Arrest Report - Thursday - January 16, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 15, 2026:
Gusty NW Winds Raise Fire Danger in Chattooga County & Northwest Georgia; Low-Confidence Winter Storm Chance This Weekend
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are in for a blustery, sharply colder day Thursday, January 15, 2026, as dry air pours in behind a cold front. Forecasters say northwest wind gusts of 20–30 mph will combine with very low humidity this afternoon, creating elevated fire danger conditions across North and Central Georgia.
Residents from Summerville to Trion and Menlo should use extra caution with anything that could spark a fire—burn piles, outdoor grills, and even dragging chains can ignite dry grasses when winds are this strong. While fuels have some lingering moisture from recent light rain, officials still issued a Fire Danger Statement due to the combination of wind and dry air.
This morning’s commute also started off frigid, with wind chills well down into the teens across much of North Georgia. Tonight will turn even colder under clearer skies, with many spots dropping into the teens and low 20s by early Friday.
Looking ahead, weather models are hinting at a system Saturday night into Sunday that could bring winter weather somewhere in the Southeast—but confidence is very low right now on where it tracks and what impacts (if any) Northwest Georgia would see. Forecast guidance is still split, meaning details could change quickly as the weekend gets closer.
What to do now (quick tips)
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Avoid outdoor burning and secure anything that could blow around.
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Dress in layers for wind chills and protect pets/plants from the cold tonight.
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Stay tuned for weekend updates—this is the kind of setup that can shift within 24–48 hours.
Georgia’s Tom Carden Earns Fourth Star, Making National Guard History
Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr. has made history after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 12th Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, a position newly elevated to a four-star rank. Carden becomes the first vice chief to wear four stars, and he will serve alongside National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus—marking the first time two four-star generals have led the bureau at the same time.
Local veteran advocate and former State Rep. Barbara Massey Reece noted the promotion is especially meaningful for Chattooga County, pointing to Carden’s long-standing presence at local Veterans Day and Vietnam Veterans events and his past service as Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard.
Carden most recently served as deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command, helping coordinate homeland defense and military support for civil authorities. His career includes leadership roles in the Georgia National Guard, overseas assignments, and deployments to Iraq and Bosnia, along with multiple domestic response missions.
Chattooga High School Welcomes Class of 2030 at Rising Freshman Night This Evening
Chattooga High School is set to welcome future students and their families this evening for Rising Freshman Night for the Class of 2030, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on campus.
School officials say the event is designed to help incoming freshmen and their families get familiar with what life is like at Chattooga High School before the transition from middle school. Families who attend this evening will have the chance to tour the campus, meet staff, and get important information on what students can expect once they begin high school.
Organizers say Rising Freshman Night will also cover key topics including graduation requirements, class schedules, career pathways, athletics, and a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students. It’s also an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions and better understand expectations for the next four years.
Families of current eighth-grade students planning to attend Chattooga High School are encouraged to participate.
Cloudmont Ski Resort Watching Weather, Optimistically Targeting Saturday Opening on Lookout Mountain
Cloudmont Ski Resort on Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama says it’s watching conditions closely and, if the weather cooperates, is optimistically aiming for an opening day this Saturday, January 17. The resort plans to open at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.
Because winter temperatures in the Deep South can change quickly, Cloudmont says its schedule is always weather-dependent, especially when overnight lows determine how well snowmaking can hold. Resort officials are encouraging skiers and snowboarders to stay tuned for updates as the weekend approaches.
Cloudmont is widely known as Alabama’s only ski resort and a bucket-list destination for many in the region because it offers snow sports within an easy drive of Northwest Georgia, Chattanooga, and Northeast Alabama. It’s also frequently recognized as one of the southernmost ski areas in the United States, making a day on the slopes here a rare Southern winter experience.
Cloudmont is popular with families and beginners, offering a classic, small-resort feel—perfect for first-time skiers, quick day trips, and anyone looking to catch a few runs when cold air settles over Lookout Mountain.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hiring Across Campuses: Multiple Positions Open in Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield-Murray
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is looking for career-minded applicants ready to take the next step with one of the largest technical colleges in the state. With more than 600 employees across six campuses, GNTC says it’s seeking talented professionals who want more than a job — they want a long-term career serving students, local industries, and communities across Northwest Georgia.
