Arrest Report - Wednesday - June 3, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 3, 2026:
Cooler Mornings and Dry Conditions Through Saturday
Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will continue to enjoy an unusually comfortable stretch of early June weather, with dry skies, cool mornings, and mild afternoon temperatures expected through the end of the work week.
The National Weather Service says high pressure remains in control across north and central Georgia, keeping rain chances near zero through at least Saturday. Lingering clouds have moved out of the area, allowing mostly sunny skies to return.
Temperatures will be one of the bigger weather stories over the next couple of mornings. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the low to mid-50s across much of the region, making it feel more like spring than the beginning of summer. Some residents may even want a light jacket early in the morning.
Afternoon conditions will remain pleasant, with highs today reaching the mid to upper 70s. Lower humidity and dewpoints near 50 degrees will help keep the air feeling comfortable. Breezy winds between 10 and 20 mph are also expected at times.
Dry weather will continue Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with morning lows generally in the 50s and afternoon highs warming into the 80s by the end of the week. Humidity levels are expected to remain manageable, making for several nice days across Summerville, Trion, Menlo, Lyerly, and surrounding communities.
Changes begin to arrive late in the weekend as the ridge of high pressure shifts offshore and moisture returns from the south. By Sunday afternoon and evening, isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will become possible across Georgia.
Rain chances are expected to increase to around 20 to 30 percent on Sunday, then rise into the 30 to 40 percent range by Monday afternoon. Forecasters say the pattern looks like a typical summertime setup, with showers and thunderstorms mainly developing during the warmer parts of the day.
At this time, no widespread severe weather or flooding threat is expected. Any storms that do develop should be the kind of pop-up afternoon storms common during the summer months in Northwest Georgia.
Wild West Fun, Steam Train Arrival Planned At Summerville Depot Saturday
A day of cowboy adventures, family activities, shopping, and railroad history is coming to downtown Summerville this Saturday as Summerville Main Street hosts its annual Wild West celebration at the Historic Summerville Depot.
The free event will take place June 6 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the depot, located at 119 East Washington Street.
Visitors can enjoy food and craft vendors, live entertainment, historical demonstrations, free mechanical bull rides, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day.
One of the featured attractions will be the Spurred West Living History Group, which will transform part of the depot into a 19th-century saloon complete with historical displays and demonstrations. Reenactors will portray characters from the Old West, including Georgia-born frontier con man Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, while sharing stories and insights about life on the frontier.
Live gunfight reenactments are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. outside the depot. Between performances, visitors will have opportunities to meet cast members, take photographs, and learn more about cowboy culture and western history.
Children and families can also enjoy visits from the Cowboy Church Clowns, known for their family-friendly entertainment and photo opportunities. A new attraction this year will be free mechanical bull rides, with riders able to choose their preferred speed. Participants will be required to sign a waiver before riding.
Railroad enthusiasts will want to have their cameras ready for one of the day’s biggest highlights. At approximately 12:30 p.m., the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s historic 4501 steam locomotive is expected to arrive from Chattanooga with a passenger excursion train. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch the locomotive being turned on the historic Summerville turntable.
Organizers say the event offers something for all ages and serves as a celebration of both the area’s railroad heritage and the spirit of the American West.
Rising Housing Costs Continue To Squeeze Chattooga County Residents
Finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult for many families in Chattooga County as rent prices continue to rise while wages struggle to keep pace with the cost of living.
Just a few years ago, renters could often find apartments or rental homes in the county for well under $700 per month. Today, it is not uncommon to see rental properties listed for $900 to $1,500 a month, depending on size, condition, and location. In some cases, available rentals are receiving multiple inquiries within days of being listed.
For many local residents, housing costs are consuming a larger share of monthly income than ever before. Financial experts generally recommend spending no more than 30 percent of household income on housing. However, many working families are finding themselves well above that threshold, leaving less money available for groceries, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and other necessities.
The pressure is being felt by young adults trying to move out on their own, seniors living on fixed incomes, and working families balancing childcare and household expenses. Some residents have reported taking on roommates, moving in with relatives, or commuting longer distances in search of more affordable housing options.
The housing shortage is not unique to Chattooga County. Communities across Georgia and the nation continue to face a limited supply of affordable rental units, increased construction costs, higher insurance rates, and growing demand for housing.
