Arrest Report - Monday - July 27, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 27, 2026:
Storms Possible This Morning Before Dangerous Heat Builds Across Northwest Georgia This Week
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should be prepared for a mix of thunderstorms and dangerous heat over the coming week, according to the National Weather Service.
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected Monday morning, mainly before noon. Some storms could produce heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and gusty winds, especially if a line of storms moving out of Alabama remains organized. High temperatures will reach around 92 degrees, with heat index values climbing to near 101.
The biggest weather concern shifts to the heat on Tuesday. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 95 degrees, but the combination of heat and humidity could push heat index values as high as 106. Forecasters say a Heat Advisory may be needed if cloud cover and thunderstorms do not keep temperatures in check.
Another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms is possible Tuesday evening before drier weather returns Wednesday through Friday. High temperatures will remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s through the end of the workweek.
Rain chances increase again next weekend, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and a 60 percent chance on Sunday.
The National Weather Service advises residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and remain alert for changing weather conditions, especially if thunderstorms develop.
Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Rises To 3.8 Percent
Chattooga County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in the latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor, the highest rate among the nine Northwest Georgia counties included in the regional report.
The county’s rate was above Northwest Georgia’s overall unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, which increased four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The regional rate was unchanged from the same period one year ago.
Nearby Floyd and Walker counties each reported unemployment rates of 3.0 percent. Gordon County had one of the region’s lowest rates at 2.8 percent, while Whitfield County reported 3.3 percent.
Despite the monthly increase in unemployment, Northwest Georgia’s labor force reached an all-time high of 460,744 workers. That was an increase of 882 workers from the previous month and 7,391 from one year earlier.
The number of employed residents across the region totaled 445,054. While that figure declined by 994 over the month, it remained 7,254 higher than a year ago.
Initial unemployment claims also increased during the month, rising by 619 to 1,808. However, claims remained slightly below the number filed during the same period last year.
The latest figures indicate that while Chattooga County’s unemployment rate remains higher than surrounding counties, Northwest Georgia continues to experience long-term workforce and employment growth.
Lyerly Woman Indicted On Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
A Lyerly woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges related to child sexual abuse material and bestiality following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the GBI, Lillian Angelique Hughes, 33, of 6932 Highway 114 in Lyerly, was indicted on one count of bestiality and three counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Investigators said the case began last year after the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office referred information to the GBI regarding Hughes’ alleged online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Sheriff Mark Schrader said the investigation originated from an online cyber tip.
Authorities executed search warrants on Hughes’ online accounts and allege they found child sexual abuse material that had been possessed and shared through internet and social media platforms. Investigators also reported discovering videos that allegedly showed Hughes engaging in acts of bestiality with her own dog.
The GBI said the investigation was conducted as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a nationwide initiative focused on investigating online child exploitation. The case remains active, and investigators are asking anyone with information about other potential child exploitation cases to contact the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870 or submit an anonymous tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline at CyberTipline.org or by calling 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).
As with all criminal cases, an indictment is a formal accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
CHS Class Of 1996 Plans 30th Class Reunion
The Chattooga High School Class of 1996 is making plans for its 30-year class reunion, which is currently scheduled for Saturday, October 3.
Classmates are encouraged to join the Facebook group “CHS Class of 1996 – 30-Year Reunion” to stay informed about plans and additional details.
Those who are not on Facebook may contact Ben Sellers by email at nauticalarch@yahoo.com for more information.
Organizers are asking classmates to help spread the word so as many members of the Class of 1996 as possible can be included.
Finster Fest Returns To Summerville September 19-20
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will once again host Finster Fest 2026 on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, bringing artists, music, food and family activities to Summerville.
The annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Paradise Garden, 200 North Lewis Street.
Festival organizers say this year’s event will feature more than 60 folk artists and craftsmen from across Georgia and around the country, showcasing paintings, pottery, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork and other handmade creations. Several artists will be exhibiting at Finster Fest for the first time, while others are returning after previous appearances.
In addition to the artist market, Finster Fest will include live music, Southern food, children’s art activities, guest speakers and special exhibits throughout the weekend. A list of performing musicians will be announced closer to the festival.
