Arrest Report - Sunday - July 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 19, 2026:
Scattered Storms, Damaging Winds and Dangerous Heat Expected Across Northwest Georgia This Week
Residents of Chattooga County and northwest Georgia should prepare for another hot and humid week with daily chances for afternoon and evening thunderstorms, some of which could become strong or severe.
Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Heat index values will climb to around 101 before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop after 1 p.m. Storms may produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall. While widespread flooding is not expected, isolated areas could experience brief flash flooding where the heaviest rain falls.
The National Weather Service has placed portions of north Georgia under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms today, with damaging straight-line winds posing the primary threat. Storms are expected to diminish later this evening, leaving partly cloudy skies overnight with a low around 73.
Monday will bring another hot day with a high near 92 and heat index values approaching 102. Showers and thunderstorms are likely during the afternoon before clearing Monday night.
The unsettled pattern continues through Wednesday with daily afternoon storm chances and highs remaining in the lower 90s. Heat index values will continue reaching the triple digits through at least Wednesday.
A weak cold front is expected to move through late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing slightly lower humidity and highs closer to 89 degrees for the end of the week. While conditions will become somewhat more comfortable, isolated afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible through next weekend.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter immediately if thunderstorms approach. Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm, and strong wind gusts may develop with little warning.
Chattooga County Schools Highlights Career and Technical Education Opportunities
Students in the Chattooga County School System will have access to a wide range of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs during the 2026-2027 school year, preparing them for college, technical education and careers in high-demand fields.
The CTAE program is offered at Chattooga High School, Summerville Middle School, Lyerly Middle School and Menlo Middle School. School officials say the courses are available to all students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or limited English proficiency.
Available pathways include agriculture, allied health, certified nursing assistant, carpentry, cloud computing, criminal investigations, electrical, automotive technology, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal, welding, sports nutrition, patient care, plant science, work-based learning and youth apprenticeship programs.
For more information about Chattooga County’s CTAE programs, contact Angie Culbert, CTAE Director and Assistant Principal, at aculbert@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
Highland Avenue to Close for Road Work Beginning Monday
The City of Summerville is advising motorists of a temporary road closure on Highland Avenue beginning Monday, July 20.
Highland Avenue will be closed from Third Street to Sixth Avenue each day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Friday, July 24, while scheduled road work is completed.
A designated detour route will be clearly marked to guide traffic around the work zone.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time and use caution while traveling through nearby detour areas.
The city thanked residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation while the infrastructure improvements are underway.
New Memorial Planned to Honor Cherokee Heritage in Northwest Georgia
A permanent tribute recognizing Northwest Georgia’s Cherokee history could soon be placed near Ridge Ferry Park in Rome.
The Rotary Club of Rome is raising money for a memorial planned near Chieftains Museum. Organizers say the site would serve as a visible reminder of the Cherokee people who lived throughout the region before their forced removal from Georgia.
Five possible designs are under consideration, with a final selection expected before the end of the month. Some versions of the project are estimated to cost more than $120,000.
The Rotary Club has contributed $19,050, while supporters have pledged an additional $5,600. Organizers hope to secure the needed funding by Labor Day so the project can move forward.
The fundraising campaign is called “But One Summer More,” a phrase taken from an 1837 letter written by Gen. John E. Wool warning the Cherokee that their remaining time in Georgia was limited.
Rome and the surrounding area have strong ties to Cherokee history. Prominent Cherokee leaders Major Ridge and John Ross lived in the region, while New Echota, then the capital of the Cherokee Nation, was located in Northwest Georgia.
The proposed memorial also comes as the 200th anniversary of the Cherokee Constitution approaches in 2027.
Contributions may be made through the Community Foundation for Greater Rome at cffgr.org. Donors should select the Rotary “But One Summer More” fund. Donations are tax deductible.
Individuals or companies contributing at least $2,500 may have their names included on a recognition plaque at the memorial site.
Cherokee County Alabama Lieutenant Appointed Secretary of National School Resource Officer Association
Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jordan Kelley has been appointed secretary of the National Association of School Resource Officers, giving the local agency representation in a national school-safety leadership role.
The Sheriff’s Office announced the appointment and praised Kelley’s experience, leadership and commitment to protecting students.
“We are proud to see Lt. Kelley represent our office and serve in this important national leadership role,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment.”
Founded in 1991 and based in Hoover, Alabama, the National Association of School Resource Officers is a nonprofit organization that provides specialized training, professional guidance and other resources for law enforcement officers assigned to schools.
NASRO promotes a three-part model of school-based policing in which a school resource officer serves as a law enforcement officer, educator and mentor. Its training programs also address emergency preparedness, threat assessment, de-escalation, behavioral health and building positive relationships between officers and students.
The organization works with school resource officers and law enforcement agencies across the country to ensure officers receive training designed specifically for the school environment.
Kelley’s appointment recognizes his work in school safety while giving the Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office a voice within one of the nation’s leading school-safety organizations.
Home Gardeners Report Poor Tomato Harvests Across Northwest Georgia
Many home gardeners across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are finding that this year’s tomato crop hasn’t lived up to expectations. While tomato plants may appear healthy, many are producing fewer tomatoes than normal, dropping blossoms before fruit develops, or producing fruit that cracks, rots, or ripens unevenly.
