Floyd County Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty

A Floyd County man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he seriously injured a dog with a machete at a Rome hotel.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 25-year-old Joseph Robert Bisher was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following an incident at a hotel on Martha Berry Boulevard.

Investigators allege Bisher struck a dog named “Oreo” with a machete, causing a deep laceration.

According to the arrest report, when questioned about the incident, Bisher allegedly told authorities he did not want to strike his girlfriend, so he struck the dog instead.

The case remains under investigation.

Walker County Deputies Assist In Chattooga County Shoplifting Arrest

A Chattooga County woman was arrested on a charge of theft by shoplifting after investigators say she was identified through store surveillance video and later located by Walker County deputies.

According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany responded on June 19 to a report of a shoplifting at a local business. Store employees told the deputy they observed 32-year-old Crissy Leigh Ingram on surveillance video remove a pair of purple aviator-style sunglasses from a display, conceal them in her pocketbook and leave the store without paying.

Store personnel provided investigators with surveillance footage and a vehicle tag number, which was relayed through Chattooga County 911 to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Walker County Sheriff’s deputies soon located a vehicle matching the description and detained a woman matching the suspect shown in the surveillance footage.

Deputy Garmany met Walker County deputies at the Walker County line near the Highway 27 and Highway 151 intersection, where custody of Ingram was transferred. She was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident on the shoplifting charge. The incident was recorded on the deputy’s body-worn camera.

Animal Advocates Remind Pet Owners To Prepare Ahead Of July Fourth Fireworks

With July Fourth fireworks just around the corner, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper identification before the holiday.

Each year, shelters and rescues see an increase in lost pets following fireworks displays, as loud noises can cause animals to panic, run away or escape from yards and homes.

Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their animals are microchipped and that all contact information is current. Collars and ID tags should also be secure, readable and up to date. For pets without an ID tag, advocates say even a simple collar with a phone number written on it can help reunite a lost pet with its owner.

Owners of pets that become especially anxious during fireworks should also consider talking with their veterinarian about calming options before the holiday arrives.

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County says the time to prepare is now, before fireworks begin, to help make sure pets stay safe and make it home.

Arrest Report – Thursday – June 25, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 25, 2026:

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City of Summerville Hiring Full-Time Firefighter

The City of Summerville is accepting applications for the position of full-time firefighter with the Summerville Fire Department.

The department is an ISO Class 3 rated combination fire department that provides fire prevention, emergency medical response, and public education services to the community.

City officials say they are looking for applicants who are ready to serve the public and help protect the Summerville community.

Applications may be completed online through the City of Summerville’s official job opportunities page. Paper applications are also available at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue.

For more information, contact Human Resources Director Kim Tucker at 706-859-0900 or visit City Hall Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Chattooga Amateur Radio Club Invites Public To 2026 Field Day Event

The Chattooga Amateur Radio Club is inviting the public to attend its annual Field Day event June 27-28 at the Senior Center in Summerville.

The event begins Saturday, June 27, at 2 p.m. and continues through Sunday, June 28, at 5 p.m. at the Senior Center, located at 184 Senior Drive in Summerville.

Field Day is a nationwide amateur radio exercise that showcases the capabilities of ham radio operators to establish communications during emergencies and other situations when traditional communication systems may be unavailable.

Organizers say the event is open to everyone, including those with no prior experience in amateur radio. Visitors will have an opportunity to get on the air, learn about obtaining a ham radio license, explore different types of radio equipment and antennas, and see emergency communication operations demonstrated in real time.

The club will also offer a “Get On The Air” station where newcomers can speak with licensed operators and experience amateur radio firsthand.

Field Day is sponsored annually by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and serves as both a public education event and an emergency preparedness exercise.

For more information, residents can join the club’s Facebook group, “CARC Ham Radio Club.”

Summerville Residents Reminded to Call 811 Before Digging

Summerville residents planning outdoor projects are being reminded to call 811 before beginning any digging or excavation work.

Whether installing a privacy fence, starting construction, or preparing for a pool project, homeowners and contractors are required by Georgia law to contact Georgia 811 at least three business days before digging begins.

Underground utility lines can include natural gas pipes, water mains, sewer lines, and electric cables. Striking one of those lines can cause service outages, costly repairs, injuries, or dangerous emergency situations.

The Georgia 811 service is free. After a request is submitted, utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Anyone digging near marked lines should use caution and hand tools when working within 24 inches of a marked utility.

Residents can contact Georgia 811 by dialing 811, calling 800-282-7411, or visiting Georgia811.com.

Summerville officials encourage everyone to help protect public safety and utility service by remembering one simple rule: call before you dig.

Woman Turns Over Stolen iPad Recovered By Summerville Police

A stolen Apple iPad reported missing in Tennessee was recovered by the Summerville Police Department after tracking information led officers to a residence on Scoggins Street.

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Chattooga County EMA Hosting Community Blood Drive July 13

Residents will have an opportunity to help save lives and support local patients during an upcoming blood drive hosted by the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency.

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Alabama Teen Charged In Highway 48 Drive-By Shooting Investigation

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A 17-year-old Alabama resident has been arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred earlier this month near the Georgia-Alabama state line on Highway 48.

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