Arrest Report - Thursday - October 8, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 8, 2026:
Warm, Sunny Thursday Before Tropical System Brings Weekend Rain And Wind
Chattooga County will see another warm and dry day today, but residents should keep an eye on the forecast as a tropical system moving toward the Gulf Coast could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and possibly severe weather to Northwest Georgia this weekend.
The National Weather Service says today will be sunny with a high near 87 degrees, with calm winds becoming north around 5 mph during the afternoon. Temperatures will run roughly 10 to 12 degrees above normal for early October.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 59. Winds will remain light, becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday is expected to remain mostly sunny for much of the day with a high near 82. Winds will be from the north at 5 to 10 mph before becoming easterly during the afternoon. Rain chances begin increasing late Friday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 AM Saturday.
The major weather concern comes this weekend as Tropical Storm Isaias moves toward the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen to hurricane intensity before making landfall late Friday night or early Saturday, with the current forecast taking the system inland near the Alabama-Florida state line.
After landfall, Isaias is expected to move northward through Alabama on Saturday. That track would place Georgia on the eastern, more active side of the storm, increasing the potential for heavier rainfall, gusty winds and possibly isolated tornadoes.
The National Weather Service says rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible across portions of Georgia from Friday night through Sunday morning. Some areas could receive locally higher amounts depending on the eventual track of the system.
For Chattooga County, showers are expected to become more widespread Saturday. Rain will be likely during the morning, followed by showers and possibly thunderstorms after 2 PM. The chance of rain is currently around 80 percent Saturday.
Saturday night appears to be the wettest period, with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 61.
Winds are also expected to increase as the tropical system moves inland. Sustained winds could reach 15 to 20 mph in parts of North and West Georgia Saturday, with gusts potentially approaching 40 mph in some locations.
The strongest winds are currently expected Saturday afternoon and evening before gradually weakening Saturday night.
Because Northwest Georgia could remain on the eastern side of the system, forecasters are also watching the potential for a few tornadoes. The exact severe-weather threat will depend heavily on the final track and strength of Isaias after landfall.
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm remain likely early Sunday, with rain chances decreasing during the day as the system moves away. Sunday should become partly sunny with a high near 75.
Conditions improve considerably by Sunday night, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 59.
Dry and warmer weather returns for Columbus Day Monday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 81. Monday night will be mostly clear with a low around 58.
Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high near 84, followed by another mostly clear night with a low around 55. Wednesday should remain sunny with a high near 78.
The forecast for the weekend could still change as forecasters get a better handle on the exact track, timing and intensity of Isaias. Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should continue monitoring updated forecasts through Friday, especially if they have outdoor plans this weekend.
Man Arrested After Disturbance At China Restaurant In Summerville
A 55-year-old man was arrested after deputies were called to China Restaurant in Summerville where employees said he was causing a disturbance and refusing to leave.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Tony Randall Trammell, 55, was arrested October 1 and charged with disorderly conduct and misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
A Chattooga County deputy was dispatched to China Restaurant on Highway 27 shortly before 1:45 PM after receiving a report of a man causing a disturbance and refusing to leave.
According to the report, Trammell told the deputy he had been sitting inside the restaurant for some time and did not understand why he was being asked to leave. The deputy explained that the restaurant was private property and management had the right to ask him to leave.
Trammell reportedly agreed to leave and asked whether his bicycle could be taken to the Sally Port at the Chattooga County Jail so he would have transportation after his release.
The situation escalated after Trammell was taken to the jail. According to the report, he became agitated while getting out of the patrol vehicle and began raising his voice at jail staff.
The deputy reported that Trammell then struck a clipboard the deputy was holding, causing it to hit both of the deputy’s hands. Trammell was ordered to calm down and was warned that additional charges could result.
According to the report, Trammell then attempted to walk toward the jail entrance. When the deputy took hold of his arm, Trammell allegedly resisted and grabbed the deputy’s arm. Jail officers assisted in getting him under control and placing him in handcuffs.
The deputy later returned to China Restaurant and spoke with an employee, who said Trammell had been asked to leave after allegedly yelling and throwing cups and food into another booth. The employee also said Trammell left without paying for his meal.
Trammell was booked into the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct and misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
Vehicle Damaged While Parked At Summerville Residence
Summerville Police responded to a Hawkins Drive residence after a vehicle owner reported discovering damage to her car.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, an officer responded to 515 Hawkins Drive and examined a 2020 Kia Optima that was parked on private property facing the residence.
