Arrest Report - Thursday - July 9, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 9, 2026:
Storm Chances Increase Today Ahead of Wet Weekend
A more unsettled weather pattern begins building across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia today, bringing a better chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Today will be mostly sunny and humid with a high near 90. A few showers are possible early, but the better chance of storms comes after 11 a.m. Rain chances today are around 40 percent, with west winds at 5 to 10 miles per hour and gusts up to 15 miles per hour.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 72. A few showers or thunderstorms could linger into the overnight hours, with rain chances around 30 percent.
Rain chances continue to climb Friday, with showers and thunderstorms likely by afternoon and a high near 91. Heat index values could reach the upper 90s before storms develop.
The wettest period appears to be Saturday, when showers and thunderstorms are expected and rain chances increase to 80 percent. Additional showers and storms remain likely Sunday and Monday, with highs dropping into the mid-80s by early next week.
Forecasters say widespread severe weather is not expected, but a few stronger storms could produce gusty winds, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Bond Denied for Alabama Man After Crash In Northwest Georgia Kills One-Year-Old Child
Bond has been denied for an Anniston, Alabama man following his arrest in a July 4 crash in Polk County that claimed the life of a one-year-old child.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the wreck happened around 2:50 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 100 and Fields Road south of Cedartown. Troopers say a Ford Mustang was traveling too fast to negotiate a curve, left the right side of the roadway, and struck a concrete culvert head-on.
Investigators said the one-year-old child was in the front seat and was not in a car seat. The child was taken to Floyd Medical Center, where she died from her injuries on Sunday.
The driver, Ezzie Tommy Harrison of Anniston, Alabama, remains in the Polk County Jail. He is facing multiple charges, including felony first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, endangering a child while DUI, child restraint violation, failure to maintain lane, no insurance, failure to exercise due care, and no registration.
Tellus Museum to Visit Chattooga County Library for Summer Reading Finale
Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with a special visit from the Tellus Science Museum at the Chattooga County Library next week.
The Summer Reading Finale with the Tellus Museum will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The free program will feature an interactive dinosaur-themed presentation where children will learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through a hands-on educational game. Following the presentation, participants can enjoy activity stations featuring dinosaur crafts, a dinosaur dig scavenger hunt, fossil touch pieces, bookmark coloring, and a chance to cool off with free icees.
Library officials say the event will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is open to the public.
Berry College Receives Nearly $750,000 for Longleaf Pine Restoration Project
Berry College and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have been awarded nearly $750,000 to restore thousands of acres of longleaf pine habitat in Northwest Georgia.
The project is supported by a $387,100 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with matching funds bringing the total investment to nearly $750,000.
The grant was secured by Dr. Adrienne Ernst, director of the Berry College Longleaf Pine Project, along with collaborators Carlee Steppe and Allison Melcher of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
The funding will be used to restore calcareous flatwoods and montane longleaf pine habitats at Berry College and nearby Georgia DNR Wildlife Management Areas. The project also aims to help recover Mohr’s Barbara’s button, a federally threatened plant species found in the flatwoods.
Officials say more than 3,000 acres will be restored and managed through prescribed burning, invasive species control, and targeted habitat improvements. The team will also develop a 50-year management plan to guide long-term conservation efforts across the landscape.
Georgia Drivers Encouraged to Add Emergency Contact to Driver's License Records
The Georgia Department of Driver Services is encouraging motorists to take a few minutes to add emergency contact information to their driver’s license or state ID records—a free update that could prove invaluable during an emergency.
The information is stored securely in the state’s driver records system and can be accessed by authorized law enforcement officers and medical personnel if someone is injured, unconscious, or otherwise unable to communicate. Officials say the feature can also help when a cellphone is locked, damaged, or unavailable following a crash.
DDS Commissioner Angelique McClendon is urging Georgians to keep the information current, noting that accurate emergency contact details can help first responders quickly notify family members or loved ones when every minute counts. The department says the feature is especially beneficial for individuals with medical conditions or memory issues that could prevent them from identifying an emergency contact.
Adding or updating an emergency contact is free and does not require drivers to obtain a new physical driver’s license or identification card. The information is updated electronically through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or at any DDS Customer Service Center. Officials also encourage drivers to add their Georgia Digital Driver’s License or ID to their smartphone’s digital wallet for added convenience.
Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana, Suspended License Charges
A 34-year-old man was arrested following an early morning traffic stop in Chattooga County after a deputy reported finding suspected marijuana inside his vehicle.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Deputy Adam Dawson was parked on Highway 27 at approximately 4:04 a.m. on July 2 when he observed a gray Honda Accord traveling without functioning taillights. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.
The driver was identified as Patrick Lamar Davis, 34. According to the report, deputies searched the vehicle and found a mason jar containing two bags of suspected marijuana beneath the driver’s seat, along with a suspected marijuana grinder and a THC gummy.
Investigators also determined Davis was driving with a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant from Floyd County. He was arrested and charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and possession of marijuana (less than one ounce) before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Summerville to Celebrate Diversity During Multicultural Festival July 18
The City of Summerville is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the many cultures that make up the community during the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Train Depot.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live cultural performances, face painting, craft vendors, educational displays, and exhibits celebrating traditions from around the globe.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to welcome the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Antique Steam Engine and see the working Summerville Turntable, making it a unique day of entertainment, history, and community.
Organizers encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a day of food, culture, music, and family fun while celebrating the diversity that helps make Chattooga County a special place to live.
Governor Kemp Leads Economic Development Mission to Scotland and Ireland
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an international economic development mission this week to Scotland and Ireland, where they are meeting with business leaders and government officials to strengthen relationships and encourage additional investment in Georgia.
The delegation includes representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and will meet with executives from Hyundai Motor Group, whose investments in Georgia represent the largest economic development project in state history. The Governor is also scheduled to meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and visit several companies with operations in Georgia.
Among the companies participating are Kerry Group, which operates food-processing facilities in Rome and Calhoun, along with CRH, Kingspan Group, Mallaghan, and Smurfit Westrock. The delegation will also tour the Georgia Southern University Wexford Campus to promote educational and economic partnerships between Georgia and Ireland.
Governor Kemp said the trip is focused on creating new jobs and expanding opportunities for hardworking Georgians through continued international investment.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 8, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 8, 2026:
Hot, Humid Weather Continues Before Storm Chances Increase This Weekend
Residents across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia can expect another stretch of typical July weather today, with plenty of sunshine, afternoon heat, and only a slight chance of a few pop-up showers or thunderstorms late in the day.
Today’s high will climb to around 91 degrees, with heat index values reaching the mid to upper 90s during the afternoon. While only about a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms is expected today, any storm that develops could produce brief heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.
Rain chances will gradually increase through the remainder of the week as a weak frontal boundary approaches the Southeast. Thursday brings a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, followed by a 50 percent chance on Friday.
The greatest opportunity for widespread rainfall arrives this weekend. Forecasters are calling for an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, with numerous storms expected throughout the day. Rain chances remain elevated Sunday at 70 percent before tapering slightly to 60 percent on Monday.
While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, the National Weather Service says a few stronger storms could develop each afternoon or evening, producing wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour.
The increase in clouds and rainfall should also provide some relief from the heat. High temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 90s through Saturday before dropping into the upper 80s by Sunday and the mid-80s by Monday.
Residents spending time outdoors should continue to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon, and keep an eye on the sky for developing thunderstorms later in the day.
Trion High School Announces Orientation, Locker And Parking Purchase Dates
Trion High School has announced important back-to-school dates for students and families.
Freshman and new student orientation will be held Wednesday, July 29, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Students and parents should meet at the high school gym. New students and freshmen will also be able to purchase lockers during orientation.
Locker and parking purchases for returning students will be held Friday, July 24, at the back entrance of Trion High School. Seniors may purchase from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m., juniors from 9:30 until 11 a.m., sophomores from 11 a.m. until noon, and freshmen from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m.
