Arrest Report - Thursday - September 10, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 10, 2026:
Hot And Sunny Today, Storm Chances Increase Friday And Saturday
Hot and sunny weather continues across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures remaining above normal for the second half of the week.
Today will be sunny with a high near 93 degrees. Humidity will be on the increase, and that could push heat index values as high as 97 during the afternoon. Winds will remain light, starting out calm before becoming southwest at around 5 mph.
Tonight will stay mostly clear with a low near 69 degrees and calm winds.
The weather pattern begins to change Friday as deeper Gulf moisture moves into the region. Friday will still be hot, with a high near 93, but shower and thunderstorm chances will begin to increase during the afternoon. There is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM, with another 40 percent chance continuing Friday night. Overnight lows will be around 70.
Saturday is expected to be the wettest day of the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially during the afternoon, with rain chances increasing to 80 percent. The high will be near 89. Some storms could produce heavy downpours, and forecasters say locally gusty winds will also be possible. The overall severe weather threat remains low.
Rain and thunderstorm chances continue Saturday night before gradually decreasing overnight.
Sunday will remain somewhat unsettled, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. Otherwise, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 90. Rain chances drop to around 30 percent Sunday night.
The warm and humid pattern continues into early next week. Monday and Tuesday will both see highs around 91, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible each day.
Forecasters say temperatures will remain above normal through the end of the week, while increasing Gulf moisture pushes humidity levels higher. Heat index readings may approach 100 degrees in some parts of the region before increased cloud cover and rainfall provide some relief over the weekend.
September 14 Deadline Approaching For Chattooga County Property Tax Appeals
Chattooga County property owners who disagree with their 2026 property assessment have only a few days remaining to file an appeal.
The deadline to appeal this year’s assessments is Monday, September 14.
The Chattooga County Board of Assessors is also reminding taxpayers who mailed their appeals to make sure those appeals have actually been received. Anyone who submitted an appeal by mail may want to call the Tax Assessor’s Office before Monday’s deadline and confirm that the office has received it.
Property owners received their annual assessment notices earlier this summer. Under Georgia law, taxpayers generally have 45 days from the mailing date of the assessment notice to challenge the assessment.
An appeal may be based on the value placed on the property, taxability of the property or whether the assessment is uniform compared with similar properties. The appeal concerns the property’s assessment — not simply dissatisfaction with the amount of the eventual property tax bill.
That distinction is important because an assessment notice is not a tax bill. The assessment establishes the value that will be used in calculating property taxes, while the final tax bill also depends on applicable exemptions and the millage rates adopted by the taxing authorities.
Property owners should review the fair market value, assessed value, exemptions and property information shown on their notice. Those who believe the county’s valuation does not accurately reflect their property’s fair market value have the right to appeal.
Appeals are filed with the Chattooga County Board of Tax Assessors. Once an appeal is received, the Board of Assessors reviews the valuation and notifies the taxpayer of its decision. If the taxpayer remains dissatisfied, the case can proceed through the appeal process, including consideration by the Chattooga County Board of Equalization.
Chattooga County recently held a public property tax class where Chief Appraiser Nancy Edgeman explained the assessment and appeal process. Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton discussed tax bills, exemptions and tax relief, while Sole Commissioner Andy Allen explained the county’s millage-rate process.
Anyone planning to challenge a 2026 assessment should not wait until after the deadline. Those who have already mailed an appeal are encouraged to call and verify that it has been received before Monday.
The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office is located at 120 Cox Street in Summerville and can be reached at 706-857-0737.
For 2026 Chattooga County property assessments, the date to remember is Monday, September 14.
Summerville Moving Forward With Groundwater Storage Tank And Water Main Replacement
The City of Summerville is moving forward with another project aimed at improving the city’s drinking water system, according to records from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Georgia EPD issued a Categorical Exclusion Determination on July 8 for Summerville’s planned replacement of a groundwater storage tank and water main in Chattooga County. The project is identified as Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Project DW2025023 and is being considered for financing through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund provides financing to communities for improvements needed to maintain and upgrade public drinking-water infrastructure.
The EPD determination is part of the environmental review process associated with that financing. A categorical exclusion generally means the agency has determined that the project does not require preparation of a more extensive environmental review.
Summerville has undertaken a number of projects in recent years aimed at improving and strengthening its water system. Previous work has included development of additional groundwater sources and installation of infrastructure needed to connect those sources with the city’s water system. EPD records show an earlier Summerville project included two deep wells capable of producing at least 700 gallons per minute each and approximately 1,000 feet of raw-water line.
