Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 13, 2025:

Residents across Northwest Georgia can expect some sunshine today, but the threat of rain and thunderstorms remains present. According to local weather reports, there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing into showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 PM. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 76 degrees. While the wind will be calm initially, it’s expected to shift southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. The potential for isolated thunderstorms continues into tonight, with a slight risk of storms producing strong winds. Looking ahead, Wednesday will also see isolated thunderstorms, some of which could bring strong winds or hail. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low around 63 degrees. Thursday promises mostly sunny skies with a high near 87 degrees . Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The forecast for Friday includes a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM, with mostly cloudy conditions and a high near 87 degrees. The chance of showers and thunderstorms increases to 50 percent on Friday night, mainly after 8 PM. Saturday brings a continuing chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 PM. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 86 degrees and a 50% chance of precipitation. Residents are advised to stay informed of weather updates and take necessary precautions in the event of severe weather.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding the public that her office will be closed today through Thursday.  The office normally open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM, but is closed today and Thursday due to employee training.  Hampton says her staff will be attending training to learn about new laws regarding titles, license plates and property taxes.  The tag office will reopen on Friday morning at 7:30 AM with normal hours.

The City of Summerville is preparing for the return of the Summerville Main Street Ducky Derby this Saturday, May 17th, from 10 AM until 2 PM, and is putting out the call to all Jeep owners to come for a Jeep cruise-in. Taking place outside the historic Summerville Depot, the Ducky Derby promises a day filled with activities, food vendors, and a thrilling race down Summerville Town Creek. But that’s not all! This year’s event also features an Invitational Jeep Cruise-In, adding even more excitement to the downtown atmosphere. Jeep owners are especially encouraged to participate in the Cruise-In, where a designated section of East Washington Street will be blocked off exclusively for Jeeps. Participants will receive a special edition duck, courtesy of GP Federal Credit Union, while supplies last. The highlight of the day, the Ducky Derby race, is set to begin at 1 PM.  Don’t miss your chance to win big! Adopt a rubber duck for a small fee and you could win the Grand Prize of $500 if your duck crosses the finish line first. Second place will receive $250, and third place will be awarded $100. With food, crafts, kids’ activities, and the exciting duck race, the Summerville Main Street Ducky Derby is the perfect way to spend your Saturday.

The Town of Trion is giving residents a few more days to spiff up their properties! The Spring Clean event has been extended through Saturday, offering residents a valuable opportunity to de-clutter and beautify their homes. The town is providing a convenient and free dumpster located at the Trion Town Hall, allowing residents to dispose of unwanted items without any cost. This initiative is designed to encourage residents to enhance their curb appeal and ensure compliance with city ordinances. “This is a great opportunity for our residents to freshen up their properties after the winter,” said Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas, emphasizing the benefits of the extended cleanup period. This Spring Cleanup event serves as a precursor to increased enforcement of town code violations. Town officials are reminding residents that after the event concludes, properties will be diligently inspected and any outstanding code violations will be addressed. Participating in the Spring Clean now provides a chance to rectify any issues and avoid potential fines or penalties. Residents are urged to take advantage of the free dumpster located at Town Hall, available now through this Saturday, to dispose of unwanted items and ensure their property is compliant with town regulations. Don’t miss this chance to give your property a fresh start!

Georgia drivers are enjoying a slight reprieve at the gas pump this week, with average prices for regular unleaded gasoline falling to $2.88 per gallon.

This figure, which is always subject to change, represents a decrease of 4 cents compared to last week, 11 cents compared to last month, and a significant 53 cents compared to this time last year. Filling a 15-gallon tank now costs Georgia motorists an average of $43.20, saving them nearly $8 compared to a year ago. “Crude oil continues to trend under $80 a barrel, and demand appears to have slowed down, contributing to lower pump prices,” stated Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman.

