Arrest Report - Sunday - May 31, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 31, 2026:
Rainy Pattern Continues Across Northwest Georgia; Flooding, Storm Threats Persist Into Early Week
Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for continued chances of rain and thunderstorms through at least early next week, with forecasters warning that locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding remain the primary concerns.
Cloudy, cooler conditions moved into the region Sunday as a wedge of cooler air pushed southward into Georgia. The system is expected to bring periods of showers and gusty winds, with wind gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph in some areas. Temperatures will remain below normal, with highs mainly in the 70s.
Thunderstorms remain possible across portions of the area Sunday and Monday. While widespread severe weather is not expected, forecasters say lightning and gusty winds could accompany stronger storms.
A Marginal Risk for severe weather has been outlined for Northwest Georgia on Monday afternoon and evening. Meteorologists are monitoring the possibility of a cluster of storms moving south from Tennessee, which could produce isolated damaging wind gusts. Areas with saturated soils from recent rainfall may be more vulnerable to downed trees and power outages if stronger winds develop.
The wet weather pattern is expected to continue into Tuesday before a significant shift takes place. A drier air mass is forecast to move into Georgia by Wednesday, bringing a welcome break from the frequent afternoon thunderstorms that have dominated the region in recent weeks.
Forecasters expect lower humidity levels and mostly dry conditions from midweek through the end of the week. Temperatures will gradually warm, but the absence of high humidity should make conditions more comfortable than typical for early June in Georgia.
Officials encourage residents to remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and avoid driving through flooded roadways during periods of heavy rainfall.
Trion Town Council To Hold Special Called Meeting Tuesday
The Town of Trion has scheduled a Special Called Meeting for Tuesday, June 2, to discuss matters related to the town’s Industrial Park.
According to a notice issued by Mayor Mickey D. McGraw, the meeting will be held in the Town Hall Conference Room and will begin at 6 p.m. The sole purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Industrial Park.
Mayor McGraw stated that anyone with questions or comments may contact him or the Town Hall office for additional information.
The meeting is open to the public.
Georgia’s Oldest Living World War II Veteran Celebrates 107th Birthday
Georgia’s oldest living World War II veteran is celebrating a remarkable milestone this week.
Charlie Duncan turned 107 years old and was honored by family, friends, fellow veterans and community leaders during a special celebration in Woodstock. Local officials also proclaimed May 26 as “Charlie Duncan Day” in recognition of his service and his status as Georgia’s oldest living World War II veteran.
Duncan served on the front lines in Europe during World War II and witnessed some of the most significant moments in modern history. Those who know him say his life has been defined by service, perseverance and a deep love for his country.
The birthday celebration brought together veterans and supporters from across the region to honor a member of what is often called “The Greatest Generation.” Family members say Duncan continues to inspire others with his outlook on life and the experiences he has shared over more than a century.
As America prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, Duncan’s story serves as a living connection to a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II.
Customer Service Representative Position Open With City of Summerville
The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Customer Service Representative position. The role involves a variety of customer service and administrative duties, including assisting utility customers, processing payments, maintaining records, issuing permits and business licenses, and handling cash transactions.
According to the job posting, responsibilities include setting up new customer accounts, preparing work orders, processing returned checks, balancing cash drawers, preparing bank deposits, issuing building and gas inspection permits, collecting payments for various city departments, and managing utility disconnects for non-payment.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and generally should possess one to two years of related experience in customer service, billing, cash handling, office administration, or a similar field.
The City says the position requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Several Statewide Races Headed To June 16 Runoff In Georgia
Georgia voters will return to the polls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to decide several key statewide races that were not settled during the May primary election.
According to unofficial results released by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, runoff elections will be required in a number of contests, including races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and Public Service Commission District 5.
Among the higher-profile runoff contests, Colby Maurin and Nabilah Parkes will face off in the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, while Greg Dolezal and John F. Kennedy advance to the Republican runoff.
In the Republican race for secretary of state, Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones will compete for the nomination, while Democrats Dana Barrett and Penny Brown Reynolds will meet in a runoff for their party’s nomination.
Several statewide races were decided outright in the primary, including the Democratic nominations for U.S. Senate, governor and attorney general, along with the Republican nominations for attorney general, agriculture commissioner and insurance commissioner.
Voters in Chattooga County and across Georgia who participated in the primary will have another opportunity to cast ballots in the runoff election on June 16.
Illegal Tire Dumping Reported On Vacant Summerville Property
A Summerville man has reported that dozens of tires were illegally dumped on a vacant property belonging to his late father.
According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, Jeff McCary told officers he received a letter from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources regarding an excessive number of tires located on property at 585 Maple Drive in Summerville. After receiving the notice, McCary visited the property and discovered what he described as abandoned tires that had been dumped on the site.
McCary told police he had no prior knowledge of the tires and did not authorize anyone to leave them on the property. He also advised officers that he has no knowledge of his late father authorizing anyone to dump tires there. According to the report, the property has been vacant for approximately five years.
The incident was classified by the Summerville Police Department as abandoned property. No suspects were identified in the report, and the case remains under investigation.
GNTC Receives Major PPE Donation From J. J. Keller
Patty Hart, vice president of Economic Development at GNTC (left), and Leigh Ann Pettigrew, director of Student Success and campus manager of GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus, pose for a picture wearing personal protective equipment donated by J. J. Keller & Associates Inc.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has received a major donation of personal protective equipment to help improve student safety and provide hands-on training with industry-standard gear.
J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. donated nearly 500 pieces of high-visibility clothing and PPE to the college, including gaiters, gloves, high-visibility jackets, masks, suspenders and vests.
GNTC officials say the donated items will be distributed to programs including Commercial Truck Driving, Electrical Lineworker, Welding and Joining Technology, and other areas where students train for hands-on careers.
Patty Hart, vice president of Economic Development at GNTC, said the college is grateful for J. J. Keller’s generosity. Hart said the company recently offered the PPE overstock to the college, allowing students to benefit from safety equipment used in real-world workplace settings.
The donation follows another contribution from J. J. Keller last year, when the company donated 32 copies of its “Entry-Level Driver Training Obtaining a CDL Student Manual” to GNTC’s Commercial Truck Driving – Class A program.
Joel Clark, director of product management at J. J. Keller, said the company’s goal is to keep people safe in the workplace. He said helping GNTC students practice safety during their training and carry those habits into their future jobs is especially rewarding.
J. J. Keller & Associates is a family-owned safety and compliance company founded in 1953. Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides workforce education across northwest Georgia through associate degree, diploma, certificate, adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start programs.
Chattooga's Addie Veatch Selected For Tennessee-Georgia All-Star Softball Classic
One of Chattooga High School’s standout softball players will have the opportunity to represent Northwest Georgia on one of the region’s biggest stages next month.
Recent Chattooga graduate Addie Veatch has been selected to play for Team Georgia in the 28th Annual Tennessee-Georgia All-Star Softball Classic, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga. The annual event showcases many of the top graduating senior softball players from Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
Veatch, who has signed to continue her softball career at Gadsden State Community College, will join an elite roster of players from schools across Northwest Georgia as Team Georgia looks to build on last year’s success.
The doubleheader begins at 6 p.m. and will feature some of the area’s most accomplished players, many of whom are headed to collegiate programs ranging from junior colleges to NCAA Division I schools.
Team Georgia will be coached by Heritage High School’s Reagan Armour, whose Lady Generals captured their sixth GHSA state championship this past season.
Georgia enters this year’s event with momentum after sweeping Tennessee in last year’s All-Star Classic, winning games by scores of 1-0 and 5-3. The sweep marked only the third time Georgia has won both games of the annual showcase.
For Veatch, the selection serves as another recognition of her outstanding high school career and provides an opportunity to compete alongside many of the best senior softball players in the region before beginning her collegiate career at Gadsden State.
Vacation Bible School Season Begins Across The Area
School is out for the summer, and churches across the area are holding, or preparing to hold, Vacation Bible School programs for local children. Vacation Bible School, commonly known as VBS, has been a summer tradition for generations. The movement began in the late 19th century as a way to provide wholesome, biblically focused summer activities for neighborhood children.
