Arrest Report - Sunday - July 12, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 12, 2026:
Showers, Storms Continue Through Midweek Before Heat Returns
Rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through at least Tuesday as a slow-moving weather system lingers over the region. While not everyone will see rain all day, numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop each afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.
The National Weather Service says a few storms today and Monday could become strong, producing wind gusts between 50 and 60 miles per hour. An isolated severe storm cannot be ruled out, although the greater severe weather threat is expected to remain south and east of the WZQZ listening area. Locally heavy rainfall could also lead to isolated flooding in poor drainage areas.
Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 86 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, with rain becoming more likely this evening before tapering overnight. Monday will be cooler, with a high around 82 degrees and widespread showers and thunderstorms expected during the afternoon and evening.
Rain chances remain elevated Tuesday with another round of showers and thunderstorms and highs in the lower 80s. Conditions begin to improve Wednesday as afternoon storm coverage becomes more isolated and temperatures climb back into the upper 80s.
By Thursday and Friday, a more typical summer pattern returns with partly sunny skies, scattered afternoon thunderstorms, and highs around 90 to 91 degrees. Saturday looks even hotter, with highs reaching the lower 90s and only isolated afternoon storms expected.
Residents should keep an eye on the forecast over the next couple of days, especially if outdoor plans are scheduled, and be prepared to move indoors quickly if thunderstorms develop.
Chattooga County Public Meeting Set to Review 2024 Audit and 2025 Budget Amendments
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday, July 16, to review the county’s 2024 Audit Report and consider amendments to the 2025 county budget.
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville.
According to the public meeting notice, the two matters listed for discussion are a review of the completed 2024 audit and consideration of changes to the county’s 2025 budget.
The meeting is open to the public, and residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
Meeting Details
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Commissioner’s Conference Room, Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville
Georgia Man Arrested in Multi-Agency Dog Fighting Investigation; 23 Dogs Rescued
A Crawford County man is facing state and federal charges after a multi-agency investigation into alleged illegal dog fighting led to the rescue of 23 dogs and the seizure of firearms and suspected illegal drugs.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced the arrest of Robert James Hester following a joint investigation by the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Peach County SWAT Team. Authorities executed state and federal search warrants on June 24 at a property on Andrews Road in Knoxville, Georgia.
Investigators said they recovered 23 dogs believed to have been used for fighting, along with multiple firearms, suspected marijuana, and suspected methamphetamine. The dogs were removed from the property and placed into the custody of federal authorities while the investigation continues.
“The Georgia Department of Agriculture has zero tolerance for illegal dog fighting and the cruelty it inflicts on animals,” Commissioner Harper said in a statement. He praised the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, saying the operation not only rescued the animals but also uncovered firearms and suspected narcotics.
Hester has been charged under Georgia law with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, and possession of methamphetamine. In addition to the state charges, officials said he also faces federal charges related to alleged illegal dog fighting and firearms violations. He remains in the Crawford County Jail without bond.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information could be released as the case proceeds through the court system. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Hester is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Walker County Approves Temporary Moratorium on New Data Centers
The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a temporary moratorium on new data center development, giving county officials time to study the issue and determine whether additional local regulations are needed before such facilities are considered.
Commissioners voted during their July 9 monthly meeting to adopt a resolution establishing the temporary pause on new data center projects. Prior to the meeting, county officials indicated the proposal called for a six-month moratorium while staff evaluates potential impacts and considers whether updates to the county’s development regulations are warranted.
The temporary moratorium will prevent the acceptance and approval of new data center applications during the review period. County leaders have not announced any specific data center project proposed for Walker County but said the action is intended to allow time for research and policy development before future applications are considered.
Large-scale data centers have become the focus of increasing debate across Georgia and the nation because of their substantial electricity demands, water usage for cooling at some facilities, infrastructure requirements, and land-use impacts. Communities have also weighed the economic benefits of new investment and tax revenue against concerns about long-term effects on utilities, natural resources, and neighboring properties.
Walker County’s action follows similar temporary moratoriums adopted or proposed by other local governments as officials work to establish zoning standards and development guidelines before allowing new data center construction.
Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones Dies at 39
The Georgia Department of Corrections and communities across Northwest Georgia are mourning the unexpected death of Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 39.
Jones had served as warden of Hays State Prison in Chattooga County since July 2023. He was appointed to the position after Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver reassigned then-Warden Shawn Emmons to serve as warden at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.
