The Sara Hightower Regional Library System (SHRLS) will launch its Summer Reading Program on May 27th with kickoff programs held at each library branch throughout the week. The kickoff events are scheduled as follows:

• Cave Spring Library: Wednesday, May 28th, 2pm-4pm

• Cedartown Library: Thursday, May 29th, 2pm-4pm

• Chattooga Library: Saturday, May 31st, 10am-12pm

• Rockmart Library: Thursday, May 29th, 10am-12pm

• Rome-Floyd County Library: Tuesday, May 27th, 9am-12pm

• Trion Library: Friday, May 30th, 4pm-6pm

Throughout the summer months, the library will offer opportunities for all ages and abilities to explore creativity, develop social skills, and have fun while reading. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” celebrates exploring the world through art. SHRLS will host activities designed to inspire and engage readers through different mediums of artistic expression. Everyone can earn prizes for achieving reading goals and join in-person and online activities.

SHRLS will bring in talented performers to offer a variety of activities, such as Storyteller Terrell Shaw, Magician Arthur Atsma, Drummer Dave Holland, The Rome-Floyd County ECO Center, GYSTC, Southeastern Reptile Rescue, and the Little Red Barn Petting Zoo.

Be sure to check the schedule HERE to take advantage of these fun opportunities.

“Summer reading programs at the library are a great way to keep kids engaged and learning while school is out,” said Julie Walker, state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries & Archives. “Kids will earn prizes for achieving reading goals, improve their reading skills, and best of all, have fun. Library programs are one of the few free opportunities for families and individuals to connect, learn, and grow.”

Participants can track their reading and earn badges digitally using Beanstack, available HERE, in addition to traditional paper reading logs.

“Library patrons across the state can look forward to an engaging summer of arts, crafts, writing, and creative exploration built around this year’s theme,” said Evan Michael Bush, director of Youth Services for Georgia Public Library Service. “Our libraries are community hubs that support literacy and foster lifelong learning.”

Support for summer reading programs is provided in part by funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. To learn how you can support these programs, visit georgialibraries.org/support.

Mohawk Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of flooring products in the United States, will be hosting a job fair this week for employees at their facilities in Summerville and throughout the broader Northwest Georgia region. This event represents a unique opportunity for job seekers to explore a wide range of exciting career prospects with one of Chattooga County’s leading employers.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms today, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts. While less likely, a brief tornado or hail burst cannot be ruled out. The National Weather Service has issued a warning indicating an isolated heavy rain and flooding threat, particularly impacting Northwest Georgia. The forecast calls for gradually becoming mostly sunny skies with a high near 77 degrees. A south wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph, is expected. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts estimated between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, potentially higher within thunderstorms. The threat of storms continues into tonight, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 5 am, followed by a chance of showers. The temperature is expected to drop to a low of around 58 degrees with mostly cloudy skies and calm winds. The chance of precipitation remains high at 60%, with potential rainfall amounts of a quarter to half an inch. Tuesday will see a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 1 pm. The high will be near 74 degrees Fahrenheit, with a calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Residents are urged to stay informed of weather updates, secure loose outdoor objects, and be prepared for potential power outages. Drivers should exercise caution and avoid driving through flooded areas.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 12, 2025:

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The Summerville City Council will hold its monthly meeting this evening, Monday, May 11th, at 5 PM at Summerville City Hall. A major focus will be the first reading of the FY 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance. The council will also appoint Kyle Krueger to the Tree Board for a two-year term, showing the city’s commitment to the environment. Additionally, they will review sign permit approvals for local businesses such as 4 Seasons Portable Buildings and MJ Designs, LLC, and vote on annual payments of $67,276. 82 for Volunteer Firefighters. They will consider a $3,000 offer for a condemned property at 138 Curran St. Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting, which will include a question and answer session with the Mayor and Council at 4:30 PM. You can review the complete agenda for this evening’s meeting below:

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Last week marked National Correctional Officer’s Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of correctional officers across the nation. Established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, this annual observance acknowledges the vital role these officers play in maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities. In Chattooga County, Sheriff Mark Schrader took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the officers serving at the county jail. “We can’t let this week go by without giving a shout out to our detention staff,” stated Sheriff Schrader. “Most folks don’t see them in their work environment making sure that everything is being done to house, book, process and release offenders that are committed to the county jail.” He concluded with a heartfelt message: “A big shoutout and ‘thank you’ to each of them for doing this job!” The recognition highlights the often-unseen responsibilities and dedication of correctional officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and the community.

Young performers wanting to join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and other fairy tale characters in Chattooga Curtain Call’s summer production of “Shrek The Musical JR. ” must register by today, Monday, May 12th, 2025. This musical is based on the popular DreamWorks film and is open to students entering 3rd through 12th grade. Directed by Kayla Willingham and assisted by Brianna Spraggins, the show features Shrek’s journey to rescue Princess Fiona, highlighting themes of self-acceptance and love. Interested participants should register today and can find more information on Chattooga Curtain Call’s Facebook Page HERE.

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, consisting of Chattooga, Walker, Dade and Catoosa Counties, operates a Wellness Court, a voluntary program designed to help individuals with mental health issues navigate the justice system.

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The Chattooga County housing market continues to favor sellers, with median home sale prices rising by 1.5% compared to last year, according to recent market data from April 2025. The median home sold price reached $199,900, with the median price per square foot settling at $135. The sustained strength of the seller’s market indicates continued high demand and potentially limited housing supply. In a seller’s market, properties tend to sell faster and at higher prices due to increased competition among buyers. The number of homes for sale in Chattooga County saw a positive change, rising from 105 in March 2025 to 116 in April 2025, representing a 10.5% increase month-over-month. A total of 22 homes changed hands during the month of April. Inventory trends varied depending on the number of bedrooms. One-bedroom home inventory saw a significant increase of +100.0%. Two-bedroom homes experienced a decrease in inventory of -3.3%. Meanwhile, three and four-bedroom homes saw inventory increases of +17.0% and +15.0% respectively. Inventory for five-bedroom homes remained unchanged. Real estate experts suggest that potential buyers should be prepared for competitive bidding and potentially higher prices in the current market conditions. Sellers, on the other hand, can expect a relatively quick sale, provided their homes are priced competitively and well-presented.

Source: Rocket Homes