Arrest Report - Thursday - May 7, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 7, 2026:
Pollen Extremely High Across Northwest Georgia
Allergy sufferers across Northwest Georgia are dealing with very high grass pollen levels today, creating a significant allergy risk throughout the area. Forecasters say the elevated pollen counts are expected to remain high through Friday.
Tree pollen levels are currently listed as moderate, but the high concentration of grass pollen is likely to trigger symptoms for many residents, including sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and headaches.
Recent warm temperatures combined with spring growth have helped fuel the increase in pollen across the region. Dry conditions and breezy weather can also allow pollen to spread more easily through the air.
Health experts recommend limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, keeping windows closed, showering after spending time outside, and taking allergy medications as directed.
Conditions could begin to improve later this weekend as increased rain chances move back into Northwest Georgia.
Rain Moves Out As Cooler, Drier Air Settles Into Northwest Georgia
Rain will continue pushing out of Northwest Georgia this morning as a cold front moves away from the region. Behind it, high pressure will build in across Tennessee and North Georgia, bringing drier and cooler conditions through Friday.
Highs today and Friday will mainly stay in the 70s, with 60s possible in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Overnight lows tonight will fall into the 40s and 50s.
The dry break will not last long. Another system developing near the Texas Gulf Coast will move toward the Southeast by the start of the weekend, bringing scattered showers and a few weak thunderstorms Saturday. Rain chances will increase Sunday as warmer, more humid air returns ahead of another cold front.
Forecasters say severe weather is not expected at this time, but showers and non-severe thunderstorms may continue into Sunday night.
Cooler, drier air returns early next week. A few showers may linger Monday morning before conditions turn breezy and dry. Highs Monday and Tuesday will be in the low to mid 70s, with temperatures warming back into the 80s by Wednesday.
Trion High School Senior In ICE Custody Following Traffic Stop
A Trion High School senior who was expected to graduate in just a few weeks is now in ICE custody following a traffic stop in Walker County.
Nineteen-year-old Elder Aguilar-Macario was arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving without a license and failure to maintain lane. Following the arrest, he was transferred to Floyd County and later placed into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.
Aguilar-Macario came to Trion as an eight-year-old first grader in 2014 and has spent more than a decade in the Trion school system. Friends, classmates, and school staff say he has been an active member of the school community, including playing for the Trion High School soccer team during its playoff run to the Elite Eight this season.
School counselor Erika Dover said several school staff members, including Coach Cornett and Mr. Edge, remained at the Walker County Jail for hours after the arrest attempting to get information and support their student.
According to Dover, Aguilar-Macario contacted his parents after being transferred to Floyd County, where school officials later learned he would be held for ICE authorities pending transfer to an immigration detention facility.
Dover described the situation as heartbreaking and questioned what options were realistically available to a child brought into the country at a young age.
“He didn’t even make that choice himself,” Dover said. “He’s had no way to gain legal status, and it’s not like a high school kid can just take himself back to Guatemala — but he’s still paying for it like a criminal.”
Dover said Aguilar-Macario has been part of the Trion community since childhood and described him as a good student and teammate who was preparing for graduation and looking toward his future.
She also urged compassion from the community, saying she has struggled to identify what the student could have realistically done differently to avoid the situation.
Aguilar-Macario remains in ICE custody awaiting transfer to a detention facility.
Bus Driver Shortage Delays Chattooga County School Bus Route
The Chattooga County School District reported Wednesday morning that Bus 104 was running one hour behind schedule due to a bus driver shortage.
The delay highlights an ongoing need for school bus drivers in Chattooga County.
The school system is currently hiring drivers, encouraging residents to help provide safe and reliable transportation for local students.
Officials say the job offers a consistent schedule, meaningful work, midday free time, and opportunities for retirees or those seeking part-time hours.
Interested applicants can contact the Chattooga County Board of Education at 706-857-3447 or 706-857-3440. The board office is located at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
Trenton Man Sentenced To Consecutive Life Terms In Child Sexual Abuse Case
A Trenton man has been sentenced to consecutive life prison terms after being convicted by a Dade County jury on multiple child sexual abuse charges.
Randall Dakota Wallin, 36, was convicted following a three-day trial before Judge Chris Arnt that concluded on April 22nd. Wallin was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and two counts of child molestation.
According to prosecutors, the case began on July 31st, 2024, when the Dade County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Family and Children’s Services responded to a report of sexual abuse at a residence on Casey Road.
Investigators said multiple minors were found living in deplorable conditions at the home. All of the children were later removed from the residence after one minor disclosed sexual abuse involving Wallin.
A forensic interview was later conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Fort Oglethorpe, where the victim disclosed extensive abuse that occurred when she was 13 years old.
The case was investigated by former Dade County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Misty McConathy and prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh, with assistance from members of the District Attorney’s Office trial team and victim-witness services staff.
Wallin was sentenced on April 29th to serve consecutive life sentences in prison. Under Georgia law, prosecutors say he will not be eligible for parole until he has served 60 years.
Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and said the sentence ensures Wallin will never again have the opportunity to harm a child.
