Arrest Report - Friday - July 10, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 10, 2026:
Showers and Storms Increase This Afternoon as Wet Weekend Takes Shape Across Northwest Georgia
After another hot summer morning, weather conditions across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia are expected to become increasingly active this afternoon as a series of disturbances brings a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and into early next week.
For today, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Heat index values could reach 98 degrees before scattered showers and thunderstorms begin developing after 2 p.m. West winds of 5 to 10 mph may gust up to 15 mph. While many storms will produce heavy rain and frequent lightning, a few stronger storms could also generate damaging wind gusts.
Rain chances increase significantly on Saturday, with thunderstorms becoming widespread during the afternoon and continuing into Saturday night. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected on Sunday and Monday, with rain chances ranging from 70 to 80 percent. Although the weekend is not expected to be a complete washout, outdoor activities will likely be interrupted by periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The increased cloud cover and rainfall will also bring relief from the recent heat. High temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 80s Sunday before cooling into the lower to middle 80s by Monday and Tuesday. By the middle of next week, rain chances gradually decrease while temperatures begin climbing back toward 90 degrees.
Residents planning outdoor events this weekend should monitor the forecast closely and be prepared to move indoors if thunderstorms develop.
Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting Today on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Home and Non-Traditional Developments
Chattooga County residents will have an opportunity today to learn more about and comment on a proposed temporary moratorium affecting certain non-traditional residential developments.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has scheduled a public meeting to discuss a proposal that would temporarily pause approval of certain types of developments while the county reviews its land use regulations and determines whether updates are needed.
According to a public notice issued by the Commissioner’s Office, the proposed moratorium would apply to projects including cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, and other similar non-traditional residential or mixed-use developments that may be identified during the review process.
The public meeting will be held today (Friday) at 10 a.m. in the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. Allen is encouraging residents, property owners, developers, and other interested citizens to attend and provide comments before any action is taken on the proposal.
According to Allen, the purpose of the proposed moratorium is to provide time to review the county’s existing land use regulations, evaluate the potential impacts of these types of developments, and determine whether changes to county ordinances are necessary to protect the health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of Chattooga County.
Allen said the county has seen increased interest from developers proposing tiny home communities and other alternative housing projects. Rather than allowing those developments to move forward without clearly defined standards, he believes the county should first evaluate whether its current regulations adequately address the unique issues they present.
As part of that review, Allen said the county will examine a number of planning considerations, including minimum lot size requirements, infrastructure capacity, septic and utility availability, road access, fire protection and emergency services, and long-term land use planning.
Allen emphasized that the proposal is not intended to prohibit tiny homes or other alternative housing options. Instead, he said the temporary moratorium would give the county an opportunity to establish clear standards to help ensure future developments can be adequately served by public infrastructure and are compatible with the county’s long-term planning goals.
The review will also consider how larger non-traditional residential and mixed-use developments could affect surrounding rural communities. If adopted, the moratorium would be temporary while the county completes its evaluation and determines whether revisions to local ordinances are warranted.
Allen said today’s meeting is intended to ensure the public has an opportunity to be informed and participate in the discussion before any decision is made regarding the proposed moratorium.
John Deere Reaches Landmark Right-to-Repair Settlement, Expanding Repair Access for Farmers
A landmark settlement between John Deere, the Federal Trade Commission, and five state attorneys general is expected to significantly change how farmers repair their equipment, giving owners and independent repair shops access to many of the same tools previously available only to authorized John Deere dealerships.
The 10-year agreement resolves an antitrust lawsuit that alleged Deere unlawfully restricted access to diagnostic software and repair capabilities, forcing farmers to rely on authorized dealers for many repairs and increasing repair costs and downtime. Deere did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Under the agreement, John Deere must provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources currently available to its dealer network on fair and reasonable terms. That includes electronic diagnostic software capable of reading, clearing, and resetting fault codes; the ability to reprogram electronic components and pair replacement parts with equipment; and tools to restart equipment following emissions-related shutdowns, commonly known as “limp mode.” Farmers and independent technicians will also gain access to technical manuals, troubleshooting information, product improvement programs, and other repair guidance used by dealership service departments.
The settlement also requires Deere to make future repair resources available once they have been deployed to more than half of its authorized dealer network. In addition, the company must notify customers about the availability of these resources, instruct dealers to support their use, and refrain from retaliating against farmers or independent repair shops that choose to perform their own repairs rather than using dealership service departments. The FTC will oversee Deere’s compliance with the agreement for the next 10 years.
The announcement is being hailed as a major victory for the growing “right-to-repair” movement, which has argued that owners should be able to maintain and repair the equipment they purchase without unnecessary manufacturer restrictions. Advocates say expanded access to software and diagnostic tools could reduce costly downtime during planting and harvest seasons, when waiting for dealership service can have significant financial consequences.
The FTC said the agreement is intended to increase competition in the agricultural equipment repair market while lowering costs and giving farmers more flexibility in deciding who repairs their machinery.
VA Claims Backlog Falls Below 70,000 for First Time Since 2020
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a major milestone in processing disability claims, with the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits dropping below 70,000 for the first time in more than six years.
According to the VA, the number of disability compensation and pension claims pending longer than 125 days—the department’s definition of a backlog—has fallen below the 70,000 mark for the first time since February 2020. The agency says the backlog has been reduced by more than 74 percent since January 2025.
The VA also reports that it is processing claims faster than at any point in its history. The average time to complete a disability compensation or pension claim is now 77.7 days, a record low. Since the beginning of 2025, the department says it has completed more than one million claims in fewer than 30 days.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the improvements mean faster decisions, better service, and quicker access to benefits for veterans and their families.
The agency also highlighted several additional accomplishments over the past year, including opening 38 new VA health care facilities, processing more than 3 million disability compensation and pension claims during Fiscal Year 2025, offering veterans more than 3 million appointments outside normal business hours, and permanently housing 51,936 homeless veterans, the highest annual total in seven years.
Veterans who have not yet applied for benefits or health care are encouraged to visit VA.gov or Choose.VA.gov to learn more about available programs and begin the application process.
Chattooga County Animal Shelter at Capacity, Urgent Homes Needed for Six Dogs
The Friends of the Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the public’s help after announcing the shelter has reached full capacity and is in urgent need of adopters, foster families, and rescue organizations.
Shelter volunteers say dogs continue to arrive daily from emergency situations, and there is now an intake waiting list. With every kennel currently occupied, officials say opening even one space could mean saving another animal in need.
Six dogs have been identified as needing placement as soon as possible:
- Macy, a 1- to 2-year-old female weighing about 70 pounds.
- Lucy, a 6-month-old female weighing about 35 pounds.
- Carmelo, a 6-month-old male weighing about 30 pounds.
- Lucky, a 6-month-old female weighing about 35 pounds.
- Zoe, a spayed 2-year-old female weighing about 50 pounds.
- Oscar, a 1-year-old male weighing about 50 pounds.
According to the shelter, all six dogs have been vaccinated for DHPP and Bordetella.
Anyone interested in adopting, fostering, or arranging rescue placement is encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Animal Shelter as soon as possible.
The shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. It can be reached by email at Charlie.Long@chattoogacounty.gov or by phone at 706-857-0679.
Shelter hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday visits are available by appointment.
The Friends of the Chattooga County Animal Shelter is also encouraging residents to share the information on social media, noting that a simple share could help connect one of these dogs with a forever home.
Homer Man Indicted In Chattooga County Child Molestation Case
A Homer man has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on child molestation-related charges, according to court records.
Dennis Harley Taylor was charged with three counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of child molestation, and one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes.
Investigators say the alleged offenses involved a young boy and occurred between September 8 and November 29, 2023. Taylor was arrested on March 29.
The case will proceed through Chattooga County Superior Court. As with all criminal cases, Taylor is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Lyerly Accepting Vendor Applications for Down Home Day Celebration
The Town of Lyerly is now accepting vendor applications for its annual Down Home Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Vendor spaces are available for $15 per spot, and organizers are inviting local businesses, artisans, crafters, food vendors, and community organizations to participate in the popular community event.
Those interested in reserving a space can comment directly on the Town of Lyerly’s Facebook post, send a private message to the Lyerly, Georgia Facebook page or Sally Kerce, or call Lyerly Town Hall at 706-895-2611.
Town officials are also warning prospective vendors to be aware of scammers. According to the town, individuals attempted to impersonate event organizers on Facebook last year by offering vendor spaces for $150 and requesting payment through social media.
Officials stress that no one should send money through Facebook for vendor registration. Applications and payments should only be handled through the official Town of Lyerly Facebook page, Sally Kerce, or Lyerly Town Hall.
Down Home Day is one of Lyerly’s signature annual events, featuring vendors, local businesses, food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Chattooga County Seeks Bids for Nearly 19 Miles of Road Resurfacing
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG/LRA) Program.
The project includes 18.54 miles of road resurfacing throughout Chattooga County. Contractors will provide both labor and materials for the paving work. Roads identified as newly constructed dirt roads will receive 2.5 inches of asphalt, while resurfacing projects on existing roads will receive 1.25 inches of asphalt.
A complete list of roads included in the project is available from the Commissioner’s Office or online at www.chattoogacounty.gov.
Sealed bids must be clearly marked “Sealed Bid” and delivered to the Commissioner’s Office at 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville, by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. Bids will be opened during the Commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Contractors submitting bids must include a 10 percent bid bond, carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance, maintain workers’ compensation coverage, and be properly licensed to conduct business in Georgia. The county also requires contractors to provide a drug-free workplace for employees working on the project.
Commissioner Allen noted that the county reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Swim Guide Helps Residents Check Water Safety Before Weekend Recreation
Residents planning to swim, paddle, or play on area waterways this weekend are encouraged to check water quality before heading out.
The Coosa River Basin Initiative is once again offering its 2026 Swim Guide, which tracks bacteria levels at 29 monitoring sites across the Coosa River Basin through Labor Day weekend. That includes monitoring of the Chattooga River.
Courtnee Davenport, Outreach Programs Manager for CRBI, says water samples are tested for harmful E. coli. Results are posted each Friday at coosa.org. Sites marked green indicate low E. coli levels and are considered suitable for recreation, while red sites show high levels and mean visitors should use extra caution or avoid the area.
Davenport says bacteria levels often rise after heavy rainfall, and swimmers should wait 24 to 48 hours after a rain event before getting into area rivers and lakes.
The Coosa River Basin Initiative works to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin.
Arrest Report - Thursday - July 9, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 9, 2026:
Storm Chances Increase Today Ahead of Wet Weekend
A more unsettled weather pattern begins building across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia today, bringing a better chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Today will be mostly sunny and humid with a high near 90. A few showers are possible early, but the better chance of storms comes after 11 a.m. Rain chances today are around 40 percent, with west winds at 5 to 10 miles per hour and gusts up to 15 miles per hour.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 72. A few showers or thunderstorms could linger into the overnight hours, with rain chances around 30 percent.
Rain chances continue to climb Friday, with showers and thunderstorms likely by afternoon and a high near 91. Heat index values could reach the upper 90s before storms develop.
The wettest period appears to be Saturday, when showers and thunderstorms are expected and rain chances increase to 80 percent. Additional showers and storms remain likely Sunday and Monday, with highs dropping into the mid-80s by early next week.
Forecasters say widespread severe weather is not expected, but a few stronger storms could produce gusty winds, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Bond Denied for Alabama Man After Crash In Northwest Georgia Kills One-Year-Old Child
Bond has been denied for an Anniston, Alabama man following his arrest in a July 4 crash in Polk County that claimed the life of a one-year-old child.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the wreck happened around 2:50 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 100 and Fields Road south of Cedartown. Troopers say a Ford Mustang was traveling too fast to negotiate a curve, left the right side of the roadway, and struck a concrete culvert head-on.
Investigators said the one-year-old child was in the front seat and was not in a car seat. The child was taken to Floyd Medical Center, where she died from her injuries on Sunday.
The driver, Ezzie Tommy Harrison of Anniston, Alabama, remains in the Polk County Jail. He is facing multiple charges, including felony first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, endangering a child while DUI, child restraint violation, failure to maintain lane, no insurance, failure to exercise due care, and no registration.
Tellus Museum to Visit Chattooga County Library for Summer Reading Finale
Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with a special visit from the Tellus Science Museum at the Chattooga County Library next week.
The Summer Reading Finale with the Tellus Museum will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The free program will feature an interactive dinosaur-themed presentation where children will learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through a hands-on educational game. Following the presentation, participants can enjoy activity stations featuring dinosaur crafts, a dinosaur dig scavenger hunt, fossil touch pieces, bookmark coloring, and a chance to cool off with free icees.
Library officials say the event will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is open to the public.
Berry College Receives Nearly $750,000 for Longleaf Pine Restoration Project
Berry College and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have been awarded nearly $750,000 to restore thousands of acres of longleaf pine habitat in Northwest Georgia.
The project is supported by a $387,100 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with matching funds bringing the total investment to nearly $750,000.
The grant was secured by Dr. Adrienne Ernst, director of the Berry College Longleaf Pine Project, along with collaborators Carlee Steppe and Allison Melcher of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
The funding will be used to restore calcareous flatwoods and montane longleaf pine habitats at Berry College and nearby Georgia DNR Wildlife Management Areas. The project also aims to help recover Mohr’s Barbara’s button, a federally threatened plant species found in the flatwoods.
Officials say more than 3,000 acres will be restored and managed through prescribed burning, invasive species control, and targeted habitat improvements. The team will also develop a 50-year management plan to guide long-term conservation efforts across the landscape.
Georgia Drivers Encouraged to Add Emergency Contact to Driver's License Records
The Georgia Department of Driver Services is encouraging motorists to take a few minutes to add emergency contact information to their driver’s license or state ID records—a free update that could prove invaluable during an emergency.
The information is stored securely in the state’s driver records system and can be accessed by authorized law enforcement officers and medical personnel if someone is injured, unconscious, or otherwise unable to communicate. Officials say the feature can also help when a cellphone is locked, damaged, or unavailable following a crash.
DDS Commissioner Angelique McClendon is urging Georgians to keep the information current, noting that accurate emergency contact details can help first responders quickly notify family members or loved ones when every minute counts. The department says the feature is especially beneficial for individuals with medical conditions or memory issues that could prevent them from identifying an emergency contact.
Adding or updating an emergency contact is free and does not require drivers to obtain a new physical driver’s license or identification card. The information is updated electronically through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or at any DDS Customer Service Center. Officials also encourage drivers to add their Georgia Digital Driver’s License or ID to their smartphone’s digital wallet for added convenience.
Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana, Suspended License Charges
A 34-year-old man was arrested following an early morning traffic stop in Chattooga County after a deputy reported finding suspected marijuana inside his vehicle.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Deputy Adam Dawson was parked on Highway 27 at approximately 4:04 a.m. on July 2 when he observed a gray Honda Accord traveling without functioning taillights. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.
The driver was identified as Patrick Lamar Davis, 34. According to the report, deputies searched the vehicle and found a mason jar containing two bags of suspected marijuana beneath the driver’s seat, along with a suspected marijuana grinder and a THC gummy.
Investigators also determined Davis was driving with a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant from Floyd County. He was arrested and charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and possession of marijuana (less than one ounce) before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Summerville to Celebrate Diversity During Multicultural Festival July 18
The City of Summerville is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the many cultures that make up the community during the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Train Depot.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live cultural performances, face painting, craft vendors, educational displays, and exhibits celebrating traditions from around the globe.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to welcome the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Antique Steam Engine and see the working Summerville Turntable, making it a unique day of entertainment, history, and community.
Organizers encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a day of food, culture, music, and family fun while celebrating the diversity that helps make Chattooga County a special place to live.
Governor Kemp Leads Economic Development Mission to Scotland and Ireland
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an international economic development mission this week to Scotland and Ireland, where they are meeting with business leaders and government officials to strengthen relationships and encourage additional investment in Georgia.
The delegation includes representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and will meet with executives from Hyundai Motor Group, whose investments in Georgia represent the largest economic development project in state history. The Governor is also scheduled to meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and visit several companies with operations in Georgia.
Among the companies participating are Kerry Group, which operates food-processing facilities in Rome and Calhoun, along with CRH, Kingspan Group, Mallaghan, and Smurfit Westrock. The delegation will also tour the Georgia Southern University Wexford Campus to promote educational and economic partnerships between Georgia and Ireland.
Governor Kemp said the trip is focused on creating new jobs and expanding opportunities for hardworking Georgians through continued international investment.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 8, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 8, 2026:
