Arrest Report - Wednesday - October 14, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, October 14, 2026:
Near-Record Heat Today Before Strong Cold Front Brings Weekend Cooldown
Residents across Chattooga County can expect another unusually warm October day today, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s before a strong cold front brings much cooler weather to Northwest Georgia this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will begin with patchy dense fog, particularly in low-lying and valley areas around sunrise. Some locations could experience reduced visibility through mid-morning before the fog clears by 10 AM. Motorists should use caution during the morning commute.
Once the fog clears, skies will be sunny with an afternoon high near 87 degrees and calm winds. Temperatures across North Georgia are running approximately 10 to 15 degrees above normal for mid-October, and forecasters say some locations could approach or break daily record highs.
Wednesday night will be clear with a low around 61 degrees.
Thursday will bring another exceptionally warm day, with sunshine and a high near 88 degrees. Thursday night will remain clear with temperatures falling to around 62.
Friday will be sunny with a high near 82 degrees, but a strong cold front moving through Georgia between Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon will bring a significant change in temperatures.
By Saturday, afternoon highs in Chattooga County are expected to reach only around 65 degrees, with overnight lows dropping into the mid-40s. Sunday will remain sunny and cool, with a high near 67 degrees and a low around 47 Sunday night.
The National Weather Service says the cold front could also produce gusty winds, with sustained speeds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts potentially reaching 25 to 35 mph across parts of North and Central Georgia.
Temperatures in the North Georgia mountains could dip into the upper 30s and lower 40s during the weekend and early next week.
Despite the arrival of the cold front, rain is not expected. Forecasters say dry conditions will continue throughout the next seven days.
Temperatures will gradually moderate next week, with highs near 71 Monday and 75 Tuesday.
Georgia Confirms 22nd Measles Case Of 2026 As Health Officials Urge Vaccination
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed another measles case, bringing the state’s total to 22 cases so far in 2026, more than double the 10 cases reported during all of 2025.
The latest case involves an unvaccinated resident of Macon County in southwest Georgia. The individual is isolating at home, while unvaccinated people identified as close contacts are being quarantined.
According to state health officials, the infected individual has no known travel history but did have contact with a confirmed measles patient from Pennsylvania, where an ongoing outbreak has resulted in more than 1,100 cases.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is working to identify anyone else who may have been exposed.
Measles Spreads Easily Through The Air
Health officials are reminding Georgia residents that measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, potentially exposing others who enter the same space.
Dr. Cherie Drenzek, Georgia’s state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing additional cases.
According to Drenzek, one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly called the MMR vaccine, provides approximately 93% protection against measles. Two doses increase protection to approximately 97%.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive their first MMR vaccination between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between ages four and six.
Infants between six and eleven months who will be traveling internationally should receive an early dose before their trip, followed by the regularly recommended doses after their first birthday.
Vaccination also helps protect infants and people with medical conditions that prevent them from receiving the vaccine.
Symptoms Can Take Up To Three Weeks To Appear
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to fourteen days after exposure, although they can take as long as 21 days.
Early symptoms generally include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
A red rash typically follows, beginning on the head and spreading downward across the body.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should contact a healthcare provider immediately but should not enter a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic without calling ahead.
Calling ahead allows healthcare facilities to take precautions to prevent exposing other patients and staff members.
Although the latest confirmed case is in Macon County, the Georgia Department of Public Health is encouraging residents throughout the state, including Northwest Georgia, to make sure they and their children are appropriately vaccinated.
Residents who are uncertain about their vaccination status can contact their healthcare provider or local health department.
Additional information is available through the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sources:
Georgia Department of Public Health — DPH Confirms New Measles Case, Urges Vaccination, October 2026.
Georgia Department of Public Health: https://dph.georgia.gov/measles-georgia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
Chattooga County Toys For Tots Announces Christmas Toy Registration Dates
The Chattooga County Toys for Tots program has announced registration dates for families needing assistance with Christmas gifts for their children this holiday season.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program will hold three registration sessions at the Summerville Recreation Center on Bolling Road in Summerville.
Registration will be held on Saturday, October 31, Saturday, November 14, and Saturday, November 21, from 9 AM until 11 AM each day.
Families seeking assistance must register children who live in their household and for whom they have legal custody.
Program organizers also ask families who are already receiving Christmas toy assistance from another agency not to register for Toys for Tots. This helps ensure that holiday assistance reaches as many families in need as possible.
The final deadline to register for Christmas toys is December 4, 2026.
Toys for Tots is a nationwide charitable program operated by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Its mission is to collect and distribute toys to children whose families might otherwise struggle to provide Christmas gifts.
The program relies on community donations and volunteers to help make Christmas brighter for children in need.
Families with questions about registration or eligibility may contact Christie William, Chattooga County Toys for Tots Coordinator, at 706-859-1140.
Georgia Voters To Decide Three Constitutional Amendments As Early Voting Gets Underway In Chattooga County
Georgia voters heading to the polls for the November 3 General Election will be asked to decide three proposed amendments to the Georgia Constitution. The questions involve property tax treatment for agricultural land, how probate court judges are elected, and how the state funds emergency 911 services.
While the amendments will appear on ballots throughout Georgia, their potential effects could also be felt in Chattooga County, particularly among farmers, property owners and those who depend on local emergency services.
