Arrest Report - Thursday - February 5, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, February 5, 2026:
Cooler Today, Sunshine Returns This Afternoon in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia — Warm-Up Coming Next Week
Folks across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are waking up to a gray, chilly start this Thursday, February 5, 2026, with widespread low clouds hanging tough through the morning hours. A steady northwest breeze is adding an extra bite to the air, and temperatures early today are stuck in the 30s across much of the area. Even though the morning may feel damp and dreary, it’s not a rainy setup—just low clouds and cool air lingering behind the departing weather system.
As we move from late morning into early afternoon, conditions will noticeably improve as drier air pushes in from the west. The cloud deck should gradually break apart, and many communities should see brighter skies by afternoon. Sunshine will return for a good portion of the day, but don’t expect it to feel warm—high temperatures are still only expected to reach the 40s in the higher and northern areas of the region, including much of Northwest Georgia. For anyone with outdoor plans later today, the good news is that visibility and sky conditions improve, but the cooler air will still win out, especially with that breeze.
Tonight brings a quick temperature drop as winds ease and the atmosphere settles. With clearer skies and lighter winds, the region will cool efficiently, and early Friday morning lows are expected to dip into the upper 20s to low 30s. That means a cold start for the Friday commute and the usual cold pockets could see frost on windshields and exposed surfaces. If you have pets, sensitive plants, or outdoor water sources, it’s a good night to take the simple precautions that prevent small problems early Friday.
Friday marks a step in the right direction, though it’s still firmly in “winter coat in the morning, lighter layers in the afternoon” territory. Skies should stay mostly sunny, and as winds turn more west to southwest, a slightly milder air mass will slide in. Afternoon highs should climb into the mid to upper 50s across the area, with a few warmer spots flirting with the low 60s farther south. It will feel noticeably better than today, especially in the sunshine, and the dry weather should make Friday one of the best days for travel or catching up on outdoor chores.
Looking ahead into the weekend, the overall message stays simple: quiet and dry. Temperatures hold close to normal, and there’s no strong signal for widespread rain through the weekend. Nights gradually become less harsh, with lows rising out of the freezing range and settling more comfortably into the 40s as we head into early next week. The bigger story arrives as the calendar flips toward next week, when a springlike warm-up takes shape across Northwest Georgia. Highs are expected to reach the 60s and could push into the upper 60s to low 70s in some places, with dry conditions continuing. There is a potential signal for a rain chance around Tuesday into Wednesday, but confidence remains low at this point because forecast models disagree on how far south the next boundary will drop into the Southeast.
For now, the takeaway for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia is straightforward: today starts dreary and cold but improves with clearing skies this afternoon, tonight turns sharply colder with near-freezing lows, then a dry stretch carries us through the weekend and into a much warmer pattern early next week.
Man Reports Fake Check Scam to Summerville Police
A recent incident report in Summerville is serving as a reminder of how convincing “product tester” scams can look—and how quickly they can turn into a financial loss if someone deposits a counterfeit check.
According to the report, a man told police he is a product tester for Nike and received an email from someone claiming to represent the product testing company. In that email, the sender attached a check made out to him and instructed him to deposit it into his personal checking account.
Several details raised immediate red flags. The man reported the check already appeared to be endorsed on the back, and it also referenced the bank he uses—even though he said he has never provided that bank information to the legitimate company. He also told police that all payments he receives are normally handled through PayPal, not by mailed or emailed checks.
When he attempted to question the people behind the message, the subjects reportedly admitted signing the back of the check and insisted they could not pay through PayPal, saying the transaction had to be completed through his bank. The man did not deposit the check and reported the suspected fraud.
Police and consumer protection agencies warn that this is a classic setup for a fake-check scam. Here’s how these schemes typically work:
Scammers pose as an employer, vendor, or “testing company” and send a check that looks legitimate—often with professional formatting and believable details. They then push the target to deposit it quickly, sometimes claiming it’s for “testing expenses,” “equipment,” “shipping,” or “startup costs.” Banks may make some funds available before the check fully clears, which can give the impression the payment is real. Once the victim believes the deposit is good, scammers often pressure them to send money elsewhere—through gift cards, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps, or “reimbursements” to a third party. Days later, when the bank determines the check is counterfeit or altered, the deposit is reversed and the victim can be left responsible for the missing funds and fees.
Authorities recommend never depositing checks from unknown or unverifiable sources, being wary of any payment that doesn’t match the normal method used by a legitimate company, and treating any urgent demand to deposit a check—or to route money elsewhere—as a major warning sign.
GNTC Announces 2026 LAA–Mohawk Scholarship Recipients at Calhoun Ceremony
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced the 2026 recipients of the LAA–Mohawk Scholarship, recognizing students who are engaged in the Latino/Hispanic community and pursuing career and technical education across Northwest Georgia. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in the Conference Center on GNTC’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun.
The scholarship is funded by the Latin American Association (LAA) with sponsorship from Mohawk Industries Inc. and supports students who reside in Floyd, Gordon, Murray, or Whitfield counties. Each award is $1,000 and will be applied to tuition, fees, and related educational expenses.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship helps open doors not only for students, but also for their families—especially as many recipients are first-generation college students.
“This scholarship is very meaningful, as it creates fresh opportunities and futures for students pursuing educational dreams not just for themselves, but for their families,” Popham said. She added that while many recipients are the first in their families to attend college, she believes they will not be the last. Popham also noted that in the last academic year, 25 percent of GNTC’s enrollment was Latino or Hispanic, and said the partnership with LAA will remain important as that number continues to grow.
The 2026 recipients include:
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Yvonne Beltran of Dalton — Welding and Joining Technology
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Melissa Del Real of Rome — Radiologic Technology
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Joseph Guerrero of Calhoun — Electrical Systems Technology
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Leslee Menjivar of Calhoun — Electrical Systems Technology
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Guadalupe Nuñez of Dalton — Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
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Ronaldo Ramirez of Rome — Aviation Maintenance Technology
Scholarship eligibility is open to GNTC students in any program with at least a 2.5 GPA, and it recognizes community engagement through heritage, involvement, volunteerism, language, and support.
LAA Chief Operations Officer Eliezer Velez encouraged recipients to stay connected and continue serving others. Mohawk Industries representatives said the partnership is part of a long-term effort to invest in programs that benefit employees, families, and the wider region—particularly as a significant portion of the workforce is Hispanic. LAA leaders also emphasized their mission of lowering barriers to opportunity and helping families thrive through resources and support offered through service centers in Atlanta, Gwinnett County, and Northwest Georgia.
More information on GNTC Foundation scholarships is available through the college’s website.
Floyd Superior Court Dismisses TPO Petitions Against Dr. Raj Miniyar Amid Online Allegations
The Superior Court of Floyd County has dismissed all Temporary Protective Order petitions filed against Dr. Raj Miniyar, a pediatrician practicing in Rome who also operates a clinic in Trion, giving the case local interest for families in Chattooga County as well.
Judge Johnson issued the ruling Tuesday morning, dismissing and rejecting the petitions associated with the case. Court records documenting the decision were released following the ruling.
The matter has drawn significant public attention in recent weeks, with extensive discussion on social media and other online forums as the petitions moved through the court system. Background reporting indicates the filings came amid a broader wave of allegations and complaints that circulated online, following the departure of a longtime physician assistant from Dr. Miniyar’s practice. The claims were widely shared and debated online, though many details were not supported by publicly verified evidence.
That same reporting states the Georgia Composite Medical Board received numerous complaints tied to the online controversy and reviewed the allegations over a period of months, ultimately closing the matter without public disciplinary action.
Dr. Miniyar was contacted for comment following Tuesday’s ruling. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for the outcome and appreciation for the support he received during the process. He said he does not hold resentment toward those who filed the petitions and wished them well, adding that his focus remains on continuing to serve his patients and the community. Dr. Miniyar also quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stating, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Four Candidates Qualify for Senate District 53 Special Election After Colton Moore Resigns
Voters across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will have four names to choose from in the Georgia State Senate District 53 special election on March 10, after qualifying ended Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m.
Candidates who qualified include three Republicans — Blake Elsberry of Walker County, Denise Pierce Burns of Catoosa County, and Lanny Thomas of Chattooga County — along with one Democrat, John Bentley Zibluk of Walker County. Because this is a special election, all candidates will appear on the same ballot with no party primary. To win outright, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. If no one reaches that threshold, a runoff will be held April 7.
Senate District 53 covers all of Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties, along with a small portion of northwest Floyd County.
The special election follows the resignation of State Senator Colton Moore, a Republican from Dade County, who stepped down from the seat in January to run in the U.S. House District 14 special election. That federal special election is scheduled for the same day, March 10, meaning many Northwest Georgia voters will see both races on the ballot.
Both special elections will fill the unexpired terms through the end of this year. The seats will be up again in the November 2026 general election for full two-year terms.
