Arrest Report - Wednesday - May 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 6, 2026:
Severe Storms, Flooding Today Into Thursday
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe weather beginning today and continuing through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. Northwest Georgia remains under a Level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” for severe weather.
Meteorologists warn the greatest threat window appears to be from Wednesday evening through the early morning hours Thursday as a slow-moving cold front pushes into the state. Atmospheric conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable for strong to severe storms, especially across North Georgia.
In addition to the severe weather threat, a Flood Watch has been issued from late Wednesday through Thursday morning for portions of North and Central Georgia, including areas near Chattooga County. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, with isolated spots potentially receiving more than 4 inches of rain.
Officials say the combination of intense rainfall rates and repeated storms moving over the same areas could quickly lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks, streams, and urban drainage areas may rise rapidly during the heaviest downpours.
The National Weather Service noted that despite ongoing drought conditions, the hardened ground could actually increase runoff and worsen flooding concerns.
Storms may initially develop as isolated supercells before organizing into a larger storm complex overnight. All modes of severe weather remain possible, including isolated tornadoes.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive Thursday into Friday before warmer conditions return for the weekend.
Man Arrested After Domestic Disturbance In Summerville
A man was arrested following a domestic disturbance in Summerville, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department that was released this week.
The incident happened on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at approximately 10:36 p.m. at a residence on Union Street.
According to the report, officers were dispatched to the location after a physical domestic incident involving a male and female subject. E-911 advised officers that the male subject had reportedly had a knife in his pocket at the time of the altercation.
When officers arrived, they spoke with the individuals involved, identified in the report as Bobby Durham and Cynthia Hogue. Police said Durham remained calm during the investigation, while Hogue was described as irate. Officers also reported noticing signs of alcohol use.
Hogue told police that she and Durham had argued after she learned she was no longer being invited to go fishing the following morning. She told officers that during the argument, Durham struck her in the face. The officer reported observing a red mark on Hogue’s right cheek below her eye and took photographs of the injury.
Durham told police the two had not been arguing and said Hogue had bought him alcohol from a nearby store. Officers searched Durham, the area where he had been standing, and the tent where Hogue was staying, but no knife was found.
Police said they also observed redness on Durham’s knuckles. After reviewing the information gathered at the scene, Durham was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
Durham was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident. The report also states Durham was issued a verbal trespass warning from the property.
May On The Mountain Bluegrass Festival Set For May 16 In Henagar
The City of Henagar, Alabama on Sand Mountain is inviting the public to its annual May on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The event will take place at Henagar City Park, with live music beginning at 10:00 a.m. Performances will be held on the back porch of the park’s cabin, creating a relaxed, traditional bluegrass atmosphere.
Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy a variety of food and craft vendors on site throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and settle in for a full day of music and community fun.
Headlining this year’s festival are The Malpass Brothers, a well-known country and bluegrass duo recognized for their classic sound. Brothers Chris and Taylor Malpass have built a national following with their traditional country style, drawing inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. They have performed on the Grand Ole Opry and are known for their rich harmonies, vintage instrumentation, and commitment to preserving the roots of country music.
Organizers say the festival continues to be a favorite Sand Mountain tradition, bringing together families, music lovers, and visitors from across the region.
Bridge Replacement To Cause Detour In Chattooga County
A bridge replacement project in Chattooga County will soon impact local traffic, according to a notice from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The project involves replacing the existing SR 114 triple arch bridge over Mossy Creek with a new structure approximately 95 feet in length. The total project area, including roadway improvements, will span about 2,200 feet.
During construction, traffic will be rerouted using an off-site detour. Drivers traveling along Foster Street will be directed along SR 114, Tennessee Avenue, and Chattooga Avenue. The detour is expected to add between 0.16 and 0.24 miles to normal travel routes.
The detour was officially approved on March 26, 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.
The project is located just west and east of the current bridge site, with work extending roughly 1,230 feet west and 870 feet east of the structure.
