Windy Conditions Expected Today As Warmer Weather Builds Across Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a dry, breezy day today as post-frontal air settles into the region. Forecasters say clear skies will allow for plenty of daytime mixing, which will help produce gusty northwest winds through the afternoon.
Wind gusts could reach up to around 20 miles per hour at times, especially during the warmer part of the day. While widespread hazardous weather is not expected, the combination of gusty winds, dry air, and falling relative humidity could create elevated fire weather concerns in some areas. Anyone burning outdoors should use extra caution and continue to monitor local fire weather guidance.
The breezy conditions come as the region begins a noticeable warming trend. After today, winds are expected to become mostly light, while temperatures climb steadily through the weekend. By Saturday, afternoon highs are forecast to reach well into the 80s across much of Northwest Georgia, with overnight lows generally falling into the 50s.
High pressure is expected to remain in control through the beginning of next week, keeping conditions mostly dry. As warmer air builds over the region, daytime highs may climb into the upper 80s and even near 90 degrees in some locations.
Forecasters say the next chance for rain appears limited for now. A weak weather disturbance moving southeast from the Central Plains into Kentucky and Tennessee may bring some added cloud cover, but widespread rainfall is not expected through the weekend. By Tuesday, a slight chance of showers or isolated thunderstorms may return as the ridge of high pressure begins to weaken.
Until then, the main weather concerns for Chattooga County and surrounding areas will be breezy conditions today, continued dry weather, warming temperatures, and the possibility of low humidity contributing to increased fire weather concerns into the weekend.
Teen Arrested After Gun Discharge At Armuchee High School
A teen was arrested Tuesday following an incident involving a firearm on the campus of Armuchee High School on Martha Berry Highway.
According to Floyd County Jail records, the incident occurred just after 3:00 PM. Authorities say 17-year-old Scott Ryan Ferguson of Silver Creek discharged a handgun while on school grounds.
Ferguson is charged with possession of a pistol or revolver by someone under the age of 18, carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, and reckless conduct.
School officials say the incident happened in the band parking lot during dismissal. An adult male, not affiliated with the school system, had entered campus to meet a student. While inside a vehicle, the individual was handling a firearm when it was accidentally discharged, resulting in a self-inflicted injury.
Officials confirmed that no students or staff were harmed and that there was no ongoing threat to the campus. Law enforcement responded quickly, took the individual into custody, and secured the weapon.
The Floyd County Police Department, along with the FCS K9 Unit, assisted in the response. School officials say the incident is being treated as isolated, and a full follow-up investigation is underway.
Possible Burglary Reported On Old Mill Road In Summerville
A possible burglary is under investigation after being reported last Friday on Old Mill Road in Summerville, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Officers responded on May 8 to a residence in the 400 block of Old Mill Road. Upon arrival, they made contact with the homeowner, who reported that a back door to the residence appeared to have been kicked in.
According to the report, the door frame showed signs of damage, indicating forced entry. However, the homeowner told officers that after checking the residence, nothing appeared to be missing.
The homeowner also indicated that a possible suspect could be an ex-girlfriend, though no arrests have been made at this time.
The case has been referred to a detective with the Summerville Police Department for further investigation.
Georgia State Parks To Mark America’s 250th Independence Day
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites will celebrate Independence Day with special events across the state, marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Parks and historic sites will host a wide range of family-friendly programs honoring the nation’s founding, including living history demonstrations, traditional games, patriotic music, outdoor activities, and historic reenactments.
Events will be held at sites including Jarrell Plantation, Fort Morris Historic Site, Fort King George Historic Site, Fort McAllister State Park, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, Don Carter State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, Florence Marina State Park, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Panola Mountain State Park, Red Top Mountain State Park, Watson Mill Bridge State Park, New Echota Historic Site, Kolomoki Mounds State Park, and Elijah Clark State Park.
Activities will range from musket demonstrations, artillery displays, and frontier skills to bike parades, watermelon eating contests, sandcastle competitions, sunset hikes, wagon rides, and old-fashioned Fourth of July games.
