Fuel prices in Georgia moved higher this week, pushing the statewide average to $2.72 per gallon as of Monday, though drivers could still see day-to-day swings at the pump. AAA-The Auto Club Group says rising oil costs and the start of seasonal refinery maintenance are tightening supplies and nudging prices upward, even as winter weather has kept demand somewhat lower.
Two educators from the Chattooga County School District are being recognized statewide for excellence in science instruction. Erin Smith of Leroy Massey Elementary and Melissa Rowe of Chattooga High School have been named Georgia Science Teachers Association (GSTA) Science Teachers of the Year, earning top honors at the elementary and high school levels.
District leaders say Smith and Rowe were selected for their dedication, instructional leadership, and passion for engaging students in meaningful science learning. Their recognition, the district says, reflects the high-quality science instruction delivered across Chattooga County classrooms each day.
The GSTA Teacher of the Year Award honors educators with a proven record of excellence and impact on student learning. Award recipients receive a $1,500 honorarium and complimentary registration to the GSTA Annual Conference. The district is encouraging the community to join in congratulating both teachers on the achievement.
A Chattooga County man was arrested earlier this month following a traffic stop that led to multiple charges, including Driving Under the Influence, according to an arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
This week’s WZQZ Pet of the Week is Kevin — a happy, playful pup with a big smile who’s ready to find his forever home. Kevin is a neutered male who’s described as sweet and loving, and he gets along great with toys and other dogs, making him a wonderful fit for an active family or anyone looking for a friendly companion.
Kevin is currently available for adoption at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays by appointment, and the shelter also opens the first Saturday of every month for adoptions only. To learn more about Kevin or to start the adoption process, call 706-857-0679.
A violent attack in Gordon County late last week ended with a Plainville man behind bars after deputies say he assaulted a woman at her home with a pair of scissors, then fled the scene.
Motorists traveling through Summerville should prepare for delays beginning Tuesday morning as road work impacts a major route inside the city limits. Officials say traffic on Rome Boulevard/Highway 27 at the railroad tracks will be reduced to one lane starting February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
An estimated time for full reopening has not been announced. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, expect delays, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
The advisory was issued by Pamela M. Vaughn, Director of the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Mapping and Addressing, Deputy Director of Chattooga County E-911, and Chattooga County Safety Coordinator.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, February 16, 2026:
Unseasonably warm weather will continue across the region this week, with temperatures running 15 to 20 degrees above normal by the end of the workweek. Dry and mostly clear conditions are expected through at least the first half of the week as high pressure builds over the Southeast.
Today, Monday, February 16, 2026, is a designated U.S. federal holiday in observance of Washington’s Birthday, more commonly known as Presidents’ Day. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of February and honors the legacy of George Washington, with broader recognition often extended to Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. presidents.
As a federal holiday, non-essential federal offices are closed, along with banks, post offices, and many libraries. There will be no mail delivery today. While government services pause, most retail stores, restaurants, and private businesses remain open, though hours may vary by location.
Officially listed as Washington’s Birthday by federal law and the Office of Personnel Management, the Presidents’ Day name has become widely used by the public over time, reflecting its expanded historical significance.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports that a 61-year-old Summerville man was arrested following a domestic-related call earlier this month.
According to an incident report covering the period of February 3 through February 10, 2026, deputies were dispatched on February 7 to Cottonwood Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies encountered an ongoing dispute between two individuals at the residence.
The report states that after returning to the scene later that evening, deputies heard threats of bodily harm. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Authorities say the individual has been charged with Felony Terroristic Threats and Acts and Disorderly Conduct. The case remains under investigation.