Project plans are available for public inspection through the Georgia Department of Transportation. For additional information, residents can contact GDOT Area Manager Joel Dillingham in Rome.
Blood Drive Scheduled In Trion On May 15
A community blood drive is set for Friday, May 15 at Atrium Health Floyd–Chattooga ER, located at 13583 Highway 27 in Trion.
The drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives.
Those who donate between May 1st and May 15th will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card as part of the Blood Assurance “Local Hero” promotion.
Appointments can be scheduled online at bloodassurance.org/chattoogaer.
Shadow Day Named Administrative Assistant For Summerville Parks And Recreation
The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department has announced the hiring of Shadow Day as its new Administrative Assistant, effective May 1, 2026.
Day joins the department full-time after ten years of service in a similar role with the Chattooga County School System. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said Day is a natural fit because of her strong community ties, administrative experience, and sports background.
Day also holds a special place in the department’s history, having won a state championship as both a player in 2005 and as a coach in 2024.
Her responsibilities will include day-to-day office operations, planning special events, assisting with sports programs, and helping with a future summer camp.
Outdoor Burning Ban Now In Effect Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
An annual outdoor burning ban is now in effect across Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s seasonal open burning ban began May 1 and will remain in place through September 30. The ban covers 54 Georgia counties, including Chattooga, Floyd, Walker, Gordon, Catoosa, Polk, Bartow, and other northwest Georgia counties.
The restriction has been in place each summer since 2005 and is aimed at protecting air quality during the warmer months, when hot, sunny weather can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.
Under the ban, residents and businesses are prohibited from burning yard debris and land-clearing materials during the summer ozone season. The restriction is in addition to Georgia’s year-round statewide ban on burning household garbage.
State environmental officials say smoke from open burning contains small particles and pollutants that can contribute to poor air quality and respiratory problems. Children, older adults, and people with existing lung or heart conditions may be especially sensitive when smoke creates hazy or smoky conditions.
Not all outdoor fire-related activities are banned. Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the EPD open burning ban.
Residents looking for alternatives are encouraged to consider composting, chipping, mulching, or hauling debris to an approved landfill or processing facility.
Officials also remind residents that some cities and counties may have stricter local burning rules. Before doing any outdoor burning, residents should check with their local fire marshal or fire department.
Georgia Begins Issuing Special Tax Refunds
Georgia taxpayers could soon see extra money coming their way.
Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Revenue announced Monday that the state has started issuing one-time special tax refunds authorized under House Bill 1000 during the 2026 legislative session.
The refund will return more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers. It is the fourth special refund of its kind under Governor Kemp, following similar refunds issued in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Most eligible taxpayers who filed both their 2024 and 2025 Georgia income tax returns before the deadline can expect to receive their refund in the coming weeks.
Refund amounts are capped at $250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $375 for head of household filers, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.
To qualify, taxpayers must have filed both required returns, paid into the system, and not owe the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Taxpayers can check eligibility through the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool on the Georgia Tax Center website.
Man Arrested For DUI After Traffic Stop In Summerville
A Summerville man was arrested on DUI charges following a traffic stop according to a report released this week from the Summerville Police Department.
The incident occurred on April 26, 2026, at approximately 9:52 p.m. on Highway 114 near Pay-Tote.
According to the report, an officer was conducting speed enforcement near Mason’s Funeral Home on Highway 48 when he observed a silver Dodge truck traveling 56 miles per hour in a 35 mile-per-hour zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Highway 114.
The driver was identified as Jason Reece. While speaking with Reece, the officer reported detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Reece initially denied consuming alcohol.
Police said Reece appeared unsteady on his feet and showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes. A search of the vehicle revealed an empty Miller Lite beer can in the passenger seat, and Reece later admitted to drinking earlier in the day.
Reece agreed to perform field sobriety tests, where officers observed multiple indicators of impairment during the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests.
