Arrest Report - Thursday - July 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 6, 2026:
Sunny, Less Humid Weather Arrives Before Weekend Storms
Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will enjoy a brief break from the recent heat and humidity today and Friday before showers and thunderstorms return for the weekend.
Today will be sunny with a high near 89 degrees. A light north wind around 5 mph will help bring noticeably drier and more comfortable air into the region.
Tonight will be mostly clear and cooler, with temperatures falling to around 65 degrees. Friday will remain mostly sunny with a high near 91. Humidity levels are expected to stay lower than they have been in recent days, making the heat feel less oppressive.
The dry weather will begin to change late Friday night. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing during the early morning hours Saturday.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread Saturday, with a 90 percent chance of rain and a high near 86. The National Weather Service says a few storms could become strong to severe Saturday afternoon.
Rain and thunderstorms will remain likely Saturday night and Sunday. Sunday’s high will be near 85, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation.
The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms Monday through Wednesday. High temperatures will generally remain in the mid to upper 80s.
Residents with outdoor plans this weekend should continue monitoring the forecast and be prepared to move indoors if thunderstorms develop.
Steam Locomotive Rolls Into Summerville Today As International Model Railroad Convention Visits Region
Rail fans will have a rare opportunity today as a historic steam locomotive arrives in downtown Summerville as part of the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention, being held this week in Chattanooga.
The convention is being hosted in Chattanooga for the first time in the organization’s 90-year history and has attracted more than 1,000 registered model railroad enthusiasts from around the world. The accompanying National Train Show is expected to draw more than 15,000 visitors, making it one of the largest railroad events in the country.
One of the convention’s signature events is today’s ScaleTrains Summerville Steam Special, operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. The excursion features the museum’s legendary Southern Railway No. 4501 steam locomotive, freshly painted in its classic green passenger colors to commemorate 60 years of excursion service. The locomotive will pull a 10-car passenger train on a 100-mile round trip between Chattanooga and Summerville.
The train is scheduled to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. About 450 passengers are expected to visit the community, where they’ll enjoy a catered barbecue lunch in Dowdy Park and watch No. 4501 turn on the historic Summerville Railroad Turntable before departing around 2:45 p.m. Special permission was granted by the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway to allow the weekday excursion, something organizers say is likely a one-time event.
Motorists should expect temporary traffic delays while the train is in town. The railroad crossings at East Washington Street and East First Avenue will be closed during the visit, and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes.
For railroad enthusiasts, today’s visit offers a rare chance to see one of America’s most famous operating steam locomotives in Summerville and to welcome visitors from across the United States and around the world to Chattooga County.
Chattooga County Fair Releases Rules Ahead Of August Event
Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.
The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.
Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.
Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.
Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.
Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.
Playground Fence Damaged At Summerville Church
The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to a playground fence at First United Methodist Church in downtown Summerville.
According to an incident report, Officer Matt Kinnamont responded to the church at 220 West Washington Street on July 28 after receiving a report of property damage.
Pastor John Privett told police someone had damaged the chain-link fence surrounding the church’s playground. Officers observed the fence had been removed from one side, bent, and that the top rail pieces had been broken.
Privett told police that several groups of children often use the playground and nearby basketball court, but it was unclear who was responsible for the damage. He said he was first notified of the incident on Saturday, July 25.
Police documented the damage with photographs and advised the church to consider installing security cameras. The case has been forwarded for further investigation.
Updated Property List Released For August 4 Chattooga County Tax Sale
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Cooper Hampton has released an updated list of properties scheduled for the county’s August tax sale.
The sheriff’s sale will be held Tuesday, August 4, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville. Properties will be offered at public outcry between the legal sale hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Payment must be made with cash or certified funds.
The properties are being sold under tax executions issued for unpaid state and county taxes. Only as much property as necessary to satisfy the tax debt and related costs will be sold.
Prospective buyers are reminded that this is a buyer-beware sale. All properties will be sold as-is, and the Tax Commissioner’s Office makes no warranty regarding title. Properties may also be subject to recorded covenants, easements, rights-of-way and the legal right of redemption following a tax sale.
Purchasers are responsible for title costs, transfer costs, taxes, advertising expenses and recording fees. At the discretion of the Tax Commissioner’s Office, payment may be required within two hours after the sale concludes.
