Arrest Report - Sunday - October 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, October 4, 2026:
Rainy Sunday Ahead Before Drier, More Fall-Like Weather Arrives
A wet and cloudy Sunday is in store for Chattooga County before a cold front brings several days of drier and more fall-like weather to Northwest Georgia.
The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms will become increasingly widespread today, with rain likely after 11 AM. Patchy fog is also possible, and with clouds and rain holding temperatures down, the high will only reach around 77 degrees.
The chance of rain is 70 percent, with generally a quarter to a half-inch possible locally. However, the atmosphere contains an unusually high amount of moisture, meaning some thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall.
Forecasters say rainfall totals of one to two inches could be common across portions of Georgia, with isolated locations potentially receiving three to four inches or more where heavier showers repeatedly move over the same areas.
The greatest threat for flash flooding is expected south of Interstate 20, and no Flood Watch has been issued for Northwest Georgia at this time.
Rain chances decrease to around 30 percent tonight, with showers and thunderstorms mainly possible before 1 AM. Patchy fog could develop before 3 AM, and the overnight low will be around 64.
Drier Air Arrives Monday
The front will push through North Georgia Monday morning, allowing considerably drier air to move into Chattooga County.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 81. North winds around 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph.
The biggest change will become noticeable Monday night as cooler and less humid air settles into the area. Skies will be mostly clear with a low around 56 degrees.
Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 81 and a low Tuesday night around 53.
The dry weather continues Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday’s high will be near 83, followed by around 84 Thursday. Overnight temperatures will remain in the lower to middle 50s.
Friday should remain mostly sunny with a high near 83.
Forecasters are watching another change for next weekend, when the frontal boundary could move north again and return Gulf moisture to the region. That could bring another round of unsettled and rainy weather, although details remain uncertain this far out.
Black Bear Activity Prompts Safety Reminder Across Northeast Alabama And Northwest Georgia
Recent black bear activity in northeast Alabama, combined with bear sightings across Northwest Georgia, is providing a timely reminder for residents to take precautions around their homes and while spending time outdoors.
A black bear has recently made repeated visits to a home in Fort Payne, where cameras captured the animal searching through trash. The bear has reportedly returned several times, including during daylight hours.
The activity is especially noteworthy for residents of DeKalb and Cherokee counties in Alabama and the Cloudland area of Chattooga, Walker and Dade counties in Georgia, where the mountainous, heavily wooded terrain provides suitable bear habitat across the state line.
However, black bears are not confined to mountainous areas. Sightings have also been reported in lower-elevation valley areas of Northwest Georgia, including places well away from the higher ridges and mountains. Bears can travel considerable distances while searching for food, mates and new territory.
Alabama wildlife officials say a small breeding population of black bears has become reestablished in the Lookout Mountain area of DeKalb and Cherokee counties. Bears can also move through adjoining areas of Georgia, including the higher elevations around Cloudland and lower-elevation communities nearby.
Across the state line, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says North Georgia is home to one of the state’s three distinct black bear populations.
Fall is also an important time for bears. Wildlife officials say bears enter a period known as hyperphagia, when they spend much of their time searching for food and consuming additional calories in preparation for winter.
That search for food can sometimes bring bears closer to homes, particularly when garbage, pet food, bird feeders or other easy food sources are available.
Wildlife officials on both sides of the state line stress that residents should never intentionally feed a bear. Even unintentionally providing food can teach a bear to associate homes and people with an easy meal.
Residents in Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia can reduce the chances of attracting bears by securing garbage, bringing pet food inside, keeping grills clean and removing other potential food sources.
If someone encounters a black bear, wildlife officials advise against approaching it. Give the animal plenty of room and allow it an escape route. If a bear sees you, back away slowly rather than running.
Black bears naturally tend to avoid people, and removing food sources around homes is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts.
The recent Fort Payne activity is another reminder that bears are part of the wildlife population on both sides of Lookout Mountain and can also turn up in the valleys and other lower-elevation areas of Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Focuses On Protecting Georgians From Online Threats
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Georgia emergency management officials are encouraging residents, businesses and government agencies to take simple steps to protect themselves from increasingly common online threats.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is joining the nationwide campaign led by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This year’s theme is “Securing the Next 250,” emphasizing protection of the nation’s infrastructure and the services Americans depend on as the country enters its next era.
While cybersecurity can sound like an issue primarily affecting large businesses and government agencies, many of the precautions promoted during October also apply to individuals and families in Chattooga County.