Summerville Woman Arrested On Obstruction Charge During Warrant Service
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Summerville woman last week after deputies say she interfered while officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a residence on Airport Road.
According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Jodi Shook was charged with misdemeanor obstruction of officers following the April 29 incident.
Deputies reported they went to the home around 10:42 p.m. to serve a warrant for James Shook. Officers said they announced themselves and spoke with Jodi Shook at the door after seeing a vehicle they believed James Shook had been driving.
Authorities say Jodi Shook told deputies James Shook was not home, but officers later located him inside the residence and took him into custody.
The report states Jodi Shook was then arrested for hindering the apprehension of her husband after deputies determined she had knowledge he was inside the home.
She was transported to the Chattooga County Detention Center without further incident.
The case was handled by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Georgia Highlands College To Hold Graduation Ceremonies In Rome
Georgia Highlands College will celebrate hundreds of graduates during commencement events set for May 14th and May 15th in Rome.
The college will hold three events this year at the Floyd Campus gym, located at 3175 Cedartown Highway.
Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Nursing Pinning and Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, May 15th, at 10:30 a.m.
Due to limited seating, attendance will be restricted to graduates and four guests per graduate. GHC identification and guest passes will be required to enter the venue area.
For those unable to attend in person, livestreams of the ceremonies will be available through the college website at highlands.edu, as well as on Georgia Highlands College’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Featured speakers this year include Shelley Wynter, Kevin Corke, Charlie Culberson, CJ Stewart, and Pascale Charlot.
Chattooga County EMA Hosting Community Blood Drive May 15
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive.
The blood drive will take place Friday, May 15, from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County EMA building located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The event is being held in partnership with Blood Assurance under the theme “Give Local, Save Local.”
Organizers encourage donors to eat a good meal before donating, avoid energy drinks, drink extra water, and bring a photo ID to the event.
Blood Assurance is also offering an incentive during the campaign period. Donors participating between May 1st and May 15th will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community.
Community members can scan the QR code on the event flyer to register or learn more about donation opportunities.
Chattooga County 4-H Shotgun Team Sending 13 Shooters To State Competition
The Chattooga County 4-H Shotgun Team is celebrating a strong showing after a recent competition in Gordon County, with 13 local shooters advancing to the state competition.
According to the team, five juniors and eight seniors qualified for state, while Owen Hester earned a perfect score during the event. The Junior Team also captured second place honors, along with one of the Senior Teams.
Junior shooters advancing to state include Nathanael Reimer, RosaLee Hammond, Brayden Forman, Henry Housch, and John Reimer.
Senior team members advancing are Jonas Hardy, Genna Baker, Gabe Smith, Owen Hester, Jackson Montgomery, Brax Cook-Bevels, David Mangan, and Jaden Treadaway.
Team leaders praised the athletes for their hard work and dedication throughout the season as they prepare for state competition in the coming weeks.
Jefferson’s in Summerville Names Briana Carmon 2026 Teacher Of The Year
Jefferson’s Restaurant in Summerville has announced Briana Carmon, Agriculture teacher at Summerville Middle School, as the 2026 Jefferson’s Summerville Teacher of the Year.
Carmon was selected following an overwhelming number of community nominations recognizing outstanding educators across the area.
In announcing the award, Jefferson’s shared praise submitted by those who nominated Carmon, highlighting her dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom.
Nominators described Carmon as a teacher who “always goes out of her way to make her students feel welcome” and praised her commitment to after-school practices, student activities, and agricultural education programs.
They also noted her passion for ensuring students feel supported and encouraged, saying she has “never turned a child away” and consistently helps students however she can.
Carmon said agriculture education goes far beyond farming and livestock.
“Being a teacher is so rewarding,” Carmon shared. “Agriculture education isn’t only learning about cows and planting crops, but it teaches life skills such as leadership, communication, and how to be self-sufficient by providing many different hands-on activities and leadership opportunities through FFA.”
As part of the recognition, Carmon will receive a $500 Jefferson’s gift card and a commemorative plaque that will be displayed inside the restaurant honoring her achievement.
Jefferson’s also thanked the community members who submitted nominations and praised all teachers for their dedication to local students.
JBar Manufacturing Hiring In Trion For Fabrication And Welding Positions
JBar Manufacturing in Trion is now hiring and looking to add new team members to its workforce.
The family-owned company, which has been in operation since 1972, is currently hiring for fabrication and welding positions.
Applications are being accepted in person at the company’s location at 17877 Highway 27 North in Trion. Application hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The work schedule for these positions is also Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
JBar encourages applicants to “join our team and build the future,” emphasizing strong teamwork and quality craftsmanship.
Teloga Community Food Drive Set For May 23 In Summerville
Residents in the Teloga community will have an opportunity to receive free food and lend a helping hand during an upcoming food distribution event later this month.
The Teloga Community Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., or while supplies last. The event will be held at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337 in Summerville.
Organizers say no identification is required to receive food, but ask that attendees not line up before 9:30 a.m.
The event will provide free food distribution to those in need and is supported by Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands.
