Arrest Report - Friday - July 17, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 17, 2026:
Hot, Humid Weather Continues With Daily Afternoon Storm Chances
Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through the weekend, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms providing only temporary relief from the heat.
Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m. today, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 91 degrees. The combination of heat and high humidity could push heat index values as high as 98 degrees during the afternoon. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops mainly after 2 p.m.
The National Weather Service says the atmosphere remains extremely humid, with tropical moisture firmly established across Georgia. Any thunderstorms that develop could produce locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds. A few storms across north and central Georgia could become strong or severe, with damaging wind gusts expected to be the primary concern.
Rain chances will decrease after sunset, with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 72 and calm winds.
Saturday will bring another hot and humid day with mostly sunny skies and a high near 91. Heat index values could climb as high as 99 degrees. There will be a slight chance of storms before noon, followed by a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73, although an isolated shower could develop overnight.
Sunday will begin mostly sunny before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread during the afternoon. Rain chances increase to 60 percent after 2 p.m., with a high near 91. Showers and storms will remain possible Sunday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.
The weather pattern becomes somewhat drier early next week, but the heat will intensify. Monday will be sunny with a high near 93 and only a 20 percent chance of an afternoon storm. Tuesday could reach 94 degrees, with heat index values likely climbing into the triple digits in some locations. Highs remain in the lower 90s Wednesday and Thursday.
Forecasters are also monitoring a weak area of low pressure near the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The system currently has a low chance of tropical development and is expected to remain weak as it moves northeast. Depending on its path, it could bring slightly drier—but not necessarily cooler—air into Georgia early next week.
Anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle.
Trion High School Work-Based Learning Meeting Scheduled For July 27
Trion High School students participating in the Work-Based Learning program and their parents are reminded to attend a mandatory informational meeting later this month.
The meeting will be held Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. in the Trion High School Media Center.
The meeting is required for all juniors and seniors enrolled in Work-Based Learning, along with a parent or guardian. School officials will review the Work-Based Learning program, discuss new state requirements and complete mandatory paperwork required for student participation.
Students enrolled in the program are also required to be on campus all day Thursday and Friday, July 30-31. School officials encourage students to notify their workplace supervisors of that requirement as soon as possible.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Megan Mills at megan.mills@trionschools.org.
Two Men Arrested Following Fight At Circle K In Summerville
Two men were arrested yesterday morning (July 16, 2026) at 12:30 AM, after Summerville Police responded to a physical altercation in the parking lot of the Circle K convenience store on Highway 114.
According to citations issued by the Summerville Police Department, officers were called to the business at 650 Highway 114 at approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16.
Sean Alan Sammons, of Menlo, was charged with disorderly conduct. According to the citation, Sammons was observed by two witnesses swinging a closed fist at another individual, resulting in a physical altercation.
William Matthew Pledger, of Summerville, was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.
Police allege Pledger became involved in the physical altercation and then physically resisted officers after being given lawful commands. The citation also states Pledger admitted to being intoxicated, and officers reported detecting a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.
Both men were issued citations and are scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court. The incident remains under investigation.
Georgia Power Unveils Customer Protection Pledge As Debate Over Data Centers Continues
Georgia Power has announced a new Customer Protection Pledge, saying it is designed to keep electricity affordable while meeting the state’s rapidly growing demand for power from new industries, including data centers and manufacturers.
The utility’s six-point pledge includes maintaining its base-rate freeze through at least 2028, requiring new large-energy users to pay the cost of the infrastructure needed to serve them, investing in a stronger electric grid, negotiating fairly with property owners, maintaining a balanced energy portfolio and protecting natural resources. Georgia Power says typical residential customers are projected to save about $102 per year beginning in 2029, in addition to an overall rate reduction approved earlier this year.
Georgia Power says large customers, such as data centers using 100 megawatts or more, must sign long-term contracts, pay monthly minimum bills and cover the costs of the transmission and generation infrastructure required to serve them, rather than shifting those costs to residential customers.
However, critics and consumer advocates remain skeptical. They argue it is still too early to know whether residential customers will ultimately avoid paying for the enormous energy demands created by data centers. Earlier this month, the Georgia Public Service Commission voted to open an investigation into whether industrial customers, including data centers, could still be shifting some fuel and other electricity costs onto homes and small businesses. Consumer advocates welcomed that review, saying it is needed to verify Georgia Power’s claims.
Separately, some property owners and community groups have raised concerns about new transmission lines and other infrastructure needed to support data center growth. Critics have cited potential impacts on private property, land use and local communities as Georgia continues to experience a surge in data center development.
Georgia Lottery Player Wins $4 Million Mega Millions Prize
One lucky Georgia Lottery player is celebrating a $4 million win after Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing, although the game’s massive jackpot continues to grow.
The winning numbers for the July 14 Mega Millions drawing were 2, 4, 10, 48 and 56, with the Mega Ball 22. While no one matched all six numbers to win the $637 million jackpot, one Georgia player matched all five white balls and had a 4X multiplier, turning a $1 million prize into $4 million.
The Georgia Lottery has not yet released where the winning ticket was sold.
With no jackpot winner, the Mega Millions grand prize has climbed to an estimated $672 million, with a cash option of approximately $293.3 million, making it the largest lottery jackpot in the United States this year and the 10th largest in Mega Millions history. The next drawing is tonight.
The Powerball jackpot is also on the rise, reaching an estimated $498 million, bringing the combined jackpots for the two games to nearly $1.2 billion.
New Georgia Law Requires Schools To Enroll Foster Students Within Three Business Days
A new Georgia law designed to reduce educational disruptions for children in foster care is now in effect, requiring public schools to enroll foster students within three school business days of a request for enrollment.
Senate Bill 431, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp earlier this year, strengthens protections for students in foster care by establishing a firm enrollment deadline and giving the Georgia Department of Education authority to require corrective action if school districts fail to comply.
Lawmakers said the measure addresses a long-standing problem in which foster children often experience repeated school transfers that can delay enrollment, disrupt learning and even result in lost academic credits. According to a federal study cited by lawmakers, more than 30 percent of foster youth change schools five or more times before turning 18.
If a school does not enroll a foster student within the required timeframe, it must provide the student’s guardian with contact information for regional and state education officials who can help resolve the issue. The Department of Education may also require districts to develop corrective action plans when they fail to meet the law’s requirements.
The legislation builds on previous state efforts to streamline enrollment for foster children and improve the transfer of student records, with the goal of providing greater educational stability for some of Georgia’s most vulnerable students.
Fifteen Graduate From GNTC Electrical Lineworker Program
Fifteen students graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held Wednesday, July 15, at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.
The students completed an intensive 10-week training program that included classroom instruction, hands-on training and the use of donated trucks, utility poles and climbing equipment.
Graduates received four credentials, including an Electrical Lineworker certificate, a restricted Class A Commercial Driver’s License, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and a certificate documenting the completion of 395 training hours.
“These graduates completed a course not many people in the world can do,” said Electrical Lineworker instructor Kevin Bishop.
Commercial Truck Driving instructor Judy Roddenberry said graduates leave the program with the skills and tools needed to succeed in the workforce.
The summer 2026 class is the 11th cohort to complete the Electrical Lineworker program since it began in fall 2022.
Graduates included:
Sam Crump of LaFayette; Carlos Cruz, Brandon A. Hurtado, Omar Mendiola, Jose Ojeda, Jason Ortiz-Ramos and Alex Rodriguez, all of Dalton; Josh Faires and Branson Ingram of Cedartown; Joshua Blake Fennell of Piedmont, Alabama; Caden Oswalt of Rome; Angel Paredez of Calhoun; Mark Ravenscraft of Marietta; Luke Watkins of Rydal; and Caleb Wingard of Jenkinsburg.
The next class begins Aug. 31, but registration is closed. Seats remain available for the following cohort, which begins Jan. 4, 2027.
For more information, contact GNTC’s Office of Economic Development at lineworker@gntc.edu.
