Arrest Report - Sunday - July 5, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 5, 2026:
Afternoon Storms and Summer Heat Continue Across Chattooga County This Week
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another hot and humid day today, with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms expected to develop.
The National Weather Service says there’s a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with highs reaching around 94 degrees. Heat index values are expected to climb to around 101 degrees locally, making it feel several degrees hotter than the actual air temperature.
Some of the stronger storms this afternoon and evening could produce frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, and heavy downpours. Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, remains under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms. The greatest threat is expected between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Storms should gradually diminish tonight, leaving partly cloudy skies and overnight lows near 72 degrees.
The unsettled weather pattern will continue throughout the upcoming week. Monday brings a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 90 degrees, followed by daily opportunities for scattered afternoon storms through next weekend. While rain won’t occur everywhere each day, the combination of high humidity and temperatures in the lower 90s will keep heat index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees across much of Northwest Georgia.
Forecasters say the highest rainfall totals this week are expected to occur across far Northwest Georgia, making communities like Chattooga County more likely to see repeated rounds of afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Motorists and those with outdoor plans should monitor the weather, seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions during the afternoon and evening hours.
Chattooga County Democrats Donate to Annual Back to School Bash
The Chattooga County Democratic Party recently presented a donation to support the annual Back to School Bash, an event that helps local students prepare for the upcoming school year with free school supplies and other resources.
State House District 12 candidate Holly Chaney joined the presentation and praised the community effort.
“This is one of the events that makes me so proud of our county,” Chaney said. “Maisha Ludy and Chattooga Family Connection do a terrific job helping our students start school with the supplies and support they need.”
The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.
Pictured are (left to right) Pam Albert, First Vice President of the Chattooga County Democratic Party; Maisha Ludy, Coordinator of Chattooga Family Connection; and Holly Chaney, candidate for Georgia House District 12, which includes Chattooga County.
Georgia Launches "Safe at Home" Program to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes
A new statewide program is now available to help protect the privacy and safety of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other qualifying crimes in Georgia.
The Georgia Safe at Home Program, which officially launched July 1, is an address confidentiality program administered by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. The program allows eligible participants to use a state-designated substitute address instead of their actual residential address on most state and local public records, helping prevent abusers from locating them through public information.
The program provides three primary services:
- Address substitution on most public records.
- Mail forwarding, with the Secretary of State’s Office receiving and securely forwarding First-Class Mail to participants’ confidential addresses.
- Protected voter registration, allowing participants to register and vote using their substitute address while remaining assigned to the voting precinct for their actual residence.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said the program is designed to give survivors an additional layer of protection as they rebuild their lives.
The Georgia General Assembly created the Safe at Home Program through Senate Bill 324, which was approved in 2024 and became effective on July 1, 2026. State officials worked with organizations including the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence to develop the program.
Officials emphasize that the program is one part of a broader safety plan, providing survivors with greater privacy while reducing the risk of being located through publicly available records. Information about eligibility and the application process is available through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
Historic Homes of Georgia's First Black Female State Representative to Be Preserved in Atlanta
The homes of Grace Towns Hamilton, the first Black woman elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and her father, George Towns, will be preserved as historic landmarks through a new multi-million-dollar restoration project in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood.
Preserve Black Atlanta is leading the effort with approximately $2.3 million in funding from a National Park Service grant and Atlanta’s Westside Tax Allocation District. Fulton County commissioners approved a portion of the local funding in June, allowing the project to move forward.
Grace Towns Hamilton made history in 1965 when she became the first Black woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly. She served in the Georgia House for nearly 20 years and is credited with helping expand political opportunities for Black Georgians during the Civil Rights era. Historians also recognize her as the first Black woman elected to state office anywhere in the South.
Her father, George Towns, was a professor at Atlanta University and helped found the Niagara Movement in 1905, an organization that laid the groundwork for the creation of the NAACP.
Project leaders say the restored homes will become public historic sites while also contributing to neighborhood revitalization. Restoration work is expected to take about two years once permitting is complete.
WABE
New Georgia Law Expands Medical Cannabis Access for Patients
Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.
Senate Bill 220, known as the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” broadens the list of qualifying medical conditions, replaces references to “low THC oil” with “medical cannabis,” and allows adults age 21 and older to use approved medical cannabis through vaporization. Smoking cannabis remains illegal under Georgia law.
The legislation also changes how patients may legally possess medical cannabis. Instead of the previous limit based on fluid ounces and THC percentage, registered patients may now possess products containing a cumulative total of up to 12,000 milligrams of THC, provided the products are sold in properly labeled pharmaceutical containers.
