Chattooga High School Placed On Lockdown After Threat Reported

UPDATE (4:10 PM)

Update regarding the threat earlier today involving the Chattooga High School campus. Following a thorough investigation conducted in coordination with the Sheriff’s office, the FBI, and GEMA Homeland Security, the reported threat has been deemed non-credible. Authorities have also determined that it is connected to similar false threats reported at schools on a wide scale. At all times, the safety of our students and staff remained our top priority, and we appreciate the cooperation and patience shown by our school community as safety protocols were followed.
We are grateful for the swift response and continued support of our law enforcement partners. If any additional information becomes necessary to share, we will provide further updates.
Thank you,
Dr. Michelle Helie

Chattooga High School was placed on lockdown today after administrators received a threat involving the high school campus, according to Chattooga County School Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie.

School officials say the threat was taken seriously, and immediate safety protocols were put into place. Law enforcement responded to the campus and remains on site while the matter is investigated.

Dr. Helie said students and staff are safe, and there is no confirmed immediate danger on campus at this time. Instruction is continuing, and regular school operations are proceeding as scheduled.

Out of an abundance of caution, the campus will remain on lockdown for the rest of the school day. Student dismissal is expected to take place at the regular time using normal procedures unless school officials announce otherwise.

Parents and community members are being asked not to come to campus unless necessary for regular operations or unless specifically directed to do so, as extra traffic could interfere with law enforcement and school safety procedures.

Additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

Arrest Report – Thursday – April 30, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 30, 2026:

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South Commerce Street COC- Talks From The Bible – April 30, 2026

Elizabeth Montray Ragland, Obit (ER)

ELIZABETH MONTRAY RAGLAND, age 27, of Sturdivant Drive, Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 23, 2026, in an Augusta, Georgia hospital. She was born July 23, 1998 in Rome, Georgia.

Surviving are mother, Tina Beth Ragland; step father, Jay (Lola) Ledford; children, William Ragland, Jeremy Padgett, Elizabeth Ruelas, Chase Padgett, and Casey Marie Rowan; companion, Loyle Rowan; sisters, Maryssa Freeman and Kayla Day; brothers, Dakota Bain and Michael Ledford; several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11 a.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Caldwell officiating. Interment will be in Johnson Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Nathan Fincher, Teddy Freeman, Jayden Ledford, Cody Bain, Simon Ruelas and Levi Naillion. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangments.

Morning Storms Give Way to Drier Afternoon Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are waking up to rounds of showers and a few embedded thunderstorms early Thursday, but conditions are expected to steadily improve as the day goes on.

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Tick Bites Sending More Americans to the ER, CDC Warns

Health officials are raising concerns as new data shows tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms at the highest rate in nearly a decade.

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Free GED Accelerated Academy Coming to GNTC’s Floyd County Campus

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is offering a free GED Accelerated Academy this summer at the Floyd County Campus in Rome.

The three-day program is scheduled for June 4th through June 6th, 2026, and is designed to help eligible students earn their GED at no cost.

Participants will receive free GED instruction, practice tests, GED testing, meals, and snacks. Space is limited, and registration is required by May 12th.

Those who register must also attend one of two assessment dates: May 16th or May 21st.

The program is open to adults age 18 and older, and a government-issued ID is required.

Summerville Hiring Gas Regulatory Compliance Technician

The City of Summerville is looking to hire a Gas Regulatory Compliance Technician to join its infrastructure team.

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Free Pet Vaccine & Microchip Clinic Set for Friday in Summerville

Pet owners in Chattooga County will have a chance to take advantage of free services for their animals this Friday during a vaccine and microchipping clinic in Summerville.

The event will take place tomorrow, May 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tractor Supply on Highway 27. Organizers say the clinic is open to the public on a first come, first served basis, and services will be available while supplies last.

Dogs and cats can receive rabies vaccinations, along with DHPP vaccines for dogs and FVRCP vaccines for cats. Microchipping services will also be offered at no cost.

The clinic is being hosted in partnership with the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Officials say this is a great opportunity for residents to ensure their pets are protected and up to date on essential care, especially with warmer months ahead.

Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early due to expected demand.