Arrest Report - Tuesday - May 12, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 12, 2026:
Dry, Pleasant Weather Expected Across Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia is heading into a long stretch of dry and comfortable weather, with little to no significant rainfall expected through the upcoming weekend.
Meteorologists say the recent damp pattern that brought clouds and scattered rain to the region has now ended. Dry air moving into Georgia behind a cold front is expected to keep conditions pleasant across Chattooga, Floyd, Walker, Dade, Gordon and surrounding counties for much of the week.
Skies are forecast to gradually clear over the next several days, with sunshine returning across much of the region. Afternoon temperatures will remain seasonable, with highs mainly in the upper 70s to lower 80s through Thursday.
While a few isolated light showers could develop well south of northwest Georgia near the Gulf Coast moisture boundary, forecasters say any precipitation reaching north Georgia would be extremely limited and likely insignificant.
Another dry cold front is expected to move through the area late Wednesday into Thursday morning. Unlike stronger storm-producing fronts, this system is not expected to bring rainfall, but it will usher in even drier air and cooler overnight temperatures.
By Thursday and Friday mornings, lows could fall into the upper 40s and lower 50s across parts of northwest Georgia, with some mountain valleys potentially seeing even cooler temperatures. Afternoon highs Thursday should remain in the 70s before warming back into the lower and middle 80s by the weekend.
Forecasters are also monitoring potential fire weather concerns as humidity levels drop later this week. Dewpoints are expected to fall into the low 40s, with relative humidity values possibly dipping below 30 percent in some areas. Although recent rainfall has reduced wildfire risk across much of the state, officials say dry vegetation and low humidity could still create elevated fire danger conditions.
A weak weather disturbance moving southeast out of the Plains states could bring a slight chance of showers to parts of north Georgia on Saturday, but widespread rainfall is still not anticipated.
Overall, northwest Georgia residents can expect several days of sunny skies, lower humidity, cool mornings and warm afternoons heading into the weekend.
Georgia Gas Prices Remain High As Drivers Feel Continued Pressure At The Pump
Gas prices across Georgia remain elevated, continuing to strain household budgets as drivers face rising costs in multiple areas of daily life.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $4.05 per gallon, though prices could change overnight. That average is only 44 cents below Georgia’s all-time record high of $4.49 per gallon set in June 2022.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said ongoing global issues affecting oil supplies are preventing meaningful relief at the pump.
“Gas prices are staying high, and that’s making it harder for drivers to keep up,” Waiters said. “With ongoing global issues affecting oil supply, we’re not seeing much relief right now. Drivers should continue looking for ways to save, like shopping around for cheaper gas and cutting back on unnecessary trips.”
Current prices are:
- 20 cents higher than last week
- 32 cents higher than last month
- $1.16 higher than this time last year
For drivers filling a standard 15-gallon tank, the average cost now stands at approximately $60.75.
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline has climbed to $4.52 per gallon, up 8 cents over the past week. Analysts say ongoing international tensions and increasing summer travel demand are helping keep oil and fuel prices elevated heading into Memorial Day and the busy vacation season.
Electric vehicle charging costs are also rising slightly. The national average price at public EV charging stations increased by one cent this week to 41 cents per kilowatt hour.
In Georgia, the highest metro-area gas prices are currently found in Athens at $4.15 per gallon, followed closely by Atlanta at $4.14 and Gainesville at $4.12.
Some of the state’s lowest prices are in Augusta-Aiken at $3.85, Albany at $3.81, and Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.78.
Closer to home, Chattooga County continues to have the lowest average gas price in Northwest Georgia at $3.86 per gallon. Floyd County drivers are paying an average of $3.91, Walker County sits at $3.95, and Gordon County averages $3.99 per gallon.
Across the Alabama state line, prices remain even higher in some neighboring counties. DeKalb County is averaging $4.18 per gallon, while Cherokee County drivers are paying around $4.16.
Drivers looking to save money are encouraged to compare station prices, avoid unnecessary trips, maintain proper tire pressure, and limit aggressive driving habits to improve fuel efficiency.
CHS Marching Band Launches Sportsman Raffle Fundraiser
The Chattooga High School Marching Band is holding a Sportsman Raffle fundraiser featuring outdoor gear, fishing equipment, and a guided fishing trip on Weiss Lake.
The raffle package includes a YETI Roadie 24 cooler, a guided fishing trip for two on Weiss Lake through Whaley & Son Guide Service, a fishing rod and reel combo, a Snackle Box, and a pack of Gatorade.
Tickets are $25 each or five tickets for $100, with only 200 tickets available.
The drawing is scheduled for May 30, 2026.
Supporters interested in purchasing tickets or helping support the CHS Marching Band are encouraged to contact band representatives for more information.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting Fossil Sculpting And Sunset Paddle Events May 16
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two outdoor activities on Saturday, May 16, giving Northwest Georgia residents a chance to explore nature through hands-on fossil crafting and an evening paddle on the lake.
The day begins with a Fossil Sculpting program at 2 p.m., where participants can step into the role of a junior archaeologist by sculpting and casting their own fossils using clay. Park officials say the program is designed to help visitors learn more about fossils and the natural history hidden beneath the ground. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required. Registration is required in advance.
Later that evening, the park will host a Sunset Paddle at 8 p.m. on the lower lake. Rangers will lead paddlers around the lake during sunset, with participants meeting at the park office before the trip begins. Organizers recommend bringing water and wearing clothing that can get wet.
The Sunset Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass and advance registration are also required.
For registration or additional information about either event, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Two Northwest Georgia Students Awarded Roper Corporation Scholarship At GNTC
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced that Tammy Chandler of Trion and Salvador Hernandez of Summerville are the spring 2026 recipients of the Roper Corporation Scholarship.
Chandler is enrolled in the Computer Support Specialist program at GNTC’s Walker County Campus, while Hernandez is studying Automation Technology at the Catoosa County Campus.
The Roper Corporation Scholarship was established in 2024 to provide financial assistance to GNTC students who are also employed by Roper Corporation. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, supplies, tools, and other educational materials.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship reflects Roper’s commitment to supporting workforce development in Northwest Georgia.
Roper Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, operates a major manufacturing plant in LaFayette and employs more than 2,500 people. Company officials say the scholarship helps remove financial barriers for students pursuing high-demand technical careers while strengthening the region’s manufacturing workforce.
Back To School Bash Planned For Trion And Chattooga Students
Organizers are gearing up for the annual Back to School Bash for Trion and Chattooga students, with plans to make this year’s event even bigger for local families.
The event is scheduled for July 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m. and will include music, free back-to-school haircuts, shaved ice treats, community resources, and school-year support for students.
Organizers are currently accepting school supply donations, monetary donations, and community partners or vendors who would like to set up and share resources with families.
Anyone interested in donating or getting involved can contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or email maishaludy@gmail.com.
Organizers say the goal is to bring the community together to support students and families as they prepare for a new school year.
Nominations Open For “Coolest Thing Made In Georgia” Competition
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, along with Synovus, now merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners, has opened nominations for the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” competition.
The statewide contest is designed to celebrate Georgia-based companies and the products they manufacture. Nominations opened today, May 11, and will remain open through June 8 at gachamber.com/coolestthing.
The competition will be capped at 32 approved entrants and will follow a knockout-style public voting format. Once nominations are approved, voting in the first round will begin at 10 a.m. on June 19 and close at 9 a.m. on June 25.
The winner will be determined by public voting and announced during the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon in Athens on August 5.
Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark said the competition highlights the talent, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the state’s future, while also recognizing the people and companies behind products made in Georgia.
Charlie Clark, state head of Georgia banking for Pinnacle Financial Partners, said the contest recognizes innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs helping drive economic growth across Georgia.
Summerville City Council Approves Equipment Bid, Lease Agreements, Volunteer Firefighter Funding
The Summerville City Council approved several agenda items during Monday night’s meeting, including equipment purchases, lease agreements, firefighter funding, and policy changes.
Council members approved a bid for a mini excavator after discussion about competing bids and warranty coverage. The city council selected a higher bid over the lowest bidder due to warranty considerations involving Yanmar equipment.
The council also approved lease agreements involving properties at 45 Economy Street and 10014 Commerce Street. Discussion centered around expanding public parking near The Depot and providing parking access for nearby businesses and events. Each of the lease agreements were for $1 per year and were approve unanimously by the council
Council members also voted to accept an offer from the Georgia Department of Transportation tied to property needed for the Highway 27 bypass project. The transaction involved parcels near Highway 100 and Highway 114, with city officials noting the transfer would not impact use of the Scout Hut property. The council somewhat reluctantly approved the measure with comments that if they did not accept the Georgia DOT’s offer of $17,400, the state would take the land by imminent domain.
The council approved annual payments totaling $64,730 for the Summerville Volunteer Fire Department. Meeting discussion noted the department currently has 14 volunteers and responded to more than 1,000 calls during the year.
Council members also approved an amendment to the city holiday policy adding Veterans Day as a paid holiday.
Another discussion focused on a sign request from SunFlower Nails on Commerce Street. The council approved the sign, but on the recommendation of City Manager Jason Winters, did not approve a request for a mural on the front of the building due to current zoning regulations. Mayor Rickey Hughes told the owners of the salon, that the council would discuss the request for the mural and get back with them at a later date.
During public comments, residents addressed property concerns and development issues involving land ownership disputes connected to property that has requested permission for development.
Trion Bulldogs To Host Spring Football Game Saturday
The Trion Bulldogs will take the field Saturday evening for their annual spring football game as they host the North Murray Mountaineers at Sam R. McCain Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 16, giving fans an early look at the Bulldogs ahead of the upcoming football season.
The spring matchup will allow coaches to evaluate players and give the community a chance to see the team in action before summer workouts begin.
Armuchee Man Charged With Cruelty To Children And Battery
An Armuchee man was arrested Sunday after police say he struck a 13-year-old child in the face.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 45-year-old Vincent Cary Herrera was arrested at his Martha Berry Highway apartment and charged with first-degree cruelty to children and battery.
Floyd County Police say Herrera hit the child, leaving a bruise and an abrasion above the victim’s left eye.
He was booked into the Floyd County Jail on the charges.
Threads With Purpose Hosting Women’s Clothing Swap In Summerville
Threads With Purpose will host a Women’s Clothing Swap on Saturday, May 16, at the Summerville Civic Center, giving local women an opportunity to refresh their wardrobes while supporting the community.
Organizers say the event is designed to help women in all walks of life, including mothers needing clothes, individuals going through difficult seasons, or anyone simply looking to update their wardrobe. Participants are encouraged to clean out their closets, donate gently used clothing, and shop for new items during the event.
The clothing swap will run from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Summerville Civic Center. A $10 donation fee will be collected, with all proceeds and leftover clothing benefiting the Chattooga Resource Center.
Anyone interested in donating clothing ahead of the event can contact Meagan RuBright at 706-844-8714.
Walker County Sheriff’s Office, GBI Investigating Infant Death
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating the death of a six-month-old infant in Chickamauga.
Walker County deputies and EMS were dispatched to 199 Wayne Harris Drive early Monday morning, May 11, 2026, at 3:48 a.m., in reference to an unresponsive infant who was not breathing.
When deputies arrived, they determined the six-month-old male infant was deceased. The Walker County Coroner was notified.
According to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, Walker County detectives and a GBI agent are now investigating the cause and manner of death.
No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
The infant will be transported to the GBI crime lab in Decatur for an autopsy.
Summerville City Council To Consider Lease Agreements, Equipment Purchase, Volunteer Firefighter Payments
The Summerville City Council is scheduled to meet Monday evening with several major items on the agenda, including lease agreements, equipment purchases, firefighter funding, and infrastructure matters.
During the regular called meeting at 5 p.m., council members are expected to consider awarding a bid for a mini excavator and approving lease agreements for properties located at 45 Economy Street and 10014 Commerce Street.
Council members will also discuss accepting an offer from the Georgia Department of Transportation and authorizing city officials to execute documents related to a property conveyance to GDOT.
One of the larger financial items on the agenda involves consideration of annual payments totaling $64,730 for Summerville Volunteer Firefighters.
Additional business includes discussion of a proposed amendment to the city’s holiday policy and a sign request for SunFlower Nails located on Commerce Street.
Under the consent agenda, council members are expected to review several routine matters, including a three-year Google Workspace contract renewal valued at $34,840.80, an agreement involving First Due and the Summerville Fire Department, and grant-related services tied to natural gas infrastructure safety modernization efforts.
The meeting will be held at Summerville City Hall.
Arrest Report - Monday - May 11, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 11, 2026:
Weak Cold Front Brings Cooler, Drier Weather To Northwest Georgia This Week
Northwest Georgia residents can expect a few scattered showers and thunderstorms Monday before a stretch of cooler, drier weather settles into the region through midweek.
Forecasters say the highest rain chances Monday will remain mainly across central Georgia, while areas in Northwest Georgia will see only isolated shower activity. A weak cold front moving through the state is expected to lose much of its strength before reaching the area, limiting widespread rainfall.
A brief thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, but the risk for severe weather remains very low.
By Monday night, cooler air and northeast winds will move into the region, bringing dry conditions and temperatures slightly below normal for mid-May. Some patchy low clouds could develop overnight, but no significant weather hazards are expected through Tuesday.
Looking ahead, rain chances remain minimal for the remainder of the workweek. A slight chance of isolated showers or storms could return Wednesday afternoon as another front approaches the eastern United States, but most of Northwest Georgia is expected to stay dry.
Temperatures will gradually warm later this week, with highs climbing from the 70s and low 80s into the upper 80s and lower 90s by the weekend as high pressure builds across the Southeast.
Forecasters expect dry weather to continue into the weekend despite the warming trend.
Rhonda Vincent Coming To Rome City Auditorium
On Fire Concerts will present Rhonda Vincent, known as the Queen of Bluegrass, live in concert later this month in Rome.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at 7 PM at the Rome City Auditorium in Rome, Georgia.
Rhonda Vincent has long been considered one of the premier voices in bluegrass music. A Missouri native, she began performing at a young age with her family’s band, The Sally Mountain Show, before launching a highly successful solo career. Over the years, she has earned widespread acclaim for her powerful vocals, masterful mandolin playing, and energetic stage presence.
Vincent is a multi-award-winning artist, having received numerous honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including Entertainer of the Year. She is also a Grammy Award winner and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, further cementing her place as one of the genre’s most respected performers.
Known for blending traditional bluegrass roots with modern influences, Vincent continues to draw fans of all ages to her shows. Her performances are praised for their musicianship, authenticity, and high-energy delivery.
Tickets are available now at onfireconcerts.com or by calling 615-663-6560.
Summerville Fire Department Announces Hydrant Flushing Schedule
The City of Summerville Fire Department will conduct hydrant flushing on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, from 8 AM until 3 PM each day.
Officials say residents in the Highway 48 area, the smaller road areas, and the filter plant area may notice brief periods of water discoloration during the maintenance process. The city says the discoloration is normal and safe. If discoloration occurs, residents are advised to run their tap water for a few minutes until it clears.
During the maintenance period, fire department crews will perform essential work on hydrants throughout the city, including lubrication, flushing, and function checks.
City officials thanked residents for their cooperation and understanding as crews complete the maintenance work designed to help keep the community protected and prepared.
Trion High School Hosting Spring Band Concert Tonight
The Pride of Trion Marching Band will present its annual Spring Band Concert tonight, Monday, May 11, at Trion High School.
The concert begins at 6:30 PM in the Trion High School Gym at 919 Allgood Street in Trion.
The event will highlight the hard work and dedication of Trion’s band students throughout the school year. The community is invited to come out and support the student musicians during an evening of music and celebration.
Band members should arrive between 5:45 and 6:00 PM dressed and ready to perform.
The concert is open to the public.
Georgia Power Customers Seeing Higher Electric Bills In 2026
Georgia Power customers across northwest Georgia continue adjusting to higher power bills in 2026 as rate increases and infrastructure costs impact monthly residential expenses.
As of May 2026, average residential electric rates for Georgia Power customers are running around 14 to 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. A typical residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could see electric bills averaging around $225 monthly.
While the Georgia Public Service Commission has approved a freeze on Georgia Power’s base rates through 2028, customers may still notice fluctuations in their monthly bills because of fuel cost adjustments and possible storm recovery fees.
Georgia Power officials say several factors continue driving costs, including investments in grid improvements and the expansion of nuclear energy generation at Plant Vogtle.
Residential customers currently have several rate plan options available. Standard residential service uses tiered pricing that increases as energy usage rises. During the summer months from June through September, higher seasonal rates and weekday peak pricing periods also apply.
The company also offers time-of-use plans designed to help customers lower costs by shifting energy usage to overnight hours. Programs such as the “Overnight Advantage” plan offer reduced rates for customers charging electric vehicles or using major appliances during late-night hours.
Energy experts continue encouraging residents to reduce peak-time electricity use, improve home insulation, and monitor air conditioning usage during the summer to help control monthly utility costs.