Summerville Seeks Proposals for Wastewater Biosolids Hauling and Disposal
The City of Summerville is now accepting proposals from qualified contractors for the hauling and disposal of biosolids from its wastewater treatment facilities.
City officials say the request for proposals is aimed at securing a reliable partner to handle the routine removal, transportation, and proper disposal of biosolids, while ensuring full compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including standards set by the EPA and Georgia EPD.
The selected contractor will be responsible for managing biosolids generated at municipal facilities as part of the city’s ongoing environmental operations.
Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on April 19, 2026, at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue.
Officials say complete details, including technical specifications, insurance requirements, and bid forms, are available through the city.
Shoplifting Arrest Made Following Incident at Trion Walmart
A woman was arrested earlier this month following a shoplifting incident at the Walmart in Trion.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the store on April 10th after reports of a suspected shoplifter attempting to leave with unpaid merchandise.
Upon arrival, deputies identified the suspect as Alexis Louise Dollar, who had allegedly been seen on camera selecting items and attempting to leave the store without paying. Loss prevention personnel advised that Dollar had passed all points of sale with merchandise valued at more than $180.
Authorities later located the suspect’s vehicle traveling on Highway 27. After an investigation and review of surveillance footage, deputies obtained a warrant through Rome City Court.
Alexis Louise Dollar was later taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor shoplifting. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
Tiny Tribe Cheer Camp Set for June at Chattooga High School
Local families will have a chance to kick off summer with energy and excitement as the Tiny Tribe Cheer Camp returns to Chattooga High School June 15–16.
The two-day camp will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day and is open to children ages 3 to 13. Participants will learn cheer fundamentals, build confidence, and enjoy a fun, high-energy environment alongside Chattooga cheerleaders and coaches.
Organizers say the camp is designed for all experience levels, with a focus on introducing young athletes to the basics of cheerleading in a supportive setting.
The cost to attend is $50, which includes instruction, activities, and camp participation.
The camp will be held at Chattooga High School, located at 989 Highway 114 in Summerville. Participants must be potty trained to attend, and registration is now open.
The Tiny Tribe Cheer Camp has become a popular annual tradition, drawing young cheerleaders from across the area eager to learn new skills and have fun.
Summerville Collective To Host Yard Sale and BBQ Fundraiser April 25
The Summerville Collective is inviting the community out for a yard sale and BBQ fundraiser later this month.
The event is set for Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 83 Highway 48 in Summerville. Organizers say attendees can expect a variety of unique items for sale along with food from the “From the Ashes BBQ and Brisket” food truck.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Summerville Collective, a Christian-based homeschool collaborative that provides academic and enrichment programs through Connect City Church.
Those interested in participating can rent a table space for $10 to sell their own items and keep the proceeds. Donations for the yard sale are also being accepted, with organizers asking donors to label items accordingly.
Organizers say the fundraiser is a great opportunity for the community to support local education efforts while enjoying food, fellowship, and bargain shopping.
Swim Guide Returns to Monitor Water Safety Across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama
As warmer weather settles into Northwest Georgia, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is gearing up for another season of water safety monitoring ahead of the busy summer months.
The organization’s annual Swim Guide will return just before Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day, providing weekly updates on water quality at popular recreation spots across the region. That includes well-known swimming areas along the Chattooga River in Chattooga County, as well as Weiss Lake just across the state line in Alabama.
CRBI Outreach Coordinator Courtnee Davenport says bacterial levels will be tested regularly to help keep the public informed. Results will be posted every Friday, giving weekend visitors a chance to check conditions before heading out to swim, fish, or enjoy time on the water.
The Swim Guide is available online at coosa.org and is part of CRBI’s broader mission to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin — a vital natural resource for communities across Northwest Georgia and beyond.
With more people expected to hit the water in the coming months, officials encourage residents to stay informed and make safety a priority when visiting local rivers and lakes.
Deadline Approaching to Register for May Primary Election
Time is running out for residents who want to take part in next month’s primary election in Georgia.
Voters have until Monday to register in order to be eligible to cast a ballot in the May 19 primary. Registration can be completed online using a valid Georgia driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Residents can check their registration status, view sample ballots, and find additional election information by visiting the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
The upcoming primary will determine which candidates from the major political parties advance to the November general election. Key races on the ballot include one of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats, the governor’s race, and other statewide offices such as lieutenant governor and secretary of state, along with local races depending on the area.
Early voting for the primary begins Monday, April 27. Voters are encouraged to check with their local county election office for polling locations and hours.
Those planning to vote will need to choose a Democratic, Republican, or nonpartisan ballot. Party ballots allow voters to help decide nominees for the general election, while nonpartisan ballots are limited to races such as judicial contests.
