Arrest Report - Saturday - May 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 30, 2026:
Showers And Storms Continue Into Early Next Week
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across north Georgia through the beginning of next week, with locally heavy rainfall remaining the primary weather concern.
Forecasters say a moist air mass remains in place across the region, allowing showers and storms to produce heavy downpours at times. While severe weather is not expected, isolated flash flooding will be possible, especially in locations that received heavier rainfall on Friday or in areas where storms repeatedly move over the same spots.
For today, lingering showers are possible during the morning hours, along with areas of low clouds and patchy fog. Additional showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to increase again during the late afternoon and evening hours. Cloud cover may limit the overall coverage of thunderstorms, but isolated storms and a few rumbles of thunder remain possible.
Rain chances are expected to shift more toward central and southern Georgia on Sunday as a frontal boundary moves farther south. That should give parts of north and east Georgia a bit of a break from the more widespread rain. Temperatures on Sunday are expected to remain below average, with highs mainly in the low to mid 70s.
The unsettled pattern may continue into the early part of next week, with afternoon thunderstorms possible Monday and Tuesday. The main concern will continue to be locally heavy rainfall rather than severe storms.
Forecasters say a pattern change should begin to take shape by Tuesday and Wednesday, with high pressure helping to bring drier conditions to much of the area by midweek. Rain chances may hold off again until next weekend.
Chattooga County Expands Redevelopment Area To Help Secure Funding For New Apartment Project Near Trion
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has approved an expansion of the county’s Urban Redevelopment Area in an effort to help unlock federal funding opportunities for a proposed apartment development near Trion.
The move redraws redevelopment boundaries to include property targeted for a new housing project, allowing developers to pursue financing programs that are often tied to designated redevelopment areas. County leaders say the change is aimed at encouraging investment and increasing housing availability in the area.
Housing availability has remained a growing concern across Northwest Georgia as communities continue to see demand for additional workforce and family housing. Supporters of the redevelopment expansion believe the project could help address some of those needs while also bringing new economic activity to the county.
Urban Redevelopment Areas are commonly used by local governments to encourage development in areas identified for revitalization or economic growth. Expanding those boundaries can make projects eligible for certain grants, tax incentives, and federal funding opportunities that may not otherwise be available.
According to the commissioner, the redevelopment boundary adjustment is part of a broader effort to attract investment and support long-term growth in Chattooga County.
Additional details regarding the proposed apartment development, including construction timelines and the number of planned units, are expected to be released as the project moves forward.
Sloppy Floyd State Park To Host Nighttime Bat Hike June 6
Nature lovers will have an opportunity to explore the outdoors after dark during a special bat-themed hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park on Friday, June 6.
The “Into the Dark: Bat Hike” program will begin at 8:30 p.m. and take participants on a guided nighttime trek to the Marble Mine while learning about one of Northwest Georgia’s most misunderstood creatures.
Park rangers will discuss the important role bats play in the environment, including what they eat, how they help control insect populations, and the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive at night.
Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes. The group will meet in front of the park office before the hike begins.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required.
Those interested in attending should register in advance by contacting the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year, including hiking, fishing, camping, and educational programs.
Chattooga County Schools Seeking Multiple Paraprofessionals For 2026-27 School Year
The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for multiple full-time paraprofessional positions for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
According to the school system, the 152-day, benefits-eligible positions are available at several schools across the county, including:
- Leroy Massey Elementary School – PE class, first-grade classrooms, kindergarten classrooms, and special education classroom
- Lyerly Elementary School – PE class
- Menlo Elementary School – First-grade classroom
- Summerville Middle School – PE class
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED and either have or be eligible to obtain a Georgia Paraprofessional Certificate by passing the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment or by holding an associate degree or higher.
Applications may be obtained through the Superintendent’s Office or online through the Chattooga County School System website and TeachGeorgia.org.
Application packets must include a completed application, high school diploma or GED documentation, completed professional reference forms, authorization for a background check, and fingerprinting documentation.
Applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, Chattooga County Board of Education, at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Board of Education at 706-859-3043.
Visitor Reportedly Kicked By Nursing Home Patient In Summerville Incident
The Summerville Police Department responded to Oakview Nursing Home on May 25 after receiving a report involving a combative patient who allegedly assaulted a visitor.
According to an incident report filed by Officer Ibzan Ramirez, nursing home employees told officers that a patient had become combative and uncooperative and needed to be transported to a hospital for evaluation. Staff reported that the patient had kicked a visitor prior to officers arriving at the facility.
