Arrest Report - Friday - May 15, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 15, 2026
Warm and Dry Weekend Ahead for Northwest Georgia
Dry weather is expected to continue across northwest Georgia through Friday as high pressure remains in control of the region.
Forecasters say humidity levels will drop near critical fire weather thresholds Friday afternoon, with relative humidity expected to fall to around 25 percent. Afternoon temperatures will reach the upper 70s to lower 80s, while overnight lows Friday night are expected to dip into the mid-50s.
A warming trend will begin over the weekend as winds shift from the south, bringing warmer temperatures and increasing moisture from the Gulf.
High temperatures Saturday are expected to climb into the mid-80s with increasing cloud cover during the afternoon. Despite the added moisture, rain chances are expected to remain low through Saturday.
By Sunday, temperatures could reach the upper 80s to lower 90s across parts of the area. Forecasters say a few isolated afternoon showers may develop, although high pressure is expected to limit widespread rainfall.
Rain chances may increase by the middle of next week as a frontal system approaches the Southeast.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Competing For State Soccer Championship Today
The Trion Lady Bulldogs take the field today with a chance to bring home a Georgia High School Association Class A Division II State Soccer Championship as they face Irwin County in the title match.
Trion earned its spot in the championship game following a dominant postseason run that included a 3-0 semifinal victory over Portal. The Lady Bulldogs also defeated Claxton and Georgia Military College during the state playoffs to advance to the finals.
The Lady Bulldogs have been especially impressive defensively during the postseason, holding opponents scoreless in both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds while continuing to generate balanced offensive production.
Excitement surrounding the championship appearance has spread throughout Chattooga County, with students, faculty, parents, alumni, and community members rallying behind the team ahead of today’s match. Support for the Lady Bulldogs has filled social media throughout the week as Trion looks to cap off one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Today’s championship appearance represents a major accomplishment for the Trion soccer program and gives the Lady Bulldogs an opportunity to bring a state title back to Northwest Georgia.
First Annual Coosa Valley Spring Fair Coming To Rome May 22-31
A brand-new spring fair is coming to Rome later this month as the inaugural Coosa Valley Spring Fair prepares to open at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds beginning May 22.
Organizers say the event will feature more than 30 amusement rides, live family entertainment, carnival games, food vendors, and attractions for all ages during the multi-day event. The fair will run through May 31 at the fairgrounds on Church Street in Rome.
Among the featured attractions are the Banana Derby featuring monkeys riding dogs, the Goat Island Petting Zoo, a Bubble Foam Show, and the Super Cyclone Roller Coaster. Organizers say all live entertainment will be included with admission.
Advance ticket sales are already underway online, with discounted ride wristbands and admission packages available before opening day. Officials say weekday and weekend unlimited ride wristbands will be offered, along with several special discount days throughout the fair’s run.
Special promotions announced for the event include:
- Opening Night specials on May 22
- Free admission until 3 p.m. on select weekend days
- Discounted food and rides during “Thrifty, Thirsty, Tasty Tuesday”
- Family package specials later in the week
The fair is expected to operate weekdays from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day from noon until 11 p.m.
Organizers say the new spring fair is designed to bring an additional family entertainment event to Northwest Georgia ahead of the traditional Coosa Valley Fair held each fall.
Additional information and tickets are available through the fair’s official website.
Additional Charges Filed Against Teen Accused Of Discharging Gun On Armuchee High School Grounds
A Silver Creek teenager arrested earlier this week after allegedly discharging a handgun on the campus of Armuchee High School is now facing several additional charges, according to Floyd County Jail records.
Authorities say 17-year-old Scott Ryan Ferguson was allegedly loitering in the north parking lot of Armuchee High School on Martha Berry Highway Tuesday when he discharged a firearm into his own leg while another student was nearby. The incident reportedly triggered multiple 911 calls and caused a substantial disruption to normal school operations.
Investigators say the firearm was later abandoned on school property.
Ferguson was initially charged with possession of a pistol or revolver by a person under the age of 18, carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, and reckless conduct.
Jail records now show additional charges have been filed, including criminal trespass, loitering on school grounds, disruption of a public school, and an additional count of reckless conduct.