Pre-K Enrollment Opens Today for Chattooga County Schools 2026–2027 Year
Families in Lyerly, Menlo, and Summerville can begin enrolling for Chattooga County Schools Pre-K for the 2026–2027 school year starting today, Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Parents and guardians can register online by scanning the QR code on the district flyer, or by visiting the Chattooga County Schools website and selecting the Enrollment Center. School officials remind families to use the Pre-K enrollment link and not the K–12 registration option.
For those who prefer to enroll in person, registration will be held at the Chattooga County Enrollment Center on Thursday, Feb. 5 and Friday, Feb. 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., located at 302 Maple Drive in Summerville. Families who cannot attend during those hours can call 706-857-3490 to schedule an appointment.
To be eligible, children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Required documents include a certified birth certificate, proof of Georgia residency, a photo ID for the parent or guardian, the child’s Social Security card, insurance information or other proof of coverage, and required health and immunization forms.
For more information, families can contact the Pre-K office at 706-857-3490.
Thunderbirds Return to Rome as Wings Over North Georgia Air Show Nears
The countdown is on for one of Northwest Georgia’s biggest spring events, as the 2026 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show is now just two months away. The show is scheduled for Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, at Rome’s Richard B. Russell Regional Airport, and will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the headlining act.
According to John Cowman with JLC AirShow Management, the air show is being held earlier than usual this year after the Thunderbirds contacted organizers about an opening in their schedule.
“They said they would like to bring the Thunderbirds to Rome in April because they had a hole in their schedule, and they would like to fill it with Rome,” Cowman said. “I told them if they let me go ahead and announce the show as soon as possible, I’ll say yes to that. That’s kind of the way it came about.”
The Thunderbirds have performed at Wings Over North Georgia in the past, but this year marks a significant change. Thanks to a recently completed runway extension, the team will be able to land at Russell Regional Airport—something that was not possible during previous visits.
“That is going to be a big plus for the community,” Cowman said. “From a visibility standpoint, and it will also be great for the airport because all of the operations with them will be out of Russell, which means increased activity and fuel sales.”
Cowman also explained why the Navy’s Blue Angels have historically been able to land in Rome while the Air Force Thunderbirds could not.
“The Navy builds their aircraft with big wheels and big brakes so they can land on aircraft carriers,” he said. “The Air Force has smaller wheels and brakes, so they require a longer runway.”
More information about the 2026 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show, including ticket details, is available at wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.
Menlo Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Willingham Honored with Lifesaving Valor Award at Georgia State Capitol
Menlo Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Willingham was recognized Tuesday in Atlanta at the Georgia State Capitol, receiving the Lifesaving Valor Award for his heroic actions during a house fire in May of 2025 that resulted in a life being saved.
Willingham, who has served with the Menlo Fire Department for 16 years and also pastors Menlo First Baptist Church, was dispatched to a structure fire with reports of a wheelchair-bound victim trapped inside. He was the first fully geared firefighter to arrive on scene as fire conditions rapidly worsened.
Guided by a family member to the nearest entrance, Willingham entered the smoke-filled home with zero visibility and no time to spare. Inside, he located the victim calling for help, slid him to the floor, and began dragging him toward safety.
Firefighter Joseph Eleam, a four-year veteran, entered the structure from the opposite side and assisted Willingham in moving the victim to the doorway. Lieutenant Jason Morris, who has served 13 years with the department, along with several local law enforcement officers, helped complete the rescue. The victim was safely removed in under four minutes—just moments before conditions would have made rescue impossible.
Firefighters from the Summerville Fire Department immediately began providing first aid once the victim was outside the structure.
The award was presented by the Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA) in recognition of Willingham’s courage, training, and leadership under extreme conditions—actions that directly saved a life.
New Echota to Host Super Museum Sunday with Free Admission and Cherokee Demonstrations
New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site will take part in Super Museum Sunday on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free admission all day and a full slate of historical demonstrations for visitors in Northwest Georgia.
Super Museum Sunday is a statewide event launched in the 1980s by the Georgia Historical Society as part of the annual Georgia History Festival. Organizers say the goal has remained the same for decades: encourage people to explore museums and historic sites they might not normally visit. What began as a small effort has grown into a large statewide initiative, with more than a hundred participating city, county, and state locations opening their doors to make history and nature more accessible—especially by removing admission fees for the day.
At New Echota, visitors can expect hands-on, living-history style programming focused on the Cherokee experience in Georgia. Scheduled demonstrations include Cherokee weaponry, weaving, early 1800s printing, and cast-iron cooking. Nearby, the Chief Vann House State Historic Site will also participate, featuring a Ranger-guided tour of the brick plantation house built by Cherokee planter James Vann. Rangers, docents, and volunteers will be on site to help bring history to life through tours, interpretation, and demonstrations designed for families, students, and first-time visitors.
