Arrest Report - Saturday - August 22, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, August 22, 2026:
Sunny, Less Humid Weather Arrives For The Weekend
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can look forward to a noticeably more comfortable weekend as drier air moves into the region, bringing plenty of sunshine, lower humidity and cooler nighttime temperatures.
The National Weather Service says a frontal boundary is continuing to move through Georgia today, with much of the shower and thunderstorm activity expected to remain well south of Northwest Georgia. Behind the front, lower dewpoints are filtering into North Georgia, providing some relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of recent days.
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Winds will be calm during the morning before becoming northwest around 5 mph during the afternoon. While temperatures will still be warm, the lower humidity should make outdoor conditions considerably more comfortable than they have been recently.
Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 68. Northwest winds around 5 mph will become calm overnight.
Another push of drier air arrives for Sunday, providing what should be one of the more pleasant August days Northwest Georgia has seen recently. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 90 and a light north wind around 5 mph. Sunday night will be mostly clear and noticeably cooler, with temperatures falling to around 64 degrees.
The dry stretch continues into Monday. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 89. The National Weather Service says the upper-level weather pattern should keep relatively dry conditions across the region through the first part of the new week, along with slightly cooler mornings.
Changes begin arriving Monday night, when there is a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 AM and a low around 66.
Rain chances increase Tuesday with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 89. Tuesday night carries a 30 percent chance of rain with a low around 68.
By Wednesday, moisture from the Gulf will begin returning to the region as the weather pattern changes. There will be a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday with a high near 90, followed by another 50 percent chance Wednesday night.
Thursday currently appears to have the best chance for widespread rain and thunderstorms, with precipitation chances increasing to 70 percent during the day and 60 percent Thursday night. Thursday’s high will be near 87.
Friday brings a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with otherwise mostly sunny skies and a high near 89.
The return of Gulf moisture during the latter half of the week will also mean increasing humidity and a return to a more typical late-August pattern of afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
For now, Northwest Georgia will enjoy a welcome break from the recent oppressive humidity, with sunny skies, lower humidity and nighttime temperatures falling well into the 60s through the weekend.
Trion Rolls Past Gordon Lee While Chattooga Falls To LaFayette In Season Openers
Trion 36 – Gordon Lee 7
LaFayette 33 – Chattooga 14
Trion Rolls Past Gordon Lee 36-7 In Season Opener
The Trion Bulldogs opened the 2026 football season in impressive fashion Friday night, defeating longtime rival Gordon Lee 36-7 at Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium.
The victory gives Trion a 1-0 start to the season under head coach Sean Patrick and provides an early boost for a Bulldog team looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance. The win was also a measure of revenge for Trion after Gordon Lee defeated the Bulldogs 23-12 in Chickamauga last season.
Trion established control of Friday night’s game and never allowed Gordon Lee to generate enough offense to seriously threaten the Bulldogs’ lead. The Bulldogs put 36 points on the scoreboard while holding the Trojans to a single touchdown.
The performance was particularly encouraging for a Trion program that entered the season emphasizing improvement on both sides of the football. The Bulldogs returned several experienced players from last year’s team, including quarterback and defensive back Linc Allen, running back and linebacker Landon Kimbell, and Hudson Thomas at defensive end and tight end.
Friday night’s victory also reversed the outcome of the most recent meeting in a rivalry that has featured plenty of memorable games. Trion has enjoyed considerable success in the series in recent years, including wins of 30-6 in 2024, 56-14 in 2023 and 45-19 in 2022.
The 36-7 final puts Trion at 1-0, while Gordon Lee begins the season at 0-1.
The Bulldogs won’t have long to celebrate.
Trion will remain at home next Friday, August 28, when the Bulldogs welcome the Model Blue Devils to Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
LaFayette Tops Chattooga 33-14 In Season Opener
The Chattooga Indians opened the 2026 football season at home Friday night, falling to the LaFayette Ramblers 33-14 at the Little Big Horn.
LaFayette was able to build the advantage it needed and keep Chattooga from mounting a comeback, handing the Indians a loss in their first game of the new season. The victory moves LaFayette to 1-0, while Chattooga begins the year at 0-1.
Chattooga reached the end zone twice during the contest, but the Indians were unable to keep pace with a LaFayette offense that finished the night with 33 points.
The season opener was an early test for a Chattooga team that entered 2026 determined to return to the state playoffs after narrowly missing the postseason last year.