When officers made contact with the patient, they reported that he appeared unwilling to discuss the situation and refused attempts by EMS personnel to transport him for medical evaluation. Due to the patient’s continued combative behavior and refusal to comply, EMS personnel administered what officers described as a sedative injection. After the patient calmed down, he was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
Police also spoke with the visitor, who said she had been visiting her mother at the nursing home. The woman told officers she was standing in a hallway looking through a door window when she was kicked in the right leg by the patient.
The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and told officers she would be fine.
The Summerville Police Department advised nursing home staff that a police report would be completed regarding the incident.
GNTC Accepting Applications For Assistant To The Registrar Position
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant to the Registrar.
The full-time position is based on GNTC’s Walker County Campus but will require travel to other college campuses as needed to meet operational requirements.
According to GNTC, the Assistant to the Registrar will report directly to the Assistant Registrar and provide administrative support for registration services, reporting requirements, and student record functions within the Office of the Registrar.
The position is an in-person role requiring a 40-hour work week.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students across Northwest Georgia through multiple campus locations and offers a wide variety of academic and workforce development programs.
Individuals interested in applying or learning more about the position can visit GNTC’s employment website at www.gntc.edu/employment.
Recent Rains Bring Drought Relief To Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
Weeks of steady rainfall are beginning to make a noticeable difference across Northwest Georgia, with drought conditions continuing to improve throughout the region.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, drought conditions have eased across portions of north and central Georgia following a wetter-than-normal pattern that has delivered repeated rounds of rain over the past several weeks.
In Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, the most extreme drought classifications have continued to shrink as soils, streams, and vegetation benefit from the recent rainfall. While the improvements are encouraging, meteorologists say the region is not out of the woods yet.
Much of Georgia remains in severe to exceptional drought categories, and long-term rainfall deficits continue to be a concern. Even though the ground has become noticeably wetter at the surface, moisture levels deeper below ground remain below normal after months of dry conditions.
The latest drought data shows more than half of Georgia remains in D3 (Extreme Drought) or D4 (Exceptional Drought) status. However, areas of the state that received frequent rainfall during May have seen significant improvement compared to conditions earlier this spring.
Additional rainfall is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through early next week as a stalled weather pattern continues to produce scattered showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters say some locations could receive locally heavy rainfall, which would provide further drought relief but could also create isolated flooding concerns.
The improving conditions are welcome news for farmers, homeowners, and local water systems that have endured months of unusually dry weather. Lawns and pastures have begun to recover in many areas, and stream levels have improved following the recent rounds of rain.
Meteorologists caution that it will likely take several more weeks of near-normal or above-normal rainfall to fully erase the long-term deficits that developed during the prolonged dry spell. Even so, the trend is moving in the right direction as Northwest Georgia heads into the summer months.
Plenty Happening Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia Today
Several events are happening today, Saturday, May 30, giving families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia a variety of ways to spend the day.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host an Adoption Day event at Tractor Supply in Summerville from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors can meet adoptable pets, speak with shelter representatives, and learn more about giving a dog or cat a permanent home. The event will also include giveaways, treats, and activities as part of National Pet Month.
In downtown Summerville, Community Connect Day will take place at the Summerville Train Depot from noon until 3 p.m. The event is being hosted by the City of Summerville, Summerville Main Street, and the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce. Local organizations, businesses, vendors, food, and community groups will be on hand as residents and visitors gather downtown, including passengers arriving on the Tennessee Valley Railroad excursion train.
In Walker County, the LaFayette Honeybee Festival returns today in downtown LaFayette with a full day of music, food, shopping, contests, family activities, and entertainment. The festival runs from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. and is free to attend. This year’s main stage lineup includes The Band Perry, LaFayette’s own Channing Wilson, and Shane Profitt on the Pigeon Mountain Trading Company Stage. Festivalgoers can also enjoy food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone, barbecue competition, baking contest, car show, and activities highlighting the importance of protecting honeybees.
Whether you are looking to adopt a pet, enjoy downtown Summerville, or take in a full day of music and festival activities in LaFayette, there are several opportunities to get out and enjoy the day across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Quota Hunt Applications Open June 1
Georgia hunters will soon be able to apply for a variety of quota hunts as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources prepares for the upcoming hunting season.
Beginning June 1, hunters can electronically submit applications for many quota hunts, including certain deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove, and youth hunting opportunities. The hunts are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division and take place on Wildlife Management Areas and other state-managed properties across Georgia.
Quota hunts are designed to provide quality hunting experiences while helping wildlife managers regulate harvest numbers, reduce overcrowding, and maintain healthy game populations.
According to DNR officials, hunters selected through the quota system must have the proper licenses and permits required for participation. Applications can be submitted online through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com by selecting the “Quota Hunts” option and following the application instructions.
