Spark Day Happening Today In Summerville

A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.

“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. 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, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.

Spark Day 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.

The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.

Arrest Report – Friday – June 26, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 26, 2026:

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Lyerly Community Church June 26, 2026

South Commerce Street COC- Talks From The Bible June 26, 2026

South Commerce Street COC- Talks From The Bible June 26, 2026

Heat And Storm Chances Increase Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia This Weekend

As summer settles into Northwest Georgia, residents can expect a hot and increasingly humid weekend with the possibility of scattered thunderstorms each afternoon.

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Summerville Receives Grant Reimbursement For New Soccer Mini-Pitch

The City of Summerville has received a $187,798.50 grant reimbursement for construction of a new soccer mini-pitch at the Fairgrounds property near Fairway Recreation.

The City of Summerville, with assistance from the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, successfully applied in 2025 for the GA 100 Initiative Project soccer mini-pitch grant. The project was funded through a $100,000 contribution from the Atlanta United Foundation’s GA 100 Initiative and $87,798.50 from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation.

The new 60-foot by 120-foot soccer mini-pitch will provide additional recreational opportunities for local youth and families while enhancing Summerville’s growing parks and recreation offerings.

Additional support for the Fairgrounds improvements included a $20,000 grant from the Menlo-Tillotson Foundation for new restroom facilities and a $10,000 contribution from Georgia Power for electrical upgrades at the site.

Future plans for the Fairgrounds property include adding a full-size soccer field and expanded parking to support continued growth in recreational programming and community events.

Chattooga County School System Hiring Maintenance Technician

The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Maintenance Technician position to help ensure school facilities throughout the district remain safe and operating efficiently.

The full-time position is benefits eligible and follows a 208-day work schedule each school year. Employees work a four-day schedule with most Mondays off and participate in a rotating on-call schedule to respond to after-hours emergencies. Pay is based on certifications and experience, with wages up to $27.21 per hour.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED along with HVAC certification and/or electrical technician experience. Candidates should also have working knowledge of building maintenance trades, be able to work independently or as part of a team, climb ladders or scaffolding, lift heavy objects, possess a valid driver’s license, and successfully complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.

Applications are available through the Superintendent’s Office or online at www.chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting Menu, District Services, then Human Resources.

Completed applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education, 33 Middle School Road, Summerville, Georgia 30747.

Walker County Deputies Assist In Chattooga County Shoplifting Arrest

A Chattooga County woman was arrested on a charge of theft by shoplifting after investigators say she was identified through store surveillance video and later located by Walker County deputies.

According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany responded on June 19 to a report of a shoplifting at a local business. Store employees told the deputy they observed 32-year-old Crissy Leigh Ingram on surveillance video remove a pair of purple aviator-style sunglasses from a display, conceal them in her pocketbook and leave the store without paying.

Store personnel provided investigators with surveillance footage and a vehicle tag number, which was relayed through Chattooga County 911 to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Walker County Sheriff’s deputies soon located a vehicle matching the description and detained a woman matching the suspect shown in the surveillance footage.

Deputy Garmany met Walker County deputies at the Walker County line near the Highway 27 and Highway 151 intersection, where custody of Ingram was transferred. She was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident on the shoplifting charge. The incident was recorded on the deputy’s body-worn camera.