What Sentence Could Deoveon Price Face After Acquittal On Murder Charges?
A Chattooga County man who was acquitted of murder last week in the shooting death of Christopher “DJ” Chapman could still face a substantial prison sentence after the jury convicted him on two lesser charges.
Deoveon Lawayne Price was found not guilty of the murder charges stemming from the June 6, 2025 shooting on Oak Street in Summerville. However, the jury found Price guilty of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Price has not yet been sentenced, but Georgia law provides a significant range of punishment for the two convictions.
Aggravated Assault Carries Up To 20 Years
Under Georgia law, aggravated assault generally carries a sentence of one to 20 years in prison.
Georgia Code Section 16-5-21 covers aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon or other circumstances likely to cause serious bodily injury. Unless a special sentencing provision applies, the punishment is not less than one year and not more than 20 years.
Firearm Conviction Adds Five Years
Price was also convicted of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Under Georgia Code Section 16-11-106, a first conviction generally carries five years of confinement, and that sentence is to be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying felony.
That means the firearm sentence is not simply folded into the aggravated-assault sentence.
Maximum Exposure Could Reach 25 Years
Based on the two convictions, Price could potentially face:
Aggravated assault: 1 to 20 years
Firearm during commission of a crime: 5 years
If the judge imposed the maximum 20-year sentence for aggravated assault, followed by the five-year firearm sentence, Price could face an aggregate sentence of up to 25 years.
That does not mean he will receive 25 years. The actual sentence will be determined by the Superior Court judge.
Murder Acquittal Significantly Changed The Case
The jury’s decision to acquit Price of murder dramatically reduced his potential punishment.
Price had been prosecuted in connection with Chapman’s death after the two men were involved in an altercation on Oak Street. Summerville Police said Chapman was shot in the chest and later died. Price was taken into custody a short time later.
The jury ultimately rejected the murder charges but found Price criminally responsible for aggravated assault and the firearm offense.
That distinction is important: Price was not convicted of murdering Chapman, and his sentence must be based on the crimes for which he was actually convicted.
Sentencing Still To Come
At sentencing, the prosecution may argue for a harsher sentence, while the defense can present mitigating information and ask for leniency. The judge will decide the sentence within the limits set by Georgia law.
Price should also receive credit for time already served following his June 2025 arrest, although the exact application of that jail credit will be reflected in the final sentence.
For now, the key point is that Price faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years for aggravated assault, plus a mandatory five-year consecutive firearm sentence, bringing his maximum potential exposure to 25 years.
Chattooga County CERT Training Gives Residents Skills To Help When Disaster Strikes
When tornadoes, flooding, severe storms or other emergencies strike, firefighters, law enforcement officers and medical crews can quickly find themselves responding to multiple emergencies at the same time. That is where trained community volunteers can become an important part of the response.
The Chattooga County Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is looking for additional volunteers, and a free training class is scheduled for Saturday, September 19.
The training will be held from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM at the Chattooga County Community Resource Center, 48 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville, at the former North Summerville School off Highland Avenue. Lunch will be provided.
What Is CERT?
CERT is a FEMA-supported program that trains ordinary citizens in basic emergency and disaster-response skills. CERT volunteers are not intended to replace firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers or other professional responders. Instead, they are trained to safely help their families, neighbors and community and to support professional emergency personnel when needed.
Training includes basic disaster response, fire suppression, basic medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization.
The concept is particularly important during a widespread disaster. A major tornado, flood or severe storm can generate far more calls for help than local emergency agencies can immediately handle. Professional responders have to prioritize life-threatening emergencies, and it may take time before assistance reaches every neighborhood.
CERT gives residents basic training so they can take appropriate action during that critical period while staying within the limits of their training.
CERT Grew Out Of Lessons Learned From Major Earthquakes
The idea behind CERT dates to the 1980s.
Los Angeles officials traveled to Japan in 1985 and studied how residents had been trained to assist their neighborhoods following earthquakes. Later that year, officials examined the response to the devastating Mexico City earthquake.
In Mexico City, ordinary citizens spontaneously began digging through collapsed buildings and conducting rescues. Volunteers were credited with hundreds of successful rescues, but more than 100 untrained volunteers reportedly died while participating in rescue efforts.
The experience demonstrated both the tremendous value of citizens willing to help and the danger of attempting emergency work without proper training.
The Los Angeles Fire Department established a pilot civilian training program in 1986, initially training 30 people in skills including fire suppression, first aid and light search and rescue.
Following the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, Los Angeles expanded the concept. In 1993, FEMA made CERT training available to communities nationwide, adapting it for emergencies and disasters beyond earthquakes.
What Can A CERT Volunteer Actually Do?
CERT members can be trained to perform a variety of basic functions depending on the emergency and the needs of their community.