State Parks Director Angie Johnson said this year’s Fourth of July is especially meaningful as Georgia joins the nation in commemorating 250 years of American independence.
Visitors are encouraged to check event details, registration requirements, and park schedules before attending.
Free Groceries And Clothes Closet Available Thursday In Trion
There’s Hope for the Hungry will be at Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, to give away free groceries.
The food distribution will take place from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. No ID is required, but recipients must be present to receive food.
The free Clothes Closet will also be available Thursday from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM.
Central Avenue Baptist Church is located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, behind Dixie Subs.
Woman Injured In Dog Attack In Summerville
A Summerville woman was injured following a dog attack earlier this month, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.
Officers were dispatched on May 7 to 135 Steven Street in reference to an animal complaint. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with Doris Shepard, who reported that she had been walking in her neighborhood near 345 Hawkins Drive when a dog attacked her.
According to the report, Shepard attempted to fend off the dog, including trying to kick it away. During the incident, she fell and sustained a broken toe on one foot and a head injury. She later sought medical treatment at an urgent care facility next to Tractor Supply in Summerville.
Officers observed that Shepard’s wrist and hand were swollen, and she was having difficulty supporting herself. Police attempted to make contact with residents at the property where the dogs were located but were unable to reach anyone at the home.
Authorities noted that two dogs were observed on the property, and neither was on a leash at the time of the incident.
The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Trion Girls Soccer To Play For State Championship Friday
The Trion Girls Soccer team will take on Irwin County in the state championship on Friday, May 15, at 4:00 PM.
The championship match will be played at Upson-Lee High School. Tickets are $18 and must be purchased through GoFan.
The Trion Football team will also be in action this weekend, scrimmaging North Murray on Saturday, May 16, at 6:00 PM. Admission for the football scrimmage is $10.
We CARE Vet Fair Returning To Rome In June
Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families will have access to a wide range of free services and resources during the upcoming We CARE Vet Fair in Rome.
The Northwest Georgia We CARE Vet Fair is scheduled for June 11 and 12 at the Forum River Center on Tribune Street in Rome. Organizers say the event is designed to connect veterans and military families across Northwest Georgia with healthcare, benefits assistance, housing support, legal services, employment resources, and more — all in one location.
The event will include one-on-one assistance with VA claims and benefits, VA healthcare enrollment, Georgia veteran identification services, medical screenings, mental health resources, financial guidance, and job opportunities. Free admission and parking will be offered.
Special programming for women veterans is planned for June 11, along with a free outdoor concert that evening at the Rome River Forum Green. Additional services include free haircuts, wellness activities, legal assistance, and educational seminars.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring military paperwork such as a DD214, claim information, medical documents, or resumes if seeking employment assistance.
Free Summer Meals Available For Chattooga County Children
Chattooga County School Nutrition has announced that its 2025 Summer Feeding Program will return this year, offering free meals to all children ages 18 and under.
The program will operate Monday through Friday from June 2 through July 11. No meal service will be offered during the week of June 30 through July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
Meals will be available at several locations across Chattooga County, including Dowdy Park, Fields Walk Mobile Home Park, East Trion Church of God, Trion Veterans Memorial Park, Summerville Gardens Apartments, Lake Wanda Reita Apartments, McGinnis Circle Apartments, Menlo Housing Authority, and Fairway Recreation Center.
Children must remain on site to eat the meals provided.
Questions may be directed to Brandie Wooten, School Nutrition Director, at 706-859-3054 or bwooten@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
Dowdy Park — 170 University St., Summerville, GA 30747
11:00 AM until 1:00 PM
Fields Walk Mobile Home Park — 15 Fields Walk, Summerville, GA 30747
12:30 PM until 12:50 PM
East Trion Church of God — 365 First St., Trion, GA 30753
11:10 AM until 11:45 AM
Trion Veterans Memorial Park — 239 Simmons St., Trion, GA 30753
11:50 AM until 12:20 PM
Summerville Gardens Apartments — 231 Summerville Gardens Dr., Summerville, GA 30747
12:10 PM until 12:40 PM
Lake Wanda Reita Apartments — 99 Lake Wanda Reita Rd., Summerville, GA 30747
11:20 AM until 11:50 AM
McGinnis Circle Apartments — McGinnis Circle, Summerville, GA 30747
11:15 AM until 11:35 AM
Menlo Housing Authority — 77 Ralph Chamblee Dr., Menlo, GA 30731
12:15 PM until 12:45 PM
Fairway Recreation Center — 81 Senior Dr., Summerville, GA 30747
11:00 AM until 12:00 PM
Children must remain on site to eat the meals provided.
