Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 8, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 8, 2026:
Hot, Humid Weather Continues Before Storm Chances Increase This Weekend
Residents across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia can expect another stretch of typical July weather today, with plenty of sunshine, afternoon heat, and only a slight chance of a few pop-up showers or thunderstorms late in the day.
Today’s high will climb to around 91 degrees, with heat index values reaching the mid to upper 90s during the afternoon. While only about a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms is expected today, any storm that develops could produce brief heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.
Rain chances will gradually increase through the remainder of the week as a weak frontal boundary approaches the Southeast. Thursday brings a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, followed by a 50 percent chance on Friday.
The greatest opportunity for widespread rainfall arrives this weekend. Forecasters are calling for an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, with numerous storms expected throughout the day. Rain chances remain elevated Sunday at 70 percent before tapering slightly to 60 percent on Monday.
While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, the National Weather Service says a few stronger storms could develop each afternoon or evening, producing wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour.
The increase in clouds and rainfall should also provide some relief from the heat. High temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 90s through Saturday before dropping into the upper 80s by Sunday and the mid-80s by Monday.
Residents spending time outdoors should continue to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon, and keep an eye on the sky for developing thunderstorms later in the day.
Trion High School Announces Orientation, Locker And Parking Purchase Dates
Trion High School has announced important back-to-school dates for students and families.
Freshman and new student orientation will be held Wednesday, July 29, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Students and parents should meet at the high school gym. New students and freshmen will also be able to purchase lockers during orientation.
Locker and parking purchases for returning students will be held Friday, July 24, at the back entrance of Trion High School. Seniors may purchase from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m., juniors from 9:30 until 11 a.m., sophomores from 11 a.m. until noon, and freshmen from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m.
Students must wait until their assigned time slot to make purchases.
UGA Extension Bringing Master Cattlemen's Program to Chattooga County This Fall
Cattle producers across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve herd management this fall as the University of Georgia Extension brings the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County.
The eight-week program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet each Monday at 6 p.m. through November 2 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Participants will hear from University of Georgia specialists and industry experts on a wide range of topics, including beef quality assurance, herd selection, cattle economics and marketing, herd health management, parasite control, facilities, nutrition, reproductive management and forage management.
The registration fee is $100 and includes a notebook, program hat and meals. Registration is open through September 8.
To register, call the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744, scan the QR code on the program flyer or visit bit.ly/49yrFld.
Extension officials say the program is designed for both new and experienced cattle producers looking to strengthen their management skills and improve the profitability of their operations.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Firearm Arrest in Chattooga County
A 20-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after a Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy reportedly discovered marijuana packaged for sale and a firearm during a traffic stop late last month.
According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Giovanni Saam, 20, was arrested on June 30 following a traffic stop on Highway 27 near Gore Fire Hall Road. A deputy reported stopping the vehicle after observing it without a visible license plate and learning the vehicle registration had expired.
The report states the deputy detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. After speaking with Saam and another occupant, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle.
According to the report, deputies recovered multiple bags containing suspected marijuana, a digital scale, marijuana cigarettes, packaging materials, ammunition and a handgun. The report indicates Saam told deputies there was additional marijuana in the trunk, where investigators reportedly located another bag containing suspected marijuana.
Saam was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Registration.
He was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Recent Rainfall Eases Drought, Lowers Wildfire Risk Across Northwest Georgia
Recent rainfall has lowered the immediate wildfire threat across Northwest Georgia, but the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows Chattooga, Floyd and Walker counties remain Abnormally Dry, indicating the region has not fully recovered from recent dry conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released July 2 classifies the three counties in the D0 – Abnormally Dry category. While D0 is not considered drought, it signals below-normal moisture levels and can serve as an early warning that drought could develop if hot, dry weather returns.
Georgia Forestry Commission officials say the recent rounds of rain have significantly reduced wildfire danger across much of the state after an active spring fire season. However, they caution that the improvement may be temporary. With summertime heat continuing, vegetation can dry quickly, increasing the potential for wildfires if rainfall becomes less frequent.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across Northwest Georgia throughout the week, which should help maintain soil moisture. Even so, officials encourage residents to continue using caution with outdoor burning and to remain aware of changing weather conditions.
