Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, July 14, 2025:

Residents in Northwest Georgia are preparing for extreme heat and daily thunderstorms. The heat index could reach 100 to 105 degrees, with heavy rain and flooding possible later in the week. Today area residents will see sunny skies with temperatures near 95 degrees, and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Authorities urge residents to take precautions against the excessive heat. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable family members, neighbors, and pets. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures inside can quickly become life-threatening. Starting Wednesday, the likelihood of thunderstorms increases significantly, with highs around 93 degrees and heat index values feeling like 99 degrees. This pattern will continue through the weekend, with Thursday expecting a 60% chance of storms and warm temperatures. Authorities advise residents to stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and check on vulnerable individuals. Motorists should be cautious of flooded roads and remember to “turn around, don’t drown. ” Stay updated with local weather forecasts.

Georgians are casting their ballots today, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Democratic runoff for a seat on the Public Service Commission (PSC). The race pits Peter Hubbard against Keisha Sean Waites, with the winner advancing to face Republican Fitz Johnson in November’s general election. Early voting turnout for the runoff was notably low statewide, a trend also seen locally.

All registered voters, with the exception of those who cast a Republican ballot in June, are eligible to participate in today’s Democratic runoff.

In Chattooga County, all voting will take place at the Chattooga County Civic Center, located on Highway 48 across from Truist Bank. All other polling precincts in the county have been combined for today’s runoff election. This consolidation of precincts is permissible under Georgia law for runoffs experiencing low voter turnout.

This PSC special election is one of two commission races voters will decide in November. The need for this particular runoff stems from prior legal challenges to the statewide voting system, which a federal court ultimately upheld, necessitating this rescheduled contest.

Area residents struggling with food insecurity will have an opportunity to receive free groceries tomorrow, Wednesday, July 16th, as “There’s Hope for the Hungry” partners with South Summerville Baptist Church for a community distribution event.

The distribution will take place from 10 AM to 1 PM at South Summerville Baptist Church, conveniently located on Highway 48, also known as the Menlo Highway, just past Mason Funeral Home.

Organizers emphasize that no identification is required, and groceries will be provided completely free of charge, with no questions asked. The only requirement for receiving assistance is that individuals must pick up the groceries in person.

“There’s Hope for the Hungry” is an organization dedicated to serving communities throughout North Georgia. Their mission combines sharing the Gospel with providing essential food resources to those in need, offering both spiritual and material support to families facing hardship.

The organization’s impact across its service area in 2025 alone highlights the significant need and the wide reach of their efforts. According to recent statistics, “There’s Hope for the Hungry” successfully fed:

• 5,678 Families
• 16,689 Individuals
• 4,547 Children
• 3,616 Senior Adults

In total, a remarkable 118,632 pounds of groceries were distributed to those in need during the past year, underscoring the vital role the organization plays in combating hunger across the region.

This upcoming distribution serves as a vital resource for Summerville residents. “There’s Hope for the Hungry” encourages anyone in need of assistance to attend the event and take advantage of the free groceries available. The collaborative effort between the non-profit and the local church underscores a community-wide commitment to combating hunger and offering tangible support to vulnerable populations.

Chattooga County is rapidly distinguishing itself as one of Georgia’s most budget-friendly places to call home. New data highlights the Northwest Georgia county’s impressive standing, ranking it among the top 7% of all counties statewide for its remarkably low cost of living, a distinction overwhelmingly attributed to access to affordable housing.

According to data from Rocket Homes for June 2025, the median sold price for homes in Chattooga County stood at an attractive $187,500. This figure represents a favorable trend for prospective buyers, indicating a notable 9.8% decrease in median prices compared to the same period the previous year. The median price per square foot was $133, further underscoring the county’s cost-effectiveness in a state where housing costs continue to rise in many areas.

A Double-Edged Sword for Residents

While the overall cost of housing is significantly lower in Chattooga County, the path to homeownership remains challenging for some local residents. Many struggle to leverage the affordable housing market due to lower median wages in the area, coupled with higher costs for other essential goods and services. This creates a disparity where, despite cheaper homes, the dream of ownership can still feel out of reach.

The county’s strategic location offers a compelling blend of benefits: convenient access to urban amenities in nearby cities while being immersed in the natural beauty of the region. This combination has made Chattooga County an increasingly appealing destination for families, retirees, and remote workers seeking a balanced lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with more densely populated areas.

However, this growing popularity presents a new challenge. The influx of new residents, particularly retirees and those relocating to capitalize on the lower cost of living, is beginning to exert pressure on the local housing market. This increased demand is perceived by some to strain the supply, especially for entry-level homes, making it more difficult for younger residents who grew up in the county to afford to stay and purchase property.

Pathways to Homeownership: State Programs Offer Assistance

Despite these local economic hurdles, various state-level programs are available to assist eligible Georgians in achieving homeownership, potentially easing the path for Chattooga County residents.

• Georgia Dream Homeownership Program: This flagship program offers affordable mortgages and down payment assistance (DPA) to eligible first-time homebuyers and other qualified individuals.
  • Down Payment Assistance (DPA): Can be a zero-interest second mortgage of up to $10,000 or 5% of the purchase price (whichever is less).
  • Special DPA Options: Protectors (law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs), educators, healthcare providers, and military members, or those with a family member with a disability, may qualify for higher assistance, up to $12,500 or 6% of the purchase price.
  • Eligibility: Generally requires applicants to be first-time homebuyers (or not owned a home in the past three years), meet income and purchase price limits, have limited liquid assets, and complete a homebuyer education course.
• Georgia Dream Peach Plus: Designed for homebuyers who might not meet the standard Georgia Dream requirements but qualify for FHA loans, this program may offer higher income and purchase price limits, expanding accessibility.
• Georgia Dream Peach Select: Specifically tailored for qualifying military veterans using a VA loan, this option provides competitive interest rates, recognizing their service.

As Chattooga County navigates its newfound status as an affordability leader, balancing growth with the economic realities of its long-standing residents and ensuring equitable access to its affordable housing market will be crucial for its continued prosperity.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)’s long-term plans to improve traffic flow in Summerville and Chattooga County, are sparking discussions, particularly concerning the proposed inclusion of roundabouts. While many residents are questioning the unfamiliar traffic circles, GDOT officials are emphasizing their proven effectiveness in enhancing safety and traffic flow across the state.

The idea of navigating these circular intersections, which are less common in rural areas, has prompted a mix of curiosity and skepticism among local commuters and business owners. However, GDOT has been increasingly incorporating roundabouts into its infrastructure projects statewide, citing their robust performance compared to traditional signalized intersections.

“GDOT is increasing roundabout construction due to their proven effectiveness in enhancing safety and traffic flow,” explained a GDOT spokesperson. “Roundabouts have been shown to significantly reduce accidents, particularly those resulting in injuries or fatalities, compared to traditional intersections. Additionally, they can improve traffic capacity and reduce congestion, often without the need for traffic signals, which can be more expensive to operate and maintain.”

Safety Takes Center Stage

A cornerstone of GDOT’s argument for roundabouts is their significant safety advantages. Unlike conventional intersections where high-speed, head-on, and right-angle collisions are prevalent and often severe, roundabouts virtually eliminate these high-impact crashes. Drivers are required to slow down and yield, reducing the potential for severe angles of impact.

Studies have consistently shown dramatic reductions in accident frequency, particularly those resulting in injuries or fatalities, post-installation. This reduction in crash severity is a primary driver behind GDOT’s strategic shift towards this design.

Operational Benefits: Keeping Traffic Moving

Beyond safety, roundabouts are heralded for their operational efficiency. They facilitate a continuous flow of traffic by requiring drivers to yield upon entry rather than stop, which can significantly reduce delays and vehicle queuing, especially during peak hours. This design, GDOT explains, allows for higher traffic volumes and drastically cuts down on congestion and vehicle idling time. By minimizing stops and starts, traffic can move more smoothly, leading to less frustration for drivers.