Officials also remind voters to bring proper identification when heading to the polls.
CHS Class of 1996 Planning 30-Year Reunion
The Chattooga High School Class of 1996 is beginning plans for its upcoming 30-year class reunion.
Organizers say the reunion is tentatively scheduled for October 3, and efforts are underway to connect with as many classmates as possible.
A Facebook group titled “CHS Class of 1996 – 30-year Reunion” has been created to share updates and information. Class members are encouraged to join the group to stay informed as plans continue to develop.
For those not on Facebook, organizers say you can reach out by email to Ben Sellers at nautica-larch@yahoo.com to receive additional details.
Classmates are encouraged to get involved early as planning continues for what is expected to be a memorable reunion event.
Chattooga High School Announces Honor Graduates for Class of 2026
Chattooga High School has released the list of honor graduates for the Class of 2026, recognizing dozens of students for their academic achievement and dedication.
Those named as honor graduates include: Addie Veatch, Alexandria Dilbeck, Alexis Womack, Alliyah Farr, Benjamin Woods, Braxson Cook-Bevels, Brinley Thomas, Brock Cooper, Cadence Nuckolls, Cameryn Smith, Cooper Hampton, Demya Williams, Dixie Shelton, Donovan Collins, Elizabeth Laird, Ensley Carr, Grace Shirley, Hailey Morris, Haley Maddux, Hannah Hasty, Izabella Burdick, Kahlyn Helton, Kasen Elsberry, Kendal Zuniga, Leah Cochran, Leeanna Moseley, Lileah Braden, Madison Koonce, Mary Weedon, Mason Buchanan, Max Perez, Naomi Scruggs, Pedro Lopez, Riley Willis, Ruby Kilgore, Sky Burrage, and Zachary Hutcherson.
School officials say these students have demonstrated strong academic performance throughout their high school careers and are being recognized as they prepare to graduate later this spring.
The honor graduate designation highlights the commitment and hard work of students who have excelled in the classroom and maintained high academic standards.
Near-Record Heat, Fire Danger, and Limited Rain Expected Across Chattooga County
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another round of unseasonably hot, dry, and potentially dangerous conditions today, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s—levels that could tie or even break existing records.
Dry air, gusty winds, and parched vegetation are creating a heightened fire risk this afternoon and evening. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning as conditions remain favorable for fires to start and spread quickly.
Relief will be limited as a cold front moves into the region late tonight into Sunday. While a line of showers is expected, rainfall totals will be light—generally a tenth to a quarter inch at best in far Northwest Georgia—doing little to ease ongoing drought conditions.
Behind the front, cooler air will settle in briefly Sunday, with highs dropping into the 60s across North Georgia. However, breezy winds and continued low humidity will keep fire danger elevated. Even colder overnight temperatures are expected, dipping into the 40s by Sunday night.
Looking ahead, dry weather will dominate much of the upcoming week. Despite a short-lived cooldown, temperatures are expected to rebound above normal by midweek. With little rainfall in the forecast, drought conditions are likely to worsen, and fire concerns will remain a daily issue across the region.
Arrest Report - Saturday - April 18, 2026
There were no arrests to report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office over the past twenty-four hours.
Chattooga County Historical Society To Host Trivia-Filled Spring Meeting Tomorrow
The Chattooga County Historical Society is inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of local history and fun tomorrow, Sunday, April 19.
The quarterly meeting will be held at 2 p.m. at the Summerville Depot and will feature a Chattooga County History Trivia Contest. Organizers say attendees will be divided into teams for a lively program designed to test local knowledge while also sharing interesting facts about the county.
Refreshments and prizes will be available, and the event is open to the public. Organizers say it is especially geared toward those who enjoy the historical photos and local history posts shared online.
Residents are encouraged to come out, take part, and enjoy a community event centered around Chattooga County’s rich history.
Chattooga County Health Fair Happening Today in Summerville
The Chattooga County Health Fair is happening today, offering residents a chance to take advantage of free health services and resources in one convenient location.
The event runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road in Summerville. Organizers say the health fair focuses on promoting wellness, prevention, and connecting the community with local healthcare providers.
Attendees can receive a wide range of free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and BMI checks, along with dental screenings, HIV testing, and cancer screenings. Hands-on CPR education, Narcan training, and even free food distribution will also be available.
Mammograms will be offered by appointment for eligible participants, and a number of healthcare organizations and community partners will be on hand to provide information and support.
Officials encourage residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to stop by, take advantage of the free services, and learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Ongoing Drought Persists Across Northwest Georgia Despite Rain Chances
Drought conditions continue to grip Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, with little relief in sight even as rain moves into the forecast.
Forecasters say showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop late tonight into early Sunday as a cold front pushes through the region. However, rainfall totals are expected to remain light, with most areas receiving only a small amount — not nearly enough to significantly improve the ongoing drought.
The lack of meaningful rainfall over recent weeks has left vegetation extremely dry, increasing fire danger and raising concerns for farmers, outdoor conditions, and water resources across the area. Officials continue to urge caution with any outdoor burning, as fires can spread quickly under these conditions.
While temperatures will cool down behind the front, the overall pattern remains dry, and drought conditions are expected to persist into next week. Additional rain chances appear limited in the near term.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water when possible and stay aware of changing weather conditions as Northwest Georgia continues to deal with one of its driest stretches in recent months.
Four Georgia State Troopers Fired Following Misconduct Investigation
Four Georgia State Troopers have been terminated following an internal investigation into misconduct involving personal injury claims, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
In a statement released by the agency, officials said the investigation began after information surfaced in January 2026 indicating that several troopers were filing personal injury claims tied to incidents stemming from vehicle pursuits.
The Department’s Office of Professional Standards conducted a review and found that the troopers had submitted numerous crash and incident reports to an attorney. That attorney then sought monetary settlements on their behalf from individuals involved in pursuits that had been initiated by the troopers.
Officials determined that the manner in which the claims were made violated department policy and ethical standards. As a result, all four troopers involved were dismissed.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety emphasized that the actions of those individuals do not reflect the agency as a whole, noting its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and maintaining public trust.
The investigation has concluded, and no additional details about the individuals involved have been released.
Veterans’ Trust In VA Hits Record High
Trust in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reached an all-time high, according to new data released by the VA.
Officials say 82% of veterans who used VA services in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reported they trust the agency to fulfill its commitment to them.
That trust spans a wide range of services, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.
Confidence is even higher when it comes specifically to medical care. The VA reports that 93.6% of veterans trust VA outpatient health care, another record-setting figure.
The VA says the numbers reflect ongoing efforts to improve communication and listen directly to veterans through feedback surveys and outreach.
The agency has gathered millions of responses over the years, using that feedback to improve access and quality of care. Recent survey results show:
- 77.3% of veterans said it was easy to get services
- 81.4% said they received the care they needed
- 79.5% said they felt valued during their interactions
The report also highlights the scale of services provided. In just the first quarter of 2026:
- More than 4.8 million veterans received care
- Over 29 million medical appointments were completed
- Hundreds of thousands of benefit claims and home loans were processed
VA leaders say the increase in trust shows progress in delivering better experiences for veterans nationwide, though they emphasize continued feedback will be key to further improvements.
Georgia Labor Force, Employment Reach Record Highs In February
The Georgia Department of Labor says the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force and employment in February, even as the unemployment rate ticked up slightly and job totals declined for a second straight month.
According to the new report, Georgia’s labor force rose to 5,451,101, while employment climbed to 5,256,871. Both marks are new records for the state.
Georgia’s February unemployment rate came in at 3.6%, up slightly from 3.5% in January. Even with the increase, the state’s jobless rate remained 0.8 percentage point lower than the national rate. It was also 0.2 percentage point higher than Georgia’s rate one year ago.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the record numbers show more Georgians are working and participating in the economy than ever before.
The labor force increased by 5,458 over the month and by 39,493 over the past year. Employment rose by 3,940 in February and was up 28,888 compared to the same time last year.
At the same time, the number of unemployed Georgians increased by 1,518 in February to 194,230, and was up 10,605 over the year.
The report also showed total jobs in Georgia fell by 4,200 in February to 4,977,200. Over the past 12 months, jobs were down 5,800. After revisions to January data, the state has now posted job losses for two months in a row.
One bright spot came in the health care and social assistance sector, which reached an all-time high of 638,400 jobs in February.
The biggest monthly job gains came in health care and social assistance, information, durable goods manufacturing, management of companies and enterprises, and wholesale trade.
The largest monthly losses were seen in construction, transportation, warehousing and utilities, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and professional and technical services.
Over the past year, the sectors posting the strongest gains were health care and social assistance, local government, state government, arts, entertainment and recreation, and real estate and rental and leasing.
The biggest year-over-year job declines were reported in federal government, transportation, warehousing and utilities, retail trade, wholesale trade, and accommodation and food services.
There was also good news on unemployment claims. Initial claims dropped by 11,152 in February to 16,551, the lowest total since November 2025.
State labor officials say employers and job seekers can find more information through the Georgia Department of Labor’s online resources and Career Centers across the state.
