Arrest Report - Wednesday - January 14, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
Biting Wind Chills to Hit Chattooga County: Teens Overnight, Flurries Possible in Higher Elevations
A fresh blast of arctic air is sliding into Northwest Georgia, and Thursday morning (Jan. 15) is shaping up to be the coldest stretch of the week for Chattooga County and surrounding communities. Forecasters say biting wind chills between 0° and 15°F are expected across north Georgia as breezy northwest winds follow a passing cold front, making it feel far colder than the thermometer suggests.
For Chattooga County, the main story is the cold, not snow. Most of the county should stay mainly dry, but residents will notice a quick drop in temperatures late today and tonight as colder air pours in behind the front. The combination of lower temperatures and wind will push “feels like” readings into the teens—and potentially lower in a few spots—by daybreak Thursday.
In the north Georgia mountains, there is a limited but real window for winter weather. As temperatures fall this evening, snowflakes could begin at the highest elevations first, then drop to lower elevations overnight as snow levels fall rapidly. That said, the atmosphere is expected to dry out quickly, which should greatly limit how much snow can develop. Any snowfall late tonight into early Thursday would depend on a narrow band of moisture and upslope winds, meaning west-facing slopes and higher terrain would have the best chance to see light accumulations. Mountain peaks could approach around an inch, while lower elevations are expected to see little to none, with road temperatures likely staying just warm enough to hinder sticking in many places.
Looking ahead, long-range trends still point to a mostly dry weekend for Northwest Georgia, though there is a small chance (roughly 15–30%) for light precipitation Friday night into Saturday as a narrow moisture band moves through. If anything wintry shows up, it would most likely be a brief dusting in the mountains, with confidence remaining low for meaningful impacts in lower elevations.
The cold won’t end quickly. Early next week could bring another round of chilly mornings, with wind chills in the teens possible Sunday through Tuesday. While the odds of meeting cold advisory criteria remain modest, the repeated shots of dry, cold air can still create dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors for extended periods.
With the cold arriving fast, local officials and residents are urged to take common-sense precautions: bring pets indoors, protect exposed pipes, ensure space heaters are used safely, and check on elderly neighbors or anyone without reliable heat. Drivers heading out early Thursday should also stay alert—while widespread icing isn’t expected for Chattooga County, colder pockets and bridge decks can cool faster than surrounding roads.
Summerville Hit-and-Run: Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk on Commerce Street
A Summerville hit-and-run investigation has led to the arrest of Charm Hedgecoth, 31, in connection with a crash that injured Ray Blount at the intersection of Commerce Street and East First Avenue.
The incident happened Friday, Jan. 9, at about 7:10 p.m. The report indicates Blount was in a marked crosswalk when a 2013 white GMC Terrain with an Alabama tag struck him as the vehicle was turning through the intersection. Blount was thrown onto the hood and up toward the top of the vehicle before landing in the roadway. The driver then left the scene.
Investigators later confirmed video evidence showing the vehicle leaving after the collision. The GMC Terrain was located and stopped on Jan. 12, and Hedgecoth was identified as the driver.
During a follow-up interview, Hedgecoth admitted being the driver and said she left because she did not feel safe. Hedgecoth reported that, after the crash, Blount became violent toward her, and she feared remaining at the scene. The report notes Hedgecoth also acknowledged she had a cell phone at the time but did not call 911 before leaving.
Hedgecoth is charged with hit-and-run leaving the scene of an accident, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, expired license, expired tag, and no insurance.
Rural Northwest Georgia’s Education Gap: Why More Families Are Turning to Technical College After High School
In Chattooga County and across rural Northwest Georgia, the conversation about life after high school is changing — not because college suddenly got easier, but because more families are weighing the rising cost of a traditional four-year degree against the practical need for training that leads directly to a paycheck.
Newer U.S. Census estimates show Chattooga County trails many nearby counties in four-year degree attainment, with about 10.7% of adults age 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. By comparison, nearby counties such as Walker (20.1%), Catoosa (24.5%), and Floyd (24.9%) report much higher rates. Chattooga also has a lower share of adults who have finished high school, at 74.2%, which can limit options for jobs that require postsecondary credentials.
That gap matters because more employers — including manufacturers, healthcare providers, public safety agencies, and industrial operations — now expect some form of education or training beyond high school, whether it’s an industry credential, technical certificate, diploma, apprenticeship, or associate degree.
Cost and perception shape the choices
Even for families who value higher education, the price tag can feel like a deal-breaker. Nationally, the average published tuition and fees for a public in-state four-year college is $11,610 per year, while the average published in-district tuition at a public two-year college is $4,050. In Georgia’s public university system, most institutions have worked to keep tuition and fees relatively steady, but costs still add up once housing, books, transportation, and living expenses are included.