GNTC leaders say the college’s mission is rooted in workforce development and student success, helping thousands of residents build new skills and move into in-demand careers. Each semester, more than 6,000 students attend GNTC, and the college emphasizes that its work stretches far beyond the classroom — into the growing workforce across the region and beyond.
Current openings highlighted by GNTC include:
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Accounting Technician/Cashier (Full-Time) — Floyd County Campus
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Assistant Director of High School Initiatives (Full-Time) — Floyd County Campus
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Communication Officer (Part-Time) — Floyd County Campus & Walker County Campus
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Enrollment Specialist (Part-Time) — Whitfield Murray Campus
As a State of Georgia institution, GNTC notes that employees may be eligible for a strong benefits package, including options such as insurance, retirement, and vacation plans, along with the opportunity to work in a student-focused environment dedicated to Northwest Georgia.
Chattooga County Man, 39, Arrested on Simple Assault Charge Following Reported Domestic Dispute
A Chattooga County man was arrested after a reported domestic dispute that authorities say involved calls to two nearby residences on January 9, 2026.
The arrest report lists the suspect as Ross Ladon Palmer, age 39, who was taken into custody on Jan. 9, 2026, and charged with simple assault.
According to the incident narrative, responders were dispatched to a residence on Kay Drive regarding a domestic situation, while another location on Fields Walk was also involved in the investigation. The report describes interviews with individuals connected to the call and outlines allegations that a confrontation took place, with accounts varying between those involved.
The narrative indicates the suspect was later contacted at another location, and the report notes that further investigation was expected, including reviewing any available video evidence, before a final decision was made on next steps in the case.
Add More Art in 2026: Explore Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Chattooga County’s Pennville Community
If one of your 2026 goals is to add more culture and creativity to your life, a close-to-home option is calling: Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, located in the Pennville Community in Chattooga County near Summerville.
Davia Weatherill, Executive Director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, says one of the biggest highlights is the World’s Folk Art Church, which reopened to the public last summer after an extensive restoration. Weatherill explains the church was part of Finster’s vision of building “mansions in the sky,” and after being closed for more than 25 years due to serious structural concerns, renovations have now made it far safer and more accessible for visitors.
Weatherill encourages Northwest Georgians to come experience not only the restored church, but also the wider collection of folk art and one-of-a-kind treasures throughout the garden. Paradise Garden is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to its significance as a destination for both locals and visitors.
For more information, visit www.paradisegardenfoundation.org.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Hiring: Openings in Maintenance and Resource Management
The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is encouraging job seekers in Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to explore multiple employment opportunities currently available in the park’s maintenance and resource management divisions. Applicants can view details and apply through USAJobs by visiting the park’s “Work With Us” page and selecting a specific position.
Several openings are seasonal federal positions, and some announcements may close early once they receive a set number of applications, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Open roles may include positions supporting cultural and resource management work, such as assisting with field surveys, helping document sites with maps and photographs, maintaining records and databases, and supporting preservation-related projects. Other listings may include museum-focused seasonal work, helping with collections support, documentation, and other duties tied to resource protection and public education.
For those looking for hands-on outdoor work, the park may also have trails and maintenance positions, which can involve assisting with trail upkeep, clearing debris, supporting repairs, and helping maintain park facilities and grounds.
Applicants should review each job announcement carefully for requirements, pay grade, schedules, and documentation needed, and make sure their resume and supporting materials are ready before applying.
Argument Over Filming Led to Fight at Trion Walmart; Warrants Issued, Suspects Picked Up in Summerville
Details released this week in an incident report indicate a dispute that started with bickering inside Walmart and escalated into an argument over recording on a cellphone led to a physical fight at the Trion Walmart earlier this month.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office took out warrants in the case, and authorities say the suspects were later picked up by the Summerville Police Department.
According to the report, Kirsa East, 21, told investigators she was shopping with her girlfriend and the girlfriend’s mother when tensions rose. East stated that after the group began arguing, the mother suggested she and her daughter take groceries home to cool things down, while East stayed behind at Walmart.
