Dense Fog Blankets Chattooga County & Northwest Georgia This Morning
If you’re heading out early in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia, plan for slow, cautious travel this morning. Forecasters say dense fog is creating hazardous driving conditions through 10 AM.
The fog is being fueled by clear skies and calm winds overnight, allowing temperatures to drop and moisture to collect near the ground. Drivers may run into sudden “white-out” pockets, especially on rural roads, along valleys, and near waterways. Use low-beam headlights, leave extra distance, and expect visibility to change quickly from one stretch of road to the next.
Some areas in North Georgia started the morning near the freezing mark, but forecasters say freezing fog is not expected to create icy roads, because road temperatures remain above freezing.
Rain Returns Tonight Into Monday
After the fog lifts, light rain returns Sunday night into Monday morning, with expected totals ranging from 0.01 to 0.35 inches. The heavier amounts should stay farther south in central Georgia, but Northwest Georgia could still see periods of light rain overnight. No thunderstorms or flooding concerns are expected with this round.
Another Rain Chance Late Week
Looking ahead, forecasters say another round of modest rainfall is possible Thursday into Friday.
Summerville City Council Meeting Set for Monday, December 8th
The City of Summerville will hold a Regular Called City Council meeting tomorrow, Monday, December 8th, at Summerville City Hall. A Question and Answer session is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., followed by the council meeting at 5:00 p.m.
City leaders are expected to hear a long list of updates as part of regular business, including reports from Main Street, water and wastewater, water/sewer, street, gas, recreation, police, fire, information technology, as well as the city attorney and city manager. A financial report is also on the agenda.
Several action items are also up for consideration. Council members are scheduled to look at awarding bids for an HVAC natural gas system at the Summerville Recreation Center, along with a restroom project at Fairway Recreation connected to the soccer project. Another item includes a payment for granular activated carbon, used for water filtration. The agenda also includes discussion on a change involving workers’ compensation insurance.
Alcohol license matters are also listed, along with a sign request for a local business.
As always, the meeting will include an opportunity for public comments before the council wraps up and adjourns. Residents who want to stay informed or speak out on city issues are encouraged to attend.
Blood Assurance Issues Emergency Call for O-Positive Donors After Trauma Cases Strain Supply
Blood Assurance is urging O-positive blood donors to give as soon as possible, citing an emergency need after a recent spike in trauma cases that required large amounts of O-positive units.
Officials say the sudden increase in usage has strained an already low supply.
“We are asking all eligible O-positive donors to give as soon as possible,” said Garry Allison, senior vice president of operations at Blood Assurance. “Situations like this show how quickly the local blood supply can drop to critical levels. Every donation helps ensure hospitals have what they need for trauma patients and others requiring lifesaving transfusions.”
Blood Assurance says donors can give at its donation centers — including the Rome location at 178 Shorter Avenue — where walk-ins are welcome. Donations can also be made at mobile blood drives.
Appointments are also available by visiting BloodAssurance.org or calling 800-962-0628.
To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent — weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Donors are encouraged to eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
Santa at Cloudland Canyon State Park Today, December 7th — Returning December 21st
Cloudland Canyon State Park is celebrating the season with a special Christmas event featuring Santa Claus—happening today, December 7th, and again on December 21st.
The event runs 2 to 6 p.m. near the park’s interim visitor center, with holiday lights, a festive atmosphere, and a chance to enjoy the park’s natural beauty with family and friends.
Activities include photos with Santa for $1, plus a special reserved time for pets with “fur babies” photos for $2. Visitors can also enjoy cookie decorating for $1, free ornament making, and hot chocolate for $1, along with more holiday fun.
At 6 p.m., everyone is invited to gather around the campfire as a park ranger reads a Christmas story.
Need to finish Christmas shopping? The park says the gift shop will be open with stocking stuffers and one-of-a-kind gifts.
A $5 park pass is required upon entry.
