From the City of Summerville: In observance of Good Friday, all City of Summerville offices will be closed Friday, April 18, 2025. Offices will reopen on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8 a.m. If you have an emergency during this time, please call 911.
The National Weather Service has issued a high fire danger warning for Northwest Georgia this afternoon and evening due to critically low relative humidity and strong winds. Relative humidity levels are expected to dip to 25% or less for at least four hours, combined with northwest winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 25 mph. Isolated gusts up to 30 mph are possible for a few hours this afternoon. These conditions, coupled with dry fuels, create a significant risk for rapidly spreading wildfires. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid any activities that could spark a fire, such as outdoor burning or using equipment that could create sparks. Today, we will see mostly sunny skies, with highs in the mid to upper 60’s. A mostly dry cold front is moving through the area today, bringing cooler and drier air in its wake. Wednesday will see morning lows in the 40’s (upper 30’s in higher elevations) and pleasant afternoon temperatures in the mid-60’s to low 70’s. While winds will be less gusty, another Fire Danger Statement may be necessary due to the continued dry air. A warming trend is expected through the weekend, with rain possible early next week. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and fire safety precautions.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, April 15, 2025:
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Rome) is facing calls for an investigation into her stock trading activity following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs, which caused significant volatility in the stock market. The Georgia New Network reports, the controversy centers around Greene’s purchase of stocks in companies, including Lululemon Athletica and Apple, during a period of market downturn following Trump’s initial tariff announcement on April 2nd. The market subsequently rebounded after a 90-day pause on the tariffs was announced on April 9th. Some of Greene’s colleagues in congress are demanding an official investigation into potential insider trading allegations by Rep. Greene and others who may have profited from foreknowledge of the policy shifts. The allegations raise questions about whether Greene possessed privileged information regarding the impending tariff changes and whether she used that knowledge to unfairly benefit from the market fluctuations. An investigation is being sought to determine the legality and ethical implications of her stock transactions. Greene represents Chattooga and surrounding Northwest Georgia counties in the U.S. House of Representatives.
GNN
Chattooga County Public Works is offering a summer employment opportunity for an individual seeking outdoor work and a chance to contribute to the community. The department is currently looking to hire a Grass Mower to maintain public lawns and green spaces throughout Summerville. The position offers competitive hourly pay and valuable work experience. Responsibilities include mowing, weed eating, general landscaping tasks, and ensuring the safe and correct use of equipment. Applicants must be 18 years or older, able to work in outdoor conditions, and be reliable and punctual. This seasonal position offers a great chance to join a supportive team and gain practical skills. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply in person at the Public Works Department located at 1 Stockade Road, Summerville, or at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s office at 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville GA, 30747. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spend your summer outdoors while making a positive impact on Chattooga County. This position is for the Summer of 2025.
A 29-year-old Lyerly man wound up in jail on his birthday after being stopped by Summerville Police on Highway 114 last Thursday. According to arrest records from the Summerville Police Department, police pulled over a black GMC Sierra after an officer noticed that the tags were expired. When officers approached the vehicle, the driver showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Michael Chaney Warnock was charged with multiple offences including driving under the influence of alcohol, license not on person, expired tag, open container of alcohol, a seat belt violation and failure to signal when changing lanes. Additionally, police say that Warnock had the tag for a different vehicle on his truck, which lead to the additional charge of affixing a license plate with the intent to conceal identity. Warnock was booked into the Chattooga County Jail following his arrest.
Chattooga County, along with Lyerly, Menlo, Summerville, and Trion, is starting a five-year update to their joint comprehensive plan. A public hearing will be held to explain the update process and show how residents can get involved. The Chattooga County Joint Comprehensive Plan, 2021-2025, helps guide the development of these communities. This update is important for ongoing growth, following Georgia’s planning laws. The hearing will inform residents on ways to contribute, supported by a committee chosen by local governments. Citizen participation is encouraged. The draft plan will be ready for public review in October 2025 and submitted for review to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Final approval is needed by February 2026 to keep their Qualified Local Government status and access federal funding. The public hearing will take place on April 22, 2025, at 2:00 p. m. at the Chattooga County Civic Center, 44 GA-Hwy. 48 in Summerville. Residents are invited to attend and help shape their communities’ future.
A Dalton-based law firm is actively recruiting area farmers and landowners to join a class action lawsuit against manufacturers and other parties allegedly responsible for PFAS contamination. The firm is running advertisements heard on WZQZ Radio, urging those affected to come forward and participate in the legal action.
For another year, the Chattooga County Young Farmers are offering residents the chance to purchase genuine, Georgia-grown Vidalia onions as part of their annual fundraising effort. These sweet, mild onions, a Georgia staple, will be shipped directly to Chattooga County in late April. The Chattooga County Young Farmers are now accepting orders for the highly anticipated onions. The deadline to place your order is April 25th.Pick-up for the onions is tentatively scheduled for mid-May. Those who purchase will be contacted directly with the exact date and time for pick-up as the date approaches. Interested residents can place their orders now. Checks should be made payable to the Chattooga County Young Farmers. This fundraiser supports the organization’s efforts to promote agricultural education and leadership development in the community. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy these delicious Vidalia onions and support a great cause. To order onions from the Chattooga Young Farmers, you can contact any Young Farmer member, or use the online ordering form HERE
For over five decades, Camp Hamby has been a cornerstone of the Summerville community, providing children with a safe and enriching summer experience rooted in faith, creativity, and outdoor exploration.