Arrest Report - Sunday - March 24, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 24, 2026:
Unsettled Weather Pattern To Bring Heavy Rain, Storms
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for several days of unsettled weather as a persistent summer-like pattern brings widespread showers and thunderstorms through much of the upcoming week.
Forecasters say periods of heavy rainfall are expected daily, raising the threat for localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Storms may repeatedly move across the same locations, increasing rainfall totals in some communities.
A few storms could also become strong to severe at times, with damaging wind gusts being the primary concern. Meteorologists say the combination of very humid air, daytime heating, and abundant moisture in the atmosphere will help fuel storm development each afternoon and evening.
Memorial Day outdoor plans could be impacted as thunderstorms are expected to increase during the afternoon hours. Officials recommend having an indoor backup plan and staying alert for changing weather conditions.
The wet pattern is expected to continue through much of the week, with temperatures remaining warm and humid. Highs will generally stay in the 80s, while overnight lows remain muggy in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
Forecasters say there are early indications the pattern could begin to shift by next weekend, though confidence remains low at this time.
Chattooga County Expands Redevelopment Area Boundaries
Chattooga County has expanded the boundaries of its Urban Redevelopment Area, adding new parcels of land to the county’s long-running revitalization initiative.
According to county records, the update was approved through a formal resolution signed by the county commissioner. The amendment adds additional parcels in the northern section of the existing redevelopment zone and updates the county’s official redevelopment map.
County officials say the move is intended to support economic development, encourage housing opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Leaders also say the expansion creates a more cohesive redevelopment footprint and provides greater flexibility for future planning and investment efforts.
While no specific projects tied to the newly added parcels have been announced, officials say the changes are designed to help position the county for long-term growth and future redevelopment opportunities.
The amendment reportedly took effect immediately upon adoption and is now part of the county’s official redevelopment framework.
Memorial Day Observed Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
Today is Memorial Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives while serving our country.
Originally known as Decoration Day following the Civil War, the holiday began in the late 1860s as communities gathered to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Over time, the observance expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in service to the nation. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and is observed each year on the last Monday in May.
In observance of the holiday, federal, state, and local government offices are closed today, including Chattooga County government offices, the City of Summerville, the City of Menlo, the Town of Trion, and the Town of Lyerly. Banks and post offices are also closed for the Memorial Day holiday.
Chattooga County officials say county dump sites and the transfer station will remain open and operate on their regular schedules today.
Transit services, administrative offices, and several other county departments are closed for the holiday and will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday.
Officials remind residents that for emergencies or situations requiring crew dispatch, residents should call 911.
Bethlehem, Georgia Man Arrested In Rome On Obscene Internet Contact Charges
A 54-year-old Bethlehem, Georgia man was arrested in Rome after investigators say he sent obscene photos and messages to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old female.
According to reports, Kenneth Stephens Ray allegedly communicated with the undercover officer by text message on April 28 and April 29, 2026, believing he was speaking with a minor. Authorities say the messages included obscene images and sexually explicit comments.
Ray is charged with two counts of furnishing obscene materials to a minor and one count of obscene internet contact with a minor.
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: Knowing The Difference
As Memorial Day approaches, many Americans pause to honor the nation’s military heroes — but it’s important to understand the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Memorial Day, observed each May, is dedicated to remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Veterans Day, observed each November, honors all military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces, whether during wartime or peacetime.
Veterans organizations often remind the public that while veterans appreciate support and gratitude, Memorial Day is specifically meant to honor fallen service members and reflect on their sacrifice.
GNTC Welding Program Sees Strong Job Placement And High Starting Salaries
Georgia Northwestern Technical College says its Welding and Joining Technology program continues to be one of the school’s most in-demand programs, with graduates seeing strong job placement rates and high starting wages.
GNTC instructors say the program appeals to students who enjoy building and creating with their hands while preparing for careers in a field that remains in high demand across Northwest Georgia and beyond.
The college offers Welding courses at campuses in Rome, Cedartown, Rock Spring and Dalton. Students in the program learn several types of welding techniques, along with blueprint reading, fabrication, safety, pipe welding and structural welding.
Program Director Jeremiah Cooper said more than 300 students have been placed into industry jobs since 2015, with employers frequently contacting GNTC directly looking for graduates or students nearing completion of the program. Area companies hiring welders include Astec, Komatsu, Miller Industries, Scenic City Mechanical and Textron.
According to GNTC officials, most graduates last year earned starting salaries between $55,000 and $65,000 annually, while some graduates reported starting pay between $23 and $28 per hour with overtime opportunities available.
Instructors say the need for skilled welders continues to grow, and graduates have gone on to careers ranging from welding and fabrication to maintenance, plumbing, machining and welding inspection.