Email and text-message phishing attempts, compromised passwords and fraudulent links can give criminals access to personal information, financial accounts, email and social-media accounts.
GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb said cybersecurity is no longer simply an information-technology issue. Cybersecurity now plays a role in protecting communities, infrastructure and services used by Georgians every day.
Among the steps recommended during Cybersecurity Awareness Month are:
- Use strong, unique passwords rather than using the same password for several accounts.
- Turn on multifactor authentication when it is available. This requires an additional method of verification before someone can access an account.
- Watch for phishing attempts in emails, text messages, direct messages and phone calls. Verify who sent a message before clicking a link or downloading an attachment.
- Keep software and devices updated, including installing security updates when they become available.
- Back up important information so files can be recovered if a computer or system is compromised.
Federal cybersecurity officials recommend passwords that are long, random and unique and encourage the use of password managers. They also recommend enabling automatic software updates when possible.
The precautions are especially important when an unexpected message creates a sense of urgency — such as claiming an account will immediately be closed, a payment is overdue or personal information must be verified. Instead of following a link contained in an unexpected message, consumers can independently contact the company, bank or organization involved.
Businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are also encouraged to train employees to recognize phishing attempts, require strong passwords and multifactor authentication, regularly back up data and have plans in place for responding to cyber incidents.
Georgia requires utilities and government agencies to report cybersecurity incidents to GEMA/HS. Private citizens who believe an online account or personal information has been compromised should contact the appropriate financial institution, company or law-enforcement agency depending on the circumstances.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues throughout October, with the overall message that relatively simple security measures can make it more difficult for criminals to gain access to personal information, accounts and computer systems.
Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival Returns To Dowdy Park October 10
Chivalry, costumes, entertainment and a little bit of medieval fun will return to Summerville next Saturday with the 2026 Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival.
The festival will be held Saturday, October 10, from 11 AM until 5 PM at Dowdy Park and is being presented by the City of Summerville.
Organizers describe the event as offering “chivalry, romance, and a rollicking good time,” with activities designed for visitors of all ages.
The festival will feature live entertainment, shopping, art, games and food, along with characters and costumes that bring a Renaissance atmosphere to downtown Summerville. Admission to the festival is free, and visitors are encouraged to come dressed in character if they would like to take part in the fun.
Another attraction during the day will be the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam engine. The train’s visit will include activity at the Summerville Turntable at 1 PM, adding another attraction for visitors attending the festival.
The annual event is centered around the Summerville Depot and Dowdy Park area and combines the city’s railroad heritage with a day of Renaissance-themed activities.
The 2026 Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival gets underway at 11 AM Saturday, October 10, and continues until 5 PM.
Woman Reports Being Punched By Unknown Man At Summerville Home
Summerville Police are investigating after a woman reported that an unknown man struck her in the face after she opened the back door of her home.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, the incident happened at a residence on Ramey Street in Summerville. Police classified the reported offense as battery.
The woman told police she heard a noise in her backyard and went to investigate. When she opened the rear exterior door, she reportedly encountered an unknown white male standing on her back porch.
She described the man as being in his early 20s with curly blond hair, wearing a black or gray T-shirt and orange shorts.
According to the report, the woman said the man immediately struck her on the left side of her forehead with a closed fist, causing her to fall backward into the residence. The man then ran from the scene in an unknown direction.
The responding officer reported seeing a visible knot on the left side of the woman’s forehead. Emergency Medical Services responded and evaluated her injuries, but she declined transportation to the hospital.
Police interviewed the woman’s husband, who said he had just returned from work and did not witness what happened. An acquaintance who was at the residence also told police she did not know anyone who would want to harm the woman.
However, the acquaintance told police that former acquaintances could possibly be involved and mentioned a black Chevrolet truck that she said had previously been seen slowly passing the residence. According to the report, the woman said she had also seen the vehicle multiple times and believed it was occupied by two males who are twins. The report does not identify those individuals or establish that they were involved in the alleged attack.
The officer also canvassed the surrounding property and spoke with a neighbor who said he had been sitting on his porch for approximately an hour and a half before police arrived and had not noticed anyone in the woman’s backyard.
No arrests were made.
More Than 2,300 Attend Finster Fest As Paradise Garden Looks Ahead To Fall Events
More than 2,300 people visited Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville for Finster Fest 2026, bringing visitors from across the country and the local community together for two days of art, music and celebration of one of Chattooga County’s best-known cultural landmarks.
