Arrest Report - Thursday - October 22, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 22, 2026:
Pleasant Fall Temperatures Continue Across Chattooga County As High Fire Danger Persists
Residents across Chattooga County can expect another stretch of beautiful fall weather, with sunny skies, comfortable afternoon temperatures and cool nights continuing through the middle of next week. However, the National Weather Service is warning that dry conditions will increase the danger of outdoor fires today.
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a High Fire Danger Statement for most of north and central Georgia, including Chattooga County, through 7 PM Thursday. Forecasters say relative humidity levels could drop to 28 percent or lower for four or more hours during the afternoon and early evening.
Combined with dry vegetation, the low humidity will create conditions favorable for fires to spread. Residents are urged to use extreme caution with any outdoor burning and check with local authorities concerning burning restrictions.
Thursday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high near 74 degrees. North winds will blow at 5 to 10 miles per hour, with occasional gusts reaching 15 miles per hour. Skies will remain clear Thursday night, with temperatures falling to around 46 degrees.
Friday will bring another sunny day, with a high near 73 degrees. Winds will be light, shifting from the northeast to the southeast during the afternoon. Friday night will be clear and cool, with a low around 44 degrees.
The weekend forecast looks especially favorable for outdoor activities, including fall festivals and community events across northwest Georgia. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 72 degrees, followed by clear skies and an overnight low around 42. Sunday will bring more sunshine, with a high near 71 and another cool night with temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees.
Monday will be sunny with a high near 72 degrees and a nighttime low around 44. Tuesday and Wednesday will see temperatures climbing back into the middle 70s, with highs around 74 degrees both days.
One concern with the extended forecast is the continued lack of rainfall. No rain is currently forecast through Wednesday. While the dry weather will provide favorable conditions for outdoor activities, it will also allow vegetation and other outdoor fuels to remain dry, potentially prolonging elevated fire danger.
Overall, afternoon highs will generally remain in the lower to middle 70s, with overnight lows in the 40s.
Residents are encouraged to remain mindful of fire safety as the extended period of dry weather continues.
Summerville Christmas Parade Registration Opens November 1
The holiday season is just around the corner, and preparations are already underway for the 2026 Summerville Christmas Parade.
Registration for floats and other parade entries will begin November 1 and continue through December 1.
This year’s parade theme is “A Hard Candy Christmas,” and participants are invited to celebrate the season with creative, holiday-themed entries.
The Christmas Parade will be held Monday, December 7, beginning at 7 PM. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top three floats.
Registration for the parade is available online at www.summervillega.org.
Organizers encourage businesses, churches, organizations, families and other groups interested in participating to begin planning their entries.
The annual Christmas parade is a longstanding holiday tradition in Summerville, bringing residents together to celebrate the Christmas season.
Summerville Harvest Festival Set For November 7 At Dowdy Park
The Summerville Harvest Festival is coming up next month, offering vendors and the community another opportunity to come together and enjoy a festive fall celebration at Dowdy Park.
The festival will take place Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM until 5 PM at Dowdy Park in Summerville. Admission to the festival will be free to the public.
Organizers are inviting local vendors to participate in the event, which will feature a variety of booths and opportunities for visitors to shop and enjoy the fall season.
Vendors who registered for this year’s Sun Melly Festival will also have the opportunity to participate in the Summerville Harvest Festival at no additional cost.
Anyone who was not registered for the Sun Melly Festival but would like to become a vendor for the Harvest Festival can find registration information at www.summervillega.org.
The event is part of Summerville’s fall activities and will provide another opportunity for residents and visitors to support local vendors and enjoy a day at Dowdy Park.
Traffic Stop On White Oak Road Leads To Firearm And Suspended License Charges
A 37-year-old man was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop on White Oak Road that led to the discovery of a handgun and information about the driver’s criminal history.
According to the Sheriff’s Office report, Sergeant Corey Fielding was dispatched to the 150 block of White Oak Road around 2:45 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a complaint about a man walking around taking pictures of a house.
