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.
Summerville Friday Night Concert Series Continues May 15
The City of Summerville will present the second concert of the Summerville Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series on Friday, May 15.
The free concert, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, will be held on East Washington Street within the Entertainment District. Local vocalist Charlie Long will open the evening at 7 p.m., followed by The 1st Generation Band at 7:30 p.m. for a two-hour concert.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes. Downtown restaurants will also be open, and the event is family friendly.
East Washington Street will close from US 27/Commerce Street to Regions Bank beginning at 3:15 p.m. for stage setup. Regions Bank customers will still be able to access the drive-thru from the East Washington/University Street side and the main lobby from the north end of Economy Street.
Entertainment District rules must be followed. Updates are available on The City of Summerville Georgia Facebook page.
Blood Drive Set For May 20 At Mount Vernon Mills In Trion
A community blood drive will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion.
The blood drive will take place from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 91 4th Street in Trion. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Blood Assurance reminds donors to eat a good meal, drink extra water, and avoid energy drinks before giving blood. Donors can also save time by using Blood Assurance QuickScreen on the day of their appointment to answer health history questions before arriving.
Anyone with questions about donating or needing assistance in Spanish may call Mitzi at 706-618-9108.
Chattooga County Democrats To Elect Delegates And Post Seat Holder June 15
The Chattooga County Democratic Party will hold a meeting on June 15 at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agriculture Center, where members will elect new state delegates and a post seat holder.
Post seat holders serve as the formal governing body of the county party. They are responsible for voting on key committee business, including bylaws changes, budgets, and expenditures. Those elected to these positions serve four-year terms and are expected to be active volunteers within the party.
In addition to selecting a post seat holder, the party will also elect two delegates and one alternate to represent Chattooga County at the 2026 Democratic Party of Georgia State Convention. The convention is scheduled to take place August 1 in Savannah.
Party officials say the elections are open to the public. Anyone interested in becoming a post seat holder, convention delegate, or alternate is encouraged to reach out to the Chattooga County Democratic Party by email at Chattooga.democrats@gmail.com.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - May 12, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 12, 2026:
Dry, Pleasant Weather Expected Across Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia is heading into a long stretch of dry and comfortable weather, with little to no significant rainfall expected through the upcoming weekend.
Meteorologists say the recent damp pattern that brought clouds and scattered rain to the region has now ended. Dry air moving into Georgia behind a cold front is expected to keep conditions pleasant across Chattooga, Floyd, Walker, Dade, Gordon and surrounding counties for much of the week.
Skies are forecast to gradually clear over the next several days, with sunshine returning across much of the region. Afternoon temperatures will remain seasonable, with highs mainly in the upper 70s to lower 80s through Thursday.
While a few isolated light showers could develop well south of northwest Georgia near the Gulf Coast moisture boundary, forecasters say any precipitation reaching north Georgia would be extremely limited and likely insignificant.
Another dry cold front is expected to move through the area late Wednesday into Thursday morning. Unlike stronger storm-producing fronts, this system is not expected to bring rainfall, but it will usher in even drier air and cooler overnight temperatures.
By Thursday and Friday mornings, lows could fall into the upper 40s and lower 50s across parts of northwest Georgia, with some mountain valleys potentially seeing even cooler temperatures. Afternoon highs Thursday should remain in the 70s before warming back into the lower and middle 80s by the weekend.
Forecasters are also monitoring potential fire weather concerns as humidity levels drop later this week. Dewpoints are expected to fall into the low 40s, with relative humidity values possibly dipping below 30 percent in some areas. Although recent rainfall has reduced wildfire risk across much of the state, officials say dry vegetation and low humidity could still create elevated fire danger conditions.
A weak weather disturbance moving southeast out of the Plains states could bring a slight chance of showers to parts of north Georgia on Saturday, but widespread rainfall is still not anticipated.
Overall, northwest Georgia residents can expect several days of sunny skies, lower humidity, cool mornings and warm afternoons heading into the weekend.
Georgia Gas Prices Remain High As Drivers Feel Continued Pressure At The Pump
Gas prices across Georgia remain elevated, continuing to strain household budgets as drivers face rising costs in multiple areas of daily life.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $4.05 per gallon, though prices could change overnight. That average is only 44 cents below Georgia’s all-time record high of $4.49 per gallon set in June 2022.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said ongoing global issues affecting oil supplies are preventing meaningful relief at the pump.