East told authorities she sat on a bench facing the checkout area and noticed two women — later identified as Mariah Lake Davis, 26, and Skyla Young, 22 — staring at her. East said she became uncomfortable and began recording them. The report states that after Davis and Young checked out, they approached East and asked why she was filming them, and an argument began.
The report indicates the confrontation continued with words exchanged, and at one point Davis appeared to attempt to grab East’s phone. Davis and Young then started walking away toward the exit, when the report states East suddenly lunged forward and pulled Davis by the hair, taking her to the ground. The report says Young then joined in as the fight escalated, with Walmart employees eventually separating everyone.
Investigators documented injuries on both sides, including swelling and hair loss described in the report, and noted that medical attention was requested. Following a review of store video, warrants were sought in connection with the fight.
The suspects named in the report are Kirsa East, 21, Skyla Young, 22, and Mariah Lake Davis, 26.
Chattooga County Red Cross Club Blood Drive Set for Feb. 9 at Chamber & Civic Center — $20 e-Gift Card for Donors
The Chattooga County Community Red Cross Club is inviting residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to help save lives at an upcoming community blood drive on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The drive will be held at the Chattooga County Chamber & Civic Center.
Organizers say every donation can make a difference for patients in need of emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic illness support. Winter months can also bring increased strain on blood supplies due to illness and weather-related disruptions, making local donor turnout especially important.
As an added incentive, all presenting donors will receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank-you for taking the time to donate.
Appointments are encouraged. Donors can schedule a time, get more information, and complete RapidPass paperwork online by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code RedCrossClub. The American Red Cross also notes donors can use the Blood Donor App for scheduling and updates.
Avian Influenza Confirmed at Commercial Poultry Operation in Walker County
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, marking Georgia’s first confirmed HPAI case of 2026 and the fourth case in a commercial poultry operation in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.
State officials say the producer noticed increased mortality on Sunday, January 11, and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network. Samples were collected and tested Monday, with the positive result confirmed by the state lab Monday evening and later confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, January 13.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team deployed to the site to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders, and response operations are expected to continue through the week.
A 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) quarantine zone has been established around the operation. Officials say all commercial poultry operations within that radius are under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks, and the affected premises has been secured so that only authorized personnel may enter.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - January 14, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
Biting Wind Chills to Hit Chattooga County: Teens Overnight, Flurries Possible in Higher Elevations
A fresh blast of arctic air is sliding into Northwest Georgia, and Thursday morning (Jan. 15) is shaping up to be the coldest stretch of the week for Chattooga County and surrounding communities. Forecasters say biting wind chills between 0° and 15°F are expected across north Georgia as breezy northwest winds follow a passing cold front, making it feel far colder than the thermometer suggests.
For Chattooga County, the main story is the cold, not snow. Most of the county should stay mainly dry, but residents will notice a quick drop in temperatures late today and tonight as colder air pours in behind the front. The combination of lower temperatures and wind will push “feels like” readings into the teens—and potentially lower in a few spots—by daybreak Thursday.
In the north Georgia mountains, there is a limited but real window for winter weather. As temperatures fall this evening, snowflakes could begin at the highest elevations first, then drop to lower elevations overnight as snow levels fall rapidly. That said, the atmosphere is expected to dry out quickly, which should greatly limit how much snow can develop. Any snowfall late tonight into early Thursday would depend on a narrow band of moisture and upslope winds, meaning west-facing slopes and higher terrain would have the best chance to see light accumulations. Mountain peaks could approach around an inch, while lower elevations are expected to see little to none, with road temperatures likely staying just warm enough to hinder sticking in many places.
Looking ahead, long-range trends still point to a mostly dry weekend for Northwest Georgia, though there is a small chance (roughly 15–30%) for light precipitation Friday night into Saturday as a narrow moisture band moves through. If anything wintry shows up, it would most likely be a brief dusting in the mountains, with confidence remaining low for meaningful impacts in lower elevations.
The cold won’t end quickly. Early next week could bring another round of chilly mornings, with wind chills in the teens possible Sunday through Tuesday. While the odds of meeting cold advisory criteria remain modest, the repeated shots of dry, cold air can still create dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors for extended periods.
