Arrest Report - Wednesday - February 18, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 19, 2026:
Warm, Wet Changes Ahead for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Drivers across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will want to stay alert this morning as patchy dense fog may develop in spots. Visibility could drop quickly, especially in low-lying areas and along rural roads. If fog forms, slow down, use low beams, and leave extra distance between vehicles. After the morning fog threat, the bigger story becomes an unseasonable warm-up. Winds have turned southerly, pulling warmer and more humid air into the region. Skies will stay mostly cloudy through today, and while a little drizzle or an isolated light shower is possible, most locations won’t see measurable rainfall.
Temperatures continue climbing through Thursday and Friday, running much higher than normal for mid-February and pushing toward near-record levels. The warmth will be noticeable not only during the afternoons but also overnight, with Friday morning lows expected to stay unusually mild before highs surge again later in the day.
Rain chances increase after Wednesday, with more consistent rain developing Thursday and then becoming widespread on Friday and Saturday as a front approaches and stalls near the region. Expect periods of showers with a few storms possible, though widespread severe weather is not expected at this time. Forecast totals through the weekend are generally around a half-inch to one inch, with locally higher amounts possible where storms linger.
By late Sunday into early next week, the front finally clears out and a much cooler, drier pattern moves in. Temperatures will drop sharply, with highs potentially falling into the 40s, bringing a more winterlike feel back to Northwest Georgia.
“There’s Hope for the Hungry” Happening Today in Summerville
“There’s Hope for the Hungry” is scheduled for today, February 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at South Summerville Baptist Church, located at 440 Highway 48 in Summerville. Organizers say no identification is required to receive assistance. The event is part of an ongoing effort to provide food support and encouragement to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Chattooga County.
Food Distribution Set for Saturday in Teloga Area
A free food distribution is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church in the Teloga community.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. until noon and will be first come, first served. Organizers say the distribution is open to those in need while supplies last.
The food distribution is being offered by Helping Hands End Hunger in partnership with the Atrium Health Floyd–Polk Foundation. Additional support is being provided by the Teloga Community, Teloga Fire Department, Teloga Springs Farm, and Beersheba Presbyterian Church.
The event will be held at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, 9977 Highway 337, Summerville, Georgia 30747. For more information, organizers ask the public to contact Mandy Hale at Teloga Springs Farm.
Armuchee Man Arrested on Felony Financial Transaction Card Fraud Warrant
An Armuchee man has been arrested on a felony warrant charging him with financial transaction card fraud.
According to the warrant, 45-year-old James Richard Guice is accused of authorizing another person to withdraw money from an ATM and then later reporting to the financial institution that the person did not have permission to make the withdrawal.
Investigators say the credit union credited $600 to Guice’s account based on that report, which the warrant alleges was false.
The case remains under investigation.
Pilgrim’s Pride Plant in Walker County Set to Break Ground This Fall in $400 Million Project
Construction on Pilgrim’s Pride’s new prepared foods plant in Walker County is expected to begin this fall, a major step forward in a $400 million development local and state leaders say could reshape the area’s economy and bring hundreds of jobs to Northwest Georgia.
The project, first announced in July 2025, will be built on a 100-acre site in the Walker County Business Park off U.S. 27 near LaFayette, just north of Audia Plastics. When fully operational, the facility is expected to employ more than 630 workers.
Pilgrim’s Pride plans to build a 300,000-square-foot prepared foods operation supporting its expanding fully cooked chicken business. Products expected from the Walker County plant include chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, and lightly breaded chicken breast strips, sold through grocery stores and wholesale clubs under well-known brands.
“This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared foods business by expanding brands like Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist, and supporting increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels,” said Pilgrim’s CEO Fabio Sandri when the project was announced.
Company officials say the Walker County facility is part of a broader strategy to expand Pilgrim’s prepared foods footprint while strengthening its presence in Georgia, a state central to the poultry industry. Pilgrim’s operates seven food production facilities in Georgia and supports an estimated 7,500 jobs statewide, along with related operations including feed mills and hatcheries.
While the company has not released an official pay scale for the new plant, wage estimates posted on employment websites indicate a range of positions. Entry-level roles are estimated at roughly $14 to $23 an hour, with experienced hourly workers potentially earning $20 to $38 an hour depending on the job and experience level. Skilled technical and supervisory roles are expected to pay more, with some leadership and management positions exceeding $100,000 a year.
Hiring is expected to begin in 2027, aligning with completion of the first phase of construction.
North Georgia EMC Warns of Scam Messages Claiming Rolling Blackouts
North Georgia EMC is warning members about scam emails and messages circulating across the Southeast that falsely claim the TVA is preparing for rolling blackouts and urge recipients to click a link for more information.
The utility says these messages are not legitimate and are designed to steal money and/or install viruses on your device, and they are not coming from TVA or any power provider.
Officials say another related scam involves messages claiming a customer has unusually high power usage and demanding immediate payment. North Georgia EMC stresses those messages are also fake and warns members not to click any links, share personal information, or respond to threatening payment demands.
If you receive a suspicious message, delete it and contact your utility directly using an official phone number or website.
“Country Democrats Rising” Event Set for February 21 in Walker County
A political and community event titled “Country Democrats Rising” is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Walker County Ag Center located at 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring. Organizers describe the gathering as a mix of political discussion, entertainment, and music.
The event will feature comedian Corey Ryan Forrester, also known as the “Redneck Liberal,” along with appearances by local and congressional candidates, including U.S. Congressional candidate Shawn Harris and Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard. A cornbread and chili lunch is also planned for attendees, along with live country music from Abston/Mast Trio.
Tickets are priced at $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for youth ages 16 to 30, with organizers noting the event is for adults only. Prepaid tickets are available online through ActBlue.
Vehicle Vandalized in Summerville, Criminal Trespass Investigation Ongoing
Police are investigating a case of criminal trespass and property damage after a vehicle was vandalized at a Summerville residence.
The incident occurred at a home on Selman Avenue, where officers responded to a report of damage to a 2003 Toyota Corolla. According to the report, the vehicle sustained extensive damage, including large dents to both passenger-side doors, damage to the passenger-side fender, and a shattered driver-side door glass. The estimated value of the damage was listed at $4,500.
Investigators were advised that there may be video evidence of the incident, and photographs of the damage were observed by officers at the scene. The report indicates the incident may be part of an ongoing issue involving harassment and prior property damage.
Police also noted that a person connected to the investigation had previously been banned from a nearby property by the Summerville Housing Authority earlier this year.
At the time of the report, the case remained pending, and no arrest had been made. The investigation is ongoing.
Man Arrested After Domestic Dispute in Summerville
A Summerville man was arrested following a domestic disturbance at a residence on Orchard Road, according to an incident report from local law enforcement
Police responded to the home in Summerville, where officers investigated a reported altercation involving multiple individuals. The incident was classified as disorderly conduct under Georgia law and was identified as a domestic violence–related case.
According to the report, Austin Robert Sitton, 21, was identified as the primary individual involved. Officers documented minor injuries to at least one victim, including visible bruising. Statements were collected from those involved, and officers observed physical evidence consistent with an altercation.
After completing the investigation, Sitton was placed in handcuffs and transported to the Chattooga County Jail, where he was booked. The case was cleared by arrest.
The incident occurred at a private residence, and no weapons were reported to be involved.
Rossville Man Sentenced to Life After Guilty Plea in Catoosa County Jail Murder
A 22-year-old Rossville man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to Malice Murder in the killing of a fellow inmate inside the Catoosa County Jail.
On February 10, 2026, Erwin Vanegas entered the guilty plea for the murder of 71-year-old Robert White, stemming from an attack that happened on December 5, 2024 while the two men were cellmates. Chief Judge Brian M. House sentenced Vanegas to life in the Georgia Department of Corrections. After serving 30 years, Vanegas may become eligible for parole.
According to case information, Vanegas assaulted White while White was lying in bed, repeatedly stomping on his head. White was transported to the hospital and later died on January 18, 2025 as a result of his injuries.
Lt. Todd Pitts of the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman and Senior Assistant District Attorney Beth Evans, with assistance from Victim Advocate Shelby Armstrong and Legal Assistants Leann Black and Rachel Moon.