Student Taken Into Custody After Alleged Online Threat Against Gaylesville School
A student is in custody after allegedly making online threats directed at Gaylesville School, prompting a rapid response from local and federal authorities.
Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the situation began earlier in the day when federal officials notified local dispatchers about a concerning social media post involving a possible threat. That alert led deputies and school resource officers to respond immediately and secure the campus as a precaution.
School officials placed Gaylesville School on temporary secure status while law enforcement investigated and worked to protect students and staff.
Authorities said the student was identified and taken into custody within about 30 minutes of the initial alert. The arrest was made without incident, and officials said no weapons were found during the investigation.
The student is now charged with first-degree terrorist threats. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the school or the surrounding community.
In a statement, Sheriff Shaver praised the quick coordination between agencies and said law enforcement moved decisively as soon as the information was received. He also acknowledged the concern incidents like this can create for parents, students, and school employees.
Officials also thanked federal partners for quickly sharing the information, along with school administrators and staff for their cooperation during the response.
Because the suspect is a juvenile, no identifying information has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
AdventHealth Redmond Opens New Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute
Community members across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama will soon have access to expanded heart care through the new AdventHealth Redmond Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute.
AdventHealth Redmond team members, community leaders, and patients gathered Thursday, April 16 for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new facility. The institute is set to begin seeing patients on Monday, April 20.
Hospital leaders say the new Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute was designed with patients in mind, bringing comprehensive and coordinated heart care together under one roof.
Isaac Sendros, president and CEO of AdventHealth Redmond, said residents of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama have trusted the hospital with their heart care for more than 50 years and said the new facility will allow patients to receive streamlined, world-class care in a space created specifically for them.
Mike Thompson, president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Southeast Region, said the focus is not just on the building itself, but on the care teams and patients inside it, emphasizing the organization’s mission of service and healing.
Dr. Michael Ware, a cardiologist with AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Rome, credited the long-term success of the cardiology program to its culture, partnership, and commitment to patient-centered care. He said the team’s approach is centered on treating every person with importance, following the Golden Rule, and working hard for patients and families.
Last year, AdventHealth Redmond marked 50 years of heart care in the region. Officials say what began in 1975 with the area’s first cardiac catheterization lab has grown into decades of advanced care and service for local communities.
The new 40,000-square-foot facility brings together diagnostic testing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiothoracic surgery, and heart failure care to create a more seamless experience for patients.
Hospital leaders say the new institute is an important step toward addressing heart health challenges across Northwest Georgia while continuing to expand access to specialized care close to home.
State Wildlife Officials Urge Georgians to Prevent Canada Goose Problems Before They Start
With nesting season now underway, state wildlife officials are encouraging homeowners, landowners, and property managers to take steps now to prevent conflicts with Canada geese before they become bigger problems later in the year.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says Canada geese are increasingly common in developed areas, including neighborhood ponds, business parks, golf courses, subdivisions, and city green spaces. While the birds are often tolerated, officials say their behavior can become more aggressive during nesting season as they begin defending nests and nearby territory.
Wildlife biologist Kara Nitschke says geese usually will not bother people if left alone, but that can change quickly once nesting begins. She says the birds may see people as threats and respond by trying to protect the area around their nests.
Officials say now is the best time to act, especially for property owners who have dealt with goose problems in the past. During this part of the year, geese are still deciding where to settle, making it easier to discourage them from nesting in places where they may later create issues.
The state recommends starting with harassment techniques, including reflective tape, scarecrows, predator decoys, motion-activated sprinklers, and loud noises. While those methods can help, officials say they require consistency and may not always work in every situation.
State and federal officials also remind residents that Canada geese are protected under the law. That means it is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase, or possess them except as allowed under migratory bird regulations or with the proper permits.
For longer-term control, officials say certain federal permits are available to reduce goose reproduction through nest removal or egg treatment methods designed to keep eggs from hatching. Wildlife officials say those tools can help prevent goose populations from growing too large in areas where repeated conflicts have occurred.
More information about Canada geese and preventing wildlife conflicts is available through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Pipe Burst Forces Closure of Walker County Government Building in Rock Spring
A Walker County government building in Rock Spring is closed today following significant water damage caused by a pipe burst overnight.
Officials say the Local Government Services building, located at 122 Highway 95, experienced flooding that impacted several offices and public areas.
The closure affects multiple departments housed in the building, including the tag and tax office, assessor’s office, planning and zoning, and code enforcement.
Residents needing services are advised that the Walker County Tax Commissioner’s office in Rossville remains open.
There is no word yet on when the Rock Spring facility will reopen as crews work to assess and address the damage.