Walker County Commissioners to Consider Extending Data Center Moratorium, Adopt 2027 Budget

The Walker County Board of Commissioners is expected to tackle several major issues during its regular meeting on Thursday, August 6, including public hearings on the county’s proposed 2027 fiscal year budget and a proposal to extend the county’s temporary moratorium on new data centers from its current duration to 180 days.

Read more

Chattooga County Extension To Host 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program

The Chattooga County Extension Office is now accepting registrations for the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program, an educational series designed for cattle producers looking to expand their knowledge and improve herd management.

The program will be held Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.

The registration fee is $100, which includes all in-person sessions, educational materials, a UGA Beef hat, and meals. The registration deadline is September 8.

The Master Cattlemen’s Program is offered through UGA Extension and covers a variety of topics related to beef cattle production and management.

Those interested can register online through the UGA Beef Team website or contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744 for additional information or assistance with registration.

Homecoming This Sunday at Berryton Baptist Church

Berryton Baptist Church will have Homecoming this Sunday, August 2, at 10:30 AM.  Instruments of Grace will be providing the music and Bro. Bill Abercrombie will be speaking. Lunch will follow the service. Pastor Mickey Skates and the congregation welcome everyone to attend.

Steam Locomotive Rolls Into Summerville Today As International Model Railroad Convention Visits Region

Rail fans will have a rare opportunity today as a historic steam locomotive arrives in downtown Summerville as part of the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention, being held this week in Chattanooga.

Read more

Chattooga County Fair Releases Rules Ahead Of August Event

Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.

The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.

Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.

Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.

Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.

Playground Fence Damaged At Summerville Church

The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to a playground fence at First United Methodist Church in downtown Summerville.

According to an incident report, Officer Matt Kinnamont responded to the church at 220 West Washington Street on July 28 after receiving a report of property damage.

Pastor John Privett told police someone had damaged the chain-link fence surrounding the church’s playground. Officers observed the fence had been removed from one side, bent, and that the top rail pieces had been broken.

Privett told police that several groups of children often use the playground and nearby basketball court, but it was unclear who was responsible for the damage. He said he was first notified of the incident on Saturday, July 25.

Police documented the damage with photographs and advised the church to consider installing security cameras. The case has been forwarded for further investigation.

Updated Property List Released For August 4 Chattooga County Tax Sale

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Cooper Hampton has released an updated list of properties scheduled for the county’s August tax sale.

The sheriff’s sale will be held Tuesday, August 4, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville. Properties will be offered at public outcry between the legal sale hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Payment must be made with cash or certified funds.

The properties are being sold under tax executions issued for unpaid state and county taxes. Only as much property as necessary to satisfy the tax debt and related costs will be sold.

Prospective buyers are reminded that this is a buyer-beware sale. All properties will be sold as-is, and the Tax Commissioner’s Office makes no warranty regarding title. Properties may also be subject to recorded covenants, easements, rights-of-way and the legal right of redemption following a tax sale.

Purchasers are responsible for title costs, transfer costs, taxes, advertising expenses and recording fees. At the discretion of the Tax Commissioner’s Office, payment may be required within two hours after the sale concludes.

The updated property list was released July 28. Anyone considering bidding should carefully research the property and consult an attorney before participating. You can see the updated list below:

Read more

Chattooga County Schools Hiring Custodians For Two Elementary Schools

The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for two custodian positions at local elementary schools.

A full-time, 208-day custodian is needed at Lyerly Elementary School. The position requires employees to work 9.25 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday, and includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement, sick leave and vacation leave.

The school system is also hiring a part-time, 208-day custodian at Leroy Massey Elementary School. That position is 4.5 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday and is not eligible for benefits.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, although it is preferred rather than required. Duties include cleaning and maintaining school buildings and grounds.

Applications are available at the Chattooga County Superintendent’s Office or online at chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting District Services and then Human Resources. Completed applications, along with required documents, should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education in Summerville.

Congressman Fuller Backs Community Banking Bill Passed By U.S. House

Congressman Clay Fuller voted with a bipartisan majority this week to approve H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, legislation supporters say would make it easier for community banks to lend money to small businesses, farmers and families by reducing certain federal regulatory requirements. The bill passed the House by a 270-155 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate.

Read more

Automated Ice Machine Damaged Near Dollar General On Highway 114

The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to an automated ice machine located near the Dollar General on Lyerly Highway.

According to an incident report, Officer M. Kinnamont was dispatched shortly after 10:30 a.m. on July 27 to the ice machine at 356 Highway 114 after receiving a report of damage.

The operator, Logan Hilton, told police the machine’s monitoring software alerted him to a malfunction around 7 a.m. the previous day. Someone also reportedly called him around 9 a.m. to report the damage.

Police observed damage to the front panel where customers make payments. The machine’s credit card reader was missing, and the power switch on the rear had been turned off.

Hilton told police the automated ice machine had last been checked about two months earlier. He was advised to install security cameras and contact police if he receives any additional information.

The case was documented as criminal trespass damage and forwarded to investigators.