One Dead Following House Fire in Armuchee
A Floyd County resident lost their life following a house fire Sunday morning in the Armuchee community, according to the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 8:44 a.m. on June 14 to a reported structure fire at 494 West Union Road NE with reports that someone was trapped inside.
Twenty emergency personnel responded to the scene, including two engine companies, two tankers, a squad unit, chief officers, and fire investigators. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-story home and immediately began an aggressive fire attack.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire, but one occupant was unable to escape and died as a result of the incident.
The victim’s body was turned over to the Floyd County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification and identification procedures.
No firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - June 17, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 17, 2026:
Heavy Rain And Storm Chances Continue Through The Weekend
A soggy weather pattern will remain in place across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the weekend, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms and the potential for periods of heavy rainfall.
Wednesday will bring cooler conditions, but temperatures are expected to slowly climb again heading into the weekend. Cloud cover and lingering moisture will help keep temperatures down early, while afternoon heating could still trigger scattered storms.
The best chance for widespread rain is expected Thursday and Friday as deeper tropical moisture moves across Georgia. Forecasters say some areas could see repeated rounds of rain, raising the concern for localized flooding.
Rainfall totals through the end of the week could reach several inches in parts of Georgia, especially west and central portions of the state. Stronger storms may also bring lightning, gusty winds, and a brief isolated tornado threat.
A front moving through late Friday into Saturday may bring a short break in the rain before another disturbance increases rain chances again late Sunday.
GNTC Foundation Awards Scholarships To Northwest Georgia High School Graduates
The Foundation at Georgia Northwestern Technical College has awarded 48 scholarships totaling more than $37,000 to 47 graduating high school seniors across Northwest Georgia.
Several Chattooga County students were among this year’s recipients, including scholarship winners from Chattooga High School, Trion High School, and the Mountain Education Charter High School Chattooga Campus.
The Chattooga High School Alumni Scholarship was awarded to five Chattooga High School seniors: Zayne Adams, Izabella Burdick, Kasen Elsberry, Jonas Hardy, and Ruby Kilgore.
Additional local recipients included Zulmy Ambrocio of Trion High School, Leah Cochran of Chattooga High School, Nevaeh Johnson of Mountain Education Charter High School’s Chattooga Campus, and Makayla Wilcox of Mountain Education Charter High School’s Chattooga Campus.
The Foundation’s High School Graduate Scholarship is awarded to one senior at each public high school and college and career academy in GNTC’s nine-county service area.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College says the scholarships help support students pursuing associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career pathways including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service programs.
Strictly Skynyrd To Headline Final Friday Night Concert In Summerville
Summerville’s Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series wraps up this Friday, June 19, with a free concert featuring the premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Strictly Skynyrd.
The concert, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, will be held on East Washington Street in the downtown Entertainment District. Music begins at 7 p.m. with local favorite The Hwy 27 Band opening the show.
Strictly Skynyrd will bring the sound of classic Lynyrd Skynyrd to downtown Summerville, performing hits such as “What’s Your Name,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Freebird.” The band uses period-correct instruments to help recreate the look and sound of 1970s Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The Hwy 27 Band, made up of local musicians, will kick off the evening with a mix of upbeat songs across several genres.
East Washington Street will close from US 27/Commerce Street to Regions Bank beginning at 3:15 p.m. Friday and will remain closed until 11 p.m. Regions Bank customers will still have access to the drive-thru from the East Washington/University Street side and the main lobby from the north end of Economy Street.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music downtown. The event is family-friendly, and Entertainment District rules will apply.
Woman Arrested After Alleged Shoplifting Incident At Summerville Walmart
A Summerville woman was arrested after allegedly attempting to leave Walmart with more than $160 worth of unpaid merchandise, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Benjamin Mollohan responded to the Walmart Asset Protection Office on June 14 following a report of a suspected shoplifter. According to the incident report, a Walmart asset protection employee observed 46-year-old Carly Marie Meeks concealing merchandise inside her handbag while shopping.
The report states that Meeks entered an aisle carrying multiple items and later emerged with the items no longer visible while her handbag appeared noticeably full. Store personnel alleged that Meeks passed all points of sale without paying for 33 items valued at $161.25.
Authorities said Meeks was taken into custody and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident. The asset protection employee provided deputies with a receipt listing the unpaid merchandise and video footage related to the case.
Meeks was charged with theft by shoplifting.