The law expands eligibility by adding lupus as a qualifying condition and broadening eligibility for several existing conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Tourette syndrome, and sickle cell disease. In many cases, patients no longer have to demonstrate their condition is “severe” or “end-stage” to qualify.
Another significant change allows Georgia’s independent pharmacies to dispense medical cannabis, greatly increasing access for patients across the state. Supporters say the new law removes barriers that have long limited participation in Georgia’s medical cannabis program while maintaining the state’s prohibition on recreational marijuana.
Walker County Animal Shelter Reopens After Month-Long Quarantine Following Canine Distemper Case
The Walker County Animal Shelter has reopened after completing a 30-day quarantine that began when a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus, or CDV.
Shelter officials announced that the facility resumed normal operations on June 24 after all cleaning and quarantine protocols were completed. Sadly, all eight puppies in the affected litter died from the highly contagious virus. Officials said no other animals at the shelter became ill during the quarantine period.
Canine distemper is an airborne virus that spreads easily among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate exposed animals, officials determined that a complete shutdown of the shelter was necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.
During the month-long closure, shelter staff conducted an extensive deep cleaning of the facility, disinfecting equipment as well as all entry and exit points.
The shelter currently has more than 60 dogs and cats available for adoption. Staff members have also been working through a backlog of stray animals and owner surrenders that accumulated during the quarantine.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Georgia Families Paying Hundreds More Each Year for Electricity Than Six Years Ago
Georgia households are paying significantly more to keep the lights on than they were just six years ago, as a series of rate increases and higher energy costs continue to push electric bills upward.
According to the Savannah Morning News, a Georgia Power residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month is paying substantially more than in 2019. Since 2022 alone, the average residential bill has increased by about $43 per month, or more than $500 annually, following multiple rate increases approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Several factors have contributed to the higher bills, including the cost of completing the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion, higher fuel prices, investments in the state’s electric grid, and increased demand for electricity. Summer bills are especially expensive because of higher seasonal usage and Georgia Power’s summer pricing structure.
Georgia Power says its rates remain below the national average and notes that investments in the electric system are intended to maintain reliable service for the state’s growing population and economy. Earlier this year, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved an agreement to keep Georgia Power’s base rates unchanged through 2028, although future adjustments related to fuel costs and storm recovery remain possible.
Consumer advocates encourage customers to reduce electricity use during peak afternoon hours, improve home energy efficiency, and monitor monthly usage to help manage costs during the hot summer months.
Georgia Lottery Players Win Millions in June, Including Two $1 Million Scratch-Off Prizes
Georgia Lottery players enjoyed a lucky month in June, claiming millions of dollars in prizes across the state, including two $1 million scratch-off tickets and nearly $1.9 million in Fantasy 5 jackpots.
The month’s biggest winners came from two instant scratch-off games. A Fayetteville player claimed a $1 million top prize after purchasing a winning 50X The Money ticket at the Publix Super Market on Glynn Street. Another $1 million prize went to a player in Jasper who purchased a winning Millionaire Maker ticket at Amoco West Market on Highway 53 West.
Fantasy 5 players also celebrated several major jackpots totaling approximately $1.87 million. The largest jackpot, worth more than $539,000, was won by a player in Decatur during the June 15 drawing. Additional jackpot winners were reported in Atlanta, Brunswick, Lawrenceville, Bowdon and Fairburn.
Quick Win games also produced several six-figure winners. A Pooler player won more than $243,000 through the Georgia Lottery mobile app, while another player in Hampton claimed more than $105,000. Other notable winners were reported in Thomaston and Decatur.
Powerball drawings created five $50,000 winners during June, with winning tickets sold in Savannah, Fayetteville, Dallas, Adairsville and Lawrenceville. Mega Millions also paid out prizes ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 to players in Cumming, Marietta, Ellenwood and Stapleton.
Digital lottery games continued to award substantial prizes. The largest online payout went to a Covington player, who won nearly $600,000 playing Money Strike Jackpots. Additional Diggi Games winners were reported in Buford, Bonaire, Villa Rica, Lawrenceville, Jasper, Decatur, Rossville, Conyers, Dalton, Lithonia and Suwanee, with prizes ranging from $10,000 to $60,000.
The Georgia Lottery also reported winners through Keno, Georgia FIVE and Millionaire for Life drawings, with additional prizes awarded to players across the state.
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.