A Crawford County man is facing state and federal charges after a multi-agency investigation into alleged illegal dog fighting led to the rescue of 23 dogs and the seizure of firearms and suspected illegal drugs.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a temporary moratorium on new data center development, giving county officials time to study the issue and determine whether additional local regulations are needed before such facilities are considered.
The Georgia Department of Corrections and communities across Northwest Georgia are mourning the unexpected death of Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 39.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper has officially proclaimed July 2026 as Georgia Grown Watermelon Month, recognizing one of the state’s most recognizable crops and the farmers who produce it.
The announcement highlights Georgia’s position as the nation’s leading watermelon-producing state, with growers harvesting more than 200 million pounds of watermelons each year. The crop is a key part of Georgia’s agriculture industry, which contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy.
“Georgia’s watermelon growers are among the hardest-working farmers in the nation,” Harper said in announcing the proclamation. He encouraged consumers to support local agriculture by purchasing Georgia Grown watermelons throughout the summer season.
Watermelons are typically harvested across Georgia from June through August, making July one of the peak months for fresh, locally grown fruit. Georgia’s warm climate and fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions, helping the state consistently rank first in national watermelon production.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says buying Georgia Grown products supports farm families, strengthens local communities, and helps sustain one of the state’s largest industries. Consumers can identify locally grown produce by looking for the Georgia Grown logo at grocery stores, farmers markets, and roadside stands.
Commissioner Harper said the month-long recognition celebrates both the quality of Georgia-grown watermelons and the important role agriculture continues to play in the state’s economy.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has voted to move forward with an investigation into whether Georgia Power’s largest electricity customers—including data centers—are paying their fair share of fuel costs or shifting those expenses onto residential and small business customers.
The Summerville City Council will meet Monday evening with several items on the agenda, including a proposal to reinstate portions of the city’s building regulations and a request to support the Chattooga County Fair.
The council’s regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Summerville City Hall.
Among the new business items, council members will discuss and consider reinstating the city’s Code of Ordinances related to buildings and building regulations. The agenda does not specify what changes would accompany the reinstatement.
Council members will also consider approving a $5,000 donation to the Chattooga County Fair, which is scheduled for August 27-30, 2026.
The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from three previous meetings, change orders for sanitary sewer improvements serving the Industrial Park and the 2024 Community Development Block Grant project, an update to the city’s holiday policy, and authorization for Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a letter of support for the Propel Program.
The meeting will also feature the recognition of Firefighter Britt Evans on his retirement, followed by financial updates from City Manager Jason Winters. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for public comments before adjournment.
Janet Lee Elrod Wills, born February 9, 1965, entered her heavenly home, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others.
For 40 years, Janet served as a nurse, dedicating most of her career to hospice care. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was her calling. She had a compassionate heart, a gentle spirit, and a remarkable ability to comfort patients and families during life’s most difficult moments. Her kindness, empathy, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives.
Janet also had a love for travel and enjoyed exploring new places, creating memories that reflected her adventurous spirit and appreciation for life’s experiences.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stewart Wills; her father, Milton Elrod; and her mother, Amalene Elrod.
She leaves behind her loving sister, Renae Elrod (David) Franklin; her brother, Michael (Jolynn) Elrod; and a family who cherished her deeply. Although Janet never had children of her own, she was a devoted and loving presence in the lives of her nephews, Bryan Gilmore, William Elrod, Jackie Carter III, and Scott Seaman. She also treasured her great-nephews and great-niece, Connor Hardegree, Aria Hardegree, Ezra Gilmore, and the joy they brought to her life.
Janet will be remembered for her generous heart, her quiet strength, her dedication to serving others, and the love she freely shared with family, friends, patients, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of compassion will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
The family finds comfort in the countless lives Janet impacted and the love she shared so freely. Though her passing was sudden, her memory will remain a source of strength and inspiration. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with so much love.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Ms. Willis will take place at 2:00 PM at the Chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Joel Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery with William Elrod, Ethan Ray, Darrell McComas, Michael Elrod, Jerry cook, Scott Seamen, and Dirk McComas serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 12:00 until the service hour at the funeral home.
Two of the three suspects accused of stealing several iPads from the Walmart in Trion are now in custody, while law enforcement continues searching for a third suspect.
According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, store employees attempted to stop the three men as they left the store Friday after they were suspected of shoplifting multiple iPads. The suspects fled before deputies arrived.
One suspect was initially apprehended Friday. Sheriff Schrader later announced that a second suspect has now been taken into custody, leaving one suspect still at large.
Authorities said the remaining suspect was last seen wearing green and black shorts with a black shirt. Sheriff Schrader has released a surveillance image of the suspect and is asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe the suspects may also be connected to other shoplifting incidents in Michigan and Dalton, Georgia.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.
Anyone with information on the remaining suspect is encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 11, 2026:
Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia this weekend, but increasing thunderstorm activity is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and some relief from the heat.