Arrest Report - Monday - April 20, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 20, 2026:
Critical Fire Weather Conditions Raise Concerns Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Dry air, clear skies, and gradually warming temperatures are creating dangerous fire weather conditions across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with concerns expected to continue through the rest of the work week.
Forecasters say the region will stay dry through at least Friday, allowing fire danger to build each afternoon. Even though temperatures are starting the week near seasonal normals, the combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and warming conditions will make outdoor burning especially risky.
High temperatures today are expected to reach the upper 60s in the north Georgia mountains and the mid to upper 70s across much of the area. After another cool night tonight, temperatures will climb into the upper 70s to low 80s on Tuesday, with mid to upper 80s possible by midweek.
The dry and warm pattern is expected to hold through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, keeping fire weather concerns in place daily. Relief may finally arrive this weekend as a front moves toward the region and brings increasing chances for rain. While rainfall totals remain uncertain, any rain would be welcome as drought conditions continue to affect the area.
Residents in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could spark a fire, especially during the afternoon hours when conditions are at their worst.
Teloga Fire Department to Conduct Fire Hydrant Testing This Evening
Residents in the Teloga area are being advised of possible temporary low water pressure this evening as the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department conducts scheduled fire hydrant testing.
Testing is planned for this evening (Monday, April 20, 2026) from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Officials say water customers may notice a drop in pressure during that time, but normal service is expected to resume by 8:00 p.m.
The testing is part of routine efforts to help ensure fire hydrants are working properly and ready when needed.
Residents are asked for their patience and understanding during the testing period.
City of Summerville Seeking Bids for Caterpillar Wheel Loader Purchase
The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a Caterpillar 910 Wheel Loader as part of ongoing efforts to support infrastructure and maintenance projects across the city.
Officials say the equipment will play a key role in daily operations, helping city crews handle a variety of tasks more efficiently and reliably.
Bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and delivered to Summerville City Hall located at 120 Georgia Avenue. City leaders are encouraging qualified vendors to review all requirements carefully and submit complete bid packages.
Detailed specifications and submission guidelines are available through the City of Summerville’s official website.
Sex Crime Charges Among Latest Chattooga County Indictments
Sex crime charges are among the latest indictments returned by a Chattooga County grand jury, with two Summerville men named in the cases.
According to the indictment report, Ayden Matthew Ard, of 271 Scoggins Street in Summerville, was indicted on charges of statutory rape and sodomy. Court records cited in the report state the alleged victim is between 13 and 16 years old and younger than the accused. Also indicted was Michael Lamar Battles, of 702 Scoggins Street in Summerville, on charges of child molestation and grooming of a minor.
The indictments are part of the latest group of felony cases returned in Chattooga County. An indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Trion City Schools Hiring Literacy Coach to Strengthen Early Reading Success
Trion City Schools is now accepting applications for a Literacy Coach position aimed at improving student reading outcomes and strengthening classroom instruction across the district. The role will focus heavily on supporting teachers and students through evidence-based practices grounded in the science of reading.
The Literacy Coach will work closely with educators and administrators to analyze student data, guide instruction, and implement Georgia’s Literacy Act. The position emphasizes building teacher capacity, improving literacy interventions, and supporting students—especially in early grades—with targeted strategies, including dyslexia-specific instruction.
Applicants must hold a valid Early Childhood Education (P-5) teaching certification and have at least five years of successful classroom or literacy intervention experience. Preferred candidates will have additional endorsements in reading, dyslexia, or instructional coaching, along with a strong track record of improving literacy outcomes.
Key responsibilities include coaching teachers, modeling effective literacy instruction, supporting data-driven decision-making, and leading professional development efforts. The position also involves collaborating with school leadership and regional education partners to implement and monitor literacy plans.
The job is based within the Curriculum and Instruction department, with a 195-day work schedule. Salary will be determined based on experience.
Applications can be submitted through TeachGeorgia or by sending resumes directly to Jan Andrews. Initial review of applicants is set to begin April 24, 2026.
CRC Chattooga to Host Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner April 25
CRC Chattooga is inviting volunteers, donors, churches, and mission supporters to a special Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the North Summerville Gym, located behind the current CRC Food Pantry.
The event will celebrate more than a decade of service and support in Chattooga County. Organizers say that over the past 12 years, volunteers, donors, and churches have helped launch 4.6 million pounds of food and resources into the community, providing help, hope, and stability to families in need.
CRC Chattooga says the dinner is a way to honor everyone who has played a part in that mission, whether through volunteering, financial support, or church involvement.
Churches that have supported CRC are encouraged to send a representative or crew leader so each congregation can be represented. Mission crew members, both past and present, are also invited to attend.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP through the organization’s online form.
Busy Week Ahead for Chattooga High School Athletics and Events
Chattooga High School is gearing up for a busy week of athletic competition and school events as the countdown to graduation continues.
According to school officials, Track and Field athletes will compete in the Region meet on Monday at Gordon Central. The tennis team will be in action Tuesday through Friday in the State Playoffs, while the baseball team is also scheduled to compete in the State Playoffs from Wednesday through Saturday.
In addition to athletics, the school will host its Choral Spring Concert on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.
School leaders note that graduation is now just five weeks away, with several activities planned in the coming weeks as the school year winds down.
Officials also announced that an April fire drill is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Trion Boys and Girls Tennis Teams Capture Region Championships
Trion High School is celebrating a big accomplishment after both the Trion Boys Tennis Team and Trion Girls Tennis Team were crowned Region Champions.
The Lady Bulldogs secured their region title with a win over Elite Scholars, while the Trion boys claimed their championship by defeating Bowdon.
Trion’s region champions included standout performances across both singles and doubles competition.
For the boys, region champions were:
Singles 1 Tylan Bohannon
Singles 2 Alex Bohannon
Singles 3 Ashton Mason
Doubles 1 Jet Johnson and Hudson Thomas
Doubles 2 Justin Bohannon and Jacob Cook
For the girls, region champions were:
Singles 1 Ansleigh Simpson
Singles 2 Kasey Coley
Singles 3 Averie Gable
Doubles 1 Abbi Wheat and Payton Weaver
Doubles 2 Jana Price and Allie Bandy
The sweep marks an impressive showing for Trion tennis, with both programs bringing home region titles and multiple individual and doubles champions.
Georgia Power Bills Strain Families as Summer Heat Approaches
As temperatures begin to climb across Northwest Georgia, many residents are bracing for another season of high Georgia Power bills — and for some families, the financial strain is already being felt.
Over the past few years, electricity costs have steadily increased, with Georgia Power customers now paying significantly more each month than they did just a few years ago. In fact, the average customer is paying about $43 more per month compared to 2022, adding up to more than $500 extra per year.
A combination of factors is driving the higher costs, including multiple rate increases approved by state regulators, rising fuel prices, infrastructure upgrades, and growing demand for electricity across the state.
Even though base rates are currently frozen through at least 2027, that does not necessarily mean lower bills. Additional costs — including storm recovery expenses, fuel adjustments, and increased usage during hot weather — can still push monthly bills higher.
And summer is when the impact is felt the most.
Electricity rates in Georgia are structured so that prices increase during peak summer months, especially as usage climbs. Air conditioning use — often the largest energy expense in Southern homes — can quickly drive bills up, particularly during stretches of extreme heat.
Across the state, many customers say they are struggling to keep up. Reports show some households cutting back on basic expenses or adjusting their lifestyles just to stay current on their power bills, highlighting the growing burden of utility costs.
With another hot summer expected, officials encourage residents to take steps to reduce energy use where possible, including limiting electricity during peak afternoon hours, sealing air leaks, and maintaining HVAC systems.
Still, for many families in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia, the reality is simple — staying cool is becoming increasingly expensive, and relief may not be coming anytime soon
Walker County Tax Office in Rock Spring Closed Through Thursday After Water Damage
The Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office in Rock Spring will remain closed to the public through Thursday, April 23, following water damage caused by a burst pipe.
County officials say the Rossville office, located at 2012 McFarland Gap Road, will be open with extended hours to help serve residents while the Rock Spring location is closed.