Police said the vehicle had damage to the rear passenger-side bumper, which appeared to have become detached from the passenger side of the car. The officer reported that a cord or similar material had been used to temporarily hold the bumper in place. Heavy scratches were also visible in the damaged area.
Police spoke with Curtis Dillard, 60, who told the officer he had been operating the Kia and had last driven it approximately one day earlier. He said he had not driven the vehicle since that time.
The vehicle owner told police there were no known witnesses to the damage and no surveillance footage was available from the residence.
A police report was completed documenting the incident. The report does not indicate how the damage occurred or identify a suspect.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Sign-Up Underway For Chattooga County Families
The Salvation Army of Rome is already preparing for Christmas, with registration now underway for its 2026 Angel Tree Christmas assistance program.
The program serves residents of Chattooga, Floyd and Polk counties and is designed to help provide Christmas gifts for children and seniors in need.
Lt. Cory Tilly with the Salvation Army said the goal is to provide participating children with something to wear, something to read and a toy. Families who qualify are placed on Angel Tree tags that are later made available for community members to adopt and shop for.
Registration is being held at the Salvation Army office on Second Avenue in Rome on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the registration period, from 9 AM until noon and 1 until 3 PM.
A special Saturday registration will be held October 17 from 1 until 5 PM.
The program is open to children age 12 and younger and seniors age 65 and older.
Applicants should bring a photo ID, proof of residency and income, and, for children, a birth certificate. Families should also bring documentation showing any assistance they receive, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, food stamps or similar programs.
For more information, contact the Salvation Army of Rome at 706-291-4745.
Primitive Weapons Deer Season Opens Saturday In Georgia
Georgia deer hunters will have another opportunity to head into the woods beginning Saturday as the state’s week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season gets underway.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says primitive weapons season opens Saturday, October 10, and continues through Friday, October 16. Hunters may use muzzleloaders and archery equipment during the season, while youth hunters are allowed to use modern firearms.
Nearly 11,000 deer were harvested during Georgia’s primitive weapons season last year, according to DNR.
State Deer Biologist Charlie Killmaster said the primitive weapons season provides a good opportunity for hunters ahead of the peak of the rut. DNR is also encouraging hunters to consider donating deer through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program, which provides venison to families in need.
Hunters using muzzleloaders are being reminded to take additional safety precautions. DNR recommends using only powder and ammunition appropriate for the specific muzzleloader, keeping powder away from flames and sparks, treating misfires as though the firearm could discharge at any moment, and always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Hunters should also treat every firearm as though it is loaded and make certain a muzzleloader is completely unloaded before cleaning it.
Georgia’s regular firearms deer season begins Saturday, October 17.
More information about deer hunting regulations and requirements is available from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Chattooga High Revising Severe Weather Procedures After Safety Review
Chattooga County Schools will revise severe weather procedures at Chattooga High School after consulting with a Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency security specialist.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie said the school system had considered installing magnetized, automated security doors in the CTAE wing at Chattooga High School. The doors were being considered as an additional layer of protection as the district reviewed where students should shelter during severe weather emergencies.
The issue involved students on the second floor who had previously been directed downstairs during weather emergencies.
Helie said school officials discussed the situation with Kevin Stanfield of GEMA, who assists with safety planning. According to Helie, Stanfield determined that the building’s existing doors and construction are appropriate for severe weather safety and that another layer of security doors is not necessary.
Instead, the district plans to change its severe weather procedures by keeping students away from the school’s octagonal area and moving them into hallways or other suitable interior spaces.
Students may sit in rows along hallway walls, including a second row when necessary, as long as a clear walking path is maintained.
The district plans to work with the Chattooga High School principal to revise the school’s weather drill procedures. The updated plan is expected to identify interior areas without exterior windows and include physical practice of evacuation and shelter routes with students.
The decision not to install additional doors is also expected to save the school system the cost of the proposed installation.
Free Breast Exams Offered At Chattooga County Health Department October 16
The Chattooga County Health Department will offer free breast exams for qualifying uninsured and underinsured women age 40 and older on Friday, October 16.
The event will be held from 8 AM until 1 PM on a walk-in basis at the health department, located at 60 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
“This is a free event, and no insurance is needed,” Health Department Nurse Manager Judy Wesson said, although some eligibility requirements may apply.