Elsewhere in Georgia, portions of northeast and southeast Georgia continue to experience moderate drought, while areas of the state remain abnormally dry, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
Ossoff, Warnock Renew Push to Stop Planned Service Cuts at Eisenhower Army Medical Center
U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are again urging the Defense Health Agency to abandon plans to significantly reduce services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, warning the proposal could negatively affect thousands of active-duty servicemembers, veterans, military families and civilian employees.
In a letter to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Keith Bass, the senators expressed concern over the agency’s plan to eliminate all inpatient services and transition the hospital into an ambulatory care center. The proposal would also convert the facility’s emergency department into an urgent care center. The lawmakers said the Defense Health Agency has not provided a clear plan explaining how patients would continue receiving care or how the changes would affect the surrounding healthcare system.
Ossoff and Warnock wrote that reducing services without a comprehensive transition plan could create confusion and make it more difficult for servicemembers, their families and veterans to access the care they need. They urged the agency to halt implementation of the plan, withdraw its congressional notification and provide additional information before moving forward.
The senators noted that Eisenhower Army Medical Center serves an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 active-duty servicemembers, retirees, military families and Department of Defense civilians in the Central Savannah River Area. Senator Ossoff first began pressing the Defense Health Agency for answers about the proposed reductions last year and has continued to oppose the changes
Publix Recalls Frozen Blueberries Sold in Georgia After E. coli Illnesses Reported
Publix customers in Georgia are being urged to check their freezers after the grocery chain recalled a specific lot of frozen blueberries linked to 12 confirmed cases of E. coli illness.
The recall involves 10-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. The product was sold at Publix stores in Georgia and seven other southeastern states. No other lot codes or best-by dates are included in the recall.
The recall was initiated after 12 people became ill with E. coli O145:H28 infections between May 11 and June 5. Consumers who have the affected blueberries should not eat them and should either throw them away or return them to Publix for a full refund.
Health officials say E. coli O145 can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for serious complications, including a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. Anyone who becomes ill after eating the recalled product should seek medical attention promptly.
The recalled blueberries were produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of Chile. The company and Publix are working with regulatory agencies as the investigation continues.
Governor Kemp Met with OpenAI Leaders as Georgia Pursues AI Growth
Governor Brian Kemp recently met privately with executives from OpenAI and Georgia Power as state leaders continue exploring Georgia’s role in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. According to documents obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act, the meeting took place on June 11 at the State Capitol, although neither the Governor’s Office nor OpenAI disclosed what was discussed.
The meeting comes as Georgia works to attract additional technology investment while balancing the enormous energy demands created by artificial intelligence data centers. Georgia Power has projected sharp increases in electricity demand over the coming years, with much of that growth tied to large-scale data centers supporting AI and cloud computing.
The Current reported that the governor’s office declined to provide details about the meeting, and OpenAI also did not comment on the topics discussed. The publication obtained the information through Governor Kemp’s official calendar, which is regularly released under Georgia’s open records law.
The meeting highlights Georgia’s growing importance in the AI sector as technology companies continue investing in infrastructure across the state. It also comes as lawmakers and local governments increasingly debate how to accommodate the industry’s rapid expansion while addressing concerns over electricity use, water consumption and the impact of large data centers on local communities.
Walker County Commission to Consider Data Center Moratorium, Budget, Land Development Changes
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will consider several significant items during its regular meeting Thursday, July 9, including a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, updates to the county’s land development regulations, and several major spending requests. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex IV in LaFayette.
Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget before considering public comments on amendments to Chapter 22 of the Walker County Code governing land development regulations. The board is also scheduled to hear three planning and zoning requests involving properties in Chickamauga and LaFayette before voting on those requests later in the meeting.
