Arrest Report - Thursday - April 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 30, 2026:
Morning Storms Give Way to Drier Afternoon Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are waking up to rounds of showers and a few embedded thunderstorms early Thursday, but conditions are expected to steadily improve as the day goes on.
Forecasters say the morning rain will taper off by late morning, leading to mostly dry and mild conditions this afternoon. While a stray shower or storm can’t be ruled out in parts of the region, much of Northwest Georgia should see a break from the wet weather with highs reaching the mid-70s to near 80 degrees.
The unsettled pattern isn’t over just yet. Additional rounds of light showers—and a few isolated thunderstorms—remain possible Friday and into Saturday as a stalled front lingers to the south. Rainfall amounts through Friday are expected to stay relatively light.
Looking ahead to the weekend, a more widespread and steady rain is expected to move in Friday night into Saturday. While totals in Northwest Georgia will generally range from about a half-inch to an inch, the rain will bring cooler temperatures, with daytime highs struggling to get out of the 60s on Saturday.
By Sunday, drier air returns, bringing cooler mornings in the 40s and a gradual warming trend into early next week.
Overall, it’s a typical spring pattern for the region—periods of rain, brief dry breaks, and temperatures hovering near seasonal norms before a cooler weekend settles in.
Tick Bites Sending More Americans to the ER, CDC Warns
Health officials are raising concerns as new data shows tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms at the highest rate in nearly a decade.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ER visits for tick bites are well above normal levels and are the highest for this time of year since at least 2017.
In fact, recent data shows about 71 out of every 100,000 ER visits were related to tick bites — more than double the typical average.
Experts say the spike is likely due to a combination of factors, including warmer weather, earlier spring conditions, and increasing tick populations.
Ticks are more than just a nuisance — they can carry serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a red meat allergy.
Health officials are urging people to take precautions as tick season ramps up, especially when spending time outdoors. Recommended steps include:
- Using insect repellent
- Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
- Performing thorough tick checks after being outside
- Removing ticks as quickly as possible
The CDC says removing a tick within 24 hours can significantly reduce the risk of disease.
With warmer months ahead, experts warn the numbers could continue to climb, making prevention and awareness key.
Free GED Accelerated Academy Coming to GNTC’s Floyd County Campus
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is offering a free GED Accelerated Academy this summer at the Floyd County Campus in Rome.
The three-day program is scheduled for June 4th through June 6th, 2026, and is designed to help eligible students earn their GED at no cost.
Participants will receive free GED instruction, practice tests, GED testing, meals, and snacks. Space is limited, and registration is required by May 12th.
Those who register must also attend one of two assessment dates: May 16th or May 21st.
The program is open to adults age 18 and older, and a government-issued ID is required.
Summerville Hiring Gas Regulatory Compliance Technician
The City of Summerville is looking to hire a Gas Regulatory Compliance Technician to join its infrastructure team.
City officials say the position is ideal for someone with strong attention to detail and experience in natural gas utility operations or regulatory compliance. The technician will help ensure Summerville’s gas systems meet required safety standards and regulatory guidelines.
Applicants should have at least five years of experience in natural gas utility operations, regulatory compliance, or a closely related field.
The city is also looking for someone with working knowledge of federal pipeline safety regulations, including 49 CFR Parts 191 and 192, as well as 49 CFR Part 40, which covers drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Computer skills are also important for the role, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat for regulatory documentation, reports, audit logs, and document tracking.
Those interested can apply through the link provided by the City of Summerville.
Free Pet Vaccine & Microchip Clinic Set for Friday in Summerville
Pet owners in Chattooga County will have a chance to take advantage of free services for their animals this Friday during a vaccine and microchipping clinic in Summerville.
The event will take place tomorrow, May 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tractor Supply on Highway 27. Organizers say the clinic is open to the public on a first come, first served basis, and services will be available while supplies last.