Based on the investigation, officers determined Reece was under the influence and placed him under arrest for DUI – Alcohol Less Safe.
The report also states Reece refused to submit to both a blood draw and a breath test.
Reece was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident. The case remains on file with the Summerville Police Department.
Natural Resources Conservation Workshop Set For June In Tifton
High school students interested in conservation, agriculture, wildlife, forestry, soil, water, or Georgia’s mining industry are being encouraged to apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop.
The weeklong program will be held June 7-12, 2026, at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Students will get hands-on experience through field studies, outdoor activities, and behind-the-scenes tours focused on Georgia’s natural resources.
More than $20,000 in scholarships and awards will be available. Students will also get a taste of college life by staying in dorms and meeting others from across the state.
The workshop is free, and transportation is provided through Georgia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Interested high school students can apply by contacting Director Michelle Conner at michelle.conner@gaswcc.ga.gov.
GNTC To Hold 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremonies In Rome
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) will celebrate the achievements of its graduates with two Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Thursday, May 7, at the Forum River Center in Rome.
Students from GNTC’s nine-county service area will participate in the ceremonies, which are being split into two sessions to accommodate families and guests.
The first ceremony, scheduled for noon, will honor graduates from Business and Cyber-related programs as well as Nursing and Health Technology programs. The second ceremony, set for 4 p.m., will recognize graduates from Industrial and Public Service programs.
Mark Upton, program director and instructor of Marketing Management, will deliver the invocation during the noon ceremony. Donny Holmes, program director and instructor of Construction Management, will lead the invocation at the afternoon ceremony.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham will welcome attendees at both events. Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs and Student Success, will introduce keynote speaker Noelia Sargento, a Rossville resident and GNTC’s 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Sargento was also named the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2025 Adult Education Student of the Year.
Legare Price, associate vice president of Student Success, will recognize High Honor and Honor graduates and lead special recognitions for veterans, student organization members, and Dual Enrollment graduates.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, executive vice president and chief academic officer, will present the graduates, while Dr. Popham will officially confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The ceremonies will conclude with the GNTC Alumni Association Oath, administered by Susan Bowman, followed by closing remarks.
GNTC continues to serve northwest Georgia with a wide range of workforce education programs, impacting thousands of students annually through credit and noncredit offerings.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - May 5, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 5, 2026:
Storm Chances Increase Midweek Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
After a quiet start to the week, weather conditions are beginning to change across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia.
Today (Tuesday) will stay relatively pleasant, with partly sunny skies and afternoon highs in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees. Winds will be light out of the south, and conditions will remain dry as moisture slowly begins to return to the area.
That moisture increase will set the stage for a more active pattern heading into midweek.
Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms will develop Wednesday and continue into Thursday as a strong system moves through the region. Rain chances will increase significantly by Wednesday afternoon and remain high through Wednesday night.
A few storms could become strong to severe, with the main threats being damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding. The greatest concern appears to be Wednesday night into early Thursday, when deep Gulf moisture moves into northwest Georgia and could lead to periods of heavy rainfall.
Rain chances will gradually decrease late Thursday into Friday, although a few lingering showers may still be possible.
Temperatures will remain near or slightly below normal, with highs mainly in the 70s through the end of the workweek. Warmer and drier conditions are expected to return by the weekend, with highs climbing back into the upper 70s and low 80s.
Another round of showers and storms could develop late in the weekend into early next week as the unsettled pattern continues.
Residents across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia are encouraged to stay weather aware as midweek storms approach.
Chattooga County Accepting Bids for New Truck Purchase
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is currently accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a new truck, according to a recent request for bids notice.
Officials are seeking a 2026 or newer Ford F-150 4×4 Crew Cab XLT or equivalent, with specific equipment and performance requirements outlined in the bid documents. The vehicle will be used for county operations and must meet detailed specifications, including engine size, transmission, and additional features.