The latest project is specifically identified by the state as the replacement of a groundwater storage tank and water main.
The July environmental determination represents another step in the process as Summerville works through the state financing and environmental-review requirements associated with the project.
Chattooga County 4-H Plans SAFE Sports And Judging Team
Chattooga County 4-H is inviting local young people and their families to learn more about opportunities to participate in SAFE Sports and judging teams during an upcoming open house.
The Chattooga County 4-H SAFE Sports and Judging Team Open House will be held Tuesday, September 22, from 6 until 7 PM at the Chattooga County Ag Center, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
The event will give prospective members an opportunity to meet coaches, learn about the different programs and sign up to participate.
Chattooga County Extension says 4-H competition programs offer young people much more than an opportunity to win ribbons. Participants develop lifelong skills, build friendships and gain leadership experience while representing Chattooga County in competitions.
Programs highlighted at the open house will include 4-H SAFE Sports, including the Chattooga County 4-H Shooting Team, along with Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging.
Organizers say members have opportunities to compete in a variety of settings, ranging from shooting sports ranges to presentation stages and judging contests.
The September 22 open house is open to young people interested in finding out more about joining the teams and participating in upcoming 4-H competitions.
Trion Seeking Bids For Natural Gas Line Project On Old Highway 27
The Town of Trion is seeking bids for work on its natural gas system along Old Highway 27, including construction of a bypass around a problem with an existing gas line.
According to the town’s invitation to bid, the project involves constructing a bypass around a shorted steel casing on an existing six-inch steel natural gas line operating at 285 PSI. The work will also include construction and connection of approximately 200 feet of new six-inch steel gas main along and within the right-of-way of Old Highway 27 in Trion.
The Town of Trion posted the project for bids on September 3. Sealed bids are due Thursday, September 17, at 11:45 AM, with bids scheduled to be publicly opened at Trion Town Hall that day.
The contractor selected for the project will be responsible for providing the labor, tools, equipment and incidental materials not supplied by the town.
Contractors submitting bids must hold a State of Georgia Utility Contractor License. The successful contractor will also be required to document compliance with federal pipeline safety regulations for workers involved in the project.
The bid documents also require a 10-percent surety bond for bids exceeding $100,000.
The solicitation does not provide an estimated cost for the project.
Additional information about the bid is available from Trion Town Clerk Missy Duncan at Trion Town Hall.
Museum Of LaFayette Seeks Local Cherokee Family Histories For New Exhibit
The Museum of LaFayette is asking area residents to help document local Cherokee history as the museum prepares a new exhibit at the historic Chattooga Academy in LaFayette.
Museum officials are seeking stories from people who have verified Cherokee lineage or oral Cherokee traditions that have been passed down through their families. The material will be considered for an upcoming exhibit examining the history of the Cherokee people in and around LaFayette.
The exhibit will include information about Fort Cumming, which played a role in the forced removal of the Cherokee from Northwest Georgia, as well as connections between local families and Cherokee history.
The Museum of LaFayette is a partnership between the City of LaFayette and the Walker County Historical Society. The museum held a soft opening on May 30 and continues to develop exhibits ahead of a planned grand opening this fall.
Rotating exhibits will be featured on the first floor of Chattooga Academy, while the second floor will house a permanent educational exhibit.
Anyone wishing to contribute a family history or oral tradition should submit the story either typed or legibly handwritten on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper.
Submissions may be emailed to info@museumoflafayette.org or mailed to:
Museum of LaFayette
c/o Walker County Historical Society
305 South Duke Street
LaFayette, GA 30728
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, September 30.
Chattooga County Eligible For Favorable Match On Up To $1 Million In ARC Funding
Chattooga County’s economic classification could once again provide local governments and organizations with a significant advantage when seeking federal money for community and economic development projects.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is accepting pre-applications for Fiscal Year 2027 Appalachian Regional Commission funding. The current funding round allows awards of up to $1 million per project, with pre-applications due October 9 and full applications due October 30.
For Fiscal Year 2027, Chattooga County is the only Georgia county classified as “Distressed” under the ARC program. That classification provides a favorable 80-percent ARC to 20-percent local match rate for qualifying projects. Most other Northwest Georgia counties are classified as Transitional and generally fall under a 50/50 match.
That favorable funding formula has already helped support a major project in Chattooga County.
In Fiscal Year 2025, ARC obligated $1 million toward Phase I of the Tooga Theater renovation in downtown Summerville. ARC records list the total project cost at $1.372 million and classify the project under Arts, Culture and Tourism.
