Summerville Man Arrested On DUI Charge In Rome

A Summerville man was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol over the weekend on a charge of driving under the influence.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 34-year-old Kevante Lamar Baldwin of Turner Street in Summerville was taken into custody Saturday following a traffic stop in the area of North Second Avenue and West Third Street in Rome.

Arrest reports indicate Baldwin was charged with DUI after authorities determined he was over the legal limit for alcohol.

Baldwin was later released from custody after posting bond.

Arrest Report – Sunday – March 24, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 24, 2026:

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Unsettled Weather Pattern To Bring Heavy Rain, Storms

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for several days of unsettled weather as a persistent summer-like pattern brings widespread showers and thunderstorms through much of the upcoming week.

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Chattooga County Expands Redevelopment Area Boundaries

Chattooga County has expanded the boundaries of its Urban Redevelopment Area, adding new parcels of land to the county’s long-running revitalization initiative.

According to county records, the update was approved through a formal resolution signed by the county commissioner. The amendment adds additional parcels in the northern section of the existing redevelopment zone and updates the county’s official redevelopment map.

County officials say the move is intended to support economic development, encourage housing opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Leaders also say the expansion creates a more cohesive redevelopment footprint and provides greater flexibility for future planning and investment efforts.

While no specific projects tied to the newly added parcels have been announced, officials say the changes are designed to help position the county for long-term growth and future redevelopment opportunities.

The amendment reportedly took effect immediately upon adoption and is now part of the county’s official redevelopment framework.

Bethlehem, Georgia Man Arrested In Rome On Obscene Internet Contact Charges

A 54-year-old Bethlehem, Georgia man was arrested in Rome after investigators say he sent obscene photos and messages to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old female.

According to reports, Kenneth Stephens Ray allegedly communicated with the undercover officer by text message on April 28 and April 29, 2026, believing he was speaking with a minor. Authorities say the messages included obscene images and sexually explicit comments.

Ray is charged with two counts of furnishing obscene materials to a minor and one count of obscene internet contact with a minor.

Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: Knowing The Difference

As Memorial Day approaches, many Americans pause to honor the nation’s military heroes — but it’s important to understand the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Memorial Day, observed each May, is dedicated to remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

Veterans Day, observed each November, honors all military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces, whether during wartime or peacetime.

Veterans organizations often remind the public that while veterans appreciate support and gratitude, Memorial Day is specifically meant to honor fallen service members and reflect on their sacrifice.

GNTC Welding Program Sees Strong Job Placement And High Starting Salaries

Georgia Northwestern Technical College says its Welding and Joining Technology program continues to be one of the school’s most in-demand programs, with graduates seeing strong job placement rates and high starting wages.

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NWGA Rising Stars Elite Bringing Summer Adult Basketball Tournament To Summerville

Northwest Georgia Rising Stars Elite is set to host its biggest adult basketball tournament this summer at the Summerville Recreation Center.

The tournament, organized by Jay Shropshire, will take place on four Saturdays — July 11, July 18, July 25, and August 1. Teams will compete in a double-elimination format.

Entry fees are set at $500 per team, with games featuring two 18-minute halves and a running clock except during the final two minutes. The tournament is open to players age 18 and older.

Organizers say all participants must sign a waiver, and a $3,000 prize will be awarded to the winning team. Admission for spectators will be $5 for adults and $2 for children, with concessions available onsite.

Teams interested in participating must submit entry fees by June 30 to secure a spot, as only 10 teams will be accepted.

For additional information or registration details, organizers say interested teams can contact Jay Shropshire directly.

Summerville Joins Statewide Effort Supporting Sovereign Immunity Protections

The Summerville City Council has approved joining other Georgia municipalities in supporting legal efforts aimed at protecting sovereign immunity protections for cities across the state.

During a recent meeting, council members authorized Mayor Ricky Hughes to sign a resolution allowing Summerville to participate in an amicus court brief in the case of Georgia Municipal Association vs. Olivia Adams. The case continues through the Georgia court system and could have major implications for municipalities statewide.

According to discussion presented to the council, the case involves a motor vehicle collision in Milton, Georgia. Court proceedings have centered on whether sovereign immunity protections apply in certain personal injury claims involving municipal employees.

Supporters of the effort argue that weakening sovereign immunity protections could expose cities to increased lawsuits and financial liability. City officials said the issue carries statewide importance and could affect how local governments operate in the future.

Summerville joins a growing number of Georgia cities participating in the legal challenge.

Trion Town Council Meeting Set For Thursday

The Town of Trion will hold a regular workshop and council meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the Town Hall Conference Room.

The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m., with the regular council meeting to follow shortly afterward.

Mayor Mickey D. McGraw said anyone with questions or comments may contact him or the Town Hall Office for more information.