The first known daily Bible school was launched in 1894 in Hopedale, Illinois, by public and Sunday school teacher D.T. Miles. The program enrolled 40 students and lasted four weeks.
A few years later, in 1898, Virginia Sinclair Hawes started an “Everyday Bible School” in a rented beer parlor on New York City’s East Side. Her goal was to help keep at-risk inner-city children off the streets while providing Bible instruction and positive activities.
By the early 1900s, the idea had spread to other cities, including Chicago and Philadelphia. By 1922, Vacation Bible School had become a national trend, with thousands of summer Bible schools registered across multiple denominations.
Early VBS programs often lasted several weeks and included Bible lessons, crafts, music, hygiene instruction and community outreach. Over time, the format evolved into the week-long summer church programs familiar to many families today.
Modern Vacation Bible School programs often include themed lessons, music, games, crafts, snacks and skits. Churches continue to use VBS as a way to reach children and families during the summer months while teaching biblical lessons in a fun and engaging setting.
Several area churches have already announced Vacation Bible School plans:
- Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion will host Vacation Bible School May 31 through June 3 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. each night. The event is open to children from Pre-K through 12th grade and will include faith, fun, friends, food, games, worship and lessons focused on learning more about Jesus. Dinner will be provided nightly. The church is located at 14074 U.S. Highway 27 in Trion. Bus transportation is available by calling 706-734-3140 and leaving a message with the child’s name, address and phone number.
- Subligna Baptist Church will hold Vacation Bible School May 31 through June 4 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night. The program is open to children from Pre-K through 12th grade. Dinner will be served nightly, and this year’s theme is “Illumination Station.” For more information, call 706-397-8114.
- Chesterfield Baptist Church will host VBS 2026 “Illumination Station” June 7 through June 11 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The church is located at 7925 County Road 15 in Gaylesville, Alabama, about four miles from Menlo on Jamestown Road.
- Lyerly Community Church will hold its annual Vacation Bible School on June 20 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Put On Your Armor for God.” The event will include Bible school lessons, crafts, water games and lunch. Children should bring a towel and wear clothes that can get wet. For more information, contact Pastor Marshall Bryan at 706-409-0329. Lyerly Community Church is located at 105 Oak Hill Road in Lyerly, across from Lyerly School.
Local families are encouraged to check with area churches for additional dates, times and registration information for upcoming Vacation Bible School programs. If your church is hosting a Vacation Bible School and you would like to have that information on the radio and the WZQZ website, you may call 706-857-WZQZ (706-857-9979) and leave a detailed message or e-mail info@chattoogainfo.com . There is no charge for church news on WZQZ.
Arrest Report - Saturday - May 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 30, 2026:
Showers And Storms Continue Into Early Next Week
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across north Georgia through the beginning of next week, with locally heavy rainfall remaining the primary weather concern.
Forecasters say a moist air mass remains in place across the region, allowing showers and storms to produce heavy downpours at times. While severe weather is not expected, isolated flash flooding will be possible, especially in locations that received heavier rainfall on Friday or in areas where storms repeatedly move over the same spots.
For today, lingering showers are possible during the morning hours, along with areas of low clouds and patchy fog. Additional showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to increase again during the late afternoon and evening hours. Cloud cover may limit the overall coverage of thunderstorms, but isolated storms and a few rumbles of thunder remain possible.
Rain chances are expected to shift more toward central and southern Georgia on Sunday as a frontal boundary moves farther south. That should give parts of north and east Georgia a bit of a break from the more widespread rain. Temperatures on Sunday are expected to remain below average, with highs mainly in the low to mid 70s.
The unsettled pattern may continue into the early part of next week, with afternoon thunderstorms possible Monday and Tuesday. The main concern will continue to be locally heavy rainfall rather than severe storms.
Forecasters say a pattern change should begin to take shape by Tuesday and Wednesday, with high pressure helping to bring drier conditions to much of the area by midweek. Rain chances may hold off again until next weekend.
Chattooga County Expands Redevelopment Area To Help Secure Funding For New Apartment Project Near Trion
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has approved an expansion of the county’s Urban Redevelopment Area in an effort to help unlock federal funding opportunities for a proposed apartment development near Trion.
The move redraws redevelopment boundaries to include property targeted for a new housing project, allowing developers to pursue financing programs that are often tied to designated redevelopment areas. County leaders say the change is aimed at encouraging investment and increasing housing availability in the area.
Housing availability has remained a growing concern across Northwest Georgia as communities continue to see demand for additional workforce and family housing. Supporters of the redevelopment expansion believe the project could help address some of those needs while also bringing new economic activity to the county.
Urban Redevelopment Areas are commonly used by local governments to encourage development in areas identified for revitalization or economic growth. Expanding those boundaries can make projects eligible for certain grants, tax incentives, and federal funding opportunities that may not otherwise be available.
According to the commissioner, the redevelopment boundary adjustment is part of a broader effort to attract investment and support long-term growth in Chattooga County.
Additional details regarding the proposed apartment development, including construction timelines and the number of planned units, are expected to be released as the project moves forward.
Sloppy Floyd State Park To Host Nighttime Bat Hike June 6
Nature lovers will have an opportunity to explore the outdoors after dark during a special bat-themed hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park on Friday, June 6.
The “Into the Dark: Bat Hike” program will begin at 8:30 p.m. and take participants on a guided nighttime trek to the Marble Mine while learning about one of Northwest Georgia’s most misunderstood creatures.
Park rangers will discuss the important role bats play in the environment, including what they eat, how they help control insect populations, and the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive at night.
Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes. The group will meet in front of the park office before the hike begins.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required.
Those interested in attending should register in advance by contacting the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year, including hiking, fishing, camping, and educational programs.
Chattooga County Schools Seeking Multiple Paraprofessionals For 2026-27 School Year
The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for multiple full-time paraprofessional positions for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
According to the school system, the 152-day, benefits-eligible positions are available at several schools across the county, including:
- Leroy Massey Elementary School – PE class, first-grade classrooms, kindergarten classrooms, and special education classroom
- Lyerly Elementary School – PE class
- Menlo Elementary School – First-grade classroom
- Summerville Middle School – PE class
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED and either have or be eligible to obtain a Georgia Paraprofessional Certificate by passing the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment or by holding an associate degree or higher.
Applications may be obtained through the Superintendent’s Office or online through the Chattooga County School System website and TeachGeorgia.org.
Application packets must include a completed application, high school diploma or GED documentation, completed professional reference forms, authorization for a background check, and fingerprinting documentation.
Applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, Chattooga County Board of Education, at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Board of Education at 706-859-3043.
Visitor Reportedly Kicked By Nursing Home Patient In Summerville Incident
The Summerville Police Department responded to Oakview Nursing Home on May 25 after receiving a report involving a combative patient who allegedly assaulted a visitor.
According to an incident report filed by Officer Ibzan Ramirez, nursing home employees told officers that a patient had become combative and uncooperative and needed to be transported to a hospital for evaluation. Staff reported that the patient had kicked a visitor prior to officers arriving at the facility.
When officers made contact with the patient, they reported that he appeared unwilling to discuss the situation and refused attempts by EMS personnel to transport him for medical evaluation. Due to the patient’s continued combative behavior and refusal to comply, EMS personnel administered what officers described as a sedative injection. After the patient calmed down, he was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
Police also spoke with the visitor, who said she had been visiting her mother at the nursing home. The woman told officers she was standing in a hallway looking through a door window when she was kicked in the right leg by the patient.
The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and told officers she would be fine.
The Summerville Police Department advised nursing home staff that a police report would be completed regarding the incident.
GNTC Accepting Applications For Assistant To The Registrar Position
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant to the Registrar.
The full-time position is based on GNTC’s Walker County Campus but will require travel to other college campuses as needed to meet operational requirements.
According to GNTC, the Assistant to the Registrar will report directly to the Assistant Registrar and provide administrative support for registration services, reporting requirements, and student record functions within the Office of the Registrar.
The position is an in-person role requiring a 40-hour work week.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students across Northwest Georgia through multiple campus locations and offers a wide variety of academic and workforce development programs.
Individuals interested in applying or learning more about the position can visit GNTC’s employment website at www.gntc.edu/employment.
Recent Rains Bring Drought Relief To Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
Weeks of steady rainfall are beginning to make a noticeable difference across Northwest Georgia, with drought conditions continuing to improve throughout the region.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, drought conditions have eased across portions of north and central Georgia following a wetter-than-normal pattern that has delivered repeated rounds of rain over the past several weeks.
In Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, the most extreme drought classifications have continued to shrink as soils, streams, and vegetation benefit from the recent rainfall. While the improvements are encouraging, meteorologists say the region is not out of the woods yet.
Much of Georgia remains in severe to exceptional drought categories, and long-term rainfall deficits continue to be a concern. Even though the ground has become noticeably wetter at the surface, moisture levels deeper below ground remain below normal after months of dry conditions.
The latest drought data shows more than half of Georgia remains in D3 (Extreme Drought) or D4 (Exceptional Drought) status. However, areas of the state that received frequent rainfall during May have seen significant improvement compared to conditions earlier this spring.
Additional rainfall is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through early next week as a stalled weather pattern continues to produce scattered showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters say some locations could receive locally heavy rainfall, which would provide further drought relief but could also create isolated flooding concerns.
The improving conditions are welcome news for farmers, homeowners, and local water systems that have endured months of unusually dry weather. Lawns and pastures have begun to recover in many areas, and stream levels have improved following the recent rounds of rain.
Meteorologists caution that it will likely take several more weeks of near-normal or above-normal rainfall to fully erase the long-term deficits that developed during the prolonged dry spell. Even so, the trend is moving in the right direction as Northwest Georgia heads into the summer months.
Plenty Happening Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia Today
Several events are happening today, Saturday, May 30, giving families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia a variety of ways to spend the day.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host an Adoption Day event at Tractor Supply in Summerville from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors can meet adoptable pets, speak with shelter representatives, and learn more about giving a dog or cat a permanent home. The event will also include giveaways, treats, and activities as part of National Pet Month.
In downtown Summerville, Community Connect Day will take place at the Summerville Train Depot from noon until 3 p.m. The event is being hosted by the City of Summerville, Summerville Main Street, and the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce. Local organizations, businesses, vendors, food, and community groups will be on hand as residents and visitors gather downtown, including passengers arriving on the Tennessee Valley Railroad excursion train.
In Walker County, the LaFayette Honeybee Festival returns today in downtown LaFayette with a full day of music, food, shopping, contests, family activities, and entertainment. The festival runs from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. and is free to attend. This year’s main stage lineup includes The Band Perry, LaFayette’s own Channing Wilson, and Shane Profitt on the Pigeon Mountain Trading Company Stage. Festivalgoers can also enjoy food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone, barbecue competition, baking contest, car show, and activities highlighting the importance of protecting honeybees.
Whether you are looking to adopt a pet, enjoy downtown Summerville, or take in a full day of music and festival activities in LaFayette, there are several opportunities to get out and enjoy the day across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Quota Hunt Applications Open June 1
Georgia hunters will soon be able to apply for a variety of quota hunts as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources prepares for the upcoming hunting season.
Beginning June 1, hunters can electronically submit applications for many quota hunts, including certain deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove, and youth hunting opportunities. The hunts are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division and take place on Wildlife Management Areas and other state-managed properties across Georgia.
Quota hunts are designed to provide quality hunting experiences while helping wildlife managers regulate harvest numbers, reduce overcrowding, and maintain healthy game populations.
According to DNR officials, hunters selected through the quota system must have the proper licenses and permits required for participation. Applications can be submitted online through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com by selecting the “Quota Hunts” option and following the application instructions.
Several application deadlines are scheduled throughout the summer. The first deadline is July 15 for alligator hunts, followed by August 15 for dove hunts, including Adult/Child hunts. Most deer hunt applications, including youth deer hunts, must be submitted by September 1.
Wildlife Resources Division officials encourage hunters to verify that their email addresses and account information are current in order to receive notifications and quota hunt updates. Assistance is also available by calling 1-800-366-2661.
For hunters in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, quota hunts provide opportunities to access some of the state’s most popular public hunting areas while participating in carefully managed hunts.
Additional information, application deadlines, and historical selection odds can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/quota.