Summerville City Council Called Meeting Monday
The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, May 18 at 5:30 PM at Summerville City Hall to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.
According to the meeting agenda, city officials and department heads will present budget discussions for multiple city departments and operations, including police, fire, recreation, streets, water and sewer services, gas operations and municipal court.
City Manager Jason Winters is scheduled to present information related to revenues, building inspection, water administration and gas administration. Other presentations will come from department leaders overseeing information technology, wastewater treatment, the water treatment plant and Main Street operations.
The meeting agenda also includes mayor’s comments, announcements, introduction of guests and a public comments portion before adjournment.
Brinley Corbin’s Dream Becomes Reality With Opening Of Trion Dog Park
Brinley Alexandria Corbin’s dream became a reality Saturday as the Town of Trion officially opened a new dog park inspired by her love for animals and her community.
Family, friends and community members gathered at the Track Field for the dog park opening, where Mayor Mickey McGraw and the Trion Town Council welcomed those in attendance. The park now stands as a lasting tribute to Brinley, who loved her pups, her hometown and the people around her.
Earlier in the day, loved ones also gathered at Hurley Park for a bench dedication in Brinley’s memory. The bench was purchased by several teacher friends of Brinley’s mother, Staci, as a way to honor both Brinley’s life and the love surrounding her family.
Brinley was 26 years old when she passed away on April 9, 2025. On Saturday, the community made it clear that she has not been forgotten.
The new dog park includes separate areas for larger and smaller dogs. Residents are encouraged to bring their pups, enjoy the new community space and remember Brinley’s legacy through kindness, love and community spirit.
Georgia’s New Insurance Reform Law Brings Major Changes For Homeowners And Drivers
A sweeping new insurance reform measure signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp is expected to bring significant changes for Georgia homeowners, drivers and insurance companies.
House Bill 1344, known as the “Georgia Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act,” was signed into law earlier this month after receiving overwhelming support in the Georgia General Assembly. Supporters say the legislation is designed to improve transparency, crack down on fraud and help make insurance more affordable across the state.
The new law increases roughly 40 fines and penalties for insurance companies that violate laws or policy provisions during the claims process. Lawmakers say the goal is to make claims processing faster, fairer and more accountable for policyholders.
HB 1344 also strengthens enforcement of uninsured motorist laws and includes new measures targeting insurance fraud, including tougher enforcement against staged accidents and illegal solicitation practices connected to crash victims.
One major portion of the legislation focuses on storm damage and homeowner protection. The bill enhances Georgia’s Fortified Homes program, which helps homeowners strengthen roofs and structures against severe weather damage. Lawmakers say the program could help reduce storm-related insurance claims and lower long-term costs for both insurers and homeowners.
The legislation also places new restrictions on how insurance companies can use aerial and satellite imaging when evaluating homes. Under the new law, insurers using aerial images to cancel or refuse to renew a homeowner’s policy must provide copies of the images and give homeowners time to address any issues before coverage is dropped.
Additional provisions require local governments to report how insurance premium tax revenue is being used to help reduce insurance costs for citizens. The bill also limits premium tax refund requests to three years and guarantees policyholders at least two years to file property and casualty insurance claims.
The measure further includes provisions related to insurance policies for short-term rentals such as Airbnb and vacation rental properties.
Supporters of the bill say Georgia has faced rising insurance costs in recent years, especially following severe weather events and increased claims costs. Lawmakers behind the legislation say the reforms are intended to improve consumer protections while stabilizing the state’s insurance market.
Most provisions of HB 1344 are scheduled to take effect July 1.
Chattooga County Animal Shelter Encourages Residents To Consider Pet Adoption
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is encouraging residents to consider opening their homes to a shelter pet.
Several dogs and cats are currently available for adoption at the shelter, giving local families the opportunity to provide a loving home to an animal in need. Adoption not only changes the life of the pet, but also helps reduce overcrowding and allows the shelter to continue caring for other animals that come through its doors.
