Arrest Report - Wednesday - September 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, September 30, 2026:
Unseasonably Warm Finish To September Before Stormy Weekend
Chattooga County will close out September with sunshine and temperatures well above normal, but a major change in the weather pattern is expected by the weekend.
The National Weather Service says Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southeast around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 61.
Forecasters say Wednesday’s temperatures across the region will run approximately 8 to 12 degrees above normal for the final day of September.
The warm weather continues Thursday with sunshine and a high near 90. Friday could be even warmer, with a high near 91 before moisture begins returning to the area. A 30% chance of showers develops Friday afternoon, increasing to 50% Friday night.
A much wetter pattern is expected for the weekend.
The chance of rain increases to 70% Saturday, with showers likely and thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Rain chances climb to 80% Saturday night and Sunday.
The National Weather Service says Sunday will need to be watched for the possibility of stronger thunderstorms as a weather system moves through the region. Forecasters caution that details concerning the strength of the storms could change as the weekend gets closer.
Heavy rainfall could also become a concern. Current guidance indicates several inches of rain could be possible from Friday into early next week, potentially creating a risk of flash flooding in parts of north Georgia.
Temperatures will turn noticeably cooler behind the system. Sunday’s high is forecast near 78, followed by highs around 76 Monday and 74 Tuesday.
New Round Of Bidding Underway For Tooga Theatre Renovation
Chattooga County is moving forward with a new round of bidding for the first phase of renovations to the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville, with contractors invited to a pre-bid meeting Thursday morning.
The county re-advertised the Tooga Theatre Phase 1 Renovation Project on September 24. The new deadline for sealed bids is 5 PM Friday, October 23, with bids scheduled to be publicly opened and read aloud at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 10 AM Tuesday, October 27.
A pre-bid conference will be held tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 10 AM at the Tooga Theatre, 10107 Commerce Street. Attendance is strongly encouraged, and a site visit will immediately follow the meeting.
The county previously received interest from two contractors during the earlier bidding process, but both requested additional time. The project is now being re-bid with the later October deadline.
Phase One calls for extensive work at the theatre, including demolition, interior renovations, work to the rear portion of the building, improvements to the ticket booth and front entrance, along with audio-visual and information-technology equipment, furnishings, fixtures and other improvements.
The project is being supported through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant, identified as ARC Project GA 22084, with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs serving as the basic agency.
The Tooga Theatre project received $1 million in ARC funding for Phase One, part of an approximately $1.372 million project aimed at restoring the historic downtown Summerville theatre.
Thursday’s meeting will give interested contractors another opportunity to examine the project and the theatre before preparing bids.
WZQZ News will continue following the project and will report on the bids when they are opened in October.
Pickup Damaged At Summerville Convenience Store
The Summerville Police Department investigated a report of property damage involving a pickup truck at a convenience store on Commerce Street.
According to the incident report, the incident involved a black 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 at 10935 Commerce Street in Summerville. The report classifies the incident as non-criminal property damage. 20260928150435613
The complainant reported damage to the truck, including multiple dings and marks. Photographs were taken to document the damage.
The complainant was advised to contact his insurance company regarding the damage.
No criminal charge or arrest was listed in connection with the incident. 20260928150435613
Georgia's Summer Burn Ban Comes To An End
Wednesday marks the final day of Georgia’s annual summer open burning ban, meaning some outdoor burning will again be allowed in Chattooga County beginning Thursday, October 1.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban runs from May 1 through September 30 in 54 counties, including Chattooga, Floyd, Walker and Gordon counties. The restrictions are intended to reduce pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone during the warmer months.
Beginning Thursday, residents may again burn hand-piled natural vegetation collected on their property, such as leaves and yard debris, without obtaining a Georgia Forestry Commission permit. However, state fire-safety requirements still apply.
Burn piles must be at least 25 feet from woodlands, forestland or fields containing flammable vegetation and at least 50 feet from homes, barns, sheds and other structures. Burning must take place between sunrise and sunset, and someone must remain with the fire until it is completely extinguished. Residents are also required to take reasonable precautions to keep the fire from escaping.
