Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms this evening as a line of storms is expected to move into the region from Tennessee and Alabama between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Trion High School girls soccer coach Marcia Thompson has been named Coach of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) as part of the Class A Division II First Team All-State honors.
As population growth, industrial expansion, and increased electricity usage continue across the Southeast, the Tennessee Valley Authority is making major investments in power generation and grid infrastructure to meet rising demand throughout its seven-state service region.
The City of Summerville is currently accepting applications for several job openings in city government.
Current openings include a Building Inspector position in administration, a Customer Service Representative position in administration, and a Water/Sewer Maintenance Worker position with Summerville Utilities.
City officials say all listed positions are open until filled, meaning interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applicants may review full job descriptions and apply online through the official City of Summerville Job Opportunities page. Applications may also be picked up in person at Summerville City Hall.
For more information about the application process, residents may contact Human Resources Director Kim Tucker at City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue in Summerville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 180, Summerville, Georgia 30747.
The Human Resources office may be reached by phone at 706-859-0900. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
City of Summerville employees could receive an additional paid holiday beginning in 2027 if the city council approves a proposal to recognize Juneteenth as an official city holiday.
Georgia Senate Republicans have approved legislation that would delay a state law banning the use of QR codes to count votes, keeping the state’s touchscreen voting system in place through the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed the Senate by a 33-19 vote and now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.
The legislation would postpone the QR code ban until January 2028 and create a committee to recommend specifications for Georgia’s next voting system. Lawmakers say the move is necessary to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges because the state has not yet developed or implemented a replacement system.
Gov. Brian Kemp called lawmakers into a special session in part to address the looming July 1 deadline established by a 2024 law that would prohibit counting votes through QR codes. Election officials have warned that making a major change before this fall’s elections could create logistical problems for counties and voters.
Georgia’s current voting system uses touchscreen machines that print paper ballots containing both a human-readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to tabulate votes. Critics have argued for years that voters cannot independently verify the information contained in the QR code, while supporters say changing systems too close to an election could create significant disruptions.
The Senate proposal would also require full hand recounts of the top two races on the ballot, a provision that has generated debate among lawmakers over the time and resources required to conduct such counts.
Democrats generally support delaying the QR code ban but criticized the bill’s process, arguing that the committee tasked with designing a future voting system lacks adequate bipartisan representation.
If approved by the House and signed into law, the measure would keep Georgia’s touchscreen voting system in place through at least the 2026 election cycle while state leaders work toward selecting a long-term replacement.
The U.S. Energy Department has offered a record $26.54 billion loan package to subsidiaries of Southern Company to strengthen and expand the electric grid in Georgia and Alabama.
Summerville Main Street has earned 2026 National Accreditation, a designation recognizing the organization’s efforts to strengthen and revitalize the downtown district.
The downtown revitalization program was recognized as a 2026 accredited Main Street community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs during a recent recognition ceremony.
According to the article by Jason Espy in the Summerville News, the accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to the Main Street Approach, a framework focused on Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.
Mayor Ricky Hughes and members of the Summerville City Council were recognized during the ceremony, along with Main Street Director Susan Locklear, volunteers, business owners, and community partners who have contributed to downtown improvement efforts.
Each member of the Summerville Main Street board received a letter acknowledging the program’s accreditation. The recognition places Summerville among a select group of communities meeting national standards for downtown development and community engagement.
City leaders said the accreditation reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the appearance and functionality of downtown Summerville while supporting local businesses and encouraging community involvement.
Residents interested in learning more about local history will have an opportunity to do so later this month during the Chattooga Historical Society’s Lunch Talks program at the Chattooga County Library.
The event is scheduled for Friday, June 26, from noon until 1 p.m. at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System, the program will feature members of the Chattooga Historical Society sharing stories and insights about the rich history of Chattooga County.
According to event organizers, attendees will have the chance to explore the county’s past while enjoying a relaxed lunchtime setting. Chips and drinks will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
The event is open to the public and is designed for anyone with an interest in local history, genealogy, community heritage, or historical preservation.
The Chattooga County Library regularly hosts educational programs and community events aimed at connecting residents with local resources, history, and culture.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 21, 2026: