Chattooga County government offices will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
According to County Clerk Johnna Allen, the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules.
County offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.
A Summerville woman contacted police after receiving a series of anonymous messages that authorities believe may be part of a scam.
According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, officers responded to a harassment complaint at a residence on Allen Street on June 11.
The complainant, identified as 55-year-old Dina Joanne Harper, told officers she had been receiving anonymous messages on her phone from an unknown individual. When asked to show the messages, Harper reportedly was unable to locate them on her device.
The responding officer advised Harper that the messages contained harassing content and threats. Harper also stated that the messages referenced sending money.
Based on the information provided, the officer advised that the messages could be part of a scam and recommended that she block the number and avoid sending any form of payment.
Harper requested that a report be filed and also asked for additional patrols in the area.
No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.
Brownie, our WZQZ Pet of the Week, is still waiting for his forever home, and time is running short.
Chattooga County Extension is asking residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that can cause serious damage to trees, crops, and ornamental plants.
A Centre, Alabama, woman was arrested Monday in North Rome after police say she was found with suspected Xanax.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 41-year-old Shantera Labrea Kirby was arrested at a location on Couper Street at North Avenue. Authorities said Kirby was found in possession of suspected Xanax, which was reportedly located inside a nicotine pouch.
Jail records also state that Kirby gave law enforcement a false name.
Kirby is charged with possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of drugs not in the original container, DUI, giving a false name or address, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Summerville Police are investigating after a counterfeit $20 bill was reportedly passed at the Chattooga County Tag Office.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers met with tag office staff on June 16 after employees said they received a counterfeit $20 bill.
Police said the person who passed the bill had already left the service window when officers arrived. The individual was later contacted and denied knowing the bill was fake.
The report states the incident has been classified as receipt or possession of counterfeit money.
The case remains under investigation.
A Floyd County resident lost their life following a house fire Sunday morning in the Armuchee community, according to the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 8:44 a.m. on June 14 to a reported structure fire at 494 West Union Road NE with reports that someone was trapped inside.
Twenty emergency personnel responded to the scene, including two engine companies, two tankers, a squad unit, chief officers, and fire investigators. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-story home and immediately began an aggressive fire attack.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire, but one occupant was unable to escape and died as a result of the incident.
The victim’s body was turned over to the Floyd County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification and identification procedures.
No firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 17, 2026:
Two facilities in Chattooga County received perfect scores during health inspections conducted during the first half of June.
According to the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department, Dunya Camp, located at 684 Garvin Road in Summerville, received a score of 100 on its tourist accommodation inspection conducted June 12, 2026.
Camp Juliette Low, located at 321 Camp Juliette Low Road at Cloudland, also received a score of 100 on its food service inspection conducted June 2, 2026.
Anyone with a complaint involving a food service establishment or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County may contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
Georgia gas prices have continued to decline in recent weeks, giving drivers some relief at the pump even as overall costs remain a concern.