With the cold arriving fast, local officials and residents are urged to take common-sense precautions: bring pets indoors, protect exposed pipes, ensure space heaters are used safely, and check on elderly neighbors or anyone without reliable heat. Drivers heading out early Thursday should also stay alert—while widespread icing isn’t expected for Chattooga County, colder pockets and bridge decks can cool faster than surrounding roads.
Summerville Hit-and-Run: Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk on Commerce Street
A Summerville hit-and-run investigation has led to the arrest of Charm Hedgecoth, 31, in connection with a crash that injured Ray Blount at the intersection of Commerce Street and East First Avenue.
The incident happened Friday, Jan. 9, at about 7:10 p.m. The report indicates Blount was in a marked crosswalk when a 2013 white GMC Terrain with an Alabama tag struck him as the vehicle was turning through the intersection. Blount was thrown onto the hood and up toward the top of the vehicle before landing in the roadway. The driver then left the scene.
Investigators later confirmed video evidence showing the vehicle leaving after the collision. The GMC Terrain was located and stopped on Jan. 12, and Hedgecoth was identified as the driver.
During a follow-up interview, Hedgecoth admitted being the driver and said she left because she did not feel safe. Hedgecoth reported that, after the crash, Blount became violent toward her, and she feared remaining at the scene. The report notes Hedgecoth also acknowledged she had a cell phone at the time but did not call 911 before leaving.
Hedgecoth is charged with hit-and-run leaving the scene of an accident, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, expired license, expired tag, and no insurance.
Rural Northwest Georgia’s Education Gap: Why More Families Are Turning to Technical College After High School
In Chattooga County and across rural Northwest Georgia, the conversation about life after high school is changing — not because college suddenly got easier, but because more families are weighing the rising cost of a traditional four-year degree against the practical need for training that leads directly to a paycheck.
Newer U.S. Census estimates show Chattooga County trails many nearby counties in four-year degree attainment, with about 10.7% of adults age 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. By comparison, nearby counties such as Walker (20.1%), Catoosa (24.5%), and Floyd (24.9%) report much higher rates. Chattooga also has a lower share of adults who have finished high school, at 74.2%, which can limit options for jobs that require postsecondary credentials.
That gap matters because more employers — including manufacturers, healthcare providers, public safety agencies, and industrial operations — now expect some form of education or training beyond high school, whether it’s an industry credential, technical certificate, diploma, apprenticeship, or associate degree.
Cost and perception shape the choices
Even for families who value higher education, the price tag can feel like a deal-breaker. Nationally, the average published tuition and fees for a public in-state four-year college is $11,610 per year, while the average published in-district tuition at a public two-year college is $4,050. In Georgia’s public university system, most institutions have worked to keep tuition and fees relatively steady, but costs still add up once housing, books, transportation, and living expenses are included.
At the same time, perception plays a powerful role in rural communities. Surveys have found many adults believe college is unaffordable, even when financial aid may reduce the “sticker price.” That belief — paired with the need to start earning sooner — often pushes students to look for faster, job-connected pathways.
How GNTC helps fill the local workforce need
That’s where Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has become a major piece of the post-high school puzzle for residents in Chattooga and surrounding counties. GNTC serves a multi-county region in Northwest Georgia with career-focused programs built around workforce demand — including fields like healthcare, industrial and manufacturing careers, business, public safety, and skilled trades.
Supporters of technical college point to a simple advantage: many programs are designed to move students from enrollment to employment in a shorter time frame than a traditional four-year route — and often with lower overall cost. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees, and many programs align with state and federal workforce initiatives that help reduce barriers such as tuition, transportation, or childcare for qualifying students.
GNTC has also emphasized adult education and training options for residents who need a second chance at finishing basic education requirements or want to re-tool for a better-paying career. In recent reporting from the college, GNTC said thousands of people benefit annually from its credit and noncredit programs, including adult education and workforce training.
Training for “good jobs” close to home
Local leaders say the goal isn’t to discourage four-year degrees — it’s to expand realistic choices. For some students, a university pathway remains the right fit. For others, technical education offers a direct route into fields that keep communities running: nursing and allied health, welding and industrial maintenance, CDL and logistics, electrical and HVAC, public safety, and advanced manufacturing.