Health department staff will also provide information about scheduling a mammogram and help participants complete mammogram paperwork.
Light refreshments and goody bags will be available, along with a limited supply of breast cancer awareness T-shirts.
According to the health department, four Chattooga County residents died from breast cancer in 2025, with 43 breast cancer deaths reported in the county over the past 10 years.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women,” Wesson said. “Early detection through regular screenings can save lives.”
Wesson said the health department wants to make preventive care accessible and reduce financial barriers for women who may otherwise have difficulty getting screened.
For more information, contact the Chattooga County Health Department at 706-857-3471.
Summerville Council Approves Nearly $100,000 Recreation Center Restroom Renovation
The Summerville City Council has approved a contract for renovations to the restroom and changing room facilities at the Summerville Recreation Department, moving forward with a project WZQZ News has been following since August.
The council approved a contract with Mitchell’s Plumbing for an initial amount not to exceed $99,698.49 for the restroom renovations.
WZQZ News first reported in August that the city was seeking bids for renovations to the existing boys’ and girls’ restroom and changing room facilities at the Recreation Department at 220 Highway 100. The project was advertised as RFB-2026-137 – Rec Restroom Renovation.
Before bids were opened September 9, the city issued addendums to the bid documents as contractors sought additional information about the project.
The renovated facilities are intended to be ADA-compliant and serve visitors using the recreation center, splash pad and baseball tournament facilities.
City Manager Jason Winters said city employees may be able to complete portions of the work themselves, which could reduce the project’s final cost.
The restroom renovation is part of a series of improvements at Summerville’s recreation facilities. Earlier this year, the city completed a new HVAC system at the Recreation Center gymnasium and new lighting at Dunson Field.
Police Respond To Dispute Over Living Arrangements At Summerville Home
Summerville Police were called to a residence following a dispute involving a man who had been staying at the home and was reportedly no longer welcome there.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, police responded to 86 Senior Drive in Summerville and spoke with people involved in a disagreement over the man’s continued presence at the residence.
Police said the homeowner told the responding officer she was tired of being disrespected in her own home and said the man was not following rules she had established for him while staying there.
The officer explained the process for issuing a criminal trespass warning, including that the man would no longer be permitted to remain at or visit the residence once warned. Police also explained that inviting him back to the property afterward would nullify the warning.
However, because the man had reportedly been living at the residence for some time, the officer advised the homeowner that she would need to go through the eviction process unless he agreed to leave voluntarily.
No arrest was reported in connection with the incident. Police completed a report documenting the dispute.
Summerville Winter Youth Basketball Registration Underway
Registration is underway for the Summerville Parks and Recreation Department’s winter youth basketball program.
Parents can register children now through November 1 for several age divisions.
The department is offering 5/6-year-old coed basketball, along with girls’ leagues for ages 7U through 12U and boys’ leagues for ages 7U through 14U.
Registration is available online at www.summervillerec.org.
The youth basketball program is part of Summerville Parks and Recreation’s winter sports offerings, providing local children an opportunity to participate in organized recreational basketball.
Parents interested in having their children participate are encouraged to complete registration before the November 1 deadline.
Sewer Line Backup Sends Cooking-Based Oil Into Creek Near Lyerly Street
Summerville Police said Tuesday afternoon that city police and fire personnel were notified of a discolored material in the creek near Lyerly Street.
After consulting with other city departments, officials learned that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division had reported the material to the city earlier in the day, prompting personnel from Summerville’s Water and Sewer Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant to respond.
During the inspection, city crews identified a sewer line backup at a trucking facility on the former Georgia Rug Mill property. According to the city, a displaced manhole allowed some of the backed-up material to enter the creek.
City crews were able to vacuum up a quantity of the visible material from the creek and dispose of it at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
The trucking company told city officials that the substance was a cooking-based oil. City workers collected water samples for laboratory analysis and also sent samples to EPD.
Summerville Police said once the assessment of the incident and the material is complete, required regulatory reports will be submitted. At this time, ongoing monitoring is not expected to be necessary.
City officials thanked residents for reporting potential hazards and said the quick notification allowed crews to respond and address the situation.
Water To Be Shut Off On Ridge Street In Trion Thursday
The Town of Trion is advising residents on Ridge Street that water service will be temporarily shut off Thursday while crews work on a water main.