At the same time, perception plays a powerful role in rural communities. Surveys have found many adults believe college is unaffordable, even when financial aid may reduce the “sticker price.” That belief — paired with the need to start earning sooner — often pushes students to look for faster, job-connected pathways.
How GNTC helps fill the local workforce need
That’s where Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has become a major piece of the post-high school puzzle for residents in Chattooga and surrounding counties. GNTC serves a multi-county region in Northwest Georgia with career-focused programs built around workforce demand — including fields like healthcare, industrial and manufacturing careers, business, public safety, and skilled trades.
Supporters of technical college point to a simple advantage: many programs are designed to move students from enrollment to employment in a shorter time frame than a traditional four-year route — and often with lower overall cost. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees, and many programs align with state and federal workforce initiatives that help reduce barriers such as tuition, transportation, or childcare for qualifying students.
GNTC has also emphasized adult education and training options for residents who need a second chance at finishing basic education requirements or want to re-tool for a better-paying career. In recent reporting from the college, GNTC said thousands of people benefit annually from its credit and noncredit programs, including adult education and workforce training.
Training for “good jobs” close to home
Local leaders say the goal isn’t to discourage four-year degrees — it’s to expand realistic choices. For some students, a university pathway remains the right fit. For others, technical education offers a direct route into fields that keep communities running: nursing and allied health, welding and industrial maintenance, CDL and logistics, electrical and HVAC, public safety, and advanced manufacturing.
In rural Northwest Georgia, where families are often balancing work, caregiving, and tight budgets, the post-high school question is increasingly becoming less about “college or no college” — and more about which education path leads to a stable career without crushing debt.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Chattooga County, GA (education attainment), U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Walker County, GA (bachelor’s degree or higher), U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Floyd County, GA (bachelor’s degree or higher), Georgia Northwestern Technical College — “About” (service area; workforce training; adult education), Georgia Northwestern Technical College — Academics overview (program areas; credentials offered), Pew Research Center (public views on college value and debt), College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2024 (published tuition/fee averages)
Chattooga Coroner “Big Mac” McElhaney Urges Residents to Add Emergency Contacts to Georgia License Records
Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy “Big Mac” McElhaney is reminding residents about a free, simple way to help first responders reach loved ones faster in an emergency: add emergency contact information to your Georgia driver’s license or ID record.
McElhaney shared that the information is stored in a secure, statewide system accessible to law enforcement and medical facilities, allowing rapid notification of family members if someone is injured, unconscious, disoriented, or unable to access a phone. McElhaney shared the option can be especially helpful in situations involving memory problems, or when a person’s phone is locked, missing, or damaged.
McElhaney also shared that emergency contact information on file can help first responders and investigators quickly identify someone and notify next of kin, and it can assist a coroner during serious incidents by reducing delays when family notifications must be made.
The update is free and does not require a new physical license or ID card. Residents can add or update emergency contact information by visiting the Georgia Driver Services website or stopping by a Georgia Department of Driver Services office.
Summerville Police: Hit-and-Run Claims Were Incorrect in Jan. 7 Crash
Summerville Police say reports that a recent crash was a hit-and-run were inaccurate, and that the incident was a single-vehicle accident.
In a supplemental report, police say the crash happened on Jan. 7, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m. The initial investigation determined it was a one-vehicle accident. Police say a media report later suggested the department was investigating a hit-and-run, but investigators concluded the story was generated after a family member of the driver contacted local media with incorrect information.
Detective Cox wrote that he spoke with the driver, Eric Preston Miller, who said he may have lost consciousness during the crash and wasn’t sure whether another vehicle struck him. However, Miller told police that after examining his vehicle, he did not see damage consistent with being hit by another vehicle, but did observe damage consistent with the vehicle striking a ditch. Miller also told investigators he believes there may have been a misunderstanding between him and the family member who shared information with the media.
Police also interviewed an eyewitness, Harrison Couch, who said he saw the vehicle traveling north on North West Congress Street and attempting a right turn onto West First Avenue before missing the roadway and running into a ditch. Couch told police the weather was extremely foggy, with visibility the worst he had seen in the 13 years he has lived in the area, and that he stopped to render aid to the driver.
GNTC Aviation Program Adds Donated Cessna 401A to Expand Hands-On Training Fleet
Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program has added another aircraft for student training, thanks to a donation of a Cessna 401A from a private individual in Dalton.