Jones began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2007 as a Correctional Officer at Walker State Prison. During his nearly two decades of service, he advanced through the ranks as Sergeant, Tier II Lieutenant, Tier II Unit Manager, Deputy Warden of Security, and ultimately Warden of Hays State Prison.
Family members said Jones approached his career in corrections with a deep sense of responsibility, placing great importance on protecting the staff who served alongside him, the surrounding community, and the individuals entrusted to his care. They described him as a leader who served with integrity, conviction, and a desire to leave every assignment better than he found it.
Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Jones built lasting relationships with coworkers, friends, and those he mentored. Outside of his professional life, he enjoyed fishing, traveling, great food, bourbon, poker, and cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers. One of his greatest passions was coaching youth football, where he invested countless hours helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork, and character while spending time with his own children.
Above all else, family members said Jones was devoted to his wife, Haley, and their children, Jack, Ava, and Piper. They said he worked to instill values of hard work, integrity, respect, responsibility, and perseverance in his children, considering that one of his life’s greatest responsibilities.
Jones is survived by his wife, Haley; children Jack, Ava, and Piper; his mother, Josie Nichols (William Layfield); his father, Jeff (Rhonda) Langley; grandparents Janet Goins, Virginia Langley, and Ron and Glenda Turner; his sister Jessica (Emily) Cartwright; siblings Ethan and Jessica Tripp; and numerous extended family members, friends, and colleagues throughout the Georgia Department of Corrections.
He was preceded in death by grandparents John Jones, Jr. Langley, and great-grandparents William and Josephine Jones and Lelion and Frances Lizana.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
July Declared Georgia Grown Watermelon Month as State Celebrates Top National Crop
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper has officially proclaimed July 2026 as Georgia Grown Watermelon Month, recognizing one of the state’s most recognizable crops and the farmers who produce it.
The announcement highlights Georgia’s position as the nation’s leading watermelon-producing state, with growers harvesting more than 200 million pounds of watermelons each year. The crop is a key part of Georgia’s agriculture industry, which contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy.
“Georgia’s watermelon growers are among the hardest-working farmers in the nation,” Harper said in announcing the proclamation. He encouraged consumers to support local agriculture by purchasing Georgia Grown watermelons throughout the summer season.
Watermelons are typically harvested across Georgia from June through August, making July one of the peak months for fresh, locally grown fruit. Georgia’s warm climate and fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions, helping the state consistently rank first in national watermelon production.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says buying Georgia Grown products supports farm families, strengthens local communities, and helps sustain one of the state’s largest industries. Consumers can identify locally grown produce by looking for the Georgia Grown logo at grocery stores, farmers markets, and roadside stands.
Commissioner Harper said the month-long recognition celebrates both the quality of Georgia-grown watermelons and the important role agriculture continues to play in the state’s economy.
Georgia PSC Launches Investigation Into Whether Data Centers Are Shifting Power Costs to Other Customers
The Georgia Public Service Commission has voted to move forward with an investigation into whether Georgia Power’s largest electricity customers—including data centers—are paying their fair share of fuel costs or shifting those expenses onto residential and small business customers.
Commissioners approved opening the investigation Tuesday after concerns were raised about Georgia Power’s Real Time Pricing (RTP) rate structure, which is used almost exclusively by the utility’s largest industrial customers, including many data centers. The inquiry will examine whether customers on the RTP rate contribute appropriately to the fuel costs associated with generating electricity.
The investigation stems from testimony during recent fuel cost hearings, where Public Service Commission staff argued the current pricing system may leave households and small businesses paying a larger share of fuel-related expenses as electricity demand grows. Staff estimates suggested the current structure could increase fuel costs for residential customers by as much as 5% to 11% in coming years if changes are not made.
Georgia has experienced explosive growth in data center construction, fueled largely by artificial intelligence and cloud computing. To meet that demand, Georgia Power has received approval to significantly expand its electric generating capacity over the coming years. While the utility has maintained that large customers pay the full cost of the infrastructure built to serve them, critics argue the issue of ongoing fuel costs deserves closer scrutiny.
Environmental organizations and consumer advocates welcomed the commission’s decision, saying Georgians deserve greater transparency about who is paying for the state’s rapidly growing electricity demand.
The Public Service Commission emphasized that the investigation is intended to determine whether the current rate design remains fair and whether changes are needed to ensure fuel costs are allocated appropriately among all customer classes. The commission is expected to hold additional hearings and gather evidence before considering any changes to Georgia Power’s pricing policies.
