Plenty Happening Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia Today
Several events are happening today, Saturday, May 30, giving families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia a variety of ways to spend the day.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host an Adoption Day event at Tractor Supply in Summerville from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors can meet adoptable pets, speak with shelter representatives, and learn more about giving a dog or cat a permanent home. The event will also include giveaways, treats, and activities as part of National Pet Month.
In downtown Summerville, Community Connect Day will take place at the Summerville Train Depot from noon until 3 p.m. The event is being hosted by the City of Summerville, Summerville Main Street, and the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce. Local organizations, businesses, vendors, food, and community groups will be on hand as residents and visitors gather downtown, including passengers arriving on the Tennessee Valley Railroad excursion train.
In Walker County, the LaFayette Honeybee Festival returns today in downtown LaFayette with a full day of music, food, shopping, contests, family activities, and entertainment. The festival runs from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. and is free to attend. This year’s main stage lineup includes The Band Perry, LaFayette’s own Channing Wilson, and Shane Profitt on the Pigeon Mountain Trading Company Stage. Festivalgoers can also enjoy food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone, barbecue competition, baking contest, car show, and activities highlighting the importance of protecting honeybees.
Whether you are looking to adopt a pet, enjoy downtown Summerville, or take in a full day of music and festival activities in LaFayette, there are several opportunities to get out and enjoy the day across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Quota Hunt Applications Open June 1
Georgia hunters will soon be able to apply for a variety of quota hunts as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources prepares for the upcoming hunting season.
Beginning June 1, hunters can electronically submit applications for many quota hunts, including certain deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove, and youth hunting opportunities. The hunts are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division and take place on Wildlife Management Areas and other state-managed properties across Georgia.
Quota hunts are designed to provide quality hunting experiences while helping wildlife managers regulate harvest numbers, reduce overcrowding, and maintain healthy game populations.
According to DNR officials, hunters selected through the quota system must have the proper licenses and permits required for participation. Applications can be submitted online through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com by selecting the “Quota Hunts” option and following the application instructions.
Several application deadlines are scheduled throughout the summer. The first deadline is July 15 for alligator hunts, followed by August 15 for dove hunts, including Adult/Child hunts. Most deer hunt applications, including youth deer hunts, must be submitted by September 1.
Wildlife Resources Division officials encourage hunters to verify that their email addresses and account information are current in order to receive notifications and quota hunt updates. Assistance is also available by calling 1-800-366-2661.
For hunters in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, quota hunts provide opportunities to access some of the state’s most popular public hunting areas while participating in carefully managed hunts.
Additional information, application deadlines, and historical selection odds can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/quota.
Arrest Report - Friday - May 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 29, 2026:
Wet Weather Pattern To Keep Showers And Storms Around Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia will remain stuck in an unsettled weather pattern through the beginning of next week, with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms expected across the area.
The National Weather Service says a frontal boundary stretched across north Georgia will continue to be the main driver for rain and storm chances today and Saturday. Showers could begin developing late this morning in western parts of the state before becoming more widespread during the afternoon and evening.
Forecasters say the main concern with any thunderstorms will be locally heavy rainfall. With plenty of moisture in place and storms expected to move slowly at times, some areas could see heavy downpours in a short period. While widespread flooding is not currently expected, isolated flooding issues could develop where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Rain and thunderstorms may continue into the overnight hours and into Saturday morning, which could also lead to areas of low clouds and patchy fog.
The same general forecast is expected to continue into early next week. Afternoon thunderstorms will be possible each day, with high temperatures mainly in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Severe weather is not expected to be a major concern, but forecasters will continue to monitor the potential for flash flooding, especially in spots that pick up repeated rainfall.
A change in the weather pattern may arrive by the middle of next week. High pressure is expected to build into the Southeast, which could bring a break from the rain and allow for more sunshine and drying conditions.
Until then, keep the umbrella nearby and use caution on the roads during periods of heavy rain.
Randy Owen Center For The Performing Arts Opens At Jacksonville State University
A new performing arts venue bearing the name of Alabama music legend Randy Owen has officially opened on the campus of Jacksonville State University.
The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts recently welcomed visitors during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration at JSU. University officials say the new facility is designed to serve as a major hub for music, theater, educational programming, and live performances for students and the surrounding community.
Owen, best known as the lead singer of the country music group Alabama, attended the opening and spoke about the importance of arts education and community involvement. University leaders praised Owen for his longtime support of Jacksonville State University and his contributions to music and philanthropy throughout Alabama and the Southeast.
The new center includes modern performance spaces, rehearsal areas, classrooms, and upgraded technology aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in music and the performing arts.
Jacksonville State officials say the facility will also host concerts, productions, and special events that are expected to draw visitors from across the region.
AAA Survey Shows Summer Travel Remains A Priority For Georgia Residents
A new AAA survey shows summer travel demand remains steady across Georgia, even as higher gas prices and inflation continue to influence how families plan their trips.
According to AAA, 53 percent of Georgians say they plan to take a summer vacation this year. While many households are still prioritizing travel, higher costs are causing some residents to adjust their plans.
Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said people still want to take a summer trip, but they are becoming more flexible and more focused on getting value for their money.
AAA says many Georgians are making changes because of rising fuel prices. Twenty-three percent say they are choosing destinations closer to home, 19 percent plan to take fewer road trips, 15 percent are reconsidering whether to drive or fly, and 25 percent say they are budgeting more for fuel while cutting back on extras. However, 32 percent say gas prices have not affected their plans.
Air travel plans are also holding steady for many travelers, with 42 percent of Georgians reporting no change to their plans for flying.
AAA says planning ahead is becoming more important as costs fluctuate. Twenty-six percent of Georgians are booking earlier to lock in prices, while others are choosing destinations with more predictable travel costs, all-inclusive resorts, or prepaid travel options.
AAA recommends travelers book early, remain flexible with travel dates and destinations, consider closer-to-home trips, bundle lodging and transportation when possible, travel during off-peak days, and set a budget before leaving home.
VA Highlights Importance Of Spiritual Care In Helping Homeless Veterans Recover
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says recovery for homeless veterans involves more than simply finding housing, emphasizing that emotional and spiritual support can play a major role in helping veterans rebuild their lives.
In a recent article released by the VA Homeless Programs Office, officials said many veterans experiencing homelessness are also struggling with isolation, trauma, grief, depression, and a loss of purpose. The VA says chaplains and spiritual care teams are often integrated into support programs to help veterans cope during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The VA noted that spiritual care is not treated as a secondary service, but instead as part of a broader recovery effort that works alongside housing assistance, mental health treatment, medical care, and employment services. Officials said spiritual support can help veterans restore hope, reconnect with their communities, and regain a sense of meaning and stability.
Programs such as HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and Community Resource and Referral Centers continue to provide housing and case management support for veterans facing homelessness across the country. The VA says those services are designed to help veterans secure permanent housing while also addressing long-term health and wellness needs.
The department also pointed to growing research showing that spiritual support and social connection may improve overall well-being for formerly unhoused veterans.
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance.
NWGA Public Health Director Offers Tips To Stay Safe In Summer Heat
With summer quickly approaching and temperatures already climbing across Northwest Georgia, local health officials are reminding residents to take precautions when spending time outdoors.
Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, says one of the best ways to stay safe during hot weather is to limit exposure to the sun and stay hydrated. Residents are also encouraged to wear sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.
Other heat safety tips include wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, avoiding heavy foods, and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas when possible.
Health officials say children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions can be especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
Dr. Voccio also says summer is a good time for parents to make sure children are up-to-date on required vaccines before the next school year begins. More information about immunizations and vaccinations is available through Northwest Georgia Public Health.
Northwest Georgia Unemployment Rate Falls To 2.7 Percent
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.7 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.
According to the labor department, the region’s labor force decreased by 1,151 people over the month but increased by 5,572 over the past year, bringing the total labor force to 458,771.
The number of employed residents in Northwest Georgia rose by 1,628 during April and increased by 5,771 compared to one year ago, reaching an all-time high of 446,222 employed workers.
The department also reported that initial unemployment claims fell by 521 over the month and were down 167 compared to the same time last year, totaling 2,036 claims.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the statewide job growth reflects Georgia’s strong workforce and economic environment.
“Georgia has always been a state that rewards hard work, and right now, hard work is paying off in a big way,” Holmes said. “Every single metro area in this state added jobs in April, more Georgians are earning mortgage-paying paychecks, and our workforce is more skilled and competitive than ever.”
AdventHealth Gordon Opens New Milk Depot To Support Infants Across Northwest Georgia
AdventHealth Gordon has opened a new Milk Depot in Calhoun to help expand access to donor breast milk for premature and medically fragile infants across Northwest Georgia.
The new Milk Depot, located inside The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon, officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 27. The hospital is partnering with Mothers’ Milk Bank Southeast, a nonprofit organization that provides safe, pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable babies when a mother’s own milk is unavailable or not enough.
The AdventHealth Gordon location becomes the organization’s 30th milk collection site. Approved donors will now have a safe and convenient local drop-off location for excess breast milk, which can then be used to help infants in need throughout the Southeast.
Lauren Everett, Director of The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon, said human milk plays a critical role in the health and development of vulnerable infants. Hospital leaders say donor milk can help reduce serious complications in premature babies, including necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous intestinal condition and a leading cause of infant mortality in neonatal intensive care units.
AdventHealth Gordon President and CEO Justin Birmele said the new Milk Depot reflects the hospital’s commitment to supporting mothers, babies, and families through compassionate, whole-person care.
Anyone interested in becoming a donor must first complete a free health screening through Mothers’ Milk Bank Southeast. Approved donors may call 706-879-4737 to schedule a drop-off at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon. More information is available at mymilkbank.org.
Missing Elderly Couple Found Safe After Cherokee County Deputies Use License Plate Camera System
An elderly couple suffering from dementia was located safely after family members contacted the Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office to report them missing earlier this week.
Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the couple did not have cell phones or any other way for family members or law enforcement to contact them. Deputies searched throughout the night, working to determine where the couple may have gone.
During the search, deputies used FLOCK camera technology to help follow the couple’s travel route. FLOCK cameras are license plate-reading cameras used by law enforcement agencies to capture vehicle information as cars pass certain locations. The cameras can help officers identify the direction a vehicle is traveling and provide leads in cases involving missing persons, stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and other emergencies.
The sheriff’s office said information gathered by Cherokee County deputies was shared with nearby law enforcement agencies. After receiving those updates, the Russellville Police Department began searching its area and discovered that the couple had been involved in a vehicle accident.
Thankfully, the couple was located safely and was not seriously injured.
Sheriff Shaver said the cameras do not replace police officers or traditional investigations, but they can provide important information during time-sensitive situations. In this case, that information helped law enforcement narrow the search area and bring the incident to a safe ending.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Russellville Police Department for its assistance and quick response.
Trion Farmers Market Starts Next Thursday
Residents looking for fresh produce and locally made goods can mark their calendars for next Thursday, June 4th, as the Trion Farmers Market kicks off its new season.
The market will open at 8 AM and will be held each Thursday from 8 AM until noon at the pavilion near the Trion Track Field.
Shoppers can find fresh produce, jams, jellies, relishes, salsa, and other locally made items throughout the season.
Local producers who would like to participate are welcome to come set up at the Trion Farmers Market.
GNTC To Host Open Houses At All Six Campuses
Georgia Northwestern Technical College will host Open House events at all six of its campuses next week, giving prospective students and families a chance to learn more about programs, tour facilities, and meet faculty and staff.
The events will be held from 10 AM until noon.
Open Houses are scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at the Polk County Campus in Rockmart and the Walker County Campus in Rock Spring. On Wednesday, June 3rd, events will be held at the Gordon County Campus in Calhoun and the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton. On Thursday, June 4th, Open Houses will take place at the Catoosa County Campus in Ringgold and the Floyd County Campus in Rome.
Legare Price, associate vice president of Student Success at GNTC, said the events are a great opportunity for potential students and families to explore one of the college’s six campuses and see what GNTC has to offer.
Each two-hour event will include registration, a panel discussion, campus tours with program highlights, a presentation on GNTC’s benefits, and a step-by-step overview of the enrollment process.
Attendees will receive special giveaways and a code to waive the $25 application fee.
For more information, contact GNTC’s Office of Admissions at admissions@gntc.edu or 866-983-4682.
Arrest Report - Thursday - May 28, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 28, 2026:
Rain Chances Ease Today Before Storms Increase Again Friday And Saturday
A brief break in the more widespread wet weather pattern is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, but forecasters say the break will likely be short-lived.
The National Weather Service says scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible today, though coverage should be slightly lower than what is expected heading into Friday and Saturday. The overall weather pattern is shifting, with a front expected to move into the region tonight before stalling across the area on Friday. That front will help bring a renewed increase in showers and thunderstorms as the week comes to a close.
Forecasters say the main concern with any thunderstorms will continue to be locally heavy rainfall. A very moist air mass remains in place, and rainfall could become heavy in stronger storms. As repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms continue over the next several days, it may take less rainfall to cause localized flooding problems, especially in areas that have already received recent rain.
The greatest concern will come from storms that move over the same locations for an extended period of time. Rainfall rates in some storms could be heavy enough to cause ponding on roads, poor drainage flooding, and rising water in low-lying areas.
Rain chances are expected to remain elevated through the weekend and into early next week. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms will be possible each day, with highs generally in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees and overnight lows in the mid-60s.
Chattooga County Assessor’s Office Informs Residents About Property Appraisal Visits
The Chattooga County Assessor’s Office is notifying residents that representatives from Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services, Incorporated — known as GMASS — are currently visiting properties throughout the county.
According to the notice released by the Assessor’s Office, the company has been contracted by the Board of Assessors to perform various appraisal services as part of county property assessments.
Officials say the inspections are being conducted in accordance with Georgia law and that appraisers will carry identification badges showing they are working for the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office. Their vehicles will also display the GMASS logo.
The Assessor’s Office says employee photos and vehicle information have been provided to Chattooga County 911 and local law enforcement agencies.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office at 706-857-0737.
Walker County Couple Charged With Child Trafficking, Rape, And Aggravated Sodomy
A Walker County couple is facing multiple serious felony charges following an investigation into alleged child abuse and trafficking.
According to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began May 15 after deputies received a tip concerning possible abuse involving a child.
Investigators later obtained warrants charging 60-year-old David Rutherford and 43-year-old Heather Rutherford, both of Flintstone, with trafficking, rape, and aggravated sodomy.
Deputies executed a search warrant May 22 at a residence on Nancy Lane in Flintstone as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say the couple had already been taken into custody in Rhea County, Tennessee before the search warrant was carried out.
Officials stated the arrests were made without incident and involved coordination between the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Walker County Commissioners To Consider Rezoning Requests, Road Closure, And County Projects
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex IV in LaFayette.
Among the items on the agenda is a public hearing involving a rezoning request from Renard Lanier, who is seeking to rezone property on South Highway 27 in LaFayette from Agricultural to Commercial use. The Walker County Planning Commission previously recommended denying the request as submitted.
Commissioners will also revisit a rezoning request from Joan Brown involving property on Highway 151 that has already been tabled several times during previous meetings.
Other agenda items include a proposed abandonment of Concord Road in East Armuchee, approval of funding applications for the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, and a contract for replacement of the roof at the Walker County Department of Family and Children Services building.
Commissioners are also expected to consider setting fees tied to the county’s newly approved spay and neuter ordinance and approving an agreement involving See Rock City Incorporated and Walker County property.
Additional business includes the purchase of two Ford Rangers for Walker County Fire and Rescue and renewal of the county’s electronic meeting and records management platforms.
The meeting will also feature a presentation from Morning Pointe Senior Living concerning the Lantern at Morning Pointe facility in Happy Valley.
Deadline Approaching For Trion Summer Baseball Sign-Ups
Parents still have time to register their children for Trion Recreation Department summer baseball, but the deadline is quickly approaching.
Registration is now open for 6U and 8U coach pitch leagues along with an 11U machine pitch league. The season is scheduled to run from July 10th through August 14th.
The cost is $30 per player, and player age will be determined based on age as of September 1st.
Officials say the deadline to sign up is June 7th. Registration is taking place through Trion Recreation.
Summerville Man Arrested After Alleged Shoplifting Incident In Floyd County
A Summerville man was arrested following an alleged shoplifting incident at the Dollar General on Calhoun Road in Floyd County.
According to Floyd County Police reports, 33-year-old Dalton Taylor Worthington was observed taking a backpack from a store shelf before going into the restroom and returning a short time later.
Investigators say the backpack was then used to conceal two Shamrock drinks along with other merchandise while store employees watched the incident unfold.
Police said Worthington walked past all points of sale without paying for the items, which had a reported total value of $19.25.
Worthington was later charged with Theft by Shoplifting.