Donations Sought For Back To School Bash For Trion And Chattooga Students
Organizers are preparing for the annual Back to School Bash for Trion and Chattooga students, and community support is being sought to help local families get ready for the new school year.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4:00 until 6:00 PM. Plans include music, free back-to-school haircuts, shaved ice treats, community resources, and school-year support for students.
School supply donations, monetary donations, and community partners or vendors are currently being accepted. An Amazon wish list has also been shared to give the community ideas about needed supplies. Donations do not have to be purchased through Amazon.
Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2C7THQBGT2LSW?ref_=wl_share
Anyone interested in donating, becoming involved, or learning more can contact Maisha Ludy with Chattooga Family Connection at 706-388-9849 or email maishaludy@gmail.com.
Organizers say the goal is to bring the community together to support students and families across Chattooga County as they prepare for a successful school year.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - May 13, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 13, 2026:
Dry, Warm Weather Expected Across Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia is heading into a mostly dry stretch of weather through the weekend, with no significant precipitation expected across the area.
Forecasters say a dry front could bring a few isolated showers today, mainly in the northeast Georgia mountains and nearby higher elevations, but rain chances remain low. A brief rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out later this afternoon or evening. After that, high pressure is expected to settle in and keep conditions dry through early next week.
Temperatures will briefly cool Thursday before warming late in the week. Friday morning lows could dip into the 40s and lower 50s, but afternoon highs will rebound into the lower and middle 80s. By Saturday and Sunday, many areas of Northwest Georgia could see highs climb into the upper 80s to near 90 degrees.
While some added cloud cover is possible this weekend, forecasters are not expecting meaningful rainfall. The warmer and drier pattern may also bring back some fire weather concerns, especially as temperatures rise and humidity levels fluctuate.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and use caution with outdoor burning or any activity that could spark a fire.
Trion To Hold Dog Park Opening Ceremony May 16
The Town of Trion will hold an official opening ceremony for its new dog park on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Track Field pavilion adjoining Simmons Street. Town officials say the park was inspired by the late Brinley A. Corbin, whose dream has now become a reality.
Mayor Mickey McGraw and members of the Trion Town Council are inviting residents of Trion and the surrounding area to attend the ceremony and help celebrate the opening of the new community dog park.
Event Planned for Saturday to Protest Trion High School Senior's Detention by Immigration Authorities
A protest at the Chattooga County Courthouse is scheduled this Saturday in support of a Trion High School student who was arrested after an accident in Walker County and subsequently detained by federal immigration authorities.
Authorities say 19-year-old Elder Aguilar-Macario was arrested after a crash on Halls Valley Road in Walker County. He was charged with driving without a valid license, improper lane change, and failure to maintain lane.
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said Aguilar-Macario posted bond on the local traffic charges, but was not released after Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him.
Aguilar-Macario was later transferred to the Floyd County Jail before being moved to the Irwin County Detention Center in south Georgia.
Before being taken into custody, Aguilar-Macario was preparing to graduate from Trion High School. Family members say he has lived in Trion since childhood and is also studying welding at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
With graduation just days away, community members are calling for Aguilar-Macario’s release. The Chattooga County Democratic Party says a peaceful protest in support of Elder and others being held by ICE is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chattooga Chamber To Host Marketing Lunch And Learn May 20
The Chattooga Chamber will host its next Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, May 20, with “Marketing 101 Part 2.”
The program will feature Dr. Heather Morgan, a marketing professor at Kennesaw State University and founder of Morgan Marketing Associates. Morgan specializes in retail and digital marketing strategy, helping businesses improve messaging, reach the right audience, and grow.