Summerville City Council to Consider Building Code Reinstatement, Fair Donation at Monday Meeting
The Summerville City Council will meet Monday evening with several items on the agenda, including a proposal to reinstate portions of the city’s building regulations and a request to support the Chattooga County Fair.
The council’s regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Summerville City Hall.
Among the new business items, council members will discuss and consider reinstating the city’s Code of Ordinances related to buildings and building regulations. The agenda does not specify what changes would accompany the reinstatement.
Council members will also consider approving a $5,000 donation to the Chattooga County Fair, which is scheduled for August 27-30, 2026.
The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from three previous meetings, change orders for sanitary sewer improvements serving the Industrial Park and the 2024 Community Development Block Grant project, an update to the city’s holiday policy, and authorization for Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a letter of support for the Propel Program.
The meeting will also feature the recognition of Firefighter Britt Evans on his retirement, followed by financial updates from City Manager Jason Winters. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for public comments before adjournment.
Two Suspects in Custody, One Still Sought After iPads Stolen From Trion Walmart
Two of the three suspects accused of stealing several iPads from the Walmart in Trion are now in custody, while law enforcement continues searching for a third suspect.
According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, store employees attempted to stop the three men as they left the store Friday after they were suspected of shoplifting multiple iPads. The suspects fled before deputies arrived.
One suspect was initially apprehended Friday. Sheriff Schrader later announced that a second suspect has now been taken into custody, leaving one suspect still at large.
Authorities said the remaining suspect was last seen wearing green and black shorts with a black shirt. Sheriff Schrader has released a surveillance image of the suspect and is asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe the suspects may also be connected to other shoplifting incidents in Michigan and Dalton, Georgia.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.
Anyone with information on the remaining suspect is encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest Report - Saturday - July 11, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 11, 2026:
Storm Chances Increase This Weekend With Heavy Rain Possible Across Northwest Georgia
Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia this weekend, but increasing thunderstorm activity is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and some relief from the heat.
Saturday will begin with mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. Heat index values could reach 97 before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread after 5 p.m. Some storms may produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible across northwest Georgia through the weekend, with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms repeatedly develop.
The unsettled pattern continues Sunday and Monday, with widespread showers and thunderstorms likely both afternoons. Rain chances climb to 90 percent each day, and localized flash flooding will become a concern, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could become strong with damaging winds remaining the primary threat.
The increased clouds and rainfall will provide a welcome break from the recent extreme heat, with afternoon highs cooling into the middle 80s Sunday through Tuesday. By Wednesday, rain chances begin to decrease, and temperatures will gradually climb back into the upper 80s before returning to the lower 90s later next week.
Residents with outdoor plans this weekend should remain weather aware and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop.
AdventHealth Invites Community To Celebrate Opening Of New Cancer Pavilion In Rome
AdventHealth is inviting the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Cancer Pavilion in Rome.
The ceremony will be held Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. at the AdventHealth Cancer Pavilion, located at 641 Braves Boulevard in Rome. Community members, local leaders and healthcare partners are invited to attend as AdventHealth officially opens the facility and marks a new chapter in cancer care for Northwest Georgia.
The new Cancer Pavilion brings a wide range of cancer services together under one roof, allowing patients to receive coordinated care closer to home.
The facility includes a Breast Center offering advanced mammography, bone-density scanning and diagnostic imaging technology. It also features experienced hematology and oncology specialists, a spacious infusion center for cancer treatments, and an on-site laboratory and pharmacy.
The program will include welcome remarks, special recognitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a prayer of dedication for patients and members of the care team.
Following the ceremony, guests will be invited to enjoy light refreshments and drinks while taking self-guided tours of the new facility.
Operation Southern Slow Down Returns Monday as Five-State Crackdown Targets Speeding Drivers
Motorists traveling across Georgia and the Southeast next week can expect to see a much stronger law enforcement presence as the annual Operation Southern Slow Down campaign gets underway.
The week-long speed enforcement and public awareness campaign runs Monday, July 13, through Sunday, July 19, and includes coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The initiative is designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities by cracking down on speeding, aggressive driving, and other dangerous traffic violations during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.
The campaign officially kicks off Monday with simultaneous news conferences in Augusta, Columbus, Ringgold, Savannah, and Florida, where highway safety officials and law enforcement leaders will outline enforcement plans for the week. Officers from state patrols, sheriff’s offices, and local police departments will then spend the remainder of the week conducting high-visibility enforcement on interstates, major highways, and other heavily traveled roadways.