The updated property list was released July 28. Anyone considering bidding should carefully research the property and consult an attorney before participating. You can see the updated list below:
Chattooga County Schools Hiring Custodians For Two Elementary Schools
The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for two custodian positions at local elementary schools.
A full-time, 208-day custodian is needed at Lyerly Elementary School. The position requires employees to work 9.25 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday, and includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement, sick leave and vacation leave.
The school system is also hiring a part-time, 208-day custodian at Leroy Massey Elementary School. That position is 4.5 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday and is not eligible for benefits.
Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, although it is preferred rather than required. Duties include cleaning and maintaining school buildings and grounds.
Applications are available at the Chattooga County Superintendent’s Office or online at chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting District Services and then Human Resources. Completed applications, along with required documents, should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education in Summerville.
Congressman Fuller Backs Community Banking Bill Passed By U.S. House
Congressman Clay Fuller voted with a bipartisan majority this week to approve H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, legislation supporters say would make it easier for community banks to lend money to small businesses, farmers and families by reducing certain federal regulatory requirements. The bill passed the House by a 270-155 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate.
Fuller said greater access to capital helps small businesses expand and create jobs.
“Greater access to capital allows small businesses to grow and create more jobs. I’m working to make Northwest Georgia’s economy the most vibrant it can possibly be, and it starts with strengthening our community banks,” Fuller said.
The legislation is designed to encourage the creation of new community banks, reduce regulatory burdens on smaller financial institutions and allow local lenders to focus more on making loans rather than complying with regulations originally intended for much larger national banks. Supporters, including the American Bankers Association and more than 100 banking and business organizations, say the bill will improve access to credit in rural communities where community banks often play a critical role in financing farms, small businesses and home purchases.
However, the bill has drawn opposition from several consumer advocacy groups.
The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) argues the legislation goes beyond helping community banks and instead weakens oversight of the banking industry. The organization says the measure would reduce transparency in fair lending, make it harder to detect discriminatory lending practices, lessen scrutiny of bank mergers and remove regulatory tools used to hold financial institutions accountable.
Supporters counter that many of the regulations targeted by the bill were created for large Wall Street institutions and have unintentionally made it more difficult for smaller hometown banks to compete. They argue easing those requirements could result in more local lending and stronger economic growth, particularly in rural areas like Northwest Georgia.
The legislation must still be approved by the Senate before it can be sent to the President for consideration.
Automated Ice Machine Damaged Near Dollar General On Highway 114
The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to an automated ice machine located near the Dollar General on Lyerly Highway.
According to an incident report, Officer M. Kinnamont was dispatched shortly after 10:30 a.m. on July 27 to the ice machine at 356 Highway 114 after receiving a report of damage.
The operator, Logan Hilton, told police the machine’s monitoring software alerted him to a malfunction around 7 a.m. the previous day. Someone also reportedly called him around 9 a.m. to report the damage.
Police observed damage to the front panel where customers make payments. The machine’s credit card reader was missing, and the power switch on the rear had been turned off.
Hilton told police the automated ice machine had last been checked about two months earlier. He was advised to install security cameras and contact police if he receives any additional information.
The case was documented as criminal trespass damage and forwarded to investigators.
GBI Arrest Fuels Ongoing Debate Over Flock Cameras Across Georgia
An arrest involving alleged misuse of an automated license plate reader system is adding to the ongoing debate over Flock cameras across Georgia, including concerns raised here in Chattooga County about privacy, access and government oversight.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested Andrae Wright, 44, of Statesboro, on charges of Misuse of a License Plate Reader System, Stalking, Computer Invasion of Privacy and Violation of Oath of Office.
At the time of the alleged offenses, Wright was employed as an investigator with the Ogeechee Circuit District Attorney’s Office. He previously worked for the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and reportedly still had access to that agency’s Flock Safety account.
The investigation began after the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office requested GBI assistance on July 9 following an internal audit of the system.
Preliminary information indicates Wright accessed the Flock system more than 60 times between June 15 and July 5 for purposes that were not related to law enforcement.
Wright was booked into the Bulloch County Jail on July 27.
The case is likely to intensify debate surrounding Flock cameras, which photograph vehicles and record license plate information as they pass camera locations. Supporters argue the systems help law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects and solve crimes more quickly.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy, how long information is stored, who can access the data and whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent abuse.