GNTC says welding remains one of the Technical College System of Georgia’s designated High Demand Career Initiative fields because of strong wages and workforce demand.
NWGA Rising Stars Elite Bringing Summer Adult Basketball Tournament To Summerville
Northwest Georgia Rising Stars Elite is set to host its biggest adult basketball tournament this summer at the Summerville Recreation Center.
The tournament, organized by Jay Shropshire, will take place on four Saturdays — July 11, July 18, July 25, and August 1. Teams will compete in a double-elimination format.
Entry fees are set at $500 per team, with games featuring two 18-minute halves and a running clock except during the final two minutes. The tournament is open to players age 18 and older.
Organizers say all participants must sign a waiver, and a $3,000 prize will be awarded to the winning team. Admission for spectators will be $5 for adults and $2 for children, with concessions available onsite.
Teams interested in participating must submit entry fees by June 30 to secure a spot, as only 10 teams will be accepted.
For additional information or registration details, organizers say interested teams can contact Jay Shropshire directly.
Summerville Joins Statewide Effort Supporting Sovereign Immunity Protections
The Summerville City Council has approved joining other Georgia municipalities in supporting legal efforts aimed at protecting sovereign immunity protections for cities across the state.
During a recent meeting, council members authorized Mayor Ricky Hughes to sign a resolution allowing Summerville to participate in an amicus court brief in the case of Georgia Municipal Association vs. Olivia Adams. The case continues through the Georgia court system and could have major implications for municipalities statewide.
According to discussion presented to the council, the case involves a motor vehicle collision in Milton, Georgia. Court proceedings have centered on whether sovereign immunity protections apply in certain personal injury claims involving municipal employees.
Supporters of the effort argue that weakening sovereign immunity protections could expose cities to increased lawsuits and financial liability. City officials said the issue carries statewide importance and could affect how local governments operate in the future.
Summerville joins a growing number of Georgia cities participating in the legal challenge.
Trion Town Council Meeting Set For Thursday
The Town of Trion will hold a regular workshop and council meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the Town Hall Conference Room.
The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m., with the regular council meeting to follow shortly afterward.
Mayor Mickey D. McGraw said anyone with questions or comments may contact him or the Town Hall Office for more information.
Spots Still Available For Chattooga County Food Preservation Workshops
Chattooga County Extension Agent Rebecca Thomas says there are still spots available for several upcoming food preservation workshops being offered through the Chattooga County Extension Office.
The hands-on classes will cover a variety of food preservation topics throughout the summer and early fall, including jams and jellies, canning tomatoes and salsa, cowboy candy, and pickled okra.
Each workshop costs $25 per class, and attendance is limited to 15 participants. Officials say payment is required to secure registration.
Upcoming workshop dates include:
- Jams & Jellies — June 2 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
- Canning Tomatoes & Salsa — July 1 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- Cowboy Candy — August 4 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
- Pickled Okra — September 24 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
All workshops will be held at the Chattooga County Extension Office located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
For registration information, call 706-857-0744.
Arrest Report - Saturday - May 23, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 23, 2026:
Unsettled Holiday Weekend Weather Brings Flooding, Storm Threat
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a soggy and stormy Memorial Day weekend as an unsettled weather pattern continues through the coming week. Forecasters say widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected daily, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall, isolated flash flooding, and a few strong to severe storms.
Deep Gulf moisture moving into the region will keep humidity levels high and fuel repeated rounds of rain and thunderstorms each afternoon and evening. Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts, while torrential downpours may quickly lead to localized flooding issues, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Sunday’s forecast looks very similar to today, with another round of scattered to widespread thunderstorms developing during the heat of the day. Officials urge anyone with outdoor holiday plans to remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Looking ahead into next week, forecasters expect the wet pattern to persist with additional rounds of afternoon and evening storms. Some areas of North Georgia could receive more than five inches of rain over the next several days, although rainfall totals will vary significantly from place to place depending on thunderstorm activity.
Temperatures are expected to remain seasonably warm, generally in the 80s with occasional breaks in the rain.
Trion High Senior Receives Standing Ovation At Graduation Amid ICE Detention
As discussions about immigration policy continue across Chattooga County, Trion High School senior Elder Aguilar-Macario received a standing ovation Friday night during Trion High School’s graduation ceremony — despite being absent because he remains in ICE custody.
Aguilar-Macario, 19, was arrested earlier this month following a traffic stop in Walker County. According to reports, he was charged with driving without a license and failure to maintain lane, both misdemeanor offenses.
Following his arrest, authorities say Aguilar-Macario was transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through Walker County’s participation in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program.