Among the most closely watched items on the agenda is a proposed resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on data centers in Walker County. Commissioners are also expected to consider a comprehensive financial policy, a policy prohibiting county employees from purchasing county surplus property, and the sale of certain county-owned real estate.
The board will also vote on several purchase orders, including approximately $60,535 for a generator at the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, $31,800 for repairs at the Cedar Grove Community Center, and more than $295,500 for emergency repairs at the Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office. County officials note the tax office repairs are expected to be covered by insurance, less the county’s $5,000 deductible.
Additional business includes appointments to the Walker County Public Library Board, amendments to the county’s travel and reimbursement policy, authorization for Drug Court and Mental Health Court operating grants, departmental reports, commissioner comments, and an executive session if needed.
Georgia Lottery Players Score Big Holiday Weekend Wins
Several Georgia Lottery players had a winning holiday weekend as jackpot games continued to climb across the state.
Monday’s Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $416 million, while tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at $576 million.
Among the weekend winners, a Stone Mountain player won $50,000 in the July 1 Powerball drawing, while a Brunswick player won $100,000 in the July 4 Powerball drawing after the Power Play multiplier doubled the prize.
An Albany player also hit a $290,307 Fantasy 5 jackpot on July 2 through the Georgia Lottery mobile app.
Other big wins included $250,000 for a Jasper player on a Diggi Game, $10,000 prizes in Kennesaw and Douglas, and two $7,500 Millionaire for Life prizes sold in Woodstock and Bonaire.
Georgia Lottery officials remind Mega Millions and Powerball winners they have 180 days from the drawing date to claim prizes. Proceeds from Georgia Lottery games benefit education across the state.
Georgia Agriculture Officials Urge Vigilance for New World Screwworm Despite No Confirmed Cases in State
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is urging livestock producers, veterinarians and pet owners to remain alert for signs of the destructive New World Screwworm, even though no cases have been confirmed in Georgia.
The parasite, which has recently been detected in southern Texas, attacks warm-blooded animals by laying eggs in open wounds. Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae feed on living flesh and can cause severe injuries or even death if left untreated.
Agriculture officials are encouraging animal owners to regularly inspect livestock and pets for draining or enlarging wounds, maggots or egg masses in wounds, signs of discomfort, or lesions around the nose, ears, eyes, mouth, genital areas or the umbilical region of young animals.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says early detection is critical to preventing the pest from becoming established in the state. Anyone who suspects a New World Screwworm infestation should immediately contact the department’s Animal Health Division at 404-656-3667 or email AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov. Owners are also encouraged to contact their veterinarian if they observe suspicious wounds or infestations.
State officials emphasize that there are currently no confirmed New World Screwworm cases in Georgia, but continued monitoring is essential to protect the state’s livestock industry, pets and wildlife.
Forever Stamp Price Increasing Sunday as USPS Continues Rate Hikes
Mailing a letter will soon cost a little more as the U.S. Postal Service prepares to increase the price of a First-Class Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents beginning Sunday, July 12.
The four-cent increase is part of a broader 4.8% average increase in mailing service prices that also affects postcards, international mail, periodicals, marketing mail, package services and certain special services. The Postal Service says the changes are necessary to help address rising operating costs and ongoing financial challenges while maintaining service nationwide.
In testimony before Congress earlier this year, Postmaster General David Steiner warned that the Postal Service continues to face serious financial difficulties and could exhaust its available funds by early 2027 without additional financial assistance or operational improvements. USPS has reported net losses exceeding $9 billion in each of the past two fiscal years.
Consumers who purchase Forever Stamps before Sunday can continue using them indefinitely, even after the price increase takes effect. Forever Stamps always retain their full value for mailing a one-ounce First-Class letter, regardless of future price increases.
Other changes taking effect Sunday include an increase in the price of a domestic postcard from 61 cents to 65 cents, while the cost to mail an international letter or postcard will rise from $1.70 to $1.75. The additional-ounce charge for First-Class letters will remain unchanged at 29 cents
Arrest Report - Tuesday - July 7, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, July 7, 2026:
Hot, Humid Week Ahead with Daily Afternoon Storm Chances Increasing by the Weekend
Summer weather will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia today with mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. After a dry start, a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m. Light winds will become westerly around 5 miles per hour during the afternoon before calming again tonight. Any storms that develop should diminish by early evening, with overnight lows falling to around 71.