Early voting began Tuesday, October 13, and all advance voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office in Summerville.
Each proposed amendment has already received the required two-thirds approval from the Georgia General Assembly. However, lawmakers cannot change the state constitution on their own. Each proposal must receive approval from a majority of voters casting ballots on that particular question.
Here is a closer look at the three amendments, what they would change and what a YES or NO vote would mean.
Amendment One: Expanding Property Tax Benefits For Agricultural And Timberland
The first proposed constitutional amendment would increase the maximum acreage eligible for Georgia’s Conservation Use Valuation Assessment program, commonly known as CUVA, from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres per qualifying owner.
The program was established to help preserve agricultural land, timberland and other qualifying conservation properties by allowing the land to be assessed for property taxes based on its qualifying use rather than its full fair market value.
Under the existing system, qualifying landowners can receive favorable property tax treatment by agreeing to maintain their property in an approved conservation use for a period of ten years.
For example, farmland that might have a high market value because of potential residential or commercial development can instead be assessed according to its agricultural productivity and qualifying use.
The purpose is to reduce the financial pressure that rising property values can place on farmers and landowners who want to continue using their property for agriculture or timber production.
Currently, the Georgia Constitution limits the amount of qualifying conservation-use property to 2,000 acres for a single owner.
The proposed amendment would double that constitutional limit to 4,000 acres.
What Would Change?
If approved, the amendment would allow qualifying owners with more than 2,000 acres to potentially receive conservation-use assessment on additional acreage, up to the new 4,000-acre limit.
The amendment would not eliminate the program’s existing requirements. Property owners would still have to qualify for the tax treatment and comply with applicable conservation-use agreements.
Those agreements generally require the land to remain in qualifying use for ten years. Breaking the agreement can result in repayment of tax savings and additional penalties.
Arguments Surrounding The Proposal
Supporters, including agricultural organizations, say the higher acreage limit would help preserve family farms and timber operations, particularly as land values and operating costs increase.
They argue that some farming operations require substantial acreage to remain economically viable and that expanding the program could help prevent agricultural land from being converted to other uses.
Critics question whether doubling the acreage limit would primarily benefit larger landowners rather than smaller family farms.
There are also potential implications for local property tax collections. When qualifying property receives a lower taxable assessment, local governments and school systems collect less revenue from that property than they would under ordinary fair-market-value assessment.
The actual effect would depend on how much additional land qualifies for the program.
What Your Vote Means:
- YES: Increase the maximum qualifying conservation-use acreage from 2,000 to 4,000 acres.
- NO: Keep the existing constitutional limit of 2,000 acres.
For Chattooga County, where agriculture, cattle farming, timber production and other rural land uses remain important parts of the local economy, the proposal could be particularly relevant to owners of larger agricultural and timber properties.
Amendment Two: Making All Probate Judge Elections Nonpartisan
The second proposed constitutional amendment would require every probate court judge in Georgia to be elected in a nonpartisan election.
Georgia’s probate courts handle a variety of important legal responsibilities, including administering estates, processing wills, appointing guardians and conservators, and issuing marriage licenses and weapons carry licenses.
Depending on the county and the court’s jurisdiction, probate judges may also handle certain traffic violations and other legal matters.
Probate judges are elected to four-year terms.
Currently, probate judges are an exception to Georgia’s general system of nonpartisan judicial elections. Depending on applicable law, probate judge candidates may run with political party affiliations.
The proposed amendment would establish one statewide requirement: all probate judge elections would be nonpartisan.
What Would Change?
If approved, candidates for probate judge would appear on election ballots without Republican, Democratic or other political party labels.
The change would affect how candidates appear on the ballot and how elections for those positions are conducted.
It would not eliminate elections for probate judges or change the basic responsibilities of probate courts.
Voters would continue choosing their probate judge, but candidates would no longer run under political party designations.
Arguments Surrounding The Proposal
Supporters argue that judges should be elected based on their legal qualifications, experience and ability to administer the law fairly rather than political party affiliation.
They say making probate judge elections nonpartisan would bring those offices into line with the election process used for other judicial positions in Georgia.
Others argue that political party labels can provide useful information to voters, particularly in races where candidates may not be widely known.
Removing party labels would require voters to rely more heavily on information about individual candidates and their qualifications.
Importantly, a nonpartisan election does not prohibit candidates from holding personal political views. It simply means their party affiliation would not appear as part of their candidacy on the ballot.
What Your Vote Means:
- YES: Require all Georgia probate court judges to be elected in nonpartisan elections.
- NO: Keep the existing constitutional framework, under which probate judge elections may be partisan or nonpartisan.
The proposal would establish a uniform election requirement for probate judges across all 159 Georgia counties, including Chattooga County.
Amendment Three: Creating A Dedicated Fund For Emergency 911 Services
The third proposed constitutional amendment concerns how Georgia finances emergency 911 systems and future improvements to emergency communications technology.
The proposal would authorize the Georgia General Assembly to establish a dedicated fund known as the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund.
The fund would be used exclusively for the expansion, maintenance and operation of emergency 911 systems throughout the state.
Why Is The Amendment Being Proposed?
Emergency communications systems have changed significantly since traditional 911 service was developed.