Multicultural Festival And Train Arrival Celebration Set For Saturday At Summerville Depot
Coming up tomorrow, the City of Summerville will welcome residents and visitors downtown for a Multicultural Market and special train arrival celebration at the historic Summerville Depot.
The free community event will be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will celebrate friendship, international cultures and foods from around the world.
Special seating will be available inside the depot’s freight room, where visitors can enjoy food and entertainment throughout the day.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum passenger train is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. The arrival will be followed by the turning of the steam engine on the Summerville Turntable, an event that is especially popular with railroad enthusiasts.
The public is invited to welcome arriving passengers and take part in the celebration. Organizers hope the event will encourage friendship, positivity and a shared commitment to making the community and the world a better place.
For more information, visit the City of Summerville’s Facebook event page or contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900.
Chattooga Curtain Call To Present Newsies Jr.
Chattooga Curtain Call is preparing to bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage later this month, continuing its long-standing tradition of providing local students with opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.
The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who band together to stand up for fair treatment while learning valuable lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.
Chattooga Curtain Call, a local nonprofit organization, has spent more than a decade offering theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities. In addition to entertaining audiences, the organization provides young performers with training in acting, singing and stage performance while helping keep the performing arts thriving locally.
Newsies Jr. performances are July 31st at 7:00pm and Aug. 1st at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets via Venmo @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. You will receive confirmation with ticket numbers and your tickets will be held for you at the door. You can also purchase tickets at the door with cash/check. All performances will be held at Connect City Church.
Financial Assistance For Pet Spay And Neuter Surgeries
Pet owners in Chattooga County have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for spay and neuter surgeries through a partnership between Animal Advocates of Chattooga County and My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic.
The program helps cover a portion of the cost of spay or neuter surgery and a rabies vaccination for dogs and cats owned by Chattooga County residents. Surgeries will be performed at My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic, located at 169 Waterfront Way in Dalton.
Pet owners must contact the veterinary clinic directly to schedule an appointment. Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is not able to schedule appointments.
A $40 deposit per pet is required when scheduling. Twenty dollars of that deposit will be refunded when the owner arrives for the appointment. Owners are responsible for any additional veterinary services their pet may need.
The program is limited to 10 pets per household and is available while funding lasts. If a pet is pregnant, owners are asked to notify the clinic when scheduling.
To schedule an appointment, call My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic at 706-671-1104, option 4.
AdventHealth Opens New Cancer Pavilion In Rome
AdventHealth celebrated the official opening of its new Cancer Pavilion in Rome with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, July 15, marking a major expansion of comprehensive cancer care in Northwest Georgia.
The new facility, located at 641 Braves Boulevard, brings multiple cancer services together under one roof to help patients receive coordinated care closer to home.
The Cancer Pavilion includes a Breast Center with advanced mammography, bone density scanning and diagnostic imaging technology; experienced hematology and oncology specialists; a spacious infusion center; and an on-site oncology laboratory and pharmacy.
Patients and their families will also have access to nurse navigators, oncology dietitians, social workers and chaplain services as part of AdventHealth’s whole-person approach to care.
“Comprehensive and compassionate care close to home allows patients to receive expert treatment while remaining surrounded by the people, places and support systems that matter most,” said Dr. Mayur Mody, medical director of oncology services for AdventHealth Georgia.
Isaac Sendros, president and CEO of AdventHealth Redmond, said the project reflects a shared commitment from the organization and the community to build meaningful services for cancer patients and their families.
The new pavilion builds upon AdventHealth’s cancer care program at AdventHealth Gordon in Calhoun and connects patients with the broader AdventHealth network, including specialists, research and innovative treatment options.
AdventHealth officials said the facility represents the first phase of a long-term plan for cancer care in Rome. Future expansion plans include radiation therapy services, a larger infusion center and a Center for Whole-Person Care focused on wellness, survivorship and support services.
For more information or to schedule a visit, call 706-368-8530.
Chattooga County Fair Announces 2026 Entertainment Lineup And Event Details
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair has announced its entertainment lineup and event schedule for the 2026 fair, which will be held August 27 through August 30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Drive in Summerville.
Live entertainment begins Friday, Aug. 28, with Babe’s Bayou taking the stage at 9 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 29, The Band Chickamauga will perform at 7:30 p.m., followed by Lone Star Skynyrd at 9 p.m. The fair concludes Sunday, Aug. 30, with a 6 p.m. performance by Christian music artist Guy Penrod.
The midway opens Thursday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. General admission is $5 each day.
Students will receive free admission on Thursday, while veterans and active-duty military members will be admitted free on Friday.
Unlimited ride armbands are $25 on Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday.
Fair organizers are also inviting residents of Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker, Dade, DeKalb and Cherokee County, Alabama to participate in the fair’s Blue Ribbon competitions. Entries are available in youth, open, professional and golden age divisions, with category-specific rules and regulations.
Additional information, including event schedules, livestock shows and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.
Arrest Report - Thursday - July 16, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 16, 2026:
Back to School Bash Happening Today at Chattooga High School
The annual Back to School Bash is happening today, Thursday, July 16, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Chattooga High School.
Coordinator Maisha Ludy says organizers are ready to welcome students and families for an afternoon of free activities, food and back-to-school resources.
Students attending the event can receive free backpacks and school supplies. Free hot dogs and shaved ice will also be available, along with music provided by DJ Marty Mar.
Four local barbers will offer free simple haircuts, while Primary Health Care will provide school-required Form 3300 paperwork. High for Sight will also offer free vision screenings for children ages 8 through 18.
Organizers emphasize that children must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies.
The Back to School Bash is open to students who attend Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.
Ludy thanked the community, volunteers and participating organizations for helping make the event possible as local students prepare for the beginning of another school year.
Number of Immigrant Children in Georgia Foster Care Rises Amid Increased ICE Enforcement
The number of immigrant children entering Georgia’s foster care system has increased significantly over the past year as federal immigration enforcement actions have intensified, placing additional demands on the state’s child welfare system.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that 83 immigrant children entered Georgia state custody between Oct. 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. That compares to 46 children during the same six-month period a year earlier—an increase of roughly 80 percent. The figures were obtained from the Georgia Department of Human Services.
Although the number represents a small portion of the approximately 12,700 children in Georgia’s foster care system, officials say the increase comes as the Division of Family and Children Services continues to face staffing and budget challenges. The agency experienced an $86 million budget shortfall last year, forcing reductions in some foster care contracts.
Former DFCS Director Tom Rawlings told the AJC that cases involving immigrant children often require specialized services, including language assistance and support for children coping with the trauma of family separation. He said immigration enforcement decisions made at the federal level can have significant impacts on state child welfare agencies.
According to the Department of Human Services, state law requires DFCS to intervene whenever a child is left without a legal caregiver, regardless of the circumstances. Agency officials say they work with families, attorneys, and foreign consulates whenever possible to reunify children with their parents after deportation or relocation.
The AJC also reports that Georgia ranks among the nation’s leading states for immigration arrests during President Donald Trump’s second term, contributing to increased concern among immigrant advocacy groups and child welfare professionals about the growing number of children affected by immigration enforcement.
Heat, Humidity And Afternoon Storm Chances Continue Through The Weekend
A typical summertime weather pattern returns to Chattooga County and northwest Georgia Thursday, bringing hot and humid conditions along with another chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Heat index values could reach 97 during the afternoon. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Winds will be calm early before becoming westerly at around 5 mph.
Any storms that develop are expected to diminish after sunset. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, thunderstorms could still produce gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low near 72. There is a 30 percent chance of storms, primarily before 7 p.m.
Temperatures will climb slightly Friday, with a high near 90 and heat index values approaching 99. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely after 2 p.m., with a 50 percent chance of rain. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 72.
Saturday and Sunday will remain hot, with highs near 90 and a 60 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms both days. Storm chances should decrease during the evening hours, with overnight lows near 72.
