Arrest Report - Monday - June 15, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 15, 2026:
Cooler Air Arrives Across Northwest Georgia, Bringing Break From Summer Heat
A cold front moving through Georgia is bringing noticeably cooler and less humid conditions to Northwest Georgia today, ending the recent stretch of hot and stormy weather.
Forecasters say thunderstorms that moved through the state overnight have come to an end, with only a few lingering showers farther south in central Georgia. The front is expected to continue pushing south during the day, allowing cooler and drier air to settle into Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.
High temperatures today are expected to reach only the low to mid-80s, with lower humidity levels making it feel much more comfortable than recent days. Unlike areas farther south in Georgia, rain and thunderstorms are not expected across Northwest Georgia today, giving the area a quieter and more pleasant June afternoon.
The cooler pattern is expected to continue into Tuesday as another weather disturbance moves northward and tropical moisture increases across the region. Widespread cloud cover and better rain chances will help keep temperatures well below typical mid-June levels. Highs on Tuesday may only reach the upper 70s to lower 80s, offering welcome relief from the heat.
Some parts of Georgia could see pockets of heavier rainfall Tuesday, especially where moisture interacts with the stalled frontal boundary. While severe weather is not expected to be a major concern, any stronger summertime storm could still produce brief gusty winds and heavy downpours.
Looking ahead to the latter part of the week, meteorologists are monitoring a developing area of low pressure that could bring additional tropical moisture into Georgia. The system remains uncertain, but forecasters say rain chances will likely increase late in the week and into the weekend.
If deeper tropical moisture moves into the area, locally heavy rainfall could become possible. Temperatures are expected to remain near or slightly below seasonal averages because of increased clouds and rain chances, though there may be a brief window Thursday when heat index values climb again in parts of the state.
For now, Northwest Georgia can expect a cooler, more comfortable start to the week, with more unsettled weather possible by mid-to-late week.
Nearly Half Of Chattooga County Households Struggle To Afford Basic Needs, New ALICE Data Shows
A newly released report from United For ALICE paints a sobering picture of financial hardship in Chattooga County, showing that many local families are struggling to make ends meet despite being employed.
The ALICE report — which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — measures households that earn above the federal poverty level but still do not make enough to cover basic necessities such as housing, food, transportation, health care, child care, and technology.
According to the latest Georgia ALICE report, nearly half of Georgia households fall below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they either live in poverty or earn too little to afford the basic cost of living. Statewide, 45 percent of households were below that threshold in 2023.
The county-level data for Chattooga County shows a similar trend, with a significant portion of local households falling below the income needed to meet basic expenses. The report notes that traditional poverty statistics often fail to capture the full extent of financial hardship because many families earn too much to qualify as impoverished but still cannot afford everyday necessities.
United For ALICE researchers say rising costs continue to outpace wages for many workers. The group’s Household Survival Budget estimates that basic living expenses for a family of four in Georgia can exceed $77,000 annually, while many common occupations pay substantially less than what is needed to cover those costs.
The report highlights workers in jobs that are essential to local communities, including retail employees, food service workers, health care aides, child care providers, and others who often earn above the poverty line but remain financially vulnerable.
United For ALICE says its research is intended to provide a more accurate picture of financial challenges facing communities by looking beyond traditional poverty measures and examining the true cost of household essentials. The organization publishes county-level data across Georgia to help policymakers, community organizations, and local leaders better understand economic conditions in their communities.
Summerville Council Will Vote To Adopt Fiscal Year Budget This Evening
The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting this evening at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall.
According to the meeting agenda, council members will consider several items of business, including approval of the meeting agenda and a consent agenda that includes authorization for Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a UCBI financing resolution and approval of a change order related to the city’s 2024 Community Development Block Grant project.
The primary item under old business is the second reading and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget ordinance. The agenda indicates the council will conduct a public hearing before discussion and action on the proposed budget.
The meeting will also include the mayor’s comments, public comments, and any new business that may come before the council.
Citizens wishing to attend or comment on the proposed budget will have an opportunity to do so during the public hearing portion of the meeting.
The special called meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. this evening at Summerville City Hall.
Chattooga County Woman Indicted In Elder Abuse Case
A Chattooga County woman has been indicted by the Grand Jury in connection with an alleged family violence incident involving an elderly person.
Court records show that Tina Michelle Campbell has been charged with battery under the Family Violence Act and exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult or elderly person. Campbell is accused of striking the elderly person in the face in February of this year.
The indictment is not Campbell’s first accusation involving family violence. In 2010, WZQZ News reported that Campbell and Luke Cody Campbell were arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and charged with first-degree cruelty to children following an investigation involving injuries to their 3-month-old daughter.
At that time, authorities said emergency room personnel contacted law enforcement after the child was brought to Hutcheson Medical Center in Fort Oglethorpe with a head injury. Chattooga County investigators became involved after it was determined that the child lived in Trion and that the alleged injuries likely occurred in Chattooga County.
In the current case, Campbell faces felony charges related to the alleged abuse of an elderly or disabled adult. The case will proceed through Chattooga County Superior Court.
Campbell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Chattooga County Democrats To Meet Today, Hear From House Candidate Holly Chaney
The Chattooga County Democratic Party will hold its next meeting today at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
The meeting will feature a public forum with Holly Chaney, a candidate for Georgia House District 12. According to organizers, Chaney’s campaign is focused on issues including the cost of living, healthcare access, and support for public education.
In a statement provided by the campaign, Chaney said she believes the best solutions come from listening to the people who live and work in the district and hearing directly about the challenges they face.
Local Democrats are encouraging residents to attend, learn more about the campaign, and participate in discussions about issues affecting the community.
The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. today at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
Georgia Expands Animal Entry Rules After Screwworm Detection In U.S.
Georgia agriculture officials have expanded animal entry requirements following the detection of New World screwworm in the United States, a livestock pest that was eradicated from the country decades ago.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the enhanced interstate movement requirements apply to all warm-blooded animals entering Georgia from Texas, as well as four counties in New Mexico: Eddy, Chaves, Lea, and Roosevelt.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals. Livestock, pets, and, in rare cases, people can be affected. Any open wound can become a target for the pest.
Animals coming from an infested zone in South Texas must obtain a Georgia entry permit before entering the state. The permit must be requested at least 48 hours in advance by emailing galivestockpermits@agr.georgia.gov.
Animals coming from other areas of Texas or the affected New Mexico counties must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection showing they are free of New World screwworm. That certificate must be issued within seven days of travel.
The issue is especially important for livestock owners, animal transporters, veterinarians, and agricultural producers across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, where cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and other animals are routinely moved for sale, shows, breeding, and farm operations.
State officials say the added requirements are intended to help protect Georgia’s livestock industry and prevent the spread of the pest into the state.
Brownie Named WZQZ Pet Of The Week
Looking for a loyal companion with a gentle personality? Meet Brownie, the WZQZ Pet of the Week from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
Brownie is a male dog known for his sweet temperament and affectionate nature. Shelter staff describe him as having a “teddy bear personality” who loves attention, cuddles, and spending time with people. He is also friendly with other dogs, making him a great candidate for families with existing pets.
Those who have met Brownie say he is calm, loving, and eager to make new friends. Whether he’s enjoying a walk, relaxing with his favorite humans, or soaking up affection, Brownie is happiest when he’s around people.
Brownie is currently available for adoption through the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. His adoption fee is just $25.
The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with Wednesday visits available by appointment. For more information about Brownie or other animals available for adoption, call the shelter at 706-857-0679.
Giving a shelter pet a forever home not only changes the life of the animal, but often brings years of companionship and unconditional love to the adopting family.
Chattooga County Voters Head To Polls Tuesday For Primary Runoff Election
Chattooga County voters will return to the polls Tuesday, June 16, to cast ballots in Georgia’s Primary Runoff Election, which will determine party nominees in several key federal, statewide, and legislative races ahead of November’s General Election.
Several contests remained undecided following the May 19 General Primary after no candidate received the majority vote required to secure a nomination. The runoff election will settle those races and set the stage for the fall campaign season.
More than 2 million of Georgia’s 7.3 million active voters participated in the May primary. Election officials expect turnout to be significantly lower for the runoff, which is typical in Georgia elections.
Among the most closely watched races statewide is the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate between Congressman Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. Several statewide executive offices also remain undecided, including races for Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, State School Superintendent, and Public Service Commissioner.
