on a national stage.

To vote, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026bestlookingcruiser

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Woman Charged With DUI Following Early Morning Traffic Stop in Summerville

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A 23-year-old woman was arrested on DUI charges after a Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy observed her vehicle repeatedly cross traffic lines during an early morning traffic stop in Summerville.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA Urges Fireworks Safety And Insurance Check Ahead Of Independence Day

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As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.

AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Homes, Container Homes and Other Non-Traditional Developments

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to gather comments and discuss a proposed temporary moratorium on certain non-traditional development projects within the county.

According to a public notice released by the Commissioner’s Office, the proposed moratorium would apply to projects including cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, and other similar non-traditional residential or mixed-use developments that may be identified during the county’s review process.

County officials say the purpose of the proposed moratorium is to provide time to review existing land use regulations, evaluate the potential impacts of these types of developments, and determine whether changes to county ordinances are needed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of the community.

The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. Residents, property owners, developers, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide input before any action is taken on the proposed moratorium.

The Commissioner said the meeting is intended to ensure the public has an opportunity to be informed and participate in the discussion before any decision is made regarding the proposal.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds

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Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.