$5,000 Reward Offered For Information Leading To Murder Suspect's Arrest
Law enforcement agencies are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with a Rome homicide investigation.
According to the Rome Police Department, multiple agencies are searching for 23-year-old Treveonsay Burge, who is wanted in the October 21 shooting death of 18-year-old Adam Hernandez on Woodcreek Way.
Authorities describe Burge as a Black male, 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds.
The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to Burge’s arrest.
Anyone with information regarding Burge’s whereabouts is urged to call 706-853-1628.
Authorities warn the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend Burge. Anyone who knows his location should call 9-1-1 or the tip line immediately.
The investigation remains ongoing.
AdventHealth Redmond Nurse Honored With DAISY Award For Extraordinary Care
AdventHealth Redmond has named Rebekkah “Reba” Lackey as the recipient of its first-quarter 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion to patients and their families.
Lackey was nominated by a patient who said a simple act of kindness during a pre-operative appointment made a lasting impact during a difficult time in her life.
According to the nomination, the patient became emotional while discussing her upcoming surgery and personal challenges. Reba responded with compassion, offering a comforting hug and taking time to listen.
During the appointment, Reba jokingly referred to a pen she handed the patient as her “good pen.” At the end of the visit, she encouraged the patient to keep it and offered words of support, telling her, “You’ve got this. You can do this.”
The patient later shared that the gesture and encouragement provided strength during a challenging season and that she continues to carry the pen as a reminder of hope and perseverance.
“Thank you, Reba, at AdventHealth Redmond,” the patient wrote. “You gave me strength when I needed it. You picked me up when I was down. You were so kind and genuine with me, even though we had just met.”
As a DAISY Award recipient, Lackey received a certificate, DAISY Award pin, a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture, flowers, and recognition from hospital leadership and colleagues.
The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes and is presented worldwide to nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassion, and extraordinary patient care.
VA Says Prosthetic Limb Delivery Times Will Drop For Thousands Of Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs says thousands of Veterans who rely on prosthetic limbs should soon receive them faster after the agency streamlined its purchasing process.
According to the VA, previous procurement rules required all prosthetic limb orders to be approved by a contracting officer, adding several weeks to delivery times. On April 22, 2026, VA Secretary Doug Collins exempted about 95 percent of prosthetic limb orders from that review process.
The change allows local purchasing agents to order directly from local suppliers when prosthetic limb prices are already set by Medicare. VA officials say that removes unnecessary review steps where no price negotiation is needed.
The VA says the changes have already reduced wait times by about 10 days. Once fully implemented nationwide, the department expects average delivery times to fall by more than 40 percent, from 94 days to 54 days.
“Every day counts for Veterans,” Collins said, adding that the changes are aimed at helping clinicians and procurement teams provide prosthetic care faster.
More than 45,000 Veterans receive major limb loss care through the VA each year.
Man Arrested After Loitering Complaint, False Name Given To Officers
A man was arrested in Chattooga County after deputies responded to a loitering complaint at a Menlo-area business, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Riley Reeves reported that he was called to America’s One Stop on Highway 48 after a suspicious male was reportedly approaching customers and asking for money. The man was identified in the report as 27-year-old Christian Freeman Jackson.
According to the report, Jackson had been asked not to return to the business after allegedly loitering around the store and asking customers for money and rides. Deputies later found him at the Handi-Mart, where he allegedly gave false information about his name and date of birth.
The report states that after further investigation, authorities determined Jackson had two valid felony warrants out of Florida, one from Broward County and one from Bay County. Broward County requested a hold be placed on Jackson for extradition.
Jackson was charged in Chattooga County with loitering or prowling and giving a false name to law enforcement officers.
Chill & Churn Ice Cream Contest Returns To Summerville Depot June 20
Ice cream lovers, train enthusiasts, and families are invited to the Summerville Depot on Saturday, June 20, for the 2026 Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Depot celebration.
Hosted by Summerville Main Street in recognition of National Dairy Month, the event will feature homemade ice cream competitions, an ice cream eating contest, train displays, vendors, and the arrival of a historic steam locomotive.
One of the day’s highlights will be the arrival of the 4501 steam engine and the turning of the Summerville Turntable around 1 p.m. The Chattanooga Modular Modelers N-Scale T-TRAK Club will also be on hand with a model train display for visitors of all ages.
The Ice Cream Eating Contest will include youth and adult divisions. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with the competition starting at 11 a.m. First-place winners in each division will receive $25.
The Homemade Ice Cream Contest is open to the public and offers cash prizes for the top entries. The grand prize winner will receive $500, second place will earn $250, and third place will receive $100. Contestants may register in advance or on-site the day of the event.
Visitors can also participate in People’s Choice voting by purchasing a $5 wristband to sample contest entries and vote for their favorite flavor.
In addition to the contests, a limited number of food and craft vendors will be set up throughout the day.
The free event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Depot and will take place rain or shine.
Chattooga County Voters Cast Ballots In Primary Runoff Election
Chattooga County voters headed to the polls Tuesday for Georgia’s Primary Runoff Election, with unofficial and incomplete results showing turnout of 13.02 percent among the county’s 15,410 registered voters. A total of 2,007 ballots were cast across the county’s five precincts.
In the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate, Congressman Mike Collins carried Chattooga County with 1,073 votes, or 60.59 percent, while Derek Dooley received 698 votes.
Republican voters in Chattooga County also favored Burt Jones in the Governor’s runoff. Jones received 950 votes, or 53.13 percent, compared to 838 votes for Rick Jackson.
In the Republican race for Lieutenant Governor, Greg Dolezal won the county with 940 votes, or 53.29 percent, while John F. Kennedy received 824 votes. Tim Fleming won the Republican runoff for Secretary of State with 991 votes, or 58.12 percent, over Vernon Jones.
For State School Superintendent, incumbent Richard Woods received 1,107 votes, or 64.66 percent, defeating challenger Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, who received 605 votes. In the Republican Public Service Commission District 5 runoff, Josh Tolbert carried Chattooga County with 937 votes, or 57.56 percent, compared to 691 votes for Bobby Mehan.
Democratic voters also participated in several statewide runoff contests. Josh McLaurin won the county’s Democratic runoff for Lieutenant Governor with 126 votes, while Penny Brown Reynolds received 122 votes to win the Democratic Secretary of State runoff. Keisha Sean Waites carried the Democratic race for Insurance Commissioner with 118 votes, and Nikki Porcher won the Democratic runoff for Labor Commissioner with 116 votes.
All five Chattooga County precincts reported results Tuesday night. The results remain unofficial and incomplete pending certification by election officials.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - June 16, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, June 16, 2026:
Cooler Temperatures, Daily Storm Chances Continue Across Northwest Georgia; Heavy Rain Possible Later This Week
Northwest Georgia residents can expect a stretch of cooler-than-normal temperatures and daily opportunities for showers and thunderstorms through the upcoming weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Clouds and periods of rain moved into the region Tuesday as tropical moisture streamed northward into Georgia. The increased cloud cover and rainfall are expected to keep daytime temperatures in the 70s, well below typical mid-June readings.
Rain chances will continue through Wednesday, although coverage is expected to decrease somewhat across Northwest Georgia as a frontal boundary shifts southward. Temperatures should rebound into the lower 80s by midweek.
Forecasters are closely monitoring a tropical disturbance currently moving from Texas toward the Gulf Coast. That system is expected to bring a significant surge of tropical moisture into Georgia Thursday and Friday, increasing the potential for periods of heavy rainfall across the region.
While there remains uncertainty regarding the strength and exact track of the system, meteorologists say precipitable water values could exceed two inches, creating favorable conditions for heavy downpours and localized flooding. Depending on how much instability develops, some stronger thunderstorms may also be possible later this week.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve over the weekend as the tropical system moves east of the area, though isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms will remain possible. Temperatures should slowly warm but are expected to remain near or slightly below seasonal averages.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware and monitor updated forecasts as confidence in the late-week system increases.
Today Is Election Day For Georgia’s Primary Runoff
Today is Election Day in Chattooga County as voters head to the polls for Georgia’s Primary Runoff Election. Polls are open today, Tuesday, June 16, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The runoff will determine party nominees in several federal, statewide, and legislative races ahead of November’s General Election. Several contests remained undecided following the May 19 General Primary after no candidate received the majority vote required to secure a nomination.
Local election officials remind voters that all Election Day voting must take place at a voter’s assigned precinct polling location. There will be no voting today at the Chattooga County Registrars Office.
For today’s runoff, there are two ballot options: Republican and Democratic.
Voters who cast a Republican ballot during the May 19 General Primary must vote a Republican ballot in the runoff. Voters who cast a Democratic ballot in May must vote a Democratic ballot today.