20-Year-Old Arrested After 107 MPH Chase on Highway 27 Near Summerville Motel
A 20-year-old was arrested in Chattooga County following a traffic stop that began with an alleged high-speed run on Highway 27.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, a deputy conducting patrol near the intersection of Highway 27 and Silver Hill Road on November 28th observed a white Ford Mustang traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. The report states the vehicle was clocked at more than 107 miles per hour, and the deputy activated emergency lights while attempting to catch up.
Investigators say the Mustang eventually slowed due to traffic and came to a stop on Highway 27 just south of the Summerville Motel, where the driver was identified as Joel Alvarenga. The report says Alvarenga was taken into custody, and a passenger was also removed from the vehicle.
The report notes the driver showed indicators of impairment, and assistance was requested for a DUI investigation. Authorities say the driver refused field sobriety tests, and a search later located open alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle, along with a THC vape in the center console.
Alvarenga was charged with Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and Reckless Driving. The report also lists DUI and Open Container charges.
Floyd Healthcare Foundation Awarded $20,000 Grant to Help Patients Get Breast Cancer Screenings
The Floyd Healthcare Foundation, an affiliate of Atrium Health Floyd, has been awarded $20,000 from the Georgia Breast Cancer License Plate Fund, a program supported through the State Office of Rural Health.
The grant is funded by sales of Georgia’s Breast Cancer Awareness license plates, and the money will be used to provide scholarships for mammograms and breast cancer diagnostic testing for uninsured and under-insured patients who can’t afford those services.
Foundation development officer Sarah Husser says the grant helps expand access to prevention and early detection, noting that breast cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when screenings are available.
Atrium Health Floyd leaders say the system plays a key role in rural breast health, providing mammography results within 24 hours for most patients and operating two mobile mammography coaches serving Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama. Officials say the mobile program has been running for 17 years, traveling more than 111,000 miles, performing over 35,000 screenings, and detecting 129 cancers—many that might otherwise have gone undiagnosed.
State program leaders say grants like this help identify breast cancer earlier, when treatment can be more effective. More information on the license plate program is available through GaCancerPlates.com.
Georgia Port Trade Helps Support Hundreds of Jobs in Chattooga County
New economic data shows that jobs in Chattooga County are closely tied to trade moving through Georgia’s ports, even though those ports are hours away from Northwest Georgia.
An economic impact study from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business reports that port activity supports about 45,800 jobs across Northwest Georgia and roughly 651,000 jobs statewide. In Chattooga County, the study estimates 642 full- and part-time jobs are supported by port-related activity—work connected to the supply chain that keeps products moving in and out of Georgia.
The study shows Georgia’s total number of port-supported jobs grew by more than 41,000 since Fiscal Year 2023, a 7% increase, with ports now helping sustain about 12% of jobs statewide. Supporters say those numbers help explain why manufacturing, logistics, and distribution across places like Northwest Georgia can rise or fall with shipping demand.
Locally, the port connection is likely boosted by the region’s access to freight infrastructure, including the Appalachian Regional Port in nearby Murray County, which opened in 2018. The inland port is designed to bring international shipping access closer to Northwest Georgia businesses by linking the region more directly into the Georgia Ports Authority network.
The report also shows port-supported employment has climbed across the 15-county Northwest Georgia region—up about 5,600 jobs, or 14%, since FY2023. Nearby county figures in the study include Dade County with 631 port-supported jobs, Walker County with 2,188, and Catoosa County with 1,583.
Researchers say port activity fuels a wide range of industries beyond shipping itself—supporting jobs tied to transportation, warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry. In other words, even in Chattooga County, work tied to making, moving, storing, and selling goods can depend on how smoothly traffic flows through Georgia’s ports and freight corridors.
Chattooga County EMA E-911 Hiring Full-Time Dispatchers
Chattooga County EMA E-911 is looking to grow its public safety team and is now hiring full-time Communications Officers.
Dispatchers are often the first point of contact in an emergency—answering 911 calls, gathering critical information, and coordinating the response from law enforcement, fire, and EMS. Officials say the job is about more than sending help. It’s also about being the steady voice on the other end of the line—helping callers stay calm, giving instructions when needed, and letting people know they are not alone while help is on the way.