According to a notice issued Wednesday by the Town of Trion, the water will be turned off beginning at approximately 9 AM Thursday, October 8.
Town officials say crews will work to restore water service as soon as possible during the day and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary outage.
Anyone with questions can contact the Town of Trion at 706-734-2332 between 8 AM and 5 PM.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - October 7, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, October 7, 2026:
2026 Chattooga County Property Tax Bills Now Available Online
Late Tuesday evening, Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton announced that 2026 property tax bills are now available online, with printed bills expected to begin arriving in local mailboxes within the next one to two weeks.
Hampton said several property owners withdrew assessment appeals last week, allowing the county to receive approval for the 2026 Tax Digest. The Property Assessor’s Office has also been processing remaining appeals and forwarding finalized information to the Tax Commissioner’s Office so bills can be completed.
Property owners can now view their 2026 tax bills online at chattoogacountytax.com.
The current due date is December 11, 2026.
Hampton said taxpayers should be aware of several details when reviewing their bills.
FLOST/PTRLOST savings will appear on mailed tax bills for properties that are not exempt from county taxes. That savings field is not yet appearing on the online bills, and the Tax Commissioner’s Office is working to have that corrected.
Taxpayers who pay their bill online before receiving a printed copy may still receive a bill in the mail because the printing files have already been submitted.
Hampton also said the date when interest begins accruing could be adjusted depending on when printed bills actually reach taxpayers. The Tax Commissioner’s Office will provide an update if that date changes.
Sales tax rollbacks for schools and insurance rollbacks for the county will appear on both the online and mailed bills.
Properties that still have a pending appeal will receive bills later from the Tax Commissioner’s Office along with additional information. Those bills can be viewed and paid online, but Hampton noted they are calculated using 85% of the property’s value while the appeal remains pending.
The Tax Commissioner also clarified how freeze exemptions are shown. The exemption does not freeze the amount of taxes owed. Instead, it freezes the taxable value used to calculate the tax bill, with that amount reflected in the exemption section.
Hampton thanked taxpayers for their patience as county offices worked through the assessment appeal process and finalized this year’s bills.
Tropical System Could Bring Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds To Northwest Georgia This Weekend
Northwest Georgia will remain dry and warm through Friday, but forecasters are closely watching a tropical system in the Gulf that could bring significant rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms to the region this weekend.
The National Weather Service says Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the Gulf, although considerable uncertainty remains concerning its eventual track and the extent of its impacts on Georgia.
For Thursday, Chattooga County can expect sunny skies with a high near 87 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 58.
Friday will remain mostly sunny with a high near 85, but conditions could begin changing Friday night as moisture associated with the tropical system moves northward. A slight chance of showers develops after 2 AM.
Rain chances increase to 50% Saturday, with a high near 75. Showers become likely Saturday night, when thunderstorms will also be possible and rain chances increase to 70%.
Showers are likely again Sunday, with thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Sunday’s high will be near 74 degrees, with a 70% chance of precipitation.
The National Weather Service says current projections indicate one to three inches of rainfall could fall across portions of north and central Georgia, although amounts will depend heavily on the eventual track of the tropical system.
Forecasters say sustained winds around 15 mph with gusts potentially reaching 25 to 30 mph are also possible. Heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding and rises along rivers, creeks and streams.
There could also be a tornado threat depending on the system’s eventual track and strength.
Forecasters emphasize that considerable uncertainty remains regarding the timing, location and intensity of the system. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the weekend approaches.
Conditions should gradually improve early next week as the tropical system weakens and a drier air mass moves into the region.
Heart And Vascular Screening Coming To Summerville October 23
A heart and vascular screening event will be offered in Summerville later this month, giving area residents an opportunity to be checked for several potential warning signs associated with heart disease and stroke.
The screening will be held Friday, October 23, from 8 AM until 3 PM at AdventHealth Primary Care Urgent Care, located at 9777 Rome Boulevard in Summerville.
The AngioScreen costs $85 and is a non-invasive vascular screening that takes approximately 10 minutes.
The screening includes a carotid artery ultrasound, an EKG of the heart, an ankle-brachial index test to check for peripheral artery disease, and screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The tests are designed to help identify potential risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Because AngioScreen is a screening service, insurance is not accepted. Payment may be made by cash, check, credit card or debit card. Participants may also be able to use money from an employer-sponsored flexible spending account.
