Arrest Report - Tuesday - July 7, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, July 7, 2026:
Hot, Humid Week Ahead with Daily Afternoon Storm Chances Increasing by the Weekend
Summer weather will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia today with mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. After a dry start, a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m. Light winds will become westerly around 5 miles per hour during the afternoon before calming again tonight. Any storms that develop should diminish by early evening, with overnight lows falling to around 71.
The pattern changes very little through the middle of the week. Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 91 and only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. By Thursday and Friday, rain chances increase to 40 percent as scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms become more common.
The greatest opportunity for widespread rainfall arrives over the weekend, when rain and thunderstorm chances climb to 60 percent Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures will remain near 90 degrees each day, while overnight lows stay in the lower 70s. Residents planning outdoor activities should keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to move indoors if thunderstorms develop.
No Northwest Georgia Projects Included in Latest Round of Rural Site Development Grants
Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) grants, awarding $7.8 million to ten projects across Georgia to help rural communities prepare industrial sites for future business recruitment and job creation. With this latest round, the state has now invested $28 million in rural site development since the program was launched in Fiscal Year 2025.
The Rural Site Development Initiative, administered through the OneGeorgia Authority, provides funding for site improvements and for communities seeking Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification. Eligible projects include grading, utility extensions, road construction, environmental work, and engineering needed to create “shovel-ready” industrial sites that can compete for major economic development projects. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, GRAD-certified sites have helped attract an estimated 10,000 jobs statewide in recent years.
Among the largest grants awarded in this round were:
- Columbus-Muscogee County – $2 million for clearing, grading, and site improvements at the GRAD-certified Muscogee Technology Park, a $10 million project.
- Thomaston-Upson County – $2 million to construct water, sewer, and transportation infrastructure at the Central Georgia Business and Technology Park.
- Effingham County – $1.8 million to construct a sewer pump station at the Savannah Portside International Park.
- McIntosh County – $1.5 million for road, water, and sewer improvements at Tidewaters Industrial Park.
The remaining grants were awarded to communities for either GRAD certification work or additional site readiness improvements designed to make rural industrial properties more attractive to prospective employers. Communities receiving funding are required to provide matching funds based on the program’s guidelines.
No projects in Northwest Georgia received funding during this fourth round. That means Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker, Polk, Bartow, Catoosa, Dade, and Whitfield counties were not among the ten grant recipients announced by the Governor.
Governor Kemp said more than 64 percent of new jobs created in Georgia during his administration have been located outside the metro Atlanta region, and he described the Rural Site Development Initiative as a key part of the state’s strategy to expand economic opportunity in rural Georgia. Lt. Governor Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, and state economic development officials also praised the program, saying shovel-ready industrial sites are critical to attracting future employers and creating jobs in rural communities.
ARC Report Shows Most Northwest Georgia Counties Hold Stable Economic Status
A newly released report from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) shows that most counties across Northwest Georgia continue to maintain stable economic classifications, although a handful of counties remain among the region’s most economically challenged. The designations are used by ARC to help determine grant eligibility and investment priorities for economic and community development projects throughout Appalachia.
According to the Fiscal Year 2026 report, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker, and Whitfield counties are all classified as Transitional, the category assigned to the majority of Appalachian counties. Transitional counties are generally performing near the national average or are in the process of improving economically.
Elsewhere in Northwest Georgia, Dade County is classified as At-Risk, meaning it faces a greater likelihood of economic decline without continued investment, while Catoosa County earned a Competitive designation, reflecting economic performance that exceeds the national average.
Regionwide, ARC reported encouraging news. For Fiscal Year 2026, the number of Distressed counties across the 13-state Appalachian region fell to 75, the lowest number since the commission began using its current economic index two decades ago. The report classifies 75 counties as Distressed, 90 as At-Risk, 240 as Transitional, 14 as Competitive, and four as Attainment, the highest economic designation.
The Appalachian Regional Commission bases its annual classifications on a combination of three-year unemployment rates, per-capita market income, and poverty levels. Those designations help determine grant match requirements and guide federal and state investments in infrastructure, workforce development, broadband expansion, health care, and economic development projects across Appalachian communities.
Study Estimates Chattooga Residents Spent $114,000 on OnlyFans During 2025
A new study estimates that residents of Chattooga County spent approximately $114,000 on OnlyFans subscriptions during 2025, making it one of five Northwest Georgia counties included in the analysis. The report was conducted by OnlyGuider, an independent search engine that indexes creators on the subscription-based platform.
According to the study, the five-county region of Bartow, Gordon, Floyd, Polk, and Chattooga counties spent a combined $2.25 million on OnlyFans subscriptions last year. Bartow County had the highest estimated total at $795,000, followed by Gordon County at $561,000, Floyd County at $532,000, Polk County at $248,000, and Chattooga County at $114,000.
While Chattooga County’s overall spending ranked lowest among the five counties, the study found that Chattooga slightly exceeded Floyd County on a per-capita basis, meaning the estimated spending was higher when adjusted for population.
Statewide, the report estimates that Georgia residents spent approximately $87.4 million on OnlyFans subscriptions in 2025. Georgia ranked eighth in the nation for total estimated spending and 24th on a per-capita basis. The Atlanta metropolitan area accounted for the largest share, with an estimated $26.2 million in subscription spending.
Researchers said the estimates were developed using a combination of search traffic, platform activity, and revenue data to model spending at the county, city, and state levels. The figures are estimates and are not based on individual subscriber records or financial disclosures.
OnlyFans is a United Kingdom-based subscription platform where creators earn income directly from subscribers through exclusive content. While the service hosts a variety of creators, it is most widely known for adult content
Atlanta Developer Files Lawsuit Over Chattooga County Project, Claims $89 Million Development Was Undermined by $1 Land Transfer
An Atlanta developer has filed a lawsuit in Chattooga County Superior Court alleging that an $89 million residential development on Little Sand Mountain was derailed after the 736-acre property at the center of the project was transferred to another nonprofit organization for $1 without his knowledge.
According to the lawsuit, developer Joseph Daniell had been working on plans for a proposed 171-home community in Chattooga County, coordinating engineering, development documents and financing for the project. The complaint alleges that during a review of county property records, Daniell discovered a quitclaim deed showing the property had been transferred on October 23, 2025, from Christian Zheng Sheng Association Limited US Inc. to New Day Horizons Group Inc. for $1. The deed was recorded in Chattooga County the following week.
The lawsuit claims Daniell was never informed of the ownership change and continued working on the project after the transfer. His attorney argues the conveyance was intended to place the property beyond Daniell’s reach and is seeking to have the transfer set aside while also seeking damages. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
CBS News Atlanta reports that New Day Horizons Group Inc. later received federal tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and describes itself as a Christian ministry focused on counseling and discipleship. The organization’s website states it has been entrusted with approximately 700 acres in North Georgia for its ministry.
The report also notes that one of the defendants named in the lawsuit, Atlanta-area real estate broker Emily Fu, previously pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud in an unrelated real estate case. That conviction is separate from the allegations made in the Chattooga County lawsuit.
The case remains pending in Chattooga County Superior Court, where a judge will ultimately determine the merits of the claims made by the parties.
15 People Killed on Georgia Roads During Independence Day Holiday Travel Period
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 15 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Georgia during the 2026 Independence Day holiday travel period, underscoring the dangers of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol troopers investigated 11 fatal crashes that claimed 11 lives, while local law enforcement agencies investigated four additional fatal crashes, bringing the statewide total to 15 traffic fatalities during the holiday enforcement period.
The holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5. Throughout the enforcement campaign, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers increased patrols statewide as part of Operation Zero Tolerance and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. initiative, targeting impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Before the holiday weekend, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III urged motorists to obey traffic laws, wear seat belts, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired, noting that troopers would be working around the clock to keep Georgia’s roads safe.
The Department of Public Safety is expected to release additional enforcement statistics, including the number of crashes, injuries, DUI arrests, citations, and warnings issued during the holiday period, once all reports have been finalized.
Georgia Gas Prices Continue to Decline; Local Drivers Seeing Slight Relief at the Pump
Georgia motorists are seeing another small drop in gasoline prices this week, according to AAA, as lower crude oil prices continue to help keep fuel costs in check. The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on Monday is $3.53, down slightly from last week, while the national average stands at $3.80 per gallon. AAA says prices could continue to fluctuate throughout the busy summer travel season, but drivers are benefiting from improving market conditions.
