Arrest Report - Sunday - May 10, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 10, 2026:
Foggy Start Followed By Cooler, Drier Weather Across Northwest Georgia
Residents in Chattooga and Floyd counties could see patchy fog this morning, with some areas experiencing dense fog through around 10 AM.
Forecasters say visibility may be reduced at times, especially in low-lying and rural areas across northwest Georgia. Motorists are encouraged to use caution during the morning commute.
Only slight chances for scattered rain are expected through Monday, with most of the better rain chances remaining farther south in central Georgia. Any showers that do develop locally are expected to be light and spotty with little rainfall accumulation.
A weak cold front is expected to move into the region Monday, bringing another small chance for isolated showers before cooler and drier air settles into the area Monday night and beyond.
The extended forecast calls for dry conditions through much of the week across northwest Georgia, with temperatures remaining seasonable. Highs are expected to stay mainly in the 70s and low 80s, while overnight lows will generally be in the 50s.
Forecasters say rain chances should remain low through next weekend as high pressure builds across the Southeast.
City of Summerville Seeks Bids for New Recreation Splash Pad
The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans for a new community splash pad at the Summerville Recreation Department.
City officials are seeking sealed proposals from qualified, licensed contractors to design and construct a 3,464-square-foot free-flow-through splash pad. The project is listed as RFP-2026-126-Recreation Splash Pad.
Proposals will be received at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue, until 10 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026. Bids will be opened later that same day at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Council Room.
The city says the goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and eco-friendly water play area for local families to enjoy for years to come.
All proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked with the project name and RFP number. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Audia Group Files Federal Lawsuit Against Walker County
A company identified as Audia Group, Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority alleging breach of contract.
According to court filings in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The case is listed as Audia Group, Inc. v. Walker County et al. and is assigned to Judge William M. Ray II.
Court records indicate the lawsuit involves a contract dispute tied to an option agreement. Filings attached to the complaint reportedly include an option agreement, an exercise option letter, and a notice of breach.
The case names both Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority as defendants. The lawsuit was filed under diversity jurisdiction and is categorized as a “Contract: Other” civil action in federal court.
As of now, detailed allegations contained in the complaint have not been publicly outlined in available summaries, and no response from Walker County officials was immediately available through court records reviewed Saturday.
The lawsuit remains pending in federal court.
Arrest Made After Traffic Stop On Highway 27 In Chattooga County
A traffic stop on Highway 27 led to an arrest earlier this month, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Matt Wilson reported that on May 2, 2026, he observed a silver 1997 Toyota 4Runner traveling northbound with a tag light out near the area of Little Sand Mountain. After initiating a stop, the driver was identified as Jacobo Reynoso, 34.
According to the report, a language barrier made communication difficult, but Reynoso was ultimately determined to be driving without a valid license. Deputies also noted the vehicle’s tag light violation.
Reynoso was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
He is charged with driving without a license and a traffic offense.
Armuchee Man Arrested On Methamphetamine Charge In Floyd County
Joseph Weldon Hubbard, 46, of Armuchee, was arrested in Floyd County this past week after reports said he was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and a smoking device.
According to reports, Hubbard was found with the suspected drugs near the Checkers restaurant on North Broad Street.
Hubbard is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance To First-Ever State Championship Match
The Trion High School girls soccer team is headed to the biggest match in program history after punching its ticket to the 2026 GHSA Class A Division II State Championship with a dominant 3-0 semifinal victory over Portal on May 8.
The Lady Bulldogs controlled the match from start to finish as Baylee Blair, Allie Hudgins, and Dallas Payne each found the back of the net. Blair and Hudgins scored on penalty kicks while Payne added another goal to seal the historic win.
With the victory, Trion advances to the state championship game for the first time ever, continuing an incredible postseason run for the Area 7 champions.
The Lady Bulldogs will now face Irwin County for the state title on Friday, May 15, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM at Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston.
Trion’s championship appearance marks another major milestone for the school’s athletic program and gives Northwest Georgia soccer fans plenty to celebrate as the Lady Bulldogs prepare to compete for a state crown.
GDOT To Give Update On Second Avenue Widening Project In Rome
Traveling into downtown Rome by way of Second Avenue has been a source of frustration for many drivers as the ongoing road construction project continues.
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 will provide a public informational update on the Second Avenue widening project on Monday, May 11, 2026. The presentation is scheduled from 5 until 6 PM in the City Commission Chambers upstairs at Rome City Hall.
GDOT officials are expected to share updates on construction progress, project timelines, and ongoing work related to the widening project.
State Representative Katie Dempsey of Rome thanked GDOT District 6 officials for continuing to communicate with local leaders and residents throughout the process.
The presentation will also be livestreamed through the City of Rome YouTube Channel, the same way regular Rome City Commission meetings are streamed
Prevention Program Targeting Chattooga, Walker Counties Seeks Community Partners
A new substance misuse prevention initiative is expanding into Northwest Georgia, and organizers are seeking local partners in Chattooga and Walker counties.
The Partners in Prevention Project 2.0 is led by HEARTS for Families, an organization with more than 30 years of experience in substance misuse prevention, underage drinking prevention, parent education, family strengthening, and community-based prevention strategies.
The program is designed to serve high-need and underserved communities identified by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Those areas include Walker, Chattooga, Habersham, White, Screven, Burke, Bacon, Appling, Butts, and Pike counties.
Organizers say many rural communities continue to face concerns involving underage drinking, misuse of prescription medications, early exposure to substance use, and unsafe storage of alcohol and medications in the home. The project will focus on prevention through education, parent involvement, youth programming, and community-wide outreach.
Planned activities include community education events, prevention campaigns with guest speakers and panel discussions, youth programming in schools and recreation centers, parent workshops, collaboration with law enforcement and schools, and distribution of medication lock bags, prevention materials, and Quitline tobacco cessation resources.
HEARTS for Families is seeking support from schools, law enforcement agencies, Family Connection groups, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and youth-serving organizations. Partnership opportunities include letters of support, referral partnerships, program collaboration, event hosting, outreach assistance, and SAFE HOMES pledge campaigns.
The proposed launch date for Partners in Prevention Project 2.0 is October 1, 2026.
For more information or to get involved, contact Sue Laney at Slaney@HEARTSforFamilies.org or 404-406-4318, or Audrey Wilkes at AudreyJ@HEARTSforFamilies.org or 706-424-5110. HEARTS for Families is located at 28 Industrial Blvd., Suite 105, Cleveland, GA 30528 and can also be reached at 770-972-3664.
May Market & Melodies Set For May 23 In Summerville
The City of Summerville is inviting the community out for a day of music, food, and local shopping at the upcoming May Market & Melodies event.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Train Depot.
Organizers say the event will coincide with the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s steam engine passenger train, adding a unique attraction for attendees. The day will feature live musical entertainment, a variety of local vendors, and a wide selection of food and handcrafted goods.
The event is free to attend and is designed to be family-friendly.
City officials also noted that anyone interested in becoming a vendor should contact the City of Summerville directly, warning residents not to send payments through third-party apps to avoid potential scams.
Walker County Commissioners Approve Spay And Neuter Ordinance
Walker County animal welfare leaders are celebrating what they describe as a major step forward for animals in the community.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a new spay and neuter ordinance following nearly two years of meetings, revisions, and ongoing discussion.
According to the Walker County Animal Shelter, the ordinance is designed to help address pet overpopulation and encourage responsible pet ownership. The measure applies to pet owners who are found in violation of animal-related offenses, requiring them to have their pet spayed or neutered or pay a fee. That fee is expected to be finalized at an upcoming commissioners meeting.
The ordinance includes exemptions for hunting dogs, working dogs, livestock guardian animals, licensed breeders, and pets with medical exemptions certified by a licensed veterinarian.