Chattooga County EMA E-911 says anyone who feels called to serve the community in this behind-the-scenes role is encouraged to reach out for details about the opening.
To inquire about the position, call the Chattooga County EMA E-911 non-emergency number at 706-857-3400 and select option 1 or option 2.
Chattooga County Remembers Pearl Harbor After Loss of Last WWII Veteran
Chattooga County is reflecting on sacrifice and service this weekend, following the burial of the last remaining World War II veteran in the county.
Brimp Warren, a U.S. Army veteran, was laid to rest this past week. He was 101 years old, and his passing marks the end of a living chapter of World War II history here at home—one that connected Chattooga County directly to a generation that answered the call during one of the most pivotal moments our country has ever faced.
That moment is remembered today, December 7th, on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day—the date President Franklin D. Roosevelt called, “a day that will live in infamy,” after the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars notes that this year marks the 84th anniversary of the attack, which claimed the lives of 2,403 American service members and civilians. The VFW says Pearl Harbor remains a powerful reminder of the sudden and devastating price of freedom—and how the attack helped forge national unity as Americans stepped forward to become what is often called the “Greatest Generation.”
Today, the VFW says it remains committed to preserving the legacy of every man and woman who served, and it’s encouraging all Americans to take a moment to remember—and be inspired—by those who sacrificed for the nation.
Arrest Report - Saturday - December 6, 2025
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, December 6, 2025:
Weekend Weather: Mostly Dry for Chattooga County, Chilly Temps Continue Across Northwest Georgia
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia can expect a cool, mostly dry weekend, while the steadiest rain chances stay well to the south.
Forecasters say a deep flow of subtropical moisture from the Eastern Pacific and Gulf is streaming into Georgia today, but the deepest moisture remains focused over central and southern parts of the state. That means the best chance for measurable rain today is generally south of a Columbus–Macon–Louisville line, where rainfall could peak from noon to 6 p.m. as a weather disturbance moves in from Alabama. In that part of Georgia, some locations could see one-tenth to four-tenths of an inch.
For north Georgia—including Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia—little to no rainfall is expected today, with less moisture available for the system to work with. Skies may trend partly cloudy tonight as the richer moisture shifts farther south.
On Sunday, another weak disturbance may bring a few light showers to portions of Georgia, but forecasters say the bulk of Sunday’s rain should be limited to northern Florida, keeping Northwest Georgia on the quieter side overall.
Temperatures: Cool Today, Slightly Milder Sunday
Temperatures will stay below average today, with highs near 50 degrees across much of the region. Some additional sunshine on Sunday should help bump temperatures up a bit, with highs in the mid-50s expected.
Next Week: A Few Showers Then a Freeze
Looking ahead, another system could bring spotty shower chances late Sunday night into Monday morning, ahead of a cold front. Once that front moves through, the forecast turns drier.
By Monday night into Tuesday morning, clearing skies could allow temperatures to drop near or below freezing across parts of North Georgia, including Northwest Georgia. Tuesday looks bright and cooler, with highs mainly in the upper 40s to 50s. Midweek temperatures trend milder, with highs pushing toward the upper 50s and possibly near 60 by Wednesday and Thursday. A weak front could bring a slight chance of showers late Wednesday night into early Thursday, but guidance has been trending drier.
Gang Leader Convicted of Running 1-8 Trey from Behind Bars
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr says a major gang operation tied to Hays State Prison in Chattooga County has been shut down following the convictions of 16 members of the 1-8 Trey Gangster Bloods. The case stems from a large-scale investigation into violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang recruitment allegedly directed both inside and outside Georgia prisons.
A central figure in the case is Jamar Ramsay, identified as the statewide leader of 1-8 Trey. Ramsay was already serving a life sentence for a previous murder conviction, but investigators say he continued to orchestrate criminal activity while incarcerated—communicating electronically with other members to further the gang’s enterprise.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, those communications included discussions about recruiting new members, including youth, and coordinating the packaging, shipping, and distribution of drugs and contraband—including cell phones—into state correctional facilities. Officials say the alleged racketeering conspiracy spanned January 2019 through October 2022, with acts tied to multiple Georgia counties, including Chattooga County, along with activity reaching beyond Georgia.