In a statement, Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman credited Senior ADA Evans’ preparation for securing the guilty plea ahead of a scheduled jury trial, adding that the conviction sends a message that violence will not be tolerated in the jail or in the community.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - February 17, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, February 17, 2026:
Warm, Springlike Weather Continues in Chattooga County Before Rain Returns Late Week
Above-average temperatures will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with the warmest weather expected on Thursday and Friday. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach the upper 60s and low 70s through midweek, then climb into the 70s by the end of the week, making it feel more like early spring than mid-February.
High pressure will keep conditions generally calm through Wednesday, though increasing moisture and clear nights could lead to areas of early morning fog, especially in low-lying locations. Clouds will gradually increase, and while a stray light shower is possible Wednesday, most locations should remain dry.
Rain chances rise late Thursday and into Friday as a stalled frontal boundary sets up across North Georgia. Friday currently looks like the best opportunity for more widespread rainfall, with a few isolated thunderstorms possible. No severe weather is expected at this time.
The strongest weather system is forecast to arrive late Saturday into early Sunday, bringing a better chance for thunderstorms across Northwest Georgia. A cold front will follow, with gusty northwest winds expected Sunday afternoon.
Behind the front, temperatures will drop sharply. By Monday, highs in Chattooga County are expected to fall back into the 40s and 50s, returning the region to more typical February conditions.
President Trump to Visit Rome on Thursday
President Donald J. Trump is slated to make a brief stop in Rome, Georgia, on Thursday, Feb. 22, as part of a three‑day tour of northern Georgia that also includes stops in Gainesville and Dalton. The White House confirmed the itinerary late Monday, saying the president will “meet with local business leaders, deliver remarks on the national economy, and underscore his support for Republican candidates in the ongoing special election for Georgia’s 14th congressional district.”
A High‑Profile Endorsement in a Hotly Contested Race
The trip comes for the jungle primary to fill the vacant seat of former Rep. Marjorie Taylor‑Greene, who resigned earlier this year amid ethics investigations, reaches its decisive phase. The 14th district, which stretches from the foothills of the Blue Ridge to the foothills of Lookout Mountain, includes the city of Rome, a historic industrial hub with a population of roughly 35,000.
President Trump is slated to formally endorse Clay Fuller, the incumbent Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. Fuller entered the race in December, positioning himself as a “law‑and‑order” candidate with deep roots in the community.
In a pre‑recorded video released by the Trump campaign on Wednesday, the president praised Fuller as “a true public servant who fights for the everyday American, a fighter in the courtroom and in the sky, and a man who will keep our district safe and prosperous.” The endorsement marks the latest in a series of high‑profile Trump backings in the state, where the former president’s influence remains a decisive factor in primary elections.
LaFayette Farmers Market Now Accepting Vendor Applications for 2026 Season
LaFayette Farmers Market-GA is inviting local makers, growers, and producers to apply to become vendors for the 2026 market season. Market organizers say the LaFayette Farmers Market is a producer-only, community-centered market focused on supporting local agriculture, artisans, and small businesses—welcoming vendors who grow it, raise it, bake it, or make it.
All vendors, including those who participated in past seasons, are required to re-apply for 2026. The market will run Saturdays from April 25 through August 29, operating 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, in Downtown LaFayette, Georgia.
Vendor applications are available online HERE
Georgia Gas Prices Rise to $2.72 a Gallon as Spring Maintenance Begins
Fuel prices in Georgia moved higher this week, pushing the statewide average to $2.72 per gallon as of Monday, though drivers could still see day-to-day swings at the pump. AAA-The Auto Club Group says rising oil costs and the start of seasonal refinery maintenance are tightening supplies and nudging prices upward, even as winter weather has kept demand somewhat lower.
“Gas prices are creeping up as oil gets more expensive and refineries head into their spring maintenance routine,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Even though winter weather has kept demand a bit lower, tighter supplies are still nudging prices higher, and while we don’t know when they’ll ease, they’re still well below where they were at this time last year.”
Compared to recent benchmarks, Georgia’s average is 6 cents higher than last week, 7 cents higher than last month, and 28 cents lower than this time last year. For a typical 15-gallon fill-up, the statewide average works out to about $40.80.
