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.
Two people accused of carrying out a drive-by shooting during a family dispute last summer have been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury.
Isaac Hines and Vinta Youngblood were formally charged in connection with a June 29, 2025, shooting incident at a residence on Church Street in Summerville. According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from an ongoing domestic conflict involving several family members.
Authorities say multiple shots were fired into the home while Marcus Ramon Dupree was staying there. Summerville Police Detective Phillip Cox testified that seven rounds were fired at the residence. Investigators allege that Youngblood drove Hines to the location and that Hines fired the weapon from the vehicle.
The grand jury returned indictments charging both Hines and Youngblood with drive-by shooting, aggravated assault, second-degree criminal damage to property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Youngblood was also indicted on an additional charge of making false statements.
The case remains pending in Chattooga County Superior Court.
A Cherokee County, Alabama man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he was found in possession of a stolen motorcycle that had been taken from Alabama.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 53-year-old Gregory Wayne Ledbetter of Cedar Bluff was allegedly in possession of a 2002 Yamaha V Star motorcycle that had been reported stolen in Alabama.
Officials said the motorcycle is valued at approximately $2,500.
Ledbetter was arrested and charged with theft by receiving stolen property. Jail records also show he was charged as a fugitive from justice due to an outstanding warrant in Cherokee County, Alabama, and with a probation violation.
The case remains under investigation.