The campaign has grown significantly since it began in 2017. Last year, more than 490 law enforcement agencies across the five participating states issued 52,990 speeding citations and warnings during the seven-day enforcement period. Officers also made more than 1,440 DUI arrests, issued more than 2,230 citations and warnings for reckless driving, and cited more than 3,000 drivers for distracted driving violations.
Georgia agencies accounted for a substantial share of those enforcement efforts. During the 2025 campaign, more than 230 Georgia law enforcement agencies made over 13,290 speeding contacts with motorists. Officers also arrested 501 impaired drivers, issued more than 1,875 warnings and citations for violations of Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, and cited or warned more than 2,470 motorists for failing to wear seat belts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 30 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2024 involved speeding. Georgia crash statistics show speed was a contributing factor in one out of every five fatal crashes in the state between 2020 and 2024.
Officials say speeding doesn’t just endanger the driver who chooses to ignore the speed limit. A Georgia Traffic Safety Fact Sheet found that in 2023, 53 percent of those killed or seriously injured in multi-vehicle speed-related crashes were not the speeding driver. About 35 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 16 percent were passengers riding with the speeding driver, and 2 percent were pedestrians or bicyclists.
“Speed limits are in place to protect everyone traveling on our roads and highways, and enforcement of speeding and all traffic laws has proven to save lives in our region and nation,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “The goal for Operation Southern Slow Down is not to write tickets but to get more drivers to see that traveling at slower and safer speeds prevents families and friends from losing loved ones in crashes that are preventable.”
Highway safety officials are also reminding drivers that the increased patrols coincide with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign, which runs through July 30.
Motorists are encouraged to obey posted speed limits, avoid distracted driving, buckle up, and never drive impaired. Drivers should also remember Georgia’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to move over when safe to do so—or slow to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit—when passing emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated.
Safety officials also recommend giving speeding drivers plenty of room, allowing tailgaters to pass when it is safe, staying out of the left lane except when passing, and making seat belt use a habit on every trip.
Southeast First National Bank Donates To Chattooga County School Athletic Programs
Southeast First National Bank has made a donation to support athletic programs throughout the Chattooga County School System.
The contribution was presented by Suzanne Hurley-Bowman and Barry Hurley of Southeast First National Bank to Chattooga County School System Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie and Chief Academic Officer Robert Beach.
Barry Hurley said the bank remains committed to supporting local schools and organizations that serve the community and its young people.
“We are proud that over the years we have been able to support our school systems and other entities that serve the citizens and youth of our community,” Hurley said.
School officials expressed their appreciation for the contribution, noting that partnerships with local businesses help strengthen athletic opportunities and provide additional support for student-athletes across the Chattooga County School System.
West Nile Virus concerns have public health officials reminding about mosquito-bite prevention
Public health officials are urging Northwest Georgia residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the 2026 West Nile virus season gets underway earlier and more aggressively than it has in more than two decades.
Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, said officials are concerned about how the season may develop over the coming weeks.
As of July 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 56 human cases of West Nile virus across 15 states. No human cases had been reported in Georgia, but the virus had been detected in mosquitoes in Fulton and Chatham counties.
The CDC previously said the country was experiencing its earliest West Nile virus season since 2004, with case totals well above the average normally reported by the end of June.
West Nile virus is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus when biting humans. The virus is not spread through casual contact with another person or by handling birds.
Health officials are encouraging residents to follow the “Five Ds of Prevention”:
Dusk and Dawn: Limit outdoor activity during these times, when mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are often most active.
Dress: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to reduce exposed skin.
DEET: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Drain: Empty containers that collect standing water, which can become mosquito breeding grounds.
Doors: Make sure doors and windows close tightly and repair torn or damaged screens.
Voccio said removing standing water is one of the most effective steps residents can take around their homes. Flowerpots, buckets, children’s toys, wading pools, old tires, bottles and cans should be emptied or removed after rainfall and at least once each week.
Residents should also keep gutters and roof eaves clear of leaves and debris that may trap stagnant water.
When using sunscreen and mosquito repellent together, health officials recommend applying sunscreen first and insect repellent afterward. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can also help reduce mosquito bites.
Symptoms of West Nile virus may develop three to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite and can include fever, headache, neck discomfort, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.
Older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those with underlying medical conditions face a greater risk of developing serious complications.
Anyone with questions or symptoms should contact a healthcare provider or their local county health department. West Nile virus is the most commonly reported locally acquired mosquito-borne disease in Georgia.