Bids must be submitted to the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville, by 5 p.m. on May 7.
All bids must be clearly marked and include required documentation such as total cost, vehicle specifications, and estimated delivery date.
The bids will be publicly opened at 10 a.m. on May 8, 2026.
County officials note they reserve the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Walker County Commissioners To Meet Thursday Night
The Walker County Board of Commissioners is set to hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex in LaFayette.
The meeting will include a number of routine items, including approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, along with financial and departmental reports.
Commissioners will also recognize Senior Citizen Day, scheduled for May 13.
A public hearing will be held for several planning and zoning requests, including:
- A request to rezone property on Happy Valley Road in Rossville from commercial to residential
- A request to rezone property on Round Pond Road in LaFayette from agricultural to residential/agricultural
- A variance request for property on Dusty Trail in LaFayette
Following the hearing, commissioners are expected to vote on multiple zoning matters, including a previously tabled request involving property on Highway 151.
Under new business, commissioners will consider several resolutions, including:
- Setting qualifying fees for the upcoming general primary election
- Approving a contract tied to opioid settlement funding for the Sheriff’s Office
- Appointments to the Walker County Board of Health
- Roadway safety improvement contracts
- Funding for EMS services totaling $600,000 annually
Additional items include contracts for building renovations, public works repairs, and inmate medical services.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Chattooga Middle School Volleyball Tryouts Set for Today and Thursday
Chattooga Middle School students interested in playing volleyball next season will have the opportunity to try out this week.
Tryouts are scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, and Thursday, May 7 at the Summerville Middle School gym, with sessions running from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days.
The tryouts are open to current and upcoming Chattooga Middle School students. Participants should come prepared with knee pads.
For more information, contact Head Coach Ryan Martin at rymartin@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
Chattooga Red and Black Basketball Camp Registration Set for May
Registration is now open for the upcoming Chattooga Indians Red and Black Basketball Camp, scheduled for later this month at Chattooga High School.
The camp will take place on May 28 and May 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is open to boys and girls in first through fourth grade.
Organizers say the camp is designed to help young players develop fundamental basketball skills while also giving them the opportunity to play games and enjoy time on the court.
The registration fee is $20, payable by cash or check.
Parents and guardians interested in signing up their children are encouraged to register ahead of time.
Sloppy Floyd State Park Hosting Family-Friendly Events This Saturday
Families looking for outdoor activities this weekend will have a couple of educational options at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County.
Park rangers will host two programs on Saturday, May 9, focused on science and nature.
The first event, “The Rock Cycle,” begins at 11 a.m. and is geared toward kids who enjoy hands-on learning. Rangers will guide participants through how rocks form and change underground, teaching the three main rock types and the processes behind them.
Later in the day at 2 p.m., the park will offer “The Life of a Butterfly,” a guided hike along the Marble Mine Trail. Participants will learn about butterfly life cycles, native species, and the plants that support them while exploring one of the park’s scenic trails.
Both programs are $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required for entry. Registration is also required for each event.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, located near Summerville, features hiking trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the scenic Ridge and Valley region of northwest Georgia.
For more information or to register, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Chattooga County Extension Offering Summer Food Preservation Workshops
Residents in Chattooga County will have the opportunity to learn hands-on food preservation skills this summer through a series of workshops hosted by the UGA Extension Office.
The classes, led by Chattooga County Extension Agent Rebecca Thomas, will cover a variety of popular home preservation techniques and recipes, including jams, jellies, canning, and pickling.
Workshops begin June 2 with a session on Jams & Jellies from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Additional classes include:
- Canning Tomatoes & Salsa on July 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Cowboy Candy on August 4 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Pickled Okra on September 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Each class costs $25, and space is limited to 15 participants per session. Officials say payment is required to secure registration.
All workshops will be held at the Chattooga County Extension Office, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
To register or for more information, call 706-857-0744.