Arrest Report - Friday - May 22, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 22, 2026:
Wet Memorial Day Weekend Ahead for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a soggy and stormy Memorial Day weekend as an unsettled weather pattern settles over the region through much of next week.
Forecasters say widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected daily, with periods of heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions. Some storms today and Saturday could also become strong to severe, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts and isolated hail.
Cloudy skies and humid conditions will dominate Friday, with temperatures climbing into an unstable atmosphere capable of producing strong thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. While widespread severe weather is not expected, isolated storms could intensify quickly and produce downburst winds.
Heavy rainfall remains a major concern. Meteorologists warn that repeated rounds of storms moving over the same areas could cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage locations. Rainfall rates could exceed two inches per hour at times.
Saturday is expected to bring another round of widespread thunderstorms, possibly developing as early as the morning hours before becoming more intense later in the day. Increased instability in the atmosphere may allow a few stronger storms to develop across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into next week with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms. While no widespread severe outbreak is currently anticipated, isolated strong storms and flooding concerns will remain possible each day.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution during heavy downpours, avoid flooded roadways, and stay weather aware throughout the holiday weekend.
City of Summerville Announces Memorial Day Closings
The City of Summerville has announced that all non-emergency city offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
City officials say the closure is part of the annual observance honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
While administrative offices will be closed for the holiday, emergency services including the Summerville Police Department and Summerville Fire Department will continue operating as normal throughout the weekend and holiday.
Regular business hours for city offices will resume on Tuesday, May 26.
City leaders are encouraging residents to have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend while taking time to remember and honor America’s fallen heroes.
AAA Warns Memorial Day Drivers About Risky Cost-Cutting Habits As Gas Prices Rise
AAA is warning Georgia drivers not to let higher gas prices lead to risky decisions behind the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.
According to AAA, gas prices have reached their highest level in four years, with Georgia’s average price at $4.00 per gallon as of Wednesday. That is up from $2.92 per gallon during Memorial Day weekend last year.
AAA expects more than 44.9 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period, with more than 39 million traveling by car.
A new AAA survey found that more than two in five Georgians, or 42%, are letting their gas tanks fall closer to empty than usual before filling up.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says repeatedly driving on a very low fuel level can damage the fuel pump and potentially lead to repair costs of $1,000 or more. AAA recommends drivers refill before the gas tank drops below one-quarter full.
AAA is also reminding motorists that putting off routine maintenance can reduce fuel economy and increase the chance of a breakdown. Underinflated tires, dirty air filters, overdue oil changes, and worn engine components can all lower gas mileage and cost drivers more over time.
During last year’s Memorial Day holiday, AAA responded to more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide, many involving preventable issues such as dead batteries, flat tires, and overheating engines.
Drivers planning holiday travel are encouraged to have their vehicles inspected before leaving home and to make sure tires, batteries, fluids, belts, hoses, and oil changes are in good condition before hitting the road.
City of Menlo Plans Independence Day Celebration
The City of Menlo is preparing for a full day of Independence Day festivities on Saturday, July 4th, with a community celebration and parade planned for residents and visitors.
According to information released by the city, activities will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with the annual Fourth of July parade scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Organizers say the celebration will include vendors, inflatables, and additional family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Community members are encouraged to come out and enjoy the holiday celebration while supporting local vendors and taking part in one of Menlo’s longtime Independence Day traditions.
Additional event details are expected to be announced as the holiday approaches.
Walker County Animal Shelter Temporarily Closes After Canine Distemper Case
The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.
Shelter officials said all eight puppies in the litter succumbed to the virus.
Canine distemper virus, also known as CDV, is an extremely contagious airborne virus that can spread quickly among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate and quarantine exposed animals, officials said a complete shutdown is necessary.
The shelter vaccinates all animals upon intake and works to limit cross-contamination, but officials said the situation highlights the challenges faced by open-intake shelters when animals arrive without age-appropriate vaccinations.
Bailey Clements, Director of Animal Services, said the decision to close was not made lightly.
“Our priority remains protecting the health and safety of the animals in our care and the broader community,” Clements said.
During the closure, shelter staff will conduct a deep cleaning of equipment throughout the facility, along with every entry and exit point.
Clements said the shelter will continue working to provide assistance and resources where possible while also focusing on public education about responsible pet ownership and preventative veterinary care.
The positive canine distemper test has been reported to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is assisting the shelter.
Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Georgia and Alabama
Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the tick has been confirmed in Floyd, Habersham, Hall, Pickens, and White counties. Alabama animal health officials also recently confirmed the tick in DeKalb County after it was identified on a stray dog.
The Asian Longhorned Tick is native to eastern Asia and was first confirmed in the United States in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has continued spreading across parts of the eastern U.S. The tick can feed on livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans, spending part of its lifecycle on animals and part in the environment.
Officials say one major concern is how quickly the tick can reproduce. Female Asian Longhorned Ticks can lay between 1,000 and 2,000 eggs at a time without mating, allowing infestations to grow rapidly once established.
Although the tick is smaller than many common tick species, heavy infestations can cause serious problems for animals. Possible concerns include blood loss, anemia, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, stress, reduced productivity, and possible disease transmission.
Livestock producers are especially being encouraged to monitor herds closely because the tick is associated with the transmission of Theileriosis in cattle. The disease can cause severe illness, reduced milk production, abortions, and other health concerns. Veterinarians say Theileriosis was not considered a major concern in the U.S. until recent years, and there is currently no cure for the disease.
Officials also note there is no known way to fully eradicate the Asian Longhorned Tick once it becomes established in an area, making early detection and management especially important.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture, Extension personnel, and veterinarians recommend wearing long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes in tick-prone areas, routinely checking cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pets, and people for ticks, and removing ticks as soon as they are found.
Livestock owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarian and local extension office on a tick management plan. Maintaining pastures through mowing, fencing, and environmental management can also help reduce tick habitat. Officials say many approved flea and tick prevention products, including common permethrin-based products, remain effective against the Asian Longhorned Tick.
Anyone who notices unusually large numbers of ticks on an animal should contact a veterinarian immediately, collect tick samples in rubbing alcohol inside a sealed jar or plastic bag, and report the findings to the State Veterinarian’s Office.
Georgia and Alabama officials say continued monitoring, routine inspections, and prompt reporting will be important in protecting livestock, pets, and communities as the Asian Longhorned Tick continues to spread.
Trion 6U Baseball Team Caps Off Undefeated 10-0 Season
The Trion 6U baseball team has plenty to celebrate after finishing the season with a perfect 10-0 record.
The young team went undefeated from start to finish, earning recognition as the only recreational baseball team in Chattooga County to complete the season without a loss.
The roster includes Adrian Bolton, Cru Womack, Josiah Collins, Ezrah Johnston, Kade Edgerton, Peyton Gilreath, Lancyn Whitten, Koleman Abernathy, Aiden Rogers, Oaklee Blackmon, Kamryn Murphy, Amaris McCutchins, Ryan Lowrance, and Aiden Wallin.
Coaches Sandy Abernathy, Randall Abernathy, Jason Rogers, Brandy Rogers, and Mason Gilreath helped lead the team through the memorable season.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families on an outstanding year for Trion 6U baseball.
CRBI Swim Guide Returns for Memorial Day Weekend
The Coosa River Basin Initiative’s Swim Guide will return for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend.
CRBI officials say the guide will provide weekly updates on bacterial levels at popular recreation sites on waterways across the region. The Swim Guide will continue each week through Labor Day weekend, with results posted every Friday at coosa.org.
The guide is designed to help swimmers, paddlers, boaters, and other “weekend warriors” make informed decisions before heading out on area rivers and streams.
In Chattooga County, CRBI’s monitoring includes popular access points along the Chattooga River, including the Lyerly Dam Road Canoe and Kayak Launch and the Lower Chattooga Canoe and Kayak Launch near the Chattoogaville area.
