Arrest Report - Tuesday - January 13, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 13, 2026:
CRC Chattooga Invites Community to Homeless Collaborative This Evening Ahead of PIT Count
CRC Chattooga is inviting the community to come together this evening to help prepare for the annual Point-in-Time, or PIT Count, a nationwide effort to better understand and serve neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Organizers are looking for compassionate volunteers to help with the unsheltered count on the night of January 26, when small teams will respectfully visit known outdoor locations to ensure everyone is seen and counted. CRC Chattooga says the effort is safe, dignity-focused, and aimed at improving local support and services.
The Homeless Collaborative meeting is set for this evening at 6 p.m. at the CRC Chattooga Cafeteria, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to comment or message CRC Chattooga for more information.
Chattooga County & Northwest Georgia Face Elevated Fire Danger Today; Light Rain Wednesday, Bitter Cold Returns Thursday
Very dry air will elevate wildfire danger this afternoon across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with relative humidity expected to drop below critical levels (near or under 25%) while vegetation and fine fuels continue drying. Even though winds won’t be extreme, the combination of low humidity and dry fuels can allow any spark to spread quickly—so it’s a good day to avoid outdoor burning and be extra careful with anything that produces heat or embers.
After a chilly start this morning near or below freezing in spots, temperatures will rebound under mostly sunny skies, topping out in the upper 50s to near 60 across much of Northwest Georgia. Clouds increase tonight, keeping overnight lows milder than the past few nights, generally in the mid to upper 30s across the area.
Rain chances return Wednesday as weather disturbances pass through, but coverage will be spotty and amounts light. Northwest Georgia may see periods of light rain during the day Wednesday, with temperatures remaining above freezing—so it should be a cold rain for most locations.
Late Wednesday night into early Thursday, colder air pushes in and a few snowflakes or flurries could appear in the highest elevations of far Northwest Georgia, but moisture is limited and the atmosphere dries quickly overnight. Any accumulation is expected to stay minor and mainly on elevated surfaces, with meaningful road or sidewalk impacts unlikely.
A sharp cooldown arrives Thursday and lasts through the end of the week, with gusty northwest winds making it feel even colder. By Thursday morning, wind chills could dip into the teens in the colder parts of Northwest Georgia, making it one of the coldest mornings so far this winter even if advisory criteria isn’t reached.
Looking toward the weekend, a system may pass through but current guidance favors limited moisture and poor timing with the coldest air, keeping the risk for significant winter weather low. The more likely hazard heading into early next week is another round of potentially dangerous cold, with temperatures possibly nearing cold weather advisory levels by Monday morning.
Mental Health Parity Day Returns to Georgia Capitol, Honoring Rosalynn Carter’s Lasting Legacy
Advocates, healthcare leaders, and community members from across Georgia will gather at the State Capitol on February 3, 2026, for Mental Health Parity Day, an annual event focused on ensuring mental health care is treated with the same urgency, access, and insurance coverage as physical health care.
Mental Health Parity Day is designed to raise awareness about ongoing gaps in mental health coverage, reduce stigma, and push for policies that guarantee mental health and substance use treatment are equally covered and equally important. The day typically includes advocacy training, educational programming, and a press conference, giving participants the opportunity to share personal stories and call for meaningful policy change.
The event is organized by the Georgia Parity Collaborative in partnership with The Carter Center, continuing a long tradition of mental health advocacy rooted in Georgia’s history.
A legacy shaped by Rosalynn Carter
Mental Health Parity Day also reflects the enduring legacy of Rosalynn Carter, whose work transformed how mental health is viewed both in Georgia and across the nation.
As First Lady of Georgia during Jimmy Carter’s time as governor, Rosalynn Carter chaired the Governor’s Commission on Mental Health, traveling the state to study conditions in psychiatric hospitals and advocating for reforms that emphasized dignity, treatment, and community-based care.
Her commitment deepened during her time as First Lady of the United States, where she became one of the most influential mental health advocates ever to serve in the role. She served as the Honorary Chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, helped bring mental health discussions into the national spotlight, and worked to integrate mental health into broader health policy conversations—long before such discussions were common.