That can include checking on neighbors, identifying hazards, providing basic first aid, helping control minor bleeding, assisting with disaster medical operations, conducting light search and rescue, helping with small-fire suppression and providing information to emergency officials.
CERT volunteers can also assist with community events and preparedness efforts before a disaster ever occurs.
FEMA incorporates CERT into the Incident Command System, allowing trained volunteers to work within the same organized command structure used by emergency-response agencies rather than having unaffiliated volunteers independently entering dangerous areas.
And the program has already had a real-world role locally. In April 2025, Chattooga County CERT volunteers assisted when three people became stranded by floodwaters in Summerville, according to previous reports.
Why Volunteers Are Important
One of CERT’s most important purposes is increasing the number of people in a community who know what to do before professional help can arrive.
In a large-scale emergency, the same firefighters, deputies, police officers, EMS personnel and emergency-management officials may be needed at numerous locations simultaneously.
A trained CERT volunteer may already be in the neighborhood.
That person can assess what is happening, recognize situations that are too dangerous to enter, provide basic assistance within their training and relay useful information to emergency personnel.
CERT training also benefits volunteers even if they are never formally activated. The same preparedness, fire-safety, medical and disaster-response skills can be used to protect their own families and neighbors during an emergency.
Free Training September 19
The upcoming Chattooga County class will cover basic disaster response, fire suppression, basic medical operations, disaster psychology, search and rescue and other emergency-response skills.
The class will be:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Chattooga County Community Resource Center
48 Eleanor Avenue, Summerville
Lunch will be provided, and the training is free.
Those interested in obtaining an application or learning more about joining Chattooga County CERT can contact the county at 706-857-3400, option 2, or email pamela.vaughn@chattoogacounty.gov.
The need behind CERT is simple: during a major emergency, government resources can be stretched thin, while neighbors are already on the scene. Training those willing to help gives Chattooga County another layer of preparedness when minutes matter.
Major Leadership Change Coming At Mohawk Industries As Longtime CEO Prepares To Retire
A major leadership change is coming to Mohawk Industries, one of Northwest Georgia’s largest manufacturers and a longtime employer in Chattooga County, as the company prepares for a new chief executive officer this fall.
Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, who has served as Mohawk’s CEO for 25 years, will retire from that position on September 30, 2026. He will be succeeded by current Mohawk President and Chief Operating Officer Paul F. De Cock.
Lorberbaum will not be leaving Mohawk entirely. He will remain chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, a position he has held since 2004.
The transition is noteworthy across Northwest Georgia, where Calhoun-based Mohawk has been a major part of the region’s manufacturing economy for decades. The company also maintains a significant operation in Summerville, including its recycling and extrusion facilities.
Lorberbaum’s Career Spans 50 Years
Lorberbaum’s association with the flooring industry and the company stretches back approximately half a century.
He joined Aladdin Mills in 1976 and eventually became its president and CEO. Mohawk acquired Aladdin in 1994, and Lorberbaum subsequently served as Mohawk’s president and chief operating officer before becoming CEO in January 2001.
During Lorberbaum’s tenure, Mohawk expanded dramatically through both investments in its existing operations and acquisitions around the world.
Today, Mohawk describes itself as the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, with operations and brands extending well beyond the carpet business traditionally associated with Northwest Georgia.
Lorberbaum said it had been an honor to lead the company for the past 25 years and expressed confidence in De Cock’s ability to lead Mohawk into its next chapter. Lorberbaum said he plans to work closely with the new CEO and management team from his position as chairman.
Who Is Paul De Cock?
De Cock, 53, is not an outsider being brought in to run Mohawk.
He has been associated with the company for more than two decades and has extensive experience with both Mohawk’s North American and international businesses.
De Cock originally joined Unilin Group in 1997. Mohawk acquired Unilin in 2005, bringing De Cock into the Mohawk organization.
He subsequently served as President of Unilin North America from 2006 through 2008, helping integrate the business into Mohawk following the acquisition.
From 2008 until 2018, De Cock served as President of Unilin Flooring, overseeing products including laminate, wood, luxury vinyl tile and carpet outside North America.
In November 2018, he became President of Mohawk’s Flooring North America segment, a position he held until February 2025. At that point, Mohawk promoted him to President and Chief Operating Officer as part of the company’s succession planning process.
He has also served since February of this year as interim president of Mohawk’s Flooring Rest of the World business.
Transition Comes During A Challenging Flooring Market
De Cock will take over at a significant time for Mohawk and the flooring industry.
Although Mohawk reported stronger financial results during the second quarter of 2026, company officials say flooring market conditions remain challenging.
Mohawk has pointed to a sluggish housing market, with home resales near multi-decade lows and new-home construction remaining soft. Commercial flooring has performed better than residential products, according to the company.