Paradise Garden Foundation announced the attendance figure following this year’s festival, thanking the artists, musicians, volunteers, sponsors, patrons, visitors and community members who helped make the annual event possible.
Finster Fest is a signature event at Paradise Garden and celebrates the life, work and influence of internationally known folk artist Howard Finster. The two-day festival brings artists and musicians to the four-acre visionary art environment each year while introducing new visitors to Finster’s work and the community where he created it.
With Finster Fest now complete, Paradise Garden is turning its attention to a full schedule of fall activities.
The next event is “ART THAT MOVES — AND MOVES YOU,” a new exhibition featuring Georgia artist Charlie Dingler. The exhibition opens Saturday, October 10, at 2 PM, with Dingler scheduled to be at Paradise Garden to meet visitors.
Organizers say the exhibition’s name reflects two aspects of Dingler’s work. Some pieces literally come to life through movement, while others are designed to encourage viewers to stop, look and respond to the art.
Fall also offers visitors an opportunity to explore Paradise Garden outside the busy festival weekend. The historic site includes Finster’s mosaic pathways, artwork and structures spread across four acres, along with the restored World’s Folk Art Church.
Paradise Garden is also continuing a fundraising effort that allows supporters to purchase personalized bricks that will become part of the site. Proceeds from the brick program are being used to help improve accessibility at the Garden while supporting preservation of the historic property.
Paradise Garden was the home and creative environment of Howard Finster, who transformed the property into an elaborate collection of folk art, sculptures, mosaics, buildings and religious imagery. Today, the site continues to preserve Finster’s work while serving as an arts and cultural destination for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
Summerville Woman Indicted Following 2025 Domestic Incident Involving Knife
A Summerville woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on several charges stemming from a domestic incident reported last November at a residence on Sloppy Floyd Lake Road.
Alyssa Katlyn Phillips, of Sloppy Floyd Lake Road, was indicted on charges of aggravated assault, third-degree cruelty to children, reckless conduct and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
The charges stem from an incident on November 6, 2025, when Chattooga County deputies were sent to the residence after Chattooga E-911 received information from a person in Alabama concerning possible child abuse and a video of a domestic confrontation.
According to the original incident report, the caller told authorities that Phillips and her husband had been involved in an incident involving a knife while their young child was present.
When deputies arrived, Phillips and her husband were interviewed separately.
According to the report, Phillips’ husband told a deputy the couple had been experiencing marital problems and had argued that day about their child. He said the argument escalated and a weapon became involved.
The husband showed deputies a video of the confrontation. According to the deputy’s report, the video showed the husband walking away from Phillips while referring to the knife. When he turned around, the video allegedly showed Phillips holding the knife in what the deputy described as an aggressive manner.
The report says Phillips eventually dropped the knife after realizing she was being recorded.
Her husband told deputies that following the confrontation, he took the child to a relative’s nearby residence before returning home in an effort to work things out with Phillips.
Deputies also interviewed Phillips. According to the report, she acknowledged that the couple had argued and said she did not approve of where her husband wanted to take their son. She reportedly told deputies she grabbed a knife because she did not want him leaving with the child.
Phillips was arrested following the investigation and taken to the Chattooga County Jail.
The case has now moved forward following the grand jury’s decision to return an indictment on the four charges.
An indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Phillips is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Four Northwest Georgia Students Selected For State Superintendent’s Advisory Council
Four students representing the Northwest Georgia RESA region have been selected to serve on State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2026-2027 Student Advisory Council, giving students from the region a direct voice in discussions about public education in Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Education announced the new council as part of its effort to gather student perspectives on classroom experiences, school policies and issues affecting students across the state.
Northwest Georgia students selected are Elijah Ely, a senior at Model High School in Floyd County; Lillian Elliott, a junior at Cartersville High School; Violet Jolly, a junior at East Paulding High School; and Yash Garg, a senior at Rome High School.
The Student Advisory Council is made up of students from across Georgia who will meet with Superintendent Woods and Department of Education staff during the school year. Members will be asked to share their experiences, concerns and ideas about what is working well in schools and where they believe improvements could be made.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, the council is intended to give students an opportunity to speak directly with state education leaders and provide input on matters that affect them in the classroom and in their school communities.
Council members may discuss topics such as academics, school climate, student engagement, career preparation, technology, mental health resources and other issues that shape the day-to-day experience of Georgia students.
The statewide group includes students in grades 10 through 12 from public school systems, state charter schools, private schools and homeschool programs, providing a broad range of perspectives from different parts of Georgia.
The four Northwest Georgia selections represent schools in Floyd, Bartow and Paulding counties and will take part in the council’s meetings and activities during the 2026-2027 school year.
Nominations Open For Georgia’s 2027 Small Business ROCK STARS
The Georgia Department of Economic Development is looking for outstanding small businesses, including those in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia, for statewide recognition.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS, an annual program recognizing Georgia businesses for innovation, community involvement and their commitment to growth and excellence.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association select five small businesses each year for the honor.
Businesses may be nominated by others, and business owners can also nominate their own companies.
To be considered, businesses must be based in Georgia. Recent ROCK STAR recipients have generally had fewer than 300 full-time employees, made positive contributions to their communities and been founded in Georgia.
The program has received more than 4,000 nominations since it began in 2013 and has recognized more than 50 Georgia businesses.
Northwest Georgia has previously been represented among the winners. American Dakota in Calhoun was selected as one of Georgia’s five Small Business ROCK STARS in 2025. The company produces American-made rugs and was recognized for its innovation and its connection to Northwest Georgia’s longtime flooring industry.
The 2026 winners represented businesses in Savannah, Valdosta, Ocilla and Hartwell and included companies involved in food, brewing, forestry, manufacturing and workforce training.
State economic development officials say the awards are intended to highlight small businesses that create jobs, invest in their communities and contribute to Georgia’s economy.
Nominations for the 2027 Small Business ROCK STARS close October 31, 2026.
Businesses and residents who know of a deserving local company can submit a nomination through the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Small Business ROCK STARS program.
Big Weekend For Chattooga Football As Varsity Wins And Middle School Advances To Championship
Chattooga Middle School football players celebrate following Saturday’s 52-8 semifinal victory over Darlington. The Indians advance to the championship game and will face Model Thursday, October 8, at 5 PM.
It was a big weekend for Chattooga football, with both the varsity Indians and Chattooga Middle School picking up important victories.
On Friday night, the Chattooga Indians earned their first win of the season, defeating Gordon Central 38-22 in front of the Homecoming crowd at the Little Big Horn.
The 38 points were a season high for Chattooga, which improved to 1-5 overall and 1-1 in Region 7-AA.
Chattooga will have an open date this coming Friday before returning to action October 16, when the Indians host Dade County in another region matchup.
Then on Saturday, Chattooga Middle School punched its ticket to the championship game with a dominant semifinal victory over Darlington.
The middle school Indians defeated Darlington 52-8, winning by 44 points to advance to the title game.
Chattooga now knows its championship opponent after Model defeated Pepperell in the other semifinal.
Chattooga Middle School will face Model for the championship Thursday, October 8, at 5 PM.
The back-to-back victories made for a strong weekend for Chattooga football, with the varsity Indians breaking into the win column and the middle school team earning an opportunity to bring home a championship.
Arrest Report - Saturday - October 3, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, October 3, 2026:
Chattooga Indians Pick Up First Win With 38-22 Homecoming Victory
The Chattooga Indians broke into the win column in a big way Friday night, defeating Gordon Central 38-22 in front of the Homecoming crowd at the Little Big Horn.
The victory was the first of the season for Head Coach Roone Gable and the Indians, who entered Friday night’s Region 7-AA contest with an 0-5 record. Gordon Central also came into the game looking for its first victory of the year.
Chattooga’s offense had its biggest night of the season, putting 38 points on the scoreboard. Before Friday night, the Indians’ season high was 17 points in a 27-17 loss at Ridgeland. Chattooga had scored 14 against LaFayette, seven against Model, seven against Coosa and was shut out 23-0 by Gordon Lee last week.
The win also came on Homecoming night at Chattooga High School, capping a week of activities that included Wednesday night’s Red & Black Bash. Students, alumni and supporters gathered Friday night at the Little Big Horn for the Homecoming celebration and the Indians’ region matchup with Gordon Central.
The 2026 Homecoming Court was recognized during the evening.
Daysa Connie Martin was crowned the 2026 Homecoming Queen.
Claira Moseley was named First Runner-Up, while Carlee Alissa Childers was named Second Runner-Up.
Class princesses were also recognized. Addison Deberry was named Junior Princess, Emma Kate Veatch was named Sophomore Princess, and Layla Monet Albert was named Freshman Princess.
Trion had the week off Friday night. The Bulldogs are 5-1 following last week’s 48-21 road victory over Northview. Trion returns to action next Friday, October 9, traveling to Greenville to take on the Patriots at 7:30 PM.
