Residents of Northwest Georgia will enjoy drier and cooler weather today and Friday, following a cold front that has brought northwesterly winds. These changes result in mostly clear skies and significantly lower humidity levels. The National Weather Service mentions a slight chance of isolated showers in far northern Georgia this morning due to a weak disturbance in the upper atmosphere, but it is expected to have little impact as it moves out by the afternoon. Dewpoints will drop into the 50s and even 40s in higher areas, providing relief from the recent humidity. Morning temperatures will be in the mid-50s to low 60s, while daytime highs will reach the 70s across our area. Expect gusty winds between 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Similar weather is anticipated for Friday, but winds will be lighter. Looking ahead, the weekend and early next week should be calm with a slow increase in temperatures, though isolated thunderstorms may occur in the north. Forecasters are also watching for potential widespread thunderstorms next week as a system approaches, though details on timing and severity are uncertain.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 22, 2025:

The Town of Trion, Georgia is accepting sealed bids for the sale of two surplus vehicles: a 1994 Chevrolet Truck and a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The Town Council will award the sale based on the best value bid. The vehicles will be sold “as is,” and bidders must acknowledge they are waiving any claims against the Town regarding the bids. Bids must be written, signed, and sealed, stating the specific vehicle number. They should be submitted by 12:00 p. m. on June 11, 2025, and the bid opening will take place at 12:15 p. m. on the same day. Bidders can contact the Town for questions. See complete details below:

A 16-year-old is facing charges of terroristic threats after a threatening Snapchat post concerning Ridgeland High School surfaced on May 17th, according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson. The teenager is currently being held at the juvenile detention center. The investigation began on Monday after school administrators alerted parents to monitor their children’s social media activity while authorities worked to identify the source of the threats. In a message previously sent to parents, Ridgeland High School Principal James Morrison explained that a Snapchat account was posting “ominous and threatening messages” that had been shared with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.

In the early hours of Saturday, May 18, 2025, a multi-agency law enforcement checkpoint in Summerville led to the arrest of three individuals on charges of marijuana possession and the seizure of multiple firearms. At approximately 12:31 AM, Corporal Rob Villagomez of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, along with Deputy Mollohan, Georgia State Patrol Corpora Flowers, and Trooper Jamie Mitchell, conducted a license and safety checkpoint at the intersection of East Washington Street and Penn Street.

According to the incident report, at 1:03 AM, a black Nissan Altima approached the checkpoint, emitting a strong odor of marijuana. The vehicle was directed to Penn Street, and the driver, identified as Mr. Pace, was removed for field sobriety testing by Trooper Mitchell. Corporal Villagomez then questioned the passengers. Dilan Jesse Bravo, 21, admitted to possessing marijuana. During a subsequent search of Bravo’s backpack, officers discovered two baggies containing a green, leafy substance suspected to be marijuana, as well as a black Glock 9mm handgun. Front passenger Jaylon Atkins Hmad, 21, was also found to be in possession of marijuana. A search revealed a Glock 19 Gen 5 handgun and two baggies of suspected marijuana inside Hmad’s backpack. Corporal Flowers removed Osiel Nava Diaz, 21, from the rear passenger seat. A search of Diaz’s backpack uncovered three baggies of suspected marijuana and a gold-colored Glock 9mm with a 30-round extended magazine. All three individuals were detained. They reportedly told officers they were en route to a block party on Hawkins Drive. A subsequent search of the vehicle’s trunk revealed ski masks.

Bravo, Hmad, and Diaz were transported to the Chattooga County Jail and charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce. The driver, Ramarian Pace, was arrested by Trooper Mitchell for driving under the influence (DUI). His tan-colored Glock 9mm handgun was seized for safekeeping. The seized firearms were checked through E-911 to determine if they were stolen and were subsequently placed into evidence. The suspected marijuana was also secured as evidence.

Narcotics Agent Gary Campbell was consulted regarding the packaging and quantity of the marijuana. He advised that, without further evidence, the amount seized was insufficient to support a charge of intent to distribute.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating allegations of misappropriation of public funds by former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry. The investigation was triggered by an audit of the county’s financial records earlier this year, which revealed several discrepancies related to an internet project in the Menlo area. According to Menlo residents and city officials, the promised internet project never materialized.

The audit uncovered several concerning issues, including:

Payments for services never rendered

Prepayments made before services were received

Overpayments exceeding contracted bid amounts

Failure to follow proper bidding procedures

Purchases involving potential conflicts of interest

Lack of proper contractor vetting

Failure to submit required federal reports Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader confirmed that he passed information regarding the situation to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which prompted the GBI investigation.

