Sheriff Warns Residents About Phone Scam Targeting Chattooga County

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is warning residents about a phone scam targeting local citizens.

According to Sheriff Schrader, the Sheriff’s Office received four reports in one day from residents who were contacted by scammers claiming money was owed for missed court dates, civil matters, or bond-related issues. In one case, a victim reportedly lost $2,000.

Sheriff Schrader emphasized that the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and other legitimate law enforcement agencies, will never call residents and demand payment over the telephone. Law enforcement will not ask anyone to put money on gift cards, prepaid cards, or any other type of card to resolve court issues or bond someone out of jail.

Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up and contact law enforcement directly using a verified phone number. Sheriff Schrader is asking the public to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims.

Dangerous Heat Expected Across Northwest Georgia This Week

A prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to impact Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values frequently reaching between 100 and 105 degrees.

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Chattooga High School Football Program Seeking Business Ads and Player Dedications

Local businesses, families, and supporters of Chattooga High School Football have an opportunity to be part of the 2026 football program while helping support the Indians during the upcoming season.

Businesses can purchase advertising space in the full-color football program, with options including a full-page ad for $125, a half-page ad for $75, a quarter-page ad for $40, or a business card-sized ad for $25. Businesses may submit a ready-made advertisement or provide text and photos for the Computer Science Club to design. A $10 design fee applies for ads requiring layout assistance. The deadline for business advertisements is Friday, July 17.

Families and friends can also recognize student-athletes by purchasing a dedication in the football program. Dedications are available at the same pricing levels—full page, half page, quarter page, and business card size—and may include photos and personalized messages. The deadline for student-athlete dedications is Saturday, July 11.

Both forms list the submission email as spiritshop@chattooga.k12.ga.us. Additional information is available by contacting the Chattooga High School Computer Science Club at 706-857-2402, extension 3141.

Georgia Law Allows Consumer Fireworks, But Safety Should Come First

As Independence Day approaches, many families across Northwest Georgia are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. While Georgia law allows the use of many consumer fireworks, officials are reminding residents that safety should remain the top priority.

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Rising Temperatures Could Bring Higher Georgia Power Bills for Many Families

As temperatures climb into the 90s across Northwest Georgia this week, many Georgia Power customers could see their electric bills rise as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool.

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Congressman Fuller Visits Northwest Georgia Businesses, Including Smith Ironworks in Chattooga County

Congressman Clay Fuller spent time back in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District last week, meeting with local business owners, workers, and community leaders across Northwest Georgia.

Fuller’s visits included stops with Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling, the Medical College of Georgia’s regional campus in Rome, Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark, Covenant Logistics, Solmax Geosynthetics in Ringgold, Catoosa County leaders, and Rockmart Fuel Containment in Polk County.

In Chattooga County, Fuller toured Smith Ironworks, where he met with team members and learned more about the company’s work and role in the local economy.

Fuller said small businesses, manufacturers, transportation companies, and local employers remain a critical part of Northwest Georgia’s economy. He said hearing directly from workers and business leaders helps him better advocate for the district in Washington.

His office said Fuller remains committed to supporting small business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs across Georgia’s 14th District.

Arrest Report – Saturday – June 27, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 27, 2026:

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Scattered Storms Continue Through Weekend as Heat Builds Across Northwest Georgia

Residents of Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today and Sunday, with a few storms capable of becoming strong to severe, according to the National Weather Service.

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State Agriculture Officials Ask Georgians To Watch For Yellow-Legged Hornets

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.

Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.

Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.

Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.

Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

AAA: Record Number Of Americans Expected To Travel During Independence Day Holiday

A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.

Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.

For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.

AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.