Menlo Halloween Walk Tonight
The City of Menlo will celebrate Halloween this evening with its annual Halloween Walk at Lawrence Park in Menlo. The event gets underway at 5 o’clock and continues until 6:30, giving local children and families an opportunity to enjoy some Halloween fun and collect candy. Menlo is holding its celebration tonight, one day ahead of Halloween, while Summerville, Trion and Lyerly have their community celebrations scheduled for Saturday. Families are invited to come out in costume and enjoy the Halloween festivities at Lawrence Park this evening.
Mild Friday Ahead As Rain Chances Increase For Halloween Weekend
Chattooga County will enjoy another mild and mostly dry day Friday, but changes are on the way for Halloween weekend as a weather system brings increasing clouds and a chance of rain Saturday night into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 79 degrees. North winds will remain light at around 5 mph. Clouds will increase Friday night, with temperatures dropping to around 56 degrees.
For Halloween on Saturday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a high near 73 degrees. Southeast winds will increase to 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts reaching 20 mph.
The good news for families planning Halloween activities is that most of Saturday should remain dry. Rain chances do not increase until late Saturday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday will be cooler, with a high near 63 degrees and a 60 percent chance of showers, mainly during the morning and early afternoon hours.
Forecasters say the latest weather models are showing less rainfall than earlier expected. While a few showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm remain possible, Sunday is no longer expected to be the widespread washout that earlier forecasts had suggested.
Any lingering rain should move out by late Sunday afternoon, with improving conditions heading into the new workweek.
Monday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 72, followed by mostly sunny skies Tuesday and a high around 74.
Another weather system is expected to approach Northwest Georgia by the middle of next week, bringing a renewed chance of showers Tuesday night through Thursday. Rain chances increase to 50 percent Wednesday and 60 percent Wednesday night.
Temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild through much of next week before cooler air arrives behind the next weather system.
For now, the forecast looks favorable for most outdoor Halloween activities Saturday, with the greatest chance of rain holding off until after the evening celebrations have ended.
Chattooga Indians Travel To Fannin County Tonight; Trion Bulldogs Have Open Date
The Chattooga Indians will be on the road tonight for another important Region 7-AA football matchup, while the Trion Bulldogs have the week off as the high school football regular season approaches its conclusion.
Chattooga travels to Blue Ridge to take on the Fannin County Rebels, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight.
The Indians enter the contest with a 2-6 record following last Friday’s 27-14 victory over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The win was Chattooga’s second in its last three games, following a difficult start to the season.
Fannin County comes into tonight’s matchup with a 5-4 record and momentum of its own. The Rebels defeated Gordon Central 56-14 last Friday, continuing a strong offensive stretch.
The Indians will be looking to build on their recent improvement as they face a Fannin County team that has won four of its last five games.
Following tonight’s contest, Chattooga will close out its regular-season schedule next week with another road game against Christian Heritage in Dalton.
Meanwhile, the Trion Bulldogs are off tonight following their 36-6 homecoming victory over Manchester last Friday.
Trion will return to action Friday, November 6, when the Bulldogs host BEST Academy in their regular-season finale.
Chattooga football fans can hear tonight’s game live on WZQZ FM 99.1 or watch the live video broadcast on the WZQZ Facebook page. Chris “Bubba” Wilson will provide play-by-play coverage, with Steiner Davis offering commentary and analysis. Mason Gilreath will be behind the camera bringing viewers the action from Blue Ridge.
Tonight’s Game: Chattooga at Fannin County — 7:30 p.m. in Blue Ridge.
Trion: Open date; returns November 6 at home against BEST Academy.
Today Is Final Day Of Early Voting In Chattooga County Ahead Of Tuesday's Election
Today, Friday, October 30, is the final opportunity for Chattooga County voters to cast their ballots early ahead of next Tuesday’s General Election.
Early voting concludes this evening at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.
The Registrar’s Office is open today from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., giving voters one final opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.
Early voting began October 13 and has continued for three weeks, including two Saturdays.
Voters must present an acceptable form of photo identification when casting their ballots. A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired, is among the acceptable forms of identification.
This year’s ballot includes several important local questions, including proposed homestead property tax exemptions, renewal of the education sales tax and a bond referendum for the Town of Trion.
Georgia voters will also decide statewide races, congressional contests and proposed constitutional amendments.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, when polls across Georgia will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Residents voting on Election Day must report to their assigned voting precinct rather than the Registrar’s Office, unless that office is their designated polling location.
Voters can verify their registration status, review a sample ballot and find their assigned Election Day polling location through the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
There will be no additional early voting Saturday or Sunday. Anyone who does not vote today will need to cast their ballot at their assigned precinct on Tuesday.
Sources: Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, Georgia 2026 General Election Calendar.
Chattooga County Clerk Reminds Property Owners Of Filing Requirements And Free Fraud Alert Service
Chattooga County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Windle James is reminding local property owners about Georgia’s electronic filing requirements for real estate documents and a free service that can help residents monitor activity involving their property records.
Under a Georgia law that took effect January 1, 2025, individuals filing real estate documents on their own are required to submit those documents electronically rather than on paper.
Anyone submitting real estate documents electronically must first complete identity verification through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority. The process includes photographic identification verification and is intended to help protect the integrity of property records.
Certain professionals and organizations, including licensed attorneys, banks, mortgage lenders, surveyors and real estate professionals, may still submit paper documents under exemptions established by state law.
The clerk’s office is also encouraging residents to take advantage of a free service called the Filing Activity Notification System, or FANS.
The program allows property owners to sign up for electronic notifications when certain documents involving their property or name are filed in Georgia’s official records.
The service can help alert property owners to potentially unauthorized activity, including suspicious filings involving deeds or other real estate documents.
FANS is voluntary and free to use. Residents can register online and establish notification requests based on their name or other qualifying property record information.
Notifications apply to future filings after an alert has been established. The service does not prevent fraudulent documents from being filed, and not every filing will necessarily generate a notification.
Residents interested in registering can visit fans.gsccca.org.
Those needing to electronically file real estate documents can use the state’s official portal at efile.gsccca.org.
For additional assistance, residents may contact the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority at 1-800-304-5174.
The Chattooga County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office says the information is being shared to help residents better understand filing requirements and take advantage of services available to protect their property records.
Sources: Chattooga County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Windle James, Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority, Georgia Real Estate Electronic Recording Rules, Filing Activity Notification System.
Annual Walker County Toy Run Set For Sunday To Benefit Local Children
Motorcyclists from across Northwest Georgia will gather in Walker County this Sunday, November 1, for the 2026 Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love Toy Run, an annual event that helps provide Christmas gifts for children in need.
The motorcycle ride is sponsored by Walker County Stocking Full of Love and continues a holiday tradition of bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts and community supporters to help make Christmas brighter for local families.
Participants will gather at Ridgeland High School, located at 2478 Happy Valley Road in Rossville, with motorcycles scheduled to depart at 2 p.m.
Organizers are asking everyone participating to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation to support the Christmas assistance program. All motorcycles and riding clubs are welcome to take part in the event.
The annual ride honors the memory of Al Millard and supports the Stocking Full of Love program, which works to provide Christmas gifts to children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.
Participants are reminded that they ride at their own risk.
With rain in the forecast for Sunday, organizers have also scheduled a rain date of Sunday, November 15, should weather conditions prevent the ride from taking place as planned.
The event is open to motorcycle riders and clubs interested in supporting a charitable cause while helping local children enjoy the Christmas season.
Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday As AAA Warns Drivers About Earlier Darkness
Daylight saving time comes to an end this weekend, and AAA is reminding motorists to prepare for changing driving conditions as the clocks move back one hour.
At 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1, clocks will be turned back to 1 a.m., marking the return to standard time. The change means an extra hour of sleep for many people, but it also brings earlier sunsets and darker conditions during the evening commute.
AAA says the adjustment can create additional hazards for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly during the first several days following the time change.
“Drivers can expect a noticeable change in their commute almost overnight,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Morning sun glare can make it difficult to see the road ahead, while earlier darkness makes pedestrians and cyclists harder to spot in the evening.”
For motorists in Chattooga County and throughout Northwest Georgia, the earlier darkness is especially important on rural highways and secondary roads, where lighting may be limited and drivers frequently encounter curves, hills and narrow shoulders.
