A lawsuit filed by Chattooga County against Zentell Communications, an internet company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is raising serious questions about the distribution of federal funds and the company’s alleged failure to provide promised services to residents in the Menlo area.
The Free Clinic of Rome is bringing much-needed healthcare services directly to the residents of Chattooga County. On Tuesday, June 17th, from 1-5 PM, the clinic will operate a satellite location at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located on Middle School Road in Summerville. This initiative aims to alleviate the transportation burden faced by many Chattooga County residents who currently travel to Rome for care. “We noticed a significant number of our patients coming from Chattooga County,” explained Renee Blackburn, Director of the Free Clinic of Rome. “By setting up a temporary clinic in Summerville, we hope to make healthcare more accessible to those in need.” The clinic will offer assistance for a range of health concerns, including high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, asthma, and other general medical conditions. Appointments are required and no walk-ins will be accepted. To check eligibility and schedule an appointment, call 706-234-1331. While callers may reach a voicemail, they are strongly encouraged to leave a message. Clinic staff will return the call to determine eligibility. To qualify for services, patients must be uninsured and have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Clinic staff will explain the necessary documentation required during the initial phone call. Don’t forget to schedule your appointment in advance. No walk-ins will be seen on June 17th. This is a valuable opportunity for uninsured, low-income residents of Chattooga County to access quality healthcare.
The Town of Trion is sponsoring a free concert this evening, May 10th, at the Trion Parks and Recreation Center. Residents and visitors alike are invited to attend this exciting event that promises a night of classic rock anthems and community fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. The evening will kick off at 7:30 PM with a performance by “One-Hit Wonders,” a band sure to evoke nostalgia with a collection of memorable, singalong hits. Following “One-Hit Wonders,” the main event begins around 8:30 PM with “Pink Houses,” a high-energy tribute band dedicated to the legendary music of John Mellencamp. Expect to hear all your favorite Mellencamp classics, from “Jack & Diane” to “Hurts So Good,” in a live stage show that will have you singing and dancing along. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Trion Parks & Recreation throughout the evening.
A woman who said she was speeding because she was late for work was arrested by Chattooga County Deputies for DUI after a traffic stop in Trion.
Summerville Mayor Harry Harvey’s proposal to increase utility rates for Summerville residents is facing strong headwinds from the City Council. At a recent budget meeting, several council members voiced their opposition to the mayor’s plan for a 4% increase in city water, gas, and sewer rates. Councilmen Rickey Hughes and Joe Money were particularly vocal in their dissent. Council member Simone Adams also expressed concerns, adding to the growing skepticism surrounding the proposed rate hike. The debate comes as Summerville City Manager Jason Winters presented an alternative budget proposal that would balance the city’s finances without raising utility rates. This proposal offers a contrasting approach that the council is considering. While the majority seem hesitant, Councilman Zach Martin offered a counterpoint, suggesting that small, incremental rate increases might be necessary to avoid a potentially dramatic rate hike in the future. He argued that a more gradual approach could be more manageable for residents in the long run. The Summerville City Council is expected to continue deliberating the proposed rate increases in upcoming budget meetings as they work to finalize a budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
Residents of Northwest Georgia could see isolated thunderstorm activity this afternoon, with the potential for strong to severe storms between 3 PM and 9 PM. The National Weather Service says the primary hazards would be dime to quarter-sized hail and isolated down bursts with wind gusts reaching 40 to 60 mph. Otherwise, today will be mostly sunny with a high near 79 degrees, with calm winds becoming northerly around 5 mph in the afternoon. The forecast for tonight calls for mostly cloudy skies and a low around 54 degrees. North winds around 5 mph are expected, with gusts as high as 15 mph. The weekend will bring a higher chance of precipitation. Saturday has a 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 PM, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 69. Saturday night also holds a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 54. Sunday offers a slight chance of showers early, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 AM. The high is expected to be near 71. Sunday night increases the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 2 AM, with a low around 58. The chance of precipitation climbs to 70%. The start of the work week looks wet, with a 90% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms on Monday and an 80% chance of precipitation Monday night. Tuesday also holds a high chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a 90% likelihood during the day and 80% at night.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 9, 2025:
A Chattooga County man was arrested on drug charges after a routine traffic stop. Roger Dwayne Hullender, 59, was arrested on April 30, 2025, following a traffic stop on Ridgeway Drive near Browns Road, according to authorities.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has received a $2,700 grant from the North Georgia Electric Membership Foundation to support Adult Education in Northwest Georgia.
