Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Forecasters say scattered showers and strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across north and central Georgia this afternoon and continue into the early evening hours.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.
Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.
Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.
Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Even with several rounds of recent rainfall across northwest Georgia, drought conditions continue to grip Chattooga County and much of the Southeast.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, Chattooga County remains in drought conditions, with officials saying recent rain has provided only limited relief to extremely dry soil and low streamflow levels.
Weather experts say the region remains well below normal rainfall totals over the past several months, and ongoing dry conditions have continued to elevate wildfire danger across Georgia and neighboring states.
The National Drought Mitigation Center reports that much of Georgia remains in moderate to severe drought categories despite scattered rain events in recent weeks. Forecasters say isolated showers may temporarily improve surface conditions, but more widespread and sustained rainfall will be needed before meaningful drought recovery occurs.
Recent dry weather has also contributed to elevated fire weather concerns across north Georgia, with low humidity and dry vegetation increasing the risk for brush fires and wildfires.
Meteorologists say warmer temperatures expected over the coming days could worsen evaporation rates and place additional stress on already dry ground conditions.
The Trion Lady Bulldogs take the field today with a chance to bring home a Georgia High School Association Class A Division II State Soccer Championship as they face Irwin County in the title match.
A brand-new spring fair is coming to Rome later this month as the inaugural Coosa Valley Spring Fair prepares to open at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds beginning May 22.
A Silver Creek teenager arrested earlier this week after allegedly discharging a handgun on the campus of Armuchee High School is now facing several additional charges, according to Floyd County Jail records.
An upcoming online event focused on self-advocacy and personal empowerment is set for Tuesday, May 20 at 1 p.m. through Zoom.
The program encourages participants to “speak up, be heard, and make a difference” by learning skills related to self-expression, confidence, decision-making, and community support.
According to event organizers, the self-advocacy session will focus on helping individuals better understand how to express their thoughts, needs, and personal boundaries while building confidence in everyday situations.
Topics highlighted for the event include:
- Knowing your voice and learning how to communicate your needs
- Building confidence to speak up in everyday life
- Making choices that are right for you
- Connecting with others in a supportive community environment
The virtual meeting will be held through Zoom on May 20 beginning at 1 p.m. Organizers say the event is designed to encourage participants to be bold, be themselves, and be heard.
The Zoom meeting link listed on the promotional flyer is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89901085584
Emergency responders were called to the CVS parking lot on Rome Boulevard in Summerville Thursday following a single-vehicle accident involving a Ford Explorer.
According to a crash report filed by the Summerville Police Department, the accident happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. on May 14. The driver, identified as 67-year-old Margaret Tapp of Summerville, was traveling through the CVS parking lot when the vehicle struck a fixed object identified as a pole near the building.
The report indicates the 2004 Ford Explorer sustained disabling front-end damage and was removed from the scene by Luallen’s Wrecker Service. Authorities noted there were no signs of alcohol or drug involvement, and no citations were listed in the report.
A diagram included in the accident report shows the SUV traveling south through the parking lot before colliding with the pole adjacent to the CVS building. Witness information was also documented at the scene.
The Summerville Police Department investigated the incident. No injuries were listed in the report.
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation addressed the public Monday ahead of the Rome City Commission meeting, providing an update on the ongoing Second Avenue widening project.