AAA points to research from its Foundation for Traffic Safety showing that the increase in pedestrian fatalities since a historic low in 2009 has occurred almost entirely during nighttime hours. Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also indicates that pedestrian deaths increase when standard time returns.
Drowsy driving is another concern associated with changes in sleep schedules. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 644 people were killed in crashes involving drowsy drivers in 2024.
Warning signs of fatigue include difficulty keeping your eyes open, drifting out of your lane or being unable to remember the last several miles driven. AAA recommends pulling over in a safe location to rest rather than continuing to drive while tired.
AAA offers several recommendations for motorists adjusting to the time change:
- Watch for morning sun glare. Keep sunglasses available, use sun visors and maintain a clean windshield.
- Increase following distance. Allow extra room between vehicles, particularly when visibility is reduced.
- Check vehicle lighting. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
- Slow down after dark. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. Pay particular attention at intersections, crosswalks and along roads with limited lighting.
The time change also serves as a reminder for residents to check smoke alarm batteries and review other household safety precautions.
Daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1. Clocks should be set back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.
Source: AAA – The Auto Club Group; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Chattooga County FFA Pig Show And Auction Scheduled For November 9
Months of hard work and dedication by Chattooga County FFA and 4-H students will culminate next month with the annual Pig Show and Auction, scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
The event is the culmination of the annual Chattooga County Pig Project, a longstanding agricultural education program that gives local students hands-on experience raising livestock while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, animal care and financial management.
Throughout the summer and fall, participating students have been responsible for feeding, caring for and preparing their hogs for exhibition and eventual sale. The project provides practical experience in animal husbandry and helps young people understand the work and financial commitment involved in raising livestock.
The students also have an opportunity to showcase their progress during the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in August, before preparing their animals for the final November show and auction.
The November auction is an important part of the program because the money earned from the sale of each student’s pig goes directly to that student. Those funds can help support future livestock projects, educational expenses or college savings.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Association plays an important role in supporting and coordinating the project. The organization, which has supported local agriculture since 1970, helps make the annual event possible while encouraging the development of future agricultural leaders.
The Pig Project has also received support from agricultural organizations, including AgGeorgia and Georgia Farm Credit, along with local businesses and community members who recognize the importance of agricultural education.
For the students, the annual show and auction represents much more than an opportunity to exhibit livestock. It is the result of months of daily responsibility, learning and preparation, with the auction providing an opportunity to see a financial return on their work.
Local businesses, families and residents are encouraged to attend the event and support the participating FFA and 4-H students through the purchase of locally raised hogs.
The Chattooga County FFA and 4-H Pig Show and Auction will be held Monday, November 9, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. The event is open to the public.
Twenty-Eight Students Earn High School Equivalency Through GNTC's Accelerated Academy
Twenty-eight students have earned their High School Equivalency credentials through Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Accelerated Academy, completing an intensive program designed to help adults achieve their educational goals in just three days.
A graduation ceremony was held Tuesday, October 27, at GNTC’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun, recognizing students who successfully completed the Fall 2026 program.
The Accelerated Academy, held October 15–17, provided free instruction, practice testing, official testing, meals and snacks. The program is designed for adults who cannot commit to months of traditional classroom instruction.
Among those recognized during the ceremony were students from throughout Northwest Georgia, including Jodi Lyn Meyer of Rome, Mauricio Olguin of Rossville, Sarah Ramey and Aaron Tyler Sprayberry of LaFayette, along with graduates from Dalton, Calhoun, Ringgold, Resaca and other communities.
Sprayberry, who was the first student to complete the Fall 2026 Accelerated Academy, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.
“I’ve always focused on everybody else, but I’ve come to realize that I’ve never really done something for myself,” Sprayberry told fellow graduates. He said earning his High School Equivalency credential represents the first step toward continuing his education.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham congratulated the graduates, describing their accomplishments as an example of what can happen when opportunity meets determination.
Lisa Shaw, GNTC’s vice president of Adult Education, told graduates that completing their education represents both a personal commitment and an investment in their future.
The college also recognized several organizations that support the program through scholarships and other assistance, including the Chattooga County Literacy Council, Atlanta Gas Light Foundation, GNTC Foundation and Technical College System of Georgia Foundation.