The pattern changes very little through the middle of the week. Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 91 and only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. By Thursday and Friday, rain chances increase to 40 percent as scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms become more common.
The greatest opportunity for widespread rainfall arrives over the weekend, when rain and thunderstorm chances climb to 60 percent Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures will remain near 90 degrees each day, while overnight lows stay in the lower 70s. Residents planning outdoor activities should keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to move indoors if thunderstorms develop.
No Northwest Georgia Projects Included in Latest Round of Rural Site Development Grants
Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) grants, awarding $7.8 million to ten projects across Georgia to help rural communities prepare industrial sites for future business recruitment and job creation. With this latest round, the state has now invested $28 million in rural site development since the program was launched in Fiscal Year 2025.
The Rural Site Development Initiative, administered through the OneGeorgia Authority, provides funding for site improvements and for communities seeking Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification. Eligible projects include grading, utility extensions, road construction, environmental work, and engineering needed to create “shovel-ready” industrial sites that can compete for major economic development projects. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, GRAD-certified sites have helped attract an estimated 10,000 jobs statewide in recent years.
Among the largest grants awarded in this round were:
- Columbus-Muscogee County – $2 million for clearing, grading, and site improvements at the GRAD-certified Muscogee Technology Park, a $10 million project.
- Thomaston-Upson County – $2 million to construct water, sewer, and transportation infrastructure at the Central Georgia Business and Technology Park.
- Effingham County – $1.8 million to construct a sewer pump station at the Savannah Portside International Park.
- McIntosh County – $1.5 million for road, water, and sewer improvements at Tidewaters Industrial Park.
The remaining grants were awarded to communities for either GRAD certification work or additional site readiness improvements designed to make rural industrial properties more attractive to prospective employers. Communities receiving funding are required to provide matching funds based on the program’s guidelines.
No projects in Northwest Georgia received funding during this fourth round. That means Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker, Polk, Bartow, Catoosa, Dade, and Whitfield counties were not among the ten grant recipients announced by the Governor.
Governor Kemp said more than 64 percent of new jobs created in Georgia during his administration have been located outside the metro Atlanta region, and he described the Rural Site Development Initiative as a key part of the state’s strategy to expand economic opportunity in rural Georgia. Lt. Governor Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, and state economic development officials also praised the program, saying shovel-ready industrial sites are critical to attracting future employers and creating jobs in rural communities.
ARC Report Shows Most Northwest Georgia Counties Hold Stable Economic Status
A newly released report from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) shows that most counties across Northwest Georgia continue to maintain stable economic classifications, although a handful of counties remain among the region’s most economically challenged. The designations are used by ARC to help determine grant eligibility and investment priorities for economic and community development projects throughout Appalachia.
According to the Fiscal Year 2026 report, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker, and Whitfield counties are all classified as Transitional, the category assigned to the majority of Appalachian counties. Transitional counties are generally performing near the national average or are in the process of improving economically.
Elsewhere in Northwest Georgia, Dade County is classified as At-Risk, meaning it faces a greater likelihood of economic decline without continued investment, while Catoosa County earned a Competitive designation, reflecting economic performance that exceeds the national average.
Regionwide, ARC reported encouraging news. For Fiscal Year 2026, the number of Distressed counties across the 13-state Appalachian region fell to 75, the lowest number since the commission began using its current economic index two decades ago. The report classifies 75 counties as Distressed, 90 as At-Risk, 240 as Transitional, 14 as Competitive, and four as Attainment, the highest economic designation.
The Appalachian Regional Commission bases its annual classifications on a combination of three-year unemployment rates, per-capita market income, and poverty levels. Those designations help determine grant match requirements and guide federal and state investments in infrastructure, workforce development, broadband expansion, health care, and economic development projects across Appalachian communities.
