Arrest Report - Monday - May 11, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 11, 2026:
Weak Cold Front Brings Cooler, Drier Weather To Northwest Georgia This Week
Northwest Georgia residents can expect a few scattered showers and thunderstorms Monday before a stretch of cooler, drier weather settles into the region through midweek.
Forecasters say the highest rain chances Monday will remain mainly across central Georgia, while areas in Northwest Georgia will see only isolated shower activity. A weak cold front moving through the state is expected to lose much of its strength before reaching the area, limiting widespread rainfall.
A brief thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, but the risk for severe weather remains very low.
By Monday night, cooler air and northeast winds will move into the region, bringing dry conditions and temperatures slightly below normal for mid-May. Some patchy low clouds could develop overnight, but no significant weather hazards are expected through Tuesday.
Looking ahead, rain chances remain minimal for the remainder of the workweek. A slight chance of isolated showers or storms could return Wednesday afternoon as another front approaches the eastern United States, but most of Northwest Georgia is expected to stay dry.
Temperatures will gradually warm later this week, with highs climbing from the 70s and low 80s into the upper 80s and lower 90s by the weekend as high pressure builds across the Southeast.
Forecasters expect dry weather to continue into the weekend despite the warming trend.
Rhonda Vincent Coming To Rome City Auditorium
On Fire Concerts will present Rhonda Vincent, known as the Queen of Bluegrass, live in concert later this month in Rome.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at 7 PM at the Rome City Auditorium in Rome, Georgia.
Rhonda Vincent has long been considered one of the premier voices in bluegrass music. A Missouri native, she began performing at a young age with her family’s band, The Sally Mountain Show, before launching a highly successful solo career. Over the years, she has earned widespread acclaim for her powerful vocals, masterful mandolin playing, and energetic stage presence.
Vincent is a multi-award-winning artist, having received numerous honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including Entertainer of the Year. She is also a Grammy Award winner and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, further cementing her place as one of the genre’s most respected performers.
Known for blending traditional bluegrass roots with modern influences, Vincent continues to draw fans of all ages to her shows. Her performances are praised for their musicianship, authenticity, and high-energy delivery.
Tickets are available now at onfireconcerts.com or by calling 615-663-6560.
Summerville Fire Department Announces Hydrant Flushing Schedule
The City of Summerville Fire Department will conduct hydrant flushing on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, from 8 AM until 3 PM each day.
Officials say residents in the Highway 48 area, the smaller road areas, and the filter plant area may notice brief periods of water discoloration during the maintenance process. The city says the discoloration is normal and safe. If discoloration occurs, residents are advised to run their tap water for a few minutes until it clears.
During the maintenance period, fire department crews will perform essential work on hydrants throughout the city, including lubrication, flushing, and function checks.
City officials thanked residents for their cooperation and understanding as crews complete the maintenance work designed to help keep the community protected and prepared.
Trion High School Hosting Spring Band Concert Tonight
The Pride of Trion Marching Band will present its annual Spring Band Concert tonight, Monday, May 11, at Trion High School.
The concert begins at 6:30 PM in the Trion High School Gym at 919 Allgood Street in Trion.
The event will highlight the hard work and dedication of Trion’s band students throughout the school year. The community is invited to come out and support the student musicians during an evening of music and celebration.
Band members should arrive between 5:45 and 6:00 PM dressed and ready to perform.
The concert is open to the public.
Georgia Power Customers Seeing Higher Electric Bills In 2026
Georgia Power customers across northwest Georgia continue adjusting to higher power bills in 2026 as rate increases and infrastructure costs impact monthly residential expenses.
As of May 2026, average residential electric rates for Georgia Power customers are running around 14 to 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. A typical residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could see electric bills averaging around $225 monthly.
While the Georgia Public Service Commission has approved a freeze on Georgia Power’s base rates through 2028, customers may still notice fluctuations in their monthly bills because of fuel cost adjustments and possible storm recovery fees.
Georgia Power officials say several factors continue driving costs, including investments in grid improvements and the expansion of nuclear energy generation at Plant Vogtle.
Residential customers currently have several rate plan options available. Standard residential service uses tiered pricing that increases as energy usage rises. During the summer months from June through September, higher seasonal rates and weekday peak pricing periods also apply.
The company also offers time-of-use plans designed to help customers lower costs by shifting energy usage to overnight hours. Programs such as the “Overnight Advantage” plan offer reduced rates for customers charging electric vehicles or using major appliances during late-night hours.
Energy experts continue encouraging residents to reduce peak-time electricity use, improve home insulation, and monitor air conditioning usage during the summer to help control monthly utility costs.
Chattooga County Housing Market Remains Active During Spring Selling Season
The housing market in Chattooga County remained active during April 2026 as buyers and sellers continued to take advantage of the busy spring real estate season.
