Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this story
A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution could eliminate sales taxes on timber, a move supporters say would help stabilize a forestry industry that has been hammered by mill closures and storm damage. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration of Mulberry is sponsoring House Resolution 1000, saying the bipartisan effort is meant to protect what he called a cornerstone of Georgia’s rural economy.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 29, 2026:
Once again, Georgia and much of the Deep South appear headed for a round of winter weather this weekend, but like last weekend, the best chance for frozen precipitation looks to stay mainly east of Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker Counties. The National Weather Service says confidence continues to increase for measurable snowfall across parts of northeast and east-central Georgia between Friday night and Saturday night, prompting a Winter Storm Watch for those areas.
A 49-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County following a reported family violence incident at an apartment on Back Penn Road. According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, William Neal Thurman was taken into custody on January 22 in connection with a misdemeanor family violence battery charge.
The report states deputies were dispatched to an apartment on Back Penn Road after an assault was reported. When they arrived, they found the victim outside with visible injuries, including a bloody nose and swelling to the head. The victim told investigators an argument escalated and she was struck multiple times, including blows to the head, and also reported being shoved and grabbed during the incident. The report indicates emergency medical personnel were called, and the victim was transported for further evaluation due to head pain and visible swelling.
Investigators later located Thurman during a traffic stop and he was arrested without incident before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Thurman was also charged with a parole violation.
The Summerville Main Street Spring Market is returning in 2026, offering a full day of shopping, food, and entertainment to welcome the spring season. The market will take place Saturday, April 18, from 10 AM until 3 PM at Dowdy Park.
Shoppers can browse a wide variety of vendors featuring arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, body and hair care products, wooden items, food, live plants, specialty pet items, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy special musical entertainment throughout the day.
Vendors interested in participating can request vendor information and registration details by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org. Organizers remind vendors that all payments are made only to the City of Summerville Main Street. Vendors will never be asked to pay anyone else, and payments through Venmo, Cash App, or other similar services are not accepted.
A 28-year-old Summerville man, Codie Mac Creekmore, is listed as the suspect in a reported attempted break-in and vandalism incident at United By Faith Baptist Church, located at 1794 Highway 114 in Summerville.
A Trion High School student is among nearly 100 student entrepreneurs from across Georgia who took part in the inaugural statewide Georgia FLEX field trip in Atlanta. Ryder Harris was able to attend because he participates in the FLEX Entrepreneurial Program through the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.
A 47-year-old Chickamauga man has been convicted in two separate cases involving violent incidents inside the Catoosa County Jail. On January 9, 2026, Jeffrey Wade Anthony was found guilty after a non-jury trial of committing Unlawful Acts of Violence in a Penal Institution, with the case heard in Catoosa County before Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Melissa Hise.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting the public to a “Moon Pie Hike” on Saturday, January 31 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. The event features an easy hike around the lower lake with Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise on the lower dam.
Participants are asked to bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on, and to wear comfortable shoes. Rangers will meet hikers outside the park office at 6:30 PM. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is also required, and those interested can call the park office at 706-857-0826 to register or ask questions.
If winter weather has you looking ahead to warmer days, now is a good time to lock in a camping spot at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville.