Those same questions have become part of the discussion in communities across Georgia, including Chattooga County, as local governments and law enforcement agencies consider the benefits and risks of expanding automated surveillance technology.
Governor Kemp Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp has officially proclaimed August 2026 as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia, recognizing the state’s long-standing hunting traditions, recreational shooting opportunities, and the economic impact of the industry. The proclamation encourages Georgians of all experience levels to safely enjoy shooting sports throughout the month.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is encouraging residents to visit one of the state’s more than 45 public archery and shooting ranges, many of which are located on Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas. The agency also promotes firearm safety training and responsible participation in shooting sports.
According to DNR, Georgia’s shooting sports and hunting industry contributed an estimated $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supports nearly 11,000 jobs. In addition, Georgia received more than $19.2 million in federal wildlife conservation funding in 2025 through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded by excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Those funds help support wildlife management, habitat conservation, hunter education, and public shooting ranges across the state.
The proclamation highlights the role hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts play in conservation while encouraging safe, responsible firearm ownership and recreation throughout the month of August.
Summerville Man Reports Losing More Than $10,000 In Vacation Rental Scam
A Summerville man reported losing more than $10,000 after falling victim to an apparent vacation rental scam, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Police say 48-year-old Brian Dover reported on July 27 that he and his wife had been communicating with someone claiming to be the owner of a vacation rental property listed on VRBO.
According to the incident report, Dover said he made an initial payment of $10,000, followed by another $500 transfer for the rental. He then traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida, to stay at the property, where he discovered the transaction was fraudulent.
The incident occurred at Dover’s residence on Back Penn Road in Summerville. The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Authorities remind residents to use caution when booking vacation rentals online. Travelers should verify property listings through legitimate rental platforms, avoid sending money outside of official payment systems, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 29, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 29, 2026:
Cooler Air Arrives Before Weekend Storm System Brings Increased Rain Chances
A refreshing change in the weather is settling into Northwest Georgia as a cold front pushes south, bringing lower humidity and several days of dry conditions before another storm system arrives this weekend.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 90 degrees, followed by a comfortable Wednesday night with clear skies and a low around 67. Sunshine continues Thursday with a high near 87 and north winds around 5 mph, with occasional gusts up to 15 mph. Overnight lows will dip into the mid-60s, making for some of the coolest mornings the area has experienced in weeks.
Forecasters say the biggest change won’t be the temperatures, but the lower humidity. While afternoon highs will remain in the upper 80s to around 90 through Friday, the drier air will make it feel much more comfortable than the oppressive heat experienced earlier this week.
The pleasant weather won’t last long. A new cold front is expected to approach Northwest Georgia early Saturday, bringing increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend. Rain chances climb to 60 percent Saturday and increase to 70 percent on Sunday as the front slows and stalls across the Southeast.
That stalled boundary is expected to keep deep tropical moisture over the region into early next week, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms continuing through at least Tuesday. High temperatures will generally remain in the low to mid-80s during the wetter pattern.
Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared for periods of heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms.
Happening This Evening: Public Invited To Weigh In On Proposed Tiny Home And Container Development Moratorium
Chattooga County residents will have another opportunity this evening to weigh in on a proposed temporary moratorium involving certain nontraditional residential and mixed-use developments.
The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. Eastern, or 5 p.m. Central, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. Residents may also participate remotely through Zoom using Meeting ID 884 5486 5847 and passcode ChattMeet.
According to the county’s official public notice, the proposed moratorium would provide time to review existing land-use regulations and determine whether current ordinances adequately address emerging housing models. Officials plan to evaluate the potential impacts of cargo-container homes, tiny-home developments, multi-service community developments, and similar projects on public health, safety, community welfare, and orderly growth.
The county has not announced how long the proposed moratorium would remain in effect or its final scope. Public comments received during the review process will be considered before Sole Commissioner Andy Allen makes a decision. Chattooga County operates under a sole-commissioner form of government, making Allen the county’s chief legislative and executive officer.
During the first public meeting earlier this month, Allen discussed concerns about cargo trailers being converted into full-time residences without clearly established construction standards. Questions were also raised about electrical and plumbing systems, septic and water connections, and whether some developments could be safely accessed by fire and emergency medical personnel.