Permits are still required for certain other types of burning, including forestry, agricultural and land-clearing burns. The year-round prohibition against burning household garbage also remains in effect.
Residents should also remember that weather conditions can affect whether burning is safe. Dry vegetation, low humidity and wind can quickly increase wildfire danger even when burning is otherwise permitted.
The summer burn ban officially expires at the end of Wednesday, September 30.
Man Arrested In Chattooga County On Three Out-Of-State Warrants
A 47-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County after a deputy discovered he was wanted on three out-of-state warrants.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Brian Taylor Lynn, 47, was spotted shortly after 2:14 AM on September 23 riding a black motorcycle north on Georgia Highway 114 near Raccoon Creek Road without lights.
The deputy followed the motorcycle and initiated a traffic stop in a private driveway near Charlie Street.
During the stop, Lynn provided identification, and a records check showed he had three outstanding warrants — one from Tennessee and two from Cherokee County, Alabama.
The deputy contacted Cherokee County authorities, who confirmed their warrants and advised that they wanted Lynn held for extradition.
Lynn was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Wednesday Deadline For Georgia Students To Apply For U.S. Senate Youth Program
Eligible high school students in Chattooga County have until 5 PM today to apply for a program that could send them to Washington, D.C., and provide a $12,500 college scholarship.
The Georgia Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2027 United States Senate Youth Program, which is open to qualifying high school juniors and seniors. Two students from Georgia will ultimately be selected as delegates.
Students must hold a qualifying elected or appointed leadership position during the 2026-27 school year. Eligible positions include student body or class officers, student council representatives, National Honor Society officers and certain other student leadership positions.
Qualifying juniors and seniors at Chattooga High School and Trion High School are among students across Georgia who may apply.
Applications require information about the student’s academic and leadership experience, essays, a video presentation, two letters of recommendation and signed verification forms from a principal, counselor and parent or guardian.
Georgia’s two selected delegates will participate in the 65th annual Washington Week, March 6-13, 2027, and each will receive a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship.
The application deadline is 5 PM today through the Georgia Department of Education.
Georgia Technical Colleges Set Records For Graduates And Job Placement
Georgia’s technical college system is reporting record numbers of graduates, credentials and students finding jobs in the fields for which they trained.
The Technical College System of Georgia says a record 50,847 students graduated during Academic Year 2026, while enrollment increased 6.6 percent to 169,841 students. It marked the fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth.
TCSG’s 22 colleges awarded a record 88,285 credentials, including 70,719 technical certificates of credit and 11,766 associate degrees.
The system also reported a record 92.78 percent in-field job placement rate, meaning nearly 93 percent of graduates entering the workforce found employment in the field in which they were trained.
The numbers are particularly relevant in Northwest Georgia, where Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides workforce education across the region.
GNTC says that over its most recently reported year, 14,082 people participated in its credit and noncredit programs, including 9,342 students in credit programs. The college reports a 100 percent placement rate, with another 4,740 people served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start programs.
Technical colleges are increasingly supplying workers for some of Georgia’s highest-demand fields, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, transportation, information technology and logistics.
TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier says the latest numbers show more Georgians are turning to technical education while employers continue looking for skilled workers.
Walker County Animal Rescue Receives $8,000 State Spay-Neuter Grant
A Walker County animal rescue organization will receive $8,000 from the Georgia Department of Agriculture to help pay for spaying and neutering dogs and cats.
Fraternity of the 4 Paws is among the organizations selected for funding through Georgia’s 2026 Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. The Department of Agriculture’s official recipient list identifies the organization as a Walker County grant recipient.
The state program provides funding for spay and neuter procedures as part of an effort to reduce dog and cat overpopulation across Georgia.
Grant money may be used for sterilization surgeries, but not for administrative costs or other veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, medications, testing or food.
The program is funded in part through Georgia specialty dog and cat license plates, a state income-tax checkoff and private donations.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the grants are intended to help local organizations provide more low-cost sterilization services and reduce the number of unwanted animals entering shelters and rescues.
Wednesday Deadline For Georgia RISE Award Nominations
School systems across Georgia have until this afternoon to nominate outstanding school support employees for statewide recognition through the Georgia RISE Award.
