Summerville City Council to Consider Building Code Reinstatement, Fair Donation at Monday Meeting

The Summerville City Council will meet Monday evening with several items on the agenda, including a proposal to reinstate portions of the city’s building regulations and a request to support the Chattooga County Fair.

The council’s regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Summerville City Hall.

Among the new business items, council members will discuss and consider reinstating the city’s Code of Ordinances related to buildings and building regulations. The agenda does not specify what changes would accompany the reinstatement.

Council members will also consider approving a $5,000 donation to the Chattooga County Fair, which is scheduled for August 27-30, 2026.

The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from three previous meetings, change orders for sanitary sewer improvements serving the Industrial Park and the 2024 Community Development Block Grant project, an update to the city’s holiday policy, and authorization for Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a letter of support for the Propel Program.

The meeting will also feature the recognition of Firefighter Britt Evans on his retirement, followed by financial updates from City Manager Jason Winters. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for public comments before adjournment.

Two Suspects in Custody, One Still Sought After iPads Stolen From Trion Walmart

Two of the three suspects accused of stealing several iPads from the Walmart in Trion are now in custody, while law enforcement continues searching for a third suspect.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, store employees attempted to stop the three men as they left the store Friday after they were suspected of shoplifting multiple iPads. The suspects fled before deputies arrived.

One suspect was initially apprehended Friday. Sheriff Schrader later announced that a second suspect has now been taken into custody, leaving one suspect still at large.

Authorities said the remaining suspect was last seen wearing green and black shorts with a black shirt. Sheriff Schrader has released a surveillance image of the suspect and is asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators believe the suspects may also be connected to other shoplifting incidents in Michigan and Dalton, Georgia.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.

Anyone with information on the remaining suspect is encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Arrest Report – Saturday – July 11, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 11, 2026:

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Storm Chances Increase This Weekend With Heavy Rain Possible Across Northwest Georgia

Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia this weekend, but increasing thunderstorm activity is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and some relief from the heat.

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AdventHealth Invites Community To Celebrate Opening Of New Cancer Pavilion In Rome

AdventHealth is inviting the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Cancer Pavilion in Rome.

The ceremony will be held Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. at the AdventHealth Cancer Pavilion, located at 641 Braves Boulevard in Rome. Community members, local leaders and healthcare partners are invited to attend as AdventHealth officially opens the facility and marks a new chapter in cancer care for Northwest Georgia.

The new Cancer Pavilion brings a wide range of cancer services together under one roof, allowing patients to receive coordinated care closer to home.

The facility includes a Breast Center offering advanced mammography, bone-density scanning and diagnostic imaging technology. It also features experienced hematology and oncology specialists, a spacious infusion center for cancer treatments, and an on-site laboratory and pharmacy.

The program will include welcome remarks, special recognitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a prayer of dedication for patients and members of the care team.

Following the ceremony, guests will be invited to enjoy light refreshments and drinks while taking self-guided tours of the new facility.

Operation Southern Slow Down Returns Monday as Five-State Crackdown Targets Speeding Drivers

Motorists traveling across Georgia and the Southeast next week can expect to see a much stronger law enforcement presence as the annual Operation Southern Slow Down campaign gets underway.

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Southeast First National Bank Donates To Chattooga County School Athletic Programs

Southeast First National Bank has made a donation to support athletic programs throughout the Chattooga County School System.

The contribution was presented by Suzanne Hurley-Bowman and Barry Hurley of Southeast First National Bank to Chattooga County School System Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie and Chief Academic Officer Robert Beach.

Barry Hurley said the bank remains committed to supporting local schools and organizations that serve the community and its young people.

“We are proud that over the years we have been able to support our school systems and other entities that serve the citizens and youth of our community,” Hurley said.

School officials expressed their appreciation for the contribution, noting that partnerships with local businesses help strengthen athletic opportunities and provide additional support for student-athletes across the Chattooga County School System.

West Nile Virus concerns have public health officials reminding about mosquito-bite prevention

Public health officials are urging Northwest Georgia residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the 2026 West Nile virus season gets underway earlier and more aggressively than it has in more than two decades.

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Godfrey’s Tree Service Organizes GoFundMe For Trion Family After July 4 Storm Damage

Kevin Godfrey and Lacey Gilreath with Godfrey’s Tree Service have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help a Trion family whose home was heavily damaged during severe storms on July 4, 2026.

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Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants

The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.

Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.

State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.