Carr’s office reports that Ramsay and another defendant, Brantavious Sims, were found guilty on all charges after a 20-day jury trial in Barrow County, with the jury returning its verdict on Nov. 24, 2025. Ramsay was sentenced to an additional 60 years in prison.
Carr credited collaboration with the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, saying the case shows that attempts to run criminal enterprises from inside prison walls will be investigated and prosecuted. Officials also emphasized concerns about contraband cell phones being used to coordinate crimes and gang activity from behind bars.
The convictions mark a significant step, investigators say, in disrupting gang operations that reach into communities while maintaining connections to inmates inside Georgia’s prison system.
Summerville Police Report: Company Fuel Card Used for $839 Fuel Purchase in New Jersey
Summerville Police have taken a report after a local resident said his company fuel card was used to buy hundreds of gallons of fuel out of state.
According to an incident report released this week by the Summerville Police Department, an officer was dispatched to 54 Briarwood Drive on November 28th in reference to a theft complaint. The complainant, Jordan Butler, told police that someone in Newark, New Jersey, allegedly used his company’s fuel card to purchase fuel.
The report states Butler provided information showing a purchase of 249 gallons totaling $839.11. He also told the officer he did not have any vehicle in that area at the time of the transaction.
Police documented the complaint so Butler could dispute the charge with the card issuer.
Georgia DNR Says Hunting & Fishing Licenses Make Great Holiday Gifts
‘Tis the season for searching high and low for the perfect gift—and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says there’s an easy idea for the outdoor lover in your life: a hunting or fishing license.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says whether you choose a hunting license, fishing license, or a combo, you’re giving more than a piece of paper—you’re giving the gift of time outdoors in the places they love. Options include youth licenses, annual licenses, two-year licenses, and lifetime licenses, making it easy to match the gift to the person on your list.
For families with young outdoor enthusiasts, the Resident Youth Sportsman’s License is a popular pick. It costs $15, is available for Georgia residents under age 16, and includes both hunting and fishing privileges. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says it stays valid through age 17 and helps young hunters and anglers get started with big value for a small price.
Want a gift that truly lasts? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division points to Resident Lifetime Licenses, which mean Georgia hunters and anglers never have to buy another state hunting or fishing license again. Lifetime purchases come with a durable card, and annual licenses can be printed on a Collector’s Hard Card, a credit-card sized option that’s easy to wrap, tuck into a stocking, or slide under the tree. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division notes that some activities may still require additional no-cost permits, harvest records, or—for waterfowl hunters 16 and older—a Federal Duck Stamp.
And if you can’t swing a lifetime license, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says annual and two-year licenses are still a strong gift. Even better—if the recipient already has a current license, a new same-type license will “stack” onto the existing one, extending their coverage.
And if you can’t swing a lifetime license, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says annual and two-year licenses are still a strong gift. Even better—if the recipient already has a current license, a new same-type license will “stack” onto the existing one, extending their coverage.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division also reminds Georgians that license purchases support conservation work statewide. Those dollars help manage wildlife and public lands, and they play a role in bringing Georgia additional federal conservation funding.
And one more option for the shopping list: the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says there’s also “Go Outdoors Georgia” merchandise—like tumblers, hats, backpacks, and coolers—that can be added to a purchase, with a note to order early for holiday delivery.
To learn more or buy, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com for license information or purchase at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
Cleveland, Tennessee Man Jailed After Trailer Stolen from Equipment Outlet in Armuchee
A Cleveland, Tennessee man was jailed in Floyd County this week following a reported theft at an Armuchee business.
Floyd County Police say Nicholas Alexander Lewis, 41, entered the property of Equipment Outlet on Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee back in September, and allegedly stole an aluminum trailer late at night after the business was closed.
According to reports, Lewis allegedly destroyed a cross cable tie to gain access to the property on September 2. The theft was discovered the next day by Equipment Outlet management and employees and then reported to Floyd County Police.