Cost-Effectiveness and Environmental Impact

From a fiscal perspective, GDOT also notes the long-term cost-effectiveness of roundabouts. They generally incur lower maintenance expenses than frequently signalized intersections, which require ongoing electrical and mechanical upkeep. Furthermore, the reduced idling at roundabouts contributes to energy efficiency, leading to lower fuel consumption and decreased vehicle emissions, offering an environmental benefit.

GDOT’s Comprehensive Approach

GDOT’s adoption of roundabouts isn’t arbitrary. The department operates under established policies and guidelines for their design and placement, ensuring suitability for specific locations. Furthermore, public engagement remains a key component, with GDOT often involving communities in the planning process to address concerns and gather feedback on proposed roundabout projects. The targeted construction approach focuses on identifying intersections with high accident rates or significant congestion where roundabouts can provide the most benefit.

As Summerville and Chattooga County looks towards its future traffic infrastructure, the debate over roundabouts highlights the balance between embracing modern traffic solutions and addressing community comfort with change. GDOT remains committed to implementing strategies it believes will lead to safer, more efficient roadways for Chattooga County residents.

The Chattooga County Historical Society gathered at the historic Summerville Cemetery this past Sunday for a dedication ceremony, unveiling a new interpretive sign that sheds light on the cemetery’s profound history and pays tribute to an estimated 640 unmarked graves.

The brief ceremony preceded the society’s quarterly meeting, which was held at the nearby Summerville Depot. The new sign, now a permanent fixture at the cemetery, provides a comprehensive overview of the county’s and cemetery’s origins.

According to the sign’s text, Chattooga County was established on December 28, 1838, by the Georgia Legislature, formed from parts of Floyd and Walker Counties. This period coincided with the tragic “Trail of Tears,” as native Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. The county seat, Summerville, was officially established on March 23, 1839.

The Summerville Cemetery itself dates back to approximately 1840, making the block where the sign stands the oldest existing burial ground in the town. On October 23, 1841, General John Fluker Beavers, recognized as the “Father” of Summerville, formally donated one acre to the people of Chattooga County for use as a burying ground, though evidence suggests the property was already in use for this purpose by 1840.

Over the decades, the cemetery has expanded significantly and seen various caretakers, including individuals, volunteer groups, and the Summerville Cemetery Corporation, which took over maintenance in 1947. Today, the sacred grounds are maintained by the City of Summerville.

A significant detail highlighted on the new sign is the result of a 2024 survey, sponsored by the Chattooga County Historical Society, which utilized non-invasive ground-penetrating radar. This survey identified at least 640 unmarked graves within the original section of the cemetery, a poignant reminder of the early settlers whose final resting places were lost to time.

A statement from the Historical Society emphasized the sign’s dual purpose: “It tells a short history of the cemetery from 1840 and honors the over 600 souls in the oldest section who have no marker.” The monument is dedicated to the memory of these pioneers, ensuring their contributions to the county’s founding are not forgotten.

The sign concludes with a poignant quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Gone are the living, but the dead remain, And not neglected; for a hand unseen, Scattering its bounty, like a summer rain, Still keeps their graves and their remembrance green.” The new sign stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its rich history and honoring those who laid its foundations.

AdventHealth Redmond is partnering with the AdventHealth AngioScreen bus to provide free vascular screenings throughout the month of August. The bus will be available at various locations, with the first screening taking place on Monday, August 4, from 8 AM to 3 PM at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Trion.

The AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess an individual’s risk of heart disease and stroke. This painless assessment delivers immediate results at the time of screening, allowing participants to take immediate action if necessary. The AngioScreen includes a carotid artery screening ultrasound, looking for plaque (the leading cause of stroke), a 5-lead EKG of the heart rhythm, ankle brachial indices, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening.

