Arrest Report - Saturday - July 18, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 18, 2026:
Hot, Humid Saturday with Afternoon Storm Chances
A hot and muggy Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.
Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 91 degrees. Heat index values could reach around 99. A slight chance of showers will continue during the morning before storm chances increase after 11 a.m. The chance of rain is 40 percent.
Storm coverage is expected to be somewhat lower than Friday, but abundant moisture and instability could still allow a few storms to become strong or severe. The primary threats would be damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms continues Saturday evening, mainly between 7 and 8 p.m. The overnight low will be around 73.
Sunday will remain hot and humid, with a high near 91 and heat index values approaching 99. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 2 p.m., with a 70 percent chance of rain.
Hotter and generally drier conditions are expected early next week. High temperatures could reach around 93 Monday and Tuesday, with overnight lows remaining in the lower to middle 70s. Forecasters say little nighttime relief is expected, and heat concerns could continue through much of the coming week.
Multicultural Festival Brings Food, Music and Culture to Downtown Summerville Today
A celebration of cultures from around the world will take place today at the Summerville Train Depot as the City of Summerville hosts its Multicultural Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live entertainment, craft vendors, cultural displays and activities celebrating the diverse traditions that make up the local community.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s antique steam locomotive arrive at the depot and watch demonstrations of the historic Summerville Turntable, one of the few operating railroad turntables of its kind.
The festival is open to all ages and will be held at the Summerville Train Depot, 111 East Washington Street.
Georgia Law Limits Who Can Legally Conduct Raffles
Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.
To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.
Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.
Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.
Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale Returns to Dowdy Park August 6–8
Bargain hunters and vendors alike will have an opportunity to buy, sell and explore during the Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale at Dowdy Park in downtown Summerville, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8.
Hosted by the City of Summerville, the three-day event runs from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day at Dowdy Park. Organizers say shoppers can expect a wide variety of treasures while sellers have a chance to clean out unwanted items and earn extra money.
Vendor spaces measure 15-by-15 feet and are available for $5 per day. Those interested in reserving a space can request a vendor form by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.
Dowdy Park is located along Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Summerville, offering convenient access and plenty of visibility throughout the event.
Chattooga County Restaurants Earn High Marks in July Health Inspections
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released food service inspection scores for the first half of July, with local restaurants earning strong marks overall.
Torres Mexican Restaurant in Trion, Little Caesars Pizza in Summerville and Jack’s Family Restaurant in Summerville each received a perfect 100 during their routine inspections.
AJ’s Subs N’ Sweets in Summerville earned an excellent 99, while The Great Awakening Company received a 91.
Inspection scores reflect compliance with Georgia food safety regulations at the time of the inspection. Establishments are routinely evaluated on food handling, employee hygiene, sanitation, temperature control, facility maintenance and other public health standards.
July 2026 Inspection Scores:
- Jack’s Family Restaurant (Summerville) – 100 – July 1
- Little Caesars Pizza (Summerville) – 100 – July 8
- Torres Mexican Restaurant (Trion) – 100 – July 9
- The Great Awakening Company (Summerville) – 91 – July 14
- AJ’s Subs N’ Sweets (Summerville) – 99 – July 15
For more information about restaurant inspections, contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
Georgia Expands Path2College 529 Savings Limit and Eliminates State Administrative Fee
Georgia families will be able to save substantially more for future education expenses under two major changes to the state’s Path2College 529 Plan.
Governor Brian Kemp recently highlighted Senate Bill 556, which raises the maximum balance allowed in a Path2College account from $235,000 to $550,000. Kemp signed the legislation in May.
The Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Board has also approved a waiver of the plan’s state administrative fee. State officials say the change makes Path2College the lowest-cost college savings plan in the nation.
Kemp said increasing the savings limit will make it easier for parents to prepare for college tuition and other education costs while strengthening Georgia’s future workforce and economy.
Georgia State Treasurer Steve McCoy said the higher limit and fee waiver will allow families to save more while reducing the cost of maintaining an account.
Path2College is Georgia’s official 529 education savings plan. Account holders may qualify for a state income tax deduction, while investments grow tax-deferred. Withdrawals are tax-free when used for eligible education expenses.
Funds can be used for traditional colleges and universities, technical colleges, certain apprenticeship programs, qualified kindergarten-through-12th-grade tuition expenses and eligible student loan repayments.
Accounts may be opened for children, other relatives or the account holder. The plan also offers several investment choices designed for different savings schedules and levels of risk.
The Path2College plan is overseen by the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Board, which was recognized by Morningstar in 2025 for its commitment to education savers and leadership.
Chattooga County Historical Society to Host Summer Meeting Sunday
The Chattooga County Historical Society will welcome members and the public tomorrow afternoon for its annual summer meeting at the Historic Summerville Depot, featuring a presentation from a local veteran whose military career included some of the nation’s most historic moments.
The meeting begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Historic Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.
Featured speaker Jim Lenderman, a fellow Chattoogan and former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, will share firsthand accounts of his role in the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. He will also discuss his military service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, offering attendees a unique perspective on presidential aviation and military history.
Organizers say the program combines local history with an extraordinary personal story from one of Chattooga County’s own. The Historical Society encourages anyone with an interest in history, military service, or the community’s heritage to attend.
For more information, visit www.chattoogahistory.org.
Chattooga County Tax Sale Scheduled for August 4
The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office has announced that the county’s annual tax sale will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville.
According to the official notice, the sale will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m., or until all listed properties have been offered for sale. The properties are being sold to satisfy delinquent property taxes through tax fi. fa. executions issued by the Chattooga County Tax Commissioner on behalf of the State of Georgia and Chattooga County.
The Tax Commissioner’s Office emphasizes that the auction is a buyer beware sale. All properties will be sold as is, with no warranty or guarantee of title. Buyers should also be aware that properties remain subject to recorded easements, covenants and rights-of-way, and are conveyed by tax deed with statutory rights of redemption. Purchasers are responsible for paying title costs, transfer fees, recording fees, advertising costs and any applicable taxes. Payment may be required within two hours after the sale concludes.
The published list includes dozens of parcels throughout Chattooga County with delinquent taxes owed for years ranging from 2021 through 2024. Interested bidders are encouraged to review the complete tax sale list and research any property before participating in the auction.
Georgia Sets New Records for Labor Force and Employment
Georgia’s workforce continues to grow, with the state reaching new all-time highs in both labor force participation and employment during June, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.
The state’s labor force increased by 7,179 people during the month to a record 5,477,859 workers, while employment rose by 10,359 to an all-time high of 5,294,229 employed Georgians. Georgia’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 percent, well below the national rate of 4.2 percent.
Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said June marked the sixth consecutive month that Georgia has set new records for both labor force participation and employment.
Despite the strong employment numbers, total nonfarm jobs declined by 10,100 in June to 5,040,900. The largest monthly job gains were reported in the health care and social assistance sector, while losses occurred in transportation and warehousing, local and state government, finance and insurance, arts and entertainment, and nondurable goods manufacturing.
Compared to one year ago, Georgia’s labor force has grown by nearly 69,500 workers, employment has increased by more than 65,000 jobs, and the state has added approximately 61,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, highlighting continued long-term growth in Georgia’s economy.
Arrest Report - Friday - July 17, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 17, 2026:
Hot, Humid Weather Continues With Daily Afternoon Storm Chances
Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through the weekend, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms providing only temporary relief from the heat.
Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m. today, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 91 degrees. The combination of heat and high humidity could push heat index values as high as 98 degrees during the afternoon. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops mainly after 2 p.m.
The National Weather Service says the atmosphere remains extremely humid, with tropical moisture firmly established across Georgia. Any thunderstorms that develop could produce locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds. A few storms across north and central Georgia could become strong or severe, with damaging wind gusts expected to be the primary concern.
Rain chances will decrease after sunset, with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 72 and calm winds.
Saturday will bring another hot and humid day with mostly sunny skies and a high near 91. Heat index values could climb as high as 99 degrees. There will be a slight chance of storms before noon, followed by a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73, although an isolated shower could develop overnight.
Sunday will begin mostly sunny before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread during the afternoon. Rain chances increase to 60 percent after 2 p.m., with a high near 91. Showers and storms will remain possible Sunday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.
The weather pattern becomes somewhat drier early next week, but the heat will intensify. Monday will be sunny with a high near 93 and only a 20 percent chance of an afternoon storm. Tuesday could reach 94 degrees, with heat index values likely climbing into the triple digits in some locations. Highs remain in the lower 90s Wednesday and Thursday.
Forecasters are also monitoring a weak area of low pressure near the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The system currently has a low chance of tropical development and is expected to remain weak as it moves northeast. Depending on its path, it could bring slightly drier—but not necessarily cooler—air into Georgia early next week.
Anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle.
Trion High School Work-Based Learning Meeting Scheduled For July 27
Trion High School students participating in the Work-Based Learning program and their parents are reminded to attend a mandatory informational meeting later this month.
The meeting will be held Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. in the Trion High School Media Center.
The meeting is required for all juniors and seniors enrolled in Work-Based Learning, along with a parent or guardian. School officials will review the Work-Based Learning program, discuss new state requirements and complete mandatory paperwork required for student participation.
Students enrolled in the program are also required to be on campus all day Thursday and Friday, July 30-31. School officials encourage students to notify their workplace supervisors of that requirement as soon as possible.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Megan Mills at megan.mills@trionschools.org.
Two Men Arrested Following Fight At Circle K In Summerville
Two men were arrested yesterday morning (July 16, 2026) at 12:30 AM, after Summerville Police responded to a physical altercation in the parking lot of the Circle K convenience store on Highway 114.
According to citations issued by the Summerville Police Department, officers were called to the business at 650 Highway 114 at approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16.
Sean Alan Sammons, of Menlo, was charged with disorderly conduct. According to the citation, Sammons was observed by two witnesses swinging a closed fist at another individual, resulting in a physical altercation.
William Matthew Pledger, of Summerville, was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.
Police allege Pledger became involved in the physical altercation and then physically resisted officers after being given lawful commands. The citation also states Pledger admitted to being intoxicated, and officers reported detecting a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.
Both men were issued citations and are scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court. The incident remains under investigation.
Georgia Power Unveils Customer Protection Pledge As Debate Over Data Centers Continues
Georgia Power has announced a new Customer Protection Pledge, saying it is designed to keep electricity affordable while meeting the state’s rapidly growing demand for power from new industries, including data centers and manufacturers.
The utility’s six-point pledge includes maintaining its base-rate freeze through at least 2028, requiring new large-energy users to pay the cost of the infrastructure needed to serve them, investing in a stronger electric grid, negotiating fairly with property owners, maintaining a balanced energy portfolio and protecting natural resources. Georgia Power says typical residential customers are projected to save about $102 per year beginning in 2029, in addition to an overall rate reduction approved earlier this year.
Georgia Power says large customers, such as data centers using 100 megawatts or more, must sign long-term contracts, pay monthly minimum bills and cover the costs of the transmission and generation infrastructure required to serve them, rather than shifting those costs to residential customers.
However, critics and consumer advocates remain skeptical. They argue it is still too early to know whether residential customers will ultimately avoid paying for the enormous energy demands created by data centers. Earlier this month, the Georgia Public Service Commission voted to open an investigation into whether industrial customers, including data centers, could still be shifting some fuel and other electricity costs onto homes and small businesses. Consumer advocates welcomed that review, saying it is needed to verify Georgia Power’s claims.
Separately, some property owners and community groups have raised concerns about new transmission lines and other infrastructure needed to support data center growth. Critics have cited potential impacts on private property, land use and local communities as Georgia continues to experience a surge in data center development.
Georgia Lottery Player Wins $4 Million Mega Millions Prize
One lucky Georgia Lottery player is celebrating a $4 million win after Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing, although the game’s massive jackpot continues to grow.
The winning numbers for the July 14 Mega Millions drawing were 2, 4, 10, 48 and 56, with the Mega Ball 22. While no one matched all six numbers to win the $637 million jackpot, one Georgia player matched all five white balls and had a 4X multiplier, turning a $1 million prize into $4 million.
The Georgia Lottery has not yet released where the winning ticket was sold.
With no jackpot winner, the Mega Millions grand prize has climbed to an estimated $672 million, with a cash option of approximately $293.3 million, making it the largest lottery jackpot in the United States this year and the 10th largest in Mega Millions history. The next drawing is tonight.
The Powerball jackpot is also on the rise, reaching an estimated $498 million, bringing the combined jackpots for the two games to nearly $1.2 billion.
New Georgia Law Requires Schools To Enroll Foster Students Within Three Business Days
A new Georgia law designed to reduce educational disruptions for children in foster care is now in effect, requiring public schools to enroll foster students within three school business days of a request for enrollment.
Senate Bill 431, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp earlier this year, strengthens protections for students in foster care by establishing a firm enrollment deadline and giving the Georgia Department of Education authority to require corrective action if school districts fail to comply.
Lawmakers said the measure addresses a long-standing problem in which foster children often experience repeated school transfers that can delay enrollment, disrupt learning and even result in lost academic credits. According to a federal study cited by lawmakers, more than 30 percent of foster youth change schools five or more times before turning 18.
If a school does not enroll a foster student within the required timeframe, it must provide the student’s guardian with contact information for regional and state education officials who can help resolve the issue. The Department of Education may also require districts to develop corrective action plans when they fail to meet the law’s requirements.
The legislation builds on previous state efforts to streamline enrollment for foster children and improve the transfer of student records, with the goal of providing greater educational stability for some of Georgia’s most vulnerable students.
Fifteen Graduate From GNTC Electrical Lineworker Program
Fifteen students graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held Wednesday, July 15, at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.
The students completed an intensive 10-week training program that included classroom instruction, hands-on training and the use of donated trucks, utility poles and climbing equipment.
Graduates received four credentials, including an Electrical Lineworker certificate, a restricted Class A Commercial Driver’s License, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and a certificate documenting the completion of 395 training hours.
“These graduates completed a course not many people in the world can do,” said Electrical Lineworker instructor Kevin Bishop.
Commercial Truck Driving instructor Judy Roddenberry said graduates leave the program with the skills and tools needed to succeed in the workforce.
The summer 2026 class is the 11th cohort to complete the Electrical Lineworker program since it began in fall 2022.
Graduates included:
Sam Crump of LaFayette; Carlos Cruz, Brandon A. Hurtado, Omar Mendiola, Jose Ojeda, Jason Ortiz-Ramos and Alex Rodriguez, all of Dalton; Josh Faires and Branson Ingram of Cedartown; Joshua Blake Fennell of Piedmont, Alabama; Caden Oswalt of Rome; Angel Paredez of Calhoun; Mark Ravenscraft of Marietta; Luke Watkins of Rydal; and Caleb Wingard of Jenkinsburg.
The next class begins Aug. 31, but registration is closed. Seats remain available for the following cohort, which begins Jan. 4, 2027.
For more information, contact GNTC’s Office of Economic Development at lineworker@gntc.edu.
Multicultural Festival And Train Arrival Celebration Set For Saturday At Summerville Depot
Coming up tomorrow, the City of Summerville will welcome residents and visitors downtown for a Multicultural Market and special train arrival celebration at the historic Summerville Depot.
The free community event will be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will celebrate friendship, international cultures and foods from around the world.
Special seating will be available inside the depot’s freight room, where visitors can enjoy food and entertainment throughout the day.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum passenger train is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. The arrival will be followed by the turning of the steam engine on the Summerville Turntable, an event that is especially popular with railroad enthusiasts.
The public is invited to welcome arriving passengers and take part in the celebration. Organizers hope the event will encourage friendship, positivity and a shared commitment to making the community and the world a better place.
For more information, visit the City of Summerville’s Facebook event page or contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900.
Chattooga Curtain Call To Present Newsies Jr.
Chattooga Curtain Call is preparing to bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage later this month, continuing its long-standing tradition of providing local students with opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.
The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who band together to stand up for fair treatment while learning valuable lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.
Chattooga Curtain Call, a local nonprofit organization, has spent more than a decade offering theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities. In addition to entertaining audiences, the organization provides young performers with training in acting, singing and stage performance while helping keep the performing arts thriving locally.
Newsies Jr. performances are July 31st at 7:00pm and Aug. 1st at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets via Venmo @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. You will receive confirmation with ticket numbers and your tickets will be held for you at the door. You can also purchase tickets at the door with cash/check. All performances will be held at Connect City Church.