Testing is focused on E. coli bacteria levels, which can rise after periods of heavy rain and runoff. Sites are typically marked as passing or failing based on whether bacteria levels are within recommended safety limits.
Water monitoring is one part of CRBI’s larger mission to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin.
More information, including weekly Swim Guide results and details on how to support CRBI, is available at coosa.org.
Georgia Labor Force, Employment Reach All-Time Highs in April
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force participation and total employment during April, while Georgia’s unemployment rate remained well below the national average.
According to the latest report, Georgia’s labor force climbed to a record 5,461,455 in April, an increase of 6,138 over the month and up 53,911 compared to one year ago.
Employment also reached a new all-time high of 5,271,138, increasing by 8,799 during April and rising by 44,691 over the past 12 months.
Georgia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.5% in April, unchanged from March’s revised rate and remaining 0.8 percentage points lower than the current national unemployment rate. One year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate stood at 3.3%.
“More Georgians are working today than at any point in our state’s history, with record highs in both our labor force and employment,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Georgia’s unemployment rate sits nearly a full point lower than the national average, we’ve added close to 45,000 workers in the last year, and total jobs are approaching 5 million. That’s what it takes to build a Top State for Talent – and Georgia is delivering on it every single day.”
The report showed Georgia added 7,100 jobs during April, bringing the total number of jobs statewide to 4,996,000. State officials noted Georgia jobs have now increased for two consecutive months and during four of the past six months.
Several sectors posted strong monthly job growth, led by wholesale trade with 2,600 new jobs, followed by real estate and rental and leasing with 2,000 jobs, health care and social assistance with 1,900 jobs, accommodation and food services with 1,300 jobs, and professional and technical services with 1,000 jobs added.
Some sectors experienced declines during the month, including transportation, warehousing, and utilities, which lost 1,400 jobs, along with administrative and support services, construction, information, and state government.
Over the past year, the strongest job growth came in health care and social assistance, which added 26,500 jobs statewide. Other gains were seen in local government, arts and entertainment, wholesale trade, and real estate sectors.
Initial unemployment claims rose slightly during April, increasing by 867 claims to 18,336 for the month, though claims were down by 2,700 compared to the same period last year.
The Georgia Department of Labor says employers seeking assistance can contact GDOL staff online, while unemployment claimants can access services through the agency’s MyUI Claimant Portal or local Career Centers located throughout the state.
Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia Seeking Board of Directors Members
The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia is currently seeking compassionate and community-minded individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors.
The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate and confidential care, support, and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault while promoting awareness and prevention throughout the communities it serves.
Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at noon and actively participate in the work of the organization. Responsibilities include serving on committees focused on board governance, fundraising, facilities, or personnel, as well as assisting with fundraising efforts that support the center’s programs and services.
Officials with the organization say they welcome inquiries from individuals who feel called to support survivors and strengthen services across Northwest Georgia. Board positions are filled through a thoughtful selection process designed to ensure the best fit for both the individual and the organization.
The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia provides services for residents in Bartow, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, and Polk counties. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, 24-hour hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, referrals to counseling services, support groups for survivors of sexual assault, and prevention education programs.
Individuals interested in learning more about board service opportunities are encouraged to contact Danny Price, Vice President of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Board Governance Committee, at dprice@berry.edu.
Arrest Report - Thursday - May 21, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 21, 2026:
Summer Heat and Daily Storm Chances Return to Chattooga County for Memorial Day Weekend
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are heading into a hot, humid, and stormy stretch of weather that will continue through Memorial Day weekend and into early next week.
Forecasters say temperatures will climb into the 80s and lower 90s each afternoon, bringing the first true taste of summer to the region. Overnight lows will remain warm and muggy in the 60s and lower 70s thanks to abundant moisture and cloud cover lingering across the Southeast.
Along with the summer heat, residents can expect daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday and continuing through the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service says several weather disturbances moving through the region will help trigger scattered to numerous afternoon and evening storms each day.
The greatest chance for widespread rainfall currently appears to be Friday night into Saturday morning, when a stronger weather system is expected to move across North Georgia. Some storms could produce heavy downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds, and brief periods of intense rainfall.
Forecasters are also watching for the possibility of “training thunderstorms,” where repeated storms move across the same locations over a short period of time. That setup could create isolated flooding concerns, especially in low-lying areas, places with poor drainage, and urban locations.
While widespread severe weather is not expected at this time, meteorologists say an isolated strong storm cannot be ruled out during the afternoon and evening hours over the next several days.
The rainy pattern may help improve dry conditions that have persisted across parts of Northwest Georgia, but it could also create interruptions for outdoor Memorial Day weekend plans including graduations, cookouts, sporting events, camping trips, lake outings, and travel.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware through the weekend by monitoring forecasts and moving indoors whenever thunderstorms approach.
Both Chattooga and Trion Move Graduation Indoors
Both Chattooga High School and Trion High School have announced graduation ceremonies will be moved indoors because of the forecast for rain and thunderstorms Friday evening.
Chattooga High School officials say graduation has been moved to the school gymnasium to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees. Due to limited seating capacity, each graduate will receive seven tickets for admission. Tickets will be distributed Thursday morning following graduation practice. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those unable to attend in person.
Meanwhile, Trion High School has also moved its Friday night graduation ceremony from the stadium to the THS Gymnasium. School officials say no tickets will be required for entry. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 8:00 p.m. ceremony.
Both school systems say the decisions were made after closely monitoring weather forecasts throughout the week.
Chattooga County Native Named Chief Of Staff For Congressman Clay Fuller
Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has been named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller.
Hogg officially joined Congressman Fuller’s team on April 14th. He brings experience in economic development, government relations, and constituent service to the role.
Most recently, Hogg served as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. He previously worked with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, serving as President and CEO, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Relations, and Economic Development Project Manager.
Hogg also has prior experience on Capitol Hill, having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the offices of Congressmen Tom Graves and Jody Hice.
In a statement to WZQZ News, Hogg said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to join Rep. Clay Fuller as his Chief of Staff. Northwest Georgia raised me, and I look forward to fighting every day for the place I am proud to call home. I appreciate the chance to work for a Congressman that is committed to rural values and defending our communities.”
Traffic Stop In Gore Leads To Drug Arrest
A traffic stop near Gore earlier this month resulted in a drug arrest, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say 41-year-old Gary Lee Parker was arrested on May 14th and charged with possession of Schedule I drugs following a stop on Highway 27 near the Gore Fire Hall Road area.
According to the incident report, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling erratically and initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle crossed the center line multiple times. During the stop, authorities reported that Parker appeared extremely nervous and showed signs of possible impairment.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered suspected THC wax, suspected marijuana, THC vape cartridges, and drug paraphernalia.
Parker was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
Summerville Man Arrested Following Shoplifting Incident
A Summerville man was arrested earlier this month following a reported shoplifting incident at a local convenience store, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say 36-year-old Cody Lee Vickers was charged with theft by shoplifting after allegedly taking several items from a store on Highway 27 without paying.
According to the incident report, a deputy responded after receiving a complaint about a male suspect matching Vickers’ description leaving the store with merchandise. Authorities say the suspect was later located walking nearby and was taken into custody without further incident.
The report states the stolen items included cigarettes, Mountain Dew, and several other products allegedly concealed inside a jacket pocket.
Vickers was transported to the Chattooga County Jail following the arrest.
AdventHealth Georgia Welcomes Therapy Dog In Training During National EMS Week
During National EMS Week, AdventHealth Georgia is welcoming a new source of comfort and encouragement for its Emergency Medical Services team.
Winston, a 12-week-old therapy dog in training, has officially joined the AdventHealth Georgia EMS family. Once fully trained, Winston will support patients, families, caregivers, and first responders across Northwest Georgia.