Individuals with any of the following risk factors are encouraged to schedule their appointment:

1. Age 55 or above
2. High blood pressure
3. High cholesterol
4. History of smoking
5. Family history of stroke
6. Diabetes
7. Obesity
8. Family history of heart attack

Early detection is crucial in preventing heart disease and stroke. By offering these free screenings, AdventHealth Redmond hopes to help people identify potential risks and take steps to improve their health.

To schedule an appointment or for more information about the AdventHealth AngioScreen bus, please visit . Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your heart health and protect yourself from heart disease and stroke.

Georgia drivers are experiencing a stable week at the pumps, with the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline holding firm at $2.90. This consistency offers continued relief as summer travel continues, with current prices significantly lower than a year ago.

Monday’s statewide average price remains unchanged from a week ago. While it is 4 cents higher than a month ago, it stands out as a substantial 49 cents lower than the price Georgians were paying a year ago. This translates to noticeable savings for motorists, with the average cost to fill a 15-gallon tank now $43.50 – nearly $8.00 less than the same time last year.

“Drivers are getting a break at the pump this summer,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “It’s been four years since gas prices have been this low nationally during this season, primarily due to strong supply in the oil market. Keep in mind that prices remain unpredictable due to factors like oil market volatility and seasonal demand shifts.”

National Trends Mirror 4-Year Lows

Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has seen a slight increase of 1 cent since last Monday, now settling at $3.15. Despite this minor uptick, the summer season continues to offer significant relief to drivers across the country, with current gas prices aligning with levels last seen in July 2021. This marks the first time in four years that the national average for summer gas prices has reached such lows, largely attributed to an ample supply in the global oil market.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand saw an increase last week, rising from 8.64 million barrels a day to 9.15 million barrels a day. Concurrently, total domestic gasoline supply experienced a slight decrease, moving from 232.1 million barrels to 229.5 million barrels.

In the broader oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, a key benchmark, saw a modest increase of 5 cents at the close of last Wednesday’s formal trading session, settling at $68.38 a barrel. The EIA also reported that crude oil inventories increased by 7.1 million barrels from the previous week. Despite this gain, U.S. crude oil inventories, at 426 million barrels, are still about 8% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Gas Price Averages

The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Savannah ($3.00), Atlanta ($2.92), and Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.89).

The least expensive metro markets in Georgia are Dalton ($2.84), Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.81), and Rome ($2.79).

Area gas price averages by county are Chattooga ($2.81), Walker ($2.83), Floyd ($2.78), Gordon ($2.83), DeKalb, AL ($2.75), Cherokee, AL ($2.76).

Summerville City Councilman Ricky Hughes announced his resignation from the City Council at the conclusion of Monday night’s meeting, effective July 14, 2025. Hughes stated his intention to seek the position of Summerville Mayor in the upcoming election scheduled for November 4, 2025.

Hughes presented a formal resignation letter to the council, which read: “This is to inform you that I am resigning from the Summerville City Council effective at the conclusion of the City Council meeting held on July 14, 2025, to seek the position of Summerville Mayor in the election to be held November 4, 2025. Thank you to everyone for the experiences and opportunities that have been provided during my time on the City Council as they have certainly prepared me for the position of Mayor.”

A graduate of Chattooga High School and a long-time resident of Summerville, Hughes has served as the Seat 3 Council Member. During his tenure, Hughes highlighted several key accomplishments he helped champion. These include the establishment of a utility rate discount for Summerville senior citizens and significant improvements to the Summerville Recreation Center. Specific projects at the Rec Center under his watch involved:

• Building a splash pad
• New lighting at the ball fields
• Installation of air conditioning for the main recreation center building
• Construction of new pickleball courts
• Adding a top to the Senorise Perry Basketball Courts

Expressing deep passion for Summerville, Hughes stated it would be “an even greater honor to lead the city forward as Mayor.” He outlined three main goals he would prioritize if elected:

1. No City Property Tax
2. Continued Senior Citizen Discounts
3. Improve the City’s Infrastructure

Hughes’s early announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a pivotal mayoral race in Summerville. The official election is set for November 4, 2025.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 14, 2025:

The coming days will be dominated by a system of modest high pressure and mid-level ridging that will maintain hot conditions across the region. Today, the forecast predicts a high near 94 degrees, with dew points hovering in the 70’s. The combination of these factors will elevate the apparent temperature, or heat index, to as high as 100 degrees. Residents of western Georgia may experience even more pronounced heat, as the influence of the high pressure system is particularly strong in that area. While the heat prevails, there remains a slight chance of relief in the form of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has indicated a 20% chance of rain between 2 PM and 3 PM on Monday, but the likelihood of significant precipitation is deemed low. Given the atmospheric conditions, our area is not expecting widespread rain but any storms that do form could provide a momentary break from the heat.

On Tuesday, this slight chance of precipitation increases to 30% as temperatures rise again to around 95 degrees. The heat index could climb even higher, reaching up to 102 degrees. The potential for showers and storms continues into Tuesday night, with a 30% chance of precipitation mainly before 8 PM, when the temperature is expected to fall to around 73 degrees. The weather pattern appears to shift slightly by Wednesday, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms developing after 2 PM. The day will start sunny but is likely to become more overcast as the afternoon progresses.  Nighttime temperatures on Wednesday are predicted to cool to approximately 73 degrees, but not without a lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms continuing through the evening hours.

With heat indices expected to be dangerously high, public health officials recommend several precautions. It is essential to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can become serious in these conditions.

The Summerville City Council will meet this evening at 5 PM for their regular monthly meeting. The meeting will take place at Summerville City Hall, located on Georgia Avenue, across from First Baptist Church. Key points on the agenda include a $5,000 donation to the Chattooga County Fair, setting qualifying dates for the November 4, 2025, Municipal Election, and reviewing a payment request for the Martin St. pump station. The council will also discuss three alcohol license requests and consider a Water Leak Protection Program to help residents with plumbing issues. A question and answer time with the mayor and city council will take place preceding the meeting at 4:30 PM. The meeting is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend.  You can see a complete agenda for this evening’s meeting below:

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed traffic bypass project in Summerville. This project aims to improve traffic flow and safety by rerouting traffic around downtown Summerville. The bypass will connect three state routes and includes roundabouts to reduce accidents and delays. Those routes include Highway 27, Highway 114 and Highway 100.  It would also impact traffic on Highway 48. The estimated cost is approximately $45 million, with construction starting in 2026.  Residents can provide feedback online until August 5, 2025, or attend an open house to be held on July 22, 2025 at the Chattooga County Civic Center on Highway 48 in Summerville, across from Truist Bank.  The Georgia Department of Transportation encourages community participation to influence the project’s final design. Read more about the project and how you can submit comments online below:

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is actively seeking public feedback on a significant proposed bypass project designed to reroute traffic around the City of Summerville. The initiative, known as Project #621082, aims to enhance overall traffic flow and safety by diverting through-traffic away from the bustling downtown area.

The new bypass is proposed along the southwest side of town and would create an alternative route by connecting three key state routes: SR 100, SR 114, and SR 27 (SR 1/US 27). This connection is expected to relieve congestion on SR 1/US 27, especially near downtown Summerville and for drivers accessing SR 48.

A key feature of the proposed design includes the addition of roundabouts at the intersections with SR 114, SR 100, and SR 1/US 27. GDOT emphasizes that studies have shown roundabouts are effective in reducing crashes and improving traffic operations by minimizing conflict points and reducing delays when compared to traditional signalized intersections. The project also proposes adding sidewalks and other safety enhancements for pedestrians.

GDOT highlights that the bypass will not only improve local traffic conditions but also better accommodate current and future demands on State Route 1 / U.S. Highway 27, which is part of Georgia’s Freight Corridor Network.