Head coach Roone Gable and the Indians entered the season with several returning contributors and an emphasis on developing the team’s younger players while building around the experience returning on both sides of the football.
Friday night’s game also continued a longtime Northwest Georgia matchup between the two programs. LaFayette has now won the last two meetings after defeating Chattooga 25-0 in 2025. Chattooga’s most recent victory in the series came in 2024, when the Indians defeated the Ramblers 30-0 at the Little Big Horn.
Chattooga will now have an open week, giving the Indians additional time to evaluate the opener and prepare for their next opponent.
The Indians return to action Friday, September 4, when the Model Blue Devils come to the Little Big Horn for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Chattooga will then begin Region 7-AA play the following week, making the Model game another important opportunity for the Indians to make adjustments before the region portion of the schedule gets underway.
Final: LaFayette 33, Chattooga 14.
Summerville Gas Department Seeks Public Input Through Natural Gas Survey
The City of Summerville Gas Department is asking residents and business owners throughout its service area to participate in a Natural Gas Public Awareness Survey.
City officials say the survey is designed to measure how well customers understand natural gas pipeline information and safety awareness. Feedback from the public will help the department evaluate its public education efforts and identify areas where additional information may be needed.
The Summerville Gas Department serves customers not only inside the City of Summerville, but also in surrounding portions of Chattooga County and in the Armuchee and northern Floyd County area.
Residents and business owners can complete the survey by downloading it from the City of Summerville website. Paper copies are also available at Summerville City Hall, and completed surveys may be mailed to P.O. Box 580, Summerville, Georgia 30747.
The city says participation will help support local infrastructure and contribute to a safer and more reliable natural gas system for the communities served by the department.
The survey and additional information are available through the City of Summerville’s website HERE
Free Food Talk Workshop Coming To LaFayette-Walker County Library
Walker County residents will have an opportunity this fall to learn how to eat healthier, stretch their grocery budgets and prepare nutritious meals during a free Food Talk workshop series in LaFayette.
The University of Georgia Extension’s Families Eating Smart and Moving More program will offer the workshops beginning Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the LaFayette-Walker County Library, located at 305 South Duke Street in LaFayette.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
Organizers say participants will learn practical ways to eat more healthfully, feed a family on a budget and keep food safe. The workshops will also include opportunities to make and sample recipes.
The program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, and no previous cooking or nutrition experience is necessary.
The workshops are free, but space is limited and advance registration is encouraged.
For additional information or help registering, contact the Walker County Extension Office at 706-638-2548 or email walker.extension@uga.edu.
The program is offered through UGA Extension and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Concerned Citizens Offering Free Property Tax Appeal Forms Today In Summerville
Chattooga County property owners who want to appeal their 2026 property assessment can pick up a free appeal form in downtown Summerville today.
Concerned Chattooga County citizens will be set up in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office on Main Street beginning at 8 a.m. today, Saturday, August 22.
Organizers say they plan to remain there until at least noon, although the exact ending time will depend on the heat.
Residents can park and walk up to get a form, or organizers say motorists may slow down and receive a form from their vehicle when it is safe to do so.
Organizers are reminding property owners that the deadline to appeal their 2026 property assessment is September 14.
Property owners who have not yet had time or resources to determine what they believe is a fair value can use last year’s value as their asserted value in order to get the appeal filed before the deadline. They also remind residents that an asserted value can later be adjusted higher if research supports a higher figure, but a property owner cannot argue for a value below the asserted value listed on the appeal.
The effort is being organized by some concerned citizens and is not an official Chattooga County government event.
Property owners can also obtain appeal forms through the Chattooga County Tax Assessors Office during regular business hours.
Organizers say the main goal today is to make sure property owners who intend to appeal have access to the necessary paperwork and don’t miss the September 14 deadline.
4-H And FFA Poultry Show And Auction Set For Chattooga County Fair
Months of work by local 4-H and FFA members will be on display next weekend when the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair hosts its annual 4-H and FFA Poultry Show and Auction.
The poultry competition is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in Summerville. Poultry judging begins at 4 p.m., awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m.
For the young people participating, however, the project began long before fair week.
Local students signed up for the 2026 Poultry Project earlier this year and began raising their birds in the spring. Each participating 4-H and FFA member received eight three-day-old chicks to raise specifically for the fair. Along the way, students were required to keep records and attend a workshop teaching them how to select their best birds for competition.
