Chattooga County students interested in agriculture and animal husbandry are encouraged to sign up for the Chattooga County Young Farmers annual Pig Project. The deadline to apply is today, May 23, 2025. For a participation fee of $100, students will receive two piglets to raise and care for throughout the summer and fall. This hands-on project provides invaluable experience in animal management, responsibility, and the agricultural process. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their hard work at the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in August during a special preview show. The pigs will then be judged and auctioned off at a final show and auction held in November. This event provides students with the opportunity to earn proceeds from their efforts and learn about the agricultural marketplace. Space is limited based on the availability of pigs, and preference will be given to students involved in 4-H and FFA programs. Interested students are encouraged to apply quickly. For more information and application details, contact Chattooga Young Farmer Director Lauren Jarrett at ljarrett@chattooga.k12.ga.us.

Local firefighters from multiple stations responded to a tractor fire on Silverhill Road Thursday evening. At approximately 5:48 PM, firefighters from the Gore and Holland Fire Departments were dispatched to 3076 Silver Hill Road following reports of a tractor ablaze. Upon arrival, the first fire unit confirmed a fully involved tractor fire with a round baler engulfed in flames by over 90%. The fire had also spread to the surrounding field and several round bales. Due to the escalating situation, the alarm was upgraded, bringing in additional resources from the Subligna Fire Department. Fire crews were alerted that the tractor operator had sustained burn injuries, prompting the dispatch of Floyd Atrium EMS to the scene. Firefighters successfully extinguished the original equipment fire and brought the extensions in the field under control. However, Fire Command reported that the tractor and hay baler were a total loss. In addition to Gore, Holland and Subligna Fire Departments and AtriumHealth Floyd EMS, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. All units were back in service by 7:02 PM.

The City of Summerville is now accepting applications for a Water & Sewer Maintenance Worker. This role will be responsible for assisting in the construction, repair, and maintenance of the city’s water and wastewater systems. Key responsibilities include installing sewer mains and laterals, installing new water mains, service lines, and meters, locating and repairing leaks, and maintaining fire hydrants. The successful candidate will also be responsible for clearing blocked sewer lines, repairing construction cuts, operating hand and power tools, and maintaining equipment. Traffic control at work sites will also be a key duty. The position requires significant physical exertion, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting. Work is primarily performed outdoors, potentially in various weather conditions, and involves exposure to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery. Applicants must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent experience and have sufficient experience to understand the principles related to the major duties of the position, typically gained through an apprenticeship/internship or similar experience. A valid Georgia driver’s license is also required. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Detailed job descriptions and application instructions can be found on the City of Summerville website: HERE

As the busy summer travel season kicks off with the Memorial Day holiday, the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding motorists to prioritize safety and plan their trips carefully. Troopers and officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols on interstates, state routes, and local streets throughout the long weekend, focusing on impaired driving and other traffic violations that could lead to accidents. The 78-hour holiday travel period begins this evening at 6 PM and concludes on Monday, May 26th, at 11:59 PM.

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Graduation exercises will be held this evening for the Chattooga High School Class of 2025.  Chattooga County School Supt. Michelle Helie released the following information concerning the event:

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In a sobering “State of the County” address delivered yesterday, Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen outlined a series of significant financial and record-keeping issues discovered within the county government since he took office 120 days ago. Allen’s address, released from his office in Summerville, detailed unresolved bank reconciliations dating back to mid-2024, incomplete general ledger entries, and a failure to enter the 2023 audit closing entries.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia will enjoy drier and cooler weather today and Friday, following a cold front that has brought northwesterly winds. These changes result in mostly clear skies and significantly lower humidity levels. The National Weather Service mentions a slight chance of isolated showers in far northern Georgia this morning due to a weak disturbance in the upper atmosphere, but it is expected to have little impact as it moves out by the afternoon. Dewpoints will drop into the 50s and even 40s in higher areas, providing relief from the recent humidity. Morning temperatures will be in the mid-50s to low 60s, while daytime highs will reach the 70s across our area. Expect gusty winds between 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Similar weather is anticipated for Friday, but winds will be lighter. Looking ahead, the weekend and early next week should be calm with a slow increase in temperatures, though isolated thunderstorms may occur in the north. Forecasters are also watching for potential widespread thunderstorms next week as a system approaches, though details on timing and severity are uncertain.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 22, 2025:

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