The Accelerated Academy offers instruction in language arts, mathematics, reading, science and social studies. Participants attend an evening session Thursday, followed by full-day instruction and testing Friday and Saturday.
Students who do not complete all requirements during the three-day program can receive additional instruction and assistance through GNTC’s Adult Education Department.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued form of identification.
For more information about the Accelerated Academy or other adult education opportunities, visit www.gntc.edu/adult-education or call 706-295-6976.
Georgia DOT Plans Anchored Retaining Wall In Taylor's Ridge Highway Repair Project
New details about the planned reconstruction of a section of U.S. Highway 27 over Taylor’s Ridge show that the Georgia Department of Transportation intends to install a permanently anchored retaining wall as part of its effort to stabilize the mountainside.
The project, known as Phase II of the Taylor’s Ridge slope repair, covers approximately two-tenths of a mile of Highway 27 in Chattooga County.
According to construction bid documents, the work includes building a retaining wall designed to help secure the unstable slope, along with grading, roadway repairs, erosion-control measures and fencing.
The project also calls for engineering analysis of the hillside’s overall stability.
Unlike routine highway resurfacing, the work is intended to address the underlying instability that has caused portions of Highway 27 to settle and shift over the years.
The highway has a long history of slope problems, including significant roadway movement in 2019 that required temporary repairs and traffic restrictions.
Georgia DOT previously completed an earlier phase of stabilization work on Taylor’s Ridge in 2021.
The department announced October 19 that the latest project was among its September construction contract awards, listing an investment of approximately $7.4 million.
Earlier bidding records had identified an apparent low bid of approximately $4.08 million. The reason for the difference between that figure and the announced contract value has not yet been established.
Construction information previously listed November 17 as the anticipated starting date, while the contract documents specify November 30, 2027, as the completion deadline.
The project is particularly important for Chattooga County motorists because Highway 27 over Taylor’s Ridge is a major connection between Summerville and Rome, used daily by commuters, commercial traffic and emergency vehicles.
The project is designed to preserve the highway’s existing two-lane configuration rather than widen the roadway.
Sources: Georgia Department of Transportation, Project 0015413; September 2026 Construction Bid Documents; Georgia DOT October 19, 2026 Contract Awards; Georgia DOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
Four Bids Submitted For Tooga Theater Restoration Project
Chattooga County officials are reviewing four bids submitted for the next phase of restoration work at the historic Tooga Theater in downtown Summerville.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen confirmed to WZQZ News on Thursday that four contractors submitted bids for the project. Allen said his office is currently vetting all four bidders, with an announcement of the bid award expected during the latter part of next week.
The latest development marks another step toward restoring the historic theater, which has been owned by Chattooga County since 2015.
The county purchased the former Dandy Denson Shrine Auditorium, commonly known as the Tooga Theater, during the administration of former Commissioner Jason Winters.
Since that time, the county has pursued funding for restoration work through several administrations.
During former Commissioner Blake Elsberry’s administration, grant funding was secured for improvements to the theater’s exterior, including restoration of the marquee and work on the building’s facade along Commerce Street.
That work represented the first phase of what is expected to be a much larger restoration effort.
More recently, the Appalachian Regional Commission committed $1 million toward restoration of the theater’s interior, providing funding for the next phase of the project.
The long-term goal is to return the historic building to use as a venue for entertainment, performances and community events in downtown Summerville.
With four bids now under review, county officials are moving closer to selecting a contractor for the next phase of work.
Allen told WZQZ News that the county expects to announce the successful bidder late next week.
Howard Finster Artwork To Be Featured In Upcoming Auction And Fundraiser
Artwork by renowned folk artist and Chattooga County resident Howard Finster will be featured in a special auction next weekend, with a fundraising event planned to benefit the preservation of his famous Paradise Garden in Summerville.
The Heavenly Barbecue will be held Thursday, November 5, from 1 until 4 p.m. at Slotin Auction in downtown Buford, Georgia. The event will give collectors and folk art enthusiasts an opportunity to preview Finster artwork before a major auction scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8.
The auction will feature 42 lots of Finster artwork and memorabilia, with estimated values ranging from several hundred dollars to as much as $20,000.
Among the featured pieces is a 1978 drawing titled Sketches of Howard by Howard, containing more than 40 individual self-portraits drawn in pencil and ink on a single sheet of lined paper.
