Courthouse Reopens After Bomb Threat Investigation

The Chattooga County Courthouse reopened Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation and law enforcement search of the building.

According to Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen, the threat was reported to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning. Officials immediately evacuated and secured the courthouse while deputies conducted a thorough search of the facility.

Authorities later determined there was no active threat and gave the all-clear for employees and the public to return.

The courthouse resumed normal operations at 1 p.m.

Allen thanked the Sheriff’s Office, first responders, courthouse employees, and the public for their cooperation during the incident, saying the safety of the community remains the county’s highest priority.

No injuries were reported, and authorities have not released additional information about the source of the threat.

Mosteller Creek Bridge On Oak Hill Road To Close June 16

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly will close beginning June 16 following a state inspection that found structural concerns requiring immediate attention.

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Arrest Report – Wednesday – June 10, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 10, 2026:

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Afternoon Storms and Rising Heat Index Values Expected Through Saturday

A muggy and unsettled weather pattern will continue across the region through the end of the week, bringing daily chances for isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

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Rainwater Recognized for 50 Years of Service to Chattooga County

Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney and the staff of the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office are recognizing Senior Deputy Coroner William Earle Rainwater for 50 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Chattooga County.

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Coming Up This Saturday: Sensory-Friendly Touch A Truck Event in Summerville

The City of Summerville will host a sensory-friendly “Touch A Truck” event this Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. until noon on East Washington Street.

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Summerville Student Represents GNTC at National SkillsUSA Competition

A Summerville student was among six Georgia Northwestern Technical College students who represented the college at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference held June 1-5 in Atlanta.

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Two Guided Hikes Planned Saturday at Sloppy Floyd State Park

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host two guided hikes on Saturday, June 13, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park by day and night.

The first event will be a Guided Marble Mine Hike at 2 p.m. Park rangers will lead participants on a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the Marble Mine, where hikers can learn about the park’s nature and history while exploring the Marble Mine Trail. Participants should meet at the park office, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes.

Later that evening, the park will host a Firefly Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will meet at the park office at 8:30 p.m., with the hike beginning at 9 p.m. The event will give visitors a chance to see the glow of fireflies and learn how they can help protect them.

Each hike is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is required for both events.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors as Summer Begins

The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule blood donation appointments as an alarming decline in donations threatens to impact the nation’s blood supply heading into the busy summer months.

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Northwest Georgia Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison

U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District Of Georgia Collects Over $108 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2016

A Northwest Georgia man with a lengthy criminal history has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl while armed with a firearm.

Sincere M. Billingslea, a three-time convicted felon, received the sentence after being convicted on federal drug and firearm charges stemming from fentanyl distribution activities in northwest Georgia.

According to federal prosecutors, Billingslea sold fentanyl while in possession of a firearm despite being legally prohibited from possessing weapons because of his prior felony convictions. Authorities say the case highlights the ongoing threat posed by fentanyl trafficking, which continues to contribute to overdose deaths and public safety concerns across Georgia and the nation.

Federal officials emphasized that fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, with even small amounts capable of causing fatal overdoses.

Following his prison sentence, Billingslea will also be subject to a period of supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Federal authorities said the sentence reflects their continued commitment to targeting armed drug traffickers and removing dangerous narcotics from communities throughout northwest Georgia.