As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Chattooga County residents have a chance to view a full-sized replica of America’s founding document right in downtown Summerville.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.
The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.
Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.
Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 12, 2026:
Rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through at least Tuesday as a slow-moving weather system lingers over the region. While not everyone will see rain all day, numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop each afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday, July 16, to review the county’s 2024 Audit Report and consider amendments to the 2025 county budget.
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville.
According to the public meeting notice, the two matters listed for discussion are a review of the completed 2024 audit and consideration of changes to the county’s 2025 budget.
The meeting is open to the public, and residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
Meeting Details
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Commissioner’s Conference Room, Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville
A Crawford County man is facing state and federal charges after a multi-agency investigation into alleged illegal dog fighting led to the rescue of 23 dogs and the seizure of firearms and suspected illegal drugs.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a temporary moratorium on new data center development, giving county officials time to study the issue and determine whether additional local regulations are needed before such facilities are considered.
The Georgia Department of Corrections and communities across Northwest Georgia are mourning the unexpected death of Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 39.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper has officially proclaimed July 2026 as Georgia Grown Watermelon Month, recognizing one of the state’s most recognizable crops and the farmers who produce it.
The announcement highlights Georgia’s position as the nation’s leading watermelon-producing state, with growers harvesting more than 200 million pounds of watermelons each year. The crop is a key part of Georgia’s agriculture industry, which contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy.
“Georgia’s watermelon growers are among the hardest-working farmers in the nation,” Harper said in announcing the proclamation. He encouraged consumers to support local agriculture by purchasing Georgia Grown watermelons throughout the summer season.
Watermelons are typically harvested across Georgia from June through August, making July one of the peak months for fresh, locally grown fruit. Georgia’s warm climate and fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions, helping the state consistently rank first in national watermelon production.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says buying Georgia Grown products supports farm families, strengthens local communities, and helps sustain one of the state’s largest industries. Consumers can identify locally grown produce by looking for the Georgia Grown logo at grocery stores, farmers markets, and roadside stands.
Commissioner Harper said the month-long recognition celebrates both the quality of Georgia-grown watermelons and the important role agriculture continues to play in the state’s economy.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has voted to move forward with an investigation into whether Georgia Power’s largest electricity customers—including data centers—are paying their fair share of fuel costs or shifting those expenses onto residential and small business customers.