Chattooga will have next Friday off before returning to the Little Big Horn on Friday, October 16, when the Indians host Dade County at 7:30 PM.
Rain And Storms Increase Saturday, Wet Sunday Ahead For Chattooga County
Rain chances will increase across Chattooga County Saturday as a frontal system moves into northwest Georgia, bringing scattered thunderstorms before more widespread rainfall arrives Sunday.
The National Weather Service says Saturday will remain unusually warm for early October, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 87 degrees. There is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 PM.
While rain and storms will remain scattered during the day, forecasters say the atmosphere contains plenty of moisture, meaning some thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall. Many locations should still experience periods of dry weather Saturday.
Rain chances increase to 60 percent Saturday night, with showers becoming more widespread toward daybreak Sunday. The overnight low will be around 68 degrees.
Sunday is expected to be the wettest day of the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a much cooler high near 76 degrees. The National Weather Service says moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall will be possible.
Across north Georgia, rainfall totals of one to three inches are possible through the first part of next week, although the greatest rainfall amounts and highest flash-flooding threat are currently expected farther south.
The front will push south of northwest Georgia by early next week, allowing cooler and drier air to move into the region.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 81 degrees. North winds around 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph.
More fall-like weather arrives Tuesday and Wednesday with sunshine and highs near 79 degrees. Overnight temperatures will fall into the lower 50s, reaching around 50 degrees Wednesday night.
Sunny skies continue Thursday with a high near 82 degrees.
Sum Nelly Moves Downtown Today; New Harvest Festival Planned For November
The 52nd annual Sum Nelly Festival is taking place today, but visitors will find some significant changes because of concerns about the weekend weather.
The City of Summerville has moved today’s festival from its traditional location at Dowdy Park to East Washington Street in downtown Summerville. Festival hours have also been shortened, with Sum Nelly running from 9 AM until 3 PM today.
The changes were made with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast. Moving the festival to a paved downtown location will help avoid problems associated with wet and muddy conditions at Dowdy Park.
Some vendors had petitioned for the festival to be postponed because of concerns about the weather, possible flooding, reduced attendance and the financial impact of a rainy festival day.
Instead of canceling Sum Nelly, the city is moving forward with today’s downtown event while also providing vendors with another opportunity later this fall.
Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson has announced a new Summerville Harvest Festival, which will be held Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM until 5 PM at Dowdy Park.
Vendors who were already registered and paid for Sum Nelly will be able to register for the November Harvest Festival at no additional charge.
Registration for the Harvest Festival opens Monday, October 5, through the Summerville Parks and Recreation website at summervillerec.org.
For anyone planning to attend Sum Nelly today, remember the two major changes: the festival is on East Washington Street instead of Dowdy Park, and it runs from 9 AM until 3 PM.
Rain chances increase as the day progresses, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely later this afternoon and evening.
Northwest Georgia Health Officials Urge Residents To Get Flu Shots By End Of October
With flu season approaching, Northwest Georgia public health officials are encouraging residents to get their annual influenza vaccination, preferably before the end of October.
Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s 10-county Northwest Health District, says everyone six months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine unless their healthcare provider advises otherwise.
That includes residents in Chattooga County, which is part of the Northwest Health District.
Health officials say getting vaccinated before flu activity increases gives the body time to build protection ahead of the period when influenza typically becomes more widespread.
Voccio says influenza can lead to more than just a few days of illness. Cases can result in missed work and school, serious complications, hospitalization and, in some cases, death. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness.
People at increased risk of serious flu complications include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent handwashing, cleaning commonly touched surfaces and staying home when sick to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Voccio is also reminding Northwest Georgia residents about the importance of staying current on other recommended vaccinations, including the measles vaccine, following an increase in measles cases reported in Georgia this year.
Flu vaccines are available through local health departments, doctors and many pharmacies. Residents can contact their healthcare provider or the Chattooga County Health Department for more information.
Summerville Announces Halloween Walk And Pumpkin Palooza For October 31
Halloween will bring a full day of family activities to downtown Summerville later this month, with the annual Halloween Walk and Pumpkin Palooza planned for Saturday, October 31.
Activities will be centered around the East Washington Street Streetscape area and the Historic Summerville Depot.
Pumpkin Palooza will run from 10:30 AM until 3 PM in the Depot area, featuring food and craft vendors along with other activities.
The annual Halloween Walk will take place from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM along the downtown Streetscape, giving youngsters an opportunity to dress up and take part in the Halloween festivities.
A costume contest is scheduled for 11:30 AM at the Open Air Stage.
Organizers are also planning a candy walk and other daytime activities, followed by nighttime events. A blood drive is also being held in connection with this year’s Halloween activities.
Residents should check with individual cities and towns for their separate evening trick-or-treating times and locations.
The October 31 festivities are being presented by Summerville Main Street and the Optimist Club.
Anyone interested in becoming a Pumpkin Palooza vendor can contact Susan at 706-728-0456.
Free Webinar To Help Younger Georgians Avoid Costly Financial Mistakes
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office will offer a free financial education webinar later this month designed to help Millennials and Generation Z recognize and avoid common financial mistakes that can cost them thousands of dollars over time.
The FIN FIT webinar, “Money Pitfalls Costing Millennials and Gen Z Thousands,” is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 6 PM. The program will be available online and by phone, making it accessible to residents across Georgia, including those in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
The webinar will focus on financial decisions that can have long-term consequences, particularly for younger adults who are beginning careers, establishing credit, paying off student loans or other debt, and trying to build savings.
Topics will include managing debt, building and protecting credit, developing a realistic budget, increasing savings and making better long-term financial decisions. The program will also look at how high-interest debt, unnecessary fees, delayed investing and missed savings opportunities can add up to significant amounts of money over the years.
Award-winning journalist Donna Lowry will moderate the discussion. Featured speakers will include Dr. Brent Evans, an assistant professor of finance and author of FreeFinanceBook.com, and Cait Howerton, a certified financial planner with Earned Wealth.
Participants will also have an opportunity to submit questions and receive practical information they can use when making everyday financial decisions.
The Secretary of State’s Office launched FIN FIT in 2023 as a financial literacy initiative providing educational resources to Georgians, small businesses and entrepreneurs. The program covers subjects ranging from personal budgeting and investing to protecting consumers from financial fraud.
The October 29 webinar is free, but participants are required to register in advance through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
Summerville Man Charged With DUI After Police Say Vehicle Reached 88 MPH
A Summerville man was arrested after police said they clocked his vehicle traveling 88 miles per hour while responding to a report of a vehicle being driven at a high rate of speed.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, an officer was looking for a vehicle matching a description provided by 911 when he spotted a vehicle traveling eastbound on West Washington Street at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.
The officer followed the vehicle as it turned onto Commerce Street and activated his in-car radar. Police said the vehicle was traveling 88 miles per hour and continued at approximately 78 miles per hour through the area of Commerce Street and Georgia Avenue.
According to the report, the vehicle crossed the center line approximately three times and failed to maintain its lane before eventually stopping near Jakeville Avenue.
Police identified the driver as Tyler James Simpson, 34, of Summerville.
Simpson reportedly told the officer he had consumed a strong alcoholic beverage earlier in the evening. According to the report, Simpson said he and his wife had been arguing and that he left their residence on Cooper Heights to prevent the situation from escalating.
The officer reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol and said Simpson had slurred speech and red, glossy eyes.
During a search of the vehicle, police reported finding two open containers of alcoholic beverages.
The officer also conducted field sobriety evaluations. According to the report, Simpson did not exhibit clues of impairment during the walk-and-turn or one-leg-stand evaluations. However, the officer reported observing six clues during the horizontal gaze nystagmus evaluation.
Based on Simpson’s driving, the odor of alcohol, his physical appearance and the results of the investigation, the officer reported determining that Simpson was less safe to operate a motor vehicle.
Simpson was arrested and charged with DUI – Alcohol Less Safe, speeding, failure to maintain lane and an open container violation.
Chattooga River Cleanup Planned Monday During Fall Break
The Chattooga River Group is teaming up with Chattooga County Extension for a river cleanup Monday, October 5, as part of the Rivers Alive program.
The cleanup begins at 10 AM at the river in Trion, with participants meeting at the end of Park Avenue.
Organizers say Monday’s cleanup is specifically for landlubbers, meaning volunteers will work from land and will not be kayaking or getting into the river.
Adults interested in participating are asked to contact Cindy Rivers McGraw at 706-466-9014. 4-H members who would like to participate should contact Kyle Krueger at the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744.
While volunteers work on the cleanup, other members of the Chattooga River Group will be on the water. They plan to kayak the Blue Leg section of the river from Trion to Summerville, where they will install river signage in cooperation with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
The cleanup coincides with Fall Break for local students, providing an opportunity for families and young people to take part in a community environmental project.
Rivers Alive is a statewide program that encourages volunteers to help clean and protect Georgia’s waterways.