Arrest Report – Wednesday – June 17, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 17, 2026:

Read more

Heavy Rain And Storm Chances Continue Through The Weekend

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.

Read more

GNTC Foundation Awards Scholarships To Northwest Georgia High School Graduates

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.

Strictly Skynyrd To Headline Final Friday Night Concert In Summerville

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.

Woman Arrested After Alleged Shoplifting Incident At Summerville Walmart

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.

$5,000 Reward Offered For Information Leading To Murder Suspect’s Arrest

Law enforcement agencies are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with a Rome homicide investigation.

According to the Rome Police Department, multiple agencies are searching for 23-year-old Treveonsay Burge, who is wanted in the October 21 shooting death of 18-year-old Adam Hernandez on Woodcreek Way.

Authorities describe Burge as a Black male, 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds.

The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to Burge’s arrest.

Anyone with information regarding Burge’s whereabouts is urged to call 706-853-1628.

Authorities warn the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend Burge. Anyone who knows his location should call 9-1-1 or the tip line immediately.

The investigation remains ongoing.

AdventHealth Redmond Nurse Honored With DAISY Award For Extraordinary Care

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.

Read more

VA Says Prosthetic Limb Delivery Times Will Drop For Thousands Of Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs says thousands of Veterans who rely on prosthetic limbs should soon receive them faster after the agency streamlined its purchasing process.

According to the VA, previous procurement rules required all prosthetic limb orders to be approved by a contracting officer, adding several weeks to delivery times. On April 22, 2026, VA Secretary Doug Collins exempted about 95 percent of prosthetic limb orders from that review process.

The change allows local purchasing agents to order directly from local suppliers when prosthetic limb prices are already set by Medicare. VA officials say that removes unnecessary review steps where no price negotiation is needed.

The VA says the changes have already reduced wait times by about 10 days. Once fully implemented nationwide, the department expects average delivery times to fall by more than 40 percent, from 94 days to 54 days.

“Every day counts for Veterans,” Collins said, adding that the changes are aimed at helping clinicians and procurement teams provide prosthetic care faster.

More than 45,000 Veterans receive major limb loss care through the VA each year.

Man Arrested After Loitering Complaint, False Name Given To Officers

Sample Image

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.

Chill & Churn Ice Cream Contest Returns To Summerville Depot June 20

Ice cream lovers, train enthusiasts, and families are invited to the Summerville Depot on Saturday, June 20, for the 2026 Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Depot celebration.

Read more