The time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers, and AAA is warning about the higher chance of fatal crashes during this summer period. Data shows a 30% increase in deadly crashes involving teenagers in the summer compared to other times of the year, resulting in approximately eight daily fatalities among teen drivers.
A woman with ties to Cherokee County, Alabama, has been apprehended in connection with the murder of Breiana Danielle Johnson in Royston, Georgia. Greata “Nikki” Nichole Thomas, 26, also known as Greata Nichole Mobley, was arrested late Sunday night following a multi-agency manhunt that extended across state lines. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office had previously sought public assistance in locating Thomas, posting requests for information before announcing her arrest. Thomas was wanted for the murder of Johnson, 34, who was found shot at a residence on Barton Road in Royston on May 31st. Deputies responded to the scene around 4:49 PM, but Johnson was pronounced dead despite emergency medical efforts. The search for Thomas intensified after her vehicle, a 2008 grey Honda Accord with an Alabama license plate was found abandoned on Sam Turner Road near Iva, South Carolina, on June 1st. Authorities warned the public that Thomas was considered armed and dangerous and had connections to Cherokee County, Alabama. The Hart County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Thomas’s arrest in connection with the homicide. Details surrounding the circumstances of the arrest have not yet been released. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is urged to contact the Hart County Sheriff’s Office at 706-376-3114.
A Summerville boy was bitten last week while attempting to separate two stray dogs engaged in a fight. According to a Summerville Police Department report, authorities received a call from Chattooga E911 regarding a dog bite incident. The E911 dispatcher relayed information from a nurse at Atrium Hospital in Trion, who reported that a patient was being treated for a dog bite. Jamie Milam, the 17-year-old victim’s mother, told police that her son witnessed two stray dogs fighting in a vacant lot near their home. In an attempt to intervene and break up the altercation, the victim was bitten by one of the animals. Milam stated that she did not know the owners of the dogs and believed them to be strays from the neighborhood. Police informed Milam that a report would be filed and Animal Control would be contacted regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
Georgia drivers are enjoying a slight break at the pump as the state average gas price continues its downward trend. According to AAA, Georgians are now paying an average of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, a decrease of 3 cents from last week, 5 cents from last month, and a significant 49 cents from this time last year.
Blood Assurance is making an urgent appeal to Chattooga County residents to donate blood as the region enters the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” a period known for a surge in trauma-related injuries and a critical need for blood.
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is celebrating a monumental achievement: the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom has officially reached every single county in the state of Georgia. This milestone was reached with a recent visit to Stewart County, marking the culmination of a four-year journey that began in 2021. Since its launch, the 36-foot mobile classroom has traveled over 210,000 miles, bringing interactive agricultural education to communities across the state.
Michael Darren Hughes, age 45, from Lyerly, was arrested recently after a domestic dispute on Josh Ward Road. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were called to 317 Josh Ward Road at about 7:51 PM on May 21st after a report a physical altercation. Complainants said Hughes, a former partner of a female at the residence, asked for a cigarette and brought his six-year-old daughter. An argument broke out, and Hughes allegedly struck the female victim’s face. Hughes allegedly entered her car without permission, attempted to take her wallet, and damaged her iPhone. Hughes fled the scene with his daughter but was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses. His daughter was placed with a family member, who informed deputies that Hughes ran into the woods out of fear. A referral is being sent to DFACS due to the alleged crimes occurring in front of Hughes’ child.
Northwest Georgia will experience dry conditions and hazy skies today and Tuesday as wildfire smoke aloft from Canada continues to impact the region. While temperatures will remain near-normal for early June, residents can expect a veil of smoke to linger in the upper atmosphere. According to local weather reports, sunny days and clear nights with scattered fair-weather cumulus clouds are expected. Low temperatures will range from the upper 50s to low-60s this morning and tomorrow morning, while high temperatures will reach the mid-80s, consistent with typical early June weather. Integrated Smoke models indicate that wildfire smoke from Canada will remain suspended in the upper levels of the atmosphere over Northwest Georgia for the next 48 hours. While the smoke may become more dispersed, it is likely to stay entrained in the upper-level flow. Relief from the hazy conditions may arrive mid-week, with isolated rain chances returning as early as Wednesday and Thursday. By the weekend, more widespread diurnally-enhanced showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop, potentially clearing the air.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 2, 2025:
Colton McCary, an upcoming junior at Chattooga High School, is headed to Wyoming this July. The young bull rider has qualified for the 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) in Rock Springs, Wyoming, after a stellar performance at the Georgia High School Rodeo Association (GHSRA) state finals in Perry last week, where he finished 4th in bull riding. The GHSRA, a state affiliate of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), provides a competitive platform for Georgia high school students in grades 9-12 to showcase their skills in traditional rodeo events. The NHSRA itself is a vast organization spanning 41 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and featuring international competitors from Australia and Mexico. With over 12,000 members and hosting more than 1,800 rodeos annually, it’s a proving ground for aspiring rodeo stars. McCary’s impressive finish at the GHSRA state finals has earned him a coveted spot among the elite young rodeo athletes who will compete for a world title at the NHSFR. He will face fierce competition from across North America and beyond, all vying for the ultimate prize in high school rodeo. The local community is rallying behind McCary as he prepares for this momentous opportunity. He’ll be heading to Wyoming later this summer, carrying the hopes and dreams of Georgia rodeo fans with him, as he aims to bring home a world championship title.