Forecasters say Friday and Saturday could be the hottest days of the extended period, with heat index values potentially reaching 100 to 105 degrees across parts of Georgia. Some areas of east-central Georgia could experience even higher apparent temperatures.
Forecast confidence decreases beginning Sunday because of a possible upper-level low developing over Florida and the northeastern Gulf. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring the region for a low chance of tropical development. Any development could influence rainfall and humidity levels across Georgia early next week, although considerable uncertainty remains.
Drier and hotter conditions are currently forecast for Monday and Tuesday. Monday should be sunny with a high near 92, followed by a mostly sunny Tuesday with a high near 93. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Wednesday.
Georgia Farmers Asked to Participate in Statewide Survey on Economic Challenges
Georgia farmers are being encouraged to participate in a new statewide survey designed to better understand the financial challenges facing agriculture and help shape future policy and advocacy efforts.
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, Georgia Farm Bureau, and the University of Georgia College of Public Health have partnered to launch the Georgia Farm Profitability Survey, which is open to farmers across the state through July 31.
Organizers say the anonymous survey is intended to collect Georgia-specific information directly from producers about the economic pressures affecting their operations. The results will be used to identify factors impacting farm profitability and to provide research-based data that can support future agricultural initiatives, communications, and legislative advocacy.
“We know Georgia farmers are facing significant challenges, and we want to hear directly from them,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. He said the survey will help the organization focus its efforts on the issues having the greatest impact on Georgia farm families.
The survey comes as many producers continue dealing with rising production costs, fluctuating commodity prices, labor shortages, severe weather, and other economic pressures that have reduced profitability across the agricultural sector. The Georgia Farm Bureau identified the sustainability of family farms as its top priority for 2026 after farm economics continued to worsen during 2025.
Researchers from the University of Georgia College of Public Health will oversee the analysis of the survey data. Following the survey period, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau will publish a report summarizing the findings, which will help guide future advocacy efforts and the ongoing Strong Farms, Strong Georgia initiative.
The survey is anonymous, takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and is open to all Georgia farmers.
Farmers interested in participating can complete the survey by visiting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture website at www.gafoundationag.org before the July 31 deadline.
Trion Farmers Market Returns Today with Fresh Produce, Homemade Goods and Local Meats
The Trion Farmers Market returns today, Thursday, July 16, offering shoppers another opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce and handmade products from area vendors.
The market will be open at the pavilion near the track field off Simmons Street in Trion.
This week’s selection includes fresh tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and potatoes, along with locally raised beef and pork. Shoppers will also find homemade treats including brittle, no-bake cookies, Pecan Tessies, fried pies and sourdough starter.
A variety of canned and specialty items will also be available, including pickles, relish, salsa, jams and jellies, and pickled eggs. Vendors will also be offering handcrafted products such as pain cream, hair oil, bug spray, salves and tinctures. Ice cream will also be available.
The Trion Farmers Market is held each Thursday and provides residents an opportunity to support local farmers, bakers, artisans and small businesses while purchasing fresh products produced throughout the region.
Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Awards More Than $2 Million in Community Grants
More than $2 million in grants has been awarded to nonprofit organizations across northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama through the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation’s 2026 Community Impact Grant program.
The grants will support projects focused on improving health, expanding access to care and addressing social determinants of health, including food insecurity, mental health, housing and transportation. The funding is part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to invest in long-term solutions that improve the well-being of residents throughout the region.
According to Northwest Georgia News, the Foundation awarded grants to dozens of nonprofit organizations serving Floyd, Polk, Bartow, Gordon and Chattooga counties in Georgia, along with Cherokee County, Alabama. The Community Resource Center of Chattooga County was among the organizations receiving funding to support services provided to local residents.
Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation President Dan Bevels said the goal is to support organizations that address the root causes of community challenges while strengthening partnerships throughout the region. Foundation leaders say they are focused on investing in projects that create lasting improvements in health and quality of life.
The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation was established in 2021 following the strategic combination of Floyd Health System and Atrium Health. Since its creation, the Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants, donations and sponsorships to improve health care access and community wellness across northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.