Older systems were primarily designed to receive telephone calls and identify the caller’s location through conventional telephone networks.
Modern emergency communications increasingly involve cellular telephones, digital networks, enhanced location information and technology capable of handling additional forms of emergency communication.
Next Generation 911, often called NG911, is an internet-protocol-based emergency communications system intended to replace aging infrastructure and improve the exchange of emergency information.
The technology can support capabilities such as more accurate location data, improved communication between emergency centers and, where supported, the transmission of text, photographs and other digital information.
Developing and maintaining these systems requires investments in equipment, software, network connections, cybersecurity and ongoing operations.
What Would Change?
The proposed amendment would allow state lawmakers to dedicate certain existing revenues, including revenues reallocated under state law, to a special fund for emergency 911 services.
One potential funding source involves existing fees collected on wireless telephone service.
The proposed fund would be described as nonlapsing, meaning money deposited into it would not automatically expire at the end of a state fiscal year.
Instead, funds could remain available for authorized emergency communications purposes.
The constitutional amendment would also restrict the money to the expansion, maintenance and operation of emergency 911 systems.
That restriction is intended to prevent funds dedicated to emergency communications from being redirected to unrelated government expenses.
Would The Amendment Create A New Tax?
The amendment itself would not establish a new tax or automatically increase an existing 911 fee.
Instead, it would give the General Assembly constitutional authority to establish a dedicated funding mechanism using qualifying revenues.
Any specific funding arrangements would depend on legislation implementing the amendment.
What Could It Mean For Chattooga County?
Chattooga County’s emergency 911 system provides a critical connection between residents and emergency responders, including law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services.
Reliable communications are particularly important in rural communities, where emergency responders may need to locate callers in remote areas or coordinate responses across large geographic distances.
A statewide funding mechanism could support improvements to emergency communications infrastructure, although the amendment does not guarantee a specific amount of funding for Chattooga County.
The distribution of money and the projects eligible for funding would depend on the laws and procedures established by the state.
Arguments Surrounding The Proposal
Supporters say a dedicated fund would provide a more dependable source of financing for emergency communications and help Georgia modernize aging 911 infrastructure.
They argue that protecting the money for emergency services would make it easier to plan long-term upgrades.
Questions surrounding the proposal include how much money would ultimately be dedicated to the fund, how the state would distribute those dollars and what oversight would be established.
Those details would largely be determined through subsequent legislation.
What Your Vote Means:
- YES: Authorize the Georgia General Assembly to create a dedicated, nonlapsing fund for emergency 911 systems using qualifying existing revenues.
- NO: Leave the proposed constitutional authorization out of the Georgia Constitution.
Chattooga County Voters Will Also Decide Local Ballot Questions
In addition to the three statewide constitutional amendments, Chattooga County voters will see several local questions on the November ballot.
Those include proposed changes to homestead property tax exemptions, renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, commonly called ESPLOST, and a bond proposal affecting the Town of Trion.
The local homestead exemption questions include legislation that would increase the senior school property tax exemption cap from $20,000 to $38,000 and establish a new county homestead exemption.
These questions are separate from the statewide constitutional amendments and will be decided by the voters eligible to participate in each local referendum.
Early Voting Underway At Chattooga County Registrar’s Office
Early voting for the November 3 General Election began Tuesday, October 13, and continues through Friday, October 30.
All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office in Summerville.
Georgia’s statewide advance voting calendar also includes required Saturday voting opportunities on October 17 and October 24.
Voters must present an acceptable form of identification when voting in person.
Residents can review their registration information and individual sample ballots through the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
Voters are encouraged to review the proposed constitutional amendments and local ballot questions before going to the polls, since each question will require a separate YES or NO vote.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Thirteenth Annual Sequoyah Quilt Show Coming To Historic Summerville Depot October 17-18
The Historic Summerville Depot will be filled with colorful quilts, traditional craftsmanship and stories of the past this weekend as the 13th Annual Sequoyah Quilt Show returns to downtown Summerville.
The two-day event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM until 3 PM, and Sunday, October 18, from 11 AM until 3 PM, at the Historic Summerville Depot, located at 119 East Washington Street.
The show will feature a wide variety of quilts representing different ages, colors, patterns and designs, including modern creations, antique quilts and rare pieces. Visitors will also have opportunities to watch live quilting demonstrations and browse quilts, quilting supplies and related merchandise available for purchase.
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the traditional Bed Turning demonstrations, sponsored by Southern Bedding.
Bed Turning is a unique presentation in which quilts are displayed one at a time while their histories and stories are shared with the audience. The demonstrations offer a glimpse into the lives, experiences and traditions of the people who created the quilts.
Bed Turning demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday at 11 AM and 1:30 PM, and Sunday at 12:30 PM and 1:45 PM. All demonstrations will take place in the depot’s Freight Room.
In addition to the indoor exhibits, a limited number of food and craft vendors will be set up outside the depot.
The weekend will also feature visits from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s passenger train, which is expected to arrive in Summerville around 1 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Railroad enthusiasts will have an opportunity to watch the antique steam locomotive being turned on Summerville’s historic railroad turntable.
The Sequoyah Quilt Show is part of the city’s Steam Into Summerville Railroad Days, a series of events celebrating Summerville’s railroad heritage while bringing visitors downtown.
Admission to the quilt show is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
For additional information, visit the City of Summerville Georgia Facebook page or contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900, extension 1337.
Public Hearing Thursday On $1 Million Welcome Hill Water Project Expected To Benefit 118 Residents
Residents in the Welcome Hill community near Trion will have an opportunity tomorrow to learn more about a major water system improvement project expected to benefit approximately 118 residents.
Chattooga County has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, October 15, from noon until 1 PM at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville.
The hearing will focus on the county’s recently approved $1 million Community Development Block Grant, which will help fund improvements to aging water infrastructure in the Welcome Hill Road area.
Chattooga County received the grant award on September 28 through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
According to information released with the grant awards, the project is expected to serve 118 residents, including 91 who are classified as low-to-moderate income. That means more than 77 percent of those benefiting from the improvements fall within the income categories targeted by the federal grant program.
The total project cost is estimated at approximately $1.344 million, with $1 million coming from the grant and an additional $344,000 provided through matching and leveraged funding.
Welcome Hill is one of the older sections of the Chattooga County water system. The project is part of the county’s continuing effort to improve aging infrastructure and provide reliable water service to residents.
The Community Development Block Grant program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered in Georgia by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The program helps smaller communities finance infrastructure improvements, including water and sewer projects, that benefit residents with low and moderate incomes.
The Welcome Hill improvements follow another major county water project along Old Highway 27. That project served 131 residents and involved approximately $912,156 in grant funding, along with $204,900 in local matching funds.
Thursday’s public hearing will provide information about the approved activities associated with the Welcome Hill project and give residents an opportunity to learn more about the planned improvements.
Specific construction dates and a detailed timetable have not yet been announced.
The hearing will take place tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, beginning at noon at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville.
Residents seeking additional information may contact the commissioner’s office at 706-857-0700.
West Berryton Church Launches Thanksgiving Outreach To Help Feed Local Families
A Chattooga County church is working to make sure local families have a Thanksgiving dinner to enjoy this holiday season, and community members are being invited to help through a special program called “Adopt-A-Box.”
West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church has launched its annual Community Thanksgiving Outreach, offering residents an opportunity to sponsor a complete Thanksgiving meal for a family in need.
For a donation of just $20, sponsors can provide a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four, with food that recipients can take home and prepare themselves.
The church is encouraging individuals, businesses and community organizations to participate by adopting one or more boxes.
Glori Boyd, who shared information about the outreach, said the project is one of the ways the church demonstrates its love for the community.
She explained that a $20 contribution can help provide a family of four with a Thanksgiving meal they can prepare at home.
The church is accepting donations to help make the outreach possible, with supporters able to contribute through Venmo, cash or check.
Thanksgiving Meal Distribution November 21
The Thanksgiving food boxes will be distributed on Saturday, November 21, beginning at 10 AM, at the Chattooga County Tag Office in Summerville.
The distribution will be conducted as a drive-by pickup, with vehicles lining up on West Washington Street directly in front of the Tag Office.
The outreach is designed to help families facing financial challenges during the holiday season while giving local residents a way to make a difference in their neighbors’ lives.
With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 26, the distribution will take place five days before the holiday, giving families time to prepare their meals.
How To Help
Those wishing to sponsor a Thanksgiving meal can make a $20 donation through one of the following methods:
- Venmo: @WBFTHC
- Checks: Payable to West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church
- Cash: Donations may be given directly to church representatives.
Boyd also said she would be glad to accept cash or check donations in person from those interested in supporting the outreach.
The church hopes community participation will allow it to reach as many families as possible this Thanksgiving.
The Adopt-A-Box program offers a simple way for residents to help ensure that families throughout Chattooga County can gather around the table and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
The Community Thanksgiving Outreach distribution is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at 10 AM at the Chattooga County Tag Office in Summerville.
Source: West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church Community Thanksgiving Outreach announcement, shared by Glori Boyd on October 11, 2026.
Summerville Disability Advocate Spann Cordle To Share His Story At Dalton Conference October 30
A Summerville man who has spent much of his life advocating for people with disabilities and demonstrating that physical challenges do not have to limit personal achievement is preparing to take a major step in his public speaking career.
Spann Cordle will be a speaker at the 2026 Abilities Without Limits Conference & Expo on Friday, October 30, at the Dalton Convention Center. The appearance will mark his first major conference presentation, an accomplishment he hopes will lead to additional speaking opportunities.
Cordle was born with cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and wears hearing aids. Throughout his life, he has navigated challenges in a world that has not always been designed with people with disabilities in mind.
Rather than allowing those challenges to define his future, Cordle has built a life centered on employment, independence, advocacy and helping others recognize their own potential.
He has spent 19 years working at Walmart, while also participating in disability advocacy, podcasts, media interviews and public speaking opportunities.
His accomplishments have previously received national recognition. In 2010, Cordle was recognized as an Employee of the Year by Careers & the Disabled magazine, an achievement reported at the time by WZQZ.
A Special Bond With His Service Dog
An important part of Cordle’s story has been his relationship with Finn, his service dog.
Finn has assisted Cordle with everyday tasks, including opening doors and helping him navigate his surroundings. Their partnership has also helped raise awareness about the importance of service animals and the independence they can provide to people with disabilities.
Cordle and Finn have been featured in interviews discussing their experiences, including a podcast titled Paws, Perseverance & Public Speaking: Spann Cordle’s Unstoppable Story.
The interview explored Cordle’s years of employment, the role Finn has played in his life and his growing interest in becoming a conference speaker.
Sharing A Message About Attitude And Opportunity
In announcing his upcoming presentation, Cordle explained that the Dalton conference represents something much more personal than simply delivering a speech.
He said one of the most important lessons he has learned is that the greatest barrier a person faces is sometimes not the situation they have been given, but the attitude they bring to it.
His message focuses on perseverance, independence and recognizing opportunities even when circumstances present obstacles.
Cordle has traveled, worked, advocated for others and pursued personal goals while living with cerebral palsy.
Now, he is preparing to share those experiences with a larger audience.
Although the October 30 presentation will be his first major conference speaking engagement, Cordle says he does not believe it will be his last.
For him, the conference’s name, Abilities Without Limits, represents more than an event title. It reflects the outlook he has worked to develop throughout his life.
Conference Brings Together Families, Educators And Advocates
The Abilities Without Limits Conference & Expo is organized by the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, part of Vitruvian Health.
Previously known as the North Georgia Autism Conference, the annual event has expanded its focus to include individuals with a broader range of developmental differences and disabilities.
The conference brings together individuals with disabilities, families, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates and organizations that provide support services.
Educational sessions will address subjects including independent living, employment, education, healthcare, advocacy and community inclusion.
The featured keynote speaker will be Tanner Smith, known for his appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. His mother, Nicci Smith, is also scheduled to participate.
The conference will also provide opportunities for participants to connect with organizations offering resources and assistance to people with disabilities and their families.
Conference Scheduled For October 30 In Dalton
The 2026 Abilities Without Limits Conference & Expo is scheduled for Friday, October 30, at the Dalton Convention Center, located at 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway in Dalton.
A free community resource fair will be held from 10 AM until 11:30 AM, allowing members of the public to visit participating organizations without purchasing a conference ticket.
Registration is required to attend the conference presentations.
Additional information and registration details are available through Vitruvian Health’s Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.
For Cordle, the event represents an opportunity to share the lessons of a lifetime while encouraging others to pursue their own ambitions.
After nearly two decades in the workforce and years of disability advocacy, the Summerville resident is preparing to take the stage with a message that personal determination and opportunity can extend far beyond the limitations others may perceive.
Sources:
- Vitruvian Health — 2026 Abilities Without Limits Conference & Expo announcement and registration information.
- Spann Cordle — Public announcement regarding his October 30 conference presentation.
- Paws, Perseverance & Public Speaking: Spann Cordle’s Unstoppable Story — Podcast interview published August 30, 2026.
- WZQZ Radio / ChattoogaInfo — October 27, 2010, coverage of Spann Cordle’s recognition by Careers & the Disabled magazine.
- Dalton Convention Center — Event location information.
Georgia Child Care Agency To Host Northwest Georgia Regional Meeting October 20
Child care providers across Northwest Georgia, including those in Chattooga County, will have an opportunity next week to learn about state program updates, available resources and professional development opportunities during a regional meeting hosted by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, commonly known as DECAL, oversees several of the state’s early childhood education and child care programs, including child care licensing, Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Quality Rated and the Childcare and Parent Services program, known as CAPS.
The regional meeting is intended to provide child care professionals with information about state initiatives, program requirements and resources available to help them operate their facilities and serve families.
Why The Meeting Matters To Chattooga County
Child care availability is an important concern for working families, particularly in rural communities where parents may have fewer options for licensed care.
Child care providers must navigate state licensing requirements, health and safety standards, staffing regulations and ongoing training requirements.
State-sponsored meetings offer providers an opportunity to receive updates, learn about available assistance and ask questions about programs affecting their operations.
Georgia’s Quality Rated program provides a system for evaluating and recognizing child care programs that meet additional quality standards.
The CAPS program helps eligible families pay for child care, allowing parents and guardians to work, attend school or participate in approved training activities.
Georgia’s Pre-K Program provides state-funded early education opportunities for eligible four-year-old children.
Information about these programs can be particularly useful to smaller child care centers and family child care providers operating in rural counties.
Meeting Scheduled For Next Tuesday
The October 20 regional meeting will be held at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville, providing an opportunity for child care professionals from Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Bartow and surrounding counties to participate.
The meeting is directed toward child care providers and early childhood education professionals rather than being a general public enrollment event.
Additional information about DECAL programs and resources is available through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning at www.decal.ga.gov.
Summerville Police Body Cameras Getting Cloud Storage Upgrade To Protect Video Evidence
Body-worn cameras have become an important tool in modern law enforcement, providing video and audio recordings of interactions between police officers and the public. In Summerville, city officials have approved a technology upgrade designed to better protect those recordings and preserve them as potential evidence in criminal investigations.
During its September meeting, the Summerville City Council unanimously approved a contract with Pro-Vision, the company that already provides body-worn cameras for the Summerville Police Department, to move camera footage from a local computer server to a cloud-based storage system.
The decision highlights an important part of body camera technology that often receives less attention than the cameras themselves: how recordings are stored, protected and retrieved after an incident.