The artwork measures approximately 9½ by 12 inches and carries an estimated auction value of $400 to $600.
Finster wrote on the drawing, “I think any artist should first learn to draw himself.”
Several of the items being auctioned come from the collection of the late John F. Turner, a longtime friend and supporter of Finster who authored the 1989 book Howard Finster: Man of Visions. The Life and Work of a Self-Taught Artist.
Turner’s collection includes original sketches, photographs and handwritten notes that provide a personal look at Finster’s artistic career and life.
Finster, who lived and worked in Chattooga County, became internationally recognized for his colorful folk art and religiously inspired paintings. His Paradise Garden in Summerville remains one of Northwest Georgia’s most distinctive cultural attractions and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Heavenly Barbecue will include a barbecue buffet served at 2 p.m. Tickets begin at $50, with special Patron Saint tickets also available. Those tickets include private tours of Paradise Garden to be scheduled at a later date.
All proceeds from the Heavenly Barbecue will support the operation and ongoing preservation of Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville. The artwork itself will be offered through Slotin Auction’s separate November 7–8 sale.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available at museumgifts.square.site.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance With 1-0 Victory At State Softball Tournament
The Trion Lady Bulldogs are moving on in the Georgia High School Association Class A State Softball Tournament after picking up another victory Thursday afternoon in Columbus.
Trion defeated Emanuel County Institute 1-0 in a tightly contested game at the South Commons Softball Complex, continuing the Lady Bulldogs’ impressive postseason run.
Trion Athletics confirmed the victory Thursday afternoon, celebrating the team’s hard-fought win and announcing that the Lady Bulldogs will return to action Friday, October 30, at 3:30 p.m.
The victory follows Trion’s 2-0 win over Irwin County on Wednesday and keeps the Lady Bulldogs in contention for a state championship.
The Lady Bulldogs have now recorded back-to-back shutouts in Columbus, allowing no runs in their first two games at the tournament.
Trion Athletics encouraged supporters to keep cheering on the team as the Lady Bulldogs prepare for Friday’s matchup.
Friday’s game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.
WZQZ News will continue following the Lady Bulldogs as they compete for a state title.
Gang-Related Altercation At Hays State Prison Triggers Lockdowns Across Georgia
Three inmates were injured in an altercation at Hays State Prison in Trion on Tuesday, October 27, prompting the Georgia Department of Corrections to place more than two dozen correctional facilities across the state on lockdown amid concerns about possible gang retaliation.
In a statement provided to WZQZ News, the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed that four inmates were involved in an altercation believed to have been gang-related. The incident was contained to two dormitories at Hays State Prison.
According to the department, three inmates were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. All three were treated and subsequently returned to the prison.
No correctional officers or other staff members were injured.
The department said intelligence received following the altercation raised concerns about possible retaliation, prompting officials to implement lockdowns at numerous state correctional facilities.
In addition to Hays State Prison, the affected facilities include Hancock State Prison, Augusta State Medical Prison, Johnson State Prison, Rogers State Prison, Smith State Prison, Macon State Prison, Telfair State Prison, Valdosta State Prison, Phillips State Prison, Baldwin State Prison, Washington State Prison, Autry State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, Calhoun State Prison, Coastal State Prison, Pulaski State Prison and Ware State Prison.
Other affected facilities include the Special Management Unit, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, McRae Women’s Facility, Riverbend Correctional Facility, Wheeler Correctional Facility, Coffee Correctional Facility and Jenkins Correctional Facility.
The Department of Corrections said the facilities will remain on lockdown until further notice. Security threat assessments will be conducted periodically as investigations continue.
The department has not disclosed the identities of the inmates involved, the gangs suspected of involvement or the specific intelligence that prompted the widespread security measures.
WZQZ News has also received information concerning possible drone activity at Hays State Prison around the time of the incident. The Department of Corrections did not address that information in its initial response, and WZQZ has not independently confirmed whether a drone was involved.
WZQZ News has submitted additional questions to the department seeking clarification about the reported drone activity, possible gang connections, the extent of the security threat and when normal operations might resume.
The investigation remains ongoing, and WZQZ News will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Source: Georgia Department of Corrections, direct statement provided to WZQZ News concerning the October 27, 2026, incident.
Arrest Report - Thursday - October 29, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 29, 2026:
Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance To State Softball Final Four With Shutout Victory
The Trion Lady Bulldogs are moving on in the Georgia High School Association Class A State Softball Tournament after opening Elite Eight competition Wednesday with a 2-0 shutout victory over Irwin County in Columbus.
The victory extends Trion’s winning streak to 11 consecutive games and moves the Lady Bulldogs into the winners’ bracket semifinals, putting them among the final four undefeated teams in the tournament.
Trion will face Emanuel County Institute today, Thursday, October 29, at 12:30 p.m. at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.
Emanuel County Institute advanced with a 6-2 victory over Johnson County on Wednesday.
The Lady Bulldogs entered the state tournament with a 23-5 record after sweeping Taylor County in the second round of the playoffs. Wednesday’s victory improves Trion’s record to 24-5.
Under head coach Trent Stamey, Trion is making its second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight and continues its pursuit of a state championship.
The tournament uses a double-elimination format, meaning teams must lose twice before being eliminated. Competition continues through Saturday, October 31.
Fans can watch the games through the NFHS Network, while tickets for in-person attendance are available through GoFan.
Warm, Dry Weather Continues Thursday Before Weekend Rain Arrives
Chattooga County residents can expect another warm and mostly sunny day Thursday, but a change in the weather pattern will bring increasing rain chances over the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, Thursday will be mostly sunny with an afternoon high near 76 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming northeast around 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 47 degrees.
Friday will bring even warmer temperatures, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 79 degrees. Friday night will become mostly cloudy, with an overnight low around 55.
The weather begins changing Saturday as clouds increase ahead of an approaching storm system. There is a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers, with a high near 73 degrees.
Rain chances increase significantly Saturday night, particularly after 2 a.m., when showers and possibly a thunderstorm are expected. The chance of precipitation Saturday night is 60 percent.
Sunday looks to be the wettest day of the weekend, with an 80 percent chance of showers and a high near 65 degrees. Rain is expected to continue into Sunday evening before gradually diminishing.
National Weather Service forecasters say there is still uncertainty about how much rain the approaching system will produce. Some weather models suggest substantial rainfall, while others indicate considerably lighter amounts.
Although widespread flooding is not currently expected, heavier thunderstorms could produce localized flooding in areas that receive repeated downpours.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and a high near 71. Tuesday brings a 40 percent chance of showers and temperatures reaching the middle 70s.
For residents planning outdoor activities this weekend, Friday offers the best opportunity for warm, dry weather before rain chances increase late Saturday and Sunday.
Chattooga County's 2025 Audit Completed, Commissioner Says Officials Addressing Findings
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county’s 2025 financial audit has been completed and approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue, marking another step in the county’s efforts to address financial reporting and accounting concerns.
In an update Wednesday, Allen said county officials are now reviewing findings identified in the audit and working with department heads to determine how best to correct any problems.
“The 2025 audit is complete and approved by DOR. We are currently working with department heads who had findings to determine the best path to resolve any issues,” Allen said.
The announcement follows months of work to bring the county’s financial records up to date.
The county’s 2024 audit, released earlier this year, identified numerous deficiencies involving accounting procedures, financial oversight, purchasing practices and recordkeeping. Among the findings were incomplete financial records, insufficient documentation for certain expenditures, problems with bank reconciliations and instances in which departments exceeded their approved budgets.
During a public meeting in July, Allen and county officials reviewed the 2024 findings and discussed corrective measures, including improvements in accounting procedures, staff training and financial oversight.
The 2025 audit had also fallen behind the state’s required filing deadline, making its completion a significant development in the county’s ongoing effort to bring financial reporting up to date.
Allen said the county will release the completed report to news organizations after officials finish reviewing the findings with department heads.
“Once we complete the process, we will provide the 2025 audit to all media outlets,” Allen said.
The specific findings in the 2025 audit have not yet been made public, so it remains to be seen which issues have been corrected and whether additional deficiencies were identified.
Sources: Statement from Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen; Chattooga County Government — July 16, 2026, Audit Findings Meeting; Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts — Local Government Audit Requirements.