Local leaders and housing advocates say affordable housing remains one of the county’s most significant long-term challenges. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley continue working to expand homeownership opportunities in northwest Georgia, while economic development officials point to the need for additional housing options to support workforce growth.
Meanwhile, many residents continue looking for ways to stretch their budgets as rising rent, food, insurance, and utility costs put increasing pressure on household finances.
As the cost of living continues to climb, affordable housing remains a major concern for many families throughout Chattooga County and northwest Georgia.
GNTC Foundation Scholarship Application Period Now Open
Students planning to attend Georgia Northwestern Technical College now have an opportunity to apply for scholarship assistance through the GNTC Foundation.
The scholarship application period is currently open, allowing eligible students to apply for a variety of scholarships funded through the Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation. Scholarships are available to help students offset the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses while pursuing their academic and career goals.
GNTC officials encourage both current and prospective students to complete the application process as early as possible. Scholarship opportunities vary and may be based on academic achievement, program of study, financial need, community involvement, or other criteria established by donors.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students across northwest Georgia, including campuses in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.
Students can learn more about available scholarships and submit applications through the GNTC Foundation website.
Georgia Drivers Seeing Higher Gas Prices After Tax Suspension Ends
The price of filling up is headed higher now that Georgia’s temporary gas tax suspension has expired.
Governor Brian Kemp did not extend the suspension beyond Tuesday, meaning the state’s motor fuel excise tax is back in effect as of today.
The tax adds approximately 33 cents per gallon on gasoline and about 37 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
In Chattooga County and across northwest Georgia, prices may not jump by the full amount at every station all at once. Some retailers may still be selling fuel purchased before the tax returned. But as stations replenish supplies, drivers should expect prices to climb.
For a typical 15-gallon fill-up, the return of the tax could add around five dollars to the cost of a tank of gas.
Local competition, wholesale fuel costs, and existing inventory will determine how quickly prices change from station to station. Even so, drivers should be prepared for noticeably higher fuel costs through the rest of the week.
DNR Proposes Updates To Georgia Protected Species List
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to the state’s protected species list for the first time since 2006.
The list includes plant and animal species protected under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act and Wildflower Preservation Act. These are species considered most in need of conservation across the state.
State listing makes it illegal to intentionally harm protected animals. It also restricts removing protected plants from state land without a permit, or from private land without the landowner’s permission.
DNR says the proposed updates include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and aligning some state listings with federal status.
The agency says the changes were developed as part of the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.
The public may also nominate species for consideration through June 30, 2026, using the online nomination form provided by DNR.
Final proposed changes will be made available for public comment before being sent to the Board of Natural Resources for adoption.
Habitat Coosa Valley Breaks Ground On 62nd Home
Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley has broken ground on its 62nd home, which will be built for the Cornejo family.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday, May 31, at the future home site on Brown Street in East Rome. Habitat officials say the project marks an important step toward providing the family with safe, affordable housing and long-term stability.
Executive Director Betsy Allgood said the home represents more than walls and a roof, calling it a foundation for stability, opportunity, and hope.
Habitat homes are built through partnerships involving volunteers, donors, community organizations, and the future homeowners themselves.
Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley serves Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk counties. More information about volunteer opportunities or ways to support the organization is available at habitatcoosavalley.org.
Chamber To Host Member AfterWork Meet Up At Dos Magueys
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting local business leaders and community members to attend its upcoming Member AfterWork Meet Up on Thursday, June 11.
The networking event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Dos Magueys Mexican Restaurant in Summerville.
According to the Chamber, the gathering is designed as a casual social and networking opportunity for members to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Dos Magueys will offer drink specials, and the Chamber will provide appetizers for attendees.
The Chamber noted that it will not hold a June luncheon this year and is instead offering this smaller summer networking event. While tickets are not required, organizers encourage attendees to RSVP in advance.
For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce at 706-857-4033
City of Summerville Hiring For Multiple Positions
The City of Summerville is accepting applications for several open positions in city government.
Current openings include Customer Service Representative, Gas Maintenance Worker, Building Inspector, Police Officer, and Water Sewer Maintenance Worker. The positions include roles in administration, public safety, and city utilities.
City officials say they are looking for dedicated, hard-working applicants interested in a stable career serving the local community.
The jobs are listed as open until filled and offer competitive pay, benefits, retirement options, paid time off, and a team-oriented work environment.
Anyone interested in can contact the City of Summerville for more information about the current openings and application process, or visit www.summervillega.org
WZQZ Pet of the Week: Meet Thunder
Looking for a loyal companion with a gentle personality? Meet Thunder, this week’s featured pet from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
Thunder is a male dog who is described as loving, calm, and very laid back. Shelter staff say he gets along well with other dogs and would make a wonderful addition to a family looking for a friendly, easygoing pet.
Thunder is available for adoption now through the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville.
The adoption fee is just $25.
For more information about Thunder or other pets available for adoption, call the shelter at 706-857-0679.
Lyerly Family Starting Over After Sunday Night House Fire
A Chattooga County family is starting over after a fire destroyed their Lyerly home Sunday night, leaving them with only the clothes they were wearing when they escaped.
Jessica Smith and her boyfriend, Marcus Wedgeworth, were at home around 10 p.m. when Smith noticed something was wrong. She said she smelled something unusual and heard a clicking noise coming from the electrical breaker box.
After cutting off the breaker, Smith walked toward the kitchen and saw flames.
She described the scene as a wall of red, saying the entire kitchen area was already on fire. Everyone inside the home was able to get out safely.
While no one was injured, the fire destroyed nearly all of the family’s belongings, including clothing, debit cards, important documents, and items Smith had recently purchased for her son’s upcoming 10th birthday party.
Smith said the loss is especially difficult because this is the second house fire she has survived. Her two children, ages 6 and 9, were spending the night away from home when the fire broke out. Smith said she is thankful they were not there, especially since the fire started on their side of the house.
Kevin Smith, Jessica’s father, said the family had spent weeks preparing for the birthday celebration, buying presents, decorations, a trampoline, sandbox, and other items that are now gone.
Relatives have established a fundraiser to help the family rebuild, and community members have already begun reaching out with offers of support.
Jessica Smith said any assistance would be appreciated as the family begins the process of starting over.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - June 2, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, June 2, 2026:
Cooler Air Set To Deliver Rare Early June Break From Heat
After weeks of warm, humid conditions, a refreshing change is arriving across northwest Georgia this week.
A backdoor cold front moving south into the region will bring noticeably cooler temperatures and lower humidity, creating conditions that will feel more like spring than the first week of meteorological summer. Before the cooler air fully settles in, however, a few isolated thunderstorms could develop Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service says the greatest storm coverage is expected farther south across central Georgia, but an isolated thunderstorm remains possible across northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County. Any storm that develops could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief heavy downpours.
Temperatures Tuesday afternoon are expected to top out near 80 degrees, several degrees cooler than recent days. Winds will shift out of the east as the front pushes through the area.
The bigger story arrives Wednesday morning when some locations across north Georgia could wake up to temperatures in the 50s. Those readings are well below what is typically expected for early June and will provide a comfortable start to the day. Afternoon highs Wednesday are forecast to remain in the upper 70s with sunshine, low humidity, and no significant chance of rain.
The pleasant weather pattern is expected to continue through the remainder of the work week. High pressure settling over the Southeast will keep skies mostly clear while temperatures gradually climb. Highs should reach the lower 80s Thursday before warming into the mid-80s by Friday.
Humidity levels are also expected to remain relatively low through the week, making outdoor activities more comfortable than they have been recently.
Forecasters are keeping an eye on the weekend and early next week as moisture begins returning from the Gulf. While no tropical development is currently expected, increasing moisture could bring a return to the familiar summertime pattern of scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms by Sunday or Monday.
For now, residents can look forward to several days of cooler mornings, pleasant afternoons, and a welcome break from the typical early summer humidity.
Commissioner Addresses Property Appraisal Visits Across Chattooga County
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has issued a statement addressing questions and concerns from residents regarding property appraisal work currently being conducted throughout the county by GMASS (Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services).
According to Allen, Georgia law requires county appraisal staff or contracted agents to conduct onsite property visits at least once every three years as part of the state’s uniform property assessment process. The visits are intended to ensure properties are assessed fairly and accurately based on current conditions.
Allen said GMASS employees conducting the visits must follow state-mandated identification procedures while working in neighborhoods across Chattooga County. Those requirements include displaying proper signage on their vehicles, wearing a visible safety vest, and providing official identification upon request.
The commissioner noted that GMASS is currently working in the final year of its original three-year contract with Chattooga County and that the appraisal updates are part of the company’s scheduled responsibilities under that agreement.
Residents who have concerns about an appraisal visit or who believe proper identification procedures were not followed are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office at 706-857-0737.
Allen also said residents may contact the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0701 with questions or concerns.
In his statement, Allen thanked residents for their cooperation and said the county remains committed to maintaining a fair and accurate property assessment system for all Chattooga County property owners.
Donations Needed For Trion And Chattooga Back To School Bash
Organizers are asking for community support as preparations continue for the annual Back to School Bash for Trion and Chattooga students.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 PM, and will include music, free back-to-school haircuts, shaved ice treats, community resources, and support for students preparing for the new school year.
Maisha Ludy with Chattooga Family Connection says donations have been slow so far, and organizers are asking the community to help spread the word and begin collecting supplies sooner rather than later.
Items currently needed include colored pencils, composition notebooks, one-subject notebooks, notebook paper, dividers, highlighters, glue sticks, 3×5 index cards, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pencil pouches, and crayon or coloring boxes.
School supply donations, monetary donations, community partners, and vendors are all being accepted. An Amazon wish list has also been made available to give the community ideas about needed supplies, although donations do not have to be purchased through Amazon.
Community organizations planning to set up a table at the Back to School Bash are asked to contact organizers with the name of their organization, whether they will provide information and resources only, or whether they would like to sponsor and distribute a specific school supply item.
Anyone interested in donating, becoming involved, or learning more can contact Maisha Ludy with Chattooga Family Connection at 706-388-9849 or by email at maishaludy@gmail.com.
Organizers say every donation helps ensure local students are prepared for a successful school year.
Chattooga River Fest Returns To Trion June 13
The Chattooga River Group will host its 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Trion Recreation Area in Trion. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.
Presented by the Family Crisis Center, the festival celebrates the Chattooga River and outdoor recreation while offering a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food, and educational opportunities.
Festival highlights include a free family-friendly kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, an open mic stage, a cornhole tournament, educational demonstrations and talks, exhibitors, and a variety of festival food vendors. Visitors will also have opportunities to purchase kayak raffle tickets and event merchandise at the Chattooga River Group tent.
Live music will cap off the day as The Band Chickamauga takes the stage from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Trion Recreation Area, located at the corner of Park Avenue and Dalton Street. Those using GPS should use 90 Dalton Street, Trion, GA 30753. Organizers say both parking and admission are free.
Registration and fees are required for those wishing to participate in the cornhole tournament or as festival vendors.
Additional information is available at ChattoogaRiverGroup.org and on the Chattooga River Group Facebook page.
Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Part-Time Shelter Assistant
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is now accepting applications for a part-time Shelter Assistant position.
According to the shelter, the position is ideal for someone who loves animals and is not afraid of hard work. Duties include cleaning kennels and shelter areas, feeding and caring for cats and dogs, laundry and general shelter upkeep, and helping maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals.
Applicants must be comfortable working with both cats and dogs, dependable, willing to perform physical cleaning duties, possess a positive attitude and strong work ethic, and be able to pass a drug test.
Hours and pay will be discussed during the interview process.
Those interested in applying have two options. Applications may be completed in person at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter during application hours of 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Applicants may also apply in person at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Officials say the position offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals while helping care for pets awaiting adoption and placement.
Summerville Man Charged In Armuchee Assault Case
A Summerville man was arrested this week after authorities say he assaulted a 50-year-old woman at the Circle K on Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee.
According to reports, 36-year-old Brandon Michael Montgomery of Summerville allegedly attempted to strike the woman’s vehicle with his own vehicle. Authorities say Montgomery is then accused of attempting to confine the victim inside her vehicle.
Reports further state that Montgomery allegedly placed his arms around the victim’s neck in an attempt to strangle her.
Montgomery has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and false imprisonment.
Summerville Man Cited On Public Intoxication And Marijuana Charges
A Summerville man was cited by the Summerville Police Department on May 30 following an incident on West Washington Street.
According to citations issued by the Summerville Police Department, Raymond Edward Wood, 57, of Summerville, was charged with public intoxication under a city ordinance and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.
The citation states officers observed Wood on a public roadway while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The officer reported indicators including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol, and noted that Wood admitted consuming alcoholic beverages prior to the encounter.
A second citation alleges Wood was found in possession of a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana. According to the report, the substance was located in a pants pocket and weighed approximately 0.34 ounces.
Wood was ordered to appear in Summerville Municipal Court at a later date to answer the charges.