Authorities also stated Ferguson had previously been banned from all Floyd County School System campuses prior to the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Self-Advocacy Zoom Event Scheduled For May 20
An upcoming online event focused on self-advocacy and personal empowerment is set for Tuesday, May 20 at 1 p.m. through Zoom.
The program encourages participants to “speak up, be heard, and make a difference” by learning skills related to self-expression, confidence, decision-making, and community support.
According to event organizers, the self-advocacy session will focus on helping individuals better understand how to express their thoughts, needs, and personal boundaries while building confidence in everyday situations.
Topics highlighted for the event include:
- Knowing your voice and learning how to communicate your needs
- Building confidence to speak up in everyday life
- Making choices that are right for you
- Connecting with others in a supportive community environment
The virtual meeting will be held through Zoom on May 20 beginning at 1 p.m. Organizers say the event is designed to encourage participants to be bold, be themselves, and be heard.
The Zoom meeting link listed on the promotional flyer is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89901085584
Vehicle Strikes Pole At CVS In Summerville
Emergency responders were called to the CVS parking lot on Rome Boulevard in Summerville Thursday following a single-vehicle accident involving a Ford Explorer.
According to a crash report filed by the Summerville Police Department, the accident happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. on May 14. The driver, identified as 67-year-old Margaret Tapp of Summerville, was traveling through the CVS parking lot when the vehicle struck a fixed object identified as a pole near the building.
The report indicates the 2004 Ford Explorer sustained disabling front-end damage and was removed from the scene by Luallen’s Wrecker Service. Authorities noted there were no signs of alcohol or drug involvement, and no citations were listed in the report.
A diagram included in the accident report shows the SUV traveling south through the parking lot before colliding with the pole adjacent to the CVS building. Witness information was also documented at the scene.
The Summerville Police Department investigated the incident. No injuries were listed in the report.
GDOT Updates Public On Second Avenue Widening Project In Rome
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation addressed the public Monday ahead of the Rome City Commission meeting, providing an update on the ongoing Second Avenue widening project.
Although the project is located inside the City of Rome, officials emphasized that it is coordinated, funded, and managed by GDOT. The presentation included updates on the status of the work, the project timeline, and the next steps planned along the Second Avenue corridor.
GDOT District 6 Engineer Grant Waldrep fielded questions from residents and State Representative Katie Dempsey during the presentation. Officials said the projected completion date for the project has now been pushed back to September of 2027.
According to GDOT representatives, several delays have been caused by previously uncharted underground infrastructure discovered during construction. Many of those issues involve aging water and sewer lines that pre-date the levee system, along with an old fire line serving Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center.
GDOT 14th District Board Member Micah Gravley, of Paulding County, also spoke during the meeting. Gravley pledged to continue working to improve communication and dialogue between GDOT and Rome city leaders as the project moves forward.
The Rome Commission Chambers were packed for the update, reflecting continued public interest in one of Rome’s most discussed infrastructure projects. GDOT officials themselves made up nearly a quarter of those in attendance.
The Second Avenue widening project is expected to continue impacting traffic and travel patterns in the area as work progresses toward the revised completion date.
Summerville Student Awarded $1,000 National Technical Honor Society Scholarship
A Summerville resident pursuing her education at Georgia Northwestern Technical College has received a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society.
Raven Dallas, who is working toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education at GNTC, was recently awarded the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship.
Dallas said after graduating from GNTC, she plans to continue her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in School Counseling.
GNTC officials praised Dallas for earning the recognition.
“In earning this recognition, Raven has demonstrated all seven attributes of NTHS: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership, reflecting the very best of what it means to be a GNTC student,” said Medina Safic, coordinator of Career Services and NTHS advisor at GNTC.
Dallas was one of 275 outstanding NTHS members selected to receive the scholarship. Recipients are chosen based on their ability to consistently demonstrate the seven core attributes of the National Technical Honor Society.
The National Technical Honor Society has served students in career and technical education since 1984, recognizing students at career centers, community and technical colleges, high schools and universities. The organization recognizes more than 68,000 new members each year and has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to career and technical education students.
More information about the National Technical Honor Society is available at nths.org.
UPDATED: Chattooga County Schools Announce 2026 Summer Feeding Program
Chattooga County School Nutrition officials have announced the return of the Summer Feeding Program for 2026, providing free meals for children throughout the summer months.