How Police Body Cameras Work
Body-worn cameras are small recording devices typically attached to an officer’s uniform. They can capture video and audio during traffic stops, arrests, calls for service and other interactions with the public.
The recordings can help document what officers encounter, what individuals say and do, and how incidents unfold.
Video footage can also provide investigators with additional evidence when reviewing criminal cases, complaints or disputed accounts of an encounter.
However, body cameras do not necessarily record every moment of an officer’s shift. Recording requirements depend on departmental policies, the circumstances of an encounter and the equipment being used.
The cameras also have limitations. A recording may not capture everything an officer sees or hears, and camera angles, lighting, obstructions and other factors can affect the footage.
Why Summerville Is Changing Its Storage System
According to City Manager Winters, Summerville Police Department body camera recordings have been stored on an on-premises server.
That means video files have been maintained using equipment physically located at a city facility rather than in a remotely hosted cloud storage system.
While local servers can provide reliable storage, they are vulnerable to equipment failures and disasters that could damage the hardware holding the recordings.
The new Pro-Vision system is designed to address those concerns by providing redundant backups, remote access and tamper-resistant audit trails that document activity involving stored recordings.
Redundant storage helps protect files by maintaining additional copies, reducing the risk that a single hardware failure could result in lost footage.
Remote access can allow authorized personnel to retrieve recordings without relying entirely on access to equipment at a particular physical location.
Audit trails provide a record of actions involving stored files, helping departments monitor how recordings are accessed and managed.
Georgia Law Requires Body Camera Recordings To Be Retained
Georgia law establishes minimum retention periods for video recordings made by law enforcement body-worn cameras and cameras installed in police vehicles.
Under Georgia Code Section 50-18-96, most recordings must be retained for at least 180 days, or approximately six months, from the date they were recorded.
However, certain recordings must be kept significantly longer.
Footage that is part of a criminal investigation, shows a vehicle accident, documents the detention or arrest of an individual, or records an officer’s use of force must be retained for 30 months, or two and a half years.
The same 30-month requirement applies to recordings containing evidence that is needed, or reasonably expected to be needed, in pending litigation.
If litigation begins during that retention period, the footage must be preserved until the case reaches a final resolution.
These are minimum retention requirements. State law does not require departments to automatically destroy recordings once the applicable retention period expires.
The requirements make dependable storage particularly important because some recordings may need to remain available for years after an incident occurs.
A hardware failure or loss of video evidence could create problems for criminal investigations, court proceedings and the review of police conduct.
Moving recordings to a cloud-based system with redundant backups is intended to reduce those risks.
What The Upgrade Will Cost
The Summerville City Council approved a one-year contract with Pro-Vision that will automatically renew.
The first-year cost is $10,428, including equipment and installation.
The cost for subsequent years is expected to be $6,480 annually, under the terms presented to the council.
Council Member Dana W. Mosley made the motion to approve the agreement, and Council Member Simone Adams seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.
Body Camera Recordings And Public Accountability
Body-worn camera footage can serve several purposes beyond documenting criminal activity.
Recordings may be reviewed during investigations, used in court proceedings, examined when complaints are made against officers or used by police departments for training and evaluation.
They can also provide additional information when officers and members of the public give differing accounts of an incident.
In Georgia, access to police body camera footage is governed by state law, including provisions of the Georgia Open Records Act.
Some recordings may be available through public records requests, while others may be subject to exemptions or restrictions involving active investigations, privacy and other legal considerations.
The Summerville Police Department’s decision to upgrade its storage system does not necessarily change which recordings are available to the public. Instead, the approved contract addresses how the department maintains and protects the footage it collects.
As police agencies increasingly rely on digital evidence, preserving recordings and maintaining records of how those files are handled have become important parts of law enforcement operations.
For Summerville, the approved Pro-Vision agreement represents an investment in the storage and management of footage already being collected by officers using the department’s body-worn cameras.
Sources:
- Summerville City Council — September 2026 meeting minutes, Pro-Vision cloud storage contract approval.
- Georgia Code Section 50-18-96 — Retention of video recordings from law enforcement sources.
- Georgia Archives — Local Government Records Retention Schedule, LG-19-068A, LG-19-068B and LG-19-068C.
- Pro-Vision Video Systems — Cloud-based video storage and evidence management documentation.
- Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press — Georgia Open Government Guide, police body camera footage and public records access.
Menlo Man Arrested After Deputies Execute Outstanding Warrant At Highway 48 Residence
A Menlo man was arrested after Chattooga County sheriff’s deputies went to a residence on Highway 48 to serve an outstanding arrest warrant and reportedly encountered difficulty getting the man to come to the door.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, the arrest occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at approximately 4:49 PM, at a residence located at 6762 Highway 48 in Menlo.
The suspect was identified as Robert John Jones III, age 40, who was wanted on an active arrest warrant.
A deputy reported receiving information that Jones had been seen entering his residence. Two deputies responded to the address and attempted numerous times to get Jones to come to the door, but he did not respond.
According to the report, deputies had been advised that Jones did not intend to leave the residence voluntarily. One deputy had been observing the home from the Menlo ballfields before the officers arrived, allowing him to watch for anyone entering or leaving the property.
