Across the South, few traditions are as deeply rooted as the annual church Homecoming. While the celebration is a highlight of many congregations today, its history stretches back more than a century and reflects the close ties between churches, families and rural communities.
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park from the water during a Sunset Paddle on Saturday, July 25.
The ranger-led program begins at 8:30 p.m., with participants asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m. before launching onto the park’s Lower Lake for an evening paddle as the sun sets.
Registration is required in advance. The cost is $20 per person, which includes kayak rental, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required for entry.
Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear clothing that can get wet. The guided paddle offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lake while learning more about the park and its natural surroundings.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Motorists across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are continuing to see higher prices at the pump this week as rising crude oil costs and strong summer travel demand push gasoline prices upward.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair is gearing up for four days of family fun with carnival rides, live entertainment, educational exhibits and daily livestock shows when the fair returns August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds in Summerville.
A Summerville man was cited for public drunkenness Thursday evening following an incident on Fourth Street, according to the Summerville Police Department.
The citation states that Eli Nate Middlebrooks, 26, of Summerville, was issued a citation for public drunk, a violation of Summerville City Ordinance 38-1-10.
According to the officer’s narrative, police responded to a report of a subject yelling in the roadway in the 275 block of Fourth Street. Upon arrival, the officer observed Middlebrooks in the roadway and issued the citation.
The incident occurred on Thursday, July 16.
Middlebrooks is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex.
Americans may be one step closer to ending the twice-a-year clock change.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. The bipartisan measure passed by a 308-117 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If approved there and signed by President Donald Trump, Americans in most states would no longer “spring forward” in March and “fall back” in November.
The Georgia Lottery is celebrating another banner year, transferring a record $1.54 billion to Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs during fiscal year 2026.
Licensed Practical Nurses and licensed Paramedics looking to advance their careers can now apply for Georgia Highlands College’s LPN/Paramedic Bridge to Registered Nurse (RN) Program.
Hot and humid summer weather will continue across Chattooga County and the rest of northwest Georgia through much of the upcoming week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the lower 90s and heat index values reaching around 100 to 101 degrees. Residents spending time outdoors should take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Today will be mostly sunny with only a slight chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 p.m. Any storms that do form will be isolated but could bring brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds before ending this evening.
Tuesday looks very similar, with mostly sunny skies, highs around 93 degrees, and another hot afternoon. Rain chances remain low through most of the day.
The weather pattern begins to change Wednesday as moisture increases across the region. While a few showers are possible early, the better chance for widespread showers and thunderstorms arrives during the afternoon and continues into Wednesday night. Rain chances climb to around 60 percent, making Wednesday the wettest day of the forecast period.
From Thursday through the weekend, expect a more typical summertime pattern. Each afternoon and evening will bring at least a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, while highs ease slightly into the upper 80s. No day appears to be a washout, but outdoor plans could be interrupted by passing storms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Overall, northwest Georgia can expect another week of summer heat, high humidity, and increasing opportunities for scattered thunderstorms as the week progresses.