Several application deadlines are scheduled throughout the summer. The first deadline is July 15 for alligator hunts, followed by August 15 for dove hunts, including Adult/Child hunts. Most deer hunt applications, including youth deer hunts, must be submitted by September 1.
Wildlife Resources Division officials encourage hunters to verify that their email addresses and account information are current in order to receive notifications and quota hunt updates. Assistance is also available by calling 1-800-366-2661.
For hunters in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, quota hunts provide opportunities to access some of the state’s most popular public hunting areas while participating in carefully managed hunts.
Additional information, application deadlines, and historical selection odds can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/quota.
Arrest Report - Friday - May 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 29, 2026:
Wet Weather Pattern To Keep Showers And Storms Around Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia will remain stuck in an unsettled weather pattern through the beginning of next week, with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms expected across the area.
The National Weather Service says a frontal boundary stretched across north Georgia will continue to be the main driver for rain and storm chances today and Saturday. Showers could begin developing late this morning in western parts of the state before becoming more widespread during the afternoon and evening.
Forecasters say the main concern with any thunderstorms will be locally heavy rainfall. With plenty of moisture in place and storms expected to move slowly at times, some areas could see heavy downpours in a short period. While widespread flooding is not currently expected, isolated flooding issues could develop where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Rain and thunderstorms may continue into the overnight hours and into Saturday morning, which could also lead to areas of low clouds and patchy fog.
The same general forecast is expected to continue into early next week. Afternoon thunderstorms will be possible each day, with high temperatures mainly in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Severe weather is not expected to be a major concern, but forecasters will continue to monitor the potential for flash flooding, especially in spots that pick up repeated rainfall.
A change in the weather pattern may arrive by the middle of next week. High pressure is expected to build into the Southeast, which could bring a break from the rain and allow for more sunshine and drying conditions.
Until then, keep the umbrella nearby and use caution on the roads during periods of heavy rain.
Randy Owen Center For The Performing Arts Opens At Jacksonville State University
A new performing arts venue bearing the name of Alabama music legend Randy Owen has officially opened on the campus of Jacksonville State University.
The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts recently welcomed visitors during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration at JSU. University officials say the new facility is designed to serve as a major hub for music, theater, educational programming, and live performances for students and the surrounding community.
Owen, best known as the lead singer of the country music group Alabama, attended the opening and spoke about the importance of arts education and community involvement. University leaders praised Owen for his longtime support of Jacksonville State University and his contributions to music and philanthropy throughout Alabama and the Southeast.
The new center includes modern performance spaces, rehearsal areas, classrooms, and upgraded technology aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in music and the performing arts.
Jacksonville State officials say the facility will also host concerts, productions, and special events that are expected to draw visitors from across the region.
AAA Survey Shows Summer Travel Remains A Priority For Georgia Residents
A new AAA survey shows summer travel demand remains steady across Georgia, even as higher gas prices and inflation continue to influence how families plan their trips.
According to AAA, 53 percent of Georgians say they plan to take a summer vacation this year. While many households are still prioritizing travel, higher costs are causing some residents to adjust their plans.
Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said people still want to take a summer trip, but they are becoming more flexible and more focused on getting value for their money.
AAA says many Georgians are making changes because of rising fuel prices. Twenty-three percent say they are choosing destinations closer to home, 19 percent plan to take fewer road trips, 15 percent are reconsidering whether to drive or fly, and 25 percent say they are budgeting more for fuel while cutting back on extras. However, 32 percent say gas prices have not affected their plans.
Air travel plans are also holding steady for many travelers, with 42 percent of Georgians reporting no change to their plans for flying.
AAA says planning ahead is becoming more important as costs fluctuate. Twenty-six percent of Georgians are booking earlier to lock in prices, while others are choosing destinations with more predictable travel costs, all-inclusive resorts, or prepaid travel options.
AAA recommends travelers book early, remain flexible with travel dates and destinations, consider closer-to-home trips, bundle lodging and transportation when possible, travel during off-peak days, and set a budget before leaving home.
VA Highlights Importance Of Spiritual Care In Helping Homeless Veterans Recover
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says recovery for homeless veterans involves more than simply finding housing, emphasizing that emotional and spiritual support can play a major role in helping veterans rebuild their lives.
In a recent article released by the VA Homeless Programs Office, officials said many veterans experiencing homelessness are also struggling with isolation, trauma, grief, depression, and a loss of purpose. The VA says chaplains and spiritual care teams are often integrated into support programs to help veterans cope during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The VA noted that spiritual care is not treated as a secondary service, but instead as part of a broader recovery effort that works alongside housing assistance, mental health treatment, medical care, and employment services. Officials said spiritual support can help veterans restore hope, reconnect with their communities, and regain a sense of meaning and stability.