Dogs and cats can receive rabies vaccinations, along with DHPP vaccines for dogs and FVRCP vaccines for cats. Microchipping services will also be offered at no cost.
The clinic is being hosted in partnership with the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
Officials say this is a great opportunity for residents to ensure their pets are protected and up to date on essential care, especially with warmer months ahead.
Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early due to expected demand.
AdventHealth Welcomes New Physician to Summerville Office
AdventHealth Redmond is welcoming Dr. Jacquelin Miller to AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care & Urgent Care at Summerville.
Dr. Miller is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and will join Christie Tankersley and Anna Nicole Herring in serving patients across Chattooga County.
AdventHealth officials say Dr. Miller brings extensive experience in urgent and complex medical situations, while focusing on compassionate, patient-centered care for patients of all ages.
She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, completed training in internal medicine and surgery, and later completed a residency in emergency medicine. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The Summerville office is located at 9777 Rome Boulevard in the Ingles shopping center. The clinic offers primary care, urgent care, occupational health, workers’ compensation, and school health services.
Walk-in and same-day appointments are available.
Chattooga Extension Encourages Farmers to Review Drought Management Resource
The Chattooga County Extension Office is urging local agricultural producers to review a USDA Forest Service resource focused on drought conditions and land management strategies.
Extension officials say the information provides timely guidance for farmers dealing with dry weather, offering practical steps to help protect crops, livestock, and soil health during extended periods of limited rainfall.
Drought conditions can significantly impact pasture quality, reduce water availability, and increase stress on livestock. The resource outlines ways producers can better manage these challenges, including monitoring soil moisture, adjusting grazing practices, and planning for alternative water sources.
The document also highlights the importance of long-term planning, such as improving soil structure, conserving water, and implementing practices that help land retain moisture more effectively.
With weather patterns continuing to bring periods of dry conditions across Northwest Georgia, Extension agents say now is a good time for producers to review the material and make proactive decisions for their operations.
Farmers and landowners are encouraged to access the full resource through the Chattooga County Extension Office and consider how the recommendations can be applied locally.
Check out the publication on Drought Preparation, Management, and Recovery at the link: https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80488.pdf
Chattooga Senior Earns State FFA Championship in Wildlife Management
Chattooga High School senior Kasen Elsberry is celebrating a major statewide achievement after being named State Champion in Wildlife Management and Production.
Elsberry, an honor graduate and volunteer firefighter with the Summerville Fire Department, earned the title after four years of work through FFA. His project focused on wildlife habitat, land management, conservation practices, and long-term data collection.
The competition required students to document their work over time and show growth, knowledge, and consistency in the field. Elsberry said wildlife management takes patience because results do not happen overnight.
He credited advisors David Yarbrough and Lauren Jarrett with helping him prepare for the state competition through guidance, application support, and mock interviews.
Elsberry also earned his State FFA Degree and will now move on to national competition, representing Chattooga County and Georgia.
After graduation, he plans to attend Berry College for business while also pursuing Construction Management at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
Summerville Approves Summer Internship Program for Local Students
The City of Summerville is moving forward with a new summer internship program aimed at giving local students hands-on experience in municipal government.
At last month’s Summerville City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved five part-time summer internship positions. City Manager Jason Winters said the program would begin around the time school lets out and continue through the first week of August, lasting approximately eight weeks.
The internships are expected to give students the opportunity to work with city departments on seasonal projects and administrative support. Positions may be available in Administration, Police, Street, Gas, and Water departments, depending on the needs and approval of each department head.
Winters said the program could help introduce young people to city operations and possible career paths in public service. She also noted that the city would continue participating in school grant programs.
The program is expected to cost $17,600 and will be included in the approved city budget.
Council Member Zachary Martin asked about the eligible age group, and Winters said the program would be open to students age 16 and older, with some limitations on equipment use. Students from both local high schools, as well as homeschool students, would qualify. When asked whether college students could apply, Winters said the city would not be opposed to that.