Despite those challenges, Mohawk reported approximately $3 billion in second-quarter sales, an increase of about 6.8 percent compared with the same quarter last year. Net earnings increased to approximately $196 million, compared with $147 million during the second quarter of 2025.
De Cock said his priorities as CEO will include generating momentum, finding new opportunities for growth and innovation and positioning Mohawk for its next stage of development.
Mohawk Remains Important To Chattooga County
While the leadership transition will take place at the corporate level, it is of particular local interest because of Mohawk’s longstanding manufacturing presence in Summerville and Chattooga County.
The Summerville operation has played an important role in Mohawk’s polyester recycling and fiber-production system, processing post-consumer plastic bottles into material that can ultimately be used in flooring products.
The local connection makes a change at the top of Mohawk more than simply corporate news for Northwest Georgia. Decisions made by the company’s leadership can ultimately influence manufacturing investment, employment and operations throughout the region.
For now, the transition appears designed to provide continuity rather than a dramatic break with the company’s existing leadership. De Cock is a longtime Mohawk executive who has already overseen its North American flooring business and currently serves as president and COO, while Lorberbaum will remain involved as board chairman.
The change becomes official September 30, when Paul De Cock becomes chief executive officer and Jeffrey Lorberbaum concludes a 25-year run as Mohawk’s CEO and a career with the company and its predecessor stretching back approximately 50 years.
September Brings A Full Calendar Of Events To Chattooga County
With the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair wrapping up this past weekend, residents won’t have to wait long for the next round of community activities. September is shaping up to be a busy month in Chattooga County, with festivals, outdoor activities, art, agriculture, emergency preparedness and school events scheduled throughout the month.
One of the first major events comes Saturday, September 5, when Summerville Main Street hosts the Old-Fashioned Apple Festival at the Summerville Depot. The festival runs from 10 AM until 3 PM and will feature apple-themed products, craft and food vendors, demonstrations, children’s activities and live music. Standard and fried apple pie contests are also planned, with cash prizes and trophies for the winners.
Outdoor Activities At Sloppy Floyd
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park has several September activities planned.
On Saturday, September 12, the park will celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a Hiking 101 program beginning at 2:30 PM. Rangers will lead participants along the Lower Lake Trail while teaching hiking safety, what to pack and how to prepare for emergencies. The program is free, although the $10 park pass is required.
The park’s biggest September event comes Saturday, September 26, when Outdoor Adventure Day returns from 10 AM until 4 PM.
Activities will include a Kids Fishing Rodeo with 50 tagged fish that can be caught for prizes, archery instruction, a snake program from Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle program from Greg’s Turtle Haven and a birds-of-prey presentation from Wings to SOAR. Food trucks will also be on hand.
Master Cattlemen’s Program Begins September 14
Agriculture will also be represented during September.
The 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program begins Monday, September 14, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center and continues each Monday at 6 PM through November 2.
The eight-week UGA Extension program will cover beef quality assurance, herd selection, cattle economics and marketing, herd health, parasite control, nutrition, reproduction and forage management.
September 19 Will Be A Particularly Busy Saturday
Several major events fall on Saturday, September 19.
Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency will hold its next Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, training class from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM at the Chattooga County Community Resource Center on Eleanor Avenue in Summerville.
The free class trains volunteers in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic medical operations, search and rescue and other skills that can be used to assist the community and professional first responders during emergencies.
Also that day, Power to the Polls will be held from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Fairway Recreation Center in Summerville. The community voter registration and education event is being organized by Summerville Councilwoman Simone Adams and her sister, Ashley Adams. Residents can check their registration, learn more about voting and get assistance from volunteers. Lunch will be available while supplies last.
Finster Fest Returns September 19-20
One of Chattooga County’s best-known annual events also returns that weekend.
Finster Fest 2026 will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville.
More than 60 folk artists and craftsmen from Georgia and around the country are expected, offering paintings, pottery, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork and other creations.
Finster Fest will also feature live music, Southern food, children’s art activities, speakers and special exhibits celebrating the life and legacy of internationally known folk artist Howard Finster.
Members of the Chattooga High School Class of 1968 will also hold their annual reunion September 19, gathering from 2 until 6 PM at Red Lobster on Shorter Avenue in Rome.
Job Fair September 22
Job seekers will have an opportunity to meet employers from across Northwest Georgia on Tuesday, September 22.
WorkSource Georgia and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority will hold a multi-employer job fair from 10 AM until 1 PM at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.
Employers from Chattooga, Walker, Dade and Catoosa counties are expected to participate, with the Chattooga Chamber among the organizations supporting the event.
A Big Day In Lyerly September 26
While Outdoor Adventure Day is underway at Sloppy Floyd, Lyerly’s Down Home Day will also take place Saturday, September 26.
