Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 16, 2025:
The penalty for trafficking fentanyl has increased in Georgia after Governor Brian Kemp signed a new law aimed at reducing illegal sales of the drug. Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, is 100 times stronger than morphine and can be deadly, especially when mixed with other drugs. Even a small amount, two milligrams, can be fatal depending on individual factors. The Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act sets mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl traffickers. For amounts between four grams and 14 grams, offenders will face at least five years in prison. Senator Russ Goodman, who introduced the bill, highlighted the unique danger of fentanyl, noting personal stories of families affected by its use, particularly among teenagers. The South Georgia blueberry farmer said Tuesday that he introduced SB 79 because fentanyl is unlike any other drug experienced by older generations. If those older drugs are BB guns, then fentanyl is a nuclear bomb, he said, and teenagers are particularly at risk because they are unaware.
Cortes Warren Mayville, 43, of Armuchee, was arrested this week following allegations that he imprisoned and attacked a 42-year-old woman at a residence on Mossy Oaks Lane. According to reports, the incident occurred at the Mossy Oaks Lane home, where Mayville allegedly shoved the victim to the floor and restrained her by pinning her chest with his knee. The reports further allege that Mayville then choked the victim, restricting her breathing. As a result of the incident, Mayville is facing charges of aggravated assault, battery, and false imprisonment. As of Thursday, he remained in custody at the Floyd County Jail. Further details regarding the incident are pending investigation.
A male victim was pulled from a burning residence on Dogwood Circle in Lyerly, Georgia, Thursday afternoon. Quick action by local firefighters spared the man’s life after he became trapped inside the engulfed structure. Multiple fire departments, including Lyerly, Menlo, Summerville, Hays Correctional, and a Walker County Fire Department unit from LaFayette, responded to the blaze. The coordinated effort proved crucial in rescuing the victim. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader confirmed the successful rescue, praising the bravery and efficiency of the responding fire departments. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, fire officials report that the house is a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
Citing concerns for participant safety due to a potentially severe weather forecast, the Summerville Main Street program has announced the postponement of the highly anticipated Ducky Derby, originally scheduled for this Saturday. Summerville Main Street Manager Susan Locklear made the announcement Thursday afternoon, emphasizing that the decision was made with “abundant caution” after reviewing projected forecasts indicating a risk of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. As the Ducky Derby is a water-based event held in the local creek, organizers prioritized the safety of participants. “We want to keep our participants’ safety a first priority,” Locklear stated. The Ducky Derby has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 7th, and will now be incorporated into the already planned Double Steam Engine Train arrival and Cowboy Western Heritage Festival. Organizers anticipate a lively and well-attended event on the new date. “We look forward to a great event on June 7th,” Locklear added. The Summerville Main Street program thanks the community for their understanding and looks forward to seeing everyone on June 7th.
Talented young musicians from across Chattooga County are joining forces to host a benefit concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this Sunday, May 18th, at the Trion First Baptist Church. The event, the first of its kind, kicks off at 6:00 PM. All proceeds from the concert will be directly donated to St. Jude, supporting their critical research and treatment efforts in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The impressive lineup features a diverse range of performers, all dedicated to making a difference. Attendees can look forward to performances from Hannah Price, Maddie Price, Brady Groce, Brianne Gill, Parker Thomas, Will Groce, and Baylee Blair. For those unable to attend in person, WZQZ will be broadcasting the event live on our Facebook page, allowing everyone to participate and support this important cause. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a night of incredible music while contributing to a worthy charity. Be sure to share this article to help spread the word and ensure a successful event for St. Jude!
Overall Winner
“Teach Them Young” by Brandon Walker
This week, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced the 2025 Ag Week Photo Contest winners, celebrating the beauty of Georgia’s #1 industry – agriculture. This year, over 200 photos were submitted, each capturing the diverse landscapes, hardworking producers, and the beauty of Georgia agriculture.
As summer nears, the American Red Cross is encouraging families to prioritize water safety by becoming “water smart. ” Many families will visit pools, lakes, and parks, so the Red Cross stresses the need for formal swim lessons and water safety education, particularly for children. Studies indicate that swim lessons can lower the drowning risk by 88% for kids aged 1 to 4.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced on Thursday that the unemployment rate for April 2025 was 3. 6%, the same as in March, and lower than the national rate. Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes noted that for 11 months, Georgia’s rate has remained at 3. 6%, showing strong collaboration between the state, businesses, and communities. Over the month, jobs increased by 3,700 to 4,983,200, with significant gains in accommodation, food services, and transportation. Job losses occurred in sectors like information and construction. Over the past year, health care and local government saw the most job growth, while declines were noted in administrative services and retail. The labor force decreased, with unemployment rising annually, and initial claims for unemployment benefits went up.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 15, 2025: