Arrest Report - Saturday - July 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 4, 2026:
Hot Independence Day Followed by Better Rain Chances Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Those planning to celebrate Independence Day outdoors across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another day of dangerous heat, with only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Today will be sunny and very hot with a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values are expected to climb as high as 102 degrees during the afternoon. While an isolated shower or thunderstorm could develop after 2 p.m., mainly along the Alabama state line and in parts of far northwest Georgia, most communities are expected to remain dry through much of the day. A few additional thunderstorms will be possible Saturday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.
The National Weather Service says heat remains the biggest concern. “Feels like” temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees by around 10 a.m. and may not fall below that level until nearly 11 p.m., making it uncomfortably hot even after sunset. Anyone attending parades, cookouts, ballgames, fireworks displays, or other outdoor events should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear light-colored clothing, and check on children, older adults, and pets.
Rain chances increase beginning Sunday as the weather pattern becomes more typical for early July. Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday through at least Friday, with daily rain chances ranging from 40 to 60 percent. High temperatures will ease slightly into the lower 90s by early next week, but humidity will keep heat index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees each afternoon.
Anyone spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend should continue to monitor the forecast, especially if thunderstorms develop later in the weekend.
Independence Day 2026 - 250 Years of Freedom
Today, as America celebrates 250 years of freedom, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that have shaped our nation since 1776.
Whether you’re spending the day with family, enjoying a hometown parade, grilling with friends, or watching fireworks light up the night sky, we hope your Independence Day is filled with joy, gratitude, and pride in the freedoms we share.
Please celebrate responsibly, stay hydrated in the summer heat, and have a safe and memorable Fourth of July.
From our family at WZQZ—Your Hometown Radio Station—thank you for allowing us to serve Chattooga County, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama. God Bless America!
Woman Arrested After Allegedly Driving Into Yard, Biting Homeowner During Domestic Disturbance
A 20-year-old Silver Creek woman was arrested after Summerville Police say she drove into a yard, became involved in an altercation with a homeowner, and bit the victim during a domestic disturbance early Saturday morning.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Highland Avenue at approximately 1:40 a.m. on June 28 in reference to a domestic disturbance.
When Officer Brandon Lindsey and Officer Pledger arrived, they found 53-year-old Tara Williams standing near the roadway. Williams told officers that Lashauna Lynn Whatley, 20, of Silver Creek, had driven into a ditch in her yard, jumped from the vehicle, and attacked her. Williams alleged that Whatley bit her hand during the altercation before leaving the area.
As officers searched for the suspect, bystanders alerted them to another disturbance taking place around the corner. Police located Whatley and identified her based on a description provided by Williams. While officers were attempting to take Whatley into custody, police say she spat on Officer Adam Dawson. She was then arrested.
Williams later confirmed to officers that Whatley was the person who had driven into the ditch and bitten her hand.
Whatley was charged with simple battery, battery, and reckless driving. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Walker County Stocking Full of Love Car & Motorcycle Show Set for Labor Day
The Walker County Stocking Full of Love Car and Motorcycle Show will return on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.
The event will be held at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School, located at 9858 U.S. Highway 27 in Rock Spring. Show hours will be from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with registration from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is $20 through August 30, and day-of-show registration is $25. The event will feature cars, motorcycles, local vendors, a swap meet and food.
All proceeds will help Walker County Stocking Full of Love provide Christmas assistance for local children and families in need.
Chattooga Marching Band Camp Begins Monday
Chattooga High School marching band students are being reminded that band camp begins Monday, July 6, at 8 a.m.
Band students are urged to begin hydrating now and not wait until camp starts. Students may bring their own water jug or thermos, but should avoid soda, coffee and energy drinks. Water and Gatorade will also be available.
Students should dress for hot outdoor practice, including light-colored clothing appropriate for the practice field. Hoodies and dark clothing are discouraged because of the summer heat.
Lunch options include bringing lunch from home, having lunch delivered at 12:15 p.m., or eating what is provided by the band boosters or volunteers. Students will not be allowed to leave campus to get lunch.
Band leaders say students are expected to attend every day and stay for the full day unless they have already made arrangements for an absence.
PSC Rule Limits Georgia Power Disconnects During Heat Advisories
The Georgia Public Service Commission is reminding customers that special rules apply when dangerous summer heat is in the forecast.
Under PSC rules, Georgia Power cannot disconnect electric service to a residential customer for non-payment if a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, or forecast to be in effect, for that customer’s county before 8 a.m. on the scheduled disconnection date.
The rule applies specifically to Georgia Power, which is regulated by the PSC. Customers served by electric membership corporations or municipal electric systems should contact their provider directly to ask about similar policies.
The restriction is temporary. Once the heat advisory or warning ends, disconnection can be reinstated. The PSC encourages customers at risk of losing service to contact their provider and make payment arrangements.
Customers who need help may also contact PSC Consumer Affairs at 404-656-4501, 800-282-5813, or by email at gapsc@psc.ga.gov.
UGA Extension Offers Food Safety Tips for Fourth of July Cookouts
As families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia fire up their grills for Independence Day celebrations, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is reminding everyone that food safety should be just as important as the menu.
Extension specialists say warm summer temperatures create ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. Food left between 40 and 140 degrees can become unsafe quickly, especially during the July heat. When outdoor temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, perishable foods should not be left out for more than one hour before being refrigerated or discarded.
UGA Extension recommends following four basic food safety steps: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. Wash hands and utensils often, keep raw meat separate from foods that are ready to eat, cook foods to safe internal temperatures using a food thermometer, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Ground beef should be cooked to 160 degrees, poultry to 165 degrees, and steaks, pork chops and roasts to 145 degrees, followed by a three-minute rest before serving. Extension experts say using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to know food has reached a safe temperature.
When transporting food to picnics or cookouts, keep raw meats in a separate cooler from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. Once cooked, place food on a clean platter rather than one that previously held raw meat.
With many Fourth of July celebrations expected to take place outdoors in temperatures approaching 100 degrees, Extension officials say a little extra attention to food safety can help ensure the holiday is remembered for fireworks and family—not foodborne illness.
AdventHealth Redmond Hosting Hiring Event July 17 in Rome
Job seekers looking for opportunities in healthcare will have a chance to connect with recruiters and hiring managers later this month during a hiring event at AdventHealth Redmond.
The hiring event will be held Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Classrooms A and B at AdventHealth Redmond, located at 501 Redmond Road NW in Rome.
Hospital representatives will be hiring for a wide range of positions, including certified medical assistants, emergency services, front office assistants, housekeeping, imaging, licensed practical nurses, nurse residents, nurse technicians, pharmacy, patient care technicians, practice managers, registered nurses, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and surgical services.
AdventHealth says attendees will have the opportunity to meet with leaders, learn about the hospital’s whole-person approach to care, and explore career opportunities. Same-day job offers and sign-on bonuses are available for select positions.
The hospital also highlights competitive benefits, including four weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave, educational assistance, mental health resources, and a retirement plan with employer matching of up to four percent.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance at AdventHealthHiringEvent.com.
CDC Investigating Multi-State Parasite Outbreak Linked to Severe Diarrhea
Health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of a foodborne parasite that has sickened at least 145 people across the United States, including cases in Georgia.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. The illness is commonly associated with severe, watery diarrhea that can become explosive, along with stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and, in some cases, vomiting or a low-grade fever. At least 20 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
The CDC says the illnesses occurred between May and mid-June and involve people ranging in age from 5 to 86. Investigators believe the outbreak is linked to contaminated food consumed in the United States because those infected did not report recent international travel. The exact food source has not yet been identified, and the CDC and FDA continue to investigate.
Cyclospora is spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Fresh produce such as cilantro, basil, raspberries, lettuce and other leafy greens have been linked to previous U.S. outbreaks, but officials stress no specific food has been identified in the current investigation.
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure and can last for several weeks or even longer without treatment. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics, most commonly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), to treat the infection. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing fresh produce, practicing good hand hygiene, and following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection.
GOHS Urges Sober Driving During Fourth Of July Holiday Weekend
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding drivers to keep fireworks in the sky and off the road this Fourth of July holiday weekend by planning ahead for a sober ride.
State troopers, local officers, H.E.A.T. units and regional traffic enforcement networks are stepping up patrols through Sunday night. Officers will be watching for impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations.
GOHS says Georgia is a zero-tolerance state for drunk driving, and drivers over the legal limit will be arrested. More than 700 DUI arrests were made during last year’s July Fourth enforcement period.
