Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 12, 2026:
Rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through at least Tuesday as a slow-moving weather system lingers over the region. While not everyone will see rain all day, numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop each afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday, July 16, to review the county’s 2024 Audit Report and consider amendments to the 2025 county budget.
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville.
According to the public meeting notice, the two matters listed for discussion are a review of the completed 2024 audit and consideration of changes to the county’s 2025 budget.
The meeting is open to the public, and residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
Meeting Details
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Commissioner’s Conference Room, Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville
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.
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.