Following her years in the White House, Carter continued this work through The Carter Center, co-founding its Mental Health Program to promote awareness, fight stigma, and improve access to care worldwide.
Why parity still matters
Despite federal and state parity laws, advocates say many Georgians still face barriers such as limited provider networks, higher out-of-pocket costs, and difficulty accessing timely mental health services. Mental Health Parity Day serves as both a reminder of progress made and a call to action for continued reform.
Organizers stress that mental health parity is not just a policy issue—it is a public health priority that affects families, workplaces, schools, and communities across Georgia.
As participants gather under the banner of “Equally Covered, Equally Important,” the event carries forward Rosalynn Carter’s lifelong message: that mental health is health—and deserves the same care, compassion, and commitment.
Animal Advocate Urges Alternatives to Beaver Trapping in Town Creek; City Manager Says Trapping Will Continue
Local animal advocate Kristy Kirby Colbert addressed the Summerville City Council, Mayor, and City Manager Monday night, urging city leaders to consider alternatives to trapping beavers that have been obstructing water flow in Town Creek.
Colbert said she came prepared with research and methods aimed at keeping water moving through or around beaver dams in an effort to reduce flooding concerns. She stated that during the meeting, no one asked for her materials or offered comments, though she said City Manager Jason Winters requested the information after the meeting and told her he would look at other options.
Colbert said Winters told her the city would continue trapping and killing the beavers until officials see improved water flow, but added she hopes the city will seriously consider other solutions. She also said she presented information indicating a water-flow management approach would be cheaper long-term than trapping.
Colbert added that Councilman Zack D. Martin thanked her afterward for providing the information and told her he supported the idea and would vote for it.
WZQZ later confirmed with City Manager Jason Winters that continuing to trap the beavers remains the city’s current plan for dealing with the obstructions in Town Creek.
Downtown Heart Project Returns as Summerville Declares February “Live, Love, Local Month
Summerville Main Street is bringing back a favorite downtown tradition with the return of the Downtown Heart Project, inviting residents, families, and businesses to help decorate the city for February.
Organizers have officially declared February as “Live, Love, Local Month,” and throughout the month, heart-shaped signs featuring customizable messages will be displayed across Downtown Summerville. The signs can be personalized with notes of love, encouragement, remembrance, or support—making them a way to celebrate local businesses, honor loved ones, recognize community heroes, or share an uplifting message with visitors.
Heart signs will be displayed all February long. Pricing is $30 for single-sided hearts and $50 for double-sided hearts.
Orders must be placed by January 23 at the Summerville Main Street Office, located at 179 Union Street. Organizers note that space is limited, and once the available spots are filled, additional orders may not be accepted.
Updates and additional information will be shared through the City of Summerville Georgia Facebook page.
Summerville City Council Swears In Mayor, Honors Local Achievements, Names New City Attorney
The Summerville City Council met Monday evening at Summerville City Hall, marking a major night of recognitions, official action, and public input.
During the meeting, Judge Gary Woods administered the oath of office to Mayor Rickey Hughes, along with council members Simone Adams and Dana Windle Mosley. Council members also recognized the Summerville Recreation 12-and-Under Girls State Volleyball Team for their championship accomplishment and honored Austin Ferris as the City of Summerville Employee of the Year for 2025.
In legal business, the council accepted the resignation of Albert Palmour as city attorney and voted to approve Chris Corbin, of the Summerville law firm Farrar & Corbin, as the city’s new attorney.
Council members also heard from local resident Kristy Kirby Colbert, who has been leading a protest regarding the trapping of beavers in Town Creek. (see related story in today’s news from WZQZ). Colbert presented what she said were viable alternatives to trapping the beavers, which have been obstructing water flow in the creek, a tributary of the Chattooga River.
Historically, officials have noted that Town Creek backing up during heavy rains has been one of the factors contributing to flooding in downtown Summerville.
Chattooga County Extension Shares Early Spring Garden Prep Tips for Northwest Georgia Growers
The Chattooga County Extension Office is encouraging local residents to start preparing now for spring gardening, sharing a few simple steps that can make planting season smoother and more productive across Northwest Georgia.