AAA’s Tow-To-Go service will also be available through Monday morning, offering a free tow and ride for the driver up to 10 miles.
Arrest Report - Friday - July 3, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 3, 2026:
Chattooga County Sheriff's Office Installs Prescription Drug Drop Box
Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
The collection container is being offered in partnership with NarcX. Sheriff’s Office staff will assist residents with placing medications into the container. Residents are asked to keep their prescription bottles and take them back home for disposal in order to protect personal identifying information printed on the labels.
Accepted items include prescription medications, lawfully possessed Schedule II through V controlled substances, non-controlled medications, over-the-counter medications, pet medications, and vitamins.
Items that cannot be accepted include illegal or illicit drugs, Schedule I controlled substances, hazardous materials such as batteries or aerosol spray cans, antacids, sharps, needles, syringes, trash, and plastic or glass bottles or vials.
The Sheriff’s Office says the new collection container provides a secure way to keep unused medications from being misused, accidentally taken, or improperly thrown away. Proper disposal also helps protect families, children, pets, and the community by reducing the number of old medications left in homes.
Residents with questions about what can be placed in the container may ask staff for assistance when they arrive at the Sheriff’s Office.
Menlo Invites Community To Celebrate Independence Day Saturday At City Park
The City of Menlo is inviting residents and visitors to spend the Fourth of July celebrating with a full day of family fun, food, entertainment, and patriotic festivities at Menlo City Park.
Activities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with the annual Fourth of July Parade stepping off at 11 a.m. Following the parade, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the park, including vendors, food, a waterslide, and entertainment for all ages.
This year’s celebration will feature a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, specialty products, and community information. Participating vendors include Anita’s Blissful Bites, Twinkle & Tatt glitter tattoos and hair color, Mercy Me Pork Skins, Daydreamer Farms, Smoke Signals, DOB Lemonade Co., K Sims T-Shirt Bar, Leroy’s Seasoning, Sweet Pastures Sweet Treats, the Menlo Masonic Lodge, the Trion Library, Menlo First Baptist Church, and several others.
The Trion Library will be providing free information for families, while Menlo First Baptist Church will be handing out free bottled water, courtesy of Lucky’s.
City officials encourage everyone to come out, support local businesses, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate Independence Day with friends, family, and neighbors in Menlo.
Georgia Department Of Public Health Urges Safe And Healthy Fourth Of July Weekend
The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
With temperatures expected to climb into the 90s, DPH says heat safety should be a top priority. People are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, use sunscreen, avoid long periods in direct sunlight, and check on older adults, neighbors, children, and pets. Anyone showing signs of heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, or confusion, should receive immediate help and 911 should be called.
DPH is also urging families to practice food safety during cookouts by washing hands and surfaces, keeping raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, cooking meats to the proper temperature, and keeping perishable food chilled. In weather above 90 degrees, food should not sit out for more than one hour.
Health officials also remind residents to swim safely, keep a close watch on children around water, avoid swallowing pool or lake water, and check advisories before swimming in natural bodies of water.
To prevent mosquito bites, DPH recommends using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and removing standing water around homes.
Fireworks safety is also important. DPH says fireworks are best left to professionals, and children should never handle fireworks or sparklers. Sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees and cause serious injuries.
The Department of Public Health says a few simple precautions can help families enjoy a safe and healthy Fourth of July weekend.
Chattooga County Young Farmers Welcomes New Teacher Chris Ramsey
Chattooga County Young Farmers has announced the addition of a new instructor for the upcoming program year. Chris Ramsey has joined the organization after most recently teaching at Rockmart High School for the past two years.
Ramsey holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, a master’s degree in secondary education, and a specialist degree in career and technical education from Auburn University. Prior to teaching in Georgia, he spent more than 20 years teaching in Alabama.
In addition to his classroom experience, Ramsey operates a farm where he raises beef cattle and pigs. He and his wife have two children, both of whom are studying Agribusiness at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Chattooga County Young Farmers officials say they are excited to welcome Ramsey and look forward to the knowledge, energy, and leadership he will bring to the program. Ramsey says he is eager to get started and looks forward to meeting and working with local Young Farmers members.
Georgia State Patrol Urges Safe Travel During Independence Day Holiday Weekend
With millions of Americans expected to hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging motorists to make safety their top priority during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
The Georgia State Patrol and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will conduct increased patrols across the state throughout the holiday travel period, which begins Thursday at 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Troopers will focus on impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors as part of Operation Zero Tolerance and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. enforcement campaign.
According to AAA, a record 61.6 million Americans are expected to travel by car over the Independence Day holiday, making it one of the busiest July Fourth travel periods on record. Georgia officials say motorists should expect heavier-than-normal traffic on interstates and major highways throughout the weekend.
The Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers to obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions behind the wheel, wear seat belts, ensure children are properly restrained, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officials also encourage travelers to allow extra travel time, remain patient in traffic, and use a designated driver or rideshare service if alcohol is part of their holiday celebration.
Last year’s Independence Day holiday enforcement period resulted in 472 DUI arrests, more than 15,900 citations, over 18,500 warnings, and 18 traffic fatalities statewide, including crashes investigated by both the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies. State officials hope increased enforcement and responsible driving will help reduce crashes and save lives during this year’s holiday weekend.
Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Free Back-To-School Bash July 11
The Lyerly Fire Department is inviting families from across Chattooga County to kick off the new school year at its annual Free Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, July 11.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lyerly Park and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a day of family fun.
Children attending the event will receive free book bags and free school supplies while supplies last. Families can also enjoy free hot dogs, free icees, a waterslide, and a dunk tank, where participants will have the chance to dunk a firefighter.
The Lyerly Fire Department will also have one of its fire trucks on display, giving children an opportunity to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use to protect the community.
Organizers say the event is free and open to the public and encourages families to arrive early, as some giveaway items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Back-To-School Bash has become a popular annual tradition, bringing together first responders, community volunteers, and local families while helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.
Heat Advisory Continues as Dangerous Heat Grips Northwest Georgia Through Independence Day
The dangerous heat that’s been building across Northwest Georgia will continue today and through the Independence Day holiday, with a Heat Advisory remaining in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. An Excessive Heat Warning also continues for parts of northwest Georgia.
Today will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 98 degrees. Heat index values are expected to climb as high as 106 degrees during the afternoon. There is a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., but many areas will remain dry. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 75 degrees and a slight chance of an evening thunderstorm.
For Independence Day on Saturday, expect another sunny and very hot day with a high near 97 degrees. Only a slight 20 percent chance of an afternoon thunderstorm is expected, mainly near the Alabama state line. Most Fourth of July celebrations should remain dry, but the heat will be the biggest concern.
Forecasters say the heat will become dangerous by mid-morning, with “feels like” temperatures climbing into the 90s before 10 a.m. and remaining there until late in the evening. Anyone spending time outdoors for parades, cookouts, fireworks, or other holiday activities should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear light-colored clothing, and check on children, older adults, and pets.
Beginning Sunday, the weather pattern will gradually become more typical for July as moisture returns from the Gulf of Mexico. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms will become more common through the middle of next week, with rain chances increasing to 40 to 50 percent each day. High temperatures will ease back into the lower to middle 90s, although the added humidity will continue to push heat index values above 100 degrees.
Man Arrested After Disturbance At Summerville Event Leads To Multiple Charges
A man was arrested on multiple charges after Summerville Police responded to reports of several physical altercations during an event in the area of Sixth Avenue and Highland Avenue on June 27.
According to the Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched at approximately 11:38 p.m. after receiving reports of a male involved in multiple physical confrontations with people attending the event.
Upon arrival, officers reported observing the suspect, later identified as Tevin Smith, shove both a male and a female.
The report states Smith was immediately ordered to place his hands on the hood of a patrol vehicle while officers investigated. During the investigation, an officer spoke with a woman identified as Jessica Jeburk, who identified herself as Smith’s mother and advised officers to place her son under arrest.
According to the report, Smith actively resisted as officers attempted to handcuff him but was eventually taken into custody. Officers also reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from Smith.
Following the arrest, officers spoke with another witness, Drago Jeburk, who told police Smith had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol and had been initiating altercations with multiple individuals. The report states Jessica Jeburk confirmed that account. Officers reported that no additional victims came forward during the investigation.
Smith was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and charged with Simple Battery (Family Violence), Disorderly Conduct, Public Drunkenness, and Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers.