Arrest Report - Wednesday - May 20, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 20, 2026:
Warm Temperatures Continue Across Northwest Georgia With Storm Chances Increasing Later This Week
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect another round of summer-like heat this week, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s through the weekend.
Forecasters say conditions will remain mostly dry through today, although isolated afternoon thunderstorms could develop mainly along and north of the Interstate 85 corridor. Northwest Georgia is expected to see a better chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing into the weekend.
Meteorologists say moisture will gradually increase across the region as winds shift from the southwest, bringing a return of more humid conditions. While any storms that develop Wednesday are expected to remain below severe limits, brief gusty winds and lightning will be possible.
Rain chances are expected to increase significantly Thursday through early next week as a weakening cold front approaches North Georgia. Forecast models show scattered to numerous afternoon and evening thunderstorms each day, especially across North and West Georgia, including Chattooga County.
Some areas of North Georgia could receive between two and three inches of rainfall over the next seven days. The additional rainfall would help ease ongoing drought conditions affecting portions of the region.
Temperatures are expected to remain above average despite the increased rain chances, with highs generally staying in the 80s and lower 90s through the Memorial Day weekend period.
Chattooga Library Preparing For “Unearth A Story” Summer Reading Program
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is gearing up for its 2026 Summer Reading Program, themed “Unearth A Story,” with activities planned across Northwest Georgia — including special events at the Chattooga and Trion libraries.
The program officially begins Tuesday, May 26, and runs through July 18. This year’s theme focuses on dinosaurs, archaeology, discovery, and storytelling, encouraging children, teens, and adults to explore reading through hands-on activities and creative programs.
The Chattooga Library in Summerville will host its Summer Reading Kickoff event on Saturday, May 30, beginning at 11 a.m. The event will feature East TN Entertainment with live dinosaur-themed activities for all ages. According to event information, participants will meet baby dinosaurs, play games, and dig for fossils.
Library officials say this year’s reading challenge has been updated. Instead of earning badges, readers will now earn points for reading books, writing reviews, and completing activities. Participants can also earn bonus points by attending kickoff events.
Programs will be available for all age groups throughout the summer and will include educational activities, crafts, performances, STEM programs, and reading incentives. Organizers say the goal is to help children maintain reading skills during summer break while giving families free opportunities to learn and have fun together.
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System serves Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk counties and includes branches in Summerville and Trion
Summerville Police Arrest Driver Following Traffic Stop and DUI Investigation
The Summerville Police Department arrested a driver Saturday night following a traffic stop that led to a DUI investigation.
According to reports filed by Officer A. Wentz, police stopped a Honda CRV on Commerce Street after observing the vehicle fail to maintain its lane while traveling on Cleghorn Street and Commerce Street.
When the officer approached the vehicle, he reported smelling a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside. The driver, identified as Mr. Mendez, reportedly spoke very limited English, prompting officers to request assistance from a translator.
Police said Mendez admitted to drinking and told officers he had consumed about two minutes before getting into the vehicle to drive. Officers also discovered he did not possess a driver’s license.
Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the report states Mendez showed multiple signs of impairment during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Walk and Turn test, and One Leg Stand test. Officers reported observing issues with balance, coordination, and following instructions during testing.
According to the report, Mendez later agreed to provide a breath sample on an alco-sensor, which registered a reading of .260 — more than three times Georgia’s legal limit of .08.
Police said Mendez was placed under arrest for DUI and transported to Atrium Health Floyd for a blood draw before being booked into the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
Georgia DPS Urges Safe Driving For Memorial Day Weekend
As Georgia travelers prepare for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to make safety a top priority.
The holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, and continues through midnight Monday, May 25. During that 78-hour period, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers will increase patrols statewide, focusing on speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
DPS officials say Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season and is historically one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
During last year’s Memorial Day holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 331 crashes, which resulted in 120 injuries and six deaths. Troopers and CVE officers also arrested 400 people for DUI.
DPS Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III said Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country, while also reminding drivers to celebrate responsibly and safely.
Motorists are encouraged to never drive impaired, avoid distractions, wear seat belts, properly restrain children, obey speed limits, allow extra travel time, and move over for emergency vehicles and roadside workers.
AAA projects 39.1 million people will travel by car over the Memorial Day weekend. According to INRIX, some of the heaviest travel times are expected Thursday afternoon and evening, Friday from late morning through evening, and Monday afternoon.
Reported Stolen Vehicle Case In Summerville Determined To Be Civil Dispute
A vehicle reported stolen in Summerville over the weekend has now been determined to be part of a civil dispute, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Police originally received a report Saturday night regarding a blue 1996 Ford Ranger that was allegedly stolen from the area of State Street at Hawkins. The complainant, Danial Williamson, told officers he had parked the truck while attending a funeral celebration and discovered it missing when he returned.
However, a supplemental report filed Monday by Detective P. Cox states that investigators later spoke with John Lee, the registered owner of the truck. Lee reportedly told police that Williamson had not fully paid for the vehicle and had previously been warned the truck would be repossessed because of non-payment.
According to the report, Lee confirmed he had since repossessed the Ford Ranger.
Police later contacted Williamson, who reportedly acknowledged there were civil issues involving the sale and purchase of the truck and said he planned to handle the matter through other means.
Authorities said the information would be forwarded to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office so the vehicle could be removed from GCIC records as stolen.
Six-Year-Old Finds Firearm On Summerville Playground
The Summerville Police Department says a six-year-old child found a loaded firearm on a playground at Summerville Gardens.
According to an incident report, Officer Matt Kinnamon was dispatched to 127 Summerville Gardens on May 14 after maintenance technician Adam Gill reported the discovery. Gill told police the child found the firearm and brought it to him.
Gill unloaded the gun, removed the magazine, and reported the incident. Police said the firearm was checked through dispatch and was confirmed not to be stolen.
Officer Kinnamon collected the firearm and placed it into evidence for safekeeping.
Summerville Montessori To Hold End-Of-Year Parade Thursday
Summerville Montessori School will celebrate its students with an end-of-year parade on Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m.
The parade will begin at Chattooga High School, travel down Highway 114 to Highway 27, and continue to the school.
Family, friends, and community members are invited to come out and support the students and celebrate their achievements from the school year.
Any graduating seniors who previously attended Montessori are also invited to take part in the parade and serve as grand marshals in recognition of their graduation and accomplishments.
Habitat for Humanity Seeking Volunteers for Rome Emperors Games; Groundbreaking Planned for 62nd Home
Coosa Valley is continuing its search for volunteers to help operate concession stands during Rome Emperors home baseball games at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome.
The non-profit organization manages two large concession stands along with the stadium’s nacho stand during games. Habitat receives 15 percent of the proceeds, along with any tips collected, helping support the organization’s mission of providing affordable housing in the region.
Volunteers ages 14 and older are encouraged to participate by helping serve customers during games.
Executive Director Betsy Allgood says the opportunity is a great way for people to support Habitat for Humanity even if they are not able to assist with construction projects.
“It’s a great opportunity for those who may not be handy with a hammer to still help Habitat while also enjoying Rome Emperors baseball,” Allgood said.
Anyone interested in volunteering can register online at www.habitatcoosavalley.org.
Allgood also encouraged the community to support Habitat by shopping at or donating items to the Habitat ReStore located near Central Plaza in Rome. Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley serves Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk counties.
In addition, Habitat has announced plans for a groundbreaking ceremony for its 62nd home on Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. The new home, located at 507 Brown Street, will eventually become the home of the Cornejo family.
GNTC To Waive Application Fees During Free Application Week
Georgia Northwestern Technical College will host a Free Application Week June 1-5 for students planning to enroll for the 2026 fall semester.
During that week, GNTC will waive the $25 application fee for all incoming students. Applicants should use the code JUNE26 when applying to have the fee waived.
The admissions deadline for fall semester is August 4, and classes are scheduled to begin August 17.
Students can apply by visiting GNTC.edu and clicking “Apply Now.” GNTC’s call center is available Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at 866-983-4682. Questions may also be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@gntc.edu.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career fields including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service. The college serves students across Northwest Georgia through credit programs, adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start programs.
Georgia DPH Confirms Three New Measles Cases In Metro Atlanta Family
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three new measles cases involving members of a metro Atlanta family who recently traveled internationally.
Health officials say the family members were not vaccinated against measles. According to DPH, the individuals were not infectious while traveling but developed symptoms after returning home. Public health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed through contact with the family.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms usually appear between seven and 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading across the body.
The Department of Public Health is encouraging families to make sure vaccinations are up to date. The MMR vaccine — which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella — is considered safe and highly effective.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Officials also recommend infants ages 6 to 11 months receive one dose before international travel.
Health experts say more than 95 percent of people receiving one dose develop immunity, while a second dose increases protection to about 98 percent.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic to help prevent additional exposure.
Including these latest cases, Georgia has now confirmed five measles cases in 2026. The state recorded 10 confirmed cases during all of 2025.
Chattooga County Unofficial Election Results
Here are the unofficial and incomplete results of the May 19, 2026 General Primary Election held in Chattooga County: 
Jones and Jackson Advance to GOP Runoff for Georgia Governor
Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has advanced to a Republican runoff in the race for governor following Tuesday’s Primary Election.
According to statewide results, Jones and businessman Rick Jackson emerged as the top two Republican candidates and will now face each other in a runoff election. Neither candidate received the required majority of votes needed to secure the nomination outright.
Jones, who currently serves as Georgia’s lieutenant governor, carried a number of counties across Northwest Georgia, including strong support in Chattooga County. Jackson also performed well statewide, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched runoff race in the coming weeks.
The winner of the Republican runoff will advance to the General Election later this year.
Chattooga County Voters Choose Fuller, Thomas In Republican Primary
Chattooga County Republican Primary voters overwhelmingly supported U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller in Tuesday’s Primary Election.
Fuller received well over 80 percent of the local Republican vote in a crowded field of candidates. Former State Senator Colton Moore finished second with just over 9 percent. Fuller will face Democrat Shawn Harris in the November General Election.
In the State Senate race for the seat formerly held by Moore, State Senator Lanny Thomas was the strong favorite among Chattooga County Republican voters. Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry finished second, followed by Denise Burns in third.
Chattooga County Republicans also favored Mike Collins in the race to challenge U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, while Burt Jones was the county’s Republican pick for governor.
On the Democratic ballot, Chattooga County voters heavily supported former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the race for governor.
In the State House District 12 race, Republican incumbent Eddie Lumsden and Democratic challenger Holly Chaney both faced no opposition in Tuesday’s Primary Election.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - May 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 19, 2026:
Warm, Dry Weather Continues Today; Rain Chances Return Wednesday
Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect warm and mostly dry weather today as a dry air mass remains in place across the region. Skies will be mostly sunny, with only some high clouds and fair-weather clouds developing during the afternoon.
High temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s across the area, while overnight lows will only fall into the low to mid 60s. Most communities will remain rain-free today, though an isolated afternoon shower or thunderstorm cannot be ruled out near the Georgia-Alabama line.
Rain chances will begin increasing Wednesday as a weak cold front approaches North Georgia. Scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected through the end of the week and into the weekend, especially across North and Northwest Georgia.
Forecasters say the pattern will become more summer-like, with warm and muggy conditions and hit-or-miss storms each day. While any rainfall will be welcome, the scattered nature of the storms is not expected to bring widespread drought relief.
Chattooga County Voters Head To Polls Today For Primary Election Day
Today is Primary Election Day in Chattooga County and across Georgia, with voters heading to the polls to cast ballots in local, state, and federal races.
Polling locations across Chattooga County opened at 7 a.m. this morning and will remain open until 7 p.m. Any voter who is in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.
Residents are reminded to bring a valid photo ID when voting. Acceptable forms of identification include a Georgia driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, or other approved government-issued photo identification.
Election officials encourage voters to confirm their polling location before heading out. Remember, no voting will take place today at the Chattooga County Registrars Office – you must vote in your local precinct.
Voters who requested absentee ballots are also reminded that completed ballots must be returned by the time polls close this evening.
Lee Bohannon Named Interim Head Football Coach At LaFayette High School
LaFayette High School has announced Lee Bohannon as the interim head football coach for the upcoming 2026 football season.
Coach Bohannon joined the Ramblers coaching staff earlier this spring as the team’s new defensive coordinator. He now steps into the head coaching role following the departure of Coach Ethan Thompson, who recently accepted a head coaching position in Arizona.
According to school officials, Bohannon brings 36 years of football coaching experience spanning schools in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.
A LaFayette High School alumnus and former Rambler coach, Bohannon is returning with what school leaders describe as a high-energy approach, deep knowledge of the game, and a strong passion for the LaFayette football program.
The school is encouraging the Rambler community to welcome Coach Bohannon back to “100 Rambler Drive” as preparations begin for the 2026 season.
Georgia Gas Tax Suspension Offers Relief Ahead Of Memorial Day Travel
As Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach, Georgia drivers are getting some relief from the state’s extended gas tax suspension.
The statewide average for regular gasoline is currently around $4.00 per gallon, though prices can change overnight. That is about 49 cents below Georgia’s record high of $4.49 set in June 2022.
AAA says drivers can help stretch their fuel budgets by planning routes ahead of time, comparing gas prices, and driving more efficiently.
Area gas price averages include Chattooga County at $3.88, Floyd County at $3.92, Walker County at $3.92, Gordon County at $3.95, DeKalb County, Alabama at $4.08, and Cherokee County, Alabama at $4.00.
Georgia’s average is about 5 cents lower than last week, 35 cents higher than last month, and $1.08 higher than this time last year. Filling up a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $60.
Nationwide, the average price for regular gasoline is around $4.51 per gallon, just below the record high of $5.01 set in 2022. AAA says drivers could face the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years as road travel increases.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Macon, Atlanta, and Savannah. The least expensive include Rome, Catoosa-Dade-Walker, and Brunswick.
Community Blood Drive Planned Wednesday At Mount Vernon Mills In Trion
A community blood drive will be held tomorrow at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion.
The blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the mill located at 91 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to make an appointment ahead of time.
Blood Assurance officials remind donors to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, and avoid energy drinks before donating blood.
Donors can also save time on the day of their appointment by completing the Blood Assurance QuickScreen health questionnaire before arriving.
Anyone with questions about donating blood, or those needing assistance in Spanish, can contact Mitzi at 706-618-9108.
