Daily Thunderstorm Chances Continue Through Weekend Before Hotter, Drier Weather Returns
Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain in the forecast for Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through the weekend, with the greatest chances for widespread rainfall arriving Thursday through Saturday.
Today will be partly sunny with a high near 91 degrees and heat index values approaching 99. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 4 p.m.
Rain chances increase to 70 percent tonight and Thursday, with periods of showers and thunderstorms capable of producing locally heavy rainfall. Highs on Thursday and Friday will be slightly cooler, topping out around 86 degrees.
The unsettled weather continues into Saturday with an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before conditions begin improving Sunday. Sunshine returns early next week with temperatures climbing back into the lower 90s Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by only a slight chance of afternoon storms.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 22, 2026
AdventHealth Medical Group Welcomes New Primary Care Physician To Summerville
AdventHealth Medical Group has welcomed Weston King, MD, to AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care & Urgent Care at Summerville, expanding access to primary care services for adults in Chattooga County and surrounding communities.
Dr. King provides patient-centered care with an emphasis on preventive medicine, chronic disease management and whole-person health. His clinical interests include diabetes care, improving health outcomes in rural communities and helping patients take an active role in their care.
Dr. King earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine and completed a Master of Biological Science at William Carey University. He completed his internal medicine residency at AdventHealth Redmond.
The Summerville practice offers acute and chronic disease management, wellness exams, health screenings, immunizations, laboratory services, mental health care, weight management and women’s and men’s health services.
Dr. King sees patients ages 18 and older at 9777 Rome Boulevard in Summerville.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 706-368-8899.
Outside of work, Dr. King enjoys spending time with his wife and children, volunteering at his church, traveling and playing golf.
Kemp Appoints Kathleen Van Pelt Davis As Lookout Mountain District Attorney
Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Kathleen Van Pelt Davis to serve as district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Chattooga, Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties.
Davis will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Clayton M. Fuller, who previously served as district attorney before leaving the position in 2026.
Davis currently serves as a special assistant attorney general representing the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Division of Aging Services throughout the four-county judicial circuit.
She has also served for 11 years as a director of the law firm Bowers & Davis, LLC, representing clients in criminal and domestic cases and conducting mediations across Northwest Georgia. Davis previously worked as an associate special assistant attorney general under former District Attorney Steven M. Ellis.
Davis graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law, where she participated in the Prosecutorial Clinic. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Georgia.
Davis, her husband and their four children live in Catoosa County.
Chattooga County Young Farmers Honored as Georgia's Outstanding Post-Secondary Program
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Program has earned statewide recognition after being named the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (GVATA) Outstanding Post-Secondary Program during the organization’s Summer Conference held this past week in Athens.
The prestigious award recognizes agricultural education programs that demonstrate excellence in providing quality educational opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, strong community partnerships and effective program promotion.
Program leaders said the honor reflects the dedication of the many people who have contributed to the success of the Chattooga County Young Farmers over the years.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of the members, officers, volunteers, community partners, local businesses and everyone who has supported the Chattooga County Young Farmers,” the organization said in announcing the award.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Program offers educational programs, workshops and networking opportunities for area farmers and agricultural professionals while promoting lifelong learning and leadership within Georgia agriculture.
The Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association represents agricultural educators from across the state and annually recognizes programs that exemplify excellence in agricultural education and community involvement.
Drivers Reminded to Watch for School Buses as Chattooga Students Return Friday
With the first day of school just days away, motorists are being reminded to slow down, stay alert and obey Georgia’s school bus laws as Chattooga County students return to class on Friday, July 24.
School buses will once again be traveling roads across the county during the early morning and afternoon hours, picking up and dropping off hundreds of students. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and be especially cautious in neighborhoods and along rural routes where children may be waiting for buses.
Under Georgia law, drivers traveling in both directions on an undivided roadway must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and activates its flashing red lights. Drivers may only proceed after the stop arm is withdrawn and the bus begins moving again.
On divided highways with a grass median, concrete barrier or other physical separation, only vehicles traveling behind the bus are required to stop. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction is not required to stop but should continue with caution.
Passing a stopped school bus is not only dangerous but can also be expensive. Violators face significant fines, points on their driver’s license and possible court appearances. Many school buses are also equipped with stop-arm cameras that record vehicles illegally passing while children are boarding or exiting.
Parents are encouraged to remind children to remain a safe distance from the roadway, wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the street and never walk behind a school bus.
As another school year begins, motorists are reminded that a few extra seconds of patience can help ensure every child arrives safely at school and returns home each afternoon.
Summerville to Celebrate Recreation Improvements Today
The City of Summerville is inviting the public to attend the first of two open house celebrations today as it highlights recent improvements to the city’s recreational facilities.
The first event will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Summerville Recreation Center, where city officials will celebrate the installation of the facility’s new gymnasium HVAC system. The public is invited to attend.
A second celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 24, at 8:30 p.m. at Dunson Field, where the city will officially unveil the new MUSCO ballfield lighting system during youth baseball and softball games.
Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said both events are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to join the city in celebrating the completion of these important recreation improvements.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church To Hold Annual School Prayer Walk Sunday
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Gore community will hold its annual school prayer walk on Sunday, July 26, inviting families, educators, students, community members and other churches to take part.
The prayer walk will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the CCEC Center and Chattooga County Schools Bus Garage.
The group will then visit the following schools:
Leroy Massey Elementary School — 5:45 p.m.
Trion City Schools — 6:10 p.m.
Summerville Middle School and the CO/AGC area — 6:40 p.m.
Chattooga High School — 7 p.m.
Lyerly Elementary School — 7:25 p.m.
Menlo Elementary School — approximately 7:56 p.m.
Organizers said all times are approximate, but the group plans to arrive as close as possible to the listed schedule.
Community members are welcome to join the prayer walk at their local school or travel with the group to each stop. Other churches are also invited to participate.
Chattooga County Schools To Host Meet the Teacher Night Thursday
Families across Chattooga County will have an opportunity to meet teachers and prepare for the upcoming school year during Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, July 23.
The event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Menlo Elementary School, Lyerly Elementary School, Leroy Massey School, Summerville Middle School, and Chattooga High School.
Students and their families are encouraged to visit their schools, meet teachers, tour classrooms, drop off school supplies, and learn more about the year ahead before classes begin.
School officials say Meet the Teacher Night is a great opportunity for students to become familiar with their learning environment and start the new school year with confidence.
Georgia DPH Urges Parents to Make Sure Students Are Up to Date on Immunizations Before School Starts
With the first day of school approaching for Chattooga County students, the Georgia Department of Public Health is encouraging parents to make sure their children’s immunizations and required health records are up to date before classes begin.
Georgia law requires children attending public and private schools, pre-kindergarten programs and childcare facilities to have a valid Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) on file. Parents who are unsure whether their child is current on required vaccines should contact their healthcare provider or local health department before the back-to-school rush.
The state also has additional vaccine requirements for students entering certain grade levels. Students entering 7th grade must have one dose of the Tdap vaccine and one dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine documented on Form 3231. Students entering 11th grade must have proof of a meningococcal booster (MCV4) unless they received their first meningococcal vaccine on or after their 16th birthday.
In addition to immunizations, children enrolling in a Georgia public school for the first time must also have a completed Georgia Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300). Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments as soon as possible to avoid delays before the school year begins.
The Georgia Department of Public Health recommends checking with your child’s physician or the Chattooga County Health Department if you have questions about immunization requirements or need assistance obtaining the required forms.
Heat Continues Today; Storms and Heavy Rain Chances Increase Midweek
Northwest Georgia will experience another hot day today before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread later this week.
Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 94 degrees. Heat index values could reach 100 during the afternoon. Winds will be calm early before becoming southerly at around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low near 75.
A cold front approaching from the north will bring a return to more active weather on Wednesday. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 91 and heat index values again approaching 100. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m.
Rain and storm chances increase to 60 percent Wednesday night as the front settles into north Georgia. Some storms could produce heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and strong wind gusts. Localized flash flooding could become a concern where storms repeatedly move across the same areas.
Temperatures will become slightly cooler Thursday and Friday, with highs in the middle to upper 80s. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible both days.
Saturday currently has the highest chance of rain, with showers and thunderstorms likely and a 70 percent chance of precipitation. Highs will remain in the upper 80s before warming back to around 90 Sunday and the lower 90s by Monday.
Tropical Storm Bertha will continue moving slowly westward across the northern Gulf of Mexico. The storm is not expected to bring any direct impacts to Northwest Georgia, though increasing moisture and the approaching front will contribute to higher rain chances later this week.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - July 21, 2026
Tax Commissioner Hampton: Most Homeowners Should See Lower Property Taxes
Most Chattooga County homeowners should see lower property tax bills over the next two years as a result of state tax relief, local sales tax revenue and additional tax relief proposals, according to Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton.
Speaking recently, Hampton said several factors are expected to reduce property taxes for many homeowners, beginning with the return of Georgia’s Homeowner Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) in 2026. The state-funded grant will reduce the assessed value of qualifying homesteads by $18,000, the same amount offered in 2023 before the program was suspended in 2024 and 2025.