While at the residence, a deputy noticed an open rear window. After additional attempts to get Jones to come outside were unsuccessful, deputies entered the home through unlocked doors.
One deputy entered through a side door while another entered through the front door.
The deputies announced their presence and began checking rooms inside the residence.
During the search, Jones reportedly opened a closet door and came out with his hands raised.
Jones was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
The incident report lists a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of officers.
Deputies reported that the incident was recorded on body-worn cameras.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - October 13, 2026
There were no arrests to report from the docket records of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Unseasonably Warm Weather Continues Across Chattooga County Before Weekend Cold Front Brings Big Temperature Drop
Residents across Chattooga County can expect several more days of sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures before a strong cold front brings a significant change in the weather this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, high pressure building over the Southeast will keep conditions dry and temperatures well above normal through much of the workweek. Afternoon temperatures could run 10 to 20 degrees above average for mid-October, with some locations across Georgia potentially approaching record highs.
Today, skies will be sunny with a high near 86 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming westerly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Tonight will be clear, with temperatures falling to around 59 degrees.
The warming trend continues Wednesday, with sunshine and a high near 87 degrees. Thursday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with a high near 88 degrees. Overnight lows Wednesday and Thursday will remain around 60 degrees.
Friday will bring another sunny day, with a high near 84 degrees. However, a strong cold front is expected to move through the region late Friday into early Saturday, ushering in a much cooler air mass.
By Saturday, afternoon temperatures in Chattooga County are expected to reach only around 66 degrees — a drop of more than 20 degrees from Thursday’s forecast high. Saturday night will be clear and chilly, with temperatures falling to around 44 degrees.
Sunday will remain sunny but cool, with a high near 68 degrees and an overnight low around 47. Temperatures should begin moderating Monday, with sunshine and a high near 74 degrees.
Forecasters say the incoming cold air could produce some of the coolest temperatures of the fall season so far. Portions of northeast Georgia could even approach frost advisory conditions, although frost is not currently forecast for Chattooga County.
The National Weather Service says there is still some uncertainty regarding the exact timing of the cold front, but confidence is increasing that significantly cooler temperatures will arrive this weekend.
Despite the dramatic temperature change, the forecast remains dry, with no measurable rainfall currently expected through the weekend.
Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend should prepare for a noticeable change from the summerlike warmth expected during the middle of the week.
Veterans Coffee And Company Gathering Set For Today At Chattooga County Library
Local veterans are invited to enjoy coffee, pastries and fellowship today, Tuesday, October 13, during the monthly Veterans Coffee & Company gathering at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville.
The event takes place from 10 AM until 11 AM at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Hosted by the Chattooga County Library and Transitions Hospice Care, the gathering provides veterans with an opportunity to connect with fellow service members, share stories and enjoy camaraderie in a welcoming environment.
Veterans Coffee & Company is held on the second Tuesday of each month. Organizers encourage veterans throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities to attend.
The event includes complimentary coffee and pastries.
For more information, contact Irene at Transitions Hospice Care at 678-386-5364 or Shelly at the library at 706-857-2553.
Public Hearing In Summerville To Help Shape Services For Older Adults
Residents of Chattooga County will have an opportunity next month to provide input on programs and services for older adults throughout Northwest Georgia.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, November 3, at 2 p.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The hearing is part of a series of public meetings being held throughout the agency’s 15-county service area. The goal is to gather feedback from residents about the needs of older adults and caregivers and use that information to guide future planning.
The Area Agency on Aging helps coordinate services designed to support older residents and allow them to remain independent. Those services include nutrition and wellness programs, caregiver resources, assistance with long-term care, information and referrals, and other support programs.
Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing and share their concerns, suggestions and experiences. Those unable to attend can also participate through an online survey or submit written comments.
Additional hearings are scheduled throughout November in neighboring counties, including Dade, Floyd, Gordon and Walker.
For more information or to submit comments, residents may contact Lynne Reeves with the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission at 706-295-6485.
Historic Armuchee Iron Bridge Closed For Repairs Through Thursday
Photo taken by Eddie Douthitt
A historic iron bridge over Armuchee Creek in Floyd County is closed this week as crews replace its wooden deck.
Floyd County Public Works closed the single-lane bridge on Little Texas Valley Road beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, October 12. Repairs are expected to be completed by 4 p.m. Thursday, October 15, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The bridge is located between U.S. Highway 27, also known as Martha Berry Highway, and Scenic Road, near the Armuchee Post Office.
Motorists can use Scenic Road as an alternate route to and from Highway 27 North. Drivers should follow any posted detour signs and allow additional travel time.
No vehicles will be permitted to cross the bridge during the repairs.
A Bridge With More Than A Century Of History
The iron bridge is a longtime landmark in the Armuchee community, with a history connected to the area’s early mills and industrial development.
According to historical accounts of Armuchee, an iron bridge was constructed at the crossing around 1910 or 1911, replacing an earlier wooden bridge. Another historical account dates the present Warren pony truss structure to 1935.
The bridge stands near the remains of an old milldam that once provided waterpower for local industry. Armuchee was once a busy commercial center with grist mills, a pants factory, sawmills, cotton gins and a railroad connection.
The old dam, located just downstream from the iron bridge, once created a sizable body of water extending upstream into Texas Valley. Historical accounts describe the area as a popular fishing destination in the early 1900s.