Shelter pets can make loyal companions for individuals, couples and families. Many animals waiting for adoption simply need a second chance, a safe home and someone willing to give them love and stability.
Choosing adoption also supports the work of local animal shelters and rescue efforts here in Chattooga County. Every adoption helps free up space, resources and staff time for other animals needing care.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. Operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 AM until 4 PM. Wednesday visits are available by appointment.
Anyone thinking about adding a pet to their family is encouraged to visit the shelter and learn more about the adoption process.
Gov. Kemp Extends Georgia Gas Tax Suspension For Two More Weeks
Georgia drivers will get two additional weeks of relief at the gas pump after Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order suspending the state’s motor fuel tax.
The new suspension begins at 12:01 AM on May 20 and will run through June 3. It follows the current gas tax suspension under House Bill 1199, which is set to expire at 11:59 PM on May 19. The executive order is structured to continue the savings without a gap between the two suspensions.
Kemp said the move is aimed at helping Georgia families ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend, when millions of Americans are expected to take road trips. According to AAA, more than 39 million Americans are expected to travel by car during the holiday period, surpassing last year’s record.
The governor said Georgia families should not feel blindsided by prices at the pump as they prepare for holiday travel. He said the state remains committed to providing relief where possible.
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia is currently $4.02, about 50 cents below the national average. Georgia is one of only two states currently suspending its motor fuel tax.
Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel. The suspension temporarily removes those taxes from the price paid by motorists.
The gas tax suspension will remain in effect through June 3 unless it is extended again by further state action.
Peaceful Protest Held In Downtown Summerville Supporting Trion Student In ICE Custody
Members of the Chattooga County Democratic Party organized a peaceful protest in downtown Summerville on Saturday in support of a Trion High School student currently being held by federal immigration authorities.
The protest was held in front of the Chattooga County Courthouse, where demonstrators gathered carrying signs and expressing support for 19-year-old Elder Aguilar-Macario, a Trion High School senior who was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Walker County earlier this month.
According to reports, Aguilar-Macario was stopped by the Georgia State Patrol and charged with driving without a license and failure to maintain lane. After being booked into the Walker County Jail, immigration officials were contacted through the county’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was later transferred into federal custody.
Friends, classmates, and supporters say Aguilar-Macario has attended Trion schools since arriving in the United States as a child and was only weeks away from graduation at the time of his arrest. Reports also noted that he recently began a welding program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College and played soccer for Trion High School.
Elder’s family was in attendance at the protest on Saturday.
Organizers of Saturday’s protest said the event was intended to peacefully show community support for the student and his family while calling attention to concerns over immigration enforcement involving students and longtime community members. Organizers say that another protest may take place in the near future.
Highland Avenue Road Closure Scheduled For May 18–22
A road closure is scheduled for Highland Avenue in Summerville this week due to planned infrastructure work in the area.
Highland Avenue will be closed to through traffic between East First Avenue and Sixth Avenue from Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. The closure will be in place daily from 7 AM until 8 PM.
Businesses and residents located within the closure area will still have access to their properties, but minor delays should be expected.
Motorists are encouraged to use Highway 27 northbound and southbound as an alternate route and follow posted detour signs around the construction zone.
Man Arrested In Chattooga County Later Arrested In Floyd County The Same Day
A man arrested in Chattooga County last week was arrested later the same day in Floyd County on a separate shoplifting charge.
According to reports, 35-year-old Cody Lee Vickers of Fayette was arrested Thursday in Rome after he allegedly stole a pack of Camel Crush Menthol cigarettes from the Circle K on Shorter Avenue. The cigarettes were valued at $9.46.
Reports said Vickers had also been arrested earlier that same day in Chattooga County for shoplifting from a store there. The reports did not list what was allegedly stolen or where the incident happened.
Vickers is charged with shoplifting in both Floyd County and Chattooga County.
Arrest Report - Saturday - May 16, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 16, 2026:
Warm Weather Continues Across Northwest Georgia With Rain Chances Increasing Midweek
Northwest Georgia will stay warm through the middle of next week, with afternoon highs expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s across much of the area.