Based on last year’s millage rates, Hampton estimated the grant could save eligible homeowners about $300, although the actual savings will depend on the final millage rates adopted later this year.
Hampton also highlighted another source of tax relief through the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). She said approximately $1.5 million collected during a six-month period has been designated for property tax relief. That revenue will appear as a separate credit on tax bills while lowering the county’s millage rate for all property owners, not just those receiving homestead exemptions. City residents are also expected to see savings on their municipal property taxes from the same revenue source.
“The county portion is going to go down a good bit,” Hampton said, adding that even the school portion of property tax bills should decline once the state grant is applied. While final tax bills will depend on the millage rates approved later this year, she said she expects most homeowners to see a reduction.
Beginning next year, Hampton said property owners should see even greater benefits because the county will apply a full year of SPLOST collections—from July 1 through June 30—to the following year’s tax bills instead of only a six-month collection period.
In addition to the immediate tax relief, voters will be asked in November to consider proposed changes to county and school property tax exemptions for senior citizens. Hampton said the current exemptions date back to 1997 and 2007 and are tied to a maximum income limit of $20,000. The proposed changes would raise the income threshold, allowing more seniors to qualify while also revising the income calculation used to determine eligibility.
Hampton said the proposals are intended to provide meaningful tax relief to more residents while ensuring the exemptions better reflect today’s economic conditions.
Final property tax bills will be determined after local governments adopt their millage rates later this year.
Southern Church Homecomings: A Tradition That Brings Families Back Home
Across the South, few traditions are as deeply rooted as the annual church Homecoming. While the celebration is a highlight of many congregations today, its history stretches back more than a century and reflects the close ties between churches, families and rural communities.
Historians say church Homecomings became especially common in the late 1800s and early 1900s as people left small farming communities for jobs in cities and other states. Once a year, churches would invite former members, pastors and families to “come home” to the church where they were baptized, married, raised their children or worshipped for many years. The gatherings became both a spiritual celebration and a family reunion.
For many rural churches, Homecoming also served as an opportunity to remember the congregation’s history, honor longtime members and visit family cemeteries located beside the church. Special gospel singing, guest preachers, recognition of church milestones and the traditional “dinner on the grounds” became hallmarks of the occasion. In many communities, families still look forward to homemade fried chicken, vegetables, casseroles and desserts shared around long fellowship tables after the morning worship service.
Although Homecomings can be held at any time of the year, August and September have long been popular months throughout Georgia and the Southeast. The timing often follows the summer growing season and family vacations while allowing former residents to return home before the busy fall schedule begins. Many churches continue the tradition today with annual Homecoming services, revivals and gospel singings that attract visitors from across the region.
As another Homecoming season approaches, WZQZ Radio and the Chattooga Info website invite all area churches to submit their Homecoming services, revivals, gospel singings, Vacation Bible Schools, community meals and other church events for free publicity.
For more than 18 years, Mason Funeral Home in Summerville has proudly sponsored WZQZ’s free church announcements, helping congregations throughout Chattooga County and the surrounding area share their events with the community.
Church announcements are broadcast on WZQZ Radio and published on ChattoogaInfo.com at no charge. Any church in the area is welcome to participate by sending event information to WZQZ. You may call 706-857-WZQZ (9979) and leave a detailed message or you can email WZQZ at info@chattoogainfo.com .
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park to Host Sunset Paddle July 25
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park from the water during a Sunset Paddle on Saturday, July 25.
The ranger-led program begins at 8:30 p.m., with participants asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m. before launching onto the park’s Lower Lake for an evening paddle as the sun sets.
Registration is required in advance. The cost is $20 per person, which includes kayak rental, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required for entry.
Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear clothing that can get wet. The guided paddle offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lake while learning more about the park and its natural surroundings.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
AAA: Gas Prices Continue Climbing Across Northwest Georgia, Northeast Alabama
Motorists across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are continuing to see higher prices at the pump this week as rising crude oil costs and strong summer travel demand push gasoline prices upward.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Chattooga County is $3.69, while Floyd County drivers are paying an average of $3.73 per gallon. The average is $3.74 in Gordon County, and the Catoosa-Dade-Walker regional average, which includes Walker County, stands at $3.69.
Across the state line in Alabama, AAA reports average prices of $3.43 per gallon in both DeKalb County and Cherokee County.
Statewide, Georgia’s average price for regular gasoline is about $3.56 per gallon, while Alabama’s statewide average remains lower. Nationally, the average price has climbed to just under $4.00 per gallon as concerns over global oil supplies and continued heavy summer travel keep upward pressure on fuel prices.
AAA recommends motorists compare prices before filling up, take advantage of fuel rewards programs when available, maintain proper tire pressure, and avoid aggressive driving to improve fuel economy
Chattooga County Fair Unveils 2026 Attractions Lineup
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair is gearing up for four days of family fun with carnival rides, live entertainment, educational exhibits and daily livestock shows when the fair returns August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds in Summerville.
This year’s midway will once again feature Peachtree Rides, an Atlanta-based carnival company that has been providing rides, games and concessions since 1972. Fairgoers can expect a variety of attractions for both children and thrill seekers, along with classic carnival games and food.
Entertainment will include multiple magic shows each day, with the magician also roaming the fairgrounds between performances to entertain visitors.
New for 2026 is The Amazing Bubble Factory, an interactive educational show that combines giant bubbles, magic tricks and audience participation. The family-friendly attraction gives children and adults an opportunity to learn about the science behind bubbles while enjoying hands-on demonstrations.
Visitors can also stop by the Farm Bureau Demonstration Room, where demonstrations will be offered throughout the fair covering cooking, gardening and a variety of other topics.
In addition to the featured attractions, the fair will include live music, vendors, agricultural exhibits, blue ribbon competitions and daily livestock shows celebrating the area’s farming heritage.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair will be held at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville. Additional information, schedules and entry details are available at www.chattoogafair.com.
Public Intoxication Citation Issued in Summerville
A Summerville man was cited for public drunkenness Thursday evening following an incident on Fourth Street, according to the Summerville Police Department.
The citation states that Eli Nate Middlebrooks, 26, of Summerville, was issued a citation for public drunk, a violation of Summerville City Ordinance 38-1-10.
According to the officer’s narrative, police responded to a report of a subject yelling in the roadway in the 275 block of Fourth Street. Upon arrival, the officer observed Middlebrooks in the roadway and issued the citation.
The incident occurred on Thursday, July 16.
Middlebrooks is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex.
Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill Advances in Congress — What It Means for Georgia
Americans may be one step closer to ending the twice-a-year clock change.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. The bipartisan measure passed by a 308-117 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If approved there and signed by President Donald Trump, Americans in most states would no longer “spring forward” in March and “fall back” in November.
For Georgia, the proposal would mean clocks would remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round, giving residents more daylight during the evening hours throughout the winter. However, sunrise would come much later during the coldest months. In northwest Georgia, winter sunrises could occur after 8 a.m., meaning many students would head to school before daybreak.
Georgia is already prepared for the change. In 2021, Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation authorizing permanent Daylight Saving Time if Congress changes federal law. Current federal law allows states to stay on permanent Standard Time, but not permanent Daylight Saving Time, making congressional action necessary before Georgia’s law can take effect.
Supporters say ending the time change would eliminate sleep disruptions, reduce traffic accidents linked to lost sleep, and provide more evening daylight for outdoor recreation and businesses. Opponents argue that darker winter mornings could create safety concerns for school children and morning commuters, while some sleep experts continue to advocate for permanent Standard Time instead because it aligns more closely with the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
The bill still must clear the Senate before becoming law, and its prospects there remain uncertain after similar legislation stalled in previous sessions of Congress
Georgia Lottery Delivers Another Record Year for Education
The Georgia Lottery is celebrating another banner year, transferring a record $1.54 billion to Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs during fiscal year 2026.
Governor Brian Kemp announced the lottery’s latest contribution this week, marking the 11th consecutive year the Georgia Lottery has generated more than $1 billion for education. The fiscal year total exceeded the previous year’s contribution by nearly $70 million, bringing the total amount transferred to Georgia’s Lottery for Education Account to more than $31.3 billion since lottery sales began in 1993.
“Every dollar raised through the Georgia Lottery helps provide educational opportunities for students across our state,” Kemp said in announcing the results. Lottery proceeds fund Georgia’s nationally recognized HOPE Scholarship and Grant programs, as well as the state’s voluntary Pre-K Program, benefiting millions of Georgians over the past three decades.
Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin credited players, retailers and partners across the state for another successful year. Fiscal year 2026 also featured the largest lottery prize ever won in Georgia—a $983 million Mega Millions jackpot sold in Newnan during November and claimed in January.
Since its creation by Georgia voters in 1992, the Georgia Lottery has helped provide educational opportunities for millions of students while continuing to support one of the nation’s most successful scholarship and Pre-K programs.