In a recent update, the office emphasized the value of creating a garden plan before the first seeds go in the ground. Sketching out your garden plot helps homeowners and growers think through what to plant, where to place it, and what changes or additions they’d like to make compared to last year.
Extension staff also recommends servicing garden equipment ahead of time so you don’t lose momentum once you begin working beds. Taking care of tillers, weed eaters, and other tools now can prevent frustrating breakdowns during peak spring prep.
Another key step: get a soil test. The Extension Office notes that soil tests are easy and convenient, and they help ensure the soil has what your vegetables and plants need to thrive. Results can guide improvements that boost plant health and increase yields by the end of the growing season.
Special Election Announced for U.S. House District 14; Chattooga County Elections Office Urges Voters to Check Registration
A special election has been called to fill the vacancy in U.S. House District 14, and Chattooga County election officials are encouraging residents to make sure their voter information is current as the contest approaches.
The Chattooga County Elections and Registration office says voters should verify their registration status, update any changes such as address or name, and review official election information through trusted government sources.
According to the release from the Chattooga County Board of Elections:
Deadline to register to vote is February 9, 2026
Advance Voting will be held from February 16-March 6, 2026 – ALL early voting takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville
Election officials also remind residents that voting on Election Day occurs at assigned precinct polling locations, not at the elections office, and that advance voting and absentee options are typically available under state rules. Because details can change, voters are urged to rely on official postings for the latest information.
Georgia Gas Prices Hold Steady This Week With Minor Uptick; Northwest Georgia Averages Remain Moderate
Georgia drivers are seeing little change at the pump this week as the statewide average price for regular gasoline edged up one cent to $2.66 per gallon as of Monday, with day-to-day fluctuations still possible.
Compared to recent benchmarks, the state average is 1 cent higher than last week, 12 cents lower than last month, and 27 cents lower than this time last year. Filling up a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $39.90.
“With crude oil prices holding steady since the end of 2025 and fewer drivers fueling up, gas prices have stayed on the lower side,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group.
Nationally, the average price is $2.79 per gallon, a level not seen since March 2021. AAA says crude oil prices have remained steady compared to late 2025, while global supply has stayed strong and demand has softened.
AAA local gas price averages for Northwest Georgia and nearby Alabama counties include:
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Chattooga County: $2.70 per gallon
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Floyd County: $2.67 per gallon
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Walker County: $2.70 per gallon
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Gordon County: $2.71 per gallon
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DeKalb County, Alabama: $2.56 per gallon
- Cherokee County, Alabama: $2.55 per gallon
6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap Set for May 2 in Summerville; Vendors Now Wanted
The Free 6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap is set for Saturday, May 2nd, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Teloga Springs Farm, 9505 Hwy 337 in Summerville, bringing local gardeners together for an afternoon of swapping plants and supporting community causes. Organizers say all donations benefit the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County and the Teloga Fire Department, and note it will be a cash-only event.
Along with the plant swap, the event will feature raffle tickets, vendors, food trucks, and a bake sale, giving families plenty to do while shopping and connecting with fellow growers across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
Organizers are also seeking vendors and crafters to participate. Vendor setup is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and vendor spots are $30. Vendors should plan to bring their own pop-up tent and tables, as they will not be provided, and organizers say no power or Wi-Fi will be available.
For more information or to register as a vendor, contact Mandy at 423-802-8660 or email chattoogacountyplantswap@gmail.com.
City of Summerville Accepting Applications for Gas Maintenance Worker Position
The City of Summerville is now accepting employment applications for a Gas Maintenance Worker, a hands-on position supporting the installation, repair, and ongoing maintenance of the city’s natural gas system.
According to city officials, the role includes operating trucks and trailers to transport equipment, locating and repairing gas leaks, responding to emergency calls including after-hours situations, and installing and maintaining gas pipelines, meters, and service valves. Additional duties include conducting gas inspections and pressure tests, locating and marking underground utilities, maintaining tools and inventory, completing service reports, and performing general upkeep tasks such as painting meters and mowing.
The position involves physically demanding outdoor work that may require lifting, bending, climbing ladders, and using specialized tools, often in varying weather conditions. Employees are exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and moving machinery and are required to use appropriate safety equipment while on the job.
Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent experience, along with sufficient hands-on experience—typically through an apprenticeship, internship, or one to two years in a similar role—to understand the core duties of the position. Applicants must also possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Georgia driver’s license appropriate for the vehicles or equipment operated.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the City of Summerville’s website HERE and follow posted instructions for submitting an employment application.
Georgia DPH Confirms First Measles Case of 2026 in Unvaccinated Infant
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first measles case of 2026 involving an infant who was too young to receive the routine measles vaccination. Health officials say the baby, who lives in Georgia’s Coastal Health District, contracted the virus while traveling internationally and is now the focus of an exposure investigation.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, increasing the risk of exposure to others.
Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a red rash that typically begins on the head and spreads across the body. DPH urges anyone with symptoms to contact their healthcare provider immediately and to call ahead before visiting a medical facility to prevent further spread.
Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles. The CDC recommends the first MMR dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose between ages four and six, with special guidance for infants traveling internationally. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.
DPH reports there were 10 confirmed measles cases in Georgia in 2025. Additional information about measles is available through the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Small Crowd Gathers at Dowdy Park to Protest Beaver Removal From Town Creek
A small group of protesters gathered Sunday afternoon at Dowdy Park to voice opposition to the planned removal of beavers and beaver dams from Town Creek, a move city officials say is necessary to help control flooding in downtown Summerville.
The protest, held at 2 p.m. Sunday, drew a limited crowd but strong opinions from those in attendance, who expressed concern about the treatment of the animals and the long-term environmental impact of removing them from the waterway.
The demonstration was organized by Kristy Colbert, a former Chattooga High School teacher, who has argued that beavers have been part of the local ecosystem for years and should not be blamed as the primary cause of flooding. Colbert has said debris and lack of routine creek maintenance may be contributing more to water issues than wildlife activity.
The protest followed comments made by Mayor Rickey Hughes earlier in the weekend, when he discussed recent flooding conditions after several inches of rain. In a social media post, the mayor noted that improvements and maintenance helped prevent major flooding downtown, and referenced beaver removal as a potential next step. That post was later updated, though Colbert says a screenshot she shared shows the mayor confirming that beavers would be trapped.
Colbert and other protesters raised concerns about what could happen to the animals if removed, particularly during winter months, and questioned whether relocation or trapping could result in harm or death.
WZQZ reached out to Summerville Mayor Rickey Hughes for comment about Sunday’s protest and the city’s plans regarding beaver removal. Mayor Hughes responded, “no comment,” at this time.
Some protesters say they plan to attend Monday evening’s Summerville City Council meeting to speak during public comments and urge city leaders to reconsider how the beaver issue is handled.
City officials maintain that beaver dams are contributing to water backup and flooding concerns along Town Creek and downtown areas.
State agencies typically address beaver-related flooding issues on a case-by-case basis. The Georgia Department of Transportation, for example, does not routinely remove beaver dams unless they threaten infrastructure such as roads or culverts. In many cases, agencies use water-level control devices, sometimes called “beaver deceivers,” which allow dams to remain while reducing flooding risk. Management practices must comply with regulations from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which classify beavers as a nuisance species while also recognizing their environmental role.
For now, the issue remains unresolved locally, with the debate expected to surface from public comments during Monday’s council meeting as city leaders balance flood control concerns with environmental and animal welfare considerations.
Arrest Report - Monday - January 12, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, January 12, 2026:
Chilly Start, Dry Air Raises Fire Concerns as Northwest Georgia Eyes Possible Mountain Snow Midweek
A noticeably cooler and drier pattern is settling over Georgia to start the week, bringing brisk mornings to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia while also fueling heightened fire-danger concerns elsewhere in the state today and Tuesday.
Forecasters say building high pressure will keep conditions mostly dry through Tuesday, with morning lows dipping into the upper 20s across North Georgia and afternoon highs recovering into the upper 40s to low 50s today. Skies may feature some high clouds, but the bigger story is the drying trend. In parts of east-central Georgia, relative humidity is expected to drop below critical thresholds this afternoon and again Tuesday, prompting a Fire Danger Statement there due to low humidity and dry fuels. While winds are expected to stay light—helping limit rapid fire spread—officials urge everyone across the region, including Northwest Georgia, to be cautious with any outdoor burning as winter dryness builds.