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, one of Northwest Georgia’s best-known folk art attractions, draws visitors from across the nation each year to celebrate the legacy of the internationally recognized artist and minister.
Additional information and updates are available through the Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden Facebook page.
Georgia Ranks Among States With The Most $1,000-A-Month Car Payments
A growing number of Georgia drivers are making car payments of $1,000 or more each month, according to a new LendingTree analysis, placing Georgia fourth in the nation for borrowers carrying four-figure auto loan payments.
The study found that 12% of Georgians with active auto loans have at least one monthly payment of $1,000 or more. Only Texas, Alaska and Wyoming ranked higher. Nationwide, the figure is 9.6%. The analysis was based on approximately 180,000 anonymized credit reports from the fourth quarter of 2025.
Consumer finance experts say several factors are driving the trend in Georgia, including higher vehicle prices, elevated interest rates, the popularity of larger trucks and SUVs, long commuting distances and lower average credit scores, which can result in higher borrowing costs.
LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz cautioned that qualifying for a large auto loan does not necessarily mean it’s affordable. He recommends buyers focus on the total cost of the vehicle rather than just the monthly payment, avoid unnecessarily long loan terms and purchase less vehicle than they think they can afford whenever possible.
Trion Elementary School Reminds Families Of Orientation And Meet The Teacher Events
Trion Elementary School is reminding families that orientation and Meet the Teacher events will take place this week as students prepare to return to the classroom.
On Tuesday, July 28, a Parent Orientation for all Pre-K students and newly accepted Trion Elementary students will begin at 5 p.m. in the Trion Middle School Gym. School officials say this is an information session for parents only.
On Wednesday, July 29, families are invited to Meet the Teacher, a drop-in event where students can visit their classrooms, meet their teachers and bring school supplies. Meet the Teacher hours are 3 to 5 p.m. for Pre-K through first grade and 4 to 6 p.m. for second through fifth grades.
The Kona Ice truck will also be on site. Families are encouraged to visit classrooms before purchasing a frozen treat.
The first day of classes for Trion City Schools is Thursday, July 30.
Chattooga High School Releases Athletic Schedule For Upcoming Week
Chattooga High School Athletic Director Mark Turner has released the schedule for the first week of athletic competition as the 2026-27 school year gets underway.
The schedule begins Tuesday, July 28, when the Lady Indians softball team hosts Northwest Whitfield in a scrimmage at 6 p.m. at the CHS softball field.
On Saturday, August 1, Chattooga travels to Model for an 11 a.m. softball game.
The Lady Indians return home on Wednesday, August 5, to face Model at 5:30 p.m.
On Thursday, August 6, Chattooga softball travels to Armuchee for a 5 p.m. game, while the Lady Indians volleyball team will compete at Woodland against Woodland and Pepperell, with matches scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to come out and support Chattooga High School student-athletes as they begin the new athletic season.
City Of Summerville Hiring Cathodic Protection Technician
The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Cathodic Protection Technician to help protect and maintain the city’s utility infrastructure.
Cathodic protection is a method used to prevent corrosion on underground or submerged metal systems, including natural gas pipelines, water lines, storage tanks and other utility equipment. The system uses a controlled electrical current or specially designed metal components to slow the chemical reaction that causes metal to rust and deteriorate.
The technician will perform routine monitoring, testing and troubleshooting on the city’s cathodic protection systems. Duties include conducting field surveys, taking readings at test stations, recording system data and identifying areas where corrosion may threaten utility lines or equipment.
The employee may also recommend or perform corrective maintenance when problems are discovered. This could include repairing electrical connections, replacing damaged components or adjusting protection systems to ensure underground metal infrastructure remains properly protected.
The position also requires the technician to help ensure the city remains in compliance with state and federal utility safety regulations.
A cathodic protection technician plays an important role in preventing leaks, service interruptions and costly infrastructure failures. By detecting corrosion problems early, the technician helps extend the life of city utility systems while protecting public safety.
Qualified applicants interested in the position should contact the City of Summerville or review the city’s official job posting for application requirements and additional details.
New Georgia Law Changes Rules For School-Zone Speed Cameras
New restrictions are changing how automated school-zone speed cameras may be used across Georgia as students return to class.