Godfrey’s Tree Service Organizes GoFundMe For Trion Family After July 4 Storm Damage
Kevin Godfrey and Lacey Gilreath with Godfrey’s Tree Service have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help a Trion family whose home was heavily damaged during severe storms on July 4, 2026.
Godfrey’s Tree Service was called to the home of Norman and Janice Gaither after a massive oak tree crashed through the residence, tearing through the living room, dining room, kitchen, and other areas of the home.
Five family members were inside when the tree fell, including three young children. Norman and Janice Gaither were in the home along with their daughter, Loren, son-in-law Justin Baker, and the couple’s three children, Ava, 9, Caden, 6, and Easton, 2.
Despite the extensive damage, everyone survived with only bruises and scratches.
The Gaither family has lived in the home for nearly 33 years. While homeowners insurance is expected to help cover the cost of removing the tree and repairing major structural damage, it will not replace many of the household belongings that were lost.
Loren homeschools Ava and Caden, and the area where the children completed their schoolwork was destroyed. The family lost homeschool curriculum and supplies, furniture, kitchen items, and other everyday necessities. They have also been displaced from their home while repairs are underway.
Godfrey and Gilreath organized the fundraiser to help the family replace items not covered by insurance and meet other needs during the rebuilding process.
Norman Gaither has also served the country for more than 39 years. He spent more than 12 years on active duty in the United States Air Force before continuing his service with the Tennessee Army National Guard and Tennessee Air National Guard, including a deployment to the Persian Gulf.
Those wishing to help may donate through the GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/e0effad64.
Residents who are unable to contribute financially are encouraged to share the fundraiser and keep the Gaither and Baker families in their thoughts and prayers.
Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants
The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.
Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.
State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.
The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.
Georgia June Tax Collections Down, But Fiscal Year Ends Slightly Ahead
Georgia’s net tax collections fell in June, but the state still ended Fiscal Year 2026 slightly ahead of the previous year.
According to the Governor’s Office, June net tax revenue totaled nearly $2.95 billion, down $215.1 million, or 6.8 percent, compared to June of last year. However, year-to-date collections through June 30 totaled $33.75 billion, an increase of $129.5 million, or 0.4 percent, over Fiscal Year 2025.
State officials say the monthly comparison was heavily affected by Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax suspension, which began March 20 and remained in effect until June 3. Without the motor fuel tax impact, June revenues were down only 0.6 percent, while full-year collections were up nearly 1.6 percent.
Individual income tax collections were down 6.7 percent in June, while sales tax collections increased 6.8 percent and corporate income tax collections rose 7 percent. Motor fuel tax collections dropped 98.5 percent, reflecting the temporary suspension ordered by Governor Brian Kemp.
Motor vehicle tag and title fees and title ad valorem tax collections were also down compared to June 2025.
AAA Urges Families to Help Teen Drivers Build Safe Habits During Summer Months
As newly licensed teenagers spend more time behind the wheel this summer, AAA is encouraging families to make safety a priority by participating in its “100 Days of Safe Driving” campaign.
The organization says summer is often the first true test for new drivers, bringing increased independence, nighttime driving, road trips, and more time spent driving with friends. Those situations can challenge even the most responsible young drivers.
According to AAA, 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers in 2024, with many of those fatal crashes occurring during the summer months. The organization says the first several months of independent driving are critical in developing lifelong safe driving habits.
AAA recommends parents remain actively involved after their teen earns a driver’s license by continuing supervised driving in a variety of conditions, including nighttime and heavy traffic. Families are also encouraged to establish clear rules limiting phone use, nighttime driving, and the number of teen passengers.
The organization advises teaching teens defensive driving techniques, including staying alert, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and adjusting speed for weather and road conditions. Parents are also reminded that modeling safe driving behavior themselves can have a lasting impact.
AAA also encourages teens to be prepared for unexpected situations by knowing how to safely pull off the road, respond to minor crashes or breakdowns, contact emergency services when necessary, and access roadside assistance.
The organization is also reminding motorists that summer celebrations often bring an increase in impaired driving. According to AAA’s crash analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic fatalities involves an impaired driver. Anyone planning to drink or use impairing substances is encouraged to arrange a sober ride before heading out.
Families are also advised to review their auto insurance coverage before teens begin driving regularly on their own to ensure they have appropriate protection.
To help build driving skills, AAA offers online driver education resources and access to its network of AAA Approved Driving Schools.
Officials say the goal is to help new drivers build smart habits now that will carry with them for years to come.