The national average is also showing a downward trend, with prices decreasing by 3 cents since last Monday to $3.13 per gallon. A key factor in this decline is a drop in gasoline demand, as reported by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Demand fell from 9.09 million barrels a day last week to 8.71 million. Total domestic gasoline supply saw a minor increase, rising from 225.5 million barrels to 225.7. Adding to the positive outlook, OPEC+ announced plans to increase output again in June. This move is expected to widen the supply surplus and potentially cause crude prices to fall further, which could lead to even lower gas prices for summer road trippers across the nation.

The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Savannah ($2.96), Macon ($2.92), and Atlanta ($2.91).

The least expensive metro markets in Georgia areAugusta-Aiken ($2.77), Dalton ($2.74), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.72).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.75), Walker ($2.75), Floyd ($2.80), Gordon ($2.80), DeKalb, AL ($2.75), Cherokee, AL ($2.66).

The Rome Area History Center has a new traveling exhibition, “Over Here and Over There: Georgia and Georgians in World War II,”is now open. This exhibit marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and highlights Georgia’s profound contributions to the war effort—both on the battlefield and the home front.
Developed in collaboration with the Bandy Heritage Center for Northwest Georgia at Dalton State College and the Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University, this exhibit brings to life the experiences of Georgians during one of the most pivotal periods in modern history.

Through compelling text panels, visitors will gain insight into the causes, course, and consequences of the war, as well as the sacrifices and resilience of Georgia’s citizens. The exhibit also features detailed scale models of WWII-era vehicles and battle scenes, offering a vivid representation of the conflict’s machinery and environments.

The exhibition will be on display at the Rome Area History Center, located at 305 Broad Street, Rome, GA, and will run through June 28, 2025. The exhibit is free and open to the public, with visiting hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

First launched in January 2013, “Over Here and Over There” has traveled to historic sites across the state, including the North Georgia History Center, Roosevelt’s Little White House State Park, and Fort Oglethorpe’s 6th Cavalry Museum. Now, Rome has the opportunity to experience this important and moving tribute to Georgia’s WWII legacy.

For questions about the exhibit, contact the director or the Rome Area History Center, Selena Tilly at (706) 235-8051

The Sara Hightower Regional Library System (SHRLS) will launch its Summer Reading Program on May 27th with kickoff programs held at each library branch throughout the week. The kickoff events are scheduled as follows:

• Cave Spring Library: Wednesday, May 28th, 2pm-4pm

• Cedartown Library: Thursday, May 29th, 2pm-4pm

• Chattooga Library: Saturday, May 31st, 10am-12pm

• Rockmart Library: Thursday, May 29th, 10am-12pm

• Rome-Floyd County Library: Tuesday, May 27th, 9am-12pm

• Trion Library: Friday, May 30th, 4pm-6pm

Throughout the summer months, the library will offer opportunities for all ages and abilities to explore creativity, develop social skills, and have fun while reading. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” celebrates exploring the world through art. SHRLS will host activities designed to inspire and engage readers through different mediums of artistic expression. Everyone can earn prizes for achieving reading goals and join in-person and online activities.

SHRLS will bring in talented performers to offer a variety of activities, such as Storyteller Terrell Shaw, Magician Arthur Atsma, Drummer Dave Holland, The Rome-Floyd County ECO Center, GYSTC, Southeastern Reptile Rescue, and the Little Red Barn Petting Zoo.

Be sure to check the schedule HERE to take advantage of these fun opportunities.

“Summer reading programs at the library are a great way to keep kids engaged and learning while school is out,” said Julie Walker, state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries & Archives. “Kids will earn prizes for achieving reading goals, improve their reading skills, and best of all, have fun. Library programs are one of the few free opportunities for families and individuals to connect, learn, and grow.”

Participants can track their reading and earn badges digitally using Beanstack, available HERE, in addition to traditional paper reading logs.

“Library patrons across the state can look forward to an engaging summer of arts, crafts, writing, and creative exploration built around this year’s theme,” said Evan Michael Bush, director of Youth Services for Georgia Public Library Service. “Our libraries are community hubs that support literacy and foster lifelong learning.”

Support for summer reading programs is provided in part by funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. To learn how you can support these programs, visit georgialibraries.org/support.

