An arrest involving alleged misuse of an automated license plate reader system is adding to the ongoing debate over Flock cameras across Georgia, including concerns raised here in Chattooga County about privacy, access and government oversight.
Governor Brian Kemp has officially proclaimed August 2026 as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia, recognizing the state’s long-standing hunting traditions, recreational shooting opportunities, and the economic impact of the industry. The proclamation encourages Georgians of all experience levels to safely enjoy shooting sports throughout the month.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is encouraging residents to visit one of the state’s more than 45 public archery and shooting ranges, many of which are located on Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas. The agency also promotes firearm safety training and responsible participation in shooting sports.
According to DNR, Georgia’s shooting sports and hunting industry contributed an estimated $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supports nearly 11,000 jobs. In addition, Georgia received more than $19.2 million in federal wildlife conservation funding in 2025 through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded by excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Those funds help support wildlife management, habitat conservation, hunter education, and public shooting ranges across the state.
The proclamation highlights the role hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts play in conservation while encouraging safe, responsible firearm ownership and recreation throughout the month of August.
A Summerville man reported losing more than $10,000 after falling victim to an apparent vacation rental scam, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Police say 48-year-old Brian Dover reported on July 27 that he and his wife had been communicating with someone claiming to be the owner of a vacation rental property listed on VRBO.
According to the incident report, Dover said he made an initial payment of $10,000, followed by another $500 transfer for the rental. He then traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida, to stay at the property, where he discovered the transaction was fraudulent.
The incident occurred at Dover’s residence on Back Penn Road in Summerville. The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Authorities remind residents to use caution when booking vacation rentals online. Travelers should verify property listings through legitimate rental platforms, avoid sending money outside of official payment systems, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Residents and visitors are invited to downtown Summerville on Saturday, August 1, for the Celebrate Living Local Market, held in conjunction with the arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum excursion train.
The market will feature local businesses, artists, craftspeople, and food vendors. Participants will include Sabo’s Golden Nectar with an educational observation beehive and locally produced honey, artist Billy Smith, Willow Flowers at Teloga Springs Farm, Acolyte Realty, and additional community vendors.
Food and refreshments will be available from Twisted Treatz Bakery, Eneya’s Lemonade & Sipsations, Granny Hon’s Great Food, Rosita’s, and Small Town BBQ.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engine 4501 is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot at approximately 12:45 p.m. with passengers aboard. During the train’s roughly 90-minute layover, visitors will be able to watch the locomotive being turned on the historic Summerville Turntable before it continues its journey.
The event offers an opportunity to shop with local vendors, enjoy food and refreshments, and see one of the South’s best-known steam locomotives in action.
Air conditioner for sale $40. A cage for $10 and a small refrigerator for $20. Call 706-978-0637.
Mrs. Vicki Brown Hargrove, age 67, of Menlo, GA, died Monday, July 27, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.
Mrs. Hargrove was born November 11, 1958, in Rome, GA, daughter of the late Hilda Reece Brown. Mrs. Hargrove loved planting trees and working in her yard, carpentry, and her fur babies.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Stacy Brown and Steve Brown; and a sister, Marcia Parish.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Hargrove; son, Jason (Misty) Hargrove; daughters, Deanna Toles, Brandi Jackson; brothers, Zack Brown, Mike (Sue) Brown; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Tim (Susan) Hargrove; sisters-in-law, Lisa Trammell, Susan Brown, Connie (Ty) Folsom; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 31, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenny Roach officiating.
Mrs. Hargrove will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Chattooga County Animal Shelter (464 Red Oak Road – Summerville, GA 30747).
Chattooga High School alumna Izzy Wooten recently completed an internship in Washington, D.C., serving in the office of Congressman Clay Fuller.
During her time on Capitol Hill, Wooten gained firsthand experience with the federal legislative process while assisting constituents and learning more about the daily operations of Congress.
Wooten is currently a senior at the University of Alabama, where she is pursuing a STEM degree. After graduation, she plans to attend law school before returning to Georgia.
Wooten says she hopes to use her legal education to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in government. Her long-term goal is to help strengthen public trust, reduce corruption, and restore integrity to Georgia’s public institutions while serving citizens in her home state.
A special steam excursion connected to the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention and National Train Show will make a stop in Summerville on Thursday, July 30.
The national convention is being held in Chattanooga for the first time in its 90-year history and is expected to draw more than 1,000 registered attendees from around the world. Organizers also anticipate more than 15,000 visitors for the National Train Show.
As part of the convention, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will operate a chartered steam excursion to Summerville with approximately 450 passengers aboard. Special permission was granted by the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway for the weekday trip.
The steam locomotive, pulling 12 passenger cars, is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Passengers will have an opportunity to view the Summerville Railroad Turntable and enjoy a catered luncheon in Dowdy Park.
The excursion is scheduled to depart Summerville at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Motorists should be aware that the railroad crossings on East Washington Street and East First Avenue will be closed while the train is in Summerville. Drivers should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during the closure.
Chattooga County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in the latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor, the highest rate among the nine Northwest Georgia counties included in the regional report.
A Lyerly woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges related to child sexual abuse material and bestiality following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.