Recent market data shows home values in Chattooga County have remained relatively steady over the past year, with median home prices in the county generally ranging from the upper $170,000s to around $200,000 depending on the source and type of property being measured.
Real estate analysts say spring is traditionally one of the strongest periods for home sales as warmer weather and school schedules encourage more families to move. Inventory across northwest Georgia has also seen gradual improvement compared to previous years, giving buyers more options on the market.
In Chattooga County, communities including Summerville, Trion, Menlo, and Lyerly continue to attract buyers looking for more affordable housing compared to larger metro areas in Georgia. Realtor data shows homes in the county have generally been selling faster than in previous years, reflecting continued buyer interest.
Statewide, Georgia’s housing market showed modest growth in April with median home sale prices continuing to rise slightly compared to last year.
Local real estate professionals say mortgage rates and inventory levels remain key factors influencing the market heading into the summer months.
Highland Avenue Closure Begins Today In Summerville
The City of Summerville says Highland Avenue will be closed to through traffic beginning today due to an ongoing sewer project.
The closure will run from Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15, between East First Avenue and Sixth Avenue. The road will be closed daily from 7 AM until 8 PM.
Residents and businesses within the closure area will still be able to access their properties, but minor delays should be expected.
Motorists are advised to use Highway 27 northbound and southbound as the primary alternate route during the closure.
Haywood Valley Road Closure In Floyd County Will Affect Chattooga County Commuters
The Floyd County Emergency Management Agency says Haywood Valley Road will be closed on Monday, May 11, for cross drain replacement work.
The closure will be in the area of 1248 Haywood Valley Road and is scheduled to last from 8 AM until 4 PM.
Floyd County Public Works will be completing the project.
Drivers traveling through the area should plan ahead and use alternate routes. The south-end detour will be New Rosedale Road, also known as Georgia Highway 156. From the north, drivers may use Dry Creek Road or Little Sand Mountain Road as detours.
Officials say the closure will affect Chattooga County commuters.
Last Week to Vote Early Ahead of May 19 Primary
Voters across northwest Georgia are entering the final week of early voting ahead of the May 19 primary election.
Early voting is continuing this week in Chattooga County at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, giving residents the opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day next Tuesday.
Local election officials are encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting to avoid possible lines and scheduling conflicts on Election Day. Voters are reminded to bring a valid photo ID when voting in person.
Voters in the May 19 Primary Election must choose a Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan ballot. Primary elections are where political parties determine their candidates for the General Election in November.
Election officials say absentee ballots must also be returned by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted.
Residents who have questions about polling locations, sample ballots, or voting hours are encouraged to contact their county elections office.
Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, May 19.
Arrest Report - Sunday - May 10, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 10, 2026:
Foggy Start Followed By Cooler, Drier Weather Across Northwest Georgia
Residents in Chattooga and Floyd counties could see patchy fog this morning, with some areas experiencing dense fog through around 10 AM.
Forecasters say visibility may be reduced at times, especially in low-lying and rural areas across northwest Georgia. Motorists are encouraged to use caution during the morning commute.
Only slight chances for scattered rain are expected through Monday, with most of the better rain chances remaining farther south in central Georgia. Any showers that do develop locally are expected to be light and spotty with little rainfall accumulation.
A weak cold front is expected to move into the region Monday, bringing another small chance for isolated showers before cooler and drier air settles into the area Monday night and beyond.
The extended forecast calls for dry conditions through much of the week across northwest Georgia, with temperatures remaining seasonable. Highs are expected to stay mainly in the 70s and low 80s, while overnight lows will generally be in the 50s.
Forecasters say rain chances should remain low through next weekend as high pressure builds across the Southeast.
City of Summerville Seeks Bids for New Recreation Splash Pad
The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans for a new community splash pad at the Summerville Recreation Department.
City officials are seeking sealed proposals from qualified, licensed contractors to design and construct a 3,464-square-foot free-flow-through splash pad. The project is listed as RFP-2026-126-Recreation Splash Pad.
Proposals will be received at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue, until 10 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026. Bids will be opened later that same day at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Council Room.
The city says the goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and eco-friendly water play area for local families to enjoy for years to come.
All proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked with the project name and RFP number. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Audia Group Files Federal Lawsuit Against Walker County
A company identified as Audia Group, Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority alleging breach of contract.
According to court filings in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The case is listed as Audia Group, Inc. v. Walker County et al. and is assigned to Judge William M. Ray II.
Court records indicate the lawsuit involves a contract dispute tied to an option agreement. Filings attached to the complaint reportedly include an option agreement, an exercise option letter, and a notice of breach.
The case names both Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority as defendants. The lawsuit was filed under diversity jurisdiction and is categorized as a “Contract: Other” civil action in federal court.
As of now, detailed allegations contained in the complaint have not been publicly outlined in available summaries, and no response from Walker County officials was immediately available through court records reviewed Saturday.
The lawsuit remains pending in federal court.
Arrest Made After Traffic Stop On Highway 27 In Chattooga County
A traffic stop on Highway 27 led to an arrest earlier this month, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Matt Wilson reported that on May 2, 2026, he observed a silver 1997 Toyota 4Runner traveling northbound with a tag light out near the area of Little Sand Mountain. After initiating a stop, the driver was identified as Jacobo Reynoso, 34.
According to the report, a language barrier made communication difficult, but Reynoso was ultimately determined to be driving without a valid license. Deputies also noted the vehicle’s tag light violation.
Reynoso was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
He is charged with driving without a license and a traffic offense.
Armuchee Man Arrested On Methamphetamine Charge In Floyd County
Joseph Weldon Hubbard, 46, of Armuchee, was arrested in Floyd County this past week after reports said he was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and a smoking device.
According to reports, Hubbard was found with the suspected drugs near the Checkers restaurant on North Broad Street.
Hubbard is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance To First-Ever State Championship Match
The Trion High School girls soccer team is headed to the biggest match in program history after punching its ticket to the 2026 GHSA Class A Division II State Championship with a dominant 3-0 semifinal victory over Portal on May 8.
The Lady Bulldogs controlled the match from start to finish as Baylee Blair, Allie Hudgins, and Dallas Payne each found the back of the net. Blair and Hudgins scored on penalty kicks while Payne added another goal to seal the historic win.
With the victory, Trion advances to the state championship game for the first time ever, continuing an incredible postseason run for the Area 7 champions.
The Lady Bulldogs will now face Irwin County for the state title on Friday, May 15, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM at Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston.
Trion’s championship appearance marks another major milestone for the school’s athletic program and gives Northwest Georgia soccer fans plenty to celebrate as the Lady Bulldogs prepare to compete for a state crown.
GDOT To Give Update On Second Avenue Widening Project In Rome
Traveling into downtown Rome by way of Second Avenue has been a source of frustration for many drivers as the ongoing road construction project continues.
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 will provide a public informational update on the Second Avenue widening project on Monday, May 11, 2026. The presentation is scheduled from 5 until 6 PM in the City Commission Chambers upstairs at Rome City Hall.
GDOT officials are expected to share updates on construction progress, project timelines, and ongoing work related to the widening project.
State Representative Katie Dempsey of Rome thanked GDOT District 6 officials for continuing to communicate with local leaders and residents throughout the process.
The presentation will also be livestreamed through the City of Rome YouTube Channel, the same way regular Rome City Commission meetings are streamed
Prevention Program Targeting Chattooga, Walker Counties Seeks Community Partners
A new substance misuse prevention initiative is expanding into Northwest Georgia, and organizers are seeking local partners in Chattooga and Walker counties.
The Partners in Prevention Project 2.0 is led by HEARTS for Families, an organization with more than 30 years of experience in substance misuse prevention, underage drinking prevention, parent education, family strengthening, and community-based prevention strategies.
The program is designed to serve high-need and underserved communities identified by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Those areas include Walker, Chattooga, Habersham, White, Screven, Burke, Bacon, Appling, Butts, and Pike counties.
Organizers say many rural communities continue to face concerns involving underage drinking, misuse of prescription medications, early exposure to substance use, and unsafe storage of alcohol and medications in the home. The project will focus on prevention through education, parent involvement, youth programming, and community-wide outreach.
Planned activities include community education events, prevention campaigns with guest speakers and panel discussions, youth programming in schools and recreation centers, parent workshops, collaboration with law enforcement and schools, and distribution of medication lock bags, prevention materials, and Quitline tobacco cessation resources.
HEARTS for Families is seeking support from schools, law enforcement agencies, Family Connection groups, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and youth-serving organizations. Partnership opportunities include letters of support, referral partnerships, program collaboration, event hosting, outreach assistance, and SAFE HOMES pledge campaigns.
The proposed launch date for Partners in Prevention Project 2.0 is October 1, 2026.
For more information or to get involved, contact Sue Laney at Slaney@HEARTSforFamilies.org or 404-406-4318, or Audrey Wilkes at AudreyJ@HEARTSforFamilies.org or 706-424-5110. HEARTS for Families is located at 28 Industrial Blvd., Suite 105, Cleveland, GA 30528 and can also be reached at 770-972-3664.
May Market & Melodies Set For May 23 In Summerville
The City of Summerville is inviting the community out for a day of music, food, and local shopping at the upcoming May Market & Melodies event.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Train Depot.
Organizers say the event will coincide with the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s steam engine passenger train, adding a unique attraction for attendees. The day will feature live musical entertainment, a variety of local vendors, and a wide selection of food and handcrafted goods.
The event is free to attend and is designed to be family-friendly.
City officials also noted that anyone interested in becoming a vendor should contact the City of Summerville directly, warning residents not to send payments through third-party apps to avoid potential scams.