The Rossville office will operate from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and officials say six fully staffed service windows will be available to accommodate the public.
Residents needing tax office services are encouraged to visit the Rossville location until the Rock Spring office reopens.
Rome Police Seek Public’s Help After Fatal Shooting on North Broad Street
Authorities have identified the man killed in a shooting early Sunday morning in Rome as 22-year-old Chancellore Donaldson, according to Floyd County Deputy Coroner Brent Whatley.
Whatley said Donaldson’s body will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy as the investigation continues.
The shooting occurred around 12:42 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in the parking lot of the Family Dollar on North Broad Street. Rome Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Donaldson suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Investigators recovered evidence at the scene and say they are actively pursuing leads, but are continuing to ask for the public’s help.
Police believe there were multiple people in the area at the time of the shooting and say someone may have seen or heard something critical to the case. Anyone with photos, video, or information is urged to come forward.
Tips can be reported by calling 9-1-1 or the anonymous Crime Tip Line at 706-236-5000. Officials say even small details could help identify the person responsible.
The Rome Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Arrest Report - Sunday - April 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 19, 2026:
Cold Front Brings Light Rain, Elevated Fire Danger To Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
A cold front moved into Northwest Georgia early Sunday, bringing only limited rainfall to Chattooga County and surrounding areas. While a few scattered showers passed through during the morning hours, most communities across the region are expected to receive very little rain, with many spots seeing less than a tenth of an inch. Even in the areas that pick up the most rainfall, totals are not expected to be enough to make a meaningful dent in the ongoing dry conditions.
For Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia, the bigger concern quickly turns to fire danger once the front moves out. Behind the rain, a much drier and cooler air mass is settling into the area, along with gusty northwest winds that could reach 25 to 30 miles per hour at times this afternoon and evening. That combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong wind will create dangerous fire weather conditions across the region.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for much of the area, and that includes concerns for Northwest Georgia, where conditions will be especially favorable for the rapid spread of any outdoor fire. Residents in Chattooga County are urged to use extreme caution and avoid any outdoor burning. Even a small spark could spread quickly under these dry and breezy conditions.
Temperatures will also take a temporary dip behind the front. Afternoon highs today are expected to stay mostly in the 60s across Northwest Georgia, making it feel noticeably cooler than recent days. By tonight and into early Monday morning, temperatures will fall into the low to mid 40s, bringing a crisp start to the new week.
The cooler air will not last long. By Monday, temperatures will begin edging upward again, with highs returning to the 70s, and by the middle of the week, Northwest Georgia could once again see temperatures back in the 80s. Unfortunately, the warming trend will come with continued dry weather, and that means fire concerns are likely to remain a major issue not just Sunday, but day after day through much of the week ahead.
Forecast discussions indicate that critical fire weather conditions may continue daily from Tuesday through Friday, as no meaningful rainfall is expected during that stretch. For Chattooga County and nearby Northwest Georgia counties, that means the landscape will remain dry, vegetation will stay highly flammable, and any wildfire threat could intensify quickly if winds increase.
There is at least some early hope for better rain chances by next weekend. Forecasters are watching a developing system that could push another cold front toward the Southeast, potentially bringing more widespread and much-needed rainfall. Until that system gets closer, however, the outlook for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia remains dry, breezy, and increasingly vulnerable to fire danger.
For now, residents should expect brief showers this morning, cooler temperatures today, chilly overnight lows, and an extended stretch of dry weather that will keep fire risk front and center across the region.
Summerville Seeks Proposals for Wastewater Biosolids Hauling and Disposal
The City of Summerville is now accepting proposals from qualified contractors for the hauling and disposal of biosolids from its wastewater treatment facilities.
City officials say the request for proposals is aimed at securing a reliable partner to handle the routine removal, transportation, and proper disposal of biosolids, while ensuring full compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including standards set by the EPA and Georgia EPD.
The selected contractor will be responsible for managing biosolids generated at municipal facilities as part of the city’s ongoing environmental operations.
Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on April 19, 2026, at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue.
Officials say complete details, including technical specifications, insurance requirements, and bid forms, are available through the city.