Shelter officials say animal welfare efforts often face significant challenges, including overpopulation, hoarding cases, cruelty investigations, and limited resources. Despite those challenges, they say the new ordinance represents meaningful progress for the county.
The Walker County Animal Shelter will continue offering its spay and neuter voucher program and hopes to expand resources available to pet owners in the future.
Arrest Report - Saturday - May 9, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 9, 2026:
Storm Chances Continue Across Northwest Georgia Through Monday
Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for several more rounds of showers and thunderstorms through Monday as an unsettled weather pattern lingers across the region. Forecast confidence remains low regarding exact timing and storm intensity, but forecasters say periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected through the weekend and into the start of the new week.
The National Weather Service says a stalled cold front along the Gulf Coast is helping fuel the wet pattern, while several upper-level disturbances continue moving across the Southeast. Some storms could become strong at times, especially late Saturday into Sunday afternoon.
Forecasters say rainfall coverage and storm development will largely depend on how moisture moves northward into Georgia and how earlier rounds of rain impact atmospheric conditions later in the weekend. Because of those variables, confidence in the exact forecast remains uncertain.
Sunday could bring another round of isolated to scattered thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours if enough daytime heating develops. A few storms may become strong.
A stronger cold front is expected to move through Georgia on Monday, bringing another chance of rain and thunderstorms before cooler and drier air arrives early next week.
After the front passes, temperatures are expected to cool noticeably by Tuesday morning, with lows dropping into the 40s and 50s across portions of North Georgia. Afternoon highs next week should remain mainly in the 70s before gradual warming returns later in the week.
Walker County Sheriff Responds Following ICE Detention of Trion Student
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson is responding publicly following growing attention surrounding the ICE detention of 19-year-old Elder Aguilar-Macario, a Trion-area student arrested during a traffic stop in Walker County.
Sheriff Wilson said the Walker County Sheriff’s Office does not independently enforce federal immigration law during routine patrols, but individuals who are booked into jail are processed through systems connected with federal immigration authorities. Wilson explained that once someone is arrested and booked, the process moves beyond the local agency’s direct control.
Aguilar-Macario was arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving without a license and failure to maintain lane before being transferred to Floyd County and later into ICE custody.
The case has sparked strong reactions across Northwest Georgia, especially in Trion and surrounding communities, where supporters say Aguilar-Macario was preparing to graduate and had no serious criminal history.
Sheriff Wilson emphasized that deputies enforce Georgia law and that immigration status checks occur as part of the jail intake process after an arrest is made.
Ducky Derby Jeep Cruise-In Happening Today in Downtown Summerville
Downtown Summerville will be filled with Jeeps, rubber ducks, food vendors, and family fun today during the Ducky Derby Jeep Cruise-In event on East Washington Street.
The event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and features food and craft vendors, kids activities, and a Jeep cruise-in where participating Jeep owners will receive a special rubber duck for their vehicle.
One of the day’s biggest attractions will be the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad steam engine and the working of the historic Summerville turntable at 1 p.m.
The Rubber Ducky Race is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with cash prizes awarded to the winning ducks. First place will receive $500, second place $250, and third place $100.
The event is sponsored by GP Federal Credit Union, Pro Roof GA, and Summerville Main Street.
Spark Day Event Planned for June 27 at Dowdy Park in Summerville
A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is coming to Summerville later this summer.
“Spark Day” is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park in Summerville. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.
Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities as well as children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are invited to participate, and organizers say there are no vendor fees for the event.
The event will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.
According to the event description, organizers hope to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.
IRS Extends Tax Deadlines for Southeast Georgia Wildfire Victims
The Internal Revenue Service has announced federal tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by wildfires and straight-line winds in Southeast Georgia beginning April 18, 2026. Affected taxpayers in Clinch, Echols, and Brantley counties now have until August 20, 2026, to file various federal tax returns and make tax payments.
The relief applies to tax deadlines that originally fell between April 18 and August 20, 2026. This includes individual income tax returns, quarterly payroll and excise tax returns, estimated tax payments, and several business-related filings. The IRS says penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due between April 18 and May 4 will also be waived if payments are made by May 4.