Forecasters say today will bring toasty temperatures, light southerly winds, and gradually increasing clouds. Some of the higher elevations in North Georgia will remain a little cooler, with highs in the 70s.
Overnight lows will fall into the 60s before another warm day on Sunday. Isolated thunderstorms will be possible Sunday and Monday, but rain chances are expected to remain limited and widespread severe weather is not expected.
The better chance for rain in Northwest Georgia is expected by midweek as a cold front moves toward the state. That front is forecast to slowly push across Georgia from Wednesday through Friday, bringing increased rain chances late in the week.
While the rainfall will be welcome, forecasters say it is not expected to be enough to end ongoing dry conditions.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Make History With First-Ever State Soccer Championship
History was made in Thomaston, Georgia on Friday night as the Trion Lady Bulldogs captured the first state championship in program history with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Irwin County in the GHSA Class A Division II state title match.
Playing at Upson-Lee High School, the Lady Bulldogs rose to the occasion in a hard-fought championship battle worthy of a state final.
Allison Hudgins proved to be the hero for Trion, scoring both goals in the championship victory and helping secure the historic win for the Lady Bulldogs.
The state title marks not only the first girls’ soccer championship in Trion High School history, but also the first girls’ soccer state championship ever won by a Northwest Georgia program.
The historic victory caps off a memorable season for the Lady Bulldogs and forever cements their place in Trion athletics history.
Sloppy Floyd State Park Ready to Welcome Summer Adventurers
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.
Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.
Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.
Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Makerspace Monday Returning to Chattooga County Library on May 18
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System will host another “Makerspace Monday” event on Monday, May 18, at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the library located at 360 Farrar Drive.
Participants can sign up for time to use equipment including Cricut machines, 3-D printers, a large-format printer and a laser engraver. Organizers say materials are available for purchase, or participants may bring their own supplies.
Registration is required to participate. Those interested can call 706-857-2553 or stop by the library circulation desk for more information.
Summerville Woman Arrested After Domestic Disturbance and Struggle With Police
A Summerville woman was arrested after a domestic disturbance allegedly led to property damage and a physical confrontation with officers.
According to the Summerville Police Department incident report, officers responded to a residence on Gash Street in connection with a domestic-related incident involving Lexington Isher.
Police said Isher allegedly damaged a window air conditioning unit before fleeing into a wooded area behind the residence when officers arrived on scene.
The report states officers repeatedly ordered Isher to stop, but she allegedly refused to comply. Officers later located her lying on the ground in the wooded area attempting to conceal herself.
According to police, Isher resisted efforts to take her into custody and allegedly struck an officer in the face during the struggle before being restrained.
Authorities transported Isher to the Chattooga County Jail.
According to the Summerville Police Department, charges included:
- Two counts of felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer
- Two counts of misdemeanor obstruction
- Three counts of cruelty to children
- Criminal damage to property under the Family Violence Act
The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Summerville Officials Seek Federal Funding for Water, Flooding and Gas System Projects
Summerville city leaders traveled to Washington to meet with Congressman Clay Fuller and discuss federal funding requests tied to several major infrastructure needs in the city.
Mayor Rickey Hughes, City Manager Jason Winters and Councilman Joe Money met with Congressman Fuller and his chief of staff, Spencer Hogg, to discuss funding assistance for PFAS water treatment, flood mitigation and replacement of aging natural gas infrastructure.
According to documents provided by the City of Summerville, officials are requesting $28 million for a Granular Activated Carbon filtration system at the Summerville-Raccoon Creek Water Treatment Plant. City leaders say the project is needed after PFAS levels in the city’s water supply exceeded federal limits beginning in 2020.
Additional requests include support for drainage infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing flooding in downtown Summerville and grant assistance for modernization of the city’s aging natural gas distribution system.
Mayor Rickey Hughes praised the meeting with Congressman Fuller and thanked those involved in arranging the visit.
“It’s so good to have a Congressman that will talk with constituents,” Hughes said. “We met with Congressman Clay Fuller today and requested funding for treatment of PFAS as well as flooding situations and old gas line replacement. Also a huge thank you to Kendall Keeling for giving us a great Capitol tour. We are trying our best to do great things for the City of Summerville.”
City officials say the natural gas system serves more than 4,600 residential, commercial and industrial customers across Chattooga and Floyd counties.
VA Approves Record $596 Million for Facility Improvements During Second Quarter of FY 2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $596 million in infrastructure improvements during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 as part of a historic $4.8 billion investment in non-recurring maintenance projects nationwide.
According to the VA, the FY 2026 maintenance budget is the largest in department history and will fund major repairs, replacements, and upgrades at VA medical facilities aimed at improving healthcare delivery and operational readiness for veterans.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the investments are helping strengthen services for veterans across the country.
“The Trump Administration is making massive improvements in VA healthcare and benefits, and Veterans are noticing,” Collins said. “The historic investments we’re making in VA facilities across the nation are another reason why we’ve added more than 125,000 VA healthcare enrollees in 2026 alone.”
Through the second quarter, the VA has obligated more than $1 billion of the total funding package. Projects include:
- $795 million for repairs and upgrades to aging infrastructure systems at medical facilities.
- $255 million to modernize facilities in preparation for future electronic health record system updates.
- $13 million for major building improvements including elevators, electrical systems, and boiler plants.
The department also highlighted several additional accomplishments since January 2025, including:
- More than 125,000 new veterans enrolled in VA healthcare during 2026.
- Opening 35 new VA healthcare facilities nationwide.
- A 70% reduction in the VA benefits backlog.
- More than 82 million direct care appointments completed during FY 2025.
- More than 2.5 million appointments offered outside normal operating hours.
- Nearly 52,000 homeless veterans permanently housed during FY 2025, the highest total in seven years.
Drought Conditions Continue Across Chattooga County Despite Recent Rainfall
Even with several rounds of recent rainfall across northwest Georgia, drought conditions continue to grip Chattooga County and much of the Southeast.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, Chattooga County remains in drought conditions, with officials saying recent rain has provided only limited relief to extremely dry soil and low streamflow levels.
Weather experts say the region remains well below normal rainfall totals over the past several months, and ongoing dry conditions have continued to elevate wildfire danger across Georgia and neighboring states.
The National Drought Mitigation Center reports that much of Georgia remains in moderate to severe drought categories despite scattered rain events in recent weeks. Forecasters say isolated showers may temporarily improve surface conditions, but more widespread and sustained rainfall will be needed before meaningful drought recovery occurs.
Recent dry weather has also contributed to elevated fire weather concerns across north Georgia, with low humidity and dry vegetation increasing the risk for brush fires and wildfires.
Meteorologists say warmer temperatures expected over the coming days could worsen evaporation rates and place additional stress on already dry ground conditions.
Town of Trion Holding Dog Park Grand Opening Today
The Town of Trion will officially celebrate the opening of its new dog park today with a special ceremony at the Track Field Pavilion adjoining Simmons Street.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 AM.
Town officials say the project was inspired by the late Brinley A. Corbin, whose dream of a community dog park has now become a reality.
Mayor Mickey McGraw and members of the Trion Town Council are inviting residents and visitors from across the area to attend the celebration and bring their dogs.
Free Community Meal Happening Today at Summerville First Baptist Church
All are residents are invited to enjoy a free hot meal today during the Grateful Saturday Blessings event at Summerville First Baptist Church.
The meal will be served from 11 AM until 1 PM at the church located at 125 Georgia Avenue in Summerville.
Today’s menu includes spaghetti, corn and garlic bread, along with desserts.
The meal is available to anyone in the community.
Organizers say Grateful Saturday Blessings will pause for the summer and resume in August 2026.
Arrest Report - Friday - May 15, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 15, 2026