The Georgia Department of Education says nominations for the 2026 Recognizing Inspirational School Employees Award must be submitted by 5 PM Wednesday, September 30. The nomination period opened August 10.
The award recognizes full- and part-time classified employees who provide exemplary service to students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
Eligible employees include those working in clerical and administrative services, custodial and maintenance services, food and nutrition, health and student services, paraprofessional positions, security, skilled trades, technical services and transportation.
That means employees ranging from bus drivers and paraprofessionals to cafeteria workers, custodians and school office personnel may be considered for the statewide honor.
Nominations may be made by district superintendents and school principals.
The deadline applies to school systems across Georgia, including Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.
The RISE Award is designed to recognize school employees whose work supporting students and educators often takes place outside the spotlight.
State Sen. Lanny Thomas Praises Georgia Gas Tax Suspension
State Sen. Lanny Thomas says Georgia motorists are getting some relief at the gas pump following the suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax.
Thomas, who represents Senate District 53, said Tuesday that suspending the tax will save motorists 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. Those figures match Georgia’s current motor-fuel excise tax rates.
“Today, Georgians are waking up to some much-needed relief at the pump,” Thomas said in a statement posted Tuesday morning.
Thomas credited Gov. Brian Kemp and Republican leaders in the General Assembly with taking action to provide relief as Georgians continue dealing with higher fuel and other household costs.
Thomas said the savings could particularly benefit people commuting to work, parents taking children to school, small-business owners and farmers who regularly purchase gasoline or diesel.
The Trion Republican said he supports efforts aimed at allowing Georgians to keep more of their income and described the motor-fuel tax suspension as one way state leaders are addressing affordability.
Thomas currently represents Georgia Senate District 53.
The latest suspension took effect at midnight and is scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days, according to Thomas’ statement.
Four Chattooga County Residents Receive GNTC Foundation Awards
Four Chattooga County residents are among students receiving grants and scholarships from the Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation for the fall 2026 semester.
The GNTC Foundation awarded a total of $54,238 through 61 grants and scholarships to 59 students. Individual awards ranged from $100 to $1,500 to help students with fall semester expenses. GNTC
Jaden Williams of Lyerly, who is studying Cybersecurity at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus, received an Adult Education Scholarship. The scholarship provides funding for graduates of GNTC’s Adult Education program who continue their education at the college. GNTC
Jakyia Walker of Summerville, an Associate of Science in Nursing student at the Walker County Campus, received a Success Grant. GNTC
Two other local students received GNTC Foundation Scholarships. Jada Brown of Summerville is studying Vascular Technology at the Floyd County Campus, while Stephanie Wilson of Trion is pursuing an Associate of Science in Nursing degree at the Walker County Campus. The Foundation Scholarship is awarded to qualifying outstanding students enrolled in programs leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. GNTC
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham praised the recipients for their classroom achievement and commitment to completing their education, saying the students are preparing to become contributors to Northwest Georgia’s workforce. GNTC
The GNTC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports students through scholarships and other assistance designed to help them complete their education and enter the workforce.
Georgia Rolls Out New Behavioral Threat Assessment Model For Schools
Georgia schools now have a new statewide framework designed to help identify concerning behavior and intervene before it potentially escalates into violence.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency announced the rollout of its Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, or BTAM, model for public and private K-12 schools across the state.
The program focuses on identifying concerning behaviors early, assessing the circumstances surrounding those behaviors and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
GEMA/HS says development of the Georgia model began about six years ago as the agency looked for a more systematic way for schools to identify and manage people exhibiting concerning behaviors or potentially moving toward violence. A trainer program was established in 2022 to expand BTAM instruction around the state.
Several Georgia school systems have already participated in the training, according to GEMA/HS. The agency says some have reported successful interventions involving individuals exhibiting behaviors associated with a potential pathway toward violence.
The formal statewide rollout provides schools with a structured process for developing their own threat-assessment programs while incorporating resources already available through schools and their communities.
GEMA/HS offers a six-hour BTAM training course along with an overview course and additional school-safety programs. Local schools and agencies can request the training through the state agency.
The new model is available to school systems across Georgia, including Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.
Woman Reports Harassing Calls Following Family Dispute
A Summerville woman contacted the Summerville Police Department after reporting repeated unwanted telephone calls from a family member following a disagreement over a last will and testament.
According to the incident report, Teresa Johnson, 75, of Bittings Avenue, told police she had been receiving continuous unwanted calls from a family member. Johnson said the calls followed an earlier conversation concerning her last will and testament. 20260928150435613
Johnson told police that the earlier conversation ended with the family member allegedly threatening to have her declared legally incompetent.
According to the report, Johnson said she wanted all communication with the family member to stop. The officer attempted to help Johnson block the telephone number on her landline but was unable to complete the process.
Johnson also requested additional patrols around her residence and asked that the family member and that person’s children be served with a criminal trespass notice for the property.
Police attempted to contact the family member by telephone but were unsuccessful. Johnson was advised that extra patrols would be conducted in the area and that further attempts would be made to make contact.
The incident was documented as harassing phone calls. No arrest was reported.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - September 29, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, September 29, 2026:
Sunny, Warmer Weather Tuesday Before Rain Chances Return This Weekend
Sunshine and warmer temperatures are expected across Chattooga County Tuesday as dry high pressure remains in control of the weather.
The National Weather Service says Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 86 degrees. Northeast winds around 5 mph will become calm during the day. Tuesday night will be clear with a low around 57.
Very dry air will remain across North Georgia, with afternoon relative humidity potentially falling into the 25 to 30 percent range. Forecasters say those low humidity levels will continue to be monitored for possible increased fire danger.
Temperatures will climb even higher during the middle of the week. Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 89, while Thursday could reach 90 degrees. Those temperatures are well above normal for late September.
A change in the weather pattern is expected as the week comes to an end. Moisture will begin returning to the region, bringing a 40 percent chance of showers Friday and a 50 percent chance Saturday.
By Sunday, showers and thunderstorms are likely, with rain chances increasing to 60 percent and temperatures cooling to around 77 degrees.
The National Weather Service says Sunday will bear watching. Forecast models indicate the atmosphere could become more favorable for stronger thunderstorms, although forecasters note there are still differences between the models and details could change as the weekend approaches.
WZQZ News will continue to follow the forecast through the week.
EPD Investigating New Environmental Complaint At Chattooga County School Bus Garage
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is investigating a new complaint involving the Chattooga County Schools Transportation Department, while Superintendent Michelle Helie says a similar complaint earlier this year was investigated and ultimately determined to be unfounded.
According to information obtained from the Georgia EPD, complaint number 118381 was received September 23 and concerns the school system’s transportation facility and bus garage at 203 Penn Street in Summerville.
The complaint alleges that drainage from the facility’s bus wash bay and maintenance “change pit” flows through a pipe to a pond located off the school system’s property.
EPD categorized the complaint’s primary concern as an oil spill and its secondary concern as a diesel-fuel spill.
However, the existence of the complaint does not mean EPD has determined that oil, diesel fuel or another pollutant has actually been discharged from the facility.
As of the EPD report generated Friday morning, September 25, the complaint remained under investigation by the agency’s Mountain District, and no violation or spill had been confirmed.
The EPD information did not identify the person who filed the complaint.
Chattooga County School Superintendent Michelle Helie told WZQZ News Monday that the new complaint is similar to another complaint filed concerning the bus barn in the spring of this year.
Helie said the City of Summerville assisted the EPD in investigating the earlier complaint, and that investigation was closed after the complaint was determined to be “unfounded.”
A new investigation will now be conducted by EPD concerning the complaint filed last week.
Helie said she expects the latest investigation to have a similar outcome.
The Penn Street facility serves as the transportation headquarters for Chattooga County Schools. The school system operates 42 buses that collectively travel more than 400,000 miles annually transporting students and supporting school activities.
At this point, the allegations contained in the September 23 complaint remain allegations under investigation. EPD has not issued a finding that the school system violated environmental regulations in connection with the new complaint.
Chattooga County Uniform Service Proposals To Be Opened Wednesday
Chattooga County will open proposals tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, from companies interested in providing uniform rental and laundry services for several county departments.
The bid opening is scheduled for 10 AM at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. The county began accepting sealed proposals earlier this month, with Wednesday at 10 AM serving as the submission deadline. Chattooga County
Under the request for proposals issued by Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen’s office, the selected company would provide rental and weekly cleaning of work uniforms for designated county employees. Services would also include sizing and fitting employees, initially issuing uniforms, maintaining an inventory of uniform items and repairing or replacing clothing damaged through normal use. Chattooga County
Uniforms covered under the contract could include work shirts and pants, jackets, coveralls, safety-rated clothing and other specialty items needed by individual county departments. Companies may also offer services involving mats, towels and related items. Chattooga County
Companies submitting proposals must have at least three years of experience providing uniform rental and laundry services and must demonstrate the ability to reliably serve multiple county departments. They are also required to provide references from at least three current or recent customers of similar size. Chattooga County
Proposals are to include detailed pricing, available uniform options and materials, delivery schedules, customer-service information and emergency-response capabilities.
The county says proposals will be evaluated based on cost and overall value, vendor experience and references, uniform quality and durability, reliability of cleaning and delivery services, and the company’s ability to meet county requirements. Chattooga County
An award is anticipated Friday, October 2. The county reserves the right to reject proposals, waive informalities or accept the proposal considered most advantageous to the county
Man Arrested After Allegedly Fleeing Traffic Stop In Summerville
A 46-year-old man was arrested after a Chattooga County deputy said he drove away during a traffic stop in Summerville earlier this month.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Travis Eugene Denton, 46, was arrested September 18 and charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and traffic offenses.
The incident began shortly after 8:15 PM when a Chattooga County deputy stopped at the Circle K on Commerce Street and recognized Denton from previous incidents. The deputy said he knew Denton did not have a valid driver’s license.
According to the report, Denton walked from the store toward a white 2007 Dodge Magnum at a gas pump and then drove away.
The deputy followed the vehicle onto Marvin Avenue. Denton allegedly pulled into an address on Scoggins Street, where the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop. According to the report, Denton then continued through the yard of the residence, left the roadway and drove back toward Marvin Avenue.
The deputy later located Denton and took him into custody. The Sheriff’s Office says dispatch confirmed that Denton’s license was suspended.
Denton was transported to the Chattooga County Jail. The report says a Georgia tag bearing a different number was found on the Dodge Magnum and was determined to belong to a vehicle that had been scrapped.
Moderate Drought Reaches Lookout Mountain In Northwestern Chattooga County
Dry conditions are worsening in Chattooga County, with a portion of the county now officially classified as being in moderate drought.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, September 24, and based on conditions through September 22, shows 3.1 percent of Chattooga County in D1, or moderate drought. The remainder of the county is classified as D0, or abnormally dry.
The moderate drought area covers a small section of northwestern Chattooga County on Lookout Mountain, from the Alabama state line and extending north into Walker County.
That’s a change from the previous week’s Drought Monitor, when none of Chattooga County was classified as being in moderate drought.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is produced through a partnership involving the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA and NOAA. The weekly assessment uses several indicators, including precipitation, soil moisture, streamflow and other measures, to determine drought conditions.
The latest national drought summary noted continued hot and dry conditions across portions of the South during the week leading up to the September 22 assessment, with temperatures well above normal in many areas and rainfall remaining uneven.
The worsening conditions come as Chattooga County and the rest of Georgia remain under a statewide Level 1 Drought Response.
Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division initially declared the statewide Level 1 response in April and announced in August that it would remain in effect. The declaration applies to public water systems using surface water or groundwater.
A Level 1 response focuses primarily on water conservation and public awareness. Water systems are required to provide customers with information about drought conditions and ways to conserve water.
Level 1 does not carry the more restrictive outdoor water-use requirements associated with higher drought-response levels. Under Georgia’s existing water-use rules, most outdoor water use is allowed between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is updated each week, so the extent of the moderate drought area could change depending on rainfall, temperatures and other conditions.
For now, all of Chattooga County is considered at least abnormally dry, with the northwestern corner of the county on Lookout Mountain experiencing moderate drought conditions.