Students must wait until their assigned time slot to make purchases.
UGA Extension Bringing Master Cattlemen's Program to Chattooga County This Fall
Cattle producers across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve herd management this fall as the University of Georgia Extension brings the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County.
The eight-week program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet each Monday at 6 p.m. through November 2 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Participants will hear from University of Georgia specialists and industry experts on a wide range of topics, including beef quality assurance, herd selection, cattle economics and marketing, herd health management, parasite control, facilities, nutrition, reproductive management and forage management.
The registration fee is $100 and includes a notebook, program hat and meals. Registration is open through September 8.
To register, call the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744, scan the QR code on the program flyer or visit bit.ly/49yrFld.
Extension officials say the program is designed for both new and experienced cattle producers looking to strengthen their management skills and improve the profitability of their operations.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Firearm Arrest in Chattooga County
A 20-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after a Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy reportedly discovered marijuana packaged for sale and a firearm during a traffic stop late last month.
According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Giovanni Saam, 20, was arrested on June 30 following a traffic stop on Highway 27 near Gore Fire Hall Road. A deputy reported stopping the vehicle after observing it without a visible license plate and learning the vehicle registration had expired.
The report states the deputy detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. After speaking with Saam and another occupant, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle.
According to the report, deputies recovered multiple bags containing suspected marijuana, a digital scale, marijuana cigarettes, packaging materials, ammunition and a handgun. The report indicates Saam told deputies there was additional marijuana in the trunk, where investigators reportedly located another bag containing suspected marijuana.
Saam was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Registration.
He was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Recent Rainfall Eases Drought, Lowers Wildfire Risk Across Northwest Georgia
Recent rainfall has lowered the immediate wildfire threat across Northwest Georgia, but the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows Chattooga, Floyd and Walker counties remain Abnormally Dry, indicating the region has not fully recovered from recent dry conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released July 2 classifies the three counties in the D0 – Abnormally Dry category. While D0 is not considered drought, it signals below-normal moisture levels and can serve as an early warning that drought could develop if hot, dry weather returns.
Georgia Forestry Commission officials say the recent rounds of rain have significantly reduced wildfire danger across much of the state after an active spring fire season. However, they caution that the improvement may be temporary. With summertime heat continuing, vegetation can dry quickly, increasing the potential for wildfires if rainfall becomes less frequent.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across Northwest Georgia throughout the week, which should help maintain soil moisture. Even so, officials encourage residents to continue using caution with outdoor burning and to remain aware of changing weather conditions.
Elsewhere in Georgia, portions of northeast and southeast Georgia continue to experience moderate drought, while areas of the state remain abnormally dry, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
Ossoff, Warnock Renew Push to Stop Planned Service Cuts at Eisenhower Army Medical Center
U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are again urging the Defense Health Agency to abandon plans to significantly reduce services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, warning the proposal could negatively affect thousands of active-duty servicemembers, veterans, military families and civilian employees.
In a letter to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Keith Bass, the senators expressed concern over the agency’s plan to eliminate all inpatient services and transition the hospital into an ambulatory care center. The proposal would also convert the facility’s emergency department into an urgent care center. The lawmakers said the Defense Health Agency has not provided a clear plan explaining how patients would continue receiving care or how the changes would affect the surrounding healthcare system.
Ossoff and Warnock wrote that reducing services without a comprehensive transition plan could create confusion and make it more difficult for servicemembers, their families and veterans to access the care they need. They urged the agency to halt implementation of the plan, withdraw its congressional notification and provide additional information before moving forward.
The senators noted that Eisenhower Army Medical Center serves an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 active-duty servicemembers, retirees, military families and Department of Defense civilians in the Central Savannah River Area. Senator Ossoff first began pressing the Defense Health Agency for answers about the proposed reductions last year and has continued to oppose the changes
Publix Recalls Frozen Blueberries Sold in Georgia After E. coli Illnesses Reported
Publix customers in Georgia are being urged to check their freezers after the grocery chain recalled a specific lot of frozen blueberries linked to 12 confirmed cases of E. coli illness.
