Summerville Resident Reports Vehicle Keyed While Away From Home

A Summerville man reported that his vehicle was intentionally damaged while it was parked outside his apartment, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.

Police responded to 50 Saratoga Way, Apartment A20, at approximately 8:19 p.m. on June 29 after Garry Lovingood, 63, requested to file a report about his vehicle being keyed.

According to the incident report, Lovingood told Officer J. Pledger he discovered the damage after returning from out of town and believes it occurred while his 2011 white Nissan Murano was parked in the apartment complex parking lot. He said he did not know who may have been responsible and declined to identify any possible suspects because he was uncertain.

Officer Pledger documented the damage, photographed the vehicle, and noted in the report that the scratch appeared to be fresh. Police also advised Lovingood that officers would conduct extra patrols in the area.

The incident was documented as non-criminal damage to a vehicle, and no suspects have been identified.

LaFayette to Build New Wrestling Facility as Recreation Program Continues Rapid Growth

The City of LaFayette is investing in the future of its youth wrestling program with the construction of a new dedicated facility, providing a permanent home for a program that has grown significantly over the past decade.

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Arrest Report – Monday – July 13, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 13, 2026:

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Summerville Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charge Following Police Investigation

A Summerville man is expected to face an animal cruelty charge following an investigation into reports that a dog was being kept without adequate food, water or shelter during hot weather, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police were dispatched at approximately 7:54 p.m. on July 1 after receiving a complaint about a dog allegedly being neglected. According to the incident report, the complainant identified the dog’s owner as Dakota Marks and reported seeing the dog tied to a tree with a ratchet strap.

When officers arrived, they found a large dog secured by a ratchet strap with one end attached to the animal and the other fastened to a tree. The report states the immediate area contained no shelter from the heat, no accessible food, and the only water container had a crack in the bottom, preventing it from serving as a reliable water source. Officers also noted the area was heavily littered with trash and that the restraint was not long enough for the dog to reach a nearby camper.

The responding officer photographed the scene and requested assistance from Animal Control. Attempts to locate Marks at the location were unsuccessful.

According to the report, a warrant was issued for Dakota Marks on a charge of Cruelty to Animals.

Summerville Resident Reports Handgun Missing After Parking Vehicle

A Summerville man has reported a handgun missing after discovering it was no longer inside his vehicle, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say James Parker contacted dispatch on June 28, 2026, to report that his Taurus G3 9mm handgun was missing. Parker told officers he believes someone stole the firearm while his vehicle was parked on Hawkins Drive.

According to the incident report, Parker last saw the handgun at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 27 and discovered it missing around 1:30 a.m. on June 28. The firearm was identified by its serial number in the report.

The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department, and no suspects have been identified.

City of Summerville Announces Memorial Day Closings

The City of Summerville has announced that all non-emergency city offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

City officials say the closure is part of the annual observance honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

While administrative offices will be closed for the holiday, emergency services including the Summerville Police Department and Summerville Fire Department will continue operating as normal throughout the weekend and holiday.

Regular business hours for city offices will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

City leaders are encouraging residents to have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend while taking time to remember and honor America’s fallen heroes.

Walker County Animal Shelter Temporarily Closes After Canine Distemper Case

The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.

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Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia Seeking Board of Directors Members

The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia is currently seeking compassionate and community-minded individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors.

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Summer Heat and Daily Storm Chances Return to Chattooga County for Memorial Day Weekend

Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are heading into a hot, humid, and stormy stretch of weather that will continue through Memorial Day weekend and into early next week.

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Summerville City Council Called Meeting Monday

The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, May 18 at 5:30 PM at Summerville City Hall to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.

According to the meeting agenda, city officials and department heads will present budget discussions for multiple city departments and operations, including police, fire, recreation, streets, water and sewer services, gas operations and municipal court.

City Manager Jason Winters is scheduled to present information related to revenues, building inspection, water administration and gas administration. Other presentations will come from department leaders overseeing information technology, wastewater treatment, the water treatment plant and Main Street operations.

The meeting agenda also includes mayor’s comments, announcements, introduction of guests and a public comments portion before adjournment.