A lawsuit filed by Chattooga County against Zentell Communications, a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based internet company, has intensified the scrutiny. The lawsuit alleges Elsberry authorized payments of over $300,000 to Zentell, utilizing funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act for expanding internet access in Menlo. Zentell Communications, registered in Tennessee in 2023 with Jonathan W. Allen as the principal agent, operates out of a residential address in Chattanooga. The company’s lack of visible presence in Menlo, coupled with Elsberry’s involvement, has fueled public concern.

Elsberry, who lost his reelection bid in May 2024, awarded the contract to Zentell shortly before leaving office in January and subsequently took a job with the company, raising further questions about potential conflicts of interest. Sources reported that Elsberry removed employment mention of Zentell from his social media profile after the lawsuit was filed.

Despite the substantial payment made last October, authorities in Menlo report no visible progress or work completed by Zentell Communications.

Karlie Alexa Brewster, 21, was arrested on DUI charges on Saturday night after a safety checkpoint near the Lowry Rodeo in Gore, Georgia, around 10:45 PM. The arrest happened at Johnston Road and Farmersville Road. According to the incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Brewster was stopped at the checkpoint, which included deputies and Georgia State Troopers.  The law enforcement officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on Brewster’s breath during their initial encounter. Brewster admitted to consuming “one shot” at the rodeo. A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of 0. 18, exceeding Georgia’s legal limit of 0. 08. Brewster consented to field sobriety tests, during which six signs of impairment were observed, including bloodshot eyes and a red face. Further signs of impairment were noted during additional tests, such as missing heel-to-toe and swaying. After these tests, Brewster was arrested. At 11:00 PM, she agreed to a blood draw, during which she stated, “I only drove because I was less intoxicated than my boyfriend. ” She was taken to jail and charged with DUI/Alcohol.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 21, 2025:

A former Dade County Detention Officer, Travis Cutts, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and other charges following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The investigation was initiated after an inmate filed a complaint alleging sexual misconduct against the officer. Dade County Sheriff Keith Cross requested the GBI’s Region 1 office in Calhoun to investigate the matter due to its involvement of a county employee. The GBI investigation found probable cause to warrant criminal charges against the Detention Officer. Cutts was arrested and booked into the Dade County Jail on charges of violating the Oath of Office, sexual assault by persons with supervisory or discipline authority, and sexual battery. Sheriff Cross expressed his disappointment and commitment to upholding the highest standards within the Sheriff’s Office, stating that he terminated Cutts’ employment and reported the arrest to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council. He also emphasized that this incident should not reflect on the dedication and hard work of other employees at the Sheriff’s Office.

The Trion Town Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting for the month of May tomorrow evening, May 22nd, in the Trion Town Hall conference room. The public is invited to attend. The meeting will begin with a call to order, followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council will then move to approve the agenda, minutes from the previous meeting, and financials through general consent. Old Business will be addressed before moving on to New Business, which includes several key items: The council will discuss the potential hiring of Justin Claxton for the police department. Paula V. Arden is scheduled to address the council during the public participation portion of the meeting.The council will review bids for a zero-turn lawn mower for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and the council will discuss Local Road Assistance Funding (LRAF) totaling $44,343.17 allocated to the Street Department. Following New Business, the council members will have the opportunity to offer comments before adjourning the meeting. Prior to the regular meeting, a work session will be held at 6 PM. The regular meeting will commence shortly thereafter.

Georgia Power announced a proposed agreement Monday that would prevent the utility from raising base rates for the next three years. The deal, struck with the state Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Advocacy Staff, hinges on approval from the full five-member PSC and would effectively cancel the rate case Georgia Power planned to submit by July 1st.

This announcement comes after repeated rate increases over the past six years, drawing criticism from consumer watchdog groups and environmental advocates. Just this year, the state Senate considered legislation to prevent the company from passing on electricity costs associated with the booming data center industry to consumers, though the bill ultimately stalled. “This stipulated agreement helps balance the affordability needs of our customers while ensuring Georgia Power remains equipped to continue its support of our state’s incredible growth,” said Georgia Power spokesman Jacob Hawkins.

However, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is raising concerns about a provision in the agreement that exempts “reasonable and prudent” costs incurred from storm damage from the rate freeze. Jennifer Whitfield, a senior attorney with SELC, specifically highlighted the significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene last September. Whitfield also criticized the PSC for waiving public hearings typically held after a rate case filing, which would have addressed crucial issues such as storm damage costs and the growing power demands of data centers.

The SELC predicts that these rising costs will ultimately lead to higher bills for residential and small business customers as early as next May. “Commission staff has given away our hard-fought relief from data centers,” Whitfield stated. “Make no mistake: Bills for residential and small business customers will rise under this agreement.” The proposed agreement would allow the PSC to consider any storm damage costs separately.

