Arrest Report - Saturday - June 13, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 13, 2026:
Storm Chances Return After Hot Saturday Across Northwest Georgia
A hot and mainly dry Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with temperatures climbing to around 92 degrees this afternoon. When humidity is factored in, heat index values could approach 99 degrees, making it feel significantly hotter during the peak afternoon hours.
While most areas will remain dry today, there is a slight chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm this evening and again toward daybreak Sunday. Overnight temperatures will remain warm, falling only to around 73 degrees.
The weather pattern begins to change Sunday as a cold front approaches the region. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon, with the greatest chance for rain arriving late in the day and continuing into Sunday night. Some storms could produce brief heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Sunday’s high temperature will reach around 88 degrees before clouds and rain help cool conditions.
Rain chances remain in the forecast Monday, although coverage is expected to be more scattered. High temperatures will be noticeably cooler, topping out near 81 degrees. Similar temperatures are expected Tuesday with a mix of clouds and sunshine.
By midweek, another unsettled weather pattern develops. Isolated afternoon thunderstorms are possible Wednesday before more widespread showers and thunderstorms return Thursday. Rain chances increase further heading into the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, when numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected across the area.
Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend should stay weather-aware, particularly Sunday afternoon and Sunday night when storms become more likely. Those spending time outdoors today should also take precautions against the heat by staying hydrated and limiting strenuous activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Summerville Parks And Recreation Shares Sports Officials Training Opportunity
Summerville Parks and Recreation is sharing information about a new statewide opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a sports official.
The Georgia Recreation and Park Association has partnered with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to offer sports officials training for anyone 16 years of age or older who is willing to complete the online training.
The program includes sports officials training, medical insurance, liability insurance, background checks, and uniform and equipment funding. The upfront cost to take the online training course is just $20.
The first training course available is for baseball and softball umpires. Additional training videos for tackle football, flag football, and soccer are expected in July, with volleyball and basketball training videos scheduled for August.
Those interested can scan the QR code shared by Summerville Parks and Recreation to get started.
Alabama Fan Appreciation Week Set For June 18-20
Fans of the legendary country music group Alabama are invited to Fort Payne for Alabama Fan Appreciation Week 2026, a three-day celebration of live music, songwriting, and special fan experiences.
The event will take place June 18 through June 20 in Fort Payne, the hometown of Alabama, bringing together fans for a weekend filled with music, memories, and Southern hospitality.
The celebration begins Thursday, June 18, with Teddy Gentry’s “Singing with the Stars” Talent Contest, showcasing rising talent while benefiting the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center.
On Friday, June 19, Toast Fore the Jam returns with a laid-back golf event featuring four-person teams, music from a DJ, lunch, swag, and plenty of fun, Alabama-style.
Also on Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, the Alabama Songwriters Showcase will bring award-winning Nashville songwriters to the stage to perform hit songs and share the stories behind them. The showcase will be hosted by Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.
Organizers say tickets are limited for several events, and fans are encouraged to plan ahead.
Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply Offers Tips For Green Pool Water
With pool season underway, local residents are being reminded by Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply in Lyerly that there are several steps homeowners can take if they open their pool and find green water.
The business recommends first removing leaves, sticks, and visible debris, then brushing the entire pool, including walls, floors, steps, ladders, and corners, to help break up algae. Homeowners should also vacuum if possible, run the pump continuously until the water clears, and clean or backwash the filter so it can properly remove dead algae.
For a 21,000-gallon pool with visible algae, Pine Ridge says adding about two gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine can begin fighting the algae before a full water test is completed. The chlorine should be poured slowly in front of a return jet while the pump is running.
Residents are also encouraged to get their pool water tested before adding anything else.
Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply offers pool water testing and a full line of pool supplies, allowing residents to shop locally instead of driving to Rome or Chattanooga.
Back To School Bash Organizers Seeking Supply Donations
Organizers are asking for community support as preparations continue for the annual Back to School Bash for Trion and Chattooga students.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m. and will include music, free back-to-school haircuts, shaved ice treats, community resources, and support for students preparing for the new school year.
Maisha Ludy with Chattooga Family Connection says school supply donations are still needed. Items currently being requested include notebook paper, binders, dividers, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, composition books, glue sticks, and scissors.
Those who would like to donate supplies may contact Ludy at 706-388-9849 or email maishaludy@gmail.com.
Monetary donations are also being accepted. Donations may be made at United Community Bank to Chattooga County Collaborative, through CashApp at $MaishaLudy, or through Venmo at @Maisha-Ludy.
Organizers say every donation, large or small, will help support local students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Dreamers Outreach Planning Student Trip To Obama Presidential Library
A local nonprofit organization is inviting students and families to learn more about a unique educational opportunity planned for 2027.
Dreamers Outreach, Inc. announced plans for an educational and inspirational trip to the Obama Presidential Library in June 2027. The organization says the trip is designed to expose young people to leadership, history, education, and service while encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams.
According to the organization, 10 students in grades 8 through 12 will be selected to participate in the experience.
An informational meeting for interested students and parents is scheduled for August 8 at 2 p.m. at Kuzzins, located at 105 Hemlock Street in Summerville. Organizers will discuss trip details, expectations, and future planning efforts.
Dreamers Outreach is also seeking community support for the project. The organization is encouraging parents and volunteers interested in serving as chaperones, sponsors who would like to support a student, and community members willing to assist through donations and fundraising efforts to get involved.
Organization leaders say community support will be essential in making the educational trip a reality and creating a meaningful experience for participating students.
Chattooga River Fest Happening Today In Trion
The 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest is happening today in Trion.
The event, presented by the Family Crisis Center, will be held from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. today, Saturday, June 13, at the Trion Recreation Area, located at 90 Dalton Street in Trion.
The family-friendly festival will feature free parking and free admission, along with a free kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, open mic performances, educational demonstrations and talks, festival food, exhibitors, and more.
A cornhole tournament will also be part of the day’s activities, with registration and fees required for tournament participants and vendors.
The Chattooga River Group will have kayak raffle tickets and merchandise available for purchase at the CRG tent.
The day will wrap up with The Band Chickamauga performing from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Touch A Truck Happening Today In Downtown Summerville
Families in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to get up close to a variety of emergency, utility, and service vehicles today during the City of Summerville’s Touch A Truck event.
The sensory-friendly event is scheduled for 10 a.m. until noon today, Saturday, June 13, on East Washington Street in downtown Summerville. Organizers say the event is designed specifically with the special needs community in mind while remaining open and welcoming to everyone.
Children and families will have the chance to climb aboard, explore, and learn about police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, bucket trucks, tow trucks, tractors, and other specialized equipment used throughout the community.
Participants will also have an opportunity to meet local first responders, public safety officials, and community exhibitors, including representatives from the Summerville Police Department, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, fire services, EMS, public works, and other local organizations.
Free Kona Ice will be available during the event, courtesy of United Community Bank and Southeast First National Bank.
Organizers say the event will feature a reduced-noise environment, hands-on exploration, and a supportive atmosphere designed to make the experience enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
Piedmont Man Charged Following Motorcycle Theft Investigation
A Piedmont man is facing charges following a motorcycle theft investigation in Cherokee County, Alabama.
According to the Cherokee County Alabama Sheriff’s Office, a resident on County Road 29 reported hearing a noise outside her home early yesterday morning. When she went outside, she reportedly saw a white male leaving the area on their motorcycle.
Deputies and investigators said video evidence and other evidence gathered during the investigation led them to identify the suspect as Drake Poole.
A short time later, Piedmont Police received a report that Poole was knocking on a resident’s window. Officers responding to the call located a male matching the description riding a dirt bike and recognized him as Poole. When officers attempted to stop him, he fled, leading police on a pursuit before entering a wooded area and escaping.
Investigators later went to Poole’s known address on County Road 29, where they located a muddy black backpack on the front porch. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence, where investigators found clothing matching what had been seen in the earlier reports.
Poole was later found in a wooded area behind the residence. Deputies also recovered the stolen motorcycle nearby.
Drake Poole was charged with Theft of Property in the First Degree and Burglary in the Third Degree.
The Cherokee County Alabama Sheriff’s Office thanked the Piedmont Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
Next Step Set For Historic Floyd County Courthouse After Fire Damage
Floyd County officials say the next stage for the Historic Floyd County Courthouse will be debris removal, following completion of the initial stabilization work on the 134-year-old structure.
Before debris removal begins, insurance representatives, engineers, contractors, and county officials are expected to conduct an on-site inspection. Floyd County Attorney Chris Jackson said the meeting is scheduled for June 26 and will help determine what can be preserved and what future work may be possible.
