Arrest Report - Friday - November 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, November 6, 2026:
Patchy Dense Fog This Morning Ahead Of Cooler Weekend Weather
Northwest Georgia will enjoy another relatively warm November afternoon today before a cold front brings a noticeable drop in temperatures over the weekend. Sunshine will return as the day progresses, with afternoon highs reaching the lower 70s. By Saturday, temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler, and overnight lows will fall into the 30s in many locations over the next several nights.
The National Weather Service says today’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies early, gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. Light north winds will become northwesterly at 5 to 10 miles per hour during the afternoon, with occasional gusts as high as 15 miles per hour.
Motorists heading out early this morning should also be aware of patchy dense fog across portions of far North Georgia. Visibility could drop to one-quarter mile or less, particularly in valleys and lower elevations. The fog is expected to lift after 9 AM. Drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow additional distance between vehicles.
The change in weather comes as a cold front moves eastward across Georgia, bringing cooler and drier air into the region. While scattered showers are possible in parts of east-central Georgia, Northwest Georgia is expected to remain largely dry as the front moves through.
Tonight will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 43 degrees. North winds around 5 miles per hour could occasionally gust to 20 miles per hour.
Saturday will be sunny but noticeably cooler, with a high near 63 degrees. North winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour will make the day feel somewhat cooler, especially in open areas. Gusts could again reach 20 miles per hour.
Saturday night will bring one of the chilliest nights so far this season, with mostly clear skies and a low around 37 degrees. Some sheltered valleys and colder rural locations could experience temperatures a few degrees lower.
Sunday will feature plenty of sunshine and a high near 67 degrees. Winds will become lighter as high pressure settles over the region. Sunday night temperatures are expected to fall to around 36 degrees.
The National Weather Service says clear skies, lighter winds and dry air will create favorable conditions for nighttime cooling. Temperatures in the 30s are expected across much of North Georgia during the weekend and into early next week. The highest elevations of Northeast Georgia could even see readings near freezing.
Despite the chilly mornings, afternoon temperatures will gradually recover as the new week begins.
Monday will be sunny with a high near 71 degrees, followed by a partly cloudy Monday night with a low around 39.
Tuesday will be partly sunny with a high near 71 degrees and an overnight low around 40.
For Veterans Day on Wednesday, the forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 70 degrees, providing favorable weather for outdoor ceremonies and observances. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 42.
The next chance of rainfall is not expected until Thursday, when forecasters are calling for a 20 percent chance of showers and a high near 66 degrees.
Overall, the National Weather Service expects a prolonged stretch of dry weather across Northwest Georgia, with rain chances remaining below 10 percent through the middle of next week.
The biggest change will be the return of more seasonable November temperatures, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours. Residents heading outdoors this weekend should plan for much cooler conditions than those experienced earlier in the week.
Chattooga Falls To Christian Heritage; Trion Hosts BEST Academy Tonight
The Chattooga Indians closed out their 2026 regular football season Thursday night with a 52-21 loss to Christian Heritage in Dalton, while the Trion Bulldogs will wrap up their regular season tonight with a home game against BEST Academy of Atlanta.
Chattooga traveled to Dalton for a Thursday night matchup against the Christian Heritage Lions, who entered the contest with an 8-1 record.
The Indians managed to score 21 points but could not keep pace with the Lions, who put 52 points on the scoreboard.
The loss leaves Chattooga with a final regular-season record of 2-8, while Christian Heritage improves to 9-1.
Meanwhile, the Trion Bulldogs will be looking to finish their regular season with a victory when they host the BEST Academy Eagles tonight at Sam R. McCain Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Trion enters tonight’s contest with a 7-2 record after having last Friday night off. The Bulldogs defeated Manchester 35-7 in their most recent game on October 23.
Tonight’s game will also be Trion’s final opportunity to improve its record before postseason play begins.
WZQZ will provide coverage of tonight’s Trion game on AM 1180 and FM 99.1, along with live video coverage on the WZQZ Radio Facebook page.
Authorities Remove Approximately 100 Dogs From Summerville Home Following Complaints
Summerville Police and Chattooga County Animal Control have been involved in a major animal rescue operation at a home on Bellah Avenue, where authorities discovered approximately 100 dogs living in unsanitary conditions.
According to a report by Jason Espy, the investigation began after neighbors complained about strong odors and constant barking coming from the residence.
Summerville Police Chief Brian Ozment said officers discovered a large number of dogs living inside the small home, along with animal waste and other unsanitary conditions.
The operation involved Summerville Police, Chattooga County Animal Control, county public works employees, city officials and volunteers who worked together to remove the animals and arrange for their care.
The Atlanta Humane Society was also contacted for assistance, although local authorities began removing the animals before outside help could arrive.
Chief Ozment told WZQZ News on Thursday that investigators are waiting to receive information from the rescue organizations concerning the animals’ medical conditions before warrants are issued.
The medical assessments are expected to help investigators determine the appropriate charges as the investigation moves forward.
The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Chattooga Chamber Hosting “Feed The Need” Lunch And Tour November 10
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce and the Community Resource Center are inviting the public to participate in a special “Feed The Need” Lunch and Tour on Tuesday, November 10, in Summerville.
The event will take place from noon until 1 PM at the Community Resource Center, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue, Suite A.
Instead of a traditional admission fee, attendees are asked to bring a large box, bag or case of pantry items to help meet the needs of local children and families.
Organizers are particularly requesting foods that children can easily open and prepare themselves, along with items that provide good nutrition.
The center’s immediate needs include jelly, Kraft macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, peanut butter, snacks and pantry meals that children can prepare independently.
The event will also give participants an opportunity to tour the Community Resource Center and learn more about its work addressing food insecurity in Chattooga County.
Lunch will be provided, and the event is open to the public. Reservations are requested.
The Chamber encourages community members and businesses to participate by bringing food donations to help meet the growing need for assistance.
Saturday Is Deadline For Trion Recreation Department Basketball Registration
Parents planning to sign their children up for basketball through the Trion Recreation Department have just one more day to register.
The department is accepting registrations for its youth basketball program through Saturday, November 7.
The program includes three divisions, with opportunities for boys and girls of different ages to participate.
The youngest division is 6U coed basketball, allowing boys and girls age 6 and under to play together.
Separate boys’ and girls’ divisions are available for ages 8U through 12U.
The Trion Recreation Department is encouraging parents to complete registration before Saturday’s deadline so their children can participate in the upcoming basketball season.
Registration closes November 7.
Commissioner Allen Expects Friday Update On Tooga Theatre Renovation Bids
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says he expects to release additional information late this afternoon concerning the four construction bids submitted for the next stage of renovations to the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville.
Allen told WZQZ News Thursday that his office has been carefully reviewing the proposals since the bids were opened October 27.
The Mitchell Group LLC of Carrollton submitted the apparent low bid of $1,451,503. Headley Construction Corporation of Newnan submitted a bid of $1,682,674, followed by J.K. Lockwood Construction of Alpharetta at $1,691,000 and Banner Services Group LLC of Canton at $1,858,000.
Allen explained that reviewing the bids involves more than simply comparing the prices submitted by contractors. Individual proposals may include conditions and concessions involving subcontractors, meaning the apparent low bid may not necessarily represent the lowest overall cost.
The commissioner also provided additional background on delays in the bidding process.
Allen said the project was initially advertised to local contractors, but no bids were received. During a subsequent bidding effort, contractors requested additional time to prepare their proposals as the deadline approached.
That led the county to extend the process and advertise the project statewide, ultimately resulting in the four bids now under consideration.
The current project involves extensive interior renovations to the historic theatre. Earlier exterior improvements and marquee restoration were completed during the administration of former Commissioner Blake Elsberry.
Chattooga County received a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission toward the restoration project, with a required local matching contribution.
The Tooga Theatre opened in 1947 and was purchased by Chattooga County in 2015 during the administration of former Commissioner Jason Winters.
Plans call for the restored theatre to serve as a venue for theatrical productions, concerts, movies and community events.
Allen says he expects to have additional information concerning the bids available late Friday afternoon. No construction contract has been awarded.
Chattooga County Election Board Scheduled To Certify Election Results Today
The Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is scheduled to meet this afternoon to certify results from Tuesday’s General Election.
The meeting is scheduled for 5 PM at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office in Summerville.
Election officials have been reviewing and reconciling vote totals from Tuesday’s election, including absentee and provisional ballots, before making the results official.
All five Chattooga County precincts reported their results Tuesday night, with voters approving several local ballot measures.
Those measures included the renewal of the one-percent education sales tax and two proposals expanding property tax relief for qualifying senior citizens.
Voters in the Town of Trion also approved a school bond referendum.
Today is also the deadline for voters to correct certain problems with absentee ballots and provide required documentation for provisional ballots.
Under Georgia law, county election results must be certified no later than 5 PM Monday, November 9.
The results from Tuesday’s election remain unofficial until the certification process is completed.
Democrats Sweep Georgia Statewide Offices, Capture State House In Historic Election
Georgia Democrats made sweeping gains in Tuesday’s General Election, winning every statewide office on the ballot, taking control of the Georgia House of Representatives for the first time in more than two decades and narrowing the Republican majority in the state Senate.
The election represents one of the most significant changes in Georgia’s political leadership since Republicans began taking control of statewide offices in the early 2000s.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson in the governor’s race, becoming the first Democrat elected Georgia governor since Roy Barnes won reelection in 1998. Bottoms will also become the first Black woman elected governor in United States history.
Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff won reelection over Republican Congressman Mike Collins, securing another six-year term in Washington.
Democrats also captured all seven other statewide constitutional offices on Tuesday’s ballot.
Josh McLaurin defeated Republican Greg Dolezal for lieutenant governor, giving Democrats control of the office that presides over the Georgia Senate for the first time since 2007.
Tanya Miller defeated Republican Brian Strickland for attorney general, while Penny Brown Reynolds defeated Republican Tim Fleming for secretary of state.
Democrats also defeated Republican incumbents in four additional statewide races.
Katherine Juhan-Arnold defeated Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. Keisha Sean Waites defeated Insurance Commissioner John King. Nikki Porcher defeated Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes, and Lydia Powell defeated State School Superintendent Richard Woods.
The Democratic victories extend beyond the executive branch.
In the Georgia House of Representatives, Democrats defeated at least 12 Republican incumbents and achieved a net gain of at least 10 seats, enough to secure a majority in the 180-member chamber. Republicans have controlled the House since 2005.
House Democratic Leader Carolyn Hugley of Columbus is positioned to become the chamber’s next speaker when the Legislature convenes in January.
Democrats also made gains in the Georgia Senate, defeating Republican incumbents Clint Dixon, Shawn Still and Ed Setzler. Republicans retained their Senate majority, although their advantage narrowed.
The results will create divided control of the Legislature, with Democrats holding the House and Republicans controlling the Senate. Democratic Lieutenant Governor-elect Josh McLaurin will preside over the Republican-controlled Senate.
Democrats also secured control of the Georgia Public Service Commission, the five-member body that regulates utilities including Georgia Power. The change follows Democratic victories in commission elections and gives the party control of the regulatory board for the first time in decades.
The election also marked several historic firsts. In addition to Bottoms becoming the nation’s first elected Black woman governor, Tanya Miller will become Georgia’s first female attorney general, and Penny Brown Reynolds will become the first Black person elected Georgia secretary of state.
Lydia Powell will become the first Black woman to serve as Georgia’s state school superintendent.
Despite the statewide Democratic victories, Republicans continued to win many individual legislative and local races, including contests in heavily Republican areas of Northwest Georgia.
The new governor, statewide constitutional officers and members of the General Assembly are scheduled to take office in January.
Election results remain unofficial until certification is completed.
Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers And Donations For Holiday Programs Serving Chattooga County
The Salvation Army of Rome is seeking volunteers and community support for its annual holiday programs, which provide Christmas assistance to families and senior citizens throughout the area, including Chattooga County.
Lieutenant Cory Tilley, Corps Officer with The Salvation Army of Rome, says volunteers are needed to ring bells for the organization’s annual Red Kettle campaign. He encourages residents to volunteer with friends and give a couple of hours of their time to help raise money for those in need.
The Red Kettle campaign will begin Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and continue through the early hours of Christmas Eve. It is The Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser.
Captain Cristina Tilley says the Red Kettle campaign is a longstanding holiday tradition and provides an opportunity for community members to give back.
The organization is also seeking support for its Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts to children from birth through age 12 and senior citizens ages 65 and older.
The Salvation Army of Rome serves families in Chattooga County, making the holiday assistance programs important to local residents who may be struggling financially.
In addition to the Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns, the organization will conduct a canned food drive during the holiday season.
Residents interested in volunteering, making donations or learning more about the holiday assistance programs can contact The Salvation Army of Rome at 706-291-4745.
Additional information and updates are available through The Salvation Army of Rome, GA Facebook page.
Summerville Police Respond To Crash Involving Suspected Impaired Driver
The Summerville Police Department responded to a single-vehicle accident Wednesday night, November 4, after a driver reportedly crashed into a retaining wall along Jakeville Avenue.
According to an incident report filed by Officer B. Campbell, police were dispatched to the intersection of Jakeville Avenue and Congress Street around 9:40 PM in reference to a motor vehicle accident involving a possibly intoxicated driver.
When officers arrived, they found a silver GMC Acadia that had crashed into a retaining wall adjacent to a driveway at 116 Jakeville Avenue.
The driver was identified as Rebecca Woodall, who resides at the address where the accident occurred.
Officer Campbell reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from Woodall. According to the report, her eyes were bloodshot, and she was unable to stand without assistance. Officers also observed alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle that appeared to have been recently purchased.
Based on those observations, Officer Campbell suspected Woodall was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
However, officers were unable to conduct field sobriety testing due to safety concerns. Woodall was transported to the Atrium Health Floyd emergency facility in Trion for medical evaluation.
According to the police report, emergency room personnel indicated Woodall might be experiencing an altered mental status and required further evaluation.
The report does not indicate that Woodall was arrested or charged in connection with the incident.
Chattooga County Historical Society To Meet Sunday At Historic Finley-Sanford Home
The Chattooga County Historical Society will hold its November meeting this Sunday, November 8, offering an opportunity for residents to learn more about local history while visiting one of the county’s historic homes.
The meeting will take place from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the historic Finley-Sanford home, located at 3065 Holland-Chattoogaville Road in the Lyerly area.
The gathering provides an opportunity for Historical Society members and others interested in Chattooga County’s past to come together, share their interest in local history and support efforts to preserve the county’s historical heritage.
The Historical Society works to preserve and promote the stories, buildings, landmarks and traditions that have shaped Chattooga County over the years. Its meetings offer opportunities for residents to become involved in those preservation efforts and learn more about the area’s history.
The organization will also have its 2026 commemorative Christmas ornament available for purchase at Sunday’s meeting.
This year’s ornament features the historic 1898 Trion Railroad Bridge, recognizing a landmark associated with the development of rail transportation and the textile industry in Chattooga County.
The annual ornaments have become a way for the Historical Society to celebrate significant local landmarks while giving residents an opportunity to collect keepsakes representing the county’s past.
The 2026 ornament is also available at Sweet Beaux in downtown Summerville and through the Historical Society’s online store.
Residents interested in local history, historic architecture and preservation are encouraged to attend Sunday’s meeting.
Again, the Chattooga County Historical Society will meet Sunday, November 8, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the Finley-Sanford home, 3065 Holland-Chattoogaville Road in Lyerly.
Chattooga County Library Brings Back “Food For Fines” Program
The Chattooga County Library is bringing back its annual “Food For Fines” program, giving patrons an opportunity to reduce overdue library fines while helping provide food for families in need.
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is offering the program through December 19, allowing library patrons to exchange canned food donations for reductions in their outstanding fines.
For every canned food item donated, participants will receive a $2 credit toward overdue fines, up to a maximum of $20 in savings.
Library officials say the program provides an opportunity for patrons to clear up overdue fines while supporting the local community kitchen and helping provide food for those in need.
Residents who do not have outstanding library fines are also encouraged to participate by donating canned food items.
The Chattooga County Public Library is located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The “Food For Fines” program continues through December 19.
Chattooga County Audit Details Financial Challenges And Improvements As Commissioner Allen Announces New Accounting Procedures
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is making significant financial progress, pointing to the recently completed 2025 audit and changes in county accounting procedures as evidence of efforts to improve financial management, strengthen oversight and maintain adequate cash reserves.
Allen says the county has reached a point where it can operate without borrowing money to cover routine expenses while waiting for property tax revenue. At the same time, the newly released audit identifies several areas where the county needs to strengthen its accounting practices and internal financial controls.
One of the most significant changes being implemented involves eliminating traditional checkbooks in county departments.
Allen told WZQZ News that, going forward, all county checks will be issued through the county’s financial software system rather than through individual departmental checkbooks. The change is intended to provide more consistent records of expenditures and improve financial oversight.
County No Longer Relying On Short-Term Borrowing
Allen described the county’s bookkeeping situation when he took office as a nightmare, saying the financial condition was worse than he initially realized.
He said the county previously relied on tax anticipation notes, which function much like short-term lines of credit, to cover operating expenses while awaiting property tax collections.
The county borrowed money through those notes in 2025, but Allen said it has not needed to use a tax anticipation note during 2026.
The commissioner credited the county’s bookkeeping team and other employees with helping improve financial operations.
Allen also said the 2024 audit had not been completed when he took office, making it difficult for his administration to determine the county’s financial position.
General Fund Balance Declined During 2025
The 2025 audit shows that Chattooga County’s General Fund ended the year with a balance of approximately $5.84 million, compared with $6.95 million at the end of 2024.
That represents a decrease of approximately $1.1 million during the year.
The county collected approximately $10.2 million in taxes during 2025, compared with $11.2 million the previous year.
General Fund expenditures totaled approximately $13.5 million, an increase from approximately $12.99 million in 2024.
Public safety accounted for the largest share of expenditures, totaling approximately $6.2 million. That included approximately $2.7 million each for the Sheriff’s Office and county jail.
General government spending totaled approximately $2.55 million, while judicial expenses were approximately $1.86 million. Sanitation expenditures totaled approximately $1.34 million.
Despite the decline in the General Fund balance, the audit also reflected reductions in certain financial obligations.
Accounts payable declined from approximately $542,724 at the end of 2024 to $209,307 at the end of 2025.
The audit also showed no General Fund interest expense in 2025, compared with $33,258 in 2024.
The absence of interest expense in the General Fund does not mean the county had no borrowing during 2025. Allen has acknowledged that the county used tax anticipation borrowing that year.
Auditor Identifies Four Significant Deficiencies
The audit was prepared by certified public accountant Chrysan Thomas and covers the year ending December 31, 2025.
The auditor issued an unmodified opinion on the county’s financial statements, meaning they were fairly presented in all material respects under generally accepted accounting principles.
However, the auditor also identified four significant deficiencies involving accounting procedures and internal financial controls.
No material weaknesses were identified.
The findings involve financial recordkeeping in certain court offices, the separation of accounting responsibilities, Water Department bookkeeping and cash handling procedures.
A significant deficiency is an accounting or internal control problem important enough to warrant the attention of county management, although it does not meet the more serious classification of a material weakness.
Court Offices Need Improved Accounting Records
The first finding involved custodial funds maintained by the Probate Court, Magistrate Court and Clerk of Superior Court.
These funds generally consist of money held by county offices on behalf of other governments, organizations or individuals.
The auditor found that the offices were managing those funds without using general ledgers and that procedures were not in place for regular reconciliation of account balances.
The report also identified older outstanding funds that had not been disbursed.
The auditor recommended implementing proper general ledgers, regular reconciliations and procedures for reviewing outstanding balances.
In its response, county management agreed with the finding and said custodial funds would begin using general ledgers through the county’s Harris financial software.
Concerns About Separation Of Financial Duties
The second finding involved insufficient separation of financial responsibilities in some county offices.
The auditor explained that sound accounting practices generally require different employees to handle authorization, custody of funds, recordkeeping and reconciliation whenever possible.
The audit found that some employees were performing overlapping financial responsibilities without sufficient independent review.
The report attributed part of the problem to limited staffing in certain offices.
According to the auditor, inadequate separation of duties increases the risk that financial errors or misappropriation of funds could go undetected.
County management agreed with the finding and said it was implementing procedures to improve accounting controls and separate employee responsibilities when possible.
Water Department Records Required Significant Corrections
The third finding involved accounting procedures in the county Water Department.
The audit found that Water Department financial activity was being maintained in two separate accounting ledgers, one at the Commissioner’s Office and another at the Water Department.
Those records were not being reconciled properly throughout the year.
The auditor reported that the initial accounting records contained materially misstated balances involving cash, expenses and grant activity.
The records required substantial reconstruction and numerous correcting entries before reliable financial statements could be prepared.
The audit attributed the problems partly to insufficient accounting training, unfamiliarity with the county’s bookkeeping system and a lack of supervisory review.
The auditor recommended additional employee training, monthly reconciliations of bank accounts and loan balances, better documentation and stronger oversight.
The report also noted that similar conditions had been identified in previous years and recommended a formal corrective action plan.
County management responded that software training would be provided and additional oversight implemented to improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial records.
Cash Handling And Sheriff’s Office Accounting
The fourth finding involved cash handling and accounting procedures in county operations.
The auditor found that deposits were generally prepared and delivered to the bank by a single bookkeeper without another employee independently reviewing the process.
The report also identified accounting issues involving Sheriff’s Office funds, where financial activity across multiple funds was maintained in a single ledger.
Correcting entries were required to properly reflect certain 2025 financial activity and year-end cash balances.
The auditor recommended involving another employee in deposit procedures, maintaining separate accounting records for individual funds and conducting regular reconciliations.
County management agreed with the recommendations and indicated that procedures were being implemented to improve accounting controls and safeguard public assets.
The audit findings identify weaknesses in financial procedures and recordkeeping. They do not establish that county funds were stolen or misappropriated.
Eliminating Departmental Checkbooks
Allen says the decision to eliminate traditional checkbooks throughout county departments is part of the effort to address financial oversight concerns.
Under the new procedure, checks will be issued through the county’s financial software system rather than being written independently from departmental checkbooks.
The change is designed to provide a more consistent accounting record of payments and make expenditures easier to track and reconcile.
The county’s written responses to the audit also outline plans for additional employee training, improved accounting procedures and greater supervisory oversight.
The auditor’s recommendations extend beyond check-writing procedures, calling for regular account reconciliations, independent reviews and better separation of financial responsibilities.
Sales Tax Revenue Helping Fund County Projects
Allen also credited voter-approved sales tax initiatives with helping the county fund transportation improvements and reduce pressure on property tax revenues.
He pointed to the county’s ability to cover part of the cost of a new bridge near Spring Creek Road using transportation sales tax revenue rather than relying entirely on property taxes or other general revenue.
The commissioner said those funding sources have helped the county continue infrastructure improvements while managing its operating expenses.
Commissioner Says Work Continues
Allen maintains that the county’s financial position has improved during 2026, despite the accounting problems and declining General Fund balance documented in the 2025 audit.
He said the county has not needed to borrow money this year to meet routine expenses and credited county employees with helping improve the government’s financial management.
The audit provides a detailed accounting of the county’s financial position at the end of 2025, while the commissioner’s comments describe changes and financial developments during the current year.
The county’s next annual audit will provide a more complete picture of how those changes affected its financial operations and whether the deficiencies identified in the 2025 report have been corrected.
Dade County High School Principal Faces Additional Charges Including Rape And Child Molestation
The principal of Dade County High School in Trenton is facing additional felony charges, including rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery, following his arrest last week in an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.
Joseph “Brent” Cooper was initially arrested October 29 on two counts of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent or foster parent, according to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office.
New arrest warrant affidavits obtained by Chattanooga television station WTVC NewsChannel 9 outline additional allegations involving two individuals who were minors during at least part of the periods described in the warrants.
According to the affidavits, one rape allegation involves an incident or incidents alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, at a residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Trenton. The individual identified in that allegation was reportedly between 16 and 19 years old during the period specified.
A separate warrant accuses Cooper of child molestation and aggravated sexual battery involving a child who was approximately eight years old. Those alleged offenses reportedly occurred between August 13, 2019, and August 13, 2020, at the same residence.
The investigation began after a school resource officer received information concerning possible misconduct. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office subsequently opened an investigation that led to Cooper’s initial arrest.
Following that arrest, Dade County Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle announced that Cooper had been placed on administrative leave. Two assistant principals were assigned to oversee daily operations at Dade County High School with assistance from district administrators.
School officials have said the district is cooperating with law enforcement and remains focused on maintaining a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Investigators have described the case as an active and ongoing investigation.
The Dade County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at 706-657-3233 or by email at tips@dadesheriff.com.
The allegations remain criminal accusations, and Cooper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Arrest Report - Thursday - November 5, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, November 5, 2026:
Dense Morning Fog Gives Way To Sunshine As Cooler Weather Arrives This Weekend
Dense fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia early Thursday morning, but sunshine and mild temperatures are expected later today before cooler weather arrives for the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 AM Thursday, with visibility dropping to a quarter-mile or less in some locations. Motorists are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow extra distance between vehicles.
Once the fog clears, Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 75 degrees. Tonight will be partly cloudy with temperatures falling to around 49.
Friday will bring more sunshine and a high near 72 degrees, but a reinforcing cold front will usher in cooler, drier air heading into the weekend.
Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 64 degrees. North winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour could gust as high as 20 miles per hour. Temperatures will drop to around 37 degrees Saturday night.
Sunday will remain sunny with a high near 66 degrees, followed by another chilly night with lows around 37.
The dry weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, with highs near 68 Monday and 69 Tuesday.
The National Weather Service says temperatures will return to more seasonal levels this weekend, with chilly overnight conditions raising the possibility of frost in portions of North Georgia.
Looking ahead to Veterans Day on Wednesday, the forecast currently calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 69 degrees.
Forecasters say rain chances should remain low through much of the coming week, although longer-range weather models show some uncertainty about the potential for another weather system developing next week.
Menlo Lions Club Brunswick Stew Sale This Saturday — Orders Needed Today
The Menlo Lions Club is getting ready for its annual Brunswick stew fundraiser, and anyone wanting to purchase stew is encouraged to place an order today, Thursday, November 5.
Club members will be cooking the stew on Friday, November 6, with orders ready for pickup Saturday morning, November 7, from 7 AM until 10 AM at the Menlo School lunchroom.
The homemade Brunswick stew will be available for $30 per gallon or $8 per quart.
The annual fundraiser helps the Menlo Lions Club provide scholarships for graduating seniors at Chattooga High School.
The stew sale has become a community tradition, with Lions Club members preparing the stew ahead of Saturday’s pickup.
Residents who want to support the scholarship program and enjoy some homemade Brunswick stew are encouraged to get their orders in today so club members can plan for Friday’s cooking.
Pickup will be Saturday morning at the Menlo School lunchroom between 7 and 10 AM.
Anyone interested in purchasing Brunswick stew or getting additional information can contact Lee Majors at 706-862-2857 or Elaine at 706-844-2349.
Summerville Man Arrested For DUI After Traffic Stop On Highway 48
A Summerville man was arrested on multiple traffic charges after a Summerville Police Department officer observed a vehicle speeding and repeatedly crossing into another lane on Highway 48.
According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, Officer Brock Campbell was parked at Mason’s Funeral Home on Saturday, October 31, around 8:49 PM when he observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 48 at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.
Campbell checked the vehicle’s speed at 55 miles per hour in a posted 35-mile-per-hour zone. After following the vehicle, the officer reported observing it cross into the center turn lane approximately three times.
The driver turned onto Commerce Street, where Campbell initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually stopped near the intersection of Commerce Street and East Washington Street, nearly striking a parked vehicle, according to the report.
The driver was identified as 39-year-old Santos Ramirez Velasquez of Summerville. Campbell reported that Ramirez Velasquez had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and difficulty following instructions. The officer also observed an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment.
Ramirez Velasquez reportedly admitted drinking four or five beers before driving. Following field sobriety testing, Campbell placed him under arrest.
Ramirez Velasquez was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a valid license, speeding, failure to maintain lane and an open container violation.
The charges are allegations, and Ramirez Velasquez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Chattooga County Voters Approve Three Local Referendums — Here's What They Mean
Chattooga County voters approved three countywide ballot referendums in Tuesday’s General Election, renewing a one-percent education sales tax and approving two measures providing property tax relief for senior citizens.
All three measures received substantial support, with the county senior homestead exemption drawing the largest percentage of favorable votes.
Education Sales Tax Renewal
Voters approved continuing the existing one-percent education sales tax for another five years, with 4,490 voting yes and 2,395 voting no. The measure received 65.21 percent approval.
The renewal authorizes the collection of up to $26.9 million for the Chattooga County and Trion school systems.
The money will be divided between the two school districts based on student enrollment and can be used for school construction and renovations, classroom improvements, technology, school buses, safety and security equipment, athletic facilities and payments on existing school-related debt.
The measure continues an existing sales tax rather than imposing an additional one-percent tax. Revenue is collected on eligible purchases made in Chattooga County, including purchases by visitors and residents.
County Property Tax Exemption For Seniors
The strongest voter support went to a new county property tax exemption for qualifying senior citizens.
The measure passed with 6,216 yes votes and 665 no votes, receiving 90.34 percent approval.
Under the measure, Chattooga County homeowners who are at least 70 years old and have incomes not exceeding $38,000 will qualify for a $70,000 exemption from the assessed value of their homestead for county property tax purposes.
Georgia generally assesses residential property at 40 percent of fair market value. That means the $70,000 assessed-value exemption is substantial and could eliminate the county portion of property taxes for many qualifying senior homeowners, depending on their property’s assessed value.
The exemption applies to county property taxes, not necessarily every tax appearing on a homeowner’s property tax bill.
School Property Tax Exemption For Seniors
Voters also approved expanding eligibility for an existing senior citizen homestead exemption from Chattooga County School District property taxes.
That referendum received 5,068 yes votes and 1,308 no votes, with 79.49 percent voting in favor.
The measure increases the income limit for qualifying homeowners age 70 and older from $20,000 to $38,000.
The income limit will increase to $41,150 for the 2027 tax year and to $55,000 beginning with the 2028 tax year.
Unlike the county exemption, this measure changes the income eligibility requirements for an existing school property tax exemption, allowing more qualifying senior citizens to receive the benefit.
The school tax exemption applies to the Chattooga County School District, and eligibility requirements must be met.
What’s Next?
The results from Tuesday’s election remain unofficial until certification.
The Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is scheduled to meet Friday, November 6, at 5 PM at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office to certify the election results.
The approval of these three measures means the county’s education sales tax will continue, while qualifying senior homeowners will have expanded opportunities for property tax relief.