Friends, classmates, teachers and community members have rallied around the Trion senior in recent weeks. Aguilar-Macario came to the United States from Guatemala as a child and has attended Trion schools since first grade. Supporters describe him as a well-liked student, soccer player and hardworking young man who had recently enrolled in Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s welding program.
Reports indicate school staff members remained at the Walker County Jail for hours following the arrest attempting to support the student and gather information for his family.
The case has sparked strong reactions locally, with some residents supporting stricter immigration enforcement while others argue Aguilar-Macario’s detention highlights the challenges facing undocumented individuals brought to the United States as children. A recent protest was also held in Chattooga County calling for his release.
During Friday night’s graduation ceremony, Aguilar-Macario’s name drew loud applause and a standing ovation from many in attendance, reflecting the emotional impact the situation has had on classmates and the broader Trion community.
Atrium Health Floyd Physician Shares Stroke Awareness Tips
May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Atrium Health Floyd physician Dr. Michael Gonsalves is reminding residents that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives.
Dr. Gonsalves says stroke remains a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, but fast treatment can help reduce damage to the brain and improve outcomes.
He recommends remembering the BE FAST acronym to identify possible stroke symptoms:
Balance problems, sudden vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred or unusual speech, and a terrible sudden headache are all warning signs. If any of these symptoms appear, call 911 immediately.
Dr. Gonsalves says time is critical when treating stroke, especially when clot-busting medications or advanced stroke treatments may be needed.
He also emphasized that many strokes can be prevented. Regular checkups, managing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol can all help reduce stroke risk.
Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic physicians serve patients throughout Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama, with video visits and virtual primary care also available.
Teloga Community Food Drive Happening Today
A free community food distribution will be held today at Beersheba Presbyterian Church in Teloga.
The Teloga Community Food Drive will take place from 10 a.m. until noon, or until supplies run out, at the church located at 9977 Highway 337 in Summerville.
Organizers say no ID is required, but ask residents not to line up before 9:30 a.m.
Volunteers are also needed to help support the event and assist with distribution efforts.
The event is sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands.
Chattooga County Announces Memorial Day Holiday Schedule
Chattooga County officials say dump sites and the transfer station will remain open and operate on their regular schedules during the Memorial Day holiday.
Transit services, county departments, and administrative offices will be closed for the holiday and will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday.
For emergencies or work requiring crew dispatch, residents should call 911.
County officials also said they honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Happening Today: Summerville Welcomes Return Of 4501 Steam Engine
Summerville will celebrate the return of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s 4501 steam engine to the Historic Summerville Depot today with May Market & Melodies.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Depot and will feature food vendors, craft vendors, live bluegrass, country and gospel music, and free admission.
The Summerville Turntable will also be in operation, turning the iconic 4501 steam engine for the first time in 2026. The locomotive is returning in classic Southern Railway green and gold passenger livery as TVRM celebrates its 65th anniversary and the engine’s 115th birthday.
Visitors can enjoy the market inside and outside the depot, with food options including jams and jellies, fried pies, corndogs, pizza, specialty breads, barbecue, homemade lemonade and more.
Suggested parking is in Downtown Summerville. Train excursion tickets are available through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com.
Trion Development Authority To Meet Thursday
The Town of Trion Development Authority will hold a meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will take place at Trion Town Hall.
Anyone with questions or comments may contact Richard Chesley, Chairperson of the Trion Development Authority, or contact the Town Hall office for more information.
Battlefield Connector Trail Dedicated In Chickamauga
Trust for Public Land, Walker County, and the City of Chickamauga officially dedicated the new John Culpepper Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail on Friday.
The new 2.2-mile multi-use trail links the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park to downtown Chickamauga. The trail is named in honor of Chickamauga’s longtime former City Manager John Culpepper.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the trail’s northern terminus on Wilder Road, with local elected officials, funding partners, and community members attending the event. The dedication marked the completion of a project nearly a decade in the making.
The trail provides a safe and scenic route for walkers and bicyclists while connecting one of the nation’s most visited Civil War sites with Chickamauga’s historic downtown business district. It also follows portions of the old Dry Valley Road, where Union soldiers once marched, and passes near the Gordon-Lee House, which served as a field hospital after the Battle of Chickamauga.
Trust for Public Land was brought in by the Walker County Commission in 2024 to help manage the project, including land acquisition, trail design, community engagement, and fundraising. The project was funded through grants and local contributions, including support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, several foundations, the City of Chickamauga, and Walker County Government.
Walker County Commission Chairwoman Angie Teems called the trail a “win-win-win” for the region, saying it will promote healthy lifestyles, preserve history, and support the local economy