Verification note: The completion and Department of Revenue approval are reported from Commissioner Allen’s statement. The 2025 audit itself has not yet been available for independent review. Georgia’s Department of Audits and Accounts is the agency responsible for tracking local government audit submissions, so DOR approval should not be treated as confirmation of that agency’s compliance status.
Nearly $2 Million To Preserve Historic Resaca Battlefield In Northwest Georgia
Nearly $2 million will be invested in preserving more than 300 acres of historic Civil War battlefield land in Gordon and Whitfield counties through a new Georgia preservation program.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced the approval of two grants totaling $945,475 through the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program. Combined with approximately $980,000 in matching funds, the grants will support an investment of about $1.9 million in protecting historically significant property at the Resaca Battlefield.
The grants are being awarded to the American Battlefield Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic battlefields across the United States.
The larger grant, totaling $634,000, will help the organization acquire and permanently protect approximately 273 acres in Gordon and Whitfield counties. The property includes historic battlefield terrain, Confederate defensive earthworks and approximately 3,200 feet of frontage along Camp Creek.
A second grant of $311,475 will support the acquisition and preservation of approximately 30 additional acres in Gordon County.
The properties were part of the Battle of Resaca, fought May 13–15, 1864, during Union General William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. The battle involved thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers as Sherman’s forces advanced southward through Northwest Georgia toward Atlanta.
The American Battlefield Trust says the newly protected property faced potential development in recent years. An industrial rezoning effort involving the land was unsuccessful in early 2025, but preservation officials remained concerned about the possibility of future development.
The additional acreage will connect with other preserved portions of the battlefield, helping protect the historic landscape and creating potential opportunities for future public access.
The grants are the first awarded through the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund, established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2025 and named in honor of the legendary University of Georgia football coach.
Dooley, who led the Georgia Bulldogs to the 1980 national championship, was also a historian and longtime advocate for battlefield preservation. He served on the American Battlefield Trust’s Board of Trustees for a decade.
The new state program provides matching grants to nonprofit preservation organizations and state agencies for the acquisition and permanent protection of historically significant battlefield properties.
The American Battlefield Trust has already preserved more than 1,000 acres at Resaca. The latest acquisitions will expand those efforts while protecting land associated with one of the most significant Civil War battles fought in Northwest Georgia.
Sources: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, October 23, 2026; American Battlefield Trust, October 26, 2026.
Trion Gas Customers Can Request Safety Valves To Reduce Risk Of Gas Leaks
Natural gas customers served by the Town of Trion have the option of requesting a safety device designed to reduce the risk of fires, explosions and property damage if an underground gas service line is accidentally broken.
The Town of Trion Gas Department offers customers the opportunity to request installation of an excess flow valve, commonly called an EFV, on the natural gas line leading to their property.
The mechanical device is installed in the service line that carries natural gas to a customer’s meter. If the line is severely damaged, such as during excavation or digging, the valve is designed to automatically restrict the flow of gas, reducing the possibility of a dangerous gas leak.
However, the valves do have limitations. They are not designed to stop leaks that occur inside a home or business, including leaks involving appliances or piping beyond the gas meter. They also may not activate when a service line develops a small leak.
Customers interested in having a valve installed can contact the Town of Trion Gas Department to request an inspection. The department will determine whether installation is possible and provide an estimate of the cost.
Installation costs vary depending on the location of the gas line and the difficulty of accessing it. For example, lines located beneath asphalt or concrete may be more expensive to access.
Once the cost has been determined, the department will contact the customer to arrange a mutually agreeable installation date.
The town says customers may also be responsible for replacement costs if they add gas appliances that require greater gas capacity, such as a swimming pool heater or emergency generator.
However, customers will not be charged for replacement if an existing excess flow valve malfunctions.
Not every gas service line qualifies for installation. Valves cannot be installed where they could interfere with normal gas service or necessary maintenance, or where the service line’s meter capacity exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per hour.
The Town of Trion’s notice explains that customers can request these valves under federal natural gas safety regulations that took effect in 2017.
Gas officials also remind residents to call 811 before digging to have underground gas lines and other utilities marked. The free utility-location service helps prevent accidental damage to buried lines.
Additional information is available through the Town of Trion Gas Department.
Sources: Town of Trion Gas Department — Excess Flow Valve Customer Notice; U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.