Zachary Martin made the motion to approve the five part-time internship positions. Council Member Jeff Martin seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Red & Black Basketball Camp Set for Late May at Chattooga High School
Young athletes in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to sharpen their basketball skills and have some fun on the court next month as the Red & Black Basketball Camp returns to Chattooga High School.
The two-day camp is scheduled for May 28th and 29th and will run each morning from 9 a.m. until noon. It is open to boys and girls in 1st through 4th grade, offering a chance for younger players to build fundamentals, play games, and develop confidence in a positive, energetic environment.
Organizers say the camp will focus on skill development, teamwork, and making the game enjoyable for all participants, regardless of experience level.
The registration fee is $20, and payment must be made by cash or check.
Those interested in signing up can use the QR code on the official camp flyer for more information and registration details.
The event will take place at Chattooga High School and is expected to draw strong local participation as summer activities begin to ramp up.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - April 29, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:
Stormy Pattern Continues Across Northwest Georgia With Cooler Weekend Ahead
A wet and unsettled weather pattern continues across the region today, bringing periods of showers, embedded thunderstorms, breezy conditions, and the possibility of stronger storms later tonight.
Morning showers and storms are expected to gradually taper off, but a few rumbles of thunder and gusty winds may linger as the system moves through. Forecasters say breezy conditions could continue into the afternoon, especially along the back edge of the precipitation.
A brief break in the rain is possible for many areas later today, although isolated showers and a thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, especially across parts of North Georgia. Temperatures will depend heavily on cloud cover, with some areas reaching the 70s while places that stay socked in may remain cooler.
Another round of showers and thunderstorms is possible later today and into early Thursday as a disturbance moves across the region. Some storms could become strong to marginally severe, with isolated damaging wind gusts being the main concern.
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into the weekend. Friday looks cooler and mostly cloudy, with highs only reaching the 60s in many North Georgia communities. Widespread rainfall is possible Friday night into Saturday, with many areas potentially seeing one to two inches of rain.
By Sunday, drier and cooler air should move in, with morning lows dipping into the 40s and afternoon highs staying in the 60s across much of North Georgia.
People across Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia communities should stay weather-aware through tonight, especially if storms move in during the evening or overnight hours.
Paradise Garden Celebrates Preservation Honor And Parade Tradition
It was a milestone this past weekend for Paradise Garden, as the nonprofit behind Howard Finster’s famous folk art environment received statewide recognition for historic preservation.
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation presented the Paradise Garden Foundation with an Excellence in Rehabilitation Award for its restoration of Rev. Finster’s World’s Folk Art Church. The award recognizes projects that preserve the historic character of a property while returning buildings to useful and compatible service.
Danielle Meunier, Preservation Programs Coordinator for the Georgia Trust, praised the Foundation’s work, calling it an “outstanding contribution to historic preservation in Georgia.”
Foundation leaders, board members, project partners, and supporters accepted the award during ceremonies at the Strand Theatre in Marietta. The multiyear restoration effort was supported by the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent, with major planning and fundraising led by Paradise Garden executive director emeritus Tina Cox. Eddy Willingham, who stepped away from the board to manage the restoration project, also played an important role in bringing the work to completion.
The celebration continued later that day at the annual Inman Park Festival parade. Paradise Garden supporters joined the festivities wearing angel wings in honor of the flying angels often seen in Finster’s artwork. Along the parade route, they handed out angel wing bracelets and save-the-date cards for Finster Fest, set for September 19 and 20.
For Paradise Garden, the day was both a celebration of preservation and a tribute to the enduring spirit of Howard Finster’s art.
City Of Summerville Seeking Bids For Outdoor Basketball Court Pavilion
The City of Summerville is accepting sealed bids for the construction and installation of an outdoor basketball court clear-span pavilion.
Bids will be received at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue, until 10:00 AM on May 22, 2026. Bids will be opened the same day at 10:00 AM in the City Hall Council Room.
The project is listed as RFB-2026-123 Outdoor Basketball Court Pavilion. All bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes with the project name clearly marked on the outside.
City officials say bids must remain valid for 60 business days, and late submissions will not be accepted. The bid will not be awarded until designated city officials have had time to review each submission.
Click Here for Bid Document
Theft Reported On Highland Avenue In Summerville
The Summerville Police Department is investigating a theft by taking case reported at a residence on Highland Avenue.
According to the incident report, the case involves stolen property from the home, including several cans of Diet Coke with a reported value of about five dollars.
The incident was classified as “all other larceny,” and no suspect information was immediately available at the time of the report. Authorities say the case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Summerville Police Department.
Narcan Kits Being Distributed To Northwest Georgia Schools
Opioid overdose reversal kits are being distributed to 180 schools across Northwest Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is partnering with Northwest Georgia RESA as part of a statewide effort to equip every public school in Georgia with Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
A “Stuff the Box” event was held Tuesday, April 21, where local education, behavioral health, and public safety professionals helped assemble the kits for schools in the region. Several schools picked up their completed kits the same day.
State officials say the effort is funded through opioid settlement dollars and supports Wesley’s Law, which allows schools to obtain and administer opioid antagonists while providing legal protections for staff acting in good faith.
The statewide initiative has already reached more than 1,300 schools, with a goal of equipping 2,300 schools by the end of the school year.
Georgia’s Rome Tourism Offering History Tours Across Rome
Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism is inviting residents and visitors to step back in time with a series of story-driven tours highlighting the people, places, and events that shaped Rome’s history.
Upcoming tours include the Where Romans Rest tours at Myrtle Hill Cemetery on Sunday, May 3, with tour times at 1:30, 2:00, and 3:00 PM. Myrtle Hill Cemetery was established in 1857 and is the final resting place of more than 20,000 people, including Civil War soldiers, political figures, and Ellen Axson Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson.
Other offerings include the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday Riverboat Tours on the Coosa River, Rome Clocktower Public Tours, and Downtown History Tours aboard the Roman Chariots. Each tour focuses on Rome’s historic landmarks, river heritage, architecture, and preservation efforts.
Tickets are available online at RomeGeorgia.org/Tours or in person at Georgia’s Rome Welcome Center locations on Civic Center Drive and Broad Street in Rome. Ticket proceeds benefit local historic preservation efforts.
Vidalia Onion Pickup Today At Chattooga Ag Center
It’s onion pickup day in Chattooga County as the Chattooga County Young Farmers hold their annual fundraiser.
Organizers say customers who placed orders can pick up their Georgia-Grown Vidalia onions today from noon until 6 PM at the Chattooga County Ag Center. Those who ordered through individual Young Farmer members will be contacted directly to arrange pickup or delivery.
The annual sale is a major fundraiser for the group’s scholarship program, which supports local students. This year’s event has been especially successful, with more than 10,000 pounds of Vidalia onions sold.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers host the sale each year, continuing a long-standing tradition that supports education while promoting Georgia agriculture.
Trion Water System Reminds Customers Of Statewide Level 1 Drought Response
The Town of Trion water system is reminding its customers that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has issued a statewide Level 1 drought response as dry conditions continue to impact much of Georgia, including Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
According to a letter dated April 27 from EPD Director Jeffrey Cown, the state is experiencing widespread drought conditions, with some areas reaching severe levels. The declaration requires public water systems to begin conservation efforts and increase public awareness.
Under Level 1 guidelines, residents are encouraged to reduce water use by fixing leaks, avoiding running water unnecessarily, and limiting outdoor watering. General landscape watering may be done between 4 PM and 10 AM, meaning watering should not take place during the hottest part of the day.
Officials say the goal is to promote responsible water use and protect water resources as drought conditions persist across the region.
