Arrest Report - Thursday - July 2, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 2, 2026:
Extreme Heat Warning In Effect Today; Heat Index Could Reach 111 Degrees
Dangerous and potentially life-threatening heat is expected across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia today as an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect from noon until 8 p.m.
The National Weather Service says heat index values could climb as high as 111 degrees this afternoon across Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Bartow, Murray, Polk, and Whitfield counties. The combination of temperatures near 98 degrees and very high humidity will create hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Forecasters say heat-related illnesses become much more likely during periods of extreme heat and high humidity. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water throughout the day, remain in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, stay out of direct sunlight, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without adequate cooling.
Those who must work or spend time outdoors should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, schedule strenuous activities during the early morning or evening hours, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned locations. OSHA also recommends regular rest periods for outdoor workers during extreme heat. Anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool location immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 without delay.
There is a 30 percent chance of scattered afternoon and early evening thunderstorms after 5 p.m. While many communities will remain dry, any storms that develop could produce brief heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds before dissipating after sunset. Tonight will become partly cloudy with a low around 75 degrees.
The hot pattern continues into Friday, with another mostly sunny day and a high near 98 degrees. Only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm is expected, and heat index values will once again climb well into the triple digits.
The Independence Day weekend will remain very warm. Highs on Saturday are expected to reach around 96 degrees with only a 20 percent chance of a late-day thunderstorm. Anyone attending parades, cookouts, fireworks displays, or other outdoor celebrations should plan for the heat by staying hydrated, seeking shade whenever possible, and taking frequent cooling breaks.
Rain chances begin increasing Sunday as a more typical summertime weather pattern develops. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms become likely Sunday afternoon and continue through at least Tuesday, with daily rain chances around 60 percent. High temperatures will gradually ease into the lower 90s by early next week, although humidity will remain high and heat index values will continue to make it feel hotter than the actual air temperature.
Even with the increased rain chances, forecasters caution that many areas will still experience several hours of dangerous afternoon heat before thunderstorms develop each day.
Woman Charged With DUI Following Early Morning Traffic Stop in Summerville
A 23-year-old woman was arrested on DUI charges after a Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy observed her vehicle repeatedly cross traffic lines during an early morning traffic stop in Summerville.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Jakala Monique McDaniel, 23, was charged with DUI – Alcohol (Misdemeanor) and Traffic Offenses following the June 28 arrest.
The report states Deputy Matt Wilson was on routine patrol around 2:53 a.m. when he observed a white Kia Optima leave the Waffle House parking lot and begin traveling north on Highway 27. The deputy reported the vehicle failed to maintain its lane several times before turning onto Lake Wanda Reita Road, where it again crossed the double yellow centerline. A traffic stop was initiated just before Pecan Orchard Road.
According to the report, Deputy Wilson recognized McDaniel from an earlier encounter that same shift and said he had previously advised her not to drive after detecting the odor of alcohol on her breath. During the traffic stop, the deputy again reported smelling alcohol and observed that McDaniel’s eyes were bloodshot while her face appeared flushed and pale. The report states McDaniel admitted she had been drinking and told the deputy she was “almost home.”
The deputy administered standardized field sobriety tests. According to the report, McDaniel displayed six of six clues on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, two of eight clues on the Walk-and-Turn test, and three of four clues on the One-Leg Stand test. After several unsuccessful attempts to obtain a roadside breath sample due to equipment issues, the deputy placed McDaniel under arrest for DUI based on her driving behavior, admission to consuming alcohol, the odor of alcohol, and the results of the field sobriety evaluations.
McDaniel was transported for a blood test before being booked into the Chattooga County Jail but withdrew her consent for the blood draw before she arrived at the EMS station.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
AAA Urges Fireworks Safety And Insurance Check Ahead Of Independence Day
As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.
AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.
Chamber Invites Community to Monthly '5:30 Club' Networking Event at Jefferson's
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting business owners, professionals, and community members to its monthly 5:30 Club networking event on Thursday, July 9, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson’s Restaurant in Summerville.
The informal gathering is designed to give Chamber members and guests an opportunity to network, share ideas, discuss local business, and build new relationships in a relaxed setting. Organizers say the event has been rebranded following a successful launch and will now be held on the second Thursday of each month.
Attendees can enjoy complimentary appetizers while connecting with fellow business leaders and community members. The event is open to anyone interested in networking and learning more about the local business community.
For more information about the 5:30 Club or membership opportunities, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.
Chattooga County Seeks Bids for 18.5-Mile Road Resurfacing Project
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project that will improve more than 18.5 miles of county roads through funding provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Local Road Assistance (LRA) programs.
According to the bid notice, contractors are being asked to submit proposals for the labor required to resurface 18.54 miles of roadways throughout Chattooga County. The county will furnish the asphalt materials through Blount Construction, while bidders are required to submit pricing based on a per-ton cost for asphalt placement, a per-gallon cost for tack, and provide a total project cost.
Commissioner Allen said the work will be funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation’s LMIG program, which helps local governments maintain and improve county road systems.
Roads Scheduled for Resurfacing
The 2026 paving program includes improvements on several roads across the county.
LMIG-funded roads include:
- Perennial Springs Road / Owens Dairy Road – 3.3 miles
- Yarbrough Road – 1.96 miles
- Henderson Circle – 1.1 miles
- Hidden Brow Road – 0.6 miles
- Mitchell Circle – 2.1 miles
- Spraggins Hill Road – 0.77 miles
- Spring Creek Road (Alexander Road to Butler Dairy Road) – 1.18 miles
LRA-funded roads include:
- Stamper Drive (dirt road)
- Renee Road (dirt road)
- Scenic View (dirt road)
- Sling Alley Road
- Hickory Hills Lane
- Cofield Circle
- Elsie Street
- Ragland Road
- Silver Hill Road
In addition to resurfacing, the project also includes several road safety improvements, including pavement striping on numerous county roads, guardrail installation and anchor posts at Penn Bridge, rumble strips, new warning signs near Penn Bridge and Spring Creek Road, additional guardrail installation on West Spring Creek Road, and edge work on Silver Hill Road.
Bid Requirements
The county requires all bids to be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Sealed Bid.” Proposals must be received by the Commissioner’s Office at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Bids will be publicly opened at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Contractors must include a 10 percent bid bond with their proposal and carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance per occurrence through a company licensed to do business in Georgia and rated at least A-. Workers’ compensation insurance is also required, and contractors must maintain a drug-free workplace throughout the project.
A complete list of project roads is available through the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office or on the county’s website. Commissioner Allen also noted that the county reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Homes, Container Homes and Other Non-Traditional Developments
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to gather comments and discuss a proposed temporary moratorium on certain non-traditional development projects within the county.
According to a public notice released by the Commissioner’s Office, the proposed moratorium would apply to projects including cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, and other similar non-traditional residential or mixed-use developments that may be identified during the county’s review process.
County officials say the purpose of the proposed moratorium is to provide time to review existing land use regulations, evaluate the potential impacts of these types of developments, and determine whether changes to county ordinances are needed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of the community.
The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. Residents, property owners, developers, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide input before any action is taken on the proposed moratorium.
The Commissioner said the meeting is intended to ensure the public has an opportunity to be informed and participate in the discussion before any decision is made regarding the proposal.
Georgia's Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds
Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.
The 2026 survey documented 113 occupied bald eagle nest territories, with 101 successful nests producing 170 eaglets—an overall nest success rate of 89 percent. Wildlife biologists say those numbers indicate Georgia likely has more than 200 active bald eagle nests statewide, a milestone the state has maintained since 2015.
Survey leader Dr. Bob Sargent said this year’s results show the eagle population has rebounded from the effects of the 2022 avian influenza outbreak that significantly impacted nesting success, particularly along Georgia’s coast.
Bald eagles have made a remarkable recovery in Georgia over the past several decades. After the species nearly disappeared from the state in the 1970s, Georgia recorded just one successful nest in 1981. Today, more than 200 nesting pairs are believed to call the state home.
The dramatic comeback has been credited to the 1972 ban on DDT, improved habitat and water quality, protections under the Endangered Species Act, conservation efforts, and growing public awareness.
Although bald eagles were removed from the federal Endangered Species Act in 2007, they remain protected under federal law and are still classified as a threatened species in Georgia.
The Georgia DNR encourages residents who discover bald eagle nests to report them through the agency’s wildlife website or by calling 478-994-1438. Reports from the public help biologists locate an estimated 10 to 15 new nests each year.
Town of Trion Seeks Bids for Roof Replacement at Public Works Building
The Town of Trion is accepting sealed bids for a roofing project at the town’s Public Works building located at 141 Echols Drive. According to the bid invitation, the project involves removing the existing gable roof and installing a new low-slope roofing system.
Sealed bids must be submitted to Trion Town Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Bids will be publicly opened at noon on Friday, July 17, in the council room at Town Hall, with the contract to be awarded at a later date. No pre-bid conference will be held.
Contractors with questions may contact Brandon Croy at 706-859-1015 at least 36 hours before the submission deadline. The Town of Trion reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive technicalities or informalities.
Georgia Highlands College Announces Spring 2026 President's and Dean's List Honorees
Georgia Highlands College has announced its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic success during the spring semester. Students earning a 4.0 grade point average while completing at least nine semester hours qualified for the President’s List, while students completing at least nine semester hours with a 3.5 GPA or higher earned Dean’s List honors.
Several students from Chattooga County were recognized for their academic achievements.
Students from Summerville named to the President’s List are:
- Connor Buffington
- Madison Colbert
- Tabetha Collette
- Kylee Cowart
- Jenny Dalton
- Renata Flake
- Natalie Fletcher
- Shannen Hernandez
- Brayundra Mosley
- Brady Poole
- Hannah Reynolds
- Nathan Reynolds
Students from Trion named to the President’s List are:
- Jason Jones
- Amelia Lawson
Students from the Dean’s List include:
- Faith-Ann Foster of Summerville
- Karley Howard of Summerville
- Ashley Kling of Summerville
- Savannah Greene of Trion
- Andrew Soule of Menlo
Georgia Highlands College congratulated all students who earned academic honors, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in the classroom.
See the complete list HERE
Happening Today: Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show
One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
The free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. at 33 Middle School Road and will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, contests and one of the largest fireworks displays in Northwest Georgia. The fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m.
Families can enjoy the free Kid’s Zone from 6 until 9 p.m., with waterslides, inflatables, face painting, sack races, badminton, volleyball, Jenga and more. Other activities include the Corn Hole Tournament, the Patriotic Foot Parade for children at 6:35 p.m., and the Summerville Natural Gas and Menlo Lucky’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m. with Parker Thomas, followed by The Whole Fam Damily at 8 p.m.
Parking is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening of food, music, family fun and fireworks.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 1, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 1, 2026:
Trion Farmers Market Open Thursday Morning with Fresh Produce, Baked Goods and More
Fresh, locally grown produce and homemade products will once again be available Thursday as the Trion Farmers Market welcomes shoppers from 8 a.m. until noon at the pavilion near the Trion Track Field off Simmons Street.
This week’s market is expected to feature sweet corn, green beans, Super Sauce, Roma, San Marzano and cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, okra, yellow squash, fresh eggs, grass-fed beef and pork. Shoppers can also find homemade blueberry muffins, zucchini bread, jams, jellies, squash relish, chow chow, bread and butter pickles, candied jalapeños, salsa, lemonade, strawberry lemonade, chocolate no-bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies and a variety of herbal products including creams, lip balm, oils, tinctures, herbal sprays, Bug-Off spray and salves.
The Trion Farmers Market is held every Thursday throughout the growing season, giving residents an opportunity to support local farmers, bakers and artisans while purchasing fresh, locally produced goods.
Heat Advisory in Effect Today as Dangerous Heat Continues Through Holiday Weekend
Another stretch of dangerous summer heat is settling over Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with a Heat Advisory in effect from noon until 8 p.m. for portions of north Georgia. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s, while heat index values could reach 105 degrees in parts of the area.
Today’s forecast calls for sunny and hot conditions, with a high near 97 degrees. There is a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms developing mainly after 4 p.m. Forecasters say a few storms across northwest Georgia could become strong, with damaging wind gusts the main concern. Heavy downpours and frequent lightning will also be possible with any storm that develops.
The same general pattern is expected Thursday and Friday, with highs near 98 degrees and heat index values once again climbing into the 100-degree range. Afternoon and early evening storm chances will remain in the forecast, but rain coverage is expected to stay scattered.
The hot weather will continue into the Independence Day weekend. Saturday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, a high near 96 degrees, and a 20 percent chance of afternoon storms. Rain chances increase Sunday into early next week, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely and temperatures easing slightly into the low 90s.
Anyone spending time outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, young children, outdoor workers, and pets. Never leave children or animals unattended in a parked vehicle.
GNTC Awards First Disabled Veterans Support Scholarships
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced the first recipients of the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship, with 12 students receiving awards for the summer 2026 semester.
The scholarship is funded through voluntary state income tax return donations and was created to support U.S. military veterans with service-connected disabilities as they pursue technical education in Georgia. The program is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation and is designed to help cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, required supplies and other real costs.
GNTC Military-Connected Services Coordinator Josh Hickman said the first semester of the scholarship program has been a success and said the 12 recipients are deserving of the support.
Recipients include students from Dalton, Rome, Euharlee, Adairsville, Rocky Face, Dallas, Canton and Cedartown. Their programs include supply chain management, healthcare management, cybersecurity, aviation maintenance, culinary arts, welding, EMS professions, automation engineering and instrumentation controls.
Eligible veterans must be enrolled in a degree, diploma or technical certificate program and provide documentation showing a service-connected disability rating.
Woman Arrested After Alleged Public Disturbance In Downtown Summerville
The Summerville Police Department arrested a Rome woman Saturday after officers responded to a disturbance in downtown Summerville. According to citations filed by the department, Tikeria Shaniquia Clowers, 27, of Rome, was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct following the incident.
According to the citations, officers observed Clowers to be visibly intoxicated in a public roadway, where police say she was causing a public disturbance. Officers also reported that she was told multiple times to lower her voice and stop yelling profanities. The citations state that after several warnings, she allegedly continued to be loud and boisterous, at which point she was placed under arrest.
The arrest occurred on June 28 in the area of 516 Highland Avenue in Summerville. Clowers is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, to answer the charges.
AAA: More Than 2.4 Million Georgians Expected To Travel For Independence Day Holiday
AAA is forecasting another record-setting Independence Day holiday travel period, with more than 2.4 million Georgians expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5.
Most of those travelers will be on the road. AAA says more than 2.1 million Georgians are expected to drive to their holiday destinations. Another 163,982 Georgians are expected to travel by air, while more than 109,000 will travel by bus, train, cruise or other modes of transportation.
AAA says this year’s travel forecast represents a modest increase over last year, but it is still enough to set a new Fourth of July travel record in Georgia. Nationally, AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel during the Independence Day holiday period, with about 61.4 million expected to go by car.
Higher travel costs are not keeping families home, but AAA says many travelers are adjusting their plans. Some are taking shorter vacations, choosing destinations closer to home, comparing the cost of driving versus flying, or booking cruises and all-inclusive trips where costs are easier to plan.
Gas prices remain a concern for holiday travelers. AAA says Georgia gas prices are higher than they were at this time last year, although prices have gradually declined in recent weeks. Drivers are encouraged to check daily fuel prices before leaving and to plan for heavier demand at the pump as the holiday approaches.
AAA and INRIX say the busiest travel periods are expected during the afternoon and evening hours this week. For drivers leaving today, the worst travel time is expected between 3 PM and 6 PM, while the best time to leave is before 2 PM.
AAA is also urging drivers to make safety a priority. Motorists should check tires, batteries, oil and other basic maintenance items before leaving home. Drivers are also reminded to slow down, move over for emergency vehicles and stranded motorists, and never drive impaired during the holiday travel period.
Chattooga River Group Plans Independence Day Social Paddle Friday
Area paddlers are invited to celebrate Independence Day on the water this Friday during a Social Paddle hosted by the Chattooga River Group.
Participants will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Giles Road in Trion before organizing shuttle vehicles to the take-out location near the Trion Golf Course. Organizers say the float is expected to last about three hours, depending on fishing and water conditions.
Those planning to participate are encouraged to bring a personal flotation device, drinking water, and snacks for the trip. Organizers are also encouraging paddlers to show their patriotic spirit, with a free T-shirt to be awarded to the participant wearing the best patriotic outfit.
Anyone planning to attend is asked to respond to the event organizers in advance to help coordinate transportation and parking arrangements.
County Exploring Temporary Reopening Option for Mosteller Creek Bridge
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is exploring whether smaller passenger vehicles could be allowed back across the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly while long-term replacement plans are developed.
The bridge, located near Lyerly Elementary School, has been closed since June 16 after a Georgia Department of Transportation inspection found structural concerns requiring immediate attention. The crossing, listed as Bridge No. 055-0025-0, is an important route between Lyerly, Menlo and nearby Alabama communities.
Allen says the county is hiring a private engineer to evaluate the bridge. If that review finds the bridge can safely support lighter vehicles, possibly in the 5-to-10-ton range, the state could allow small passenger cars to use the crossing while a permanent replacement is planned.
The bridge had previously been scheduled for replacement in 2031, but Allen says Chattooga County is working with GDOT to move the project forward sooner.
No reopening date has been announced. Allen says more information will be released once the engineering report is complete.
Town of Trion Announces July 4 Holiday Closings, Garbage Collection Changes
The Town of Trion has announced its schedule for the upcoming Independence Day holiday.
Town officials say the Business Office, Gas Department, Recreation Department, and Maintenance Department will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
Residents who normally have garbage collected on Fridays should note that Friday’s garbage route will be picked up on Thursday, July 2. All other residential garbage collection schedules will remain unchanged.
The Town reminds residents that any emergency involving the Police Department or Gas Department should be reported by calling 911, and dispatchers will notify the appropriate personnel.
Mayor Mickey McGraw and the Town of Trion wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday.