Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

Woman Arrested After Report Of Intoxicated Pedestrian In Summerville

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A woman was arrested after a Chattooga County deputy responded to a report of a possibly intoxicated pedestrian near McDonald’s in Summerville this past week.

According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, Deputy Riley Reeves was dispatched around 6:35 p.m. on April 20th after a caller reported a woman stumbling near the roadway and appearing as though she might fall into traffic on Highway 27.

The deputy located 43-year-old Jessica Leeann Mobley along Highway 27 North. The report says Mobley appeared to have trouble keeping her balance, had slurred speech, and smelled of alcohol.

Mobley reportedly told the deputy she had consumed an alcoholic beverage before leaving the Red Roof Store in Trion and was walking toward Summerville.

She declined medical assistance multiple times and was arrested on a charge of pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No contraband was found.

Walker County Government Building To Reopen After Water Damage

The Walker County Local Government Services building, located at 122 Highway 95 in Rock Spring, will reopen to the public on Monday, April 27th following a temporary closure caused by a burst pipe last week.

The incident resulted in water damage throughout the lower level of the building, prompting repairs and limited access to certain areas.

When the Tax Commissioner’s Office reopens Monday, officials say there will be limited public space available. Despite those constraints, all tag and tax services will still be offered to residents.

The Local Government Services building houses several key departments, including the Tax Commissioner’s Office, Assessors Office, Planning and Zoning, and Codes Enforcement. The Planning Office has already resumed operations, though with limited space for the public.

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Showers And Storms Possible Across Northwest Georgia Into Next Week

Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, is expected to see several days of unsettled weather as showers and thunderstorms move through the region over the coming week.

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Arrest Report – Saturday – April 25, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, April 25, 2026:

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City Of Summerville Seeks Bids For New Mini Excavator

The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a new mini excavator.

According to an official Request for Bid, submissions will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on May 6, 2026, at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue. Bids will be opened publicly at that time in the Council Room.

Officials say all bids must remain valid for 60 business days and must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “RFB-2026-125-New Mini Excavator.” Any bids received after the deadline will not be considered.

City leaders note they are not responsible for delays caused by postal or delivery services. The contract will be awarded after city officials have had time to review all submissions.

Those interested can find the full bid document on the City of Summerville’s official website.

Georgia Lottery Players Win Big With Fantasy 5 Jackpot And Scratch-Off Prize

Two Georgia Lottery players are celebrating major wins after separate tickets produced prizes of more than $1 million.

A Fantasy 5 player won a $1,725,995 jackpot in the April 22 drawing, marking the sixth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. The winning ticket was purchased at Supermarket on Buford Highway in Duluth and matched all five numbers: 11, 18, 34, 39, and 40.

Another player won the $1 million top prize playing the Millionaire Maker scratch-off game. That ticket was purchased at Chevron Food Mart on Baker Road in Acworth. The winner claimed the prize on April 22 and chose the annuity option.

Georgia Lottery officials say proceeds from Fantasy 5 and scratch-off games continue to benefit education programs across the state.

Calhoun Man Transferred To Floyd County To Face Drug, Weapons And Stolen Property Charges

A Calhoun man has been transferred from Autry State Prison to Floyd County to face a long list of charges tied to the execution of two search warrants in November of 2024.

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March Housing Sales Show Continued Activity In Chattooga County

Housing activity in Chattooga County remained steady in March 2026, reflecting continued demand for homes across Northwest Georgia.

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