Under House Bill 651, responsibility for establishing and operating a camera enforcement program rests with the county or municipality and its law enforcement agency rather than the local school district. Local governments must also hold the required state permits for the cameras.
The law limits automated citations to school days during instructional hours, including up to one hour before classes begin and one hour after classes end. Drivers may be cited only when traveling more than 10 miles per hour above the applicable speed limit. Local governments may adopt even shorter enforcement periods.
Updated warning signs must be clearly visible from every traffic lane and include flashing yellow lights while cameras are authorized to issue citations. The law also restricts camera enforcement on certain four-lane highways unless a crosswalk or crossing officer is present.
Beginning in 2027, counties and municipalities generally will not be allowed to enter into or renew school-zone camera contracts unless local voters approve the program through a referendum.
Supporters say the cameras reduce speeding near schools, while critics have argued the systems are used primarily to generate revenue. Regardless of how speed limits are enforced, drivers are reminded to slow down and remain alert whenever entering a school zone.
Arrest Report - Sunday - July 26, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 26, 2026:
Heat And Sunshine Return To Northwest Georgia This Week
After a few lingering morning showers, Northwest Georgia is in for a stretch of hotter and drier weather as temperatures climb back into the 90s through much of the coming week.
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms remains early this morning, mainly before 8 a.m., but skies will gradually become mostly sunny as a cold front pushes east. Afternoon highs will reach around 91 degrees, with heat index values approaching 99 degrees. Winds will remain light, becoming northwest around 5 mph during the afternoon.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low near 72 degrees.
Monday brings mostly sunny skies and another hot afternoon, with highs around 93 degrees and heat index values reaching 101 degrees. Only a 20 percent chance of a late-day shower or thunderstorm is expected after 3 p.m., although forecasters are watching for the possibility of a weakening line of storms approaching from Tennessee. If those storms hold together, they could produce damaging wind gusts.
Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with sunny skies and highs near 95 degrees. Heat index values across portions of Georgia could climb between 100 and 108 degrees, making heat safety especially important for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
A weak cold front is expected to move through Wednesday, bringing slightly cooler and less humid air for the second half of the week. High temperatures will still reach the upper 80s to lower 90s through Friday, but lower humidity will make conditions more comfortable. Rain chances remain low until another slight chance of showers returns next weekend.
Highland Avenue Paving To Continue This Week In Summerville
Motorists traveling through Summerville should expect delays this week as paving work continues on Highland Avenue.
The City of Summerville announced that road paving and infrastructure improvements will take place Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31, along Highland Avenue between Third Street and Sixth Avenue.
Construction crews will be working each day from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. During those hours, drivers should expect temporary traffic delays in and around the work zone.
City officials encourage motorists to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes when possible and exercise caution while traveling through the area to help keep both workers and drivers safe.
The paving project is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve local streets and infrastructure
Oak Hill And The Martha Berry Museum To Host Free Family Morning
Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum will close out the summer break with another free Family Morning program on Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The family-friendly event is open to all ages and is designed to engage young learners and their families through interactive and educational activities. Family Morning programs are offered several times throughout the year during school breaks, giving families an opportunity to explore the museum together.
The theme for July’s program is “Colors at Berry.” Participants will be encouraged to discover the colors, patterns and artistic inspiration found inside The Martha Berry Museum and throughout Berry College’s historic campus.
Activities will include a color scavenger hunt inside the museum, creating a garden design inspired by the gardens at Oak Hill and exploring the patterns and science behind stained glass, using the windows of Frost Chapel as inspiration.
Local artist Patricia Eastin will also present a live oil painting demonstration during the event.
Admission is free, and no age restrictions were announced. Organizers note that the Oak Hill home will not be open for tours during the Family Morning program.
GNTC Receives Donation Of Hygiene Products To Help Students In Need
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has received a donation of personal hygiene products from the nonprofit organization On My Mother’s Shoulders, helping ensure students facing financial hardship have access to essential everyday items.
The donation includes body wash, dental flossers, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, lotion, razors, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and washcloths. The items will be distributed to student pantries located at GNTC’s six campuses, as well as the college’s Aviation Training Center.