Volunteers are also needed for the event, with organizers encouraging community members to come out and support their neighbors.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - May 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 6, 2026:
Severe Storms, Flooding Today Into Thursday
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe weather beginning today and continuing through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. Northwest Georgia remains under a Level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” for severe weather.
Meteorologists warn the greatest threat window appears to be from Wednesday evening through the early morning hours Thursday as a slow-moving cold front pushes into the state. Atmospheric conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable for strong to severe storms, especially across North Georgia.
In addition to the severe weather threat, a Flood Watch has been issued from late Wednesday through Thursday morning for portions of North and Central Georgia, including areas near Chattooga County. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, with isolated spots potentially receiving more than 4 inches of rain.
Officials say the combination of intense rainfall rates and repeated storms moving over the same areas could quickly lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks, streams, and urban drainage areas may rise rapidly during the heaviest downpours.
The National Weather Service noted that despite ongoing drought conditions, the hardened ground could actually increase runoff and worsen flooding concerns.
Storms may initially develop as isolated supercells before organizing into a larger storm complex overnight. All modes of severe weather remain possible, including isolated tornadoes.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive Thursday into Friday before warmer conditions return for the weekend.
Man Arrested After Domestic Disturbance In Summerville
A man was arrested following a domestic disturbance in Summerville, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department that was released this week.
The incident happened on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at approximately 10:36 p.m. at a residence on Union Street.
According to the report, officers were dispatched to the location after a physical domestic incident involving a male and female subject. E-911 advised officers that the male subject had reportedly had a knife in his pocket at the time of the altercation.
When officers arrived, they spoke with the individuals involved, identified in the report as Bobby Durham and Cynthia Hogue. Police said Durham remained calm during the investigation, while Hogue was described as irate. Officers also reported noticing signs of alcohol use.
Hogue told police that she and Durham had argued after she learned she was no longer being invited to go fishing the following morning. She told officers that during the argument, Durham struck her in the face. The officer reported observing a red mark on Hogue’s right cheek below her eye and took photographs of the injury.
Durham told police the two had not been arguing and said Hogue had bought him alcohol from a nearby store. Officers searched Durham, the area where he had been standing, and the tent where Hogue was staying, but no knife was found.
Police said they also observed redness on Durham’s knuckles. After reviewing the information gathered at the scene, Durham was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
Durham was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident. The report also states Durham was issued a verbal trespass warning from the property.
May On The Mountain Bluegrass Festival Set For May 16 In Henagar
The City of Henagar, Alabama on Sand Mountain is inviting the public to its annual May on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The event will take place at Henagar City Park, with live music beginning at 10:00 a.m. Performances will be held on the back porch of the park’s cabin, creating a relaxed, traditional bluegrass atmosphere.
Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy a variety of food and craft vendors on site throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and settle in for a full day of music and community fun.
Headlining this year’s festival are The Malpass Brothers, a well-known country and bluegrass duo recognized for their classic sound. Brothers Chris and Taylor Malpass have built a national following with their traditional country style, drawing inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. They have performed on the Grand Ole Opry and are known for their rich harmonies, vintage instrumentation, and commitment to preserving the roots of country music.
Organizers say the festival continues to be a favorite Sand Mountain tradition, bringing together families, music lovers, and visitors from across the region.
Bridge Replacement To Cause Detour In Chattooga County
A bridge replacement project in Chattooga County will soon impact local traffic, according to a notice from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The project involves replacing the existing SR 114 triple arch bridge over Mossy Creek with a new structure approximately 95 feet in length. The total project area, including roadway improvements, will span about 2,200 feet.
During construction, traffic will be rerouted using an off-site detour. Drivers traveling along Foster Street will be directed along SR 114, Tennessee Avenue, and Chattooga Avenue. The detour is expected to add between 0.16 and 0.24 miles to normal travel routes.
The detour was officially approved on March 26, 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.
The project is located just west and east of the current bridge site, with work extending roughly 1,230 feet west and 870 feet east of the structure.
Project plans are available for public inspection through the Georgia Department of Transportation. For additional information, residents can contact GDOT Area Manager Joel Dillingham in Rome.
Blood Drive Scheduled In Trion On May 15
A community blood drive is set for Friday, May 15 at Atrium Health Floyd–Chattooga ER, located at 13583 Highway 27 in Trion.
The drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives.
Those who donate between May 1st and May 15th will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card as part of the Blood Assurance “Local Hero” promotion.
Appointments can be scheduled online at bloodassurance.org/chattoogaer.
Shadow Day Named Administrative Assistant For Summerville Parks And Recreation
The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department has announced the hiring of Shadow Day as its new Administrative Assistant, effective May 1, 2026.
Day joins the department full-time after ten years of service in a similar role with the Chattooga County School System. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said Day is a natural fit because of her strong community ties, administrative experience, and sports background.
Day also holds a special place in the department’s history, having won a state championship as both a player in 2005 and as a coach in 2024.
Her responsibilities will include day-to-day office operations, planning special events, assisting with sports programs, and helping with a future summer camp.