That followed an earlier ARC investment in the theater. In Fiscal Year 2023, ARC approved $140,000 for the Tooga Theater Renovation Plan, part of a $175,000 planning project. Together, the two awards represent $1.14 million in ARC funding tied to planning and Phase I renovation of the historic theater.
The Tooga Theater project provides a local example of the kind of investment ARC funding can support. The program is not limited to arts and cultural projects. Georgia’s priorities for the upcoming funding round include downtown development, infrastructure, resilient communities, rural economic development and workforce development.
Eligible applicants include local governments and authorities, nonprofit organizations, and public or nonprofit educational and health care organizations. Projects must also address at least one of ARC’s goals involving business development, workforce, infrastructure, culture and tourism, or community leadership and capacity.
Pre-applications are due to DCA by 5 PM Friday, October 9, with full applications due by 5 PM Friday, October 30.
Trion Considers Turning November Election Over To Chattooga County
The Town of Trion is considering having Chattooga County conduct its November 3 election, rather than handling the election in-house.
Mayor Mickey McGraw told the Trion Town Council the move is primarily about saving money. McGraw said the town had not yet received written cost figures from the county, but early indications were that having Chattooga County run the election would be less expensive than Trion conducting it itself.
The council gave the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize Chattooga County to conduct the November 3 election. A second reading is expected in September before the measure can be finalized.
Town Clerk Missy Duncan clarified that the discussion is not tied to any council or school board races for re-election.
One council member also asked for confirmation that the Trion City School bond question had already been approved for placement on the November ballot. Duncan confirmed that it had.
McGraw said he would also speak with the Trion City School Board about helping with the cost of the election.
The town is now waiting for more detailed cost information from Chattooga County before moving forward with the arrangement.
Red Cross Urges Blood Donations As Fall Schedules Put Supply At Risk
The American Red Cross is asking Northwest Georgia residents to roll up their sleeves this September as the organization works to protect the nation’s blood supply heading into fall.
Red Cross officials say the blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage. Changes in routines and increasingly busy fall schedules often result in fewer people making time to donate, even though hospitals continue to need blood products every day.
Donors of all blood types are being encouraged to schedule an appointment.
Several blood drives are planned across Northwest Georgia during September. Upcoming opportunities include:
- Wednesday, September 9: First Presbyterian Church Cartersville Fellowship Hall, 183 West Main Street in Cartersville, from 1 until 6 PM.
- Thursday, September 17: Berry College Krannert Center, 2277 Martha Berry Boulevard in Mount Berry, from 2 until 7 PM.
- Thursday, September 17: Rockmart Community/First Baptist Church, 311 East Elm Street in Rockmart, from 12:30 until 6:30 PM.
- Wednesday, September 23: Sonoraville High School, 7340 Fairmount Highway Southeast in Calhoun, from 9 AM until 2 PM.
- Saturday, September 26: Kelsy-Adcock-Burrell Center, 41 Washington Drive Southeast in Rome, from 9 AM until 2 PM.
- Monday, September 28: Adairsville Church on the Square, 102 South Main Street in Adairsville, from 1 until 6 PM.
- Tuesday, September 29: Cartersville Civic Center, 435 West Main Street, from noon until 5:30 PM.
- Wednesday, September 30: Gordon Central High School, 335 Warrior Path Northeast in Calhoun, from 9 AM until 2 PM.
September also marks an opportunity for the Red Cross to recognize the legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew, who was appointed the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program 85 years ago. The Red Cross will release a short documentary, Iconic Excellence, about Drew’s life and contributions on September 18.
People who donate through September 20 can receive a Red Cross and Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack while supplies last. Those donating September 21 through October 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Appointments can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
AdventHealth Opens New Primary Care Practice In Rome
AdventHealth has expanded its health care services in Northwest Georgia with the opening of a new primary care practice in Rome.
AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at John Maddox Drive officially opened Tuesday, September 8, offering primary care and internal medicine services for adult patients.
The new practice, located at 7 John Maddox Drive NW in Rome, provides preventive care, wellness visits, chronic disease management and personalized treatment plans.
AdventHealth officials say the location is part of the health system’s effort to meet growing health care needs across Northwest Georgia while providing whole-person care focused on physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
“Primary care plays a vital role in helping people live healthier lives and prevent illness before it becomes more serious,” said Scott Hill, vice president of physician enterprise at AdventHealth Georgia Market.
The practice is staffed by three clinicians.
Dr. Katlyn Zavala is a board-certified internal medicine physician. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga.