The event runs from 10 AM until 2 PM and is designed as a community celebration while providing local vendors, makers and small businesses an opportunity to sell their products and meet residents.
Chattooga Homecoming Celebration Closes Out The Month
September concludes with a celebration at Chattooga High School.
The Red & Black Bash Homecoming Block Party is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, from 6 until 8 PM at Chattooga High School.
The event will bring together students, families, local businesses, community organizations and vendors as Chattooga celebrates homecoming. Organizers are currently accepting vendor registrations, although spaces are limited.
And, of course, September also means Friday night football, with both the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs in action throughout the month. Chattooga’s September schedule includes Model, Coosa, Ridgeland and Gordon Lee, while Trion faces Ridgeland, Dade County, LFO and Northview.
From apple pies and folk art to fishing, football, agriculture and community preparedness, September will offer plenty to do around Chattooga County.
WZQZ will continue updating the Community Calendar throughout the month as additional events are announced.
Walker County Begins Work On Data Center Regulations Amid Growing Public Interest
Walker County officials are beginning work on new regulations for data centers as communities across Georgia see increasing interest from companies developing large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
The Walker County Data Center Development Standards Study Committee held its first meeting this past week, drawing more than 40 residents. The committee is tasked with examining how the county should regulate future data center projects in unincorporated areas while protecting local resources and residents’ quality of life.
Walker County Planning and Zoning Director Jon Pursley told the committee that the county currently has no ordinances specifically addressing data center development. County staff began researching the issue in March and have reviewed regulations adopted in places including Whitfield and Bartow counties. Pursley said an outright ban is not considered legally viable, meaning the focus is on establishing standards for how such developments would operate.
One of the biggest concerns discussed during the meeting was the enormous amount of electricity some data centers can require. Committee members pointed to a neighboring 170-acre development in Dalton that requires about 140 megawatts of power. Members also discussed recent changes by the Tennessee Valley Authority aimed at ensuring data centers and other very large electricity users pay the full cost of the infrastructure and power required to serve them.
Water use was another major topic. Officials said Walker County could require data centers to use closed-loop cooling systems, which recirculate water rather than continually drawing new supplies. The committee also discussed possible limits on water consumption, filtration requirements and higher utility rates for data center operators to help pay for infrastructure improvements.
Committee members also raised concerns about noise, lighting and the impact on nearby homes and wildlife. One proposal discussed would increase the current 50-foot commercial-to-residential setback to as much as 200 feet, including 20 feet of dedicated greenspace. Continuous sound monitoring was also suggested.
Tax incentives generated some of the strongest discussion.
District 4 appointee Travis Middleton opposed lengthy tax abatements, arguing that agreements lasting as long as 30 years could negatively affect local school funding. District 1 appointee Barney Danks also voiced opposition to tax abatements. Middleton said he also does not believe the county should pay for utility extensions such as water lines to serve new data center developments.
Other ideas discussed included requiring data center operators to enter into Community Benefit Agreements, establishing requirements for eventual decommissioning of facilities and tightening zoning language so a property could not later be converted to another intensive use without county oversight.
Officials pointed to Floyd County’s recently adopted data center ordinance as one possible model, particularly its provisions dealing with decommissioning and development standards.
The Walker County committee will now examine ordinances adopted by neighboring communities and gather additional information about different types and sizes of data centers.
The committee is scheduled to meet again September 10 and plans to meet every other Thursday at 4 PM on the Walker County Civic Center campus.
Arrest Report - Sunday - August 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, August 30, 2026:
Hot, Mostly Dry Weather Ahead For Chattooga County
Sunny skies and increasingly hot temperatures are in store for Chattooga County as high pressure builds across the Southeast, bringing mostly dry conditions through much of the upcoming week.
Today, look for plenty of sunshine with a high near 90 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southeast around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 71.
The warming trend continues Monday, with sunshine and a high near 92 degrees. The heat index could reach 98 degrees during the afternoon. Monday night will be mostly clear with a low around 71.
Temperatures climb another degree Tuesday, with sunny skies and a high near 93. Tuesday night will remain mostly clear with a low around 72.
Wednesday could be one of the hottest days of the week, with sunshine and a high near 94 degrees. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 72.
Rain chances remain very limited until late in the week. Thursday will be sunny with a high near 93 and just a 20% chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm after 2 PM. Any evening storms should quickly diminish, with a low around 73.
A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Friday, although sunshine is still expected and temperatures could reach 94 degrees. Friday night carries a 30% storm chance with a low around 72.
For Saturday, there is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms with otherwise sunny skies and another high near 93 degrees.
The National Weather Service says a strengthening ridge of high pressure will suppress much of the typical summertime thunderstorm activity while allowing temperatures to steadily increase.
