AARP has announced that Walker County has been selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant to expand digital connectivity at the county’s first signature park, Adventure Acres.
North Georgia residents are bracing for a line of strong storms expected to move into the region late this morning and early this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory, warning that a few of the storms could become severe, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts. The forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms likely, primarily before 3 PM. Despite the potential for severe weather, the day is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A southwest wind will be blowing between 5 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is estimated at 70%, with new rainfall amounts expected to range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, potentially higher in areas experiencing thunderstorms. The threat of storms diminishes into Thursday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 8 PM. Patchy fog is expected to develop after midnight. Otherwise, the night will be partly cloudy with a low around 66 degrees. Friday will see areas of fog before 10 AM, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 89 degrees. The good news is that the weekend forecast looks drier, with highs in the low to mid-90s and overnight lows in the upper 60s. Residents are urged to stay informed about the weather and take necessary precautions during the potentially severe storms expected later today.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 19, 2025:
On Tuesday of this week, the Free Clinic of Rome, conducted a free health clinic at the Chattooga County Ag Building. Organizers told WZQZ News that the event resulted in over $27,000 in free medicine and health care for Chattooga County residents. According to Renee Blackburn with the Free Clinic of Rome, the volunteer physician and her organization will be conducting two more clinics in the upcoming days. The next clinic will be held on Monday, June 30th and again on Tuesday, July 15th. Interested individuals must pre-qualify for the event. Renee Blackman is available at 706-346-7248 to provide details about eligibility requirements and guide community members through the screening process. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact Renee Blackman to determine their eligibility and to learn more about the specific screenings offered at the clinic. This initiative aims to provide accessible healthcare to those in need within the Chattooga County community.
One of the best things about living in the south is the food and southern hospitality. Summerville Main Street invites the public to celebrate southern foods and traditions as they host “A Taste of The South Festival” on Saturday, June 21 from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Historic Summerville Depot. This free public event is planned to help event goers take a step back in time and share a fondness for good old fashioned southern food, fun and traditions. Southern Food will be a highlight for the day. “Southern Sayings BINGO”, special demonstrations and musical performances will also be included in the day’s activities.
A Summerville man told police that a gas station had used his credit card for unauthorized charges recently. Kenneth Parker filed a fraud report with the Summerville Police Department alleging unauthorized charges at the AMOCO gas station on Commerce Street. Parker stated he visited the AMOCO several weeks prior to purchase gas. Due to a malfunctioning card reader at the pump, he was instructed by the clerk to leave his card, pump the gas, and return inside to pay. Subsequently, Parker discovered two suspicious transactions on his bank account: one for $250.00 and another for $244.00, both purportedly made at the same AMOCO gas station. Parker explained that he was hospitalized during the dates of these transactions. After filing a fraud complaint at his bank, First National Bank in Summerville, Parker was advised to contact the AMOCO station directly to seek reimbursement. Accompanied by a police officer, Parker attempted to retrieve security footage and receipts from the AMOCO to support his claim. However, the station’s video system only retains footage for seven days, and despite repeated requests, the station was unable to locate the relevant receipt. According to the police report, Parker plans to follow up with First National Bank to resolve the fraudulent charges.
The Chattooga River Group (CRG) held its 4th Annual Chattooga River Fest in Lyerly last Saturday, where paddlers enjoyed a safe float on a cloudy morning. The Coosa River Basin Initiative cleared the water for safety before the event. The festival began at Angus McLeod Memorial Park, featuring performances from Jason Clark The Snake Guy and singer Charlie Long, along with an annual cornhole tournament. The winning team received cash prizes. Unfortunately, heavy thunderstorms forced the cancellation of the 4 PM show, but everyone evacuated safely. A kayak raffle was held, with John Digphuis winning. Next year’s Chattooga River Fest is set for June 13th in Trion. Read a full report, contributed by Cindy Rivers-McGraw below:
A 64-year-old man was charged with driving under the influence on Sunday, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy observed a red truck traveling southbound on Highway 27 near the Grocery Outlet exhibiting erratic driving behavior. According to the incident report, the vehicle was traveling 5 mph under the speed limit in the left lane and repeatedly crossed the yellow lines. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and the driver pulled over in the McDonald’s parking lot. The deputy spoke with Michael A. Hines, who said he had been lighting a cigarette while driving. Hines told the deputy he had “two sips of beer” before driving, and that he was taking a prescribed depressant. After failing field sobriety tests, Hines was arrested and taken to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of DUI for multiple substances.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is hooking families up with a chance to bond and learn to fish this summer through its Public Fishing Events across the state.
The 12u Summerville Indian All-Star baseball team is gearing up for the State Baseball Tournament in Statesboro, GA, and is hosting a BBQ fundraiser and car wash to help offset travel and tournament expenses. The BBQ fundraiser will be held this Saturday, June 21st, in the Fit Pit parking lot. BBQ plates will be available for $10 each. Pre-orders are being accepted leading up to the event, but plates will also be available for purchase on-site. In addition to the BBQ, the team will also be hosting a car wash in the Auto Zone parking lot at the same time. For just $7 a car, or any generous donation, you can get your vehicle clean while supporting these talented young athletes. All proceeds from both the BBQ and car wash will go directly towards covering travel costs and ensuring the team has a memorable experience during the State Baseball Tournament. Come out on Saturday, June 21st, grab a delicious BBQ plate, get your car washed, and support the Summerville Indian All-Stars!