Strong Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Target Northwest Georgia Monday Evening
Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms this evening as a line of storms is expected to move into the region from Tennessee and Alabama between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service says scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop across North Georgia during the afternoon as temperatures climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s. Conditions will remain hot and humid, with heat index values reaching the mid to upper 90s.
While isolated storms during the afternoon could produce gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning, forecasters are most concerned about a stronger line of storms expected to arrive during the evening hours. Damaging straight-line winds are the primary threat, although an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
In addition to severe weather concerns, localized flash flooding may develop where repeated rounds of heavy rain move across the same locations. Residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
The strongest storms are expected to affect Northwest Georgia first before moving southeast toward the Atlanta area later tonight. Forecasters expect the line to weaken as it progresses across the state.
A cold front will move through Georgia on Tuesday, bringing slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity to North Georgia. Most areas in Northwest Georgia are expected to remain dry Tuesday, with highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Looking ahead, typical summertime weather returns for the remainder of the week. Daily chances for afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected, along with increasing heat and humidity. Heat index values could approach or exceed 100 degrees by the weekend, making it one of the hottest stretches of the year so far.
Trion's Thompson Named GACA Coach Of The Year
Trion High School girls soccer coach Marcia Thompson has been named Coach of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) as part of the Class A Division II First Team All-State honors.
The recognition comes on the heels of a historic season for the Lady Bulldogs. Last month, Trion captured the GHSA Class A Division II State Championship, earning the school’s first-ever state title in girls soccer.
The championship was also significant for the region, marking the first time a girls soccer team from Northwest Georgia has won a state championship.
In addition to Thompson’s honor, Emma Martz was recognized as Player of the Year. Several other Trion standouts also received recognition, including Allison “Allie” Hudgins, Baylee Blair, and Ayla Sanford.
Martz, Hudgins, and Blair were graduating seniors this year and played key roles in the Lady Bulldogs’ championship run.
The Georgia Athletic Coaches Association supports and recognizes high school and middle school coaches and athletic directors across the state. The organization’s annual awards honor outstanding achievements by coaches and student-athletes throughout Georgia.
Thompson’s Coach of the Year selection adds another milestone to a season that will be remembered as one of the most successful in Trion High School athletics history.
TVA Investing Billions To Meet Growing Power Demand Across The Tennessee Valley
As population growth, industrial expansion, and increased electricity usage continue across the Southeast, the Tennessee Valley Authority is making major investments in power generation and grid infrastructure to meet rising demand throughout its seven-state service region.
TVA, the nation’s largest public power provider, supplies electricity to more than 10 million people through 153 local power companies and electric cooperatives, including North Georgia EMC, which serves much of Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.
TVA officials have warned that electricity demand is growing at a pace not seen in decades. Much of that growth is being driven by new manufacturing facilities, data centers, population increases, and the broader electrification of homes, businesses, and transportation.
To address those needs, TVA has announced plans to invest billions of dollars over the next decade in new generation sources and transmission infrastructure. The utility is pursuing a diversified strategy that includes expanding natural gas generation, extending the life of existing nuclear facilities, developing new nuclear technologies, increasing battery storage capacity, and adding renewable energy resources where practical.
Transmission upgrades are also a major focus. TVA is working to strengthen and expand the electric grid throughout the Tennessee Valley to improve reliability and ensure power can be delivered efficiently to rapidly growing areas. These projects include new transmission lines, upgraded substations, and modernization of aging infrastructure.
For customers served by North Georgia EMC, TVA’s investments are especially important. NGEMC purchases wholesale electricity through TVA, meaning the cooperative depends on TVA’s ability to generate and deliver reliable power during periods of peak demand.
The issue has become increasingly important as summer temperatures rise. TVA officials say electricity usage continues to set records during extreme heat events when air conditioners run continuously across the region. Similar challenges occur during winter cold snaps when heating demand spikes.
TVA leaders have stressed that maintaining reliability remains the agency’s top priority as demand grows. The utility has reported that it expects power demand across its service territory to increase significantly over the coming years, requiring one of the largest infrastructure buildouts in its history.