Here are the latest AAA average prices for regular unleaded gasoline in the local area:
- Chattooga County, Georgia: $3.55
- Floyd County, Georgia: $3.54
- Walker County, Georgia: $3.53
- Gordon County, Georgia: $3.50
- DeKalb County, Alabama: $3.64
- Cherokee County, Alabama: $3.50
AAA encourages motorists to compare prices between stations, keep tires properly inflated, and avoid aggressive driving to maximize fuel economy.
Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Donations of Cat Litter and Dawn Dish Soap
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the community’s help by donating two items that are always in high demand: cat litter and Dawn dish soap. Shelter officials say even small donations can make a big difference in caring for the dogs and cats housed at the facility.
Cat litter is used daily for the shelter’s feline residents, while Dawn dish soap is an important cleaning supply used to bathe animals and clean food and water bowls, kennels, and other equipment. The shelter says these items are used quickly as staff care for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals from across Chattooga County. The shelter has made similar appeals in the past during periods of increased intake and kitten season.
Donations may be dropped off at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville, during public hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The shelter is open by appointment on Wednesdays. For more information, call 706-857-0679.
James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park Hosting "Creatures of the Night" Hike
Adventure seekers can experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park after dark during a special ranger-led “Creatures of the Night” hike on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m.
The guided hike will take participants along the Marble Mine Trail to discover the nocturnal animals that become active after the park closes. Rangers will explain how nighttime wildlife survives and adapts to the dark while hikers explore the trail under the evening sky.
The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.
Flashlights will be available, although participants are welcome to bring their own. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 9 p.m.
To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Arrest Report - Monday - July 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 6, 2026:
Scattered Afternoon Storms Remain In The Forecast This Week For Chattooga County
Hot summer weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s each afternoon and the daily chance of scattered thunderstorms remaining in the forecast.
Today will be partly sunny with a high near 90 degrees. Heat index values are expected to reach around 97 degrees before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop after 3 p.m. Rain chances stand at 60 percent, with storms gradually ending during the evening as temperatures fall to around 71 overnight.
Tuesday brings another mostly sunny day with a high near 90 and a 30 percent chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Wednesday looks to be the driest day of the week, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 91 degrees.
By Thursday and Friday, isolated to scattered afternoon thunderstorms return while daytime highs remain in the lower 90s. Rain chances increase again next weekend, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely Saturday and Sunday.
Forecasters say a typical summertime weather pattern has settled across the region. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any thunderstorm that develops could produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and brief localized flooding.
Residents planning outdoor activities should keep an eye on the sky each afternoon and move indoors immediately if thunder is heard.
Chattooga County Health Inspection Scores Released For Late June
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released food service inspection scores for the last half of June 2026, with several local establishments receiving perfect scores.
Perfect scores of 100 were reported for Dirt Pour Coffee & Smoothie Bar, Menlo Restaurant, Jim’s Restaurant, Hwy 27 Nutrition, Rosita’s and Amaze and Graze.
Other recent scores included McDonald’s in Summerville with a 91, Hays CI in Trion with a 91, El Pueblito Mexican Grill with an 87 and Hays Staff Dining with an 82.
The inspections were conducted between June 16 and June 30.
Anyone with concerns about a food service establishment or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County may file a complaint by calling the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
Pedigree Recalls Select Canned Dog Food Over Possible Metal And Plastic Contamination
Pet owners are being urged to check their dog food after the manufacturer of Pedigree canned dog food announced a voluntary recall of two products because they may contain metal and plastic fragments.
The recall affects select lots of Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy canned dog food. According to the manufacturer, the foreign materials could pose a choking hazard or cause injury if consumed by pets.
Consumers who have recalled products should stop feeding them to their dogs immediately. Pet owners are encouraged to dispose of the affected cans or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Anyone whose dog has consumed the recalled food and is showing signs of illness or injury should contact a veterinarian promptly.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the manufacturer or visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website for complete lot numbers and additional information.
Greensboro Man Jailed In Rome In Child Kidnapping And Molestation Case
A Greensboro man was jailed in Floyd County this past week after authorities said he kidnapped an 11-year-old child following inappropriate online communication.
According to police reports, 23-year-old Timothy Alan Bailey is accused of having online sexual conversations with the child and sending nude photographs of himself. Authorities said Bailey then drove to Rome, picked up the child, and took her to another location where the alleged assault occurred.
Reports state that after Bailey realized the child had been reported missing, he dropped her off near her home.
Bailey is charged with kidnapping, aggravated child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, obscene internet contact with a child, and interference with custody.
Bailey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Georgia Health Officials Warn Young Mothers About Vaping Risks
Georgia health officials are warning expectant and young mothers that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, especially during pregnancy or around infants.
The Georgia Department of Public Health says vape products often contain highly addictive nicotine and other substances that are heated and inhaled into the lungs. The CDC says nicotine products are not safe during pregnancy and can harm a baby’s developing brain and lungs.
The warning is especially important in communities across Northwest Georgia, where young families may see vaping as less harmful than cigarettes. Health experts say secondhand exposure can also be dangerous for babies and small children, and homes and vehicles should remain smoke-free and vape-free.
Mothers who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for infants are encouraged to talk with their doctor or local health department about safe ways to quit nicotine use.
Georgia residents looking for help can contact Ready to Quit GA, the state’s tobacco quit resource.
Chattooga County Housing Market Shows Stable Activity Heading Into Summer
The Chattooga County housing market remained relatively stable as the summer selling season continued, with buyers benefiting from a healthy inventory of homes and sellers still receiving offers close to their asking prices.
According to the latest June housing market data, Chattooga County had approximately 173 homes listed for sale, with a median listing price of about $210,000. Homes sold for an average of 100 percent of their asking price, indicating that well-priced properties continue to attract buyers.
While inventory has increased by nearly 27 percent compared to a year ago, giving buyers more choices, listing prices have softened slightly. The median listing price is down about 4.4 percent from June 2025, suggesting a more balanced market than in recent years. Homes are spending a median of 56 days on the market, about the same as last year.
Within Chattooga County, median listing prices vary by community. Summerville’s median listing price is around $209,900, Lyerly is $224,950, Trion is $205,000, and Menlo has the county’s highest median listing price at approximately $396,500.
Real estate analysts say the increased inventory is creating a more favorable environment for buyers while still allowing sellers to receive competitive offers for homes that are priced appropriately.
LIFE FORCE Air Medical Adds New Rapid Blood And Fluid Resuscitation System
Patients in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia who require emergency air transport may now benefit from faster treatment thanks to a new medical technology added to Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE Air Medical helicopters.
LIFE FORCE has announced that it has equipped its entire helicopter fleet with the LifeFlow® PLUS portable rapid fluid and blood resuscitation system. The hand-operated device allows flight crews to deliver blood, blood products and intravenous fluids more quickly to critically ill and injured patients suffering from conditions such as severe blood loss, shock and sepsis.
According to LIFE FORCE, the new system is designed to provide faster, more controlled fluid delivery than traditional methods, helping stabilize patients while they are being transported to the hospital. Officials say the upgrade is especially valuable in emergency situations where every minute can make a difference.
LIFE FORCE serves a large region that includes North Georgia, East Tennessee, Northeast Alabama and Western North Carolina, with helicopter bases in Calhoun and Blue Ridge helping provide emergency air medical coverage for Northwest Georgia.
State Agriculture Officials Continue Tracking Yellow-Legged Hornet In Georgia
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says its Plant Protection team continued efforts in June to track and eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet, an invasive species that poses a threat to honeybees and Georgia’s agriculture industry.
According to the department, crews found 125 hornets and eradicated three nests during the month of June.
Agriculture officials say hornet activity increases as temperatures rise. Beekeepers and residents are encouraged to watch for nests and for “hawking” behavior around beehives, where hornets hover near hives and prey on bees.
Anyone who believes they have found a Yellow-Legged Hornet nest in Georgia should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park To Host "Ribbitting The Trails" Nature Hike
Families looking for a fun outdoor adventure can explore the world of frogs and toads during a special ranger-led hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park next weekend.
The park will host “Ribbitting the Trails” on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Participants will hike the Marble Mine Trail while learning about the life cycle of local frogs and toads, what they eat, how they live, and the habitats where they’re most commonly found. Rangers say hikers may even get the opportunity to see some of the amphibians up close.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.
Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 10 a.m.
To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.