Looking ahead, a “brief warm-up” arrives Tuesday and continues into Wednesday with highs rising into the 50s areawide, but that won’t last. By midweek, longwave troughing over the eastern U.S. will usher in colder air behind a storm system expected Wednesday into Thursday. Most precipitation should fall before the coldest air arrives, but there’s still a late-week wildcard: light mountain snow showers remain possible late Wednesday night into early Thursday, driven by upslope flow and limited instability. Moisture looks modest, so any accumulation would likely be limited if snow develops.
After that, cooler and more seasonable temperatures return, with readings potentially falling 5 to 15 degrees below average on Thursday and staying below average into the weekend. Another system may arrive over the weekend, but precipitation chances appear lower and remain uncertain.
Steam Into Summerville’s Star Locomotive, Southern 4501, Sparks Johnny Cash Memories During TVRM Visit This Past Weekend
A visual timeline connects Johnny Cash’s 1974 television special Ridin’ the Rails with the present-day legacy of Southern Railway 4501. Top left, Cash performs beside the massive steam locomotive during filming of the ABC special. Top right, John Carter Cash visits the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum with family and TVRM staff, sitting aboard the same historic equipment nearly 50 years later. Bottom left, archival footage shows Cash riding in the cab of Southern 4501. Bottom right, the fully restored 1911 Baldwin-built locomotive draws crowds during a modern-day Steam into Summerville excursion, a signature event that most recently brought the engine to Summerville, Georgia, on November 11, 2025.
The same steam locomotive that regularly thunders into Summerville for TVRM’s popular Steam into Summerville railroad days — Southern Railway 4501 — is drawing attention again after a weekend visit this past Saturday in Chattanooga from John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter Cash. The historic engine, which most recently visited Summerville on November 11, 2025, remains one of the most recognizable operating steam locomotives in the country and continues to bring rail history to life for local riders and visiting railfans alike.
The moment carried extra meaning because Southern 4501 also connects to a major piece of music-and-railroad nostalgia: Johnny Cash’s 1974 ABC television special, Ridin’ the Rails: The Great American Train Story. The program blended narration, reenactments, and performances to explore America’s railroad story from the age of steam into the diesel era, using music and historic imagery to bring railroading’s past to the screen.
Nearly 50 years later, that history felt personal again when John Carter Cash visited the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in Chattanooga with his family — and found himself revisiting a memory from childhood.
Reflecting on the surprise connection, Cash shared:
“Wow. What a day. We stopped at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum with Ana Cristina and our two younger children here in Chattanooga, and I was surprised to find myself sitting in the same train I rode with my father back in 1974 during the Ridin’ the Rails television show. Thank you to everyone there for such a meaningful day.”
A steam engine with a long and storied journey
Southern Railway 4501 is no ordinary locomotive. Built in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and designed as a 2-8-2 “Mikado,” the engine helped popularize a steam locomotive configuration that would be replicated across American railroads. After years of service through parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana, it was sold in 1948 to the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, where it worked in the mountains of eastern Kentucky for years before preservation efforts changed its destiny.
The locomotive’s modern legacy took shape in the early 1960s when future TVRM founders Robert Soule and Paul Merriman discovered it while documenting remaining steam operations in the East. Acquired and preserved, 4501 evolved from an overlooked working engine into one of the most traveled, photographed, and celebrated steam locomotives in the world — and later became a mainstay of the Southern Railway (and Norfolk Southern) steam excursion era. Today, it is recognized for its cultural and historical importance, including listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The heart of Steam into Summerville
For many in Northwest Georgia, Southern 4501 isn’t just a museum piece — it’s a living, breathing hometown event. The locomotive is the featured power for TVRM’s Steam into Summerville excursions, a full-day trip departing from Chattanooga and traveling through scenic North Georgia before arriving in Summerville, Georgia, for a layover at the historic depot.
The experience is built for both families and serious railfans: classic passenger cars, onboard narration, and the unforgettable sound and motion of an operating steam engine. And for locals, the arrival of 4501 has become a signature moment — a rolling reminder of the era when steam still ruled the rails.