This year’s project features two breeds — Black Australorp and Buff Orpington — both known as good producers of light brown eggs.
After months of caring for the birds, each student will select their best three hens to enter in the poultry show. Those pens of three will be evaluated during judging Saturday afternoon before the winners are announced that evening.
But the competition is only part of the event.
Following the awards presentation, the students’ chickens will be sold during the Poultry Auction at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the sale of a student’s birds will go directly to that student. Buyers will also receive a cage to take their chickens home. Anyone interested in bidding is asked to arrive by 6:30 p.m. to receive a bid number.
The cages were built by students in Mr. Yarbrough’s eighth-grade Chattooga County FFA Basic Agriculture class, adding another student-led component to this year’s poultry project.
Organizers say livestock projects such as the poultry program help young people develop responsibility, self-motivation, record-keeping skills and agricultural knowledge, while the auction gives the community an opportunity to directly support local 4-H and FFA members.
The poultry show is part of a full slate of livestock events at this year’s fair, which runs Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. Other livestock events include the Junior Market Goat Show, Junior Market Lamb Show, Junior Beef Show, Junior Dairy Show and Market Hog Preview Show.
Poultry judging begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 29, awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m.
Multi-Employer Job Fair Coming To Walker County Civic Center
Job seekers from across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity next month to meet with employers from several counties during a multi-employer job fair in Walker County.
WorkSource Georgia and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority will host the event on Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring.
Employers from Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties are expected to participate and will be recruiting for available positions.
Organizers are encouraging job seekers to prepare in advance by creating an individual account through the WorkSource Georgia portal before attending. Applicants should also bring multiple copies of their resumes to share with prospective employers.
The job fair is designed to connect area residents directly with companies that are currently hiring and give employers an opportunity to meet potential workers from throughout the four-county region.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Chattooga Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Dade and The Walker Chamber of Commerce.
The multi-employer job fair will be held Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.
Summerville Assigns Mickey Floyd To Building Inspection Duties
The City of Summerville is moving to strengthen its building inspection program, with Mickey Floyd taking on additional responsibilities as a building inspector while continuing his work with the city’s fire department.
The Summerville City Council recently approved the move as city officials work to update and expand local inspection services.
City Manager Jason Winters told council members that Floyd has certifications that will allow him to move into the inspection role. Winters said Floyd will undergo additional training and mentoring as he becomes familiar with the city’s inspection procedures and applicable state and local codes.
The city is also reviewing portions of its Code of Ordinances dealing with inspections to determine whether changes or updates are needed.
Officials said having Floyd available for inspection work will give the city greater ability to conduct building inspections when needed rather than relying entirely on outside assistance.
Floyd will continue to have responsibilities with the fire department while adding inspection duties to his role with the city.
The council approved the arrangement following discussion of the city’s building inspection needs and the work necessary to keep local requirements consistent with applicable codes.
Walker County Data Center Standards Committee To Hold First Meeting
Walker County officials are beginning a formal review of local regulations governing data centers, with the first meeting of the newly formed Walker County Data Center Development Standards Study Committee scheduled for next week.
The committee will meet for the first time at 3 p.m. Thursday, August 27, at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 Highway 27 in Rock Spring.
According to Walker County Government, the committee has been established to review the county’s existing Code of Ordinances as it relates to data center development.
The study will include a wide range of issues that could affect where and how future data centers are allowed to operate in Walker County. Those topics include allowable zoning districts, building setbacks, buffers, noise, lighting, environmental impacts and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
The committee may also consider other possible regulations designed specifically for large-scale data center developments.
Data centers have become a growing land-use issue across Georgia as communities consider the economic benefits of the facilities alongside concerns about electricity demand, water use, noise, environmental impacts and their effect on nearby residential and agricultural property.
Walker County says the study committee will meet every other Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center.
All meetings of the committee will be open to the public
Vendors Sought For Chattooga High School Red & Black Bash
Plans are underway for a big homecoming celebration at Chattooga High School, and organizers are inviting local businesses, organizations and vendors to be part of the festivities.
The Red & Black Bash Homecoming Block Party will be held Wednesday, September 30, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Chattooga High School.
The event is being planned as an evening of community activities and school spirit as Chattooga celebrates homecoming. Organizers are currently looking for vendors interested in setting up during the block party.
Local businesses, community organizations and other vendors are encouraged to participate and help make the event a community-wide celebration.
Those interested in reserving a vendor space can register online through the signup form provided by Chattooga High Cheerleading. A QR code for registration is also included on the event flyer.
Organizers say vendor spaces are limited and encourage those interested in participating to secure a spot early.
The Red & Black Bash is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. September 30 at Chattooga High School.
Georgia High School Wrestling Gets Major Classification Change For 2026-27
Georgia high school wrestling will look considerably different this season following a change that allows schools to compete in different classifications for Dual and Traditional wrestling competition.
Under the Georgia High School Association’s structure for the 2026-27 season, boys wrestling will use seven classifications for Dual State competition, while Traditional wrestling — the format used to determine individual state champions and an overall team champion based on individual finishes — will use five divisions.
That means a school could compete for a Dual State Championship in one classification while its individual wrestlers compete for Traditional state championships in another.
The difference stems from the two formats used in high school wrestling.
In Dual competition, two schools compete head-to-head, with wrestlers meeting in each weight class and their results contributing to the overall team score. Traditional wrestling is conducted as a tournament, with individual wrestlers advancing through brackets and earning points toward their school’s team total.
In previous seasons, Georgia schools generally competed in the same classification in both formats. That changes this year.
According to GHSA’s 2026-27 wrestling regulations, boys Dual competition will include classifications 1A through 7A, divided into eight regions. Traditional competition will instead feature five boys divisions, with schools assigned to areas for postseason competition. Girls wrestling will continue with two divisions for state-level competition.
The change could initially create some confusion for wrestling fans because a school may be identified by one classification during the Dual postseason and another during the Traditional postseason.
SEWrestle, which detailed the new alignment this week, noted that the arrangement is unusual compared with the system Georgia wrestling fans have traditionally followed. The publication also pointed out that enrollment and school size can have a greater effect on Dual competition because success requires depth throughout the lineup.
For Northwest Georgia wrestling fans, the biggest thing to remember this season is simple: a school’s Dual classification may not be the same as its Traditional wrestling classification.
The new format will be in effect when Georgia wrestlers take the mat for the 2026-27 high school wrestling season.
Chattooga County Schools On Two-Hour Delay Following Overnight Power Outages
Chattooga County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay today, Friday, August 21, due to a power outage affecting the Lyerly area.
The delay comes after thunderstorms moved through Northwest Georgia overnight, leaving multiple widespread power outages across Chattooga and Floyd counties.
Georgia Power is reporting numerous outages across the region this morning, with one of the largest outages affecting the Lyerly area.
The overnight storms brought heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds to portions of Northwest Georgia, resulting in power interruptions as residents began their Friday morning.
Because of the outage in Lyerly, Chattooga County School System officials made the decision to delay the start of school by two hours.
Parents, students and school employees should plan for school operations to begin two hours later than the normal Friday schedule.
Georgia Power crews are working to restore electricity to affected customers across Chattooga and Floyd counties.
Residents should use caution around any downed trees or power lines and should never approach or attempt to move a downed electrical line.
WZQZ News will continue to provide updates on the power outages and any additional schedule changes as information becomes available.
Arrest Report - Friday - August 21, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, August 21, 2026:
Cooler, Drier Weather Arrives For The Weekend
Northwest Georgia will get through one more hot and humid day Friday before a front brings noticeably drier and somewhat more comfortable weather for the weekend.
For Chattooga County, Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 90 degrees. The heat index could climb as high as 97, and there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Winds will be light, becoming southwest around 5 mph during the afternoon.
Thunderstorms developed across parts of North Georgia early Friday morning, producing locally heavy rainfall in some areas. The National Weather Service says much of North Georgia may be somewhat stabilized by that early activity, which should reduce the chance for widespread additional storms later today. The greatest threat for stronger storms this afternoon is expected to shift into Central and Eastern Georgia, where damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.
Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 70 degrees as drier air begins filtering into the region behind a frontal boundary.
Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 92, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and a low around 69. Sunday will also be sunny with a high near 91, while Sunday night temperatures could fall to around 65 degrees.
While afternoon temperatures will remain warm, the National Weather Service says lower humidity should make the weekend feel more comfortable. Dewpoints are expected to fall into the 50s and 60s across much of the region by Sunday afternoon.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 89 and only a slight chance of showers. Rain chances begin increasing again Monday night and Tuesday as a more typical late-August pattern returns.
By Wednesday and Thursday, there will be about a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with daytime highs holding in the upper 80s.
Overall, the weekend looks mostly dry for Chattooga County, with plenty of sunshine, lower humidity and cooler nighttime temperatures before thunderstorm chances return during the middle of next week.
Friday Night High School Football Returns To WZQZ With Two Big Matchups
Friday night lights are back, and WZQZ will be bringing local high school football fans coverage of two big matchups Friday, August 21, as the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs take the field.
The Chattooga Indians will host the LaFayette Ramblers at Chattooga High School, while the Trion Bulldogs will take on arch-rival Gordon Lee in one of Northwest Georgia’s longstanding rivalry games.
Kickoff for both games is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
WZQZ will provide coverage of both games live on the WZQZ Facebook Page, giving fans the opportunity to follow their favorite local team even if they can’t make it to the stadium.
Radio listeners can tune in to WZQZ 99.1 FM for live coverage of the Trion Bulldogs vs. Gordon Lee matchup.
The Trion-Gordon Lee rivalry has long been one of the most anticipated games on the local high school football calendar, while Chattooga will have the advantage of playing in front of the home crowd as the Indians welcome LaFayette to Summerville.
Whether you’re in the stands, watching on Facebook or listening on 99.1 FM, WZQZ will have local football covered Friday night.
Good luck to the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs!
Lyerly Accepting Vendor Applications For Down Home Day
The Town of Lyerly is now accepting vendor applications for Lyerly’s Down Home Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
The community event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., providing an opportunity for local vendors to showcase their products while residents come together to shop local and support the community.
Vendor spaces are available for $15 per spot.
Those interested in becoming a vendor can contact organizers by commenting on the official Lyerly, Georgia post or sending a private message directly to the Lyerly, Georgia page. Vendors may also contact Sally Kerce through Facebook or call Lyerly Town Hall at 706-895-2611.
Organizers are cautioning prospective vendors not to send money to anyone through Facebook when applying for a space.
Down Home Day is designed to celebrate the Lyerly community while giving local vendors, makers and small businesses an opportunity to connect with residents.
The message behind this year’s event is simple: Live local. Shop local. Support local.
Al Millard Memorial Walker County Toy Run Set For November 1
Motorcycles, Christmas spirit and community support will come together this fall for the 2026 Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love Walker County Toy Run.
The annual event is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, with riders gathering at Ridgeland High School, 2478 Happy Valley Road in Rossville. Kickstands are scheduled to go up at 2 p.m.
The toy run benefits the Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love of Walker County, helping provide Christmas gifts for children in the community.
Organizers are asking participants and supporters to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation. All motorcycles and riding clubs are welcome to participate.
The event provides an opportunity for riders, clubs and community members to come together while helping make Christmas brighter for local children. Those who do not ride are also encouraged to support the effort through donations or by helping spread the word.
Organizers are hoping for a strong turnout in 2026 and are encouraging motorcycle clubs and riders from across Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas to take part.
A rain date of Sunday, November 15, 2026, has been scheduled in case weather prevents the event from being held November 1.
City Of Summerville Seeking Bids For Recreation Center Restroom Renovation
The City of Summerville is accepting sealed bids for a renovation project involving restroom and changing room facilities at the Summerville Recreation Department.
According to a Request for Bid issued by the city, the project will include renovations to the existing boys’ and girls’ restroom and changing room facilities at the recreation department, located at 220 Highway 100 in Summerville.
The project is listed as RFB-2026-137 – Rec Restroom Renovation.
Sealed bids will be accepted by the City of Summerville at 120 Georgia Avenue until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Bids will then be opened publicly at 2 p.m. that day in the City Hall Council Room.
The city states that all submitted bids must remain valid for a period of 60 days and will be subject to the conditions outlined in the official bid documents.
Additional specifications and requirements for contractors are available through the official bid document posted by the City of Summerville.
Summerville City Offices And Summerville Gas Office In Armuchee To Close Friday For Staff Training
The City of Summerville has announced that its front offices and the City of Summerville Floyd County Gas Office in Armuchee will be closed today, Friday, August 21, 2026, while employees participate in mandatory staff training.
Both locations are scheduled to resume regular business hours on Monday, August 24, at 8 a.m.
The temporary closure will not affect emergency services. Police, fire and other emergency response services will remain fully operational throughout the day.
Residents who need to make utility payments during the closure can continue to use the city’s online payment portals. Physical payment drop boxes located outside city offices will also remain available.
City officials thanked residents for their understanding while employees complete the training.