Official information about President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Rome today remains limited, but local residents are watching closely for updates on expected travel routes and traffic impacts.
The City of Summerville has been notified that First Avenue will be closed at the railroad crossing again today, Thursday, February 19, 2026, due to maintenance work.
City officials are asking drivers to use an alternate route during the closure and to allow extra travel time if you normally pass through that area.
The Town of Trion will shut off water service to part of town Friday morning as crews work to repair a water line.
Town officials say beginning Friday, February 20th at 9:30 a.m., water will be turned off for customers from the Chattooga River southward to Moore Street. Trion Maintenance Superintendent Brandon Croy said service will remain off in that area until the repair is completed.
Residents and businesses in the affected area are encouraged to plan ahead, store water for essential needs, and limit water usage before the shutoff begins. Once service is restored, customers may notice temporary discoloration or air in the lines, which typically clears after running water for a short time.
The Second Annual Chattooga County Health Fair will return this spring, offering residents access to free health resources, screenings, and educational vendors in one convenient location.
A community blood drive is coming to Mount Vernon Mills in Trion later this month, giving Chattooga County residents the opportunity to help save lives locally.
Blood Assurance will host the drive on Thursday, February 26th, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Mills, located on 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to come out and support the effort to maintain a strong local blood supply.
As part of a special promotion running February 15th through February 28th, donors will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.
Blood Assurance reminds donors to eat a good meal before giving, avoid energy drinks, drink extra water, and bring a valid ID to the appointment.
Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/vernonmills, and walk-ins are typically welcome if space allows.
Blood Assurance serves communities across Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas, supplying local hospitals with lifesaving blood products. Officials stress that consistent donations are critical, especially during the winter months when supplies can run low.
The Georgia Department of Labor has received the “Model Agency Award” for Excellence in Human Resources from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, after earning the highest assessment score among all Tier 1 agencies at 97.6 percent.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Georgia Pre-K Teachers of the Year program.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 19, 2026:
Drivers across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will want to stay alert this morning as patchy dense fog may develop in spots. Visibility could drop quickly, especially in low-lying areas and along rural roads. If fog forms, slow down, use low beams, and leave extra distance between vehicles. After the morning fog threat, the bigger story becomes an unseasonable warm-up. Winds have turned southerly, pulling warmer and more humid air into the region. Skies will stay mostly cloudy through today, and while a little drizzle or an isolated light shower is possible, most locations won’t see measurable rainfall.
“There’s Hope for the Hungry” is scheduled for today, February 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at South Summerville Baptist Church, located at 440 Highway 48 in Summerville. Organizers say no identification is required to receive assistance. The event is part of an ongoing effort to provide food support and encouragement to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Chattooga County.