Program director Zac Fager says it’s the fourth 400-series Cessna now owned by GNTC and will be used in all areas of hands-on instruction. The aircraft had been stored in a hangar at Dalton Municipal Airport before being moved to GNTC’s Aviation Training Center, where it was reassembled.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham says the gift will help train the skilled professionals the aviation industry needs.
Fager says the timing is critical, because students are constantly disassembling, inspecting, and repairing aircraft components—and having additional aircraft helps ensure graduates gain the Airframe and Powerplant experience needed to be workforce-ready.
New Felony Charge Filed in Day-After-Christmas Armed Robbery Case
Another felony charge has been filed against a man accused in an armed robbery at the former State Line Tavern near the Alabama state line on Dec. 26.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 23-year-old Jeffrey Lemar Smith of Gadsden is accused of pointing a gun at a man inside the establishment and demanding he empty his pockets. Smith is now charged with criminal attempt to commit armed robbery.
Jail records indicate Smith was already facing multiple charges tied to the incident, including robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Authorities say Smith was later found hiding in a dumpster in Centre, Alabama, following a pursuit involving Alabama law enforcement. Investigators say two other suspects remain at large.
Rome City Commission Elects Jim Bojo as New Mayor at First Meeting of 2026
Rome has a new mayor, and as is customary in the city’s commission-manager form of government, the choice came from within the City Commission rather than through a direct mayoral election.
At the Rome City Commission’s first meeting of 2026 on Monday, commissioners selected Jim Bojo to serve as mayor. Rome residents elect City Commissioners in non-partisan, at-large, plurality races, and the commission then chooses one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Mayor Pro Tem for a set term.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your support,” Bojo said after the vote. “We’ve had fun times over the past few years, and I hope we have more fun times ahead. I want to let all of the commissioners know that I’m just a phone call away, for every one of you. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’ll get there.”
Bojo won the mayoral selection by a 5-4 vote. Voting for Bojo were Craig McDaniel, Harry Brock, Wayne Robinson, Jill Fisher, and Bojo. Voting for March Cochran were Elaina Beeman, Vic Hixon, Bill Collins, and Cochran.
Commissioners also elected Wayne Robinson to serve as Mayor Pro Tem, also by a 5-4 vote, defeating Elaina Beeman.
In other business, Sammy Rich was re-appointed as city manager.
Bojo brings a background in broadcasting and local media leadership to the role. He previously served as vice president of TTA Broadcasting from 1995 to 2014. TTA Broadcasting purchased WGTA AM and WATG FM in Summerville from Bill Farrar in 1997.
GDOT Uses “Queue Trucks” to Warn Drivers of I-24 Work Zones in Dade County
Georgia DOT is using advanced warning signage and “queue trucks” along Interstate 24 in Dade County to alert drivers to slowdowns and road work before the work zone comes into view—an added safety step on a hilly, curving stretch where visibility can be limited.
I-24 briefly cuts through northwest Georgia for just a few miles before returning to Tennessee, but the corridor carries heavy traffic and serves as a key route between Chattanooga and Nashville. With construction activity such as lane closures and crews working near traffic, GDOT says the early warning system helps reduce the risk of sudden braking and rear-end crashes.
The queue truck—a flatbed with a message board—is positioned beyond the end of backed-up traffic to warn approaching motorists that a slowdown is ahead. “Crashes in work zones can be especially dangerous with crews working so close to traffic,” said Grant Waldrop, Georgia DOT District Six Engineer.
Officials also point to distracted driving as a major factor in traffic crashes, making clear, earlier alerts even more important in active work zones. GDOT expects to continue using these warning methods on other interstate projects, including future maintenance work.
Read more in Georgia Milepost Magazine: HERE
Clay Fuller Resigns as Lookout Mountain DA to Run for Congress; Deanna Reisman Serving as Acting DA
Clay Fuller has officially resigned as District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, effective January 12, 2026, after qualifying to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Fuller is entering the race for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, a seat previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene and one that includes Chattooga County. The contest is already drawing heavy interest, with more than 20 other Republicans, Democrats, and Independent candidates also announcing intentions to run for the seat.
With Fuller stepping down, Deanna Reisman is serving as the circuit’s acting District Attorney.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - January 13, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 13, 2026:
CRC Chattooga Invites Community to Homeless Collaborative This Evening Ahead of PIT Count
CRC Chattooga is inviting the community to come together this evening to help prepare for the annual Point-in-Time, or PIT Count, a nationwide effort to better understand and serve neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Organizers are looking for compassionate volunteers to help with the unsheltered count on the night of January 26, when small teams will respectfully visit known outdoor locations to ensure everyone is seen and counted. CRC Chattooga says the effort is safe, dignity-focused, and aimed at improving local support and services.