The recall involves 10-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. The product was sold at Publix stores in Georgia and seven other southeastern states. No other lot codes or best-by dates are included in the recall.
The recall was initiated after 12 people became ill with E. coli O145:H28 infections between May 11 and June 5. Consumers who have the affected blueberries should not eat them and should either throw them away or return them to Publix for a full refund.
Health officials say E. coli O145 can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for serious complications, including a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. Anyone who becomes ill after eating the recalled product should seek medical attention promptly.
The recalled blueberries were produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of Chile. The company and Publix are working with regulatory agencies as the investigation continues.
Governor Kemp Met with OpenAI Leaders as Georgia Pursues AI Growth
Governor Brian Kemp recently met privately with executives from OpenAI and Georgia Power as state leaders continue exploring Georgia’s role in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. According to documents obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act, the meeting took place on June 11 at the State Capitol, although neither the Governor’s Office nor OpenAI disclosed what was discussed.
The meeting comes as Georgia works to attract additional technology investment while balancing the enormous energy demands created by artificial intelligence data centers. Georgia Power has projected sharp increases in electricity demand over the coming years, with much of that growth tied to large-scale data centers supporting AI and cloud computing.
The Current reported that the governor’s office declined to provide details about the meeting, and OpenAI also did not comment on the topics discussed. The publication obtained the information through Governor Kemp’s official calendar, which is regularly released under Georgia’s open records law.
The meeting highlights Georgia’s growing importance in the AI sector as technology companies continue investing in infrastructure across the state. It also comes as lawmakers and local governments increasingly debate how to accommodate the industry’s rapid expansion while addressing concerns over electricity use, water consumption and the impact of large data centers on local communities.
Walker County Commission to Consider Data Center Moratorium, Budget, Land Development Changes
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will consider several significant items during its regular meeting Thursday, July 9, including a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, updates to the county’s land development regulations, and several major spending requests. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex IV in LaFayette.
Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget before considering public comments on amendments to Chapter 22 of the Walker County Code governing land development regulations. The board is also scheduled to hear three planning and zoning requests involving properties in Chickamauga and LaFayette before voting on those requests later in the meeting.
Among the most closely watched items on the agenda is a proposed resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on data centers in Walker County. Commissioners are also expected to consider a comprehensive financial policy, a policy prohibiting county employees from purchasing county surplus property, and the sale of certain county-owned real estate.
The board will also vote on several purchase orders, including approximately $60,535 for a generator at the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, $31,800 for repairs at the Cedar Grove Community Center, and more than $295,500 for emergency repairs at the Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office. County officials note the tax office repairs are expected to be covered by insurance, less the county’s $5,000 deductible.
Additional business includes appointments to the Walker County Public Library Board, amendments to the county’s travel and reimbursement policy, authorization for Drug Court and Mental Health Court operating grants, departmental reports, commissioner comments, and an executive session if needed.
Georgia Lottery Players Score Big Holiday Weekend Wins
Several Georgia Lottery players had a winning holiday weekend as jackpot games continued to climb across the state.
Monday’s Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $416 million, while tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at $576 million.
Among the weekend winners, a Stone Mountain player won $50,000 in the July 1 Powerball drawing, while a Brunswick player won $100,000 in the July 4 Powerball drawing after the Power Play multiplier doubled the prize.
An Albany player also hit a $290,307 Fantasy 5 jackpot on July 2 through the Georgia Lottery mobile app.
Other big wins included $250,000 for a Jasper player on a Diggi Game, $10,000 prizes in Kennesaw and Douglas, and two $7,500 Millionaire for Life prizes sold in Woodstock and Bonaire.
Georgia Lottery officials remind Mega Millions and Powerball winners they have 180 days from the drawing date to claim prizes. Proceeds from Georgia Lottery games benefit education across the state.