On My Mother’s Shoulders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing basic necessities for college students experiencing housing insecurity and financial hardship. The organization has partnered with more than 39 colleges and donated approximately 136,000 personal care products to help students stay focused on their education.
Shawn Peeks, GNTC’s Special Populations coordinator, said requests for hygiene products have increased significantly in recent months, making the donation especially meaningful.
“Donations like this help us continue to meet the needs of our students and remove barriers that may hinder their success,” Peeks said. “We are truly grateful for this generous donation.”
Peeks said she contacted the nonprofit seeking assistance and learned that founder and Chief Executive Officer Claudia Phillips had already begun discussions with the Technical College System of Georgia about supporting technical colleges across the state.
“GNTC’s goal is to support students in becoming the very best version of themselves, and we are committed to helping them along the way,” Peeks said. “Community partners such as On My Mother’s Shoulders are invaluable to our mission, and we deeply appreciate their dedication to supporting our students and strengthening our community.”
Chattooga County Schools To Provide Free Breakfast And Lunch To All Students
All students enrolled in the Chattooga County School District will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
The district will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision, commonly known as CEP. The federally supported program, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, allows eligible school districts to provide meals to every student at no cost.
School officials say access to healthy meals helps students begin the day prepared to learn and removes financial barriers that could prevent some children from receiving breakfast or lunch. Families will not be required to submit a traditional free or reduced-price meal application for their children to participate.
However, the district is asking all families to complete a short and confidential survey that will be sent home at a later date. The information gathered will help the school system determine the amount of additional funding it may receive for educational programs, student services and meal-related initiatives.
Those programs may include the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant, after-school snacks and Seamless Summer meal options. District officials say strong participation in the survey is important because incomplete information could limit the school system’s ability to secure and fully use available resources.
The district says providing free meals to every student also helps reduce the stigma sometimes associated with meal assistance programs and ensures that no child is singled out because of a family’s financial situation.
Parents or guardians who need additional information may contact the Chattooga County School Nutrition Department at 706-859-3054.
Trion Town Council To Meet July 30
The Trion Town Council will hold its regular workshop and council meeting on Thursday, July 30, at Trion Town Hall.
According to a notice issued by Mayor Mickey D. McGraw, the workshop will begin at 6 p.m., with the regular council meeting to follow in the Town Hall Conference Room.
The workshop provides council members an opportunity to discuss agenda items before the regular meeting, where official business is conducted.
Mayor McGraw said anyone with questions or comments may contact the Trion Town Hall office for additional information.
The meeting is open to the public.
City Of Summerville Hiring Gas Department Director
The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Gas Department Director to oversee the operation, maintenance and continued development of the city’s natural gas distribution system.
The position requires an experienced and motivated leader who can manage daily departmental operations while ensuring compliance with local, state and federal pipeline safety regulations.
Responsibilities include supervising and supporting Gas Department employees, directing emergency response procedures, managing the department’s budget and planning infrastructure improvement and expansion projects.
Applicants should have proven experience in natural gas utility operations and leadership, along with a thorough understanding of gas pipeline safety standards and regulations. Strong communication, problem-solving and team leadership skills are also required.
Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and any relevant state or industry certifications.
Additional information regarding the application process, salary or deadline was not included in the city’s announcement. Those interested should contact the City of Summerville for complete application details.
Georgia Faces Growing Shortage Of Doctors, Especially In Rural Communities
Georgia continues to face a growing shortage of physicians and other healthcare providers, with rural communities experiencing some of the greatest challenges in accessing medical care.
According to federal Health Resources and Services Administration data, Georgia has hundreds of designated Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care, mental health and dental services. Many rural counties struggle to recruit and retain doctors, forcing residents to travel longer distances for routine and specialized care.
A number of factors are driving the shortage, including an aging physician workforce, population growth, physician burnout and too few residency training positions to meet the state’s long-term needs. Healthcare experts also say younger physicians are increasingly choosing to practice in urban and suburban areas rather than rural communities.
A recent Georgia legislative commission studying maternal and infant health recommended expanding graduate medical education, filling more residency positions in family medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics, and increasing incentives to keep physicians in Georgia after they complete their training. The commission concluded that strengthening the healthcare workforce will be critical to improving access to care and addressing the state’s long-term healthcare needs.