The Homeless Collaborative meeting is set for this evening at 6 p.m. at the CRC Chattooga Cafeteria, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to comment or message CRC Chattooga for more information.
Chattooga County & Northwest Georgia Face Elevated Fire Danger Today; Light Rain Wednesday, Bitter Cold Returns Thursday
Very dry air will elevate wildfire danger this afternoon across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with relative humidity expected to drop below critical levels (near or under 25%) while vegetation and fine fuels continue drying. Even though winds won’t be extreme, the combination of low humidity and dry fuels can allow any spark to spread quickly—so it’s a good day to avoid outdoor burning and be extra careful with anything that produces heat or embers.
After a chilly start this morning near or below freezing in spots, temperatures will rebound under mostly sunny skies, topping out in the upper 50s to near 60 across much of Northwest Georgia. Clouds increase tonight, keeping overnight lows milder than the past few nights, generally in the mid to upper 30s across the area.
Rain chances return Wednesday as weather disturbances pass through, but coverage will be spotty and amounts light. Northwest Georgia may see periods of light rain during the day Wednesday, with temperatures remaining above freezing—so it should be a cold rain for most locations.
Late Wednesday night into early Thursday, colder air pushes in and a few snowflakes or flurries could appear in the highest elevations of far Northwest Georgia, but moisture is limited and the atmosphere dries quickly overnight. Any accumulation is expected to stay minor and mainly on elevated surfaces, with meaningful road or sidewalk impacts unlikely.
A sharp cooldown arrives Thursday and lasts through the end of the week, with gusty northwest winds making it feel even colder. By Thursday morning, wind chills could dip into the teens in the colder parts of Northwest Georgia, making it one of the coldest mornings so far this winter even if advisory criteria isn’t reached.
Looking toward the weekend, a system may pass through but current guidance favors limited moisture and poor timing with the coldest air, keeping the risk for significant winter weather low. The more likely hazard heading into early next week is another round of potentially dangerous cold, with temperatures possibly nearing cold weather advisory levels by Monday morning.
Mental Health Parity Day Returns to Georgia Capitol, Honoring Rosalynn Carter’s Lasting Legacy
Advocates, healthcare leaders, and community members from across Georgia will gather at the State Capitol on February 3, 2026, for Mental Health Parity Day, an annual event focused on ensuring mental health care is treated with the same urgency, access, and insurance coverage as physical health care.
Mental Health Parity Day is designed to raise awareness about ongoing gaps in mental health coverage, reduce stigma, and push for policies that guarantee mental health and substance use treatment are equally covered and equally important. The day typically includes advocacy training, educational programming, and a press conference, giving participants the opportunity to share personal stories and call for meaningful policy change.
The event is organized by the Georgia Parity Collaborative in partnership with The Carter Center, continuing a long tradition of mental health advocacy rooted in Georgia’s history.
A legacy shaped by Rosalynn Carter
Mental Health Parity Day also reflects the enduring legacy of Rosalynn Carter, whose work transformed how mental health is viewed both in Georgia and across the nation.
As First Lady of Georgia during Jimmy Carter’s time as governor, Rosalynn Carter chaired the Governor’s Commission on Mental Health, traveling the state to study conditions in psychiatric hospitals and advocating for reforms that emphasized dignity, treatment, and community-based care.
Her commitment deepened during her time as First Lady of the United States, where she became one of the most influential mental health advocates ever to serve in the role. She served as the Honorary Chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, helped bring mental health discussions into the national spotlight, and worked to integrate mental health into broader health policy conversations—long before such discussions were common.
Following her years in the White House, Carter continued this work through The Carter Center, co-founding its Mental Health Program to promote awareness, fight stigma, and improve access to care worldwide.
Why parity still matters
Despite federal and state parity laws, advocates say many Georgians still face barriers such as limited provider networks, higher out-of-pocket costs, and difficulty accessing timely mental health services. Mental Health Parity Day serves as both a reminder of progress made and a call to action for continued reform.
Organizers stress that mental health parity is not just a policy issue—it is a public health priority that affects families, workplaces, schools, and communities across Georgia.
As participants gather under the banner of “Equally Covered, Equally Important,” the event carries forward Rosalynn Carter’s lifelong message: that mental health is health—and deserves the same care, compassion, and commitment.
Animal Advocate Urges Alternatives to Beaver Trapping in Town Creek; City Manager Says Trapping Will Continue
Local animal advocate Kristy Kirby Colbert addressed the Summerville City Council, Mayor, and City Manager Monday night, urging city leaders to consider alternatives to trapping beavers that have been obstructing water flow in Town Creek.
