4th Annual Chattooga River Fest Was Success

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:

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Man Arrested For DUI After Driving Erratically On Highway 27

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.

Georgia DNR Encourages Families To Reel In Memories At Public Fishing Events

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.

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Summerville 12U Indian BBQ Sale & Car Wash This Saturday

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!

Trion Man Arrested For Sexual Battery

A Chattooga County man was charged in Floyd County this week on sexual battery charges. Paul Joseph Rector, 51, of Trion, Georgia, was arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old family member. According to police reports, officers were dispatched to a residence following a complaint from the teenage victim, who stated that Rector had been inappropriately touching her for approximately one year. The victim reported that, when she was 15, Rector allegedly struck her buttocks, causing a small bruise, while making inappropriate comments about her appearance. A second incident reportedly occurred a month prior to the police report, where the victim alleged that Rector grabbed and rubbed her inner thigh while making explicit comments. Rector is currently being held on charges of sexual battery. The investigation is ongoing.

Former Trion Police Officer Arrested for Excessive Force During Drug Task Force Stop

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Chris Wooten, a former Trion Police Department officer and member of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force (LMJC), was arrested on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and charged with Aggravated Battery (Felony) and Violation of Oath of Office (Felony) following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

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More Thunderstorms On Tap Through The Weekend

Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and into the evening, with the primary concerns being gusty winds and frequent lightning. The National Weather Service also warns of a potential for localized flooding in areas experiencing heavier rainfall. According to weather reports, showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 4 p.m. today. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 87 degrees. Tonight, the chance of showers and thunderstorms continues before 8 p.m., with a slight chance returning after 2 a.m. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low around 70 degrees and a south wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is currently estimated at 30%. Looking ahead to Juneteenth, the forecast predicts showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., followed by showers and potentially more thunderstorms after 5 p.m. The high will be near 86 degrees with a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts expected to range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in areas impacted by thunderstorms. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend. Daily thunderstorm activity is anticipated, with the highest probability of storms occurring during the afternoon and evening hours each day. While the risk of severe weather remains low, officials urge caution as stronger storms are possible.

Arrest Report – Wednesday – June 18, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, June 18, 2025:

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Summerville Seeks Director For Public Works Street Department

The City of Summerville is now accepting applications for the position of Public Works Street Department Director. This vital role is responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of the city’s street department operations, ensuring the safe and efficient maintenance and improvement of Summerville’s infrastructure. The Street Department Director will be responsible for developing long-range plans, establishing departmental priorities, and implementing operating procedures. This includes supervising personnel involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, bridges, driveways, and rights-of-way. Key duties also involve inspecting work sites, operating heavy equipment, evaluating maintenance needs, servicing equipment, and instructing employees on proper work methods. The Director will also be responsible for managing the department’s budget, records, and responding to public inquiries. A critical component of the role is also the oversight and coordination of cemetery maintenance. The position requires an Associate’s degree or equivalent experience, along with at least five years of experience in a related field. Candidates must possess or be able to readily obtain a valid Georgia driver’s license. The work environment involves both office and outdoor settings, with potential exposure to various environmental factors. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately for this leadership opportunity within the City of Summerville’s Public Works Department.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper Earns National Spot On Key Policy Council

Georgia is taking its place at the national forefront of agricultural policy, with Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper selected to join the America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) newly formed America First Agriculture Commissioners and Secretaries Council. Harper is one of just twelve members chosen from across the country to contribute to the council. Harper expressed his pride in representing Georgia on this important council, vowing to champion policies that prioritize the success of American and Georgian farmers. He emphasized the importance of Georgia having a voice in the national agricultural conversation, given its status as a leading agricultural state. The council is committed to advancing the Farmers First Agenda, which focuses on three key pillars: driving economic prosperity in rural communities, re-evaluating government structures to better serve farmers, and crafting nutrition policies that prioritize American health and security. Joining Harper on the council are agricultural leaders from states including Arkansas, Texas, Iowa, and South Carolina. AFPI, the non-profit organization spearheading the initiative, underscores its commitment to ensuring American values remain central to public policy, a sentiment keenly observed by agricultural producers nationwide. This new council aims to be a powerful advocate for farmers across the country, shaping the future of American agriculture.

Source: Aginfo.net