The catered lunch is open to the public, but reservations are required. Admission is $12 for Chattooga Chamber members and $17 for non-members.
The event will be held from noon until 1 p.m. at the Hurley Community Development Center, located at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville.
Chattooga Indians To Face Southeast Whitfield In Spring Football Game
The Chattooga High School Indians will take the field Friday night for their annual spring football game.
Chattooga will travel to face Southeast Whitfield, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on May 15. The game will be played at Southeast Whitfield High School in Dalton.
Spring football games give teams a chance to evaluate players, build chemistry, and prepare for the upcoming fall season. Fans will get an early look at this year’s Indians squad as they take on a competitive Southeast Whitfield team.
Menlo Man Arrested On DUI And Traffic Charges Following Traffic Stop
A Menlo man was arrested Friday night following a traffic stop on Highway 337, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say 66-year-old Danny Lewis Overbay was taken into custody on May 8, 2026, and charged with DUI (alcohol), open container, and other traffic offenses.
According to the incident report, a deputy observed a vehicle make a stop at an intersection before turning around and cutting through a parking lot to avoid a traffic stop. The vehicle later came to a complete stop in a nearby parking lot, where the driver was identified as Overbay.
Authorities say Overbay initially denied driving and claimed another individual had been operating the vehicle. The deputy reported detecting the odor of alcohol and noted signs of impairment during the encounter.
Field sobriety tests were conducted, during which deputies say Overbay showed multiple signs of impairment. He was then taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed multiple open containers of alcohol. Overbay was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Rome Heritage Group Calls For Preservation Of Historic Floyd County Courthouse
The Rome Area Heritage Foundation is calling on Floyd County leaders to preserve the Historic Floyd County Courthouse following the March 23 fire that damaged the landmark structure.
In a recent letter to the editor, the foundation said the courthouse has been part of Floyd County’s daily life, history and architectural heritage for more than 130 years.
The 1893 courthouse is known for its Richardsonian arches, terra-cotta trim and gargoyles. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and is considered an example of Romanesque Revival architecture.
The foundation pointed to the Hancock County Courthouse in Sparta as an example of what can be done after a devastating fire. That courthouse was restored after a 2014 fire through community support, leadership and a commitment to historic preservation.
The Rome Area Heritage Foundation says it is willing to work with Floyd County officials through advocacy, possible state and federal grants, incentives, fundraising and a potential nomination to the Georgia Trust’s Places in Peril program.
The group says preserving the courthouse would protect one of Floyd County’s most important symbols and allow the community to bring “beauty from the ashes.”
Woman Arrested After Alleged 911 Misuse In Menlo
A Chattooga County woman was arrested Friday after allegedly misusing the 911 system, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say Kimberly Joy Basham was taken into custody on May 8, 2026, and charged with unlawful conduct during a 911 call.
According to the incident report, a deputy was dispatched to an address on 98 7th Avenue in Menlo after Basham called 911 requesting law enforcement assistance. While speaking with dispatch, she reportedly stated there was an emergency but did not provide details, later advising there was no emergency before hanging up.
When the responding deputy arrived, Basham allegedly stated she needed an officer to go to court with her and change her court date. She was informed that this did not constitute an emergency and was subsequently placed under arrest for unlawful conduct of 911.
Authorities say Basham was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Hiring Full-Time Communications Officers
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is currently hiring for a full-time Communications Officer position at the county’s E-911 Center.
Officials say the position is a split shift schedule with primary hours from 12 p.m. until 12 a.m. Employees work a rotating schedule of two days on and two days off, with every other weekend consisting of three days on and three days off.
Starting pay is listed at $16 per hour, with scheduled raises including a 50-cent increase after six weeks, another 50-cent raise after an additional six weeks and a final $1 raise around the one-year anniversary of employment.
The position requires state certification to maintain employment. Initial training is provided in-house, and employees will attend the POST Communications Officer Course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. The one-week training program includes an on-campus dormitory stay.
Anyone interested in applying can call 706-857-3400 and select option 1 or 2 on the non-emergency line.
Officials say they are looking for applicants interested in serving the community and becoming “the calm in the chaos” as a 911 communications officer.