With the heat of summer on the way, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City, Georgia is issuing a critical warning about the dangers of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH), reminding the public that leaving a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car is never safe – regardless of the season. “It can happen to anyone,” warns the NWS. “Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Sitter… anyone can be affected by this tragedy.” The NWS emphasizes that 100% of hot car child deaths are preventable.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced its April 2025 unemployment data on Thursday of this week, showing mixed results for Northwest Georgia. The overall unemployment rate is low at 2. 9%, but Chattooga County is struggling with the highest rate in the area. Chattooga County has seen a concerning rise in initial unemployment claims, with 119 claims last month, a jump of 79 from the month before.
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will be hosting a homemade ice cream sale today at the park in Summerville. Come out and enjoy a variety of flavors of delicious homemade ice cream for just $3 a cup. Credit cards are accepted, and a $5 park pass is required to park. The ice cream sale is happening today from Noon until 3 PM. You’ll find the ice cream sale next to the visitor’s center at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park today.
A 59-year-old Summerville man was arrested last Saturday after he was accused of striking a woman at his Sixth Avenue residence. Summerville Police say that Freddie Lee Newton III allegedly struck the victim on the chin. When police arrived on the scene, they say that Newton was “being uncooperative and a nuisance” and was heavily intoxicated. Newton was arrested and taken to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct.
Speak Life is a support group for families, friends, and individuals with special needs, offering monthly gatherings in Chattooga County. Run by parents of special needs children, it creates a caring space for connection, support, and access to helpful resources. Meetings take place on the last Saturday of each month (except December) at 11:00 AM in different community locations with various activities. Upcoming events include:
The Chattooga County Extension Office is hosting a one-day “Horse 101” camp for children interested in horses, with no previous experience needed.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 23, 2025:
A Summerville woman, identified as 34-year-old Tamra Winn, was arrested on Wednesday of this week following an alleged assault on her mother using a metal rod. Summerville Police Department officers responded to a call reporting an assault at a residence located at 625 NW Congress Street. While en route, officers encountered a white female, later identified as Winn, walking away from the reported address. Upon arrival at the residence, officers found Winn’s mother sitting on her front porch. The victim stated that Winn had entered her room brandishing a metal rod and accused her of being responsible for a motorcycle accident. According to the victim, Winn presented the rod as supposed evidence. The situation escalated, with Winn allegedly holding her mother down by the wrist, resulting in bruising. A Summerville Police officer was dispatched to locate and apprehend Winn. Shortly after, the officer confirmed Winn’s location and was instructed to take her into custody. Winn was informed of the charges against her, and her belongings were returned to her mother. Winn was subsequently transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
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.
The Chattooga County Extension Office, in partnership with the University of Georgia Extension, is offering a series of hands-on food preservation workshops throughout the summer of 2025. Led by Chattooga County Extension Agent Rebecca Thomas, these classes will teach participants the proper techniques and safe methods for home canning and preserving delicious, seasonal foods.