Study Estimates Chattooga Residents Spent $114,000 on OnlyFans During 2025
A new study estimates that residents of Chattooga County spent approximately $114,000 on OnlyFans subscriptions during 2025, making it one of five Northwest Georgia counties included in the analysis. The report was conducted by OnlyGuider, an independent search engine that indexes creators on the subscription-based platform.
According to the study, the five-county region of Bartow, Gordon, Floyd, Polk, and Chattooga counties spent a combined $2.25 million on OnlyFans subscriptions last year. Bartow County had the highest estimated total at $795,000, followed by Gordon County at $561,000, Floyd County at $532,000, Polk County at $248,000, and Chattooga County at $114,000.
While Chattooga County’s overall spending ranked lowest among the five counties, the study found that Chattooga slightly exceeded Floyd County on a per-capita basis, meaning the estimated spending was higher when adjusted for population.
Statewide, the report estimates that Georgia residents spent approximately $87.4 million on OnlyFans subscriptions in 2025. Georgia ranked eighth in the nation for total estimated spending and 24th on a per-capita basis. The Atlanta metropolitan area accounted for the largest share, with an estimated $26.2 million in subscription spending.
Researchers said the estimates were developed using a combination of search traffic, platform activity, and revenue data to model spending at the county, city, and state levels. The figures are estimates and are not based on individual subscriber records or financial disclosures.
OnlyFans is a United Kingdom-based subscription platform where creators earn income directly from subscribers through exclusive content. While the service hosts a variety of creators, it is most widely known for adult content
Atlanta Developer Files Lawsuit Over Chattooga County Project, Claims $89 Million Development Was Undermined by $1 Land Transfer
An Atlanta developer has filed a lawsuit in Chattooga County Superior Court alleging that an $89 million residential development on Little Sand Mountain was derailed after the 736-acre property at the center of the project was transferred to another nonprofit organization for $1 without his knowledge.
According to the lawsuit, developer Joseph Daniell had been working on plans for a proposed 171-home community in Chattooga County, coordinating engineering, development documents and financing for the project. The complaint alleges that during a review of county property records, Daniell discovered a quitclaim deed showing the property had been transferred on October 23, 2025, from Christian Zheng Sheng Association Limited US Inc. to New Day Horizons Group Inc. for $1. The deed was recorded in Chattooga County the following week.
The lawsuit claims Daniell was never informed of the ownership change and continued working on the project after the transfer. His attorney argues the conveyance was intended to place the property beyond Daniell’s reach and is seeking to have the transfer set aside while also seeking damages. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
CBS News Atlanta reports that New Day Horizons Group Inc. later received federal tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and describes itself as a Christian ministry focused on counseling and discipleship. The organization’s website states it has been entrusted with approximately 700 acres in North Georgia for its ministry.
The report also notes that one of the defendants named in the lawsuit, Atlanta-area real estate broker Emily Fu, previously pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud in an unrelated real estate case. That conviction is separate from the allegations made in the Chattooga County lawsuit.
The case remains pending in Chattooga County Superior Court, where a judge will ultimately determine the merits of the claims made by the parties.
15 People Killed on Georgia Roads During Independence Day Holiday Travel Period
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 15 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Georgia during the 2026 Independence Day holiday travel period, underscoring the dangers of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol troopers investigated 11 fatal crashes that claimed 11 lives, while local law enforcement agencies investigated four additional fatal crashes, bringing the statewide total to 15 traffic fatalities during the holiday enforcement period.
The holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5. Throughout the enforcement campaign, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers increased patrols statewide as part of Operation Zero Tolerance and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. initiative, targeting impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Before the holiday weekend, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III urged motorists to obey traffic laws, wear seat belts, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired, noting that troopers would be working around the clock to keep Georgia’s roads safe.
The Department of Public Safety is expected to release additional enforcement statistics, including the number of crashes, injuries, DUI arrests, citations, and warnings issued during the holiday period, once all reports have been finalized.