Mohawk Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of flooring products in the United States, will be hosting a job fair this week for employees at their facilities in Summerville and throughout the broader Northwest Georgia region. This event represents a unique opportunity for job seekers to explore a wide range of exciting career prospects with one of Chattooga County’s leading employers.

Mohawk is seeking to fill numerous positions across its various production, logistics, and administrative departments, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and the chance to join a dynamic, industry-leading organization.

The Mohawk Job Fair, set to take place this Thursday, May 15th  from 9 o’clock in the morning until 3 o’clock in the afternoon, will be held at 250 Simmons Street, in the pavilion adjacent to the track field in Trion, making it easily accessible to applicants from across the area. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to launch your career, a seasoned professional seeking new challenges, or simply an individual looking to make a career change, you are invited to come and learn more about opportunities with Mohawk Industries.

Mohawk’s representatives will be on hand to provide job seekers with the resources and support they need to embark on a rewarding new chapter in their professional lives, connecting qualified individuals with the opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and aspirations. With a wide range of positions available and the chance to join a thriving, industry-leading organization, the Mohawk Job Fair will be of interest to anyone seeking a new career in the Chattooga County area.

Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms today, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts. While less likely, a brief tornado or hail burst cannot be ruled out. The National Weather Service has issued a warning indicating an isolated heavy rain and flooding threat, particularly impacting Northwest Georgia. The forecast calls for gradually becoming mostly sunny skies with a high near 77 degrees. A south wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph, is expected. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts estimated between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, potentially higher within thunderstorms. The threat of storms continues into tonight, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 5 am, followed by a chance of showers. The temperature is expected to drop to a low of around 58 degrees with mostly cloudy skies and calm winds. The chance of precipitation remains high at 60%, with potential rainfall amounts of a quarter to half an inch. Tuesday will see a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 1 pm. The high will be near 74 degrees Fahrenheit, with a calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Residents are urged to stay informed of weather updates, secure loose outdoor objects, and be prepared for potential power outages. Drivers should exercise caution and avoid driving through flooded areas.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 12, 2025:

The Summerville City Council will hold its monthly meeting this evening, Monday, May 11th, at 5 PM at Summerville City Hall. A major focus will be the first reading of the FY 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance. The council will also appoint Kyle Krueger to the Tree Board for a two-year term, showing the city’s commitment to the environment. Additionally, they will review sign permit approvals for local businesses such as 4 Seasons Portable Buildings and MJ Designs, LLC, and vote on annual payments of $67,276. 82 for Volunteer Firefighters. They will consider a $3,000 offer for a condemned property at 138 Curran St. Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting, which will include a question and answer session with the Mayor and Council at 4:30 PM. You can review the complete agenda for this evening’s meeting below:

Last week marked National Correctional Officer’s Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of correctional officers across the nation. Established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, this annual observance acknowledges the vital role these officers play in maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities. In Chattooga County, Sheriff Mark Schrader took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the officers serving at the county jail. “We can’t let this week go by without giving a shout out to our detention staff,” stated Sheriff Schrader. “Most folks don’t see them in their work environment making sure that everything is being done to house, book, process and release offenders that are committed to the county jail.” He concluded with a heartfelt message: “A big shoutout and ‘thank you’ to each of them for doing this job!” The recognition highlights the often-unseen responsibilities and dedication of correctional officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and the community.

Young performers wanting to join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and other fairy tale characters in Chattooga Curtain Call’s summer production of “Shrek The Musical JR. ” must register by today, Monday, May 12th, 2025. This musical is based on the popular DreamWorks film and is open to students entering 3rd through 12th grade. Directed by Kayla Willingham and assisted by Brianna Spraggins, the show features Shrek’s journey to rescue Princess Fiona, highlighting themes of self-acceptance and love. Interested participants should register today and can find more information on Chattooga Curtain Call’s Facebook Page HERE.

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, consisting of Chattooga, Walker, Dade and Catoosa Counties, operates a Wellness Court, a voluntary program designed to help individuals with mental health issues navigate the justice system.

This innovative court aims to reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying mental health conditions that often contribute to criminal behavior. The Wellness Court offers a comprehensive, 18-month program focused on empowering participants to take control of their mental health and actions. Key components include medication management, individual and group therapy sessions, and dedicated case management services.

The program specifically targets felony offenders whose crimes are demonstrably linked to their mental illness. Overseen by Judge Chris Arnt, the court addresses the mental health needs of individuals, and hopes to break the cycle of re-offending and help them build productive, fulfilling lives.

The program is open to individuals who meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years of age, facing felony charges or probation revocation with a potential sentence of 24 months or more, residing in Dade, Walker, Chattooga, or Catoosa County, and not being a registered sex offender or on parole. Furthermore, participants must meet clinical eligibility requirements, possessing a primary diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) that demonstrably impacts their ability to function.

The final decision on acceptance into the program rests with the Wellness Court team, who carefully assess each applicant’s suitability and the availability of necessary resources to ensure the best possible chance of success.

Find more information here.

The Chattooga County housing market continues to favor sellers, with median home sale prices rising by 1.5% compared to last year, according to recent market data from April 2025. The median home sold price reached $199,900, with the median price per square foot settling at $135. The sustained strength of the seller’s market indicates continued high demand and potentially limited housing supply. In a seller’s market, properties tend to sell faster and at higher prices due to increased competition among buyers. The number of homes for sale in Chattooga County saw a positive change, rising from 105 in March 2025 to 116 in April 2025, representing a 10.5% increase month-over-month. A total of 22 homes changed hands during the month of April. Inventory trends varied depending on the number of bedrooms. One-bedroom home inventory saw a significant increase of +100.0%. Two-bedroom homes experienced a decrease in inventory of -3.3%. Meanwhile, three and four-bedroom homes saw inventory increases of +17.0% and +15.0% respectively. Inventory for five-bedroom homes remained unchanged. Real estate experts suggest that potential buyers should be prepared for competitive bidding and potentially higher prices in the current market conditions. Sellers, on the other hand, can expect a relatively quick sale, provided their homes are priced competitively and well-presented.

Source: Rocket Homes

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger praised the signing of House Bill 579 by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp last week, which aims to simplify professional licensing in the state. This reform, which Raffensperger and his office have worked on since 2019, eliminates bureaucratic barriers for workers, promoting economic opportunities for Georgians.

Raffensperger emphasized that this reform is about reducing government interference and helping citizens get back to work. The law improves outdated regulations, allowing qualified individuals to contribute to the economy while maintaining safety standards.

Key features of HB579 include administrative license issuance, temporary licenses, an extended grace period for expired licenses, and the ability for the Governor to remove underperforming board members. Raffensperger highlighted the collaboration with Governor Kemp and state legislators in achieving this change, which aims to boost Georgia’s workforce participation, support small businesses, and attract talent.

Residents of the Noble Neighborhood in Walker County are being encouraged to attend a crucial community meeting this evening, Monday, May 19th, at 7:30 PM to discuss a proposed industrial development planned for Glass Road. The meeting will take place in the Fellowship Hall of Center Point Baptist Church, located at 118 Center Point Road in La Fayette.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for residents to voice their concerns and gain a deeper understanding of the potential impact the proposed project could have on the area’s cherished rural character. The proposed development has already sparked significant opposition within the community. During the Walker County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 1st, numerous residents expressed their disapproval of a proposed zoning change that would reclassify property located at 157 Glass Road from agricultural to industrial use. Concerns raised included potential increases in traffic volume, strain on existing infrastructure, and disruption of the quiet, suburban atmosphere that defines the community.

David Boyle, Chair of the Noble Neighborhood Community Association, presented a petition signed by local residents urging the Board of Commissioners to reject the rezoning request. He emphasized that families have specifically chosen to reside in the Noble area for its peaceful lifestyle, and that further industrialization poses a significant threat to the very qualities that make the community so desirable.

All Noble residents are strongly encouraged to attend the May 19th meeting and participate in this important community discussion. For further information regarding the meeting or the proposed development, please call 706-764-2801.