In rural Northwest Georgia, where families are often balancing work, caregiving, and tight budgets, the post-high school question is increasingly becoming less about “college or no college” — and more about which education path leads to a stable career without crushing debt.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Chattooga County, GA (education attainment), U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Walker County, GA (bachelor’s degree or higher), U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Floyd County, GA (bachelor’s degree or higher), Georgia Northwestern Technical College — “About” (service area; workforce training; adult education), Georgia Northwestern Technical College — Academics overview (program areas; credentials offered), Pew Research Center (public views on college value and debt), College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2024 (published tuition/fee averages)
Chattooga Coroner “Big Mac” McElhaney Urges Residents to Add Emergency Contacts to Georgia License Records
Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy “Big Mac” McElhaney is reminding residents about a free, simple way to help first responders reach loved ones faster in an emergency: add emergency contact information to your Georgia driver’s license or ID record.
McElhaney shared that the information is stored in a secure, statewide system accessible to law enforcement and medical facilities, allowing rapid notification of family members if someone is injured, unconscious, disoriented, or unable to access a phone. McElhaney shared the option can be especially helpful in situations involving memory problems, or when a person’s phone is locked, missing, or damaged.
McElhaney also shared that emergency contact information on file can help first responders and investigators quickly identify someone and notify next of kin, and it can assist a coroner during serious incidents by reducing delays when family notifications must be made.
The update is free and does not require a new physical license or ID card. Residents can add or update emergency contact information by visiting the Georgia Driver Services website or stopping by a Georgia Department of Driver Services office.
Summerville Police: Hit-and-Run Claims Were Incorrect in Jan. 7 Crash
Summerville Police say reports that a recent crash was a hit-and-run were inaccurate, and that the incident was a single-vehicle accident.
In a supplemental report, police say the crash happened on Jan. 7, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m. The initial investigation determined it was a one-vehicle accident. Police say a media report later suggested the department was investigating a hit-and-run, but investigators concluded the story was generated after a family member of the driver contacted local media with incorrect information.
Detective Cox wrote that he spoke with the driver, Eric Preston Miller, who said he may have lost consciousness during the crash and wasn’t sure whether another vehicle struck him. However, Miller told police that after examining his vehicle, he did not see damage consistent with being hit by another vehicle, but did observe damage consistent with the vehicle striking a ditch. Miller also told investigators he believes there may have been a misunderstanding between him and the family member who shared information with the media.
Police also interviewed an eyewitness, Harrison Couch, who said he saw the vehicle traveling north on North West Congress Street and attempting a right turn onto West First Avenue before missing the roadway and running into a ditch. Couch told police the weather was extremely foggy, with visibility the worst he had seen in the 13 years he has lived in the area, and that he stopped to render aid to the driver.
GNTC Aviation Program Adds Donated Cessna 401A to Expand Hands-On Training Fleet
Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program has added another aircraft for student training, thanks to a donation of a Cessna 401A from a private individual in Dalton.
Program director Zac Fager says it’s the fourth 400-series Cessna now owned by GNTC and will be used in all areas of hands-on instruction. The aircraft had been stored in a hangar at Dalton Municipal Airport before being moved to GNTC’s Aviation Training Center, where it was reassembled.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham says the gift will help train the skilled professionals the aviation industry needs.
Fager says the timing is critical, because students are constantly disassembling, inspecting, and repairing aircraft components—and having additional aircraft helps ensure graduates gain the Airframe and Powerplant experience needed to be workforce-ready.
New Felony Charge Filed in Day-After-Christmas Armed Robbery Case
Another felony charge has been filed against a man accused in an armed robbery at the former State Line Tavern near the Alabama state line on Dec. 26.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 23-year-old Jeffrey Lemar Smith of Gadsden is accused of pointing a gun at a man inside the establishment and demanding he empty his pockets. Smith is now charged with criminal attempt to commit armed robbery.
Jail records indicate Smith was already facing multiple charges tied to the incident, including robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Authorities say Smith was later found hiding in a dumpster in Centre, Alabama, following a pursuit involving Alabama law enforcement. Investigators say two other suspects remain at large.