There should be no shortage of family fun at the 2025 City of Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival & Fireworks Show on July 3. The festival and fireworks show has been a long-time family affair and one of the best fireworks shows in northwest Georgia! This free community event will be held at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 33 Middle School Rd. Music, food, fun and festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the fireworks show scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Event goers will experience non-stop excitement with fun family activities. Parking for this event is free, opening prior to the event. Staff will be on hand to assist in directing vehicles to available parking spaces at the venue. It is suggested to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and dancing shoes for this evening of entertainment.
In spring 2025, GNTC awarded cords to 660 high school students who achieved college credit through the Dual Enrollment program. Among them, 41 seniors from Chattooga High School and 34 seniors from Trion High School received these honors. Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program enables qualified high school students in GNTC’s nine-county area to take college-level courses that provide both college and high school credits simultaneously. Kristi Hart, the director of High School Initiatives at GNTC, explained that students can enroll in any GNTC program if they meet the necessary admission and eligibility requirements. Students in grades 10-12 can enroll part-time or full-time in courses at their high school, GNTC campus, or online, and can earn dual credit during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. GNTC’s program is nationally accredited by NACEP. For admission into GNTC’s Dual Enrollment program, students must first meet with their high school’s counselor or Dual Enrollment coordinator and obtain approval to participate; home school students and parents can meet with the Dual Enrollment specialist in High School Initiatives at GNTC. Students must have a high school GPA of 2.0 documented with a high school transcript or have acceptable standardized test scores. Transcripts and test scores are generally provided by the high school.
Motorists who regularly use Little Texas Valley Road will need to find an alternate route as Floyd County Public Works has announced the immediate and indefinite closure of a section of the road, including the iron bridge spanning Armuchee Creek.The closure extends from the fire station located at 90 Little Texas Valley Road to Scenic Road. The decision to close the road was made due to significant damage to the bridge deck surface, posing a safety hazard to drivers.”The integrity of the bridge deck has been compromised,” stated a spokesperson for Floyd County Public Works. “For the safety of our residents and all who travel in Floyd County, we have had to make the difficult decision to close this section of Little Texas Valley Road until repairs can be made.”A detour route has been established via Scenic Road, connecting to Highway 27 North. Motorists are advised to utilize this detour when traveling to and from Highway 27 North.The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Floyd County Public Works has not yet released a timeline for repairs. Further updates will be provided as they become available. Motorists are encouraged to follow Floyd County Public Works on social media or visit the county website for the latest information.
According to a report released last week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, a woman who identified herself as a volunteer firefighter, was arrested last Sunday after nearly hitting a Trion Police Car.
A methamphetamine dealer, Sara Carroll, has been sentenced to 20 years, with 10 years in prison, for selling 44 grams of meth to an undercover agent. Carroll pleaded guilty on May 1, 2025, in Walker County Superior Court to Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute. The investigation started when a confidential informant alerted the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force (DTF) about Carroll’s drug activities. Agents conducted a controlled buy, where Carroll brought approximately 1.5 ounces of meth to a designated spot. The drugs were seized, and she was arrested. Along with her prison sentence, Carroll will also be banned from the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit during her probation. District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller emphasized a strict stance against drug trafficking, stating that those who sell meth in the area will be prosecuted without leniency. This case is part of a broader effort to combat methamphetamine trafficking and protect the community from dangerous drugs in Northwest Georgia.
Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for the possibility of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with a continued chance of storms through Sunday. The primary threat associated with these storms is down burst wind gusts, which could lead to localized damage.According to the National Weather Service, a few strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible. In addition to strong winds, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall are also likely with any storms that develop. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the roads due to reduced visibility and potential hydroplaning.The weather pattern is expected to continue into Sunday, with additional shower and thunderstorm chances. The highest likelihood of storms is after 2 PM. Temperatures will remain near or slightly above normal for this time of year, with highs near 88 degrees today and 89 degrees on Sunday.Tonight, there’s a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 PM. The low will be around 69 degrees.Looking ahead to Monday, there is a 70% chance of precipitation, with a slight chance of showers turning into likely showers and thunderstorms after 11 AM. The high will be near 89 degrees.
The University System of Georgia has partnered with five other public university systems in the South to create a new accreditation model aimed at enhancing higher education. This initiative focuses on academics, student outcomes, and achievement, according to USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. The new organization, called the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), seeks to maintain high standards and provide real value for students and families. The previous accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, has faced criticism for perceived liberal biases. The consortium’s announcement offered limited details but emphasized a commitment to rigorous and adaptable accreditation standards to ensure academic quality. Besides Georgia, the member states include Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Texas A&M University System. Leaders from these systems expressed that the new model will lower costs, build confidence in public higher education, and improve operational efficiency while using student data for decision-making.
Chris James Bean, 42, was arrested on June 20th, 2025, following a domestic dispute that escalated after a bull was shot and killed on a property on Sling Alley Road in Lyerly, Georgia. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy responded to the scene at approximately 8:49 PM after a call regarding a physical altercation. The incident began when a bull escaped its pasture and entered the yard where Bean and his daughter were playing. Bean’s father, James Bean, stated that his son retrieved a shotgun and then a 30-30 rifle, firing at the bull until it was deceased. The shooting sparked a heated argument between Bean and his uncle, Daniel Bean, regarding the reckless firing of the weapon. According to Daniel Bean, Chris Bean became agitated during the conversation about the shooting. He stated that as they attempted to walk away, Chris Bean allegedly struck him from behind, causing him to fall. Daniel Bean displayed visible bruising and marks on his right cheek to the responding officer. Further complicating the situation, the bull’s owner, Christopher Scoggins, alleged that he witnessed Chris Bean grab and push his mother, Anna Bean, while Scoggins was attempting to retrieve the deceased animal. Scoggins also claimed that Bean drove to his property prior to the deputy’s arrival and threatened to kill his other animals. Chris Bean was taken into custody and, after being read his Miranda Rights, admitted to striking his uncle. He stated that he was already agitated due to the situation with the bull and that the confrontation with his father and uncle only worsened his anger. Bean was charged with battery and simple battery and was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Get ready for a day of sweet treats and locomotive excitement! Summerville Main Street is hosting a delightful celebration of National Dairy Month at the Summerville Depot today, featuring the 2025 Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest, an Ice Cream Eating Contest, and a special appearance by a steam engine train. Dairy Day at the Depot kicks off at 10:30 a.m., promising a fun-filled event for ice cream enthusiasts and rail fans alike.