The trailer was valued at $6,500, and damage to the property was estimated at $75 to $110. Police say the trailer was later recovered following an investigation.
Investigators reportedly used traffic cameras and other video surveillance from the area to identify the vehicle Lewis was allegedly driving at the time of the theft.
Lewis is charged with felony theft by taking.
Georgia Lawmakers Push for Need-Based College Aid, But Funding Debate Could Stall Plan
Georgia is one of the only states that does not offer a statewide, needs-based financial aid program for students who can’t afford college—and a new state Senate report is urging lawmakers to change that.
The Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability is recommending a needs-based scholarship program for students enrolled in eligible public universities and technical colleges. To qualify, students would need to complete the FAFSA, meet federal Pell Grant requirements showing high financial need, and maintain basic academic standards. The program would be run by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which also administers the HOPE Scholarship.
But the key debate is how to pay for it. The committee suggests funding the program using unrestricted Georgia Lottery reserves, which are reportedly around $1.7 billion. Some lawmakers, including Senate Higher Education Chairman Max Burns, have concerns about using lottery dollars and say a clearer funding plan is needed.
Supporters argue the program could be transformative, especially with Georgia borrowers carrying some of the nation’s highest average student loan debt. With the 2026 legislative session approaching—and it being an election year—whether a plan can pass remains an open question.
Central Avenue Baptist Church to Host Free Christmas Day Lunch in Chattooga County
A Chattooga County church is planning to spread a little extra Christmas cheer this year with a free community meal on Christmas Day.
Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion will host a FREE Christmas Day Lunch on December 25th at 12:30 p.m. The meal is open to everyone in the community.
Church organizers also say delivery is available for home-bound individuals or families without transportation. To request a delivery, call 706-599-9347.
The lunch will be held at Central Avenue Baptist Church, 14074 US Hwy 27, Trion, GA.
Santa Special Train Excursions & Mistletoe Markets Return — Children’s Activity Tent Featured Weekends in Summerville
Holiday fun is rolling into Summerville with the Summerville Santa Special Train Excursions & Mistletoe Markets, happening today and tomorrow, December 6 and 7, and again next weekend, December 13 and 14.
Organizers say Market Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays.
A special feature during these weekends is the Children’s Activity Tent, offering family-friendly activities and holiday cheer. The tent will be open Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with highlights including special Grinch appearances, complimentary hot chocolate, cookie decorating with Ms. Claus, free face painting, and free make-and-take crafts.
Organizers say the crafts are sponsored by Summerville Main Street & Friends, with the tent sponsored by Murphy Chiropractic, and they add, “We look forward to helping families make great holiday memories.”
Appeals Court Restores Georgia Ban on Giving Food, Water to Voters Waiting in Line
A federal appeals court has restored Georgia’s ban on giving food and drinks to people waiting in line to vote, sending the legal fight back to a lower court for another look.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled Monday, Dec. 1, to cancel a preliminary injunction that had blocked enforcement of the law for the past two years. That injunction was issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
In its decision, the three-judge panel said a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling—Moody v. NetChoice, LLC—changed how lower courts must evaluate broad, “facial” challenges to state laws. The appeals court said the district court did not apply that analysis, and directed the case back to the district court for further review.
The ban was passed by Georgia’s GOP-controlled General Assembly in 2021 as part of the state’s elections overhaul known as Senate Bill 202. One provision drew national attention: a restriction on giving voters “any money or gifts, including, but not limited to, food and drink,” while they are in line at polling places.
Supporters of the law argue the restriction helps prevent improper influence around polling locations. In response to Monday’s ruling, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger praised the decision, saying it reinforces the state’s authority to protect voters from interference at the polls.
Civil rights groups have challenged the ban, calling it a barrier to voting. Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice had also sued over the law, arguing it violated the Voting Rights Act—though that lawsuit was later dropped.
With Monday’s ruling, the case now returns to the district court in Atlanta, where the judge overseeing the dispute will revisit the challenges under the legal framework the appeals court said must be applied.
Arrest Report - Friday - December 5, 2025
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, December 5, 2025:
