Arrest Report - Friday - September 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, September 4, 2026:
Labor Day Gospel Fest Set For Monday In Cloudland
The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a Labor Day Gospel Fest this Monday, September 7, at Cloudland Community Park.
The event will be held from 10 AM until 2 PM Eastern Time and there is no admission charge.
The Gospel Fest will feature open-mic gospel music, and sound equipment will be provided. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in during the event.
The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department will also be selling barbecue plates for $10, which includes a drink.
The Labor Day Gospel Fest offers residents an opportunity to enjoy gospel music, food and fellowship while supporting the Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department.
Again, the event is Monday from 10 AM until 2 PM at Cloudland Community Park, with no admission fee.
Heat Advisory Continues Today As Temperatures Reach Mid-90s
Another round of dangerous heat is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees.
The Heat Advisory for Northwest Georgia has been extended through this evening as the prolonged stretch of above-normal temperatures continues.
Today will be sunny with a high near 96 degrees, with heat index values reaching as high as 103. Winds will be light, becoming east around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 74.
The National Weather Service says high pressure remains in control, keeping most of North Georgia hot and dry. Afternoon temperatures will remain well above normal, and anyone spending extended time outdoors should stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Saturday will remain very hot, with sunshine and a high near 95. The heat index could again reach 103, with a 20 percent chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73.
Sunday stays hot with a high near 95 and a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase somewhat Sunday night as a weak front approaches the area.
A noticeable change arrives for Labor Day, with the high dropping to around 89 degrees. There will be a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Dry weather is expected to return Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs around 90 to 91 degrees.
Man Arrested After Allegedly Damaging Cable Box And Resisting Deputy
A 69-year-old man was arrested after a Chattooga County sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of someone tampering with a cable box on Mississippi Avenue last Friday.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, a deputy responded to 210 Mississippi Avenue on August 28 and found Wendell Lee Eleam, 69, sitting along the side of the roadway with what appeared to be a black object in his hand.
The report states that Eleam told the deputy he had received a call saying he had been out of business for 18 years and had removed part of a cable or internet box located near the roadway. Eleam reportedly said he lived nearby.
According to the report, Eleam began walking away while the deputy was speaking with him. The deputy told Eleam to stop and advised him that he was not free to leave because of the damage to the utility box.
The report states that Eleam then became aggressive, and the deputy attempted to take him into custody. The deputy reported deploying a Taser twice after Eleam allegedly refused commands to get on the ground. According to the report, both attempts were ineffective, and Eleam eventually got down on one knee and was held at Taser point until another deputy arrived.
Deputies then took Eleam into custody.
The resident who reported the incident told deputies that she had seen Eleam take out a knife and remove something from the utility box. Deputies reported finding several loose wires hanging from the box and an electrical component that appeared to have been removed.
The report also states that Eleam was found to be armed with a knife when he was taken into custody.
Eleam was charged with criminal trespass and misdemeanor obstruction of officers and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Georgia Department Of Labor Adjusts Timeline For New Unemployment System
The Georgia Department of Labor is adjusting the rollout timeline for UI Inspire, the largest unemployment insurance system modernization project in Georgia history.
UI Inspire is being developed to replace Georgia’s decades-old unemployment insurance system with a modern, cloud-based platform. The new system is intended to make filing and managing unemployment claims easier for workers while also providing employers with a streamlined system for unemployment taxes, wage reporting and claims.
Among the planned features for claimants are the ability to view estimated benefit amounts, review wage information, request weekly payments, enter work-search information, receive electronic correspondence, file appeals online and upload documents.
Employers will eventually be able to register, file tax and wage reports, make payments, respond to unemployment claims and notices, file appeals and update account information through a single portal.
GDOL had previously announced plans to launch the new system in Fall 2026.
The department now says it is making an adjustment to the implementation timeline. The information provided so far does not include the new launch date, so I would not put a specific revised date into the story until GDOL releases it.
GDOL says training resources, demonstrations and webinars are being provided to help employers, claimants and other partners prepare for the transition.
AAA Urges Drivers To Prepare Vehicles Before Labor Day Road Trips
AAA says nearly 405,000 drivers needed roadside assistance during last year’s Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common problems involved towing, battery issues and flat tires.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said many of the roadside problems seen during holiday weekends can be prevented with a little preparation before leaving home.