While traveling to the area, Sergeant Fielding encountered a black Nissan SUV driven by a man matching the description provided by the caller. The vehicle made a U-turn at the intersection of Marble Springs Road and Georgia Highway 1, then immediately turned into a private driveway. Fielding reported that he activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle.
The driver, identified as 37-year-old Robert Devon Russell, provided a Georgia identification card and told the sergeant that his license was no good.
Russell explained that he had been taking pictures of a residence at 147 White Oak Road and was a surveyor.
A search incident to arrest led to the discovery of a silver and black 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol. A check through the Georgia Crime Information Center showed that the handgun had been reported as a lost weapon out of Fulton County.
The report states that a criminal history check revealed Russell had several violent felony convictions in Florida for armed robbery and was also on felony probation.
Russell was arrested on charges of driving with a suspended license and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Deadline To Apply For Chattooga Head Start Teaching Position Is Tomorrow
The deadline to apply for an Early Head Start teacher position at Chattooga Head Start is tomorrow, Friday, October 23.
The position is available immediately through the Family Resource Agency of North Georgia and involves working with infants and toddlers in a classroom setting.
Responsibilities include conducting home visits, planning and implementing classroom activities, and maintaining records.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED along with TCC or CDA credentials. An associate degree in early childhood education is preferred.
The position pays $16.99 per hour and offers a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, with no weekend work.
Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, paid annual and sick leave, paid holidays and wellness reimbursements.
Interested applicants can contact Center Manager Candice Mickler at 706-857-1651 or email cmickler@myfraga.org for additional information.
The deadline to apply is tomorrow, Friday, October 23, 2026.
AdventHealth Redmond Hosts Regional Cardiovascular Symposium In Rome
AdventHealth Redmond recently brought together healthcare professionals from across Northwest Georgia for the 2026 Northwest Georgia Cardiovascular Symposium, an event focused on improving heart and vascular care throughout the region.
The annual symposium provided physicians, clinicians and healthcare leaders with an opportunity to discuss advances in cardiovascular medicine, share research and explore new technologies designed to improve patient care.
AdventHealth physicians and clinical leaders presented information on several important areas of heart health, including atrial fibrillation, advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure treatment, stroke care and coronary artery disease.
Presenters also discussed new approaches to diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions, along with ways healthcare providers can work together to improve patient outcomes.
The symposium emphasized the importance of collaboration among medical professionals throughout Northwest Georgia, particularly as healthcare providers continue to address the needs of patients with heart and vascular disease.
AdventHealth Redmond officials say the annual event helps strengthen relationships among regional healthcare professionals while providing opportunities to learn about the latest developments in cardiovascular treatment.
The Rome hospital continues to focus on expanding cardiovascular services, incorporating advanced medical technology and supporting collaboration among physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Northwest Georgia Center For Independent Living Announces Fall Classes
The Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living (NWGACIL) has announced its fall 2026 class schedule, offering a variety of educational programs designed to help individuals develop practical life skills, improve independence and explore new opportunities.
The classes cover topics ranging from nutrition and employment readiness to technology, financial management, emergency preparedness and communication skills.
Among the scheduled programs is a Nutrition and Wellness class held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:30 PM in the Community Room at 807 Avenue B in Rome. Participants will learn about preparing healthy meals while staying within a budget.
A Job Club and Employability class meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 3 PM at the Goodwill Career Center, located at 154 Hicks Drive in Rome. The program focuses on self-advocacy, workplace readiness and exploring employment opportunities. The November session is scheduled for November 19, and no class will be held in December.
The organization also offers Tech Tuesday on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. The program explores assistive technology and is available both in person and through Zoom.
Additional classes include chair yoga, goal setting, money management, household responsibilities, transportation skills, time management and emergency preparedness.
Specialized instruction is also available in Braille, American Sign Language and JAWS screen-reading software. Other programs include information about Individualized Education Programs for students and hands-on training with Meta smart glasses.
Many classes are offered on demand or by appointment, with both in-person and virtual participation options.
Residents of Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia communities interested in learning more about the programs can contact the Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living at 706-314-0008 or email info@nwgacil.org.
The organization’s office is located at 527 Broad Street, Suite 101, in Rome.
USDA Distributing Rabies Vaccine Baits Across Northwest Georgia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is distributing hundreds of thousands of rabies vaccine baits across portions of Northwest Georgia this month in an effort to prevent the spread of rabies among wild raccoons.
The annual oral rabies vaccination program uses airplanes and helicopters to distribute the vaccine baits in designated areas. Helicopter distribution began earlier this month, while airplane distribution was scheduled to begin around October 20 and continue for approximately one week.
More than 500,000 vaccine baits are being distributed across the Georgia vaccination area as part of the effort to control raccoon rabies.
The baits contain a liquid vaccine inside a small packet surrounded by a fish-scented coating designed to attract raccoons. When an animal bites into the packet, the vaccine is released into its mouth, helping protect it against rabies.
Residents in areas where the baits are being distributed may notice low-flying airplanes and helicopters involved in the operation.
USDA officials advise residents who encounter one of the vaccine baits to leave it alone whenever possible. If a bait is found in a driveway, yard or another location where people or pets may come into contact with it, an intact packet can be moved into nearby brush using gloves or a towel.
The vaccine baits are intended for wildlife and should not be handled unnecessarily.
Pet owners are advised not to attempt to remove a bait from a dog’s mouth. Dogs that consume several baits may experience temporary stomach upset.
Anyone who comes into direct contact with the liquid vaccine should immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and contact their local health department for guidance.
According to the USDA, the vaccine used in the program cannot cause rabies.
The vaccination effort is part of a larger federal program aimed at preventing the spread of raccoon rabies throughout the eastern United States.
Residents with questions about the vaccine baits can contact USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-487-3297.
Woman Arrested Following Domestic Disturbance On Storey Mill Road
A 62-year-old woman was arrested on theft by taking and disorderly conduct charges following a domestic disturbance on Storey Mill Road in Chattooga County.
According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence at 1026 Storey Mill Road around 1:09 AM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after receiving a 911 call concerning a physical domestic disturbance. Dispatchers advised that a man at the residence had suffered a head injury and was actively bleeding.
When deputies arrived, they spoke with Cameron Lewis, who had a large, bleeding wound to his head. Lewis told deputies that Dana Michelle Strawn had struck him in the head and taken his phone and clothing approximately seven hours earlier.
Strawn gave deputies a different account, claiming that Lewis had struck her in the head.
Lewis later told deputies that he had been struck with a Maglite flashlight. He said he had been unable to call 911 because Strawn had taken his phone.
Deputies searched for the missing property and recovered Lewis’s clothing but were unable to locate his phone.
Strawn was arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
According to the Sheriff’s Office report, Strawn was charged with theft by taking and disorderly conduct.
AdventHealth Announces Free Night Of Hope Concert In Rome November 7
AdventHealth is inviting the community to a free evening of Christian music, worship and inspirational testimonies when “Night of Hope – Testimony” takes place Saturday, November 7, at The Forum River Center in Rome.
The concert begins at 7 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM.
The event was originally scheduled for September but was canceled because of severe weather. Organizers say the rescheduled concert will focus on faith, perseverance and finding hope through life’s challenges.
The evening will feature contemporary Christian recording artist Terrian and Georgia native Daniel Mulkey.
Terrian, who is currently touring with CeCe Winans, is known for songs including “God With Us,” “Stayed on Him,” “Big God” and “Honestly, We Just Need Jesus.” Her song “Testimony,” recently recorded with CeCe Winans, provides the theme for the November event.
Mulkey, a Georgia native and former worship pastor, will return to his hometown stage for the concert. He has performed alongside Christian music artists including Crowder, Matthew West and Colton Dixon. His songs include “He’s Not Done” and “Long Gone.”
AdventHealth says the evening is designed to bring families, churches and communities together for worship, music and personal stories of faith, redemption and perseverance.
Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance.
