Summerville Water Customers May See Low Pressure During Treatment Plant Maintenance Tuesday
City of Summerville water customers may experience low water pressure due to scheduled maintenance work at the city’s water treatment plant. The work is set to take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and is expected to be completed the same day.
City officials say they appreciate customers’ patience while crews complete the maintenance.
CRC Chattooga Announces Warming Shelter Plan for Extreme Cold, Seeks Volunteers and Meal Support
CRC Chattooga says it will once again operate a Warming Shelter at the CERT building when dangerously cold weather hits, thanking County Commissioner Andy Allen and Chattooga County for allowing the site to be used for a second year.
Organizers say the shelter is intended to meet a critical need for unhoused neighbors, but it is also available for anyone in the community who may be at risk during extreme temperatures, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure no one is left outside in life-threatening cold.
CRC Chattooga noted the shelter will open only when the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Cold Warning for at least two consecutive nights and enough volunteers are secured to safely staff operations. The group is currently seeking volunteers to help run the shelter, as well as individuals willing to provide warm, cooked meals for guests at breakfast and dinner. Organizers said meals like chili, pizza, and biscuits helped make last year’s shelter experience especially welcoming, and they are hoping to offer that same comfort again this season.
Beyond overnight support, CRC Chattooga is also looking for mentors willing to walk alongside guests toward stability by offering encouragement, consistency, and a supportive presence beyond a single warm night indoors. Those interested in volunteering, providing a meal, or mentoring are encouraged to help spread the word and get involved.
Arrest Report - Monday - July 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 19, 2026:
Freeze, Sunshine, and a Midweek Weather Turn for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Sunshine rules the day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, as temperatures stay below freezing through the early morning with lows in the low 20s and even upper teens in the higher elevations. While the biggest black ice concern is tied to places that still have leftover moisture from yesterday’s precipitation, drivers around northwest Georgia should still be cautious on bridges, shaded roads, and spots that don’t see early sunlight. The good news is that ample sunshine will help temperatures rebound quickly, pushing readings above freezing by mid-morning and fading any lingering slick-spot risk before late morning.
As the day goes on, dry high pressure builds toward the Southeast, keeping skies clear and weather quiet. Afternoon highs will be chilly but manageable, topping out around the low to mid 40s in much of north Georgia, with higher elevations of far north Georgia struggling to break out of the 30s. A dry cold front will slide into north Georgia this afternoon and move southward with no precipitation expected, but breezy northwesterly winds behind it will bring a reinforcing shot of cold, dry air.
Tuesday morning turns colder again, with lows dropping into the teens across the far northern tier and into the low to mid 20s elsewhere, and wind chills running 10 to 20 degrees for much of the area with single digits possible in the mountains. Tuesday afternoon looks similar temperature-wise, but the bigger change will be the very dry air, with dewpoints expected to fall into the single digits in north Georgia and teens farther south, driving relative humidity down enough to raise fire danger concerns for several hours even with recent rainfall still helping fuel conditions.
Looking farther out, dry conditions dominate much of the extended forecast, but a late-week system could begin spreading precipitation toward northwest Georgia, and while most places should remain above freezing initially, a brief rain-snow mix or a changeover near daybreak could be possible in the north Georgia mountains if colder air lines up with the moisture, with details still uncertain this far out.
Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About “Jury Duty” and “Ankle Monitor” Phone Scams
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents about a phone scam making the rounds in the area that involves callers impersonating law enforcement or court officials and using intimidation to demand immediate payment.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers may claim you missed jury duty, have an active arrest warrant, or owe money tied to probation or ankle monitor/monitoring fees—then threaten arrest if you don’t pay right away. Victims are often pressured to send money through gift cards, payment apps, wire transfers, or even cryptocurrency.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that real deputies will never call demanding money over the phone for warrants, missed jury duty, or ankle monitoring. In some cases, scammers may spoof phone numbers to look official, use real names, or direct people to fake government-style websites to steal personal information.
Common Tactics Being Reported
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Impersonation: Pretending to be deputies, police, or court officials (sometimes spoofing caller ID).
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Threats: Claims of warrants, missed jury duty, probation violations, or ankle monitor issues.
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Urgent payment demands: Gift cards (Green Dot, etc.), Zelle, Cash App, wire transfers, crypto.
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Fake websites: Links that look “official” to capture personal or payment details.
How the Sheriff’s Office Says to Protect Yourself
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Hang up immediately if the caller demands money or personal/financial information.
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Do not pay by phone—courts and law enforcement do not handle fines or fees this way.
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Verify independently: Look up the official number for the agency yourself and call directly.
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Never share personal info like your Social Security number or banking details with unsolicited callers.
If You’ve Been Targeted
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Do not pay or provide information.
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Report the attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at IC3.gov.
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Notify local authorities so others can be warned.
Chattooga Library Hosting Crochet Club Tuesday Afternoon
The Chattooga Library is inviting local crafters to grab their yarn and join the Crochet Club on Tuesday, January 20, from 2 PM until 3 PM at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The event, hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System, is open to anyone who enjoys crochet, knitting, cross stitch, or sewing. Participants are encouraged to bring their current project, share ideas, and enjoy conversation with other crafters. Organizers ask everyone to bring their own supplies.
The program is designed for adults ages 18 and up, and the event is open to the public.
Trion Wrestling Battles at GHSA 1A State Duals, Finishes Tied for 7th
Trion Wrestling left it all on the mat at the GHSA 1A State Duals, grinding through a tough weekend and proving what it means to compete as a team. The Bulldogs competed hard all weekend and kept showing up—no matter the matchup, closing the dual season tied for 7th overall.
With the dual season now in the books, the focus shifts to the next challenge: traditional season. Momentum is building, confidence is high, and this group is ready to keep pushing.
Weekend Individual Records
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Sammy Edgeworth — 4-0
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Brandon Chandler — 4-0
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Curt Hambright — 3-1
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Coleman Lee — 3-1
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Silas Mills — 3-1
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Wylan Ledford — 3-1
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Jonathan Linam — 2-2
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Josh Chandler — 2-2
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Edwin Fransisco — 2-2
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Lane Broome — 2-2
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Owen Martz — 2-2
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Frank Carillo — 2-2
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Clayton Loughridge — 1-1
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Christopher Sanders — 1-1
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Kam Hanes — 1-0
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Grayson Carpenter — 0-3
Bulldog Family Support Showed Up BIG
Trion’s coaches and staff couldn’t be more proud—not only of the wrestlers and managers, but also of the Bulldog fans that brought the energy all weekend. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, alumni, along with the AD and Superintendent, showed up in a huge way—supporting the team from the send-off to the final cleanup at the tournament.
Dual season may be complete, but this team is just getting started.
GNTC Hiring for Multiple Positions Across Northwest Georgia Campuses
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently accepting applications for several open jobs across its campuses, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.
Openings include two full-time positions at the Floyd County Campus: Accounting Technician/Cashier and Assistant Director of High School Initiatives. GNTC is also hiring a part-time Communication Officer serving the Floyd County and Walker County campuses, along with a part-time Enrollment Specialist at the Whitfield Murray Campus.
College officials say the positions support GNTC’s continued focus on student success, day-to-day operations, and expanding outreach and enrollment efforts across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. Anyone interested in applying or learning more is encouraged to visit the Technical College System of Georgia’s employment website or contact GNTC Human Resources for details. Applicants may also reach out to Linda McEntire with the Technical College System of Georgia for more information.
Paint the Town Red: Summerville Main Street Brings Back “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project This February
February is more than just a bridge between winter and spring—it’s a season for connection, and Summerville Main Street is inviting the community to help “paint the town red” with the return of the “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project. Throughout the month of February, Downtown Summerville will be lined with personalized, heart-shaped messages designed to celebrate the people, places, and stories that make the community special.
Organizers say the project is a chance for everyone to share a message in a fun and visible way, whether it’s a shout-out to a favorite small business, a tribute to a loved one, a school celebration, or a note of encouragement for the community. Hearts can be purchased as a single-sided display for $30 or double-sided for $50, and orders can be placed by visiting the Summerville Main Street office at 179 Union Street.
Spaces are limited, and the deadline to order is January 23. For more information, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900 Ext. 1337 or visit summervillega.org.
Chattooga County Environmental Health Releases Early January Inspection Scores
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released health inspection results for the first half of January 2026, showing perfect scores for two tourist accommodation facilities in the county.
Express Inn & Suites, located at 14364 Highway 27 in Trion, earned a score of 100 on its most recent inspection conducted January 14, 2026.
James H. Floyd State Park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road in Summerville, also received a score of 100 on its latest inspection conducted January 7, 2026.
Should you ever have any complaint about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, you can contact Chattooga County Environmental Health at (706) 857-3377.
Georgia Net Tax Revenues Rise 3% in December, State Reports $3.44 Billion Collected
The State of Georgia says net tax collections in December totaled $3.44 billion. That’s up by about $101 million, or 3 percent, compared to December of last year.
For the year so far, Georgia has collected nearly $16.72 billion through December. That’s an increase of about $364 million, or 2.2 percent, compared to the same point last fiscal year.
The biggest boost came from individual income taxes. Those collections totaled $1.6 billion in December—up $108.7 million, or 7.3 percent. The state says withholding payments were higher, and refunds issued were lower than last year.
Sales and use taxes were also up. Gross collections were $1.61 billion, a 2.5 percent increase. Net sales tax collections rose about 1.2 percent, and local governments received a higher distribution.
Corporate income tax collections increased slightly—up $11.9 million, or 1.7 percent.
Motor fuel tax collections were also higher, but motor vehicle revenues were down. Tag and title fees fell 7.3 percent, and Title Ad Valorem Tax collections dropped 7.3 percent as well.
MLK Day Closures and Day of Service Set for Monday in Chattooga County
Banks, the post office, and government offices in Chattooga County and in the cities of Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, and Menlo are closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who helped bring national attention to the fight for equality through nonviolent action. The holiday is also recognized as a National Day of Service, encouraging people to give back to their communities as a way to honor Dr. King’s message.
Locally, a Day of Service will be held Monday, January 19th at Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive, Summerville. The event begins at 10 AM with Felicia’s Kids, and everyone is invited to come and join this event sponsored by the Chattooga County MLK Committee.
Arrest Report - Sunday - January 18, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, January 18, 2026:
Snow Stays South and East as Chattooga County Turns Cold and Clear for MLK Day Weekend
Snow is expected to remain to the east and south of Chattooga County, while local residents see a colder, quieter stretch of weather through early next week. Cloudy skies will hang on through midmorning today before gradual clearing takes over, with temperatures topping out near 41 degrees. A west wind of 5 to 10 mph will add a bite at times, with gusts that could reach 20 mph.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for parts of Georgia, with some areas south and east of Atlanta possibly seeing flurries to around one inch of snow before late morning. Central Georgia — including Macon and Warner Robins — has a higher chance of accumulating snow, though roads were reported mostly dry and passable early Sunday. Locally, Chattooga County is expected to stay out of the snow zone, with winter impacts focused farther south and east.
Tonight turns clear and chilly, with lows dropping to around 25 degrees and a lighter west breeze. Sunshine returns for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, with a high near 44 degrees. Winds will shift from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph, again producing occasional gusts up to 20 mph, especially during the afternoon.
Monday night stays cold with partly cloudy skies and a low near 20 degrees. Tuesday remains sunny but cool, with highs near 41 degrees and light north winds that become calmer later in the day. Another clear-to-mostly-clear night follows Tuesday night, with lows around 22 degrees.
Midweek brings a noticeable warmup. Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs near 50 degrees, but clouds increase Wednesday night with a 30 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. and lows near 32 degrees. Thursday returns to mostly sunny skies with highs near 50 degrees, followed by a clear and colder Thursday night near 27 degrees. By Friday, temperatures rise further with mostly sunny conditions and highs climbing to around 56 degrees.
Chattooga County’s 2025 Housing Market: Slower Sales, Modest Price Gains and a Shift Toward Balance
Home sales activity in Chattooga County cooled in 2025 compared to the faster pace seen in recent years, as higher borrowing costs and affordability pressures kept many buyers cautious. Local market indicators through the year showed fewer monthly closings in several periods, while pricing held up better than sales volume, reflecting a market that increasingly leaned toward balance rather than the rapid, highly competitive conditions that dominated earlier in the decade.
By late summer and into early fall, market snapshots showed the county selling fewer homes year-over-year in some months, even as values and asking prices remained elevated in parts of the county. That combination — softer sales with resilient pricing — often points to buyers having a bit more negotiating room, while sellers still benefit from limited inventory in desirable price ranges and locations. Days on market also suggested a steadier pace, with homes generally taking longer to sell than during the most aggressive seller-market stretches, but not so long as to indicate a major downturn.
Across Chattooga County communities such as Summerville, Trion, Menlo, and Lyerly, the 2025 story generally reflected a more normalized market: buyers weighing monthly payments more carefully, sellers needing sharper pricing and good presentation, and deals hinging more on inspections, financing, and realistic expectations. Real estate professionals say that in this kind of environment, well-maintained homes priced in line with current demand tend to move first, while properties that are overpriced or need significant work can sit longer.
Looking ahead, the factors that shaped 2025 — interest rates, inventory levels, and household budgets — will continue to influence the market. If borrowing costs ease and more homes come on the market, Chattooga County could see renewed activity, but the overall pace is expected to remain sensitive to affordability and local supply.
Chattooga High School Sets Fire Drill for Jan. 21, Outlines Busy Week of Athletics and Student Activities
Chattooga High School will conduct its January fire drill on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., according to Assistant Principal and Athletic Director J. Mark Turner.
The drill comes during an active stretch of events for the school. Varsity basketball is scheduled for an MLK Showcase on Monday, Jan. 19, at Rome High School with an 11 a.m. start time. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the basketball program has three games scheduled against Coosa at home beginning at 4:30 p.m., with gate duties assigned to Applebaum and coverage listed for Turner.
Rising Freshman Advisement sessions are set for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Jan. 20–22) in the media center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with gate coverage listed as Driskell/Spain/NR and coverage assigned to Culbert/Beasley.
Later in the week, basketball returns home Friday, Jan. 23, for two games against Christian Heritage with a 6 p.m. start time. Gate duties for that event are listed for McGrath, with coverage assigned to Wilkinson. Wrestling is also on the schedule for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23–24, with the team slated to compete at the Burnt Mountain Classic at Pickens High School (time listed as TBA).
Turner also encouraged staff to use the spring sports gate coverage sign-up link to help with upcoming events and ensure smooth operations throughout the season.
Chattooga Family Connection Sets Collaborative Meeting for Jan. 22 at Community Resource Center
Chattooga Family Connection will hold its next collaborative meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, with local partners gathering at 11 a.m. at the Community Resource Center of Chattooga County. A light refreshment spread will be provided.
Coordinator Maisha Ludy said the meeting will serve as the group’s first gathering of the year and will give participating organizations an opportunity to share upcoming events and important dates. The group is also expected to begin discussing potential dates for its Back to School Bash, move forward with early planning, and form a planning committee for the event.
Organizers will review the annual plan during the meeting as well. Ludy said the meeting agenda and annual plan will be sent out in advance, and participants are encouraged to review both prior to arrival so discussions can begin right away.
A sign-up sheet will also be available for anyone interested in serving as a speaker or hosting a presentation during future monthly meetings. The next collaborative meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Georgia Forestry Commission Urges Wildfire Awareness as Peak Season Ramps Up Across Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia is entering the heart of the state’s most active wildfire season, which typically stretches from January through April, and officials say this year is lining up with that familiar trend. Dry vegetation, gusty winds, and low humidity can combine quickly to turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire — especially during warm, breezy afternoons.
The Georgia Forestry Commission says it is putting wildfire prevention tactics in place statewide, but officials emphasize that local residents are one of the strongest lines of defense. A few simple choices can prevent costly damage to property, wildlife habitat, and air quality, while also protecting firefighters and first responders who may be called out when conditions escalate.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware and use extra caution with anything that could ignite dry grass or leaves. That includes delaying debris burning on windy days, never leaving a fire unattended, properly extinguishing burn piles and campfires, avoiding parking over dry vegetation, and securing trailer chains to prevent sparks along roadways. Even small steps — like keeping a buffer of cleared leaves around homes and sheds — can help reduce the risk of a fire spreading.
As the season continues, officials urge everyone across Chattooga County and surrounding communities to stay alert, think ahead, and help keep Northwest Georgia safe.
AdventHealth to Open New Primary and Urgent Care Clinic in Summerville on Feb. 16
AdventHealth Medical Group announced it will open a new primary and urgent care clinic in Summerville this February, aiming to bring more convenient, whole-person care closer to home for Chattooga County residents.
AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care & Urgent Care at Summerville will open Feb. 16 at 9777 Rome Boulevard, Summerville, GA 30747. The clinic will provide primary care for patients of all ages, along with occupational health services, workers’ compensation care, and school health support. The location is expected to offer walk-in availability as well as same-day appointments to help patients get care quickly when needs arise.
Care at the Summerville clinic will be provided by nurse practitioners Christie Tankersley, ACNP-BC, and Anna Nicole Herring, FNP-C. AdventHealth Medical Group said the new site is part of its ongoing effort to expand access to high-quality, compassionate health care across Northwest Georgia, making it easier for local families to receive routine and urgent care in one place.
Chattooga County Offices, Banks and Post Offices Closed Monday for MLK Day
Residents across Chattooga County are being reminded that Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and several services will pause for the holiday.
Government offices serving communities throughout the county — including Summerville, Lyerly, Menlo and Trion — will be closed in observance of MLK Day. That means many in-person services and routine administrative business will not be available until offices reopen on Tuesday. Residents who need to take care of time-sensitive paperwork, payments, or other county business are encouraged to plan ahead and complete those tasks before the close of business Friday or be prepared to wait until the next business day.
Banks will also be closed for the holiday, which can affect in-person transactions and some processing times. While ATMs and many mobile and online banking tools typically remain available, customers may see delays in certain transfers, deposits, or customer service needs until normal operations resume.
U.S. Post Offices in the county will be closed as well, and regular mail delivery will not run on Monday. Customers who are expecting mail, packages, or time-sensitive deliveries should keep the holiday schedule in mind. Mail service and retail counter operations are expected to return to normal on Tuesday.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday is observed nationwide each year to honor Dr. King’s legacy and the work of the civil rights movement. In Chattooga County, families and businesses are encouraged to double-check local schedules, make any necessary arrangements in advance, and allow extra time for mail and banking services to catch up after the holiday.