The bridge itself is a Warren pony truss design, recognizable by its triangular steel framework along both sides of the roadway.
The crossing has required maintenance over the years, including previous wooden deck replacement work. Most recently, Floyd County closed the bridge in June 2025 after damage to the deck surface created a hazard for motorists.
The bridge is also located near the historic Farmer’s Bridge crossing, where Union and Confederate cavalry forces clashed during the Atlanta Campaign in May 1864. A Georgia historical marker along U.S. 27 commemorates that Civil War encounter.
Floyd County Public Works expects the current deck replacement project to be completed Thursday afternoon. Motorists who regularly travel Little Texas Valley Road should plan to use alternate routes until the bridge reopens.
Small-Business Loans Available To Qualifying Chattooga County Businesses
Small-business owners in Chattooga County who need financing for equipment, inventory or operating expenses may be eligible for assistance through a nonprofit lender serving Northwest Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development identifies Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, commonly known as ACE, as a community development lender serving Chattooga County.
ACE provides financing and business advisory services to help qualifying Georgia businesses expand, purchase equipment, maintain operations and create jobs.
One of the organization’s lending programs offers microloans ranging from $15,000 to $50,000.
To qualify for that program, a business must be a Georgia-based, for-profit enterprise that has operated for at least two years and meets the lender’s other eligibility requirements.
The program advertises a fixed interest rate of 7.75%, with repayment terms of up to 60 months. Applicants should also be aware of a $100 application fee and a 3% loan origination fee.
Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, equipment and vehicles.
ACE also offers other commercial lending programs and business advisory services. The organization is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, serving entrepreneurs who may face barriers to obtaining traditional financing.
These are loans that must be repaid, not grants, and approval is subject to the organization’s lending requirements.
For more information, business owners may contact ACE at 678-335-5600 or visit aceloans.org.
Sources:
- Georgia Department of Economic Development — Community Development Financial Institution Loans
https://georgia.org/business-support/small-business/georgia-cdfi-loans - Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs — Small Business Loans
https://aceloans.org/apply-for-a-loan/small-business-loans/ - Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs — Contact Information
https://aceloans.org/contact-ace/
Georgia Opens $1.25 Million Grant Program To Support Gang Prosecutions
Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across Georgia have an opportunity to apply for funding through a $1.25 million state grant program aimed at strengthening the prosecution of gang-related crimes.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency says the Gang Activity Prosecution Grant is funded through the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget.
Applications opened Monday, October 12, and will be accepted through November 7, with grant awards expected to be announced in late November.
The funding is intended to help eligible agencies purchase or upgrade systems used to organize and manage gang-related criminal cases.
State officials say applicants must explain how their proposed projects will improve their ability to prosecute gang activity. Consideration will be given to agencies with established gang prosecution programs and to applications involving cooperation between law enforcement and prosecutors.
No local matching funds are currently required.
Eligible applicants include state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorneys throughout Georgia, including agencies serving Chattooga County.
Agencies interested in applying were required to register in the state’s EMGRANTS system by October 12.
The grant’s performance period is scheduled to run from November 1, 2026, through June 1, 2027.
Sources:
- Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency — Gang Activity Prosecution Grant
https://gema.georgia.gov/georgia-gang-activity-prosecution-grant - GEMA — September 22, 2026, Grant Announcement
https://gema.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-09-22/georgia-gang-activity-prosecution-grant-application-period-opens-october
Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Fall, Chattooga County Average At $3.80 Per Gallon
Georgia motorists are seeing some relief at the gas pump as prices continue to decline, although the cost of filling up remains significantly higher than a year ago.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, the statewide average price for regular unleaded gasoline stood at $3.81 per gallon on Monday, October 12, down five cents from last week and 17 cents from a month ago. However, Georgia drivers are still paying 94 cents more per gallon than they were at this time last year.
In Chattooga County, the average price is $3.80 per gallon, just one cent below the statewide average.
AAA reports the following average gasoline prices across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama:
- Chattooga County: $3.80
- Floyd County: $3.80
- Walker County: $3.76
- Gordon County: $3.76
- DeKalb County, Alabama: $3.86
- Cherokee County, Alabama: $3.85
Despite the recent impacts of Hurricane Isaias, Georgia largely avoided the sharp increases in fuel prices that sometimes follow major storms.
“Drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices move lower, despite the tropical storm-like weather from Hurricane Isaias,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Georgia’s average remains below $4 per gallon and below the national average, but fuel costs continue to affect household budgets.”
At the current statewide average, filling a standard 15-gallon tank costs approximately $57.15.
Nationally, the average price of regular gasoline has declined slightly to $4.35 per gallon. However, AAA says prices remain unusually high for October, with crude oil prices climbing back above $90 per barrel.
Within Georgia, the most expensive metropolitan markets include Savannah at $3.91, Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.89 and Atlanta at $3.82. Among the least expensive are the Catoosa-Dade-Walker market at $3.73, Dalton at $3.72 and Albany at $3.71.
AAA recommends that motorists compare prices at different stations, consider fuel rewards programs, combine errands to reduce unnecessary driving and maintain their vehicles for better fuel economy.
While gasoline prices are trending downward, AAA cautions that higher crude oil costs could slow additional price declines in the coming weeks.