Tickets can be reserved online at:
Chattooga County Board Of Education To Review Finances, Academics And Legislative Priorities Tonight
The Chattooga County Board of Education will meet tonight, Thursday, October 22, with several items on the agenda, including school finances, academic programs, personnel matters and legislative priorities for the coming year.
The regular monthly meeting begins at 6 PM in the Board of Education Board Room.
One of the evening’s agenda items will be School Bus Driver Appreciation, with board members scheduled to recognize the individuals responsible for transporting students to and from school.
Under financial management, the board will review the school system’s September financial statement. The report is part of the board’s regular oversight of district finances and expenditures.
Board members will also hear a curriculum and academic update presented by Robert Beach. The presentation is listed as an informational item and will provide an opportunity for board members to receive information about the district’s educational programs and academic activities.
Another item on the agenda is a presentation concerning the school system’s 2027 legislative priorities. The superintendent is scheduled to provide the information as part of the regular report to board members. The item is designated for information only and does not call for a vote.
Personnel matters are also scheduled for consideration. The board’s agenda includes an executive session followed by an item calling for approval of personnel changes.
The meeting will also include approval of minutes from the previous month’s meeting and an opportunity for public participation.
The October meeting brings together several areas of school system operations, from classroom instruction and employee matters to financial oversight and planning for the coming year.
The Chattooga County Board of Education meeting begins tonight at 6 PM.
Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge Begins Today With Chattooga County Students Participating
High school students from Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are putting their technical skills to the test today as the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge takes place at the Forum River Center in Rome.
The competition, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, brings together more than 200 students from 14 Northwest Georgia counties to demonstrate their abilities in construction-related trades.
The event is sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia in partnership with Duffey Southeast, Inc. and RaLin Construction.
Students from Chattooga, Floyd, Walker, Gordon, Dade, Catoosa, Whitfield and other area counties are participating in the competition, which includes events in blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical work, masonry, plumbing, welding and welding fabrication.
The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge is one of eight regional competitions held across the state, involving more than 2,300 students from over 100 schools.
In addition to competing, students have opportunities to meet construction industry professionals, learn about career opportunities and gain valuable experience in their chosen trades.
Organizers say the event helps introduce students to career pathways in the construction industry while encouraging the development of Georgia’s future skilled workforce.
Chattooga High School has enjoyed success in the competition. Last year, the school captured the Alliance Cup and earned several individual and team awards, including first-place finishes in cabinetmaking, masonry, plumbing, welding and welding fabrication.
Students who earn medals in eligible competitions will have an opportunity to advance to the SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Competition, scheduled for March 11–13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Today’s competition is being held at the Forum River Center, located at 301 Tribune Street in Rom
Chattooga 4-H To Host Fall Dance For Fifth And Sixth Graders Friday
Chattooga County 4-H is inviting local fifth and sixth grade students to enjoy an evening of fun, games and dancing during a special Fall Dance scheduled for Friday, October 23.
The event will take place from 6 to 8 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
Admission is $10 per student and includes entry to the dance, pizza and lemonade. Concessions will also be available for purchase throughout the evening.
In addition to music and dancing, organizers are planning games and other activities for students attending the event. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy a festive fall atmosphere.
All proceeds from the Fall Dance will support Chattooga County 4-H programming, helping provide educational and leadership opportunities for local students throughout the year.
Organizers encourage families to make plans to attend and support the local 4-H program while giving students an opportunity to socialize, have fun and dance the night away.
For more information, contact the Chattooga County Extension Office.
Walker County Man Dies In Flash Fire Caused By Spray Foam Insulation
A 38-year-old man died Tuesday morning following a flash fire in Walker County that investigators say was accidentally caused by the application of spray foam insulation inside a small, enclosed building.
Walker County Fire Rescue responded to 116 Alton Terrace Spur in Rossville around 8:25 AM on Tuesday, October 20, after a neighbor reported a fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames coming from a small outbuilding near the road. After extinguishing the fire, crews discovered the body of 38-year-old Michael James Carney inside the structure.
A neighbor told investigators that Carney had entered the building shortly before the fire occurred.