Southern 4501’s most recent trip into Summerville came on November 11, 2025, continuing a tradition that ties the region’s present-day tourism and community pride to a century-old machine that still does what it was built to do: move people, tell stories, and command attention.
Still running, still inspiring
Although the locomotive retired in 1999 due to rising maintenance costs, it returned to service after a major restoration that brought it back for modern-era operations. Its continued use today is sustained through ticket sales, volunteer work, and supporter donations — efforts that keep 4501 operating not as a static exhibit, but as an active piece of history.
From a 1974 television moment with Johnny Cash to the modern-day excitement of Steam into Summerville, Southern Railway 4501 continues to connect generations — and each time it rolls into Summerville, it proves that the steam era isn’t just something to read about. In North Georgia, it’s something you can still hear coming down the tracks.
Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce to Hold Annual General Meeting in Summerville
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual General Meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6 p.m., bringing together local business leaders, members, and community stakeholders for an evening focused on reflection, planning, and networking.
The meeting will take place at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville and will serve as a combined annual meeting in lieu of the Chamber’s regular monthly luncheon.
According to the Chamber, current members will receive a complimentary meal, while non-members may attend for a small fee. Reservations are required to ensure proper catering arrangements.
The evening’s agenda includes an opportunity to meet the Chattooga County Chamber Board of Directors, including newly elected board members, as well as a presentation of the Annual Report and the Chamber’s 2026 Strategic Plan. Attendees will also be able to participate in a question-and-answer session, enjoy door prizes, and take part in informal networking with fellow business and community leaders.
The Annual General Meeting is designed to provide transparency, highlight accomplishments from the past year, and outline priorities for the year ahead, while also strengthening connections within the local business community.
Quilts of Valor Ceremony Honors Lyerly Veteran Butch Gardner for Service on Korea’s DMZ
A Quilts of Valor ceremony was held Sunday at Lyerly Community Church to honor Butch Gardner, a U.S. Army veteran and retired employee of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, recognizing both his military service and the lasting impact it has had on his life and community.
The tribute included a video introduction from Colonel Mike Caldwell, who highlighted Sergeant Gardner’s service in Korea with the U.S. Army’s Imjin Scouts—an elite unit known for operating along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) near the North Korean border. The Imjin Scouts conducted high-risk patrols and reconnaissance missions during a tense Cold War-era period, operating in small teams focused on vigilance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.
The handmade quilt was presented by members of the local Quilts of Valor chapter, including Mrs. Brenda Park, Mrs. Gloria Mosely, and Mrs. Mary Baggett, who were on hand to wrap Gardner in the quilt during the ceremony—an emotional tradition meant to symbolize warmth, gratitude, and support.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) is a national organization that provides handmade quilts to service members and veterans touched by war. The effort traces back to a 2003 dream by founder Catherine Roberts, centered on the idea of healing and honoring veterans through the comfort of a quilt. Organizers emphasize that these quilts are awarded, not gifted, and must meet specific size and quality standards. Each quilt is intended to serve as a tangible “thank you” for sacrifice, with thousands of volunteers across the country creating and donating them.
For Gardner, the ceremony served as both recognition and remembrance—honoring a chapter of service that took place far from home, but one that still resonates strongly in Chattooga County today.
Summerville City Council Meets Tonight; Swearing-In, Budget Adoption and Key Appointments on Agenda
The Summerville City Council meets this evening, Monday, January 12th, at 5 o’clock at City Hall, and the agenda includes several big items for the city.
The meeting starts with the oath of office for Mayor Rickey Hughes and newly elected council members Simone Adams and Dana Mosley, followed by recognition of Summerville’s 12-and-under girls volleyball team.
Council will also consider routine approvals on the consent agenda, hear a financial update and comments from City Manager Jason Winters, and then move into a key vote on adopting the city’s year-end budget ordinance.
In new business, council is expected to elect a Mayor Pro Tem and take up changes to the city’s legal team, including accepting the city attorney’s resignation and considering appointments for a new city attorney and a municipal court solicitor. The agenda also includes a mutual aid agreement update and a sign request on Rome Boulevard.
Public comments are scheduled before adjournment.
Complete Agenda:
