Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 5, 2025:
Northwest Georgia residents can expect a continuation of hot and mostly dry conditions through the beginning of next week, the National Weather Service announced today. While the region enjoyed a beautiful and dry Fourth of July holiday, forecasters are emphasizing high afternoon temperatures as the primary concern, with increased chances for afternoon thundershowers anticipated from Monday through Thursday.
Chattooga County’s legal battle against Zentell Communications, a Tennessee-based company contracted to provide high-speed internet to the Menlo area, has gained momentum after the company’s owner was located in Chattanooga. The discovery follows nearly two months of searching by law enforcement, The Summerville News reported this week.
A Tennessee woman notified Summerville Police about drugs inside the restroom of a local gas station last week. According to a report released this week, Julie Bailey called police on June 21st, after she found a small, clear cellophane bag with suspected drugs at the store located at 10395 Commerce Street in Summerville. Police believe that the bag contained methamphetamine. A responding officer retrieved the suspected drugs and submitted it to the Summerville Police Department Detectives Division for further analysis or disposal.
A Floyd County Prison inmate is facing additional charges after allegedly conspiring to smuggle tobacco and rolling papers into the facility. Muandarious Gartae Hall, 30, of Greenville, was booked into the Floyd County Jail this week in connection to the alleged scheme.
As the July 15th Special Democratic Primary Runoff nears, the Chattooga County Board of Elections notes a very low number of absentee ballots issued, with only one absentee-by-mail ballot issued and none returned. This runoff will determine the Democratic nominee for a specific office. Voters who did not participate in the Republican primary are eligible to vote. Advance voting is available starting Monday, July 7th to July 11th, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, with no Saturday voting. This will take place at the Registrar’s Office in Summerville. Voters wishing to vote by mail must submit Absentee by Mail applications by July 7th. On Election Day, July 15th, voting will only occur at the Chattooga County Civic Center from 7 AM until 7 PM, and this is the only polling location open. The registration deadline was May 19th, and voters must bring a valid photo ID. Election officials encourage eligible voters to use advance voting or plan to vote in person to make their voices heard.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is hosting an Open House at all six campuses to provide an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered at GNTC, tour the facilities and meet faculty and staff.
Get ready for some hands-on science fun! The Chattooga Library is partnering with the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center (GYSTC) to host a captivating science presentation on Tuesday, July 15th at 2:00 PM.
Jodeci Walker was arrested on June 25th for allegedly trespassing on Summerville Housing Authority (SHA) property and fleeing from police. At around 2:25 PM, a Summerville Housing Auhtority employee reported Walker’s presence, despite her being banned from the area. An officer recognized Walker and saw her running through an open field. When instructed to stop, she refused and fled towards Hawkins Drive. The officer pursued her as she entered a backyard of a resident, who opened the door after hearing Walker scream. The officer entered the home and arrested Walker, who did not cooperate during transport to the patrol car. Walker faces charges of criminal trespass and obstruction of an officer for fleeing and resisting arrest. She also had an outstanding warrant. Evidence against her includes a letter from SHA confirming her ban and prior police reports documenting her warnings.
Georgia has been facing a serious opioid crisis for over ten years, which reflects a national increase in overdose deaths. From 2010 to 2022, opioid-related overdose deaths in Georgia rose by 302%. Initially, this crisis was mostly due to the misuse of prescription opioids, but lately, it has been driven by illegal opioids, especially fentanyl, which is a powerful synthetic opioid. Between 2019 and 2022, fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased by 308%, from 392 to 1,601. By 2022, fentanyl and synthetic opioids were involved in 64% of all overdose deaths in the state. The overdose death rate in Georgia hit its peak in 2022, recording 25 deaths per 100,000 residents, the highest since 1999. Although this rate is lower than the national average, the effect on local communities has been severe. In 2020, drug overdoses became the leading cause of premature death in Georgia. However, there is some positive news. Preliminary data from the CDC shows about a 22% drop in drug overdose deaths in Georgia for the year ending September 2024 compared to the previous year. The Georgia Department of Public Health is closely tracking overdose trends to inform prevention efforts. Initiatives include increasing access to naloxone, supporting peer services, and funding treatment programs. Despite the encouraging decline, the opioid crisis remains a major public health issue, requiring ongoing efforts to continue the progress seen recently.