New Echota is located one mile east of I-75 (Exit 317) on Georgia Highway 225 North, near Calhoun. For more information, call 706-624-1321 or visit the New Echota page at GaStateParks.org.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - February 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 4, 2026:
Cold Front Brings an End to Today’s Rain, Followed by a Sharp Chill Thursday Morning
Light rain and low clouds will remain widespread across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through much of today, keeping temperatures on the mild side for early February.
Conditions will begin to change later this afternoon and into the evening as a cold front moves through the region. The rain is expected to taper off quickly behind the front, with total rainfall amounts generally staying below one-half inch.
Colder air arrives overnight, setting the stage for a brisk start to Thursday. Morning low temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s to low 30s, and northwest winds will make it feel significantly colder, with wind chills dropping into the teens and 20s in many areas. Skies should gradually clear through the day Thursday, allowing sunshine to return and afternoon highs to rebound into the 40s.
Looking ahead, the pattern turns quieter. Dry weather is expected from late week through the weekend, with temperatures near seasonal levels before a gradual warming trend develops into the weekend and early next week.
Traffic Stop in Mentone Leads to Arrest in Multi-State Diesel Fuel Theft Investigation
A traffic stop early Monday morning in Mentone led to the arrest of a California man now accused of operating a sophisticated, multi-state diesel fuel theft scheme. Authorities say that on Monday, February 2nd, at approximately 2:20 AM, a DeKalb County Deputy stopped a U-Haul van traveling eastbound on Highway 117 near East River Road.
During the stop, the deputy noticed the driver was hauling large tanks containing an estimated 600 gallons of diesel fuel, which officials say were improperly stored in the rear of the van. The driver, identified as Michel Alvarez, 42, of Los Angeles, California, reportedly did not have a CDL or the required documentation to legally transport motor vehicle fuel in Alabama.
A search of the van also uncovered a bag containing electrical switches, wiring, remotes, and battery packs, which investigators say raised additional concern given the large volume of fuel being transported. The DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, Mentone Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the FBI were notified and responded to assist. The Department of Homeland Security was also contacted and is assisting in the case.
Investigators later determined Alvarez is suspected of illegally gaining access to diesel pumps at truck stops across the country—allegedly “scamming” pumps into dispensing fuel without payment—after traveling from New Jersey down the East Coast. At the conclusion of the initial investigation, Alvarez was arrested and charged with Felony Unlawful Motor Vehicle Fuel Transport, Receiving Stolen Property in the First Degree, and Possession of Burglary Tools. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could follow.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden praised the deputy’s work, saying the stop uncovered a major theft operation and helped prevent a potentially dangerous public safety situation.
Summerville Man Charged After Police Say Neighbor’s Dog Was Shot
A Summerville man was arrested this week after police say he shot his neighbor’s dog after blaming it for killing his chickens. Summerville Police say 34-year-old Cody Allen Lane allegedly went onto the victim’s property on Roosevelt Street on New Year’s Day, told the dog’s owner he intended to kill the dog, then took the animal by the collar, dragged it into a wooded area, and shot it. Lane was charged this week by Summerville Police, and the case is scheduled to be heard in Summerville Municipal Court with a court date set for April 7, 2026.
Habitat for Humanity to Host Orientation Meeting for Prospective Homeowners in Chattooga County
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February 4 at 10:00 a.m. — Community Resource Center of Chattooga, 50 Eleanor Ave., Summerville
Habitat for Humanity is inviting residents to learn more about the opportunity to become a homeowner through an upcoming Habitat for Humanity Orientation Meeting focused on families in Chattooga County. The meeting will explain how eligible families can receive a brand-new home through sweat equity and a very low mortgage payment.
Organizers say the program is designed for first-time homeowners who have lived in Chattooga County for at least one year, have sustainable income, and are willing to contribute sweat equity by helping build their home and others in the community. The orientation is open to renters and families who are interested in owning a safe, affordable home and want to learn more about the application process and requirements.
Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley serves Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties in Northwest Georgia, working to expand access to safe, decent, and affordable housing across the region. Community members who think they may qualify are encouraged to attend and find out more information.
LaFayette Man Sentenced to 65 Years After Conviction on Child Molestation and Privacy Charges
A Walker County jury has convicted Michael Forker, a 74-year-old man from LaFayette, on charges of Child Molestation, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and five counts of Invasion of Privacy. Following the verdict on December 3, 2025, Forker was sentenced by Lookout Mountain Superior Court Chief Judge Brian House to 65 years in prison, with 58 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.
The case began when the victim, a juvenile female relative living with Forker, discovered a hidden camera inside a bathroom floor vent. She removed the camera and reported it to teachers and staff at LaFayette High School, who then notified authorities. The LaFayette Police Department seized the device and executed a search warrant at Forker’s home.
Investigators discovered a locked computer room filled with laptops, desktop computers, and camera equipment. Authorities recovered an external hard drive containing hundreds of video recordings spanning several years, showing footage of the minor victim in the bathroom. Videos also showed Forker installing and repositioning the hidden camera over time. A manipulated photograph was also found, depicting the victim’s face digitally altered onto the body of a topless adult woman. During the trial, the victim testified not only about the recordings but also about an incident of child molestation that occurred while Forker believed she was asleep.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Winston Franklin, with assistance from Victim Advocate Brittany Bruce and Administrative Assistant Rebecca Fordney. The investigation was led by LaFayette Police Department Detective Robert Tate, with support from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement, Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman praised law enforcement and emphasized the importance of the sentence, saying the prosecution ensures Forker will never have the opportunity to harm another child.
Armuchee Man Arrested on Felony Theft by Conversion Warrant
An Armuchee man has been arrested on a felony warrant charging him with theft by conversion.
According to the warrant, 41-year-old Timothy Jacob Morgan allegedly took a woman’s 2010 Subaru Legacy on June 4 under the promise he would perform mechanic work for $300. The warrant says Morgan was paid a total of $1,143 for parts and services, but by November he stopped responding to the woman’s requests to get her vehicle back.
Authorities say the vehicle was moved from Morgan’s shop to an unknown location sometime between November and January.
State Senator Raises Concerns Over Data Center Incentives in Georgia
State Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a Republican from Rome, says lawmakers are taking a closer look at the rapid growth of data centers across Georgia, calling it one of the most pressing economic and infrastructure issues facing the state.
Speaking this week, Hufstetler said the Senate Finance Committee is holding detailed discussions on legislation aimed at balancing the economic benefits of data centers with concerns about oversight, incentives, and long-term impact.
Georgia has become a major hub for data centers in recent years due to its relatively low energy costs, available land, and generous tax incentives, including a sales and use tax exemption on equipment purchases. Supporters argue the facilities are critical for powering cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, while opponents point to heavy energy and water usage, strain on local infrastructure, and limited job creation once construction is complete.
Hufstetler said he supports Senate Bill 410, which would repeal the equipment tax exemption as a preventive measure to slow further construction until projects receive proper consultation and economic analysis, emphasizing the need for a more cautious and deliberate approach moving forward.
Siemens Energy Announces $1 Billion U.S. Investment, Expands Fort Payne Operations
Siemens Energy announced Tuesday that it will invest $1 billion in its operations across the United States, including a major expansion at its facility in Fort Payne, Alabama. The investment is aimed at increasing manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for power generation and electrical grid equipment.
According to the company, the Fort Payne plant will expand production of copper and insulation electrical components used in generators, a move expected to create 120 new jobs in the area. Company officials say the expansion will strengthen Siemens Energy’s U.S. manufacturing footprint while supporting modernization and reliability efforts within the nation’s energy infrastructure.
The broader investment will support facility upgrades, workforce growth, and production expansion in multiple states, positioning Siemens Energy to better serve both traditional energy markets and emerging grid technologies.
Information for this article comes from Siemens.
Trion City Schools Seeking Social Worker to Support Student Mental Health and Family Engagement
Trion City Schools is accepting applications for a School Social Worker to support student mental health, attendance, safety, and family engagement across the district. School officials say the position plays a critical role in providing counseling services, coordinating support plans, and connecting students and families with community resources.
According to the job description, the social worker will provide individual and small-group counseling, conduct social-emotional and behavioral assessments, and help develop intervention and behavior support plans in collaboration with school teams. The position also focuses on assisting students experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, family disruption, or substance use concerns.
The role includes working with school staff to address chronic absenteeism, coordinating attendance plans, conducting home visits when allowed, and helping families overcome barriers such as transportation, housing, food insecurity, and access to healthcare. Crisis response duties include participating in protocols related to self-harm concerns, abuse or neglect allegations, and other significant behavioral incidents.
In addition, the social worker will collaborate with families, educators, and community partners, serve as a liaison to local agencies, and help coordinate referrals to mental health providers, DFCS, juvenile court, public health, food banks, and other support services. The position also supports school-wide initiatives such as PBIS, restorative practices, MTSS/RTI, and staff training in trauma-informed practices and de-escalation strategies.
Those interested are encouraged to contact Trion City Schools for application details and qualifications.