The estimated total cost for all phases of the project is approximately $45,117,574.14. This includes:

• Preliminary Engineering: $4,849,768.00
• Right of Way: $8,119,200.00
• Construction: $26,251,131.14
• Utilities: $5,897,475.00
• (Note: This cost is an estimate and is updated as the project progresses.)

GDOT is currently in the final design phase for the proposed project and actively acquiring Right of Way (ROW). Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

How to Provide Feedback:

GDOT is emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping the final design and alignment of the project. Residents have two primary ways to offer their input:

1. Online Comments:
   • Visit the Georgia DOT website’s Public Outreach and Community Engagement page HERE
   • Scroll to Project #621082 and click “See Details.”
   • The online comment period closes on August 5, 2025.
2. Public Information Open House (PIOH):
   • An in-person open house will be held to allow residents to review plans directly and speak with project representatives.
   • Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
   • Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
   • Location: Chattooga County Civic Center

Residents with specific questions or concerns are encouraged to contact GDOT Project Manager Adolfo Villarreal directly via email at avillarreal@dot.ga.gov or by phone at 404-387-5576.

GDOT strongly encourages all affected community members to review the plans, submit comments, and attend the upcoming open house to ensure their voices are heard in this major transportation planning effort. Public feedback is crucial in shaping the project’s final outcome.

Trion High School students looking to secure a locker or parking space for the upcoming academic year should mark their calendars for Tuesday, July 22. The school has announced that this day will be dedicated to the rental process, with specific time slots allocated by grade level to ensure an organized and efficient procedure.

Lockers will be available for a rental fee of $20.00 each. For students who drive, parking permits will be issued at a cost of $30.00.

A crucial reminder from Trion High School administration is that all outstanding fines, fees, or tuition must be paid in full prior to students being eligible to rent either a locker or a parking space. Students are advised to settle any outstanding balances before the designated rental day to avoid delays.

To manage the flow of students, the school has set a staggered schedule for rentals on July 22:

• Seniors: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
• Juniors: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
• Sophomores: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Freshmen: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (or at orientation)

Students intending to purchase a parking permit must come prepared with all necessary documentation. This includes a valid driver’s license, a physical copy of their insurance card (pictures will not be accepted), and the vehicle’s tag number, make, model, and color. The school emphasized that no parking permits will be sold without all required information.

Students are encouraged to arrive during their designated time slots with all necessary payments and documentation to ensure a smooth and timely process for securing their lockers and parking permits for the new school year.

A prominent Georgia Republican, Brant Frost IV, is accused of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 300 investors out of at least $140 million, according to a complaint filed by federal officials. His company, First Liberty Building and Loan, misled investors about its business, claiming to provide high-interest loans, while it instead used new investments to pay earlier ones.

Frost is alleged to have taken more than $19 million of investor funds for himself, his family and affiliated companies even as the business was going broke, spending $160,000 on jewelry and $335,000 with a rare coin dealer. Frost is also said to have spent $320,000 to rent a vacation home over multiple years in Kennebunkport, Maine, the town where the family of late president George H. W. Bush famously spent summers. First Liberty has stopped making loans and paying returns, with only $2.67 million in cash available as of May 30. Investigators indicated that 90% of the loans may have defaulted, and the company is under scrutiny for potential violations of securities laws.

Records with the Federal Election Commission and campaign finance records for Georgia list donations from Mr. Frost, First Liberty and First National Investments to a slew of conservative super PACs and Republican political candidates, including Republican candidates like Governor Brian Kemp, David Perdue, Saxby Chambliss and State Senator Colton Moore in Northwest Georgia.  Campaign finance records show that Senator Moore received $29,700 from First Liberty through the Georgia Republican Assembly’s political action committee. The SEC is seeking to retrieve funds linked to Frost, while the company claims to be cooperating with authorities. Criminal charges against Frost are still being considered by federal prosecutors.