Allen emphasized that the proposal is not intended to discourage affordable housing or target individual tiny homes or manufactured homes. Instead, county officials are examining whether standards should be established for larger developments and projects that could place additional demands on local roads, utilities, and emergency services.
Residents attending the first meeting also voiced concerns about the availability of affordable housing, noting that rising home prices have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many families. As a result, county leaders are balancing the need for additional housing options with questions about infrastructure capacity and public safety.
County officials encourage residents, property owners, developers, and other interested citizens to attend tonight’s meeting and provide input before any final action is considered.
Summerville Main Street Accepting Vendor Applications For 2026 Santa Special Mistletoe Market
Summerville Main Street is now accepting vendor applications for the 2026 Summerville Santa Special Mistletoe Market, a holiday shopping event that coincides with the popular Santa Special train excursions later this year.
The market will feature five train excursions on Saturdays and four excursions on Sundays, providing vendors with an opportunity to reach thousands of holiday shoppers visiting downtown Summerville. Indoor booth spaces are limited and will be filled through a juried application process.
Interested vendors must submit an application by September 25. There is no application fee to be considered. Indoor booth spaces are 10-by-8 feet for $85 per weekend, while outdoor spaces are 12-by-12 feet for $70 per weekend or $35 per day.
Indoor vendors are required to commit to the full two-day weekend. Outdoor vendors may apply for individual event days if space is available.
Applications and additional information are available by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.
Georgia DNR Releases 2026-2027 Hunting And Fishing Regulations Guide
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons Guide, giving hunters and anglers an updated resource ahead of the upcoming outdoor seasons.
The combined guide includes the latest season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, Wildlife Management Area regulations, quota hunt information, and youth hunting opportunities. Anglers will also find freshwater and saltwater fish identification charts, trout stream listings, Public Fishing Area information, state record fish listings, and updated fishing regulations.
Several updates are highlighted in this year’s guide, including changes to certain catfish regulations, revised bass limits at some Public Fishing Areas, a new statewide definition of “youth” as anyone under 16 years of age, an early antlerless-only firearms deer season in select counties, new deer carcass disposal requirements, and authorization for hunters to wear blaze pink anywhere blaze orange is required.
The guide is available online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website, and printed copies can be picked up at Wildlife Resources Division offices and participating license vendors across the state.
Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Donations Of Cat Litter
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking the community for help by donating cat litter to care for the many cats and kittens currently at the shelter.
Shelter staff say their feline residents go through a large amount of litter every day, and donations help keep the animals comfortable, healthy, and happy while they wait to find their forever homes.
Anyone wishing to help can drop off cat litter donations at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with Wednesday visits available by appointment.
For more information, contact the shelter at 706-857-0679. Shelter officials say every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of local animals awaiting adoption.
Chattooga County Extension Encourages Producers To Have Hay Tested
Chattooga County Extension is encouraging livestock producers to have their hay and other stored forage tested while this year’s hay crop is being harvested.
Forage testing provides information about the nutritional value and overall quality of hay, helping producers make better decisions when developing feeding programs for times when fresh grass is unavailable. Hay quality can significantly affect livestock health, growth, performance and the amount of supplemental feed needed during the winter.
University of Georgia Extension specialists say appearance alone cannot reliably determine the nutritional value of a particular supply of hay. A laboratory analysis can measure factors such as crude protein, fiber, digestibility and total digestible nutrients, allowing producers to build a feeding plan around the actual needs of their animals.
A representative sample is important for accurate results. UGA recommends using a clean forage probe and collecting samples from multiple randomly selected bales rather than simply pulling hay from the outside of a bale.
With hay now being cut and stored across the area, Chattooga County Extension says this is a good time for producers to test their forage and begin planning for the upcoming winter feeding season.
Walker County Commissioners To Hold Budget Work Session Thursday
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold a special called budget work session on Thursday, July 30, to discuss the county’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room of Courthouse Annex I, located at 101 South Duke Street in LaFayette. According to the published agenda, commissioners will call the meeting to order, take attendance, conduct the Fiscal Year 2026 budget work session, and then adjourn.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Walker County Board of Commissioners is set for Thursday, August 6, at 6:30 p.m.