Savannah Stevens, a family nurse practitioner, provides care for adult and geriatric patients and has experience in primary care, internal medicine and critical care nursing.
Charma Cochran, also a family nurse practitioner, provides care for adult and geriatric patients and brings experience in collaborative and patient-centered care.
AdventHealth says the three providers will focus on building long-term relationships with patients while providing comprehensive care close to home.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at John Maddox Drive, call 706-368-8590.
Vehicle Damages Mailbox On Bellah Avenue In Summerville
Summerville Police responded to a report of property damage after a vehicle apparently struck a mailbox on Bellah Avenue over the weekend.
According to a Summerville Police Department report, Officer B. Campbell was dispatched to 330 Bellah Avenue at approximately 8:30 PM on Saturday, September 5.
The complainant, Michael Dover, told police he discovered at approximately 8 PM that someone had struck his mailbox, which was mounted on a wooden post across the street from his residence.
Dover told police it appeared a vehicle hit the mailbox and caused damage near the wooden post. He said the mailbox was not damaged beyond repair and that he was able to remove it from the post and put it back in place.
According to the report, Dover was unsure exactly when the incident occurred but believed it happened sometime between Friday, September 4, and Saturday evening.
No information about the vehicle or driver was included in the report.
Dover requested that Summerville Police document the incident.
Chattanooga National Cemetery To Join National 9/11 Day Of Service
As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Department of Veterans Affairs is inviting Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga-area residents to honor those who died through a day of volunteer service.
The Chattanooga National Cemetery is among the cemeteries participating in the VA’s National Day of Service and Remembrance on Saturday, September 12, at 10 AM. Georgia National Cemetery and Marietta National Cemetery are also participating.
The National Cemetery Administration is partnering with the nonprofit organization Carry The Load for this year’s observance. Volunteers will take part in activities including cleaning veterans’ headstones and beautifying cemetery grounds. The program will also include a brief ceremony and instructions for volunteers. Supplies will be provided, and there is no charge to participate.
The service project follows Patriot Day on Friday, September 11, which this year marks a quarter-century since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
According to the VA, 47 veterans and dependents who died as a result of the 9/11 attacks are buried or memorialized in VA national cemeteries. In the years since the attacks, more than 16,000 Global War on Terror veterans have been interred in VA national cemeteries across the country.
VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown said the anniversary provides an opportunity to remember the victims, first responders, military service members and families whose lives were forever changed by the attacks.
This year’s National Day of Service includes 144 participating cemeteries across the country, including 103 VA national cemeteries. Volunteers may arrive about 30 minutes before the 10 AM start to prepare for the activities.
Those interested in participating can find registration information through the VA National Cemetery Administration. National Day of Service information and participating cemeteries
Dade County Sheriff Reviewing Allegations Of Improper Credit Card Use By Commissioner
The Dade County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing allegations involving the possible improper use of a county credit card by a Dade County commissioner, and Sheriff Ray Cross has asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to help determine how the matter should proceed.
According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, Cross has received calls from multiple citizens over the past several days asking his office to investigate allegations that were voiced during the Dade County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 3.
Dade County records confirm the commission held its regular monthly workshop and meeting that evening at the Dade County Administrative Building in Trenton.
The Sheriff’s Office says it has since been provided with documents and receipts obtained by concerned citizens through the Georgia Open Records Act.
Investigators are currently reviewing those records while maintaining communication with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation concerning their findings.
Because of the nature of the complaints, Cross said he has asked the GBI to make a determination regarding how to move forward as the investigation unfolds.
At this point, the Sheriff’s Office has not identified the commissioner involved in the allegations, and no criminal charges have been announced.
The sheriff’s statement also does not detail the purchases or transactions being questioned, the amount of money involved or the specific allegations made during the September 3 meeting.
The Dade County Sheriff’s Office says nothing further will be released at this time.
WZQZ News will continue following the story as additional information becomes available.
JBAR Manufacturing Hiring For Logistics And Customer Service Position
JBAR Manufacturing in Trion is looking to add a new employee to its team, with the family-owned farm equipment company currently accepting applications for a logistics and customer service position.
The position pays $45,000 per year, with working hours of 9 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
According to the company’s hiring announcement, knowledge of farm equipment is required. The job is primarily a customer service position, with responsibilities that include handling logistics, working with JBAR dealers and assisting with production scheduling.
A drug test is required for the position. JBAR’s announcement also states that insurance and retirement benefits are not offered with the job.
JBAR Manufacturing has been family owned since 1972, marking 53 years in the farm equipment business.
