18-Year-Old Charged With DUI Following Summerville Crash

An 18-year-old Summerville man was charged with DUI and other offenses following a single-vehicle crash over the weekend.

According to Summerville Police Department citations, Gavin Ladon Palmer, 18, was involved in a crash on Woodland Avenue on September 20. Police say Palmer was traveling southbound when his vehicle ran off the roadway for approximately 200 feet before striking a power pole.

The investigating officer reported observing signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol and being unbalanced. The citation indicates a blood test was administered, with results listed as pending.

Palmer was cited for DUI — alcohol/less safe, failure to maintain a single lane, and possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21.

Antique Tractors And Small Engines Bring History To Life In Downtown Summerville September 26

A piece of agricultural and railroad history will come to life in downtown Summerville on Saturday, September 26, as Summerville Main Street hosts the Antique Tractor & Small Engines Show.

The event will be held from 10 AM until 3 PM along East Washington Street and at the Summerville Depot.

More than 39 antique tractor and small-engine exhibits are expected, including privately owned collections and displays from the Chickamauga Antique Tractor Club and the Peach State Antique Tractor & Engine Club.

Much of the equipment dates from the early-to-mid 1900s and highlights the development of farming technology and rural life across America.

One of this year’s featured exhibits will be a 1910 Woodpecker Hit & Miss Engine. Visitors will also be able to watch live demonstrations showing how historic farm machinery and engines once operated.

Railroad fans will have another reason to attend. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s 4501 Steam Engine is expected to arrive in Summerville at approximately 12:45 PM. After its arrival, visitors can watch the historic locomotive being turned on the Joe Robert Norton Summerville Turntable.

Food and specialty vendors will also be available throughout the day.

Admission to the Antique Tractor & Small Engines Show is free.

The event will be held Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM to 3 PM in downtown Summerville.

Chattooga High School Invites Community To Red & Black Bash

Chattooga High School is inviting the entire community to show its Indian pride during the Red & Black Bash Block Party coming up Wednesday, September 30.

The event will be held from 6 until 8 PM in the Chattooga High School parking lot and is open to students, families and community members.

The Red & Black Bash will feature local vendors, food trucks, games and activities, along with an opportunity for the community to meet this year’s Chattooga High School Homecoming Court.

The evening will also feature an outdoor community pep rally as students and supporters come together to show their support for the Indians.

Best of all, admission is free and all games and activities are free.

School officials are encouraging everyone to wear their red and black, bring the family and enjoy an evening of food, fun and Chattooga Indian spirit.

The Red & Black Bash runs from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday, September 30, at Chattooga High School.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – September 22, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, September 22, 2026:

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Storm Chances Continue Today Before Cooler Fall Weather Arrives

Another hot and unsettled day is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, but a significant change toward more seasonable late-September weather is on the way.

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Storm Damage Reported Across Trion Monday Evening

Trion residents are cleaning up this morning following a strong thunderstorm that caused widespread damage across the town Monday evening.

Trion Police Chief David Gilleland told WZQZ News Monday night that the damage was extensive, with numerous trees and limbs brought down across town.

Damage was reported in front of Mount Vernon Mills and along Simmons Street, Town Hall Drive, Marsh Avenue and Pine Street, as well as several other locations. Crews had already cleared the area in front of the mill when Gilleland spoke with WZQZ shortly before 7:45 PM.

One of the more significant areas of damage was at the Trion Recreation Department, where a large tree came down near the tennis courts.

Gilleland told WZQZ the falling tree took out the entire fence surrounding the tennis courts.

Some residents along side streets also experienced power outages Monday evening, although power remained on at Trion School following the storm.

Most importantly, Gilleland said no injuries had been reported as of Monday night.

Photos taken around Trion following the storm showed large trees and limbs down near homes and along roadways.

There was no immediate confirmation that a tornado was responsible for the damage. The storms that moved through the area were capable of producing strong, damaging wind gusts.

Crews were working Monday evening to clear trees and debris and assess the extent of the damage.

Northwest Georgia Job Fair Happening Today

Job seekers from Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to meet directly with hiring employers today at a regional job fair in Rock Spring.

WorkSource Georgia and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority are hosting the Northwest Georgia Job Fair from 10 AM until 1 PM today, Tuesday, September 22, at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 North Highway 27.

Organizers say employers from Chattooga, Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties will be participating, with companies looking to fill current openings across a variety of fields.

Job seekers attending today’s event should bring multiple copies of their résumé and be prepared to speak directly with employers about available positions, qualifications and hiring requirements.

The event is designed for people who are unemployed, considering a career change or simply interested in learning about other employment opportunities available across Northwest Georgia.

The job fair is free and runs from 10 AM until 1 PM today at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.

Georgia DNR Announces New Statewide Deer Carcass Disposal Rules

With Georgia’s archery deer season underway, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters about new statewide requirements for disposing of deer carcasses and unused deer parts.

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What Chattooga County Voters Will See On The November Ballot

Chattooga County voters will have a lengthy ballot when they head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, with races ranging from the U.S. Senate and governor to the Georgia General Assembly, along with several state and local ballot questions.

Georgia’s sample ballots became available September 19, giving voters an opportunity to review the races and questions before early voting begins. Georgia law requires sample ballots to be posted at least 45 days before Election Day, and voters can view the ballot specific to their precinct through the Georgia My Voter Page.

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North Georgia EMC Operation Round Up Awards $5,350 In Chattooga County

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Five organizations serving Chattooga County received a combined $5,350 through North Georgia EMC’s Operation Round Up program during the cooperative’s Spring 2026 grant cycle.

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