Colbert said she came prepared with research and methods aimed at keeping water moving through or around beaver dams in an effort to reduce flooding concerns. She stated that during the meeting, no one asked for her materials or offered comments, though she said City Manager Jason Winters requested the information after the meeting and told her he would look at other options.
Colbert said Winters told her the city would continue trapping and killing the beavers until officials see improved water flow, but added she hopes the city will seriously consider other solutions. She also said she presented information indicating a water-flow management approach would be cheaper long-term than trapping.
Colbert added that Councilman Zack D. Martin thanked her afterward for providing the information and told her he supported the idea and would vote for it.
WZQZ later confirmed with City Manager Jason Winters that continuing to trap the beavers remains the city’s current plan for dealing with the obstructions in Town Creek.
Downtown Heart Project Returns as Summerville Declares February “Live, Love, Local Month
Summerville Main Street is bringing back a favorite downtown tradition with the return of the Downtown Heart Project, inviting residents, families, and businesses to help decorate the city for February.
Organizers have officially declared February as “Live, Love, Local Month,” and throughout the month, heart-shaped signs featuring customizable messages will be displayed across Downtown Summerville. The signs can be personalized with notes of love, encouragement, remembrance, or support—making them a way to celebrate local businesses, honor loved ones, recognize community heroes, or share an uplifting message with visitors.
Heart signs will be displayed all February long. Pricing is $30 for single-sided hearts and $50 for double-sided hearts.
Orders must be placed by January 23 at the Summerville Main Street Office, located at 179 Union Street. Organizers note that space is limited, and once the available spots are filled, additional orders may not be accepted.
Updates and additional information will be shared through the City of Summerville Georgia Facebook page.
Summerville City Council Swears In Mayor, Honors Local Achievements, Names New City Attorney
The Summerville City Council met Monday evening at Summerville City Hall, marking a major night of recognitions, official action, and public input.
During the meeting, Judge Gary Woods administered the oath of office to Mayor Rickey Hughes, along with council members Simone Adams and Dana Windle Mosley. Council members also recognized the Summerville Recreation 12-and-Under Girls State Volleyball Team for their championship accomplishment and honored Austin Ferris as the City of Summerville Employee of the Year for 2025.
In legal business, the council accepted the resignation of Albert Palmour as city attorney and voted to approve Chris Corbin, of the Summerville law firm Farrar & Corbin, as the city’s new attorney.
Council members also heard from local resident Kristy Kirby Colbert, who has been leading a protest regarding the trapping of beavers in Town Creek. (see related story in today’s news from WZQZ). Colbert presented what she said were viable alternatives to trapping the beavers, which have been obstructing water flow in the creek, a tributary of the Chattooga River.
Historically, officials have noted that Town Creek backing up during heavy rains has been one of the factors contributing to flooding in downtown Summerville.
Chattooga County Extension Shares Early Spring Garden Prep Tips for Northwest Georgia Growers
The Chattooga County Extension Office is encouraging local residents to start preparing now for spring gardening, sharing a few simple steps that can make planting season smoother and more productive across Northwest Georgia.
In a recent update, the office emphasized the value of creating a garden plan before the first seeds go in the ground. Sketching out your garden plot helps homeowners and growers think through what to plant, where to place it, and what changes or additions they’d like to make compared to last year.
Extension staff also recommends servicing garden equipment ahead of time so you don’t lose momentum once you begin working beds. Taking care of tillers, weed eaters, and other tools now can prevent frustrating breakdowns during peak spring prep.
Another key step: get a soil test. The Extension Office notes that soil tests are easy and convenient, and they help ensure the soil has what your vegetables and plants need to thrive. Results can guide improvements that boost plant health and increase yields by the end of the growing season.
Special Election Announced for U.S. House District 14; Chattooga County Elections Office Urges Voters to Check Registration
A special election has been called to fill the vacancy in U.S. House District 14, and Chattooga County election officials are encouraging residents to make sure their voter information is current as the contest approaches.
The Chattooga County Elections and Registration office says voters should verify their registration status, update any changes such as address or name, and review official election information through trusted government sources.
According to the release from the Chattooga County Board of Elections:
Deadline to register to vote is February 9, 2026
Advance Voting will be held from February 16-March 6, 2026 – ALL early voting takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville
Election officials also remind residents that voting on Election Day occurs at assigned precinct polling locations, not at the elections office, and that advance voting and absentee options are typically available under state rules. Because details can change, voters are urged to rely on official postings for the latest information.