Several factors may be contributing to the disappointing harvest. The region has experienced extended periods of hot, humid weather, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and cloudy conditions. Daytime temperatures consistently above 90 degrees and nighttime temperatures above 70 degrees can interfere with pollination, causing blossoms to drop before tomatoes form. Heavy rainfall followed by hot, dry periods can also lead to cracking and blossom-end rot, while excessive humidity encourages fungal diseases such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot.
In addition, inconsistent watering, poor air circulation, nutrient imbalances, and insect pests can all reduce production. Garden experts recommend watering deeply and consistently, applying mulch to help regulate soil moisture, pruning lower leaves to improve airflow, and monitoring plants regularly for signs of disease or insect damage.
Gardeners with questions about growing tomatoes or other vegetables are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Extension Office. Extension agents can help identify plant diseases, insect problems, soil fertility issues, and provide research-based recommendations tailored to growing conditions in Northwest Georgia.
The Chattooga County Extension Office is located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville and can be reached at 706-857-0744 for information about home gardening, soil testing, and vegetable production.
Chattooga County Historical Society Hosts Summer Meeting Today
The Chattooga County Historical Society is inviting the public to its Summer Meeting today, featuring a firsthand account from a Chattooga County native who took part in one of the most significant military operations in American history.
The meeting begins at 2 p.m. today at the Historic Summerville Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.
Featured speaker Jim Lenderman will share his experiences as a U.S. Marine helicopter pilot during the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. Lenderman will also discuss his later service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, providing a unique perspective on both military and presidential aviation.
The Historical Society says the presentation offers a rare opportunity to hear an inspiring story from one of Chattooga County’s own while learning more about an important chapter in American history. The event is free and open to the public.
Trion GICH Committee to Meet Monday
The Town of Trion’s Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) Committee will hold a public meeting on Monday, July 20, at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.
The GICH Committee works with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the University of Georgia to develop long-term strategies for addressing local housing needs and strengthening the community.
In Trion, the committee focuses on issues such as rehabilitating older homes, encouraging neighborhood revitalization, reducing blight, improving code enforcement and planning for future housing opportunities that support economic growth and community stability.
Mayor Mickey D. McGraw said anyone with questions or comments is encouraged to contact him or the Town Hall office for additional information.
The meeting is open to the public.
Twisted Ankle Trail Race Celebrates 20 Years at James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park
Trail runners from across the Southeast are invited to lace up for the 20th annual Twisted Ankle Trail Race at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, as the popular event celebrates two decades of racing and giving back to the park.
To mark the milestone, organizers are adding a special 20-mile race for 2026 only, giving participants the chance to make two climbs to Becky’s Bluff. The race lineup also includes a beginner-friendly 5K, a challenging 10-mile, and a half marathon, offering options for runners of all experience levels.
The scenic courses feature a mix of wide trails, single-track sections, Marble Mine, and the iconic climb to Becky’s Bluff, where runners will enjoy a stretch along the Pinhoti Trail before descending. Organizers say the courses include plenty of rocks and roots, providing the technical challenge trail runners have come to expect.
Since its beginning, the Twisted Ankle Trail Race has donated all proceeds to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, helping support improvements and preservation efforts.
Additional race information, course maps and registration details are available at twistedanklerace.com.
Taco Bell Lettuce Linked to Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak
Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause prolonged watery diarrhea.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Georgia is not included in the current warning.
The Food and Drug Administration traced the lettuce to a single supplier in Mexico, although the company’s name has not been released. Taco Bell has agreed to stop using lettuce from the supplier while federal officials investigate whether potentially contaminated products remain available elsewhere.
More than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections this year, although not every case has been connected to Taco Bell or a specific food source.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines. Symptoms may include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. The illness is generally treated with antibiotics and is rarely life-threatening.
Anyone experiencing persistent or severe symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.
Arrest Report - Saturday - July 18, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 18, 2026:
Hot, Humid Saturday with Afternoon Storm Chances
A hot and muggy Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.
Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 91 degrees. Heat index values could reach around 99. A slight chance of showers will continue during the morning before storm chances increase after 11 a.m. The chance of rain is 40 percent.
Storm coverage is expected to be somewhat lower than Friday, but abundant moisture and instability could still allow a few storms to become strong or severe. The primary threats would be damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms continues Saturday evening, mainly between 7 and 8 p.m. The overnight low will be around 73.
Sunday will remain hot and humid, with a high near 91 and heat index values approaching 99. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 2 p.m., with a 70 percent chance of rain.
Hotter and generally drier conditions are expected early next week. High temperatures could reach around 93 Monday and Tuesday, with overnight lows remaining in the lower to middle 70s. Forecasters say little nighttime relief is expected, and heat concerns could continue through much of the coming week.
Multicultural Festival Brings Food, Music and Culture to Downtown Summerville Today
A celebration of cultures from around the world will take place today at the Summerville Train Depot as the City of Summerville hosts its Multicultural Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live entertainment, craft vendors, cultural displays and activities celebrating the diverse traditions that make up the local community.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s antique steam locomotive arrive at the depot and watch demonstrations of the historic Summerville Turntable, one of the few operating railroad turntables of its kind.
The festival is open to all ages and will be held at the Summerville Train Depot, 111 East Washington Street.
Georgia Law Limits Who Can Legally Conduct Raffles
Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.
To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.
Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.
Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.
Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale Returns to Dowdy Park August 6–8
Bargain hunters and vendors alike will have an opportunity to buy, sell and explore during the Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale at Dowdy Park in downtown Summerville, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8.
Hosted by the City of Summerville, the three-day event runs from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day at Dowdy Park. Organizers say shoppers can expect a wide variety of treasures while sellers have a chance to clean out unwanted items and earn extra money.
Vendor spaces measure 15-by-15 feet and are available for $5 per day. Those interested in reserving a space can request a vendor form by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.
Dowdy Park is located along Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Summerville, offering convenient access and plenty of visibility throughout the event.
Chattooga County Restaurants Earn High Marks in July Health Inspections
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released food service inspection scores for the first half of July, with local restaurants earning strong marks overall.
Torres Mexican Restaurant in Trion, Little Caesars Pizza in Summerville and Jack’s Family Restaurant in Summerville each received a perfect 100 during their routine inspections.
AJ’s Subs N’ Sweets in Summerville earned an excellent 99, while The Great Awakening Company received a 91.
Inspection scores reflect compliance with Georgia food safety regulations at the time of the inspection. Establishments are routinely evaluated on food handling, employee hygiene, sanitation, temperature control, facility maintenance and other public health standards.
July 2026 Inspection Scores:
- Jack’s Family Restaurant (Summerville) – 100 – July 1
- Little Caesars Pizza (Summerville) – 100 – July 8
- Torres Mexican Restaurant (Trion) – 100 – July 9
- The Great Awakening Company (Summerville) – 91 – July 14
- AJ’s Subs N’ Sweets (Summerville) – 99 – July 15
For more information about restaurant inspections, contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
Georgia Expands Path2College 529 Savings Limit and Eliminates State Administrative Fee
Georgia families will be able to save substantially more for future education expenses under two major changes to the state’s Path2College 529 Plan.
Governor Brian Kemp recently highlighted Senate Bill 556, which raises the maximum balance allowed in a Path2College account from $235,000 to $550,000. Kemp signed the legislation in May.
The Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Board has also approved a waiver of the plan’s state administrative fee. State officials say the change makes Path2College the lowest-cost college savings plan in the nation.
Kemp said increasing the savings limit will make it easier for parents to prepare for college tuition and other education costs while strengthening Georgia’s future workforce and economy.
Georgia State Treasurer Steve McCoy said the higher limit and fee waiver will allow families to save more while reducing the cost of maintaining an account.
Path2College is Georgia’s official 529 education savings plan. Account holders may qualify for a state income tax deduction, while investments grow tax-deferred. Withdrawals are tax-free when used for eligible education expenses.
Funds can be used for traditional colleges and universities, technical colleges, certain apprenticeship programs, qualified kindergarten-through-12th-grade tuition expenses and eligible student loan repayments.
Accounts may be opened for children, other relatives or the account holder. The plan also offers several investment choices designed for different savings schedules and levels of risk.
The Path2College plan is overseen by the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Board, which was recognized by Morningstar in 2025 for its commitment to education savers and leadership.
Chattooga County Historical Society to Host Summer Meeting Sunday
The Chattooga County Historical Society will welcome members and the public tomorrow afternoon for its annual summer meeting at the Historic Summerville Depot, featuring a presentation from a local veteran whose military career included some of the nation’s most historic moments.
The meeting begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Historic Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.
Featured speaker Jim Lenderman, a fellow Chattoogan and former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, will share firsthand accounts of his role in the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. He will also discuss his military service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, offering attendees a unique perspective on presidential aviation and military history.
Organizers say the program combines local history with an extraordinary personal story from one of Chattooga County’s own. The Historical Society encourages anyone with an interest in history, military service, or the community’s heritage to attend.
For more information, visit www.chattoogahistory.org.
Chattooga County Tax Sale Scheduled for August 4
The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office has announced that the county’s annual tax sale will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville.
According to the official notice, the sale will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m., or until all listed properties have been offered for sale. The properties are being sold to satisfy delinquent property taxes through tax fi. fa. executions issued by the Chattooga County Tax Commissioner on behalf of the State of Georgia and Chattooga County.
The Tax Commissioner’s Office emphasizes that the auction is a buyer beware sale. All properties will be sold as is, with no warranty or guarantee of title. Buyers should also be aware that properties remain subject to recorded easements, covenants and rights-of-way, and are conveyed by tax deed with statutory rights of redemption. Purchasers are responsible for paying title costs, transfer fees, recording fees, advertising costs and any applicable taxes. Payment may be required within two hours after the sale concludes.
The published list includes dozens of parcels throughout Chattooga County with delinquent taxes owed for years ranging from 2021 through 2024. Interested bidders are encouraged to review the complete tax sale list and research any property before participating in the auction.