Nationally, the average for regular gas also ticked up slightly to $2.92 per gallon, but that remains well below the $3.16 national average seen this time last year. Analysts point to increasing crude oil prices and refinery maintenance as factors that could continue to keep pressure on prices in the near term.
Across the state, Atlanta averaged $2.73. The most expensive metro markets in Georgia were Savannah at $2.80, Hinesville–Fort Stewart at $2.75, and Macon at $2.74. The least expensive metro markets were Augusta–Aiken at $2.64, Rome at $2.63, and Catoosa–Dade–Walker at $2.62. Locally, averages as of Monday included Chattooga at $2.63, Floyd at $2.63, Walker at $2.60, and Gordon at $2.67, with nearby Alabama averages including DeKalb at $2.59 and Cherokee at $2.64.
Chattooga Teachers Named Georgia Science Teachers of the Year
Two educators from the Chattooga County School District are being recognized statewide for excellence in science instruction. Erin Smith of Leroy Massey Elementary and Melissa Rowe of Chattooga High School have been named Georgia Science Teachers Association (GSTA) Science Teachers of the Year, earning top honors at the elementary and high school levels.
District leaders say Smith and Rowe were selected for their dedication, instructional leadership, and passion for engaging students in meaningful science learning. Their recognition, the district says, reflects the high-quality science instruction delivered across Chattooga County classrooms each day.
The GSTA Teacher of the Year Award honors educators with a proven record of excellence and impact on student learning. Award recipients receive a $1,500 honorarium and complimentary registration to the GSTA Annual Conference. The district is encouraging the community to join in congratulating both teachers on the achievement.
Chattooga County Man Arrested on DUI and Reckless Driving Charges
A Chattooga County man was arrested earlier this month following a traffic stop that led to multiple charges, including Driving Under the Influence, according to an arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested David Cole Hudson, 27, after an incident on Highway 27 during the early morning hours of February 8, 2026. Authorities say a deputy observed a maroon Dodge Ram speeding and passing multiple vehicles in a no-passing zone, creating a safety risk for other drivers. A traffic stop was initiated after the vehicle crossed into the northbound lane to overtake traffic.
During the stop, deputies reported signs of impairment, including the smell of alcohol and open containers inside the vehicle. Field sobriety tests were conducted, during which Hudson reportedly showed multiple indicators of intoxication, including difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. A breath test later registered a blood alcohol concentration of .176, more than twice the legal limit.
Hudson was taken into custody and charged with DUI (Alcohol – Misdemeanor), Reckless Driving, and Open Container. He was later transported to the Chattooga County Jail following a blood draw.
WZQZ Pet of the Week: Meet Kevin, a Playful Pup Looking for a Forever Home
This week’s WZQZ Pet of the Week is Kevin — a happy, playful pup with a big smile who’s ready to find his forever home. Kevin is a neutered male who’s described as sweet and loving, and he gets along great with toys and other dogs, making him a wonderful fit for an active family or anyone looking for a friendly companion.
Kevin is currently available for adoption at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays by appointment, and the shelter also opens the first Saturday of every month for adoptions only. To learn more about Kevin or to start the adoption process, call 706-857-0679.
Man Arrested After Scissors Attack; Faces Multiple Felony Charges in Gordon County
A violent attack in Gordon County late last week ended with a Plainville man behind bars after deputies say he assaulted a woman at her home with a pair of scissors, then fled the scene.
The incident was reported around 9:30 Friday morning, when the victim told deputy sheriffs she had been attacked inside her residence. Investigators say the victim, with help from another woman, fought the suspect off, forcing him to leave before deputies arrived.
Gordon County deputies developed information on the suspect’s whereabouts and identified him as Dwight S. Hunter, 65. Authorities say Hunter was located and arrested by Bartow County officials near Adairsville, then immediately transferred to the Gordon County Jail.
Hunter is charged with Aggravated Assault, False Imprisonment, Battery/Elder Abuse, three counts of Terroristic Threats involving threats against the victim’s family, and Violation of Probation. Investigators say Hunter’s criminal history spans decades dating back to the 1970s, and he has spent significant time in the Georgia prison system. At the time of this arrest, deputies say he was on probation for multiple offenses, including Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping.
Gordon County Sheriff Ralston also thanked the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating and apprehending Hunter.