Shoplifting Arrest Made Following Incident at Trion Walmart
A woman was arrested earlier this month following a shoplifting incident at the Walmart in Trion.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the store on April 10th after reports of a suspected shoplifter attempting to leave with unpaid merchandise.
Upon arrival, deputies identified the suspect as Alexis Louise Dollar, who had allegedly been seen on camera selecting items and attempting to leave the store without paying. Loss prevention personnel advised that Dollar had passed all points of sale with merchandise valued at more than $180.
Authorities later located the suspect’s vehicle traveling on Highway 27. After an investigation and review of surveillance footage, deputies obtained a warrant through Rome City Court.
Alexis Louise Dollar was later taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor shoplifting. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
Tiny Tribe Cheer Camp Set for June at Chattooga High School
Local families will have a chance to kick off summer with energy and excitement as the Tiny Tribe Cheer Camp returns to Chattooga High School June 15–16.
The two-day camp will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day and is open to children ages 3 to 13. Participants will learn cheer fundamentals, build confidence, and enjoy a fun, high-energy environment alongside Chattooga cheerleaders and coaches.
Organizers say the camp is designed for all experience levels, with a focus on introducing young athletes to the basics of cheerleading in a supportive setting.
The cost to attend is $50, which includes instruction, activities, and camp participation.
The camp will be held at Chattooga High School, located at 989 Highway 114 in Summerville. Participants must be potty trained to attend, and registration is now open.
The Tiny Tribe Cheer Camp has become a popular annual tradition, drawing young cheerleaders from across the area eager to learn new skills and have fun.
Summerville Collective To Host Yard Sale and BBQ Fundraiser April 25
The Summerville Collective is inviting the community out for a yard sale and BBQ fundraiser later this month.
The event is set for Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 83 Highway 48 in Summerville. Organizers say attendees can expect a variety of unique items for sale along with food from the “From the Ashes BBQ and Brisket” food truck.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Summerville Collective, a Christian-based homeschool collaborative that provides academic and enrichment programs through Connect City Church.
Those interested in participating can rent a table space for $10 to sell their own items and keep the proceeds. Donations for the yard sale are also being accepted, with organizers asking donors to label items accordingly.
Organizers say the fundraiser is a great opportunity for the community to support local education efforts while enjoying food, fellowship, and bargain shopping.
Swim Guide Returns to Monitor Water Safety Across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama
As warmer weather settles into Northwest Georgia, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is gearing up for another season of water safety monitoring ahead of the busy summer months.
The organization’s annual Swim Guide will return just before Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day, providing weekly updates on water quality at popular recreation spots across the region. That includes well-known swimming areas along the Chattooga River in Chattooga County, as well as Weiss Lake just across the state line in Alabama.
CRBI Outreach Coordinator Courtnee Davenport says bacterial levels will be tested regularly to help keep the public informed. Results will be posted every Friday, giving weekend visitors a chance to check conditions before heading out to swim, fish, or enjoy time on the water.
The Swim Guide is available online at coosa.org and is part of CRBI’s broader mission to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin — a vital natural resource for communities across Northwest Georgia and beyond.
With more people expected to hit the water in the coming months, officials encourage residents to stay informed and make safety a priority when visiting local rivers and lakes.
Deadline Approaching to Register for May Primary Election
Time is running out for residents who want to take part in next month’s primary election in Georgia.
Voters have until Monday to register in order to be eligible to cast a ballot in the May 19 primary. Registration can be completed online using a valid Georgia driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Residents can check their registration status, view sample ballots, and find additional election information by visiting the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
The upcoming primary will determine which candidates from the major political parties advance to the November general election. Key races on the ballot include one of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats, the governor’s race, and other statewide offices such as lieutenant governor and secretary of state, along with local races depending on the area.
Early voting for the primary begins Monday, April 27. Voters are encouraged to check with their local county election office for polling locations and hours.
Those planning to vote will need to choose a Democratic, Republican, or nonpartisan ballot. Party ballots allow voters to help decide nominees for the general election, while nonpartisan ballots are limited to races such as judicial contests.
Officials also remind voters to bring proper identification when heading to the polls.