A murder trial is taking place this week in Chattooga County Superior Court involving the June 2025 shooting death of 27-year-old Christopher “DJ” Chapman.
A Summerville woman contacted police after she said a motorcycle she allowed another person to use was not returned.
According to a Summerville Police Department report, 36-year-old Brittany Money of Kelly Street reported the incident to police. The case was documented as a miscellaneous, non-criminal report.
Money told police she had allowed another individual to use the motorcycle, but it had not been returned as expected. According to the narrative on page two of the police report, when contact was made concerning the motorcycle, the person reportedly refused to return it and said the situation would be a “police matter.”
The report states that the motorcycle was last known to be at Kawasaki of Rome.
At the time the report was filed, Summerville Police classified the matter as a miscellaneous report rather than a criminal offense. The report does not indicate that an arrest had been made or that criminal charges had been filed.
Local bakers who believe they make the best apple pie around will have a chance to prove it during the upcoming Old-Fashioned Apple Festival in Summerville.
Summerville Main Street is putting out the call for competitors for both the Standard Apple Pie Contest and Fried Apple Pie Contest during this year’s festival.
There is no registration fee to enter, and organizers say the contests offer local bakers an opportunity to showcase their favorite recipes while competing for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights.
Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded in each division. First place will receive $100, second place $75 and third place $50.
The Old-Fashioned Apple Festival is set for Saturday, September 5, from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Depot. Along with the apple pie competitions, the festival will feature apple-themed products, craft and food vendors, live demonstrations, children’s activities and live music throughout the day.
Those interested in entering either apple pie competition can contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900, extension 1337, or email slocklear@summervillega.org for contest rules and registration information.
Northwest Georgia will enjoy a mostly sunny and seasonable Wednesday before rain and thunderstorm chances increase heading into Thursday.
A Summerville man has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident in which he admitted striking a Summerville Police officer in the face.
According to Chattooga County Superior Court records, John Howard Trammel, of 19 Church Street in Summerville, pleaded guilty to obstruction of an officer and simple assault.
Trammel was indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on August 11 and entered his guilty plea just two days later, on August 13, before Superior Court Judge Melissa Hise.
Judge Hise sentenced Trammel to three years of probation and ordered him to pay a $1,716 fine. He was also ordered to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, submit to random drug testing and treatment, and complete 40 hours of community service.
Court records state that Trammel admitted to striking Summerville Police Officer Joshua Mitchell in the face during a call on May 8.
Records also state that Trammel damaged property belonging to Kaileigh Painter during the same incident, including breaking an air conditioner and a window.
The guilty plea resolved the charges against Trammel in Chattooga County Superior Court.
Chattooga County is moving forward with plans for the renovation of the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville, with the county now advertising for bids for the first phase of the project.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens Thursday, and while the rides, music, food and entertainment are popular attractions, agriculture has always been at the heart of the fair.
The latest indictments from the Chattooga County Grand Jury include charges ranging from burglary and criminal damage to property to aggravated stalking, fleeing and terroristic threats.
CRC Chattooga is asking the community to help restock its Clothes Closet, with a special need right now for men’s clothing and shoes.
The organization recently shared the story of a guest who came in hoping to find something many people may take for granted — a pair of shoes that actually fit. After finding a pair in the Clothes Closet, she was so excited that she told volunteers she did not want to take them off, even to sleep. CRC officials said the moment was a reminder of how much a simple donation can mean to someone in need.
CRC Chattooga’s Clothes Closet operates much like a free thrift store for the families the organization serves. Clothing, shoes, household goods, personal care products and other donated non-food necessities are available through a point system, but there is no charge to the families receiving the items.
Right now, the organization is especially looking for gently used men’s shirts, jeans, pants, jackets, shoes and other clothing.
CRC Chattooga is encouraging local residents to take a look through their closets and consider donating items they no longer wear. An unused shirt or pair of shoes could make an important difference for a neighbor who needs it.
Donations may be taken to CRC Chattooga at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville.
A very deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible over Georgia on the night of Thursday, August 27, into early Friday, August 28, 2026.
This is an unusually impressive partial eclipse. At maximum, about 96% of the Moon’s disk will be inside Earth’s dark central shadow, known as the umbra. It won’t technically be a total lunar eclipse, but visually it may come close to resembling one, with much of the Moon potentially taking on a coppery-red or reddish-orange color.
All of Georgia will be in an excellent position to see the eclipse, weather permitting. Unlike some eclipses that occur near moonrise or moonset, the Moon will be well up in the sky during the best part of this event.
Around maximum at 12:12 a.m. Eastern Time Friday, the Moon will be roughly 40 to 42 degrees above the southern horizon across much of Georgia, including areas such as Atlanta, Rome and Athens. That means you won’t need a perfectly unobstructed horizon — just a reasonably open view of the sky.
If you don’t want to stay up for the entire event, the key viewing window will be from about 11:15 p.m. Thursday until 12:45 a.m. Friday. The most dramatic appearance should occur around the maximum at 12:12 a.m.
And the good news: no special glasses are needed for a lunar eclipse. It is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. Binoculars or a telescope can make the changing colors and the edge of Earth’s shadow even more impressive.