Taxpayers living or operating businesses outside the disaster area, but whose records are located in the impacted counties, may also qualify for relief by contacting the IRS Special Services hotline. The agency says additional counties could later be added to the disaster declaration area.
The IRS also reminded residents that qualified wildfire relief payments may be excluded from taxable income and that some retirement plan hardship withdrawals may qualify for special disaster-related tax treatment. Free tax preparation assistance remains available through programs such as VITA, TCE, AARP Tax-Aide, and IRS Free File.
Georgia Tax Collections Increase Again in April
Georgia’s tax collections continued to climb in April, according to newly released state revenue figures, reflecting continued growth in sales tax and corporate tax revenues statewide.
State officials reported net tax collections increased compared to the same period last year, continuing a trend of higher revenues during the current fiscal year. Much of the increase was driven by gains in sales and use taxes along with stronger corporate income tax collections.
According to state figures, Georgia collected more than $2.6 billion in net tax revenue during the most recently reported month, representing an increase of nearly 5 percent over the previous year. Year-to-date collections also remain ahead of last year’s pace.
Sales and use tax collections showed some of the strongest growth, reflecting continued consumer spending across the state. Corporate income tax collections also posted double-digit gains compared to the prior year.
Governor Brian Kemp has pointed to the continued revenue growth as evidence of Georgia’s strong economic performance while also supporting recent state income tax rebates now being distributed to eligible taxpayers statewide.
The Georgia Department of Revenue says tax rebate payments began going out this week to qualifying taxpayers who filed their state returns on time. Eligible filers could receive up to $500 depending on filing status.
Twisted Ankle Trail Race Returning to Sloppy Floyd State Park for Special 20th Year Celebration
One of Northwest Georgia’s most popular trail running events is returning to Summerville this fall with a special milestone celebration.
The Twisted Ankle Trail Race will take place Saturday, September 12, at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County. Organizers say this year marks the 20th running of the race and will feature a special one-time 20-mile event called “Double the Fun,” which includes two climbs up the challenging Becky’s Bluff trail.
The annual race includes multiple distances for runners of all experience levels, including a 5K, 10-mile race, half marathon, and the special 20-mile challenge added for 2026. The race begins at 9 a.m. inside the state park near Summerville.
Organizers say the courses will take runners through trails surrounding the park’s lakes, Marble Mine, Blueberry Trail, portions of the Pinhoti Trail, and the steep climb to Becky’s Bluff. The event is known for rugged terrain, scenic mountain views, rocks, roots, and challenging elevation changes.
Registration officially opened May 1 through UltraSignup, and organizers encourage runners to sign up early due to limited participation spots. Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Park and help support Sloppy Floyd State Park.
Race organizers are also planning special activities for the anniversary event, including commemorative medals, a pre-race spaghetti dinner, and a throwback fire pit gathering for runners and supporters.
Summerville Middle School Librarian Named Teach in the Peach Ambassador
Chattooga County Schools is recognizing Summerville Middle School librarian Leigha Burnham after she was selected as a Teach in the Peach Ambassador by the Georgia Department of Education.
Teach in the Peach is a statewide initiative focused on making Georgia the number one state for teachers by attracting, supporting, and retaining high-quality educators. The program also works to elevate the teaching profession and build a strong pipeline of future teachers.
As an ambassador, Burnham will help amplify the voice of educators, promote teaching as a rewarding career, and support teacher recruitment efforts across Georgia. Each ambassador will receive a stipend for their work in teacher recruitment and retention.
Burnham was previously named the 2023 Teacher of the Year for the Chattooga County School System and was also selected as a top ten finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year last year.
Her selection comes as part of this year’s Statewide Educator Signing Day, which celebrates students committing to enter the teaching profession and highlights the next generation of educators who will help shape Georgia’s future classrooms.
The 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year will also serve as a Teach in the Peach Ambassador after being named later this month.