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.
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:
A soggy weather pattern will remain in place across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the weekend, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms and the potential for periods of heavy rainfall.
The Foundation at Georgia Northwestern Technical College has awarded 48 scholarships totaling more than $37,000 to 47 graduating high school seniors across Northwest Georgia.
Several Chattooga County students were among this year’s recipients, including scholarship winners from Chattooga High School, Trion High School, and the Mountain Education Charter High School Chattooga Campus.
The Chattooga High School Alumni Scholarship was awarded to five Chattooga High School seniors: Zayne Adams, Izabella Burdick, Kasen Elsberry, Jonas Hardy, and Ruby Kilgore.
Additional local recipients included Zulmy Ambrocio of Trion High School, Leah Cochran of Chattooga High School, Nevaeh Johnson of Mountain Education Charter High School’s Chattooga Campus, and Makayla Wilcox of Mountain Education Charter High School’s Chattooga Campus.
The Foundation’s High School Graduate Scholarship is awarded to one senior at each public high school and college and career academy in GNTC’s nine-county service area.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College says the scholarships help support students pursuing associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career pathways including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service programs.
Summerville’s Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series wraps up this Friday, June 19, with a free concert featuring the premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Strictly Skynyrd.
The concert, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, will be held on East Washington Street in the downtown Entertainment District. Music begins at 7 p.m. with local favorite The Hwy 27 Band opening the show.
Strictly Skynyrd will bring the sound of classic Lynyrd Skynyrd to downtown Summerville, performing hits such as “What’s Your Name,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Freebird.” The band uses period-correct instruments to help recreate the look and sound of 1970s Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The Hwy 27 Band, made up of local musicians, will kick off the evening with a mix of upbeat songs across several genres.
East Washington Street will close from US 27/Commerce Street to Regions Bank beginning at 3:15 p.m. Friday and will remain closed until 11 p.m. Regions Bank customers will still have access to the drive-thru from the East Washington/University Street side and the main lobby from the north end of Economy Street.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music downtown. The event is family-friendly, and Entertainment District rules will apply.
A Summerville woman was arrested after allegedly attempting to leave Walmart with more than $160 worth of unpaid merchandise, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Benjamin Mollohan responded to the Walmart Asset Protection Office on June 14 following a report of a suspected shoplifter. According to the incident report, a Walmart asset protection employee observed 46-year-old Carly Marie Meeks concealing merchandise inside her handbag while shopping.
The report states that Meeks entered an aisle carrying multiple items and later emerged with the items no longer visible while her handbag appeared noticeably full. Store personnel alleged that Meeks passed all points of sale without paying for 33 items valued at $161.25.
Authorities said Meeks was taken into custody and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident. The asset protection employee provided deputies with a receipt listing the unpaid merchandise and video footage related to the case.
Meeks was charged with theft by shoplifting.
AdventHealth Redmond has named Rebekkah “Reba” Lackey as the recipient of its first-quarter 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion to patients and their families.
A man was arrested in Chattooga County after deputies responded to a loitering complaint at a Menlo-area business, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Riley Reeves reported that he was called to America’s One Stop on Highway 48 after a suspicious male was reportedly approaching customers and asking for money. The man was identified in the report as 27-year-old Christian Freeman Jackson.
According to the report, Jackson had been asked not to return to the business after allegedly loitering around the store and asking customers for money and rides. Deputies later found him at the Handi-Mart, where he allegedly gave false information about his name and date of birth.
The report states that after further investigation, authorities determined Jackson had two valid felony warrants out of Florida, one from Broward County and one from Bay County. Broward County requested a hold be placed on Jackson for extradition.
Jackson was charged in Chattooga County with loitering or prowling and giving a false name to law enforcement officers.