Appointments are required for the October 23 screening.
Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment can call 706-290-8008.
Town Of Trion Seeking Wastewater Operator Or Trainee
The Town of Trion is accepting applications for a wastewater operator trainee or a state-licensed wastewater operator to work the night shift at the town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
According to a public notice from the town, wages for the position will be based on the applicant’s experience and level of state certification.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also be able to pass a drug screening.
The opening provides an opportunity for someone interested in entering the wastewater treatment field as a trainee, as well as experienced applicants who already hold a state wastewater operator license.
Employment applications are available at Trion Town Hall or at the Town of Trion Wastewater Treatment Plant on Highway 27 in Trion.
The Town of Trion is an equal opportunity employer.
Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Announces Several Promotions
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced several recent promotions involving deputies and supervisors within the patrol division.
Sheriff Mark Schrader said Corporal Corey Fielding has been promoted to Patrol Lieutenant. Fielding will manage the patrol division while working an assigned shift that allows him to work alongside both day and night shift deputies.
Corporal Jared Wilks has been promoted to Sergeant. Wilks will supervise one rotation of day and night shift deputies, along with the night shift corporal.
Corporal Rob Villagomez has also been promoted to Sergeant. Villagomez will oversee the other rotation of day and night shift deputies, as well as the night shift corporal assigned to that rotation.
The Sheriff’s Office also announced two promotions at the corporal level.
Deputy Jonathan Reynolds has been promoted to Corporal over one night shift, while Deputy Matt Wilson has been promoted to Corporal over the other night shift.
Sheriff Schrader praised the employees of both the Sheriff’s Office and Chattooga County Jail, saying he is proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by the men and women who serve the public.
Schrader said the employees perform their duties with high expectations and professionalism and added that he enjoys working alongside them.
The promotions come as the Sheriff’s Office continues organizing supervisory responsibilities across both day and night patrol rotations.
$10 Million In Housing Grants Available; Chattooga County Among Communities That Could Seek Funding
A new round of state-administered housing grants could provide an opportunity for communities such as Chattooga County to obtain funding for home repairs and the development of affordable housing.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has opened applications for $10 million in 2027 Community HOME Investment Program, or CHIP, grants.
The federally funded program provides money to eligible local governments, public government authorities and nonprofit organizations to address housing needs and increase homeownership opportunities for low- and very low-income Georgians.
For Chattooga County, one potential use of the program would be rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied homes.
Under the current program, eligible applicants can seek up to $500,000 for rehabilitation of owner-occupied single-family homes. Grants of up to $1.5 million are available for new construction or rehabilitation of affordable single-family homes that will be sold to income-eligible homebuyers.
The money does not go directly from the state to individual homeowners. Instead, an eligible local government or organization must apply for a CHIP grant and then administer a local housing program if funding is awarded.
That distinction means Chattooga County residents cannot individually apply to the state for a portion of the newly announced $10 million.
Housing conditions are already an issue receiving attention locally.
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Chattooga County had approximately 10,929 housing units in 2025. About 66.8 percent of occupied housing units are owner-occupied, based on 2020-2024 estimates.
The median value of an owner-occupied home in Chattooga County is approximately $115,600, considerably below home values found in many other parts of Georgia.
Chattooga County has also previously taken steps to prepare for federal grant opportunities involving housing and community development. In 2025, the county sought proposals from firms qualified to assist with federal grant applications and administration. Among the programs specifically identified by the county were the Community HOME Investment Program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Competition for CHIP funding can be significant.
In the most recent round announced earlier this year, DCA awarded more than $10 million to 12 Georgia communities and organizations.
Eight recipients received $500,000 each for rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes, while four recipients received $1.5 million each for construction of new affordable single-family homes.
DCA says applications are evaluated competitively, with consideration given to a community’s housing needs, readiness to proceed with a project and ability to properly administer the program.
Communities applying for rehabilitation funding must provide information documenting existing housing conditions. Applicants seeking money for new home construction must provide market analysis demonstrating both the need for affordable housing and the ability to sell the homes to income-qualified buyers.
Applications for the 2027 CHIP grant cycle must be submitted by January 31, 2027.
No announcement has been made that Chattooga County will apply for funding during the current grant cycle. However, the county is among the types of Georgia communities that could potentially benefit from the program if an eligible local application is developed and approved.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs administers CHIP using funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program.