“Gas prices are staying high, and that’s making it harder for drivers to keep up,” Waiters said. “With ongoing global issues affecting oil supply, we’re not seeing much relief right now. Drivers should continue looking for ways to save, like shopping around for cheaper gas and cutting back on unnecessary trips.”
Current prices are:
- 20 cents higher than last week
- 32 cents higher than last month
- $1.16 higher than this time last year
For drivers filling a standard 15-gallon tank, the average cost now stands at approximately $60.75.
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline has climbed to $4.52 per gallon, up 8 cents over the past week. Analysts say ongoing international tensions and increasing summer travel demand are helping keep oil and fuel prices elevated heading into Memorial Day and the busy vacation season.
Electric vehicle charging costs are also rising slightly. The national average price at public EV charging stations increased by one cent this week to 41 cents per kilowatt hour.
In Georgia, the highest metro-area gas prices are currently found in Athens at $4.15 per gallon, followed closely by Atlanta at $4.14 and Gainesville at $4.12.
Some of the state’s lowest prices are in Augusta-Aiken at $3.85, Albany at $3.81, and Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.78.
Closer to home, Chattooga County continues to have the lowest average gas price in Northwest Georgia at $3.86 per gallon. Floyd County drivers are paying an average of $3.91, Walker County sits at $3.95, and Gordon County averages $3.99 per gallon.
Across the Alabama state line, prices remain even higher in some neighboring counties. DeKalb County is averaging $4.18 per gallon, while Cherokee County drivers are paying around $4.16.
Drivers looking to save money are encouraged to compare station prices, avoid unnecessary trips, maintain proper tire pressure, and limit aggressive driving habits to improve fuel efficiency.
CHS Marching Band Launches Sportsman Raffle Fundraiser
The Chattooga High School Marching Band is holding a Sportsman Raffle fundraiser featuring outdoor gear, fishing equipment, and a guided fishing trip on Weiss Lake.
The raffle package includes a YETI Roadie 24 cooler, a guided fishing trip for two on Weiss Lake through Whaley & Son Guide Service, a fishing rod and reel combo, a Snackle Box, and a pack of Gatorade.
Tickets are $25 each or five tickets for $100, with only 200 tickets available.
The drawing is scheduled for May 30, 2026.
Supporters interested in purchasing tickets or helping support the CHS Marching Band are encouraged to contact band representatives for more information.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting Fossil Sculpting And Sunset Paddle Events May 16
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two outdoor activities on Saturday, May 16, giving Northwest Georgia residents a chance to explore nature through hands-on fossil crafting and an evening paddle on the lake.
The day begins with a Fossil Sculpting program at 2 p.m., where participants can step into the role of a junior archaeologist by sculpting and casting their own fossils using clay. Park officials say the program is designed to help visitors learn more about fossils and the natural history hidden beneath the ground. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required. Registration is required in advance.
Later that evening, the park will host a Sunset Paddle at 8 p.m. on the lower lake. Rangers will lead paddlers around the lake during sunset, with participants meeting at the park office before the trip begins. Organizers recommend bringing water and wearing clothing that can get wet.
The Sunset Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass and advance registration are also required.
For registration or additional information about either event, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Two Northwest Georgia Students Awarded Roper Corporation Scholarship At GNTC
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced that Tammy Chandler of Trion and Salvador Hernandez of Summerville are the spring 2026 recipients of the Roper Corporation Scholarship.
Chandler is enrolled in the Computer Support Specialist program at GNTC’s Walker County Campus, while Hernandez is studying Automation Technology at the Catoosa County Campus.
The Roper Corporation Scholarship was established in 2024 to provide financial assistance to GNTC students who are also employed by Roper Corporation. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, supplies, tools, and other educational materials.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship reflects Roper’s commitment to supporting workforce development in Northwest Georgia.
Roper Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, operates a major manufacturing plant in LaFayette and employs more than 2,500 people. Company officials say the scholarship helps remove financial barriers for students pursuing high-demand technical careers while strengthening the region’s manufacturing workforce.
Back To School Bash Planned For Trion And Chattooga Students
Organizers are gearing up for the annual Back to School Bash for Trion and Chattooga students, with plans to make this year’s event even bigger for local families.
The event is scheduled for July 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m. and will include music, free back-to-school haircuts, shaved ice treats, community resources, and school-year support for students.
Organizers are currently accepting school supply donations, monetary donations, and community partners or vendors who would like to set up and share resources with families.
Anyone interested in donating or getting involved can contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or email maishaludy@gmail.com.
Organizers say the goal is to bring the community together to support students and families as they prepare for a new school year.