While the greatest heat-index values are expected farther south in Georgia, North Georgia will also feel the effects of the building heat. Afternoon temperatures in Chattooga County will climb from around 90 today into the lower and middle 90s for much of the week.
With overnight temperatures remaining in the lower 70s, there will also be less relief from the heat during the nighttime hours.
Anyone spending extended periods outside this week should drink plenty of water, take breaks from the heat when possible and remember to check on children, pets and those particularly vulnerable to hot weather.
Sunday Brings Final Day Of 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair
The 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair wraps up Sunday, but there will still be a full afternoon and evening of activities before the gates close on this year’s fair.
The fair will be open Sunday from 2 PM until 9 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. General admission is $5, children four and under are admitted free, and unlimited-ride armbands are $30. Concerts and scheduled events are included with gate admission, while carnival rides are additional.
Young People Return To The Show Ring
Agriculture will once again be a major part of Sunday’s schedule.
The 4-H and FFA Junior Dairy Show is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, giving local young people another opportunity to showcase their livestock projects. The fair’s official livestock schedule lists the dairy show at 2 PM.
Then at 6 PM, Chattooga County FFA and 4-H members will participate in the Market Hog Preview Show.
The hogs are part of the 10th annual Chattooga Youth Pig Project, coordinated by the Chattooga County Young Farmers Association. Students received their hogs in June and have been raising them in preparation for the final show and auction in November.
Sunday’s event will give the public an early look at those projects, with showmanship divisions followed by weight classes to select a Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. The final show and auction is scheduled for November 9 at the Agricultural Center.
Final Demonstration Kitchen Programs
The Demonstration Kitchen, sponsored by Chattooga County Farm Bureau, will also have three programs Sunday.
At 2:30 PM, Melanie Morris presents MacGyver Meals — Batch Cooking, Pantry Staples and Leftovers, an interactive demonstration focusing on creative ways to turn ingredients already on hand into meals.
At 4 PM, Donna Sausville will demonstrate DIY Low-Toxin Dishwasher Detergent, using simple ingredients and a plastic-free method.
The final demonstration of the fair comes at 5:30 PM with Ice Cream in a Bag, presented by Sandy Wheat and Chattooga County Farm Bureau.
The Statler Experience Takes The Stage At 6 PM
One of Sunday’s biggest attractions will come at 6 PM, when The Statler Experience featuring Wilson Fairchild and Jack & Davis Reid takes the stage.
The show brings three generations of the Statler Brothers family legacy to the Chattooga County Fair.
Wilson Fairchild is made up of Wil Reid and Langdon Reid, sons of the late Harold Reid and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers. They’ll be joined by their sons, Jack and Davis Reid, representing the third generation of the family.
The performance will feature the harmonies, country and gospel music, family stories and humor associated with the Statler Brothers legacy. The Statler Experience was added to Sunday’s lineup after Guy Penrod was forced to cancel his scheduled appearance because of illness.
There is no additional charge for the concert beyond the regular $5 fair admission, and fair officials encourage concertgoers to bring folding chairs.
Along with Sunday’s scheduled events, fairgoers will have one final opportunity to enjoy the midway, carnival games, fair food, agricultural displays, livestock and Blue Ribbon exhibits before the fair closes for another year.
Sunday’s hours are 2 PM until 9 PM. The Agricultural Center itself closes one hour before the fair ends.
Chattooga County Schools Looking For Custodians
The Chattooga County School System is looking to hire full-time and part-time custodians for positions at Leroy Massey Elementary School and Lyerly Elementary School.
At Leroy Massey Elementary, both full-time and part-time positions are available. The 208-day positions call for employees to work 9.25 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday. The full-time position is eligible for benefits including sick leave, vacation leave, retirement and insurance.
A part-time custodian is also needed at Lyerly Elementary School. That position is for 208 days and requires 4.5 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday. The Lyerly position is not eligible for benefits.
A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Duties include cleaning and maintaining school buildings and grounds.
Applications are available through the Chattooga County Board of Education Superintendent’s Office or through the school system’s website under District Services and Human Resources.
Completed applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, Chattooga County Board of Education, 33 Middle School Road in Summerville. Applicants will also be required to complete professional reference forms and authorization for a background check and fingerprinting.
For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Board of Education at 706-859-3043.
Pizza Orders Lead Summerville Police To Fraud And Marijuana Arrest
A Summerville Police Department investigation into alleged financial transaction card fraud led officers to a residence where they also discovered marijuana, according to an incident report provided to WZQZ News.
The report says investigators were looking into unauthorized Papa John’s pizza orders allegedly made using a financial transaction card. Officers identified recent orders totaling $55.77 and $75.20 and went to a residence while investigating who had placed them.
According to the police narrative, officers smelled what they described as an extremely strong odor of burning marijuana as they approached the residence. After making contact with people inside, investigators said they observed multiple pizza boxes and marijuana in plain view on a kitchen table. The report describes an ashtray containing several half-smoked marijuana cigarettes.
Police questioned Dakhari Mobbs, 18, who officers said admitted the marijuana belonged to him. According to the report, Mobbs also told investigators he had lost the card allegedly used to order the pizzas.
Mobbs was placed under arrest on allegations of financial transaction card fraud and possession of marijuana less than one ounce and was advised of his Miranda rights. Police said his cellphone was retained as evidence while investigators sought a search warrant.
The report lists the offenses as financial transaction card fraud under Georgia law and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. The property section also lists a leafy green substance seized as evidence along with a cellphone connected to the fraud investigation.
The charges are allegations, and Mobbs is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Free Webinar To Help Georgia Business Owners Evaluate Funding And Use AI
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is inviting business owners across the state to participate in a free webinar next month focusing on business funding and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The FIN FIT webinar, “Funding Strategies & AI-Powered Decision Making,” will be held Monday, September 21 at 6 PM and will be available both online and by phone.
The program is designed to help business owners look beyond simply obtaining financing and better understand the costs and risks associated with different sources of capital.
Participants will learn how lenders evaluate business risk, how to distinguish sustainable sources of capital from financing that could put unnecessary pressure on cash flow, and how AI tools can be responsibly used to help evaluate funding decisions.
Raffensperger said business owners often concentrate on finding capital without fully considering its potential costs and risks. He said the webinar is intended to help entrepreneurs protect their bottom line and make better long-term financial decisions.
Award-winning journalist Donna Lowry will moderate the program. The featured speaker will be Anita Davis, president and founder of Praxis Strategic Solutions, a certified AI consultant and trainer and a board member of the Greater Women’s Business Council.
A question-and-answer session will also give participants an opportunity to ask about issues affecting their businesses.
FIN FIT is a financial empowerment initiative of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office administered through its Securities and Charities divisions. The program offers free webinars featuring industry professionals discussing financial literacy, money management and strategies for building wealth.
The September 21 webinar is free, but registration is required
Some Walker County Residents Can Get 60% Reimbursement For Septic Repairs
Some Walker County homeowners with failing septic systems may qualify to have 60% of the cost of repairs reimbursed through a new round of grant funding.
The Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council has secured $268,000 to continue its septic repair program in portions of the Chattanooga Creek watershed. The money will be available to qualifying property owners over the next three years.
The program is available in eligible portions of Rossville, Flintstone, High Point and Lookout Mountain. It is not a countywide program, so Walker County residents must first determine whether their property is located within the qualifying watershed area.
Homeowners can check their eligibility through an online map provided by Limestone Valley. Those who qualify can then contact the project’s manager to begin the process.
The homeowner must obtain the required permit through the health department and enter into an agreement with Limestone Valley. After a contractor provides an estimate and the work is completed, the health department inspects the repair. Limestone Valley then reimburses the homeowner for 60% of the qualifying repair cost.
Limestone Valley Executive Director Stephen Bontekoe said repairing failing systems is important not only because of the expense and inconvenience for homeowners, but because leaking septic systems can introduce E. coli and other contamination into yards, streams and creeks, creating both environmental and public-health concerns.
The program has already produced results in Walker County. An earlier round of funding that began in 2023 helped 22 property owners repair failing septic systems. The previous program reimbursed up to 40% of qualifying costs; the new round increases the reimbursement to 60%.
Residents who believe they may qualify can visit the Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council website to check the eligibility map and begin the application process.
Jury Finds Deoveon Price Not Guilty Of Murder In Oak Street Shooting Death
A Chattooga County jury has found Deoveon LaWayne Price not guilty of murder in connection with the 2025 shooting death of 27-year-old Christopher “DJ” Chapman, but jurors convicted Price on two other charges.
The verdict came following several days of testimony in Chattooga County Superior Court. Price, now 25, was found not guilty of malice murder and not guilty of felony murder. Jurors did, however, find him guilty of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Sentencing on those convictions has not yet been scheduled.
The case stems from a shooting that happened on June 6, 2025, on Oak Street in Summerville.
As WZQZ News reported at the time, Summerville Police officers were dispatched to Oak Street at approximately 12:36 PM after receiving a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they found Chapman unresponsive in the roadway with a serious gunshot wound.
Chapman was transported to Chattooga ER, where he was later pronounced dead.
The initial police investigation identified Price, who was 24 at the time, as the alleged shooter. Investigators said Price left the scene following the shooting and was later located driving a different vehicle on Taylors Ridge. He was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop.
Police said their investigation indicated that Price and Chapman had been involved in a physical altercation before the shooting. Authorities alleged that during that confrontation, Price produced a handgun and shot Chapman in the chest.
The investigation involved the Summerville Police Department, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force and Georgia State Patrol.
The case went before a Chattooga County jury this past week. Price was represented at trial by attorneys Sutton Connelly and Steve Miller, while Lynsay Chapman of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
The jury ultimately rejected the two murder charges but convicted Price of aggravated assault and the firearm offense.
Price will return to court for sentencing on those two convictions at a later date.
Trion Man Arrested In Cherokee County On Harassment Charge
A Trion man was arrested earlier this month in neighboring Cherokee County, Alabama, according to jail and arrest records.
Derrick Hogue, 31, of Trion, was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on August 18. Records show Hogue was booked at approximately 8:33 PM.
Hogue was reportedly charged with harassment.
Available online booking information does not provide details concerning the circumstances that led to the harassment charge.
Records indicate Hogue was subsequently released from custody on August 20.
The arrest occurred in Cherokee County, Alabama, which borders Chattooga County to the west.
An arrest is based on probable cause, and Hogue is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Measles Outbreak Linked To Metro Atlanta Daycare
Georgia health officials have confirmed four additional cases of measles connected to a daycare in metro Atlanta, bringing the state’s reported total to 11 cases so far in 2026.
The Georgia Department of Public Health announced the new cases Friday. Officials said the four children were close contacts of a measles case confirmed last week. That initial case involved an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident and was confirmed August 18.
Health officials have not identified the daycare or released the ages of the children. DPH said the children involved were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Investigators are working to identify additional people who may have had close contact with the infected children.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to DPH, the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Symptoms generally develop seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash of small red spots typically follows, beginning around the head before spreading over the body.
DPH says the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. The CDC recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Georgia health officials say more than 95% of people develop immunity after one dose, with protection typically increasing to about 98% following a second dose.
Health officials are also reminding parents that anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should call a healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic. Calling ahead allows medical personnel to take precautions to prevent potentially exposing other patients.
There have been 11 confirmed measles cases in Georgia during 2026, compared with 10 during all of 2025.
Arrest Report - Saturday - August 29, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, August 29, 2026:
Friday Night Football Scores From Across Northwest Georgia
High school football teams across Northwest Georgia were back under the Friday night lights last night, with several rivalry games and decisive victories highlighting the August 28 schedule.
Locally, the Trion Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the Model Blue Devils 31-7 at Sam R. McCain Stadium. Trion drops to 1-1 following its season-opening victory over Gordon Lee.
The Chattooga Indians had the night off. Chattooga returns to action next Friday night when the Indians welcome Model to the Little Big Horn.
Elsewhere around Northwest Georgia, Gordon Lee defeated Ridgeland 21-7, while LaFayette rolled past Dade County 56-13.
Dalton picked up a 35-9 victory over Northwest Whitfield, Ringgold defeated Heritage 42-28, and Coahulla Creek shut out Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 41-0.
Rockmart turned in one of the area’s most convincing performances, defeating Cedartown 49-13. Adairsville topped Woodland 33-25, while Greater Atlanta Christian defeated Calhoun 24-17.
In Floyd County action, Tucker defeated Rome 41-14, while North Cobb Christian rolled past Pepperell 49-6.
Cartersville also had a big night, defeating Mount Zion 49-14.
In Thursday night action, Walker defeated Armuchee 20-18.
WZQZ will continue following Trion and Chattooga throughout the 2026 high school football season, with the Bulldogs traveling to Ridgeland and the Indians hosting Model next Friday night.
- Model 31, Trion 7
- Gordon Lee 21, Ridgeland 7
- LaFayette 56, Dade County 13
- Dalton 35, Northwest Whitfield 9
- Ringgold 42, Heritage 28
- Coahulla Creek 41, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 0
- Rockmart 49, Cedartown 13
- Adairsville 33, Woodland 25
- Greater Atlanta Christian 24, Calhoun 17
- Tucker 41, Rome 14
- Cartersville 49, Mt. Zion 14
- North Cobb Christian 49, Pepperell 6
Also from Thursday night, Walker defeated Armuchee 20-18.
Model Hands Trion First Loss Of Season, 31-7
The Trion Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the 2026 season Friday night as the Model Blue Devils came to Sam R. McCain Stadium and defeated Trion 31-7.
Trion entered the game 1-0 after an impressive 36-7 season-opening victory over Gordon Lee, but the Bulldogs found themselves playing from behind early against a Model team that was able to capitalize on its opportunities.
The Blue Devils struck first to take a 7-0 lead. Trion answered, putting together a scoring drive to tie the game at 7-7, but Model regained control from there.
By midway through the first half, Model had moved back in front 14-7. The Blue Devils added another touchdown before halftime, stretching their advantage to 21-7. Trion had opportunities to move the football, but the Bulldogs were unable to finish drives with points as Model’s defense kept them out of the end zone for the remainder of the night.
