Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 31, 2026:
After a welcome break from the heat and humidity, Northwest Georgia will see one more day of pleasant weather before an active weekend weather pattern moves into the area.
A community fundraising effort is underway to help the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band replace its equipment trailer after the current trailer was deemed unsafe for travel.
The fundraiser, organized by band supporter and alumna Celia Greene Holt, aims to raise money to purchase a new trailer that will safely transport the band’s instruments and equipment to football games, competitions and other events.
In a social media post, Holt said the Chattooga High School band has been a source of pride for generations of students, families, alumni and the community. Now, as the grandmother of a current band member, she said helping preserve that tradition has become deeply personal.
Holt encouraged anyone who has enjoyed the band’s performances or cherishes memories of Friday night football games to consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser with others.
As of this week, the online fundraiser had raised a portion of its $2,800 goal.
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Chattooga Band Rolling with a New Trailer.”
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has approved a 180-day moratorium on certain non-traditional residential developments while the county reviews and updates its land-use regulations.
The resolution places a temporary halt on accepting permit applications for cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, mixed-use developments, and other non-traditional residential projects not specifically addressed in the county’s current ordinances.
According to the resolution, the county believes the pause is necessary to study the health and safety implications of these types of developments, including structural standards, impacts on existing neighborhoods, property values, public health, and community welfare. The document also states the county has recently become aware of multiple non-traditional building styles and development projects that are not adequately covered under current regulations.
The moratorium will remain in effect for 180 days, although the resolution allows it to be renewed or extended if county officials determine additional time is needed to complete the review process.
The resolution became effective immediately upon approval by Sole Commissioner Andy Allen.
Commissioner Allen has emphasized throughout the process that the moratorium is intended to provide time to develop appropriate regulations and is not a permanent ban on these types of developments.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has appointed Kirk Smith as the new Deputy Director of its Homeland Security Division.
Smith most recently served as GEMA/HS Homeland Security Operations Manager. In his new role, he will oversee Homeland Security Operations, Intelligence, and Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, helping coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen preparedness, security and resilience.
Before joining GEMA/HS, Smith spent nearly 18 years as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where he served in several roles, including field agent, child abuse specialist, crime scene specialist and field training agent. He also served as a civilian law enforcement advisor with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.
GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb praised Smith’s leadership and experience, saying his commitment to preparedness and coordination will help strengthen the agency’s mission of protecting Georgia communities from natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies.
As part of the Governor’s Office, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal partners to coordinate disaster response, emergency preparedness and homeland security efforts throughout Georgia.
When families face financial hardship or unexpected challenges, knowing where to turn for help can be one of the biggest obstacles. United Way of Floyd, Polk & Chattooga Counties is working to remove that barrier by connecting residents with assistance through the 211 helpline.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is continuing to recruit new employees across the state, including at Hays State Prison in Trion, where several positions are currently available.
Chattooga Curtain Call will bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage today and tomorrow, continuing its tradition of giving local students 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 join together to demand fair treatment while learning lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.
Chattooga Curtain Call is a local nonprofit organization that has provided theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities for more than a decade. The organization helps young performers build skills in acting, singing and stage performance while supporting the performing arts locally.
Performances are scheduled for today at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Connect City Church.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through Venmo at @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. Buyers will receive confirmation and their tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check.