Those interested in the position should apply in person at JBAR Manufacturing, 17877 Highway 27 in Trion.
Summerville Veterinary Clinic Announces New Saturday Walk-In Schedule
The Summerville Veterinary Clinic will begin a new Saturday schedule in October.
Starting in October, the clinic will offer walk-in service only on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
Numbers will be handed out beginning at 8 AM, with patients seen on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 AM until noon. Dr. Hopkins will begin seeing clients at 9 AM.
During the week, Dr. Hopkins sees appointments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM.
Anyone who would like to schedule a weekday appointment can call the Summerville Veterinary Clinic at 706-857-2918.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - September 9, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, September 9, 2026:
Hot And Dry Today, Storm Chances Increase By The Weekend
Warm and mostly dry weather continues across Chattooga County today, with sunshine and a high near 91. Winds will be light, becoming southeast around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 68.
Temperatures climb a little higher Thursday, with sunshine and a high near 93. The heat index could reach around 97. Thursday night will remain mostly clear with a low near 69.
The weather pattern begins changing Friday as moisture increases across Georgia. Friday will start mostly sunny, but there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon, with a high near 93. The heat and increasing humidity could make it feel considerably warmer.
The best chance for widespread rain comes Saturday. Showers and thunderstorms become likely, especially during the afternoon, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a high near 89. Some storms across the region Friday and Saturday could produce gusty winds, and repeated thunderstorms could result in localized heavy rainfall.
Rain chances decrease somewhat Sunday, with a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and a high around 90.
Scattered afternoon storms remain possible into early next week, with highs around 91 Monday and Tuesday.
Despite the calendar moving toward the middle of September, forecasters say fall-like weather isn’t expected anytime soon. Above-normal temperatures and higher humidity are expected to continue, with heat index readings potentially approaching or exceeding 100 degrees at times through the weekend and into next week.
Vehicle Reported Stolen From Summerville Residence
Summerville Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle that was reported missing from a residence early Sunday morning.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, Officer J. Pledger was dispatched at approximately 9:34 AM on Sunday, September 6, after Connie Bramlett reported that her vehicle had been stolen.
Bramlett told police she discovered the vehicle missing when she attempted to leave her residence that morning. She said a neighbor had last seen the vehicle at approximately 4 AM.
Police described the stolen vehicle as a black Ford EcoSport Titanium with dings in various areas. Bramlett told officers she was unsure whether the vehicle was locked when it was taken.
According to the report, officers spoke with neighbors and determined the vehicle was still outside the residence at approximately 4 AM. A neighbor reported hearing a vehicle with no muffler at around 5:30 AM, leading police to believe the Ford was taken sometime between 4 and 5:30 AM.
Police checked the vehicle identification number and obtained the vehicle’s tag information. A BOLO — Be On the Lookout — was issued to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Trion City Police Department and surrounding counties.
The officer later attempted to locate the vehicle but was unsuccessful. The vehicle information was entered into GCIC.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Northwest Georgia Regional Fair Opens Friday In Calhoun
Another longtime Northwest Georgia fall tradition gets underway this week as the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair opens Friday in Gordon County.
The fair, which many area residents have traditionally known as the Gordon County Fair, will run Friday, September 11 through Saturday, September 19 at the Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds on Highway 53/Rome Road in Calhoun.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair brings together the traditional attractions of a county fair, including carnival rides, fair food, games, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, youth activities and live entertainment.
The carnival midway will be provided by Peachtree Rides, an Atlanta-based carnival company that operates throughout North Georgia.
Agriculture remains an important part of the annual fair. The 2026 event will include livestock competition, along with activities involving area youth and agricultural organizations. Traditionally, the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair has featured 4-H and FFA livestock competitions, youth exhibits and educational displays in addition to the midway and entertainment.
Fair organizers say there will also be shows, concerts and demonstrations during the nine-day run. The complete 2026 entertainment schedule was still being finalized as of this week, according to the fair’s official website.
The fair is also bringing back its fair pageants, another longstanding part of the annual event.
For many Chattooga County residents, the Calhoun fair is one of the closest opportunities to enjoy another fair after the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair wrapped up in late August.
The fair will also spill over into downtown Calhoun this weekend. The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair Parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, following the traditional downtown Calhoun parade route.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair is one of several fairs taking place across the region during September. The Polk County Fair in Cedartown opens today and continues through Saturday, while the Calhoun fair begins Friday and continues through September 19.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair is located at the Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds on Highway 53/Rome Road in Calhoun.