Important Information For Chattooga County Voters
Local election officials remind voters that all voting on Election Day takes place at their assigned precinct polling location. There will be no voting at the Chattooga County Registrars Office on Election Day.
For the June 16 runoff, there are two ballot options: Republican and Democratic.
Voters who cast a Republican ballot during the May 19 General Primary must vote a Republican ballot in the runoff. Likewise, voters who cast a Democratic ballot in May must vote a Democratic ballot on Tuesday.
Voters who cast a nonpartisan ballot in May, or who did not vote in the May primary but were registered by April 20, may choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot.
Individuals who registered to vote between April 21 and May 18 will receive a Federal Only ballot, which contains federal races but does not include state contests.
Chattooga County Polling Locations
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday. A government-issued photo ID is required to vote.
Chattooga County polling locations include:
- Gore Fire Hall — 9 Gore Fire Hall Road, Summerville
- Lyerly Community Center — 29 Alpine Street, Lyerly
- Former Menlo City Hall — 3056 Highway 337, Menlo
- Chattooga County Civic Center — 44 Highway 48, Summerville
- Trion Recreation Department — 90 Dalton Street, Trion
Bring a government-issued, picture ID when you come to vote. You can see sample ballots below:
Summerville Middle And Trion Elementary Beat The Odds In State Academic Report
The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement has released its annual “Beating the Odds” analysis, showing how schools in Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools performed compared to statistical expectations.
The Beating the Odds report compares each school’s actual College and Career Ready Performance Index score with a predicted score generated through a state statistical model. That model considers factors outside a school’s direct control, including demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, to estimate how a school would be expected to perform.
Schools are then classified as beating expectations, performing within the expected range, or falling below expectations.
In Chattooga County Schools, Summerville Middle School earned the “Beating the Odds” designation. Chattooga High School and Lyerly Elementary School were classified as performing within the expected range. Leroy Massey Elementary School and Menlo Elementary School were identified as below the expected range.
In Trion City Schools, Trion Elementary School earned the “Beating the Odds” designation. Trion Middle School was classified as performing within the expected range, while Trion High School was listed as below the expected range.
The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement conducts the analysis each year after the release of CCRPI scores by the Georgia Department of Education. The report is designed to show whether schools are outperforming, meeting, or underperforming expectations after accounting for outside factors that can influence academic achievement.
More Details Released In Drug Case Involving Hays State Prison Inmate
Over the weekend, WZQZ News reported about a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate who was charged in connection with a drug case out of North Carolina. Additional information now shows that the inmate, Rudy Cameron Lee, is housed at Hays State Prison in Chattooga County, and investigators say the case involved a larger drug trafficking and contraband operation.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after deputies received information about suspected illegal drug activity connected to a residence in Union County. As the investigation developed, authorities say they uncovered ties between the residence and an inmate inside the Georgia prison system.
Investigators say the case led them to a home in Young Harris, where deputies seized suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, tobacco, cell phones, cash, and other contraband. Authorities reported that the search turned up more than four pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 1,000 grams of marijuana, seven pounds of tobacco, and multiple cell phones.
Lee was identified by investigators as a key figure in the case. The Union County Sheriff’s Office described him as a “prison broker,” alleging that he was helping coordinate activity from inside Hays State Prison. Authorities say prison contraband investigations often involve communication between inmates and people outside correctional facilities.
Several other people were also arrested in connection with the investigation, including suspects from Murphy, North Carolina. Investigators say the case shows how drug trafficking operations can extend across county and state lines while also involving correctional facilities.
Arrest Report - Sunday - June 14, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 14, 2026:
Cloudy With Rain Chances Today With Some Storms Possible
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become increasingly widespread throughout the day Sunday, bringing periods of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds to the area. Temperatures will climb to around 88 degrees before storms become more numerous during the afternoon and evening hours.
Rain chances stand at 80 percent today, with rainfall amounts generally between a tenth and a quarter inch. However, stronger thunderstorms could produce locally higher totals in some locations.
Storm activity should gradually decrease Sunday night, with skies becoming partly cloudy and temperatures falling to around 67 degrees.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can look forward to a quieter start to the work week. Monday and Tuesday are expected to feature mostly sunny to partly sunny skies with highs in the lower 80s and only isolated chances of showers.
Rain and thunderstorm chances begin increasing again by Wednesday before a wetter pattern settles into the region late in the week. Thursday and the Juneteenth holiday on Friday are expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with rain chances reaching 80 percent Thursday and 90 percent Friday.
While next Saturday should see some improvement, scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible as the unsettled weather pattern lingers.
Summerville Council to Hold Special Called Meeting Monday
The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, June 15, at 5 p.m. at City Hall.
According to the meeting agenda, council members will consider several items of business, including authorizing Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a UCBI financing resolution and approving Change Order No. 1 related to the city’s 2024 Community Development Block Grant project.
The primary item on the agenda is the second reading and adoption of the City of Summerville’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget ordinance. The budget consideration will include a public hearing, followed by discussion and possible action by the council.
The meeting will also include the mayor’s comments, approval of the agenda, public comments and adjournment.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing regarding the proposed budget.
LMES Leadership Team Sets Goals for Year Ahead
The leadership team at Leroy Massey Elementary School recently gathered at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden for a planning meeting focused on the year ahead.
During the meeting, school leaders worked on setting a vision for the upcoming school year while also taking a close look at student achievement data. The goal was to establish meaningful instructional priorities designed to support student success and continued improvement.
School officials said the conversations centered on building on existing strengths, identifying areas for growth, and creating the best possible learning experiences for students.
Leroy Massey Elementary also thanked Shawn Keim and Mike Afdahl from NWRESA, along with Chattooga County Schools Chief Academic Officer Robert Beach, for their support and guidance throughout the process.
The school said the partnership helps LMES continue moving forward with purpose and excellence.
FDA Authorizes Emergency Treatment for Flesh-Eating Screwworm in Pets
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for nitenpyram, a medication used to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. The action marks the first approval of a generic animal drug specifically authorized for use against the flesh-eating parasite.
Nitenpyram tablets may be used in dogs and cats that are at least four weeks old and weigh at least two pounds. The medication was originally approved by the FDA in 2000 under the brand name Capstar for the treatment of fleas.
The New World screwworm is a dangerous parasite whose larvae feed on living flesh and bodily fluids. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes, and the resulting larvae can infest virtually any warm-blooded animal, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans.
According to the FDA, studies conducted in Brazil found that most screwworm larvae were expelled from infected dogs and cats after treatment with nitenpyram, while any remaining larvae died shortly afterward. Veterinarians may still need to remove dead or surviving larvae following treatment.
The authorization comes as officials monitor new cases of New World screwworm in the United States. While the pest was considered eradicated in the country decades ago, recent infestations have been reported in cattle in Texas and in a dog in New Mexico.
FDA officials said nitenpyram acts quickly, killing most screwworm larvae within hours of the first dose. Pet owners are advised to administer a second dose six hours after the initial treatment. However, the agency cautioned that the medication does not provide long-term protection against future infestations.
The FDA said emergency use authorization allows faster access to treatments during urgent situations and is intended to help veterinarians and pet owners respond more effectively to screwworm outbreaks.
Experts Warn of Growing Digital Calendar Scam Targeting Email Users
Cybersecurity experts are warning consumers about a growing phishing scam that uses digital calendar invitations to trick victims into revealing personal information, financial details and account credentials.
Unlike traditional phishing emails, the scam arrives as a calendar invitation through services such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft 365. Because many calendar applications automatically add invitations to users’ calendars, the fake events can appear legitimate and blend in with real appointments.
The fraudulent invitations often contain alarming messages such as account security warnings, password expiration notices, billing issues, invoice notifications or prize claims. Victims are encouraged to click a link or call a phone number included in the calendar event. Once contact is made, scammers attempt to steal passwords, banking information, credit card numbers or other sensitive data.
Security researchers say criminals are increasingly using calendar-based attacks because people tend to trust events that appear in their personal calendars. In some cases, malicious invitations can remain on a user’s calendar even after the original email is filtered as spam.
Experts recommend never clicking links or calling phone numbers included in unexpected calendar invitations. Users should verify account issues directly through official company websites and report suspicious invitations as spam or phishing attempts. Google and other cybersecurity organizations also recommend adjusting calendar settings so invitations are only added automatically from known senders.