Programs such as HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and Community Resource and Referral Centers continue to provide housing and case management support for veterans facing homelessness across the country. The VA says those services are designed to help veterans secure permanent housing while also addressing long-term health and wellness needs.
The department also pointed to growing research showing that spiritual support and social connection may improve overall well-being for formerly unhoused veterans.
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance.
NWGA Public Health Director Offers Tips To Stay Safe In Summer Heat
With summer quickly approaching and temperatures already climbing across Northwest Georgia, local health officials are reminding residents to take precautions when spending time outdoors.
Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, says one of the best ways to stay safe during hot weather is to limit exposure to the sun and stay hydrated. Residents are also encouraged to wear sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.
Other heat safety tips include wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, avoiding heavy foods, and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas when possible.
Health officials say children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions can be especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
Dr. Voccio also says summer is a good time for parents to make sure children are up-to-date on required vaccines before the next school year begins. More information about immunizations and vaccinations is available through Northwest Georgia Public Health.
Northwest Georgia Unemployment Rate Falls To 2.7 Percent
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.7 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.
According to the labor department, the region’s labor force decreased by 1,151 people over the month but increased by 5,572 over the past year, bringing the total labor force to 458,771.
The number of employed residents in Northwest Georgia rose by 1,628 during April and increased by 5,771 compared to one year ago, reaching an all-time high of 446,222 employed workers.
The department also reported that initial unemployment claims fell by 521 over the month and were down 167 compared to the same time last year, totaling 2,036 claims.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the statewide job growth reflects Georgia’s strong workforce and economic environment.
“Georgia has always been a state that rewards hard work, and right now, hard work is paying off in a big way,” Holmes said. “Every single metro area in this state added jobs in April, more Georgians are earning mortgage-paying paychecks, and our workforce is more skilled and competitive than ever.”
AdventHealth Gordon Opens New Milk Depot To Support Infants Across Northwest Georgia
AdventHealth Gordon has opened a new Milk Depot in Calhoun to help expand access to donor breast milk for premature and medically fragile infants across Northwest Georgia.
The new Milk Depot, located inside The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon, officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 27. The hospital is partnering with Mothers’ Milk Bank Southeast, a nonprofit organization that provides safe, pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable babies when a mother’s own milk is unavailable or not enough.
The AdventHealth Gordon location becomes the organization’s 30th milk collection site. Approved donors will now have a safe and convenient local drop-off location for excess breast milk, which can then be used to help infants in need throughout the Southeast.
Lauren Everett, Director of The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon, said human milk plays a critical role in the health and development of vulnerable infants. Hospital leaders say donor milk can help reduce serious complications in premature babies, including necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous intestinal condition and a leading cause of infant mortality in neonatal intensive care units.
AdventHealth Gordon President and CEO Justin Birmele said the new Milk Depot reflects the hospital’s commitment to supporting mothers, babies, and families through compassionate, whole-person care.
Anyone interested in becoming a donor must first complete a free health screening through Mothers’ Milk Bank Southeast. Approved donors may call 706-879-4737 to schedule a drop-off at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon. More information is available at mymilkbank.org.
Missing Elderly Couple Found Safe After Cherokee County Deputies Use License Plate Camera System
An elderly couple suffering from dementia was located safely after family members contacted the Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office to report them missing earlier this week.
Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the couple did not have cell phones or any other way for family members or law enforcement to contact them. Deputies searched throughout the night, working to determine where the couple may have gone.
During the search, deputies used FLOCK camera technology to help follow the couple’s travel route. FLOCK cameras are license plate-reading cameras used by law enforcement agencies to capture vehicle information as cars pass certain locations. The cameras can help officers identify the direction a vehicle is traveling and provide leads in cases involving missing persons, stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and other emergencies.
The sheriff’s office said information gathered by Cherokee County deputies was shared with nearby law enforcement agencies. After receiving those updates, the Russellville Police Department began searching its area and discovered that the couple had been involved in a vehicle accident.
Thankfully, the couple was located safely and was not seriously injured.
Sheriff Shaver said the cameras do not replace police officers or traditional investigations, but they can provide important information during time-sensitive situations. In this case, that information helped law enforcement narrow the search area and bring the incident to a safe ending.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Russellville Police Department for its assistance and quick response.
Trion Farmers Market Starts Next Thursday
Residents looking for fresh produce and locally made goods can mark their calendars for next Thursday, June 4th, as the Trion Farmers Market kicks off its new season.
The market will open at 8 AM and will be held each Thursday from 8 AM until noon at the pavilion near the Trion Track Field.
Shoppers can find fresh produce, jams, jellies, relishes, salsa, and other locally made items throughout the season.
Local producers who would like to participate are welcome to come set up at the Trion Farmers Market.