Walker County Fire Marshal Jason Cruise said investigators determined that the fire was accidental and resulted from the application of spray foam insulation in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation.
According to Cruise, flammable vapors accumulated inside the building and were ignited by an undetermined heat source, resulting in a sudden and violent flash fire.
Cruise emphasized that the incident was a flash fire rather than an explosion. The rapid ignition of the accumulated vapors created extremely dangerous conditions inside the structure.
The incident marks Walker County’s first fire-related fatality of 2026.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine Carney’s exact cause of death.
Chattooga County Advance Voting Turnout Reaches 11.2 Percent
Advance voting continues in Chattooga County for the November 3 general election, with more than 1,700 residents already casting ballots.
According to the latest figures from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, 1,755 voters had cast ballots as of October 21, representing 11.2 percent of the county’s 15,617 active registered voters.
Absentee ballot figures show that 184 ballots have been issued, with 96 accepted and 88 still outstanding as of October 21.
Advance voting continues through Friday, October 30, at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. All advance voting in Chattooga County takes place at this location.
Remaining Advance Voting Hours:
- Thursday and Friday, October 22–23: 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Saturday, October 24: 9 AM–5 PM
- Monday through Friday, October 26–30: 8:30 AM–6 PM
Voters must present an acceptable photo ID when voting in person.
The November 3 ballot includes several local questions, including proposed homestead property tax exemptions, renewal of the education sales tax and a bond referendum for the Town of Trion.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Network Problems Disrupt Services At Chattooga County Tax Commissioner's Office
The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office is experiencing network problems that are preventing employees from processing motor vehicle transactions and credit card payments.
Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton announced Wednesday that the office is dealing with technical difficulties and does not expect to be operating at full capacity until late Thursday morning, October 22.
According to Hampton, the network issues have temporarily halted all motor vehicle transactions and credit card processing. The office’s website also appears to be down.
Hampton said she will provide an update once the problems have been resolved and normal services can resume.
Residents planning to visit the Tax Commissioner’s Office are encouraged to call ahead to determine whether the services they need are available.
The office can be reached at 706-857-0703.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - October 21, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, October 21, 2026:
Dry Weather Pattern Expected To Continue Across Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect an extended stretch of sunny skies and mild afternoon temperatures, but the continued lack of rainfall could lead to worsening drought conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, high pressure will remain firmly in control of the region’s weather through the weekend and into early next week, keeping rain chances near zero.
Wednesday will bring sunny skies and a high near 75 degrees, followed by clear skies and an overnight low around 48. Thursday and Friday will remain sunny, with highs near 74 degrees and nighttime temperatures dipping into the middle 40s.
The weekend will bring slightly cooler temperatures, with highs near 71 degrees Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows could fall into the lower 40s, including a low near 42 Saturday night.
Forecasters expect temperatures to rebound into the middle 70s early next week, with continued dry conditions.
The National Weather Service says the persistent lack of precipitation is unlikely to help existing drought conditions across North Georgia. Low afternoon humidity levels could also increase fire weather concerns, particularly in areas where vegetation has become increasingly dry.
There is currently little indication of meaningful rainfall through at least Tuesday of next week.
Eleven Chattooga County Students Head To National FFA Convention In Indianapolis
Eleven students from Summerville Middle School and Chattooga High School are on their way to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo.
The students will join thousands of FFA members from across the country for the annual event, which begins Wednesday, October 21, and continues through Saturday, October 24.
The National FFA Organization expects more than 70,000 students, agricultural educators, advisors and supporters to attend this year’s convention.
The four-day event will feature leadership workshops, educational sessions, agricultural career exhibits, competitions and opportunities for students to connect with fellow FFA members from across the United States.
Students will also have opportunities to explore more than 350 career paths in agriculture and related industries through the National FFA Expo.
The convention is one of the largest annual gatherings of agricultural education students in the country, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn about agricultural careers and celebrate achievements in FFA programs.
The eleven students representing Summerville Middle School and Chattooga High School will have an opportunity to bring new experiences and ideas back to their local FFA chapters.