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July 14, 2026

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

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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.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Partners with UGA to Strengthen Cybersecurity

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Chattooga County is partnering with the University of Georgia to strengthen its cybersecurity through the UGA CyberArch Program, a statewide initiative that helps local governments identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and improve their digital defenses.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Monday – July 13, 2026

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

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Through Tuesday Before Typical Summer Pattern Returns

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Residents across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet start to the week as a slow-moving weather system brings numerous showers and thunderstorms through Tuesday before conditions gradually return to a more typical summertime pattern later in the week.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Coroner Warns Families About Funeral Home Impersonation Scam

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The Chattooga County Coroner’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families following the death of a loved one.

In a public alert, Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney said scammers are posing as funeral home employees after monitoring online obituaries. The scammers then contact family members and demand immediate payment, falsely claiming to represent the funeral home handling funeral arrangements.

McElhaney urged anyone receiving such a call not to provide any personal or financial information. Instead, he advises families to hang up and contact their funeral home directly using a trusted phone number to verify whether the call is legitimate.

“I personally know the owner/operators of all three Chattooga County funeral homes and can assure you that is not the way they conduct business,” McElhaney said.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning to help prevent others from becoming victims of the scam.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charge Following Police Investigation

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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.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Magician Arthur Atsma Bringing Interactive Show to Chattooga County Library Tuesday

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Families looking for free summertime entertainment are invited to the Chattooga County Library on Tuesday afternoon for an interactive magic show featuring nationally recognized entertainer Arthur Atsma.

The performance begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville. The event is presented by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and is free and open to the public.

Atsma is known for combining comedy, audience participation and fast-paced illusions into a family-friendly performance designed to entertain children and adults alike. Organizers say the show features a variety of performance arts woven into an engaging magical adventure that has delighted audiences around the world.

The program is part of the library’s summer activities and provides local families with another opportunity to enjoy free educational and recreational programming during the school break.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Resident Reports Handgun Missing After Parking Vehicle

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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.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia State Election Board Approves New Rules Aimed at Increasing Election Transparency

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The Georgia State Election Board has approved two new election rules supporters say are designed to increase transparency and public confidence in the state’s voting process ahead of the 2026 elections. The rules were adopted during the board’s July meeting following public comment and debate.

One of the new rules requires that vote tabulation and consolidation be conducted in public, allowing election observers to watch the process as precinct-level results are combined into countywide totals. State law already allows authorized poll watchers to observe many aspects of the election process, and supporters say the rule further reinforces public access.

The board also approved a rule giving State Election Board members access to the Secretary of State’s election operations center, often referred to as the “election night bunker,” during elections. Supporters say the change provides additional oversight, while critics have questioned whether the board has the legal authority to require such access.

The rule changes come as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle and continue an ongoing discussion over election administration and transparency in the state.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council to Meet This Evening; Fair Donation, Building Regulations Among Agenda Items

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The Summerville City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting this evening (Monday) at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall. The meeting agenda includes recognition of a retiring firefighter, infrastructure-related contract changes, building regulations, and a proposed contribution to the Chattooga County Fair.