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.
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.
A Chattooga County Grand Jury has indicted a Summerville man accused of vandalizing a local church earlier this year.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 8, 2026:
Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about an invasive lizard species that is spreading across parts of the state and threatening native wildlife.
Federal authorities are continuing their search for a Georgia inmate accused of orchestrating an $11 million fraud scheme from behind bars after he escaped from a federal prison camp in south Georgia.
Walker County pet owners are now required to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered under a newly approved county ordinance.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 5, 2026:
A Summerville man faces multiple charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Summerville Police Department.
According to citations provided to WZQZ, Antonio Francisco Tomas, 37, of Summerville, was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Failure to Maintain Lane.
The citations indicate the incident occurred on Sixth Avenue within the city limits of Summerville. The reporting officer noted that Tomas was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was considered less safe to drive. The citation states that a breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
A separate citation alleges that Tomas failed to maintain a single lane of travel and was involved in a vehicle accident while impaired.
The case is scheduled to be heard in Summerville Municipal Court at a later date.
A Summerville woman was charged with disorderly conduct following a domestic disturbance investigation on Fourth Street, according to the Summerville Police Department.