Fire crews in Floyd County are dealing with two suspected arson cases that burned hundreds of acres this week, leading to a joint response and an ongoing investigation.
A Gaylesville, Alabama man is facing felony theft charges after allegedly attempting to steal over $900 worth of merchandise from the Walmart located in West Rome. Roger Bryon Patty, 58, was booked into the Floyd County Jail on the theft by shoplifting charge. According to Rome Police Department reports and Floyd County Jail records, the incident occurred when Patty allegedly attempted to leave the store with 65 items in his shopping cart, bypassing all points of sale. The items, totaling over $919 in value, included a variety of goods such as towels, steaks, and pellet gun ammunition. Patty was apprehended shortly after allegedly pushing the cart past the checkout lanes.
The Chattooga County Republican Party has undergone a significant leadership change following elections held this past Saturday at the Chattooga County Senior Center. In light of upcoming spring break for local schools, the party has also announced the cancellation of its April 3rd meeting.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, March 27, 2025:
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement today, warning residents of Northwest Georgia about high fire danger conditions prevailing this afternoon and evening. Low relative humidity and dry fuels are contributing to the elevated risk. According to the NWS, relative humidity is expected to drop to 25 percent or less for at least four hours today, Thursday.
Chattooga County Department of Family and Children Services will be having the annual Pinwheel Planting at Dowdy Park today at 10 AM followed by the Chatooga Family Connection Meeting at 11 AM where there will be refreshments and more about Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month which begins in April.
The Chattooga County FFA is excited to announce its annual Spring Plant Sale, starting today and again tomorrow from 8 AM until 5 PM each day. The sale will continue in April from Tuesday, April 8th, through Friday, April 11th, also from 8 AM to 5 PM. A variety of affordable plants for spring gardens and patios will be available. Featured plants include: Geraniums ($4/cup), Potted Plants (4′ and 6′) ($3), Ferns (HB Boston $12, HB Macho $15), and Ground Covers. Additionally, there are Lantana, Vegetables and Herbs ($1 each for tomatoes, $3 each for herbs), Specialty Plants ($5 each for succulents), Hanging Baskets ($10-$15), and Unique Varieties. Flats will be sold for $20 (Mixed Flat $24) and $4-6-packs will be offered. The plant sale will be held at the greenhouse located behind Chattooga High School. To support the Chattooga County FFA and enhance your garden this spring, visit the sale.
The Trion Fire Department released its February 2025 call report, showing a busy month with 55 emergency responses. Most calls were for residential and commercial fire alarms, with 11 and 9 incidents respectively. Firefighters dealt with 7 illegal burn/woods fires, highlighting the need for awareness on safe burning practices. There were also 2 vehicle fires, 4 motor vehicle accidents, and 16 medical assist calls. The team handled 3 incidents with downed power lines or trees, 2 gas leaks, and one search and rescue. The Trion Fire Department urges residents to prioritize fire safety, follow burning regulations, and drive safely around hazardous conditions.
Photo Credit: WRGA Radio
Floyd County Police are investigating a wildfire that ravaged approximately 200 acres in the Rosedale area on Sunday as an act of arson, with charges pending, authorities confirmed. The blaze, which jumped Highway 156 in two locations, posed a significant threat to the Southern Woods subdivision, prompting evacuations. “We were able to get it contained,” said Rome-Floyd County Fire Chief Troy Brock, emphasizing the collaborative effort. “It wasn’t just due to us; it was probably one of the greatest collaborative efforts from many agencies and the Rosedale community that I have witnessed during my career with the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department.”
A 41-year-old Summerville man was arrested last week on multiple charges after a incident in which he was accused of assaulting a woman. Gregory Lopaz Hayes was arrested following a domestic dispute at 691 Northwest Congress, according to the Summerville Police Department.