According to information released by the Chattooga County School District, the program will operate on Fridays beginning June 5 through July 10. Meal service will not be offered during the week of June 29 through July 5 due to the Independence Day holiday.
The program is open to all children ages 18 and under, and families will receive seven days of breakfast meals and seven days of lunch meals for each child in the household during each pickup date. Officials noted that children do not have to be present to receive meals.
Meal pickup dates include:
- Friday, June 5
- Friday, June 12
- Friday, June 19
- Friday, June 26
- Friday, July 10
Meals will be distributed from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Chattooga High School
- Menlo Elementary School
- Fairway Recreation Center
- Leroy Massey Elementary School
School officials say the annual program helps ensure children in the community continue to have access to nutritious meals during the summer break.
Questions about the Summer Feeding Program may be directed to School Nutrition Director Brandie Wooten at 706-859-3054.
Summerville Montessori Planning End-Of-Year Parade May 21
Summerville Montessori School will celebrate the end of the school year with a community parade on Thursday, May 21 beginning at 5 p.m.
Organizers say the parade will travel from Chattooga High School to Summerville Montessori School as students, families, and community members come together to celebrate the accomplishments of students throughout the year.
School officials are also extending a special invitation to any high school graduate who previously attended Summerville Montessori to serve as grand marshals for the parade. Graduates interested in participating are asked to arrive at Chattooga High School by 4:30 p.m. to line up before the parade begins.
Community members are encouraged to line the parade route and help celebrate local seniors and Montessori students during the event.
Organizers say the parade is intended to honor the hard work and achievements of students while bringing the community together for an evening celebration.
Arrest Report - Thursday - May 14, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 14, 2026:
Windy Conditions Expected Today As Warmer Weather Builds Across Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a dry, breezy day today as post-frontal air settles into the region. Forecasters say clear skies will allow for plenty of daytime mixing, which will help produce gusty northwest winds through the afternoon.
Wind gusts could reach up to around 20 miles per hour at times, especially during the warmer part of the day. While widespread hazardous weather is not expected, the combination of gusty winds, dry air, and falling relative humidity could create elevated fire weather concerns in some areas. Anyone burning outdoors should use extra caution and continue to monitor local fire weather guidance.
The breezy conditions come as the region begins a noticeable warming trend. After today, winds are expected to become mostly light, while temperatures climb steadily through the weekend. By Saturday, afternoon highs are forecast to reach well into the 80s across much of Northwest Georgia, with overnight lows generally falling into the 50s.
High pressure is expected to remain in control through the beginning of next week, keeping conditions mostly dry. As warmer air builds over the region, daytime highs may climb into the upper 80s and even near 90 degrees in some locations.
Forecasters say the next chance for rain appears limited for now. A weak weather disturbance moving southeast from the Central Plains into Kentucky and Tennessee may bring some added cloud cover, but widespread rainfall is not expected through the weekend. By Tuesday, a slight chance of showers or isolated thunderstorms may return as the ridge of high pressure begins to weaken.
Until then, the main weather concerns for Chattooga County and surrounding areas will be breezy conditions today, continued dry weather, warming temperatures, and the possibility of low humidity contributing to increased fire weather concerns into the weekend.
Teen Arrested After Gun Discharge At Armuchee High School
A teen was arrested Tuesday following an incident involving a firearm on the campus of Armuchee High School on Martha Berry Highway.
According to Floyd County Jail records, the incident occurred just after 3:00 PM. Authorities say 17-year-old Scott Ryan Ferguson of Silver Creek discharged a handgun while on school grounds.
Ferguson is charged with possession of a pistol or revolver by someone under the age of 18, carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, and reckless conduct.
School officials say the incident happened in the band parking lot during dismissal. An adult male, not affiliated with the school system, had entered campus to meet a student. While inside a vehicle, the individual was handling a firearm when it was accidentally discharged, resulting in a self-inflicted injury.
Officials confirmed that no students or staff were harmed and that there was no ongoing threat to the campus. Law enforcement responded quickly, took the individual into custody, and secured the weapon.
The Floyd County Police Department, along with the FCS K9 Unit, assisted in the response. School officials say the incident is being treated as isolated, and a full follow-up investigation is underway.
Possible Burglary Reported On Old Mill Road In Summerville
A possible burglary is under investigation after being reported last Friday on Old Mill Road in Summerville, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Officers responded on May 8 to a residence in the 400 block of Old Mill Road. Upon arrival, they made contact with the homeowner, who reported that a back door to the residence appeared to have been kicked in.
According to the report, the door frame showed signs of damage, indicating forced entry. However, the homeowner told officers that after checking the residence, nothing appeared to be missing.
The homeowner also indicated that a possible suspect could be an ex-girlfriend, though no arrests have been made at this time.
The case has been referred to a detective with the Summerville Police Department for further investigation.
Georgia State Parks To Mark America’s 250th Independence Day
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites will celebrate Independence Day with special events across the state, marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Parks and historic sites will host a wide range of family-friendly programs honoring the nation’s founding, including living history demonstrations, traditional games, patriotic music, outdoor activities, and historic reenactments.
Events will be held at sites including Jarrell Plantation, Fort Morris Historic Site, Fort King George Historic Site, Fort McAllister State Park, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, Don Carter State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, Florence Marina State Park, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Panola Mountain State Park, Red Top Mountain State Park, Watson Mill Bridge State Park, New Echota Historic Site, Kolomoki Mounds State Park, and Elijah Clark State Park.
Activities will range from musket demonstrations, artillery displays, and frontier skills to bike parades, watermelon eating contests, sandcastle competitions, sunset hikes, wagon rides, and old-fashioned Fourth of July games.
State Parks Director Angie Johnson said this year’s Fourth of July is especially meaningful as Georgia joins the nation in commemorating 250 years of American independence.
Visitors are encouraged to check event details, registration requirements, and park schedules before attending.
Free Groceries And Clothes Closet Available Thursday In Trion
There’s Hope for the Hungry will be at Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, to give away free groceries.
The food distribution will take place from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. No ID is required, but recipients must be present to receive food.
The free Clothes Closet will also be available Thursday from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM.
Central Avenue Baptist Church is located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, behind Dixie Subs.
Woman Injured In Dog Attack In Summerville
A Summerville woman was injured following a dog attack earlier this month, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.
Officers were dispatched on May 7 to 135 Steven Street in reference to an animal complaint. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with Doris Shepard, who reported that she had been walking in her neighborhood near 345 Hawkins Drive when a dog attacked her.
According to the report, Shepard attempted to fend off the dog, including trying to kick it away. During the incident, she fell and sustained a broken toe on one foot and a head injury. She later sought medical treatment at an urgent care facility next to Tractor Supply in Summerville.
Officers observed that Shepard’s wrist and hand were swollen, and she was having difficulty supporting herself. Police attempted to make contact with residents at the property where the dogs were located but were unable to reach anyone at the home.
Authorities noted that two dogs were observed on the property, and neither was on a leash at the time of the incident.
The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Trion Girls Soccer To Play For State Championship Friday
The Trion Girls Soccer team will take on Irwin County in the state championship on Friday, May 15, at 4:00 PM.
The championship match will be played at Upson-Lee High School. Tickets are $18 and must be purchased through GoFan.
The Trion Football team will also be in action this weekend, scrimmaging North Murray on Saturday, May 16, at 6:00 PM. Admission for the football scrimmage is $10.
We CARE Vet Fair Returning To Rome In June
Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families will have access to a wide range of free services and resources during the upcoming We CARE Vet Fair in Rome.
The Northwest Georgia We CARE Vet Fair is scheduled for June 11 and 12 at the Forum River Center on Tribune Street in Rome. Organizers say the event is designed to connect veterans and military families across Northwest Georgia with healthcare, benefits assistance, housing support, legal services, employment resources, and more — all in one location.
The event will include one-on-one assistance with VA claims and benefits, VA healthcare enrollment, Georgia veteran identification services, medical screenings, mental health resources, financial guidance, and job opportunities. Free admission and parking will be offered.
Special programming for women veterans is planned for June 11, along with a free outdoor concert that evening at the Rome River Forum Green. Additional services include free haircuts, wellness activities, legal assistance, and educational seminars.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring military paperwork such as a DD214, claim information, medical documents, or resumes if seeking employment assistance.