Identity theft experts warn that phishing schemes continue to evolve as criminals find new ways to reach potential victims. Staying cautious with unexpected messages — whether by email, text message or calendar invitation — remains one of the best defenses against fraud.
Car Insurance Costs Remain High for Chattooga County Drivers
Drivers in Chattooga County continue to face car insurance rates that closely mirror Georgia’s already high statewide averages.
For 2026, minimum coverage in Georgia is averaging just over $1,000 per year, while full coverage often approaches or exceeds $2,900 annually. That means many drivers are paying around $84 to $87 per month for liability-only coverage, while full coverage can average around $239 to $242 per month.
Some of the more competitive monthly rates are being reported from Auto-Owners, State Farm, Country Financial and Allstate. Auto-Owners is listed around $64 per month, followed by State Farm at about $69 per month and Country Financial near $70 per month.
Insurance costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including a driver’s age, driving record, vehicle type and credit score. In Chattooga County and across Georgia, credit history can have a significant impact on premiums.
Drivers looking to lower their costs are encouraged to compare quotes from multiple providers, ask about available discounts and review whether full coverage is still necessary on older vehicles. Local insurance agents and companies such as Georgia Farm Bureau may also offer competitive options for some drivers.
With rates remaining high, experts say shopping around and maintaining a strong credit profile are two of the most effective ways for Georgia drivers to reduce their insurance costs.
Twenty-Nine Students Earn HSE Diplomas Through GNTC Youth Success Academy
Twenty-nine students received their High School Equivalency diplomas this week through the Youth Success Academy at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
Seventeen students graduated during a commencement ceremony at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome on Tuesday, June 9. Twelve more students graduated from the Walker County Campus YSA program during a ceremony held Thursday, June 11, at Peavine Baptist Church in Rock Spring.
The Youth Success Academy is designed for out-of-school youth who want to earn a high school equivalency diploma while also preparing for technical education and future careers. Students in the program prepare for the HSE exam and take part in job readiness training, workshops and leadership activities.
During the Floyd County Campus ceremony, Dr. Angela Shuman-Smith encouraged graduates to see the moment as the start of a new chapter.
“This diploma is not the end of your story; it is the beginning of a new chapter,” Shuman-Smith said. “You get to write what comes next, and what comes next can be anything.”
At the Walker County ceremony, Hope Gold urged graduates to move forward with courage, kindness and resilience, reminding them that success is meaningful, but character leaves a lasting legacy.
Graduates represented communities across northwest Georgia, including Rome, Silver Creek, Lindale, LaFayette, Chickamauga, Dalton and Rising Fawn.
YSA is sponsored through a partnership between GNTC and the Northwest Georgia Regional Development Center. The program assists adults up to age 24 with HSE diploma testing, college enrollment, college expenses and gaining experience in different career fields.
For more information, contact the Floyd County Campus YSA at 706-295-6940 or the Walker County Campus YSA at 706-764-3783.
Nearly 1,000 Grams of Meth Seized From Georgia Prison Cell During Investigation
A major contraband investigation has led to the seizure of nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine and multiple cell phones from a Georgia prison inmate’s cell, according to authorities.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina announced that investigators uncovered the contraband while assisting with an ongoing drug investigation that began June 1. Investigators executed a search warrant at the home of Amanda King, where a trafficking quantity of methamphetamine was reportedly seized and two people were arrested.
As the investigation continued, detectives discovered that King had allegedly been communicating through jail phone calls with inmate Rudy Cameron Lee, 34, who is currently serving a sentence for voluntary manslaughter.
Authorities said investigators learned Lee was allegedly using a cell phone while incarcerated and contacted the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Corrections for assistance. A subsequent search of Lee’s prison cell uncovered a large cache of contraband.
According to investigators, officers seized seven cell phones, a mobile hotspot device, 948 grams of methamphetamine, 2,210 grams of marijuana, 3,245 grams of tobacco, a digital scale, earbuds, Allen keys, charging cables and other accessories.
Officials said Lee’s projected release date on his current sentence is around 2038. Additional charges related to the contraband seizure are still being evaluated.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and corrections officials to combat the flow of illegal drugs, cell phones and other prohibited items inside correctional facilities.