Frost has been influential in state politics since 1988, with family members also active in the Republican Party.

Compiled Sources

As Northwest Georgia residents embrace the outdoors this summer, a common hazard lurks in the landscape: poison ivy and poison oak. Both notorious for causing irritating skin rashes, these plants are prevalent in the region, and the UGA Cooperative Extension is offering crucial advice on how to identify, manage, and treat contact with them.

These two problematic plants belong to the same genus, Toxicodendron, and are unified by the well-known adage, “leaves of three, let it be.” Despite this shared characteristic, their appearances can vary significantly, depending on species, season, and growing conditions.

Identifying the Irritants:

• Poison Ivy: This plant often appears as a vine, climbing trees, fences, or walls, but can also grow as a ground cover. Its distinctive three leaflets can have either smooth or slightly toothed edges.
• Poison Oak: Typically growing as a shrub, poison oak is recognizable by its lobed leaflets, which often resemble small oak leaves.

Both plants contain an oily resin called urushiol, which is the culprit behind allergic contact dermatitis – the hallmark itchy, blistering rash that develops upon contact.

Controlling and Preventing Exposure:

The UGA Cooperative Extension emphasizes that the most effective strategy against these plants is prevention.

• Avoidance is Key: When working or recreating in areas where poison ivy or oak might be present, wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, and gloves, to minimize skin exposure.
• Herbicidal Control: For established plants, herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can be effective tools. However, due to the plants’ extensive root systems, multiple applications may be necessary to achieve complete eradication.
• Mechanical Control: Persistent cutting or mowing can eventually deplete the plants’ energy reserves and eliminate them, though this method requires consistent effort over time.
• Crucial Warning: Never Burn: It is critically important never to burn poison ivy or poison oak. The urushiol oil can become airborne in the smoke, and inhaling it can lead to severe respiratory problems and internal rashes.
• Professional Assistance: For large or widespread infestations, residents are advised to consider hiring a professional landscaping company specialized in plant removal.

Treating the Rash:

Should contact occur, prompt action can often mitigate the severity of the rash.

• Immediate Washing: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, washing the affected skin with soap and cool water as soon as possible after contact can help remove the urushiol before it binds to the skin.
• Over-the-Counter Relief: For mild to moderate rashes, common over-the-counter treatments such as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, and oral antihistamines can help reduce itching and inflammation.
• When to See a Doctor: If the rash is severe, widespread, or affects sensitive areas like the face or genitals, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They may prescribe oral steroids to manage the reaction.
• Resist Scratching: Despite the intense itch, refrain from scratching the rash. Scratching can worsen the irritation and potentially lead to secondary bacterial infections.

By understanding how to identify, prevent, and treat exposure to poison ivy and poison oak, Northwest Georgia residents can better protect themselves and ensure safer, more enjoyable outdoor experiences. For more detailed information and resources, residents are encouraged to contact their local UGA Cooperative Extension office.

A Chattooga County man was arrested last week on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic offenses after an officer observed him driving without a seat belt. Charles Allen Jenkins, 31, was taken into custody on July 7, 2025, after failing multiple field sobriety tests, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began when a sheriff’s deputy was observing traffic on Ridgeway Drive near Tatum Road. The deputy noted a red passenger car, driven by Jenkins, pass without the driver using a lap and shoulder belt, prompting a traffic stop. Upon approaching Jenkins, the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Jenkins reportedly told the deputy he had consumed “only two beers.” A check of Jenkins’ driver’s license also revealed it was expired.

With the assistance of the sheriff department’s K-9, a consent search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search, two empty Bud Light cans, described as still cold to the touch and having condensation, were located on the passenger floorboard, suggesting recent consumption. Jenkins agreed to perform field sobriety tests.  Based on the findings from the field sobriety tests, the deputy determined there was probable cause to believe Jenkins was impaired and placed him under arrest.

Jenkins faces charges of DUI-Alcohol (Misdemeanor) and various traffic offenses.