Voters who cast a nonpartisan ballot in May, or who did not vote in the May primary but were registered by April 20, may choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot.
Individuals who registered to vote between April 21 and May 18 will receive a Federal Only ballot, which includes federal races but does not include state contests.
Chattooga County polling locations include:
Gore Fire Hall — 9 Gore Fire Hall Road, Summerville
Lyerly Community Center — 29 Alpine Street, Lyerly
Former Menlo City Hall — 3056 Highway 337, Menlo
Chattooga County Civic Center — 44 Highway 48, Summerville
Trion Recreation Department — 90 Dalton Street, Trion
Voters should bring a government-issued photo ID when they go to vote. Sample ballots are available below.
Trion Proposes $14.7 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
The Town of Trion has released its proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and is inviting residents to review the spending plan before its adoption later this month.
According to a public notice published by the town, copies of the proposed budget are available for public inspection at Trion Town Hall during regular business hours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Town officials will hold a public hearing and work session on the proposed budget on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. The Trion Town Council is scheduled to adopt the budget during its regular meeting on Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m.
The proposed budget includes the following revenues and expenditures:
- General Fund: $4,046,868.20
- Gas Revenue Fund: $5,212,850.12
- Sewer/WWTP Fund: $4,753,832.20
- Water Fund: $292,500.00
- SPLOST Fund: $391,950.00
The combined proposed budget totals approximately $14.7 million, with revenues and expenditures balanced across all funds.
Residents interested in reviewing the full budget document or providing input are encouraged to attend the June 18 public hearing or visit Town Hall during normal business hours.
Health Inspections for the First Half of June: Two Chattooga County Facilities Receive Perfect Health Inspection Scores
Two facilities in Chattooga County received perfect scores during health inspections conducted during the first half of June.
According to the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department, Dunya Camp, located at 684 Garvin Road in Summerville, received a score of 100 on its tourist accommodation inspection conducted June 12, 2026.
Camp Juliette Low, located at 321 Camp Juliette Low Road at Cloudland, also received a score of 100 on its food service inspection conducted June 2, 2026.
Anyone with a complaint involving a food service establishment or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County may contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
Chattooga Beekeepers Association To Visit Chattooga Library
The Chattooga County Library will host a special program featuring the Chattooga Beekeepers Association on Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m.
The event will be held at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville, and is open to the public.
According to event organizers, the program is being presented in recognition of National Pollinator Week, which is observed June 22–28. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the important role pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agriculture.
Members of the Chattooga Beekeepers Association are expected to provide hands-on information about honey bees and their impact on the environment. The program is designed to increase awareness of pollinators and offer educational opportunities for community members of all ages.
The event is hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and the Chattooga County Library.
Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Fall
Georgia gas prices have continued to decline in recent weeks, giving drivers some relief at the pump even as overall costs remain a concern.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, gas prices in Georgia are down 8 cents from last week and 25 cents from last month, though prices remain 90 cents higher than this time last year.
Montrae Waiters with AAA says the decline is largely tied to crude oil prices remaining below $100 per barrel. However, she says uncertainty in the Middle East could affect how long the downward trend continues.
The current cost to fill a standard 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline in Georgia is approximately $56.40.
Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.07, marking the third consecutive week of declines.
In Northwest Georgia, average prices include $3.67 in Chattooga County, $3.56 in Walker County, $3.66 in Floyd County, and $3.66 in Gordon County. Nearby Alabama averages include $3.64 in DeKalb County and $3.58 in Cherokee County.
AAA says drivers can continue saving by comparing prices, combining errands, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and using tools such as the AAA TripTik Travel Planner to find gas and electric charging prices along their route.
Two Indicted In Summerville Drive-By Shooting Case
Two people accused of carrying out a drive-by shooting during a family dispute last summer have been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury.
Isaac Hines and Vinta Youngblood were formally charged in connection with a June 29, 2025, shooting incident at a residence on Church Street in Summerville. According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from an ongoing domestic conflict involving several family members.
Authorities say multiple shots were fired into the home while Marcus Ramon Dupree was staying there. Summerville Police Detective Phillip Cox testified that seven rounds were fired at the residence. Investigators allege that Youngblood drove Hines to the location and that Hines fired the weapon from the vehicle.
The grand jury returned indictments charging both Hines and Youngblood with drive-by shooting, aggravated assault, second-degree criminal damage to property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Youngblood was also indicted on an additional charge of making false statements.
The case remains pending in Chattooga County Superior Court.