Drivers are encouraged to check several key areas before a trip, including the battery, tires, brakes, fluids, lights and windshield wiper blades.
Summer heat can shorten battery life, so AAA recommends having the battery tested if it is more than a few years old or if the vehicle has been slow to start.
Tires should be properly inflated and have adequate tread. Drivers should also check the spare tire before leaving. Brake problems such as squealing, grinding or vibration should be addressed before a long trip.
AAA also recommends checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.
An emergency kit can also be helpful during an unexpected roadside delay. AAA recommends carrying drinking water, a flashlight, phone charging cables and basic first-aid supplies.
With thousands of drivers expected to take road trips over the holiday weekend, AAA says a few minutes spent checking a vehicle before departure could help prevent breakdowns, delays and costly repairs.
Walker County To Hold Patriot Day Service On 25th Anniversary Of 9/11
Walker County will hold a Patriot Day service on Friday, September 11, to recognize and remember first responders on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The public service, led by Walker County Fire Rescue and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, will begin at 8:40 AM on the steps of the Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette.
The September 11 attacks were the deadliest incident in U.S. history for firefighters, police officers and other first responders, with nearly 400 first responders killed that day. Hundreds more have since died from illnesses linked to their work at the attack sites.
Students from LaFayette High School’s JROTC and chorus programs, along with students from Ridgeland High School, will take part in the ceremony.
Also participating will be Congressman Clay Fuller, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, Walker County Fire Chief Blake Hodge and other local first responders.
The ceremony will be held at the Walker County Courthouse, 103 South Duke Street in LaFayette, and is scheduled to conclude at 9:10 AM.
Limited seating will be available for those unable to stand.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hiring For Welding Positions
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is seeking applicants for two welding-related positions in Northwest Georgia.
GNTC is hiring a Welding and Joining Lab Assistant at its Walker County Campus. The position includes helping ensure welding lab equipment is secure and ready for instruction, maintaining supplies, assisting students as requested by instructors and helping maintain a clean and safe welding lab. The position typically requires evening hours and in-person work.
Applicants for the lab assistant position must be a former or current GNTC welding and joining student or have paid welding experience within the past seven years. Knowledge of welding and joining equipment and supplies is also required.
GNTC is also seeking a part-time Welding and Joining Dual Enrollment Adjunct Instructor at Dade County High School.
That position involves providing welding instruction to high school dual enrollment students, advising students in the Welding and Joining Technology program and participating in instructional activities. The position requires an on-campus presence and does not offer a telework option.
Minimum qualifications for the adjunct instructor position include a certificate, diploma or degree in Welding and Joining Technology or a related field, or qualifying industry experience or specialized training. Applicants must also have three years of paid work experience in the field within the past seven years.
Chattooga County Offices To Close Monday For Labor Day
Chattooga County government offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
According to County Clerk Johnna Allen, the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dump sites will also be closed Monday.
County offices, the Transfer Station and dump sites will reopen Tuesday, September 8.
Residents who normally use the Transfer Station or county dump sites on Mondays should plan accordingly for the holiday closure.
The Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office wished everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
Sunrise And Sunset Paddles Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park
Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will have two opportunities Saturday to get out on the Lower Lake with park rangers for special guided paddles.
The park will hold a Sunrise Paddle Saturday, September 5, from 7 until 8 AM. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water along with clothing that can get wet.
Later Saturday, rangers will head back onto the Lower Lake for a Sunset Paddle. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 PM, with the paddle scheduled for 7:30 PM.
For either event, the cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.
Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Man Charged With Simple Assault Following Fair Street Dispute
A 24-year-old man was arrested following a reported domestic dispute on Fair Street last Friday.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, deputies responded to 217 Fair Street at approximately 5:45 PM on August 28 after Chattooga E-911 advised that a man had reportedly trashed the house.
When deputies arrived, they made contact with Connor Sebastian Shae Peppers, 24, in the driveway. The report states that Peppers was bleeding from his mouth and told deputies that another man inside the residence had struck him.
Deputies spoke with witnesses who said Peppers had asked for a ride to a woman’s residence but became upset when he was told to wait. According to the report, Peppers became angry and got into the face of another man, identified in the report as Robert Battles, allegedly taunting him to fight.
The report states that Peppers then kicked a flower pot toward Battles and repeatedly threw a cell phone toward two people during the confrontation.
Battles told deputies that Peppers got in his face and taunted him to fight, at one point allegedly telling Battles, “I’ll bust you up.” Battles said Peppers continued taunting him and that he then struck Peppers in the face.
After speaking with those involved, the investigating deputy determined that Peppers was the predominant aggressor in the incident.
Peppers was arrested and charged with simple assault and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
State Audit Says Georgia Voter Rolls Achieve 99.9% Accuracy
Georgia election officials say a new state audit found the state’s voter registration rolls have achieved a 99.9% accuracy rate when it comes to records that could potentially allow an ineligible or improperly verified individual to vote.
According to the audit report, auditors estimated that no more than 0.1% of voter registration records could have allowed an individual to vote despite having an unverified identity, invalid residential address or unverified eligibility.
State officials are pointing to the findings as evidence that Georgia has become a national leader in maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
Maintaining voter rolls involves regularly reviewing registration records for voters who have moved, died or otherwise become ineligible, while also ensuring that eligible voters are not improperly removed.
The audit findings are particularly significant in Georgia, where voter registration and election administration have received intense scrutiny during recent election cycles.
The report’s 99.9% figure does not mean that every piece of information contained in every voter record was necessarily perfect. Rather, the audit estimated that no more than one-tenth of one percent of records had issues serious enough that they potentially could have allowed someone to vote despite an unverified identity, invalid residential address or unverified eligibility.
Georgia election officials say the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the state’s efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls while protecting access for legally registered voters.
Arrest Report - Thursday - September 3, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 3, 2026:
Heat Advisory Continues Today As Temperatures Reach Mid-90s
Another very hot day is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees.
The Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 PM today for Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia. Heat index values could reach as high as 103 degrees locally.
Today will be sunny with a high near 96 degrees. Winds will be calm, becoming southeast around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 73.
Friday will stay hot and sunny with a high near 94, followed by another mostly clear night with a low around 73.
Rain chances begin increasing over the weekend. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 95 and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. That 30 percent chance continues into Saturday evening, mainly before 8 PM.
Sunday brings a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high near 93.
Some relief from the heat begins arriving by Labor Day, when highs are expected to fall to around 90 degrees. There will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday, with another 30 percent chance Monday night.
Tuesday remains mostly sunny with a high near 90 and a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service says high pressure has been responsible for the prolonged hot and mostly dry weather. That ridge will begin weakening heading into the weekend, allowing moisture and better rain chances to return. A weak front moving into the region Sunday and Monday should also bring slightly cooler temperatures early next week.
September Observed As National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time set aside to raise awareness, share potentially lifesaving resources and encourage more open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney is reminding local residents that help is available for anyone who may be struggling emotionally, experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide.
People can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service connects callers and texters with trained crisis counselors who can provide support, listen without judgment and help determine what additional assistance may be needed.
Another option is the Crisis Text Line. Anyone needing support can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
McElhaney is encouraging residents to share the information with family members, friends, coworkers and others in the community so people know where to turn if they or someone they care about needs immediate help.
National Suicide Prevention Month is also intended to reduce the stigma that can sometimes keep people from talking about depression, anxiety, emotional distress and other mental health concerns.
Officials and advocates stress that warning signs should never be ignored and that simply checking on someone who seems to be struggling can make a difference.
For anyone in immediate danger, emergency help should be contacted right away. For those experiencing a crisis or needing someone to talk to, 988 is available around the clock.
Property Tax Meeting Explains Appeals, Tax Relief And Changes For Chattooga County Homeowners
Chattooga County residents who missed Monday night’s meeting on property taxes and the assessment appeal process can now watch a recording of the program online.
The meeting was led by Sole Commissioner Andy Allen and was organized to help property owners better understand their assessments, the appeal process and recent changes affecting property tax bills.
Nancy Edgeman discussed the responsibilities of the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office and the Board of Assessors and walked residents through the process of appealing a property assessment. She reviewed deadlines, forms and the importance of providing documentation or other evidence when challenging a value.
Joy Hampton explained the different forms of property tax relief available to homeowners, including the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant, and discussed how the new sales tax is affecting property taxes. She also presented examples showing how the various forms of tax relief affected actual tax bills.
Allen discussed the county’s overall property tax digest, how tax dollars are distributed and the effect of the new sales tax on property tax rates.
A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to questions from residents concerning property values, appeals, exemptions and individual property situations.
Officials encouraged property owners to carefully review their assessment notices and said residents with questions about their individual circumstances are welcome to visit the appropriate county offices for assistance.
The meeting was intended to give residents a clearer understanding of a process that has generated considerable interest this year as property owners review new assessments and consider whether to file an appeal.
Residents who were unable to attend Monday night’s meeting can watch the recorded presentation online. Watch The Property Tax And Appeals Meeting
Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Planning Hot Dog Lunch And Bake Sale Fundraiser
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office will hold a hot dog lunch and bake sale later this month to raise money for several community programs.
The fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, September 25, from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, 533 Underwood Drive in Trion.
For $7, participants will receive a lunch that includes a hot dog, chips, drink and dessert. Additional baked goods will also be available for purchase.
Money raised during the event will help purchase items for the Christmas Baskets distributed by the Sheriff’s Office, provide prizes for citizens participating in the department’s Senior Well Check Program, and support the Health & Heart Hydration Fund, which purchases hydration and healthy snacks for patrol officers.
Residents are invited to stop by the Sheriff’s Office during the four-hour fundraiser to have lunch, purchase baked goods and support the programs.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Offering Free Three-Day GED Program
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is offering an opportunity for adults to earn their GED in just three days at no cost through an accelerated program coming up in October.
The program will be held October 15-17 at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus, located at 2310 Maddox Chapel Road in Dalton.
Participants who qualify will receive free GED instruction, free practice tests and free GED testing, along with free meals and snacks during the three-day program.
Pre-registration is required by September 16, and space is limited. Those registering must also attend an assessment session on either September 19 or September 24.
The program is available to adults 18 and older, and a government-issued ID is required. GNTC notes that not every applicant will qualify for the accelerated three-day program, but other learning options are available for those who do not.
Anyone interested in participating can contact GNTC Adult Education at 706-272-2909 or adulted@gntc.edu for additional information.
Premier Weight Loss & MedSpa Holding Ribbon Cutting Today For New Summerville Location
Premier Weight Loss & MedSpa Inc. will celebrate its new location in Summerville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at 11 AM.
The business is now located at 9943 Commerce Street in Summerville, and the public is invited to attend the celebration marking the opening of the new location.
Premier Weight Loss & MedSpa offers a variety of services, including weight-loss peptides, hormone replacement and testosterone replacement therapy, Botox and fillers, microneedling and IV therapy.
The business is also preparing to add another service beginning September 16.
Today’s ribbon cutting is being held in conjunction with local community organizations, including Summerville Main Street and the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.
The ceremony begins at 11 AM today at 9943 Commerce Street.
For additional information about Premier Weight Loss & MedSpa, call 706-808-0145.
Tax Commissioner Reminds Residents To Keep Vehicle Tags When Selling Or Trading
The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office is reminding residents that a Georgia license plate stays with the vehicle owner — not the vehicle — when a car or truck is sold or traded.
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton says residents should remove the tag before turning over a vehicle. The tag can be kept in a safe place for future use or taken to the Tax Commissioner’s Office for recycling.
Hampton says the office occasionally hears from people who left a tag on a vehicle they sold, only to later discover the plate had ended up in another state and accumulated toll charges or parking tickets. Those tickets can be difficult to dispute unless the tag has been reported lost or stolen to law enforcement.
Residents should also cancel their registration or place the tag on hold before removing insurance from a vehicle, whether the vehicle has been parked, sold, traded or repossessed. A tag placed on hold can be taken off hold when the owner is ready to put the vehicle back on the road.
Remember: When you sell or trade a vehicle, take the tag off and make sure the registration is properly handled before you cancel the insurance.