AdventHealth says Winston was generously donated and comes from a family already connected to the health care system. His father serves as the “Chief Bark Ambassador” at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel near Tampa, Florida, and several of Winston’s littermates are also joining hospitals in Texas and Florida as therapy and support dogs.
Winston’s placement with AdventHealth Georgia EMS was made possible through support from the AdventHealth Georgia Foundation. Foundation President Garrett Nudd said Winston will be a valuable member of the EMS team and will help connect with the community while supporting patients and staff.
Once his training is complete, Winston will take part in patient and staff visits, community and school events, outreach with public safety partners, peer support, and critical incident stress management debriefings.
Winston’s handler, EMS team member Jodi Johnston, said the program is an important step toward supporting mental health in public safety.
Winston has already received his AdventHealth team member badge, officially marking the start of his role with AdventHealth Georgia EMS.
Friends Of Sloppy Floyd Hosting Homemade Ice Cream Sale Sunday
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd are inviting the community out for a sweet treat this Sunday during their Homemade Ice Cream Sale at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The event will take place Sunday, May 24th, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. next to the park visitor center. Organizers say several traditional homemade ice cream flavors will return this year, along with a few surprise flavors for visitors to enjoy.
Ice cream will be available for three dollars per cup, and both cash and cards will be accepted.
The Friends group encourages families and friends to come out, enjoy the park, and cool off with homemade ice cream during the Memorial Day weekend.
A ten-dollar park pass or annual pass is required for parking.
Steam Engine 4501 Returning To Historic Summerville Depot This Saturday
Summerville is home to one of only a few operating train turntables in the southeastern United States, and is truly a step back in time for train and history buffs alike. The City of Summerville is proud to announce the return of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engines to the Historic Summerville Depot on Saturday, May 23. The Summerville Turntable will work again, turning the iconic 4501 steam engine for the first time in 2026. A May Market & Melodies event, celebrating with live music and vendors, will be a highlight for the welcome back return of the steam engine with passengers.
Train enthusiasts will especially enjoy the arrival the the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Steam Engine 4501. As they celebrate 65 years since incorporation, the TVRM is honoring its roots by returning this iconic locomotive to a classic look of green and gold. This grand lady of steam will lead the way to Summerville wearing the classic Southern Railway passenger livery she entered into excursion service within 1966—exactly 60 years ago.
“In a year when we’re celebrating our 65th anniversary and the locomotive’s 115th birthday, it feels only right for her to come back in Southern Railway passenger livery for a limited celebratory season,” said TVRM spokesperson Penelope Soule Gault.
She’ll proudly wear this passenger scheme throughout the year as she steams her way to Summerville, Georgia on the Summerville Steam Special.
The May Market & Melodies event will be held at The Summerville Depot during the hours of 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. It will feature a variety of food and craft vendors inside and outside of the depot. A few delights to temp your taste buds include fresh jams and jellies, fried pies, deep fried corndogs, pizza, fresh baked specialty breads, bar-b-que, homemade lemonade and more. Retail and hand-crafted items will also be highlighted within the market. Live bluegrass, country and gospel music will be performed inside the depot freight room throughout the day. Admission is free and suggested parking is in Downtown Summerville.
The City of Summerville and Summerville Main Street is also gearing up for more May and June events, which include a May 30 Community Connect Day and train arrival. The annual Cowboy Western Heritage Festival combined with the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger is scheduled for June 6, followed by a June 19 Summerville Natural Gas Friday Night Concert featuring Strictly Skynyrd, on the East Washington Streetscape Entertainment District. The popular Dairy Day At The Depot/Homemade Ice Cream Contest is scheduled for June 20, with a steam engine arrival. Each weekend in June there is something to do in downtown Summerville.
Booking Train Excursions
Tickets for train excursions are purchased through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com . These vintage train rides follow a historic route from Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga to the Historic Summerville Depot. Summerville welcomes the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and its passengers by opening the historic depot to the public and with activities, entertainment, and events planned for each train arrival. Each event hosted is unique to itself.