The second half became a defensive battle for stretches, with Trion trying to find the big play needed to get back into the game. Model, however, added a field goal to increase its lead to 24-7.
The Bulldogs’ defense continued battling and kept Trion within striking distance for much of the second half, but the offense could not break through against the Blue Devil defense.
Model eventually added a late touchdown to put the game away and make the final 31-7.
The loss drops Trion to 1-1 on the season, while Model improves to 2-0 after opening its season with a 49-13 victory over Walker. The final score of Friday night’s game is also confirmed by Georgia Public Broadcasting and Georgia Prep Football.
Friday’s loss also snapped a three-game Trion winning streak in the series. The Bulldogs had beaten Model 28-21 last season, 22-12 in 2024 and 31-12 in 2023.
Trion will now turn its attention to another road test. The Bulldogs travel to Ridgeland next Friday, September 4, before visiting Dade County on September 11.
Sunny Saturday With Heat Building Into Next Week
Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a mostly sunny and warm Saturday, with hotter temperatures building during the coming week.
Today will be sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Winds will be calm early, becoming southeast around 5 mph this afternoon. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 70.
The National Weather Service says scattered thunderstorms are possible across parts of Georgia today, and a few storms could become strong with gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall. The better chances for storms appear to be outside the immediate Chattooga County area, where the local forecast remains dry.
Sunday will bring patchy fog before 9 AM, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 89. There is a 20 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 70.
Temperatures begin climbing as the new work week gets underway. Monday will be sunny with a high near 91, along with a 20 percent chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Monday night’s low will be around 71.
By Tuesday, sunshine will dominate with a high near 93. Wednesday and Thursday are both forecast to be sunny with highs around 94 degrees, while overnight lows climb into the lower 70s.
Friday remains hot with a high near 94 and only a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
The Weather Service says high pressure building across the Southeast will suppress most afternoon thunderstorm development while allowing temperatures and heat indices to rise. Triple-digit heat index readings are expected across much of Georgia during the work week, particularly farther south.
For Northwest Georgia, the main weather story will be the return of midsummer heat despite September being just days away.
Saturday At The Fair Packed With Livestock Shows, Poultry Auction And Live Music
Today is expected to be one of the busiest days of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair, with a full Saturday schedule featuring livestock competitions, the popular poultry show and auction, demonstrations, carnival rides, fair food and two live bands.
The fair is open today from 2 PM until 11 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
Agricultural activities get underway even before the midway opens. The 4-H and FFA Junior Beef Show begins at 1 PM, giving local young people an opportunity to showcase the cattle they have raised and prepared for competition.
Poultry Show And Auction Today
Another highlight today will be the 4-H and FFA Poultry Show and Auction.
Local students began their poultry projects back in April, when each participant received eight three-day-old chicks to raise. This year’s project features Black Australorp and Buff Orpington chickens. Students have spent the past several months caring for their birds, keeping records and selecting their best animals for competition.
Poultry judging begins at 4 PM, with awards announced at 6:30 PM. The students’ pens of three hens will then be sold during the Poultry Auction at 7 PM, with all proceeds going directly to the student who raised the birds.
Anyone interested in purchasing chickens should arrive by 6:30 PM to receive a bid number. Buyers will receive cages for their chickens built by students in Mr. Yarbrough’s eighth-grade Chattooga County FFA Basic Agriculture class.
Demonstrations Throughout The Afternoon
The fair’s Demonstration Kitchen, sponsored by Chattooga County Farm Bureau, also has a busy schedule today.
At 2:30 PM, Katie Bandy Carlson of Sunset Creek Farms will demonstrate DIY Low-Toxin Detergent.
At 4 PM, Logan Money of Pine Ridge Outdoors presents Dirt Cheap Gardening, offering ideas for economical plant choices and ways to stretch a landscaping budget.
At 5:30 PM, the program turns to No-Bake Protein Bites, featuring an easy make-ahead food option for busy families.
Two Bands Take The Stage Tonight
There’s also plenty of live music at the fair tonight.
The Band Chickamauga takes the stage at 7 PM, followed by Lone Star Skynyrd at 9 PM. Lone Star Skynyrd brings the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd and classic Southern rock to the fair, while The Band Chickamauga offers a mix of country and classic rock.
Fair officials encourage those planning to watch the concerts to bring a folding chair.
The musical performances are included with $5 gate admission, and unlimited-ride armbands for the midway are $30 today.
Along with the scheduled events, fairgoers can enjoy midway rides and games, fair food, Blue Ribbon exhibits, agricultural displays and other attractions throughout the afternoon and evening.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair wraps up tomorrow, with Sunday’s hours from 2 PM until 9 PM.