Arrest Report - Tuesday - January 26, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 20, 2026:
Fire Danger Today for Chattooga County, Weekend Winter Weather Risk Growing
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are under elevated fire danger today due to very low humidity and dry air combining with northwest winds this afternoon and evening, while a separate storm system later this week may bring rain and an increasing risk of impactful wintry weather over the weekend.
Forecasters expect relative humidity to fall to 25 percent or less for four or more hours today, with northwest winds around 8 to 12 miles per hour. With dry fuels in place, those conditions can allow fires to start more easily and spread faster in fields, brush, and wooded areas. A Fire Danger Statement remains in effect through 7 PM Tuesday, and residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and be cautious with anything that can create sparks.
Fire concerns may ease some on Wednesday as winds shift and moisture gradually returns, making conditions more borderline than today. Temperatures will also rebound closer to normal, but officials stress that fire safety remains important until humidity and fuel moisture improve more significantly.
Rain chances return Wednesday night into Thursday as a front moves into North Georgia, with only a small chance of a brief mix in the highest elevations near daybreak Thursday. Attention then turns to the weekend, when a stronger storm system could bring widespread precipitation and the potential for significant winter weather, including ice in parts of North Georgia; where the cold air sets up will determine who sees rain versus freezing rain or other wintry precipitation, so the forecast should be monitored closely through the week.
Chattooga Schools Launch New “Zonar MyView” App to Track Your Child’s Bus in Real Time
Chattooga County families will have a new tool to make bus rides easier to follow this school year. The Chattooga Transportation Department is launching Zonar MyView, a mobile app that allows parents and guardians to see exactly where their child’s bus is in real time, helping cut down on waiting and bringing extra peace of mind to afternoons and mornings on the route.
Getting started begins today at home: students who ride the bus are bringing a flyer in their backpacks with the information families need to activate the app. The flyer includes a Unique ID number that helps secure each account. Families can follow the directions on the flyer to download and set up Zonar MyView, then turn on alerts to get notifications when the bus is approaching their stop or home area.
The app is designed to reduce uncertainty for parents and students alike by showing bus location updates as they happen, helping families better plan pickup times and avoid standing outside longer than necessary. For anyone who has questions, needs help getting set up, or didn’t receive a flyer, the district is asking families to contact Mr. James Baird at jbaird@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
Summerville Man Arrested in Floyd County After Meth Found at Rehabilitation Home, Reports Say
A Chattooga County man was arrested late last week in Floyd County on drug charges after reports indicated he was found in possession of methamphetamine while at a rehabilitation home.
Floyd County authorities arrested Isaac Eric DeWayne Hines, 22, of Summerville, in Rome. Reports said the arrest followed an incident at the rehabilitation home where the suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Formal case details and court proceedings will determine how the charges move forward.
Chattooga County Board of Elections Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, January 22
The next meeting of the Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is set for Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2 PM in the lobby of the Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. The meeting is open to the public.
The Board of Elections and Registration plays a major role in local voting, helping oversee voter registration and ensuring elections are conducted fairly and accurately. The board’s work includes maintaining voter rolls, preparing polling locations, training poll workers, and handling key steps in the election process, including the reporting and certification of results.
This meeting comes as attention turns to upcoming special elections for Congress, when deadlines and voting information can change quickly. Election officials encourage residents to stay informed, verify their voter registration, and be aware of important dates as the special election season approaches.
GBI Makes Arrest in Menlo Internet Project Case, Questions Still Remain
A long-running investigation into a failed internet project in Menlo resulted in an arrest earlier this month, but many questions are still unanswered about how the project was handled and how taxpayer dollars were spent.
More than $333,000 in public funds was paid out for a high-speed internet system intended to expand connectivity for Menlo residents and businesses. However, no service was ever delivered, and county records indicate the payments were authorized through multiple transactions connected to the project.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Jonathan Allen of Chattanooga, charging him with theft by taking for what court records describe as unlawfully and intentionally using Chattooga County funds for his own benefit. Sheriff Mark Schrader indicated authorities do not expect additional arrests connected to the case.
Even with the arrest, lingering concerns over project oversight, including questions about contracting, documentation, and how the county’s financial records were maintained at the time.
Kemp Proposes $1.8 Billion Expansion of I-75 Toll Lanes to Ease Metro Atlanta Gridlock
Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia should invest $1.8 billion to relieve one of metro Atlanta’s most notorious traffic choke points by expanding toll express lanes on Interstate 75 in the southern suburbs. The proposal would add a lane in each direction along a heavily congested stretch in Henry and Clayton counties, where 12 miles of reversible express lanes already operate, and Kemp argues the change could boost traffic throughput on I-75 by as much as 70% as congestion surges back after the pandemic-era lull.
Kemp pitched the plan during the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part of a broader request for $2.4 billion in additional infrastructure spending, funded through an amendment to the current year’s budget using Georgia’s surplus cash. The package also includes $200 million to continue upgrades along Georgia 316, $250 million for local road improvements, $100 million aimed at bridges and rural communities, and $35 million to extend natural gas lines in rural areas.
Georgia Power CEO Says Rate Cuts Could Start June 2026
Georgia Power customers may see some relief on their monthly electric bills later this year. The company’s president and CEO, Kim Greene, said this week that Georgia Power plans to file upcoming changes that would lower rates starting in June 2026.
Greene made the announcement during the Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs and Issues breakfast, where she noted the company will make two filings next month that would “collectively” reduce rates. Georgia Power did not provide details yet, saying more information will be released when the filings are officially submitted to regulators.
The news comes as many customers have complained about repeated bill increases in recent years. Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission have faced criticism after customer bills rose multiple times since 2022, driven by costs such as fuel, construction at Plant Vogtle, and other expenses.
Georgia Power last year requested — and received approval for — a three-year rate freeze, but the company still has to address separate costs tied to fuel used for power generation and storm recovery, including cleanup from Hurricane Helene, with storm-related costs estimated at more than one billion dollars. Some analysts warned those proceedings could still push bills higher even with the rate freeze in place, similar to a fuel cost process in 2023 that increased typical residential bills by nearly sixteen dollars a month.
Greene has said low natural gas prices could help keep bills down, and the company’s upcoming filings are expected to show how that could translate into lower rates for customers.
Georgia Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Personal Devices in High Schools
Georgia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would expand the state’s restrictions on student cell phone use, potentially banning personal devices in high schools statewide.
The proposal, House Bill 1009, was introduced Friday by Republican State Representative Scott Hilton of Peachtree Corners. Hilton also sponsored last year’s law that bans personal device use in elementary and middle schools, and he says strong feedback from teachers, administrators, and parents is why he wants to take the policy into high schools.
If approved, the high school ban would be bell-to-bell, meaning students would not be allowed to use personal devices during the school day. That includes cell phones, along with items like tablets, smartwatches, e-readers, and headphones.
The bill includes exceptions for students who need devices under an Individualized Education Program, a Section 504 plan, or another medical plan. Under the proposal, local school systems would have flexibility in how they enforce the ban and how it applies to things like off-campus activities, extracurricular events, and career-related programs. Hilton says schools could also use available school safety funding to purchase phone pouches or other storage options.
If House Bill 1009 passes and is signed into law, it would take effect for the 2027–2028 school year.
Gov. Kemp Budget Plan Highlights Pay Supplement, DREAMS Scholarships, and Major Investments for UGA
Governor Brian Kemp used his final State of the State address last week to roll out his recommendations for Georgia’s amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, calling for major investments aimed at affordability, student opportunity, workforce development, and public higher education.
One of the biggest statewide items in the proposal is $104.9 million to fund a one-time two-thousand-dollar salary supplement for all full-time, regular state employees.
For students, the governor is recommending $325 million for the University System of Georgia to provide matching endowment funds for the DREAMS Scholarship Program. The DREAMS Scholarship is designed to complement the HOPE Scholarship. While HOPE is merit-based and tuition-focused, DREAMS funds could help cover other essential college costs for undergraduate students who show financial need after other aid is applied.
At the University of Georgia, the proposal includes $9.5 million in new formula funding to provide startup support for the planned UGA School of Medicine, along with another $11.43 million for equipment and other one-time needs. The budget plan also calls for $5.6 million to design a UGA School of Nursing facility.
The governor’s recommendations also include $34.5 million for the next phase of UGA’s Science and Ag Hill modernization project, which focuses on renovating, upgrading, and expanding lab and learning spaces to support continued growth in STEM education and research. Additional funding would help with equipment in the former poultry building and renovations to the former Environmental Health Sciences building.
The plan also includes $40 million for major repair and rehabilitation funds on top of what’s already in the base budget, helping address critical maintenance needs across the university system.
UGA leaders thanked Governor Kemp for his support and said they plan to work with lawmakers during the legislative session as the Georgia General Assembly considers the final state budget.
Chattooga Amateur Radio ClubWinter Field Day 2026 January 24-25
Discover the magic of Ham radio and join the Chattooga Amateur Radio Club for their Winter Field Day 2026 at the Summerville Senior Center on Saturday January 24th and Sunday January 25th. The event will begin at 2 pm on Saturday and end at 2pm on Sunday. Guest are welcomed to get on the air for free and no license is required to try their guest station. All ages are welcomed!
There's Hope For The Hungry Distributing Food Wednesday January 21st
There’s Hope For The Hungry will be distributing food at the South Summerville Baptist Church on Wednesday January 21st from 10am until 1 pm. No ID is required but food must be picked up in person.
Summerville Water Customers May See Low Pressure During Treatment Plant Maintenance Tuesday
City of Summerville water customers may experience low water pressure due to scheduled maintenance work at the city’s water treatment plant. The work is set to take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and is expected to be completed the same day.
City officials say they appreciate customers’ patience while crews complete the maintenance.
CRC Chattooga Announces Warming Shelter Plan for Extreme Cold, Seeks Volunteers and Meal Support
CRC Chattooga says it will once again operate a Warming Shelter at the CERT building when dangerously cold weather hits, thanking County Commissioner Andy Allen and Chattooga County for allowing the site to be used for a second year.
Organizers say the shelter is intended to meet a critical need for unhoused neighbors, but it is also available for anyone in the community who may be at risk during extreme temperatures, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure no one is left outside in life-threatening cold.
CRC Chattooga noted the shelter will open only when the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Cold Warning for at least two consecutive nights and enough volunteers are secured to safely staff operations. The group is currently seeking volunteers to help run the shelter, as well as individuals willing to provide warm, cooked meals for guests at breakfast and dinner. Organizers said meals like chili, pizza, and biscuits helped make last year’s shelter experience especially welcoming, and they are hoping to offer that same comfort again this season.
Beyond overnight support, CRC Chattooga is also looking for mentors willing to walk alongside guests toward stability by offering encouragement, consistency, and a supportive presence beyond a single warm night indoors. Those interested in volunteering, providing a meal, or mentoring are encouraged to help spread the word and get involved.
Arrest Report - Monday - July 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 19, 2026:
Freeze, Sunshine, and a Midweek Weather Turn for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Sunshine rules the day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, as temperatures stay below freezing through the early morning with lows in the low 20s and even upper teens in the higher elevations. While the biggest black ice concern is tied to places that still have leftover moisture from yesterday’s precipitation, drivers around northwest Georgia should still be cautious on bridges, shaded roads, and spots that don’t see early sunlight. The good news is that ample sunshine will help temperatures rebound quickly, pushing readings above freezing by mid-morning and fading any lingering slick-spot risk before late morning.
As the day goes on, dry high pressure builds toward the Southeast, keeping skies clear and weather quiet. Afternoon highs will be chilly but manageable, topping out around the low to mid 40s in much of north Georgia, with higher elevations of far north Georgia struggling to break out of the 30s. A dry cold front will slide into north Georgia this afternoon and move southward with no precipitation expected, but breezy northwesterly winds behind it will bring a reinforcing shot of cold, dry air.
Tuesday morning turns colder again, with lows dropping into the teens across the far northern tier and into the low to mid 20s elsewhere, and wind chills running 10 to 20 degrees for much of the area with single digits possible in the mountains. Tuesday afternoon looks similar temperature-wise, but the bigger change will be the very dry air, with dewpoints expected to fall into the single digits in north Georgia and teens farther south, driving relative humidity down enough to raise fire danger concerns for several hours even with recent rainfall still helping fuel conditions.
Looking farther out, dry conditions dominate much of the extended forecast, but a late-week system could begin spreading precipitation toward northwest Georgia, and while most places should remain above freezing initially, a brief rain-snow mix or a changeover near daybreak could be possible in the north Georgia mountains if colder air lines up with the moisture, with details still uncertain this far out.
Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About “Jury Duty” and “Ankle Monitor” Phone Scams
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents about a phone scam making the rounds in the area that involves callers impersonating law enforcement or court officials and using intimidation to demand immediate payment.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers may claim you missed jury duty, have an active arrest warrant, or owe money tied to probation or ankle monitor/monitoring fees—then threaten arrest if you don’t pay right away. Victims are often pressured to send money through gift cards, payment apps, wire transfers, or even cryptocurrency.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that real deputies will never call demanding money over the phone for warrants, missed jury duty, or ankle monitoring. In some cases, scammers may spoof phone numbers to look official, use real names, or direct people to fake government-style websites to steal personal information.
Common Tactics Being Reported
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Impersonation: Pretending to be deputies, police, or court officials (sometimes spoofing caller ID).
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Threats: Claims of warrants, missed jury duty, probation violations, or ankle monitor issues.
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Urgent payment demands: Gift cards (Green Dot, etc.), Zelle, Cash App, wire transfers, crypto.
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Fake websites: Links that look “official” to capture personal or payment details.
How the Sheriff’s Office Says to Protect Yourself
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Hang up immediately if the caller demands money or personal/financial information.
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Do not pay by phone—courts and law enforcement do not handle fines or fees this way.
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Verify independently: Look up the official number for the agency yourself and call directly.
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Never share personal info like your Social Security number or banking details with unsolicited callers.
If You’ve Been Targeted
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Do not pay or provide information.
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Report the attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at IC3.gov.
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Notify local authorities so others can be warned.
Chattooga Library Hosting Crochet Club Tuesday Afternoon
The Chattooga Library is inviting local crafters to grab their yarn and join the Crochet Club on Tuesday, January 20, from 2 PM until 3 PM at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The event, hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System, is open to anyone who enjoys crochet, knitting, cross stitch, or sewing. Participants are encouraged to bring their current project, share ideas, and enjoy conversation with other crafters. Organizers ask everyone to bring their own supplies.
The program is designed for adults ages 18 and up, and the event is open to the public.
Trion Wrestling Battles at GHSA 1A State Duals, Finishes Tied for 7th
Trion Wrestling left it all on the mat at the GHSA 1A State Duals, grinding through a tough weekend and proving what it means to compete as a team. The Bulldogs competed hard all weekend and kept showing up—no matter the matchup, closing the dual season tied for 7th overall.
With the dual season now in the books, the focus shifts to the next challenge: traditional season. Momentum is building, confidence is high, and this group is ready to keep pushing.
Weekend Individual Records
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Sammy Edgeworth — 4-0
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Brandon Chandler — 4-0
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Curt Hambright — 3-1
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Coleman Lee — 3-1
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Silas Mills — 3-1
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Wylan Ledford — 3-1
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Jonathan Linam — 2-2
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Josh Chandler — 2-2
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Edwin Fransisco — 2-2
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Lane Broome — 2-2
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Owen Martz — 2-2
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Frank Carillo — 2-2
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Clayton Loughridge — 1-1
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Christopher Sanders — 1-1
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Kam Hanes — 1-0
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Grayson Carpenter — 0-3
Bulldog Family Support Showed Up BIG
Trion’s coaches and staff couldn’t be more proud—not only of the wrestlers and managers, but also of the Bulldog fans that brought the energy all weekend. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, alumni, along with the AD and Superintendent, showed up in a huge way—supporting the team from the send-off to the final cleanup at the tournament.
Dual season may be complete, but this team is just getting started.
GNTC Hiring for Multiple Positions Across Northwest Georgia Campuses
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently accepting applications for several open jobs across its campuses, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.
Openings include two full-time positions at the Floyd County Campus: Accounting Technician/Cashier and Assistant Director of High School Initiatives. GNTC is also hiring a part-time Communication Officer serving the Floyd County and Walker County campuses, along with a part-time Enrollment Specialist at the Whitfield Murray Campus.
College officials say the positions support GNTC’s continued focus on student success, day-to-day operations, and expanding outreach and enrollment efforts across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. Anyone interested in applying or learning more is encouraged to visit the Technical College System of Georgia’s employment website or contact GNTC Human Resources for details. Applicants may also reach out to Linda McEntire with the Technical College System of Georgia for more information.