Jackson said officials want all parties involved to inspect the site together for safety and continuity.
The historic courthouse was heavily damaged by fire on March 23. Officials say insurance funds are currently being used for storage and related costs as the county works to move the recovery process forward.
Arrest Report - Friday - June 12, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 12, 2026:
Heat And Storm Chances Increase Across Chattooga County This Weekend
A taste of summer’s full force is arriving in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia as temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity pushes heat index values close to — and in some locations above — 100 degrees through the weekend.
Friday will bring hot and muggy conditions with afternoon temperatures reaching the lower 90s. Combined with dew points in the low 70s, it will feel significantly hotter, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s and low 100s. Anyone spending extended time outdoors is encouraged to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and limit strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for a few strong thunderstorms across far north Georgia Friday afternoon and evening. While widespread severe weather is not expected, Chattooga County and surrounding areas are included in a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe storms. The strongest storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning.
An isolated flash flooding threat also exists where thunderstorms develop. Slow-moving storms could drop heavy rainfall in a short period of time, leading to localized flooding of low-lying areas and poor-drainage locations.
The heat is expected to continue Saturday, with temperatures again reaching the 90s. Heat index values could exceed 100 degrees in parts of Northwest Georgia, making outdoor precautions important for anyone attending sporting events, festivals, yard sales, or other weekend activities.
Looking ahead, a more active weather pattern is expected to develop late Sunday and continue into next week. Rain and thunderstorm chances will increase significantly as a weather system moves into the region. Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms could bring multiple inches of rainfall to North Georgia between Sunday night and Tuesday.
While the additional cloud cover and rainfall should bring some relief from the heat, forecasters are increasingly concerned about the potential for heavy rain and localized flooding as the wetter pattern settles over the area.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts through the weekend as conditions evolve and additional advisories may be issued.
New Pinhoti Trail Reroute Opens Near Mack White Gap
A new 2.6-mile reroute is now blazed and open on Section 21 of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail northeast of Mack White Gap at U.S. Highway 27.
The reroute moves hikers off Forest Service Road 254 for about the same distance, creating a more scenic and enjoyable section of trail. Old blazes along FS 254 have been removed or painted over, and the new route is marked for hikers traveling both northbound and southbound.
GPS data has been submitted for the FarOut app and is expected to be updated in the Pinhoti database soon.
Project organizers say the reroute is an incremental improvement on the 370-mile wilderness trail, but represents a significant aesthetic upgrade for hikers.
The project was made possible through support from the Tillotson-Menlo Foundation, The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District, and several trail and environmental partners.
Flourish Foster Care Hosting Yard Sale For A Cause In Summerville
Residents looking for bargains while supporting a worthy cause will have an opportunity this weekend as Flourish Foster Care Closet & Support, Inc. hosts a Yard Sale for a Cause at The Well in downtown Summerville.
The fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 12, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Well, located at 141 W. Washington Street in Summerville.
Organizers say all proceeds will benefit The Well and the foster, kinship, and adoptive families served throughout Northwest Georgia. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items including furniture, home décor, clothing, toys, household items, books, seasonal merchandise, and more.
A BBQ food truck will also be on-site with plates, sandwiches, and other menu items available for purchase. A portion of food sales will benefit The Well and its mission.
According to organizers, every purchase helps Flourish continue providing clothing, essential items, support programs, meals, and community resources for children and families impacted by foster care.
Donations are still being accepted during the work week leading up to the event.
Chattooga County Schools Seeking Bus Drivers, Paraprofessionals and Custodian
The Chattooga County Board of Education is currently accepting applications for several positions ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Open positions include full-time and substitute bus drivers, paraprofessionals at multiple schools, and a part-time custodian position at Lyerly Elementary School.
The school system is seeking full-time bus drivers for 152-day positions with benefits, as well as on-call substitute drivers. Pay is based on experience, with hourly rates ranging up to $23.42 per hour for full-time drivers and $15 per hour for substitute drivers. Applicants must possess a valid CDL with school bus endorsements or be willing to complete paid training after obtaining a CDL.
Several paraprofessional positions are also available for the upcoming school year. Vacancies include assignments at Leroy Massey Elementary School, Lyerly Elementary School, Summerville Middle School, and Chattooga High School. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and meet Georgia paraprofessional certification requirements.
In addition, the school system is hiring a part-time custodian for Lyerly Elementary School. The position is a 208-day assignment working 4.5 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday.
Applications may be obtained through the Chattooga County School System’s Human Resources Department or online through the district website. Applications should be submitted to Human Resources Director Dawn Campbell at the Chattooga County Board of Education.
School officials encourage qualified individuals interested in working with students and supporting local schools to apply.
Heat Safety Important for Pets and Livestock Across Northwest Georgia
With temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, animal owners are being reminded to take extra precautions to protect pets and livestock from dangerous heat-related illnesses.
Veterinarians and agricultural experts say animals can suffer from heat stress, dehydration, and even heat stroke when exposed to prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity.
Pet owners should ensure dogs and cats have constant access to fresh, cool water and shaded areas throughout the day. Walks and outdoor exercise should be limited to the cooler morning and evening hours, and animals should never be left unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rise to deadly levels within minutes.
Hot pavement can also burn sensitive paw pads. A simple rule is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s paws.
Livestock owners should monitor cattle, horses, goats, and other farm animals closely during periods of extreme heat. Providing ample shade, clean water, and adequate ventilation can help reduce heat stress. Producers may also consider adjusting feeding schedules to cooler parts of the day to minimize heat-related strain on animals.
Signs of heat stress in animals can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, lethargy, rapid breathing, loss of coordination, and collapse. Any animal showing signs of severe heat stress should receive immediate attention.
Forecasters expect hot and humid conditions to continue through the weekend before a wetter pattern develops next week, bringing increased chances for showers and thunderstorms across the region.
Bluegrass on the Rim Returns to Little River Canyon Saturday
One of Northeast Alabama’s most popular summer traditions returns this weekend as Bluegrass on the Rim celebrates its 13th year at the Little River Canyon Center.
The event will take place Saturday, June 13, in the scenic setting overlooking Little River Canyon and will feature performances by Three On A String and Foggy Hollow Bluegrass.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, family and friends for an evening of music under the stars. J-Bird’s BBQ will be on site with food available for purchase, leashed pets are welcome, and children ages 10 and under will be admitted free.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.
Organizers say the event combines great bluegrass music, beautiful scenery and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favorite annual gathering for residents and visitors alike.
Additional information and tickets are available through the Little River Canyon Center.
Prescribed Burns Helping Native Plants Thrive Across Georgia WMAs
Wildlife Resources Division biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeing positive results from prescribed fire management efforts across several Wildlife Management Areas in the state.
Following a recent prescribed burn, Georgia DNR game management biologists conducted post-burn monitoring to evaluate whether management goals had been achieved. During the assessment, they documented several native herbaceous plant species benefiting from the burn.
Among the species observed were woodland pinkroot and tall green milkweed at Berry College Wildlife Management Area, redring milkweed at Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area, and fire pink at John’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
According to DNR officials, prescribed fire is a critical wildlife management tool that helps maintain healthy habitats, reduce excessive vegetation buildup, and encourage the growth of diverse native plant communities that support Georgia’s wildlife.
Wildlife experts say many native plants and ecosystems have evolved alongside periodic fire and often respond with renewed growth and increased biodiversity following properly managed burns.
Additional information about prescribed fire and its benefits is available through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.
Home Cooling Tips as Summer Heat Builds Across Northwest Georgia
With temperatures expected to reach the lower and middle 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees, residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia may be looking for ways to stay comfortable while keeping energy costs under control.
Experts recommend setting thermostats as high as comfortably possible when at home and raising the temperature a few degrees when away. Ceiling fans can help rooms feel cooler, but they cool people rather than the air itself, so they should be turned off when rooms are unoccupied.
Keeping blinds, curtains, and shades closed during the hottest part of the day can significantly reduce indoor temperatures by blocking direct sunlight. South- and west-facing windows often allow the most heat into homes during the afternoon.
Homeowners are also encouraged to check and replace HVAC air filters regularly. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and force cooling systems to work harder, increasing both energy usage and wear on equipment.
Avoid using ovens, clothes dryers, and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours of the day when possible. Grilling outdoors or preparing meals in the morning or evening can help keep indoor temperatures lower.
Residents should also inspect weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. Even small gaps can reduce a home’s energy efficiency during extended hot weather.
For those without reliable air conditioning, local officials recommend spending time in air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries, community centers, or shopping areas during periods of extreme heat.
Forecasters expect hot and humid conditions to continue through the weekend before a wetter weather pattern develops next week.