GDOT To Give Update On Second Avenue Widening Project In Rome

GDOT to give Second Avenue update on Monday

Traveling into downtown Rome by way of Second Avenue has been a source of frustration for many drivers as the ongoing road construction project continues.

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 will provide a public informational update on the Second Avenue widening project on Monday, May 11, 2026. The presentation is scheduled from 5 until 6 PM in the City Commission Chambers upstairs at Rome City Hall.

GDOT officials are expected to share updates on construction progress, project timelines, and ongoing work related to the widening project.

State Representative Katie Dempsey of Rome thanked GDOT District 6 officials for continuing to communicate with local leaders and residents throughout the process.

The presentation will also be livestreamed through the City of Rome YouTube Channel, the same way regular Rome City Commission meetings are streamed

Prevention Program Targeting Chattooga, Walker Counties Seeks Community Partners

A new substance misuse prevention initiative is expanding into Northwest Georgia, and organizers are seeking local partners in Chattooga and Walker counties.

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May Market & Melodies Set For May 23 In Summerville

The City of Summerville is inviting the community out for a day of music, food, and local shopping at the upcoming May Market & Melodies event.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Train Depot.

Organizers say the event will coincide with the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s steam engine passenger train, adding a unique attraction for attendees. The day will feature live musical entertainment, a variety of local vendors, and a wide selection of food and handcrafted goods.

The event is free to attend and is designed to be family-friendly.

City officials also noted that anyone interested in becoming a vendor should contact the City of Summerville directly, warning residents not to send payments through third-party apps to avoid potential scams.

 

Walker County Commissioners Approve Spay And Neuter Ordinance

Walker County animal welfare leaders are celebrating what they describe as a major step forward for animals in the community.

The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a new spay and neuter ordinance following nearly two years of meetings, revisions, and ongoing discussion.

According to the Walker County Animal Shelter, the ordinance is designed to help address pet overpopulation and encourage responsible pet ownership. The measure applies to pet owners who are found in violation of animal-related offenses, requiring them to have their pet spayed or neutered or pay a fee. That fee is expected to be finalized at an upcoming commissioners meeting.

The ordinance includes exemptions for hunting dogs, working dogs, livestock guardian animals, licensed breeders, and pets with medical exemptions certified by a licensed veterinarian.

Shelter officials say animal welfare efforts often face significant challenges, including overpopulation, hoarding cases, cruelty investigations, and limited resources. Despite those challenges, they say the new ordinance represents meaningful progress for the county.

The Walker County Animal Shelter will continue offering its spay and neuter voucher program and hopes to expand resources available to pet owners in the future.

Mrs. Natasha Michelle Anderson, Obit (C)

Mrs. Natasha Michelle Anderson, age 47 of Summerville, Georgia passed away at her residence on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Tasha was born in Rome, Georgia on November 24, 1978, daughter of the late Johnny “Buck” Roach and Jewel Dean Teems Roach.  She was a homemaker and lifelong resident of Chattooga County.  She enjoyed her family and raising her children.  She also enjoyed her dog and her jeep.
In addition to her parents, Tasha was preceded in death by her father-in-law, James “Bud” Anderson and special uncle, Wallace Money.
Tasha is survived by her husband, Larry Anderson; a son, Cameron Anderson; daughter, Sophia Anderson; sister, Cindy Evans; sister, Lisa Williamson; brother, Greg Williamson,; special aunt, Peggy Money; mother-in-law, Kathleen Anderson. sister-in-law, Debbie(Dennis) Stewart; sister-in-law, Judy(Ron) Baldwin; also a number of nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Tasha will be held Monday, May 11, 2026 where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.
According to the family’s wishes, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Natasha Michelle Anderson.

Arrest Report – Saturday – May 9, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 9, 2026:

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Storm Chances Continue Across Northwest Georgia Through Monday

Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for several more rounds of showers and thunderstorms through Monday as an unsettled weather pattern lingers across the region. Forecast confidence remains low regarding exact timing and storm intensity, but forecasters say periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected through the weekend and into the start of the new week.

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Walker County Sheriff Responds Following ICE Detention of Trion Student

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson is responding publicly following growing attention surrounding the ICE detention of 19-year-old Elder Aguilar-Macario, a Trion-area student arrested during a traffic stop in Walker County.

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Ducky Derby Jeep Cruise-In Happening Today in Downtown Summerville

Downtown Summerville will be filled with Jeeps, rubber ducks, food vendors, and family fun today during the Ducky Derby Jeep Cruise-In event on East Washington Street.

The event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and features food and craft vendors, kids activities, and a Jeep cruise-in where participating Jeep owners will receive a special rubber duck for their vehicle.

One of the day’s biggest attractions will be the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad steam engine and the working of the historic Summerville turntable at 1 p.m.

The Rubber Ducky Race is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with cash prizes awarded to the winning ducks. First place will receive $500, second place $250, and third place $100.

The event is sponsored by GP Federal Credit Union, Pro Roof GA, and Summerville Main Street.

Spark Day Event Planned for June 27 at Dowdy Park in Summerville

A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is coming to Summerville later this summer.

“Spark Day” is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park in Summerville. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.

Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities as well as children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are invited to participate, and organizers say there are no vendor fees for the event.

The event will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.

According to the event description, organizers hope to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.