The commission is scheduled to vote on the agreement by July 1st. If the agreement is not approved, Georgia Power will proceed with its original rate case.

The GATE program allows qualified agricultural producers to receive significant sales tax exemptions to help reduce their operating costs. To apply or renew a GATE certificate, all fees must be paid online with a credit card or ACH. Key points to remember include that expired certificates cannot be renewed and must be replaced with a new application. Automatic renewals happened for certificates expiring in 2025 or later, with new cards mailed in early November. If card information is incorrect, updates or replacements can be requested through the GDA. Before applying, ensure you have a valid email, the Taxpayer ID Number for your farm, and knowledge of your tax forms.

For questions or assistance, contact the GDA Customer Service Center at 855-FARM TAX or email farmtax@agr. georgia. gov. The GATE program is important for Georgia’s farmers, and the GDA urges eligible producers to act quickly.

Between April 28 and May 1, 2025, the FBI launched Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort involving all 55 FBI field offices and other federal and local agencies aimed at finding and arresting child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals, including six people charged in Northern Georgia: Austin Hunter Bedingfield, Ian Dudar, Kenneth Frazier, Eduardo Gardea, Connie Lynn Thompson, and Christopher Welcher.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the commitment of the Department of Justice to protect child victims and prosecute offenders. U. S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg and FBI Director Kash Patel also highlighted the relentless pursuit of justice for victims and the message that child predators cannot escape accountability.

The arrested individuals face various charges related to child sexual abuse material and enticement of minors. For instance, Bedingfield was charged with distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, while Dudar was accused of purchasing such material using Bitcoin. Frazier was charged with multiple counts, including enticement of a minor, after police found explicit images and communications on his devices. Gardea was arrested for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. Thompson was charged with obstruction of justice for attempting to destroy evidence related to Welcher, who was also arrested for similar offenses.

The charges serve as a reminder that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The FBI investigated the cases with help from local police and task forces. This operation coincided with National Child Abuse Prevention Month and reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to fighting child sexual exploitation through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected child exploitation through the FBI’s tipline or by contacting local authorities. For more information, individuals can reach out to the U. S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is issuing a stark warning to residents about a prevalent scam involving fraudulent calls and demands for Bitcoin payments. According to the Sheriff’s office, several recent cases have surfaced where scammers impersonating law enforcement officers contact victims and coerce them into sending money via Bitcoin ATMs. The scam typically involves the caller identifying themselves as a member of law enforcement and creating a sense of urgency to pressure the victim into immediate action. “Please be cautious of anyone who tries to get you to send money via Bitcoin,” Sheriff Schrader urged. “We have had several cases where the caller identifies as Law Enforcement and has the victim go to a store and send money via a bitcoin atm.” Sheriff Schrader emphasized the importance of verifying any suspicious calls claiming to be from law enforcement. “If you have any questions on a call you receive, please call your local law enforcement agency.”  Sheriff Schrader reiterated that legitimate law enforcement agencies will *never* request payments via Bitcoin or solicit payments over the phone. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected scam attempts to their local law enforcement agency immediately. By raising awareness and working together, the community can help prevent these scams and protect themselves from financial loss.

A Summerville man was arrested last Friday after allegedly making threats during a confrontation at the North end Circle K gas station.

According to a Summerville Police Department report, officers were dispatched to the location at approximately 5:16 PM in response to a domestic dispute call. The complainant told officers that she was pulling into the gas station parking lot when a man on a bicycle, identified as Tony Trammell, nearly caused an accident by not stopping on the sidewalk to allow her to turn. The complainant stated that Trammell then became verbally aggressive, telling her she needed to “look where she was going.” The complainant responded that she had the right of way. According to the complainant, Trammell made angry, though inaudible, comments before entering the Circle K. He then allegedly sat near his bicycle outside the store, staring at the complainant as she pumped gas.

A witness informed the complainant that Trammell had made threatening remarks as he entered the store, prompting her to call 911. When police arrived, Trammell admitted to confronting the woman about the near-miss, but he denied making any threats. He claimed that multiple witnesses were lying and attempting to get him in trouble. Two witnesses corroborated the complainant’s account. One witness stated that she overheard Trammell loudly saying, “she doesn’t know who she is messing with” while looking in the woman’s direction. Another confirmed hearing Trammell make the same comment as she was leaving the store.

Based on the witness testimonies and the complainant’s statetment, officers arrested Tony Trammell. He was charged with City Ordinance Disorderly Conduct and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Greater Atlanta resident. The individual acquired the virus while traveling internationally. DPH is working to identify any persons who may have been exposed through contact with the individual between May 10 and May 18, when they were infectious.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, typically including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.

People with symptoms of measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

This is the fourth reported measles case in Georgia in 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases of measles in Georgia.

For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.