Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 31, 2026:
After a welcome break from the heat and humidity, Northwest Georgia will see one more day of pleasant weather before an active weekend weather pattern moves into the area.
A community fundraising effort is underway to help the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band replace its equipment trailer after the current trailer was deemed unsafe for travel.
The fundraiser, organized by band supporter and alumna Celia Greene Holt, aims to raise money to purchase a new trailer that will safely transport the band’s instruments and equipment to football games, competitions and other events.
In a social media post, Holt said the Chattooga High School band has been a source of pride for generations of students, families, alumni and the community. Now, as the grandmother of a current band member, she said helping preserve that tradition has become deeply personal.
Holt encouraged anyone who has enjoyed the band’s performances or cherishes memories of Friday night football games to consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser with others.
As of this week, the online fundraiser had raised a portion of its $2,800 goal.
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Chattooga Band Rolling with a New Trailer.”
Chattooga Curtain Call will bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage today and tomorrow, continuing its tradition of giving local students opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.
The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who join together to demand fair treatment while learning lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.
Chattooga Curtain Call is a local nonprofit organization that has provided theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities for more than a decade. The organization helps young performers build skills in acting, singing and stage performance while supporting the performing arts locally.
Performances are scheduled for today at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Connect City Church.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through Venmo at @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. Buyers will receive confirmation and their tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check.
The Summerville Police Department is investigating after a city resident reported someone repeatedly placing political stickers on his vehicle without permission.
According to an incident report, police met with Dominick Bennett on July 25 regarding a criminal trespass complaint at a residence on Martin Street.
Bennett told police he first discovered “Trump” stickers placed on his vehicles about a month earlier while they were parked at his home. He said there was no damage to the vehicles and did not report the incident at that time.
According to the report, Bennett contacted police again after his wife discovered another “Trump” sticker inside the gas tank door of one vehicle. Later that same day, Bennett found an additional sticker on the rear passenger-side window of the same vehicle.
Bennett told officers he believes he and his family are being harassed because of their political views. He identified a nearby neighbor as a person of interest but acknowledged he has no evidence to support that belief. Bennett requested a follow-up investigation and told police he wishes to prosecute if the person responsible is identified.
The case has been turned over to the Summerville Police Department’s Investigations Division.
A Chattooga County woman was arrested after deputies responded to a reported shoplifting incident at a local business.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany was dispatched on July 22 after store personnel reported a suspected shoplifter. Investigators said Brenda Sue Ingram, 71, allegedly concealed six items inside her purse after checking out and attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise.
The incident report states that while confronting Ingram, store personnel discovered what was believed to be marijuana in her purse and turned it over to law enforcement. Deputies also obtained a copy of the store’s surveillance video as evidence.
According to the report, Ingram apologized and told deputies she did not have enough money to pay for all of the items. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Ingram was charged with Theft by Shoplifting.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will enjoy a brief break from the recent heat and humidity today and Friday before showers and thunderstorms return for the weekend.
Rail fans will have a rare opportunity today as a historic steam locomotive arrives in downtown Summerville as part of the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention, being held this week in Chattanooga.
Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.
The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.
Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.
Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.
Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.
Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.
The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to a playground fence at First United Methodist Church in downtown Summerville.
According to an incident report, Officer Matt Kinnamont responded to the church at 220 West Washington Street on July 28 after receiving a report of property damage.
Pastor John Privett told police someone had damaged the chain-link fence surrounding the church’s playground. Officers observed the fence had been removed from one side, bent, and that the top rail pieces had been broken.
Privett told police that several groups of children often use the playground and nearby basketball court, but it was unclear who was responsible for the damage. He said he was first notified of the incident on Saturday, July 25.
Police documented the damage with photographs and advised the church to consider installing security cameras. The case has been forwarded for further investigation.