The investments are expected to support economic development efforts throughout the Tennessee Valley, including Northwest Georgia, where local leaders continue to recruit new industries and businesses that require dependable electric service.
For residents and businesses in Chattooga County and surrounding areas, TVA’s long-term planning could play a significant role in determining future electric reliability, infrastructure improvements, and the region’s ability to attract new economic opportunities.
City Of Summerville Hiring For Several Government Positions
The City of Summerville is currently accepting applications for several job openings in city government.
Current openings include a Building Inspector position in administration, a Customer Service Representative position in administration, and a Water/Sewer Maintenance Worker position with Summerville Utilities.
City officials say all listed positions are open until filled, meaning interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applicants may review full job descriptions and apply online through the official City of Summerville Job Opportunities page. Applications may also be picked up in person at Summerville City Hall.
For more information about the application process, residents may contact Human Resources Director Kim Tucker at City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue in Summerville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 180, Summerville, Georgia 30747.
The Human Resources office may be reached by phone at 706-859-0900. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Summerville Council To Consider Adding Juneteenth As Paid Holiday
City of Summerville employees could receive an additional paid holiday beginning in 2027 if the city council approves a proposal to recognize Juneteenth as an official city holiday.
The idea was raised during Monday night’s Summerville City Council meeting by Councilwoman Simone Adams, who asked fellow council members to consider adding the federal holiday to the city’s list of paid days off for employees.
“I would like to see possibly put on next month’s agenda for us to vote for the staff to be off on June 19 of 2027,” Adams said during the meeting.
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
The holiday became a federal holiday in 2021 and is already recognized as a state holiday in Georgia. Most state offices close in observance of the day, and many local governments and private employers now provide Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
According to the proposal, adding Juneteenth would expand Summerville’s current list of paid holidays for city employees and bring the city’s holiday schedule more in line with other government entities across Georgia and the nation.
Adams suggested placing the matter on the council’s July agenda for formal consideration. No vote was taken during Monday night’s meeting, and city officials gave no indication whether the proposal currently has majority support from council members.
If approved, the change would not take effect until June 19, 2027.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration and is expected to return before the council at a future meeting.
Georgia Republicans Move To Keep Touchscreen Voting System Ahead Of Midterms
Georgia Senate Republicans have approved legislation that would delay a state law banning the use of QR codes to count votes, keeping the state’s touchscreen voting system in place through the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed the Senate by a 33-19 vote and now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.
The legislation would postpone the QR code ban until January 2028 and create a committee to recommend specifications for Georgia’s next voting system. Lawmakers say the move is necessary to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges because the state has not yet developed or implemented a replacement system.
Gov. Brian Kemp called lawmakers into a special session in part to address the looming July 1 deadline established by a 2024 law that would prohibit counting votes through QR codes. Election officials have warned that making a major change before this fall’s elections could create logistical problems for counties and voters.
Georgia’s current voting system uses touchscreen machines that print paper ballots containing both a human-readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to tabulate votes. Critics have argued for years that voters cannot independently verify the information contained in the QR code, while supporters say changing systems too close to an election could create significant disruptions.
The Senate proposal would also require full hand recounts of the top two races on the ballot, a provision that has generated debate among lawmakers over the time and resources required to conduct such counts.
Democrats generally support delaying the QR code ban but criticized the bill’s process, arguing that the committee tasked with designing a future voting system lacks adequate bipartisan representation.
If approved by the House and signed into law, the measure would keep Georgia’s touchscreen voting system in place through at least the 2026 election cycle while state leaders work toward selecting a long-term replacement.
Energy Department Offers Record Loan To Southern Company Subsidiaries
The U.S. Energy Department has offered a record $26.54 billion loan package to subsidiaries of Southern Company to strengthen and expand the electric grid in Georgia and Alabama.
The financing, described by federal officials as the largest ever provided through the department’s loan office, would go to Georgia Power and Alabama Power. The Energy Department says the investment could save customers in the two states more than $7 billion while helping improve the reliability and resilience of the power grid.
The two loans, which would span roughly 30 years, are intended to support more than 16 gigawatts of power additions and upgrades. Planned projects include approximately 5 gigawatts of new natural gas generation, upgrades to existing nuclear facilities, modernization of hydropower plants, development of battery energy storage systems, and more than 1,300 miles of transmission and grid enhancement projects.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the loans would help lower energy costs, create jobs, and improve grid reliability across Georgia and Alabama.
Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Chris Womack said the financing would reduce the cost of major grid investments and help deliver greater reliability and resilience for customers.
The company noted that funds would be drawn only after certain conditions are met and could be accessed through September 15, 2033.
While supporters point to the potential benefits for electric reliability and long-term infrastructure improvements, the proposal has also drawn criticism from some consumer advocates, watchdog groups, and environmental organizations.
Critics argue that taxpayers could ultimately face financial risk if projects experience significant cost overruns or repayment issues. Others note that although federal officials project billions of dollars in customer savings, state utility regulators will continue to play a key role in determining how infrastructure costs are reflected in future electric rates.
Some observers have also pointed to Southern Company’s history with large-scale energy projects, including delays and cost overruns associated with the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion in Georgia and the Kemper energy project in Mississippi, arguing that strong oversight will be necessary as the utility moves forward with another major infrastructure program.
Environmental groups have additionally raised concerns about plans to add approximately 5 gigawatts of new natural gas generation, contending that federal energy investments should focus more heavily on renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
The proposed loan package remains subject to final conditions and approvals before funds can be fully utilized.
Summerville Main Street Receives 2026 National Accreditation
Summerville Main Street has earned 2026 National Accreditation, a designation recognizing the organization’s efforts to strengthen and revitalize the downtown district.
The downtown revitalization program was recognized as a 2026 accredited Main Street community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs during a recent recognition ceremony.
According to the article by Jason Espy in the Summerville News, the accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to the Main Street Approach, a framework focused on Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.
Mayor Ricky Hughes and members of the Summerville City Council were recognized during the ceremony, along with Main Street Director Susan Locklear, volunteers, business owners, and community partners who have contributed to downtown improvement efforts.
Each member of the Summerville Main Street board received a letter acknowledging the program’s accreditation. The recognition places Summerville among a select group of communities meeting national standards for downtown development and community engagement.
City leaders said the accreditation reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the appearance and functionality of downtown Summerville while supporting local businesses and encouraging community involvement.
Chattooga Historical Society Lunch Talks Set For June 26
Residents interested in learning more about local history will have an opportunity to do so later this month during the Chattooga Historical Society’s Lunch Talks program at the Chattooga County Library.
The event is scheduled for Friday, June 26, from noon until 1 p.m. at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System, the program will feature members of the Chattooga Historical Society sharing stories and insights about the rich history of Chattooga County.
According to event organizers, attendees will have the chance to explore the county’s past while enjoying a relaxed lunchtime setting. Chips and drinks will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
The event is open to the public and is designed for anyone with an interest in local history, genealogy, community heritage, or historical preservation.
The Chattooga County Library regularly hosts educational programs and community events aimed at connecting residents with local resources, history, and culture.
Arrest Report - Sunday - June 21, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 21, 2026:
Hot and Humid Pattern Continues Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Low clouds and patchy fog early Sunday morning are expected to gradually clear, giving way to another warm and muggy day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s, while high humidity levels will push heat index values into the mid and upper 90s.
A few isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible Sunday afternoon and evening. While most locations will remain dry, any storms that develop could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours.
Monday will bring increasing humidity and a more active weather pattern. Morning clouds and a few light showers may linger before sunshine returns by late morning. Temperatures will once again reach the upper 80s to lower 90s, with heat index values approaching 100 degrees in some areas.
Attention then turns to Monday afternoon and evening, when scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across Northwest Georgia. Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for a line of strong to severe storms to move into the region during the evening as a cold front approaches from the north. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat, although localized flooding could occur where storms repeatedly track over the same area.
The front is expected to stall south of the area, keeping moisture in place through much of the upcoming week. As a result, daily chances for afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms will continue from Tuesday through Saturday.
Temperatures will remain seasonably warm, with daytime highs generally in the mid-80s to around 90 degrees and overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. While the highest heat index values are expected farther south in Central Georgia, Northwest Georgia will continue to experience hot and humid conditions throughout the week.
Residents should stay alert for changing weather conditions each afternoon, especially Monday evening when the risk for stronger storms will be greatest.
Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park
Ice cream lovers will have a chance to cool off and support a local organization later this month at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, June 28, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. near the park’s Visitor Center.
Volunteers will offer a variety of homemade ice cream flavors, giving visitors plenty of options to choose from. Ice cream will be available for $3 per cup, and both cash and card payments will be accepted.
Organizers say the event is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy a summer treat while spending time at one of Northwest Georgia’s most scenic state parks.
A Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for entry. Visitors must have either a $10 daily ParkPass or an annual pass to park at the facility.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, fishing lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The event is open to the public.
Chattooga Library To Host Live Animal Show For Summer Program
Children and families will have an opportunity to experience an up-close wildlife encounter later this month as the Sara Hightower Regional Library System welcomes Animal Adventures of Georgia to Summerville.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 2 p.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Animal Adventures of Georgia is a mobile wildlife education company based in Newnan that specializes in bringing live animal programs to schools, libraries, festivals, and community events across the state. The organization is known for its interactive presentations featuring a variety of animals while teaching participants about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and nature.
Library officials describe the program as an interactive and educational live animal nature show designed to engage children and adults alike through hands-on learning experiences.
The event is free and open to the public and is part of the library’s ongoing summer programming.
Families are encouraged to arrive early for what promises to be a fun and educational afternoon featuring live animals and opportunities to learn more about the natural world.
Stars & Stripes At The Depot Planned For July 4 In Summerville
Families are invited to celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic community gathering at the Summerville Train Depot on Saturday, July 4.
The City of Summerville will host “Stars & Stripes At The Depot” from noon until 3 p.m. at the historic depot in downtown Summerville.
The event is being held as part of the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature free sliced watermelon, patriotic music, and appearances by Uncle Sam. Organizers also announced that the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s passenger train, pulled by steam locomotive No. 4501, is expected to arrive during the event.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to see the Summerville Turntable in operation.
City officials encourage residents and visitors to bring their families and enjoy an afternoon of patriotic fun, local history, and community fellowship as the nation marks a significant milestone in its history.
The event is free and open to the public.
Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bill To Delay Ballot QR Code Changes Until 2028
Georgia lawmakers have taken the first major step toward resolving a voting system issue that threatened to complicate the state’s upcoming elections.
The Georgia Senate Ethics Committee voted 8-4 along party lines Thursday to advance legislation that would extend the deadline for removing QR codes from Georgia ballots until 2028. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Max Burns, a Republican from Sylvania.
Under current state law, QR codes used to tabulate votes on Georgia’s ballot-marking devices must be eliminated by July 1, 2026. However, lawmakers have not approved the estimated $66 million needed to modify or replace the equipment currently used statewide.
Georgia’s voting system, purchased from Dominion Voting Systems for approximately $107 million, was first used during the 2020 election. While supporters say the technology provides a secure and accessible voting process, critics have argued that ballots should be counted using text that voters can easily read and verify without relying on QR codes.
The proposed legislation would postpone the transition until before the 2028 presidential election and create a special committee to establish standards for Georgia’s next voting system. The committee would include appointees from the governor’s office and both legislative chambers.
One significant provision in the bill would shift authority over selecting future voting equipment away from the secretary of state’s office and place greater control in the hands of state lawmakers.
Democratic lawmakers raised concerns that the proposal does not guarantee representation for the minority party on the committee that would help determine the state’s future election system.
Local election officials have largely welcomed the legislation, saying it provides needed clarity after uncertainty surrounding how elections would be conducted once the current July 1 deadline arrived.
The full Georgia Senate is expected to consider the measure during Saturday’s special legislative session.
DNR Says Invasive Tegu Lizards Can Be Killed On Sight In Georgia
Georgia wildlife officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for a large invasive lizard that poses a threat to native wildlife.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says Argentine black-and-white tegus have been documented in parts of the state, including Toombs and Tattnall counties, with additional sightings reported in other areas of Georgia.
Tegus are native to South America and can grow up to four feet long and weigh more than 10 pounds. Wildlife officials say the reptiles are strong swimmers, can stay underwater for extended periods, and can survive Georgia winters by entering a hibernation-like state known as brumation.
The DNR says the lizards are a concern because they eat a wide variety of food, including eggs from ground-nesting birds such as quail and wild turkeys. They may also prey on young gopher tortoises and alligators, along with small animals, fruits, vegetables, pet food, and carrion.
Because Argentine black-and-white tegus are not native to Georgia, they are not protected under state wildlife laws. The DNR says residents may legally trap or humanely kill tegus year-round on private property with the landowner’s permission, as long as local ordinances and safety rules are followed.
Residents who see a tegu are encouraged to take a photo if it can be done safely and report the sighting to wildlife officials. The DNR also recommends keeping pet food indoors, securing possible food sources, and removing brush piles or other shelter areas where the reptiles could hide.
Female tegus can lay around 35 eggs each year, making early detection and removal important in preventing the species from spreading further in Georgia.
Georgia Methodist Conferences Move Toward Historic Merger
Methodist churches in North Georgia and South Georgia have taken a major step toward forming one statewide conference.
The North Georgia Annual Conference approved a proposal this week to merge with the South Georgia Annual Conference, voting 96 percent to 4 percent in favor of the plan during its annual meeting in Athens. Earlier this month, the South Georgia Annual Conference also approved the same Unification Plan, with 96.6 percent voting in favor.
The proposal would create the Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, bringing both conferences together under one statewide structure.
Church leaders say the vote marks an important step, but the merger is not yet final. The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference must still decide whether to hold a special virtual session in August 2026 to consider the proposal.
If approved, Bishop Robin Dease would call a joint special session of both annual conferences in September to help prepare for the transition. Under the current proposal, the new Georgia Annual Conference would officially begin on January 1, 2027.
A worship and celebration service is planned for January 2027, with the first session of the newly unified Georgia Annual Conference scheduled for June 2027 in Athens.
Low-Cost Spay And Neuter Assistance Available For Chattooga County Pet Owners
Animal Advocates of Chattooga County has announced a new partnership with My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic to help local pet owners offset the cost of spay and neuter procedures for their dogs and cats.
Under the program, financial assistance is available for Chattooga County residents while funding remains available. Surgeries will be performed at My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic in Dalton.
Pet owners must contact My Kids Have Paws directly to schedule an appointment. Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is not able to schedule appointments for the program. Residents are also asked to notify the clinic if their pet is pregnant when making an appointment.
A $40 deposit per pet is required at the time of scheduling. Organizers say $20 of that deposit will be refunded when the owner arrives for the scheduled appointment. The assistance program helps cover a portion of the spay or neuter procedure and rabies vaccination.
Owners will be responsible for any additional veterinary services their pets may require. The program is limited to 10 pets per household and is available only while funding lasts.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic at 706-671-1104, option 4.
Animal Advocates of Chattooga County encourages pet owners to take advantage of the opportunity to help reduce pet overpopulation and improve the health and well-being of their animals.
Arrest Report - Saturday - June 20, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 20, 2026:
Weekend Sunshine Gives Way To Increasing Storm Chances Next Week
After a pleasant start to the weekend, Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a return to a more active summer weather pattern beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing through much of next week.
Saturday will be one of the better days in the forecast, featuring partly sunny skies and a high near 86 degrees. Light winds and a low around 68 Saturday night will make for comfortable evening conditions.
The weather pattern begins to change on Sunday as moisture increases across the region. While much of the morning should remain dry, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and become more widespread later in the day. Rain chances increase to 60 percent Sunday afternoon and continue Sunday night.
The unsettled pattern is expected to persist through at least Tuesday, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms. Monday currently appears to be the wettest day of the forecast period, with an 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Some storms could produce heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and brief gusty winds.
Rain chances remain elevated Tuesday before gradually decreasing during the second half of the week. By Thursday and Friday, only isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected, with temperatures remaining seasonably warm in the mid-80s.
Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend should take advantage of the drier weather on Saturday and stay alert for changing conditions beginning Sunday afternoon.