Blood Assurance is making an urgent appeal to Chattooga County residents to donate blood as the region enters the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” a period known for a surge in trauma-related injuries and a critical need for blood.
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is celebrating a monumental achievement: the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom has officially reached every single county in the state of Georgia. This milestone was reached with a recent visit to Stewart County, marking the culmination of a four-year journey that began in 2021. Since its launch, the 36-foot mobile classroom has traveled over 210,000 miles, bringing interactive agricultural education to communities across the state.
Michael Darren Hughes, age 45, from Lyerly, was arrested recently after a domestic dispute on Josh Ward Road. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were called to 317 Josh Ward Road at about 7:51 PM on May 21st after a report a physical altercation. Complainants said Hughes, a former partner of a female at the residence, asked for a cigarette and brought his six-year-old daughter. An argument broke out, and Hughes allegedly struck the female victim’s face. Hughes allegedly entered her car without permission, attempted to take her wallet, and damaged her iPhone. Hughes fled the scene with his daughter but was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses. His daughter was placed with a family member, who informed deputies that Hughes ran into the woods out of fear. A referral is being sent to DFACS due to the alleged crimes occurring in front of Hughes’ child.
Northwest Georgia will experience dry conditions and hazy skies today and Tuesday as wildfire smoke aloft from Canada continues to impact the region. While temperatures will remain near-normal for early June, residents can expect a veil of smoke to linger in the upper atmosphere. According to local weather reports, sunny days and clear nights with scattered fair-weather cumulus clouds are expected. Low temperatures will range from the upper 50s to low-60s this morning and tomorrow morning, while high temperatures will reach the mid-80s, consistent with typical early June weather. Integrated Smoke models indicate that wildfire smoke from Canada will remain suspended in the upper levels of the atmosphere over Northwest Georgia for the next 48 hours. While the smoke may become more dispersed, it is likely to stay entrained in the upper-level flow. Relief from the hazy conditions may arrive mid-week, with isolated rain chances returning as early as Wednesday and Thursday. By the weekend, more widespread diurnally-enhanced showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop, potentially clearing the air.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 2, 2025:
Colton McCary, an upcoming junior at Chattooga High School, is headed to Wyoming this July. The young bull rider has qualified for the 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) in Rock Springs, Wyoming, after a stellar performance at the Georgia High School Rodeo Association (GHSRA) state finals in Perry last week, where he finished 4th in bull riding. The GHSRA, a state affiliate of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), provides a competitive platform for Georgia high school students in grades 9-12 to showcase their skills in traditional rodeo events. The NHSRA itself is a vast organization spanning 41 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and featuring international competitors from Australia and Mexico. With over 12,000 members and hosting more than 1,800 rodeos annually, it’s a proving ground for aspiring rodeo stars. McCary’s impressive finish at the GHSRA state finals has earned him a coveted spot among the elite young rodeo athletes who will compete for a world title at the NHSFR. He will face fierce competition from across North America and beyond, all vying for the ultimate prize in high school rodeo. The local community is rallying behind McCary as he prepares for this momentous opportunity. He’ll be heading to Wyoming later this summer, carrying the hopes and dreams of Georgia rodeo fans with him, as he aims to bring home a world championship title.
According to a police report released late last week, a Summerville woman was arrested following a domestic dispute on Northwest Congress Street. According to a Summerville Police Department report, officers responded to a call on Northwest Congress Street where they encountered Marcus Reed, the victim, who stated that Lacey Dunn arrived at his residence and immediately began arguing with him. The argument escalated, and Dunn allegedly threw a rock through a window of Reed’s residence. Upon speaking with Dunn, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on her breath and observed her holding an open alcoholic beverage. Dunn reportedly claimed she was upset because Reed was hitting her mother, who also resides at the residence. Dunn admitted to breaking the window and was subsequently detained. While detained, officers spoke with Dunn’s mother, who requested that Dunn be released into the custody of her sister. Reed agreed to this arrangement. However, while awaiting her sister’s arrival, Dunn allegedly stated that she preferred to go to jail, believing it would be better for her at that time. Lacey Dunn was arrested and charged with criminal damage to property in the 2nd degree. She was subsequently booked into the Chattooga County Jail.
Officials and community members celebrated the groundbreaking of the AdventHealth Cancer Pavilion last Friday in Rome, Georgia. Isaac Sendros, President and CEO of AdventHealth Georgia, emphasized that the organization’s mission aligns closely with the healing ministry of Jesus, especially in cancer care. The new 30,000 square foot facility will enhance AdventHealth’s cancer services in Northwest Georgia, expanding access to top-tier cancer care in Floyd County. It will offer medical oncology, infusion treatment, and women’s imaging services. A dedicated team of specialists will provide comprehensive support, including genetic screening, nutrition classes, financial education, emotional health programs, survivorship resources, rehab, support groups, and access to clinical trials. Sendros stated that it is crucial for the community to have choices in health services, and expressed his commitment to delivering an outstanding patient experience. The pavilion is set to open in Summer 2026.
The Chattooga County 4-H program and the Chattooga County Extension Office are currently conducting their annual Georgia Peach Sale, a vital fundraiser supporting local youth development programs. For years, the Extension Office has partnered with the renowned Dickey Farms in Musella, Georgia, to bring fresh, delicious Georgia peaches to Chattooga County residents, all while supporting a worthy cause. Dickey Farms, steeped in history, has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s peach industry since 1897. Robert L. Dickey, captivated by the Elberta peach, planted his first 30 acres of trees, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving family business. Inspired by the Elberta peach, Robert L. Dickey planted his initial orchard in 1897, marking the official birth of Dickey Farms. In 1936, he constructed the iconic packing house using lumber sourced directly from his property. Today, Dickey Farms remains a family affair, operated by multiple generations of the Dickey family. More than just a peach farm, it’s a testament to family heritage, a local landmark, and a destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the heart of Georgia’s vibrant peach industry. Support Chattooga County 4-H and enjoy the taste of summer! Order your delicious Dickey Farms Georgia Peaches today by calling the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744.
In recent years, home ownership has been difficult due to changing trends and economic uncertainty. Although buyers enjoyed low-interest rates during the pandemic, high prices from limited inventory and competition remained a challenge. Now, while high-interest rates have somewhat lowered home prices, they have not offset increased borrowing costs. The ongoing lack of housing inventory keeps prices high, making it hard for potential homeowners. The average monthly mortgage payment for a median-priced home in the U. S. is nearly 60% higher than it was three years ago. Interest rates are at their highest since 2002. Between February 2022 and February 2025, mortgage rates increased by 80%, and home prices rose significantly, raising monthly payments by about $700. Some areas saw milder increases, but many have experienced steep price rises since the pandemic began. Currently, the average home mortgage in Chattooga County is $1,128 per month. That compares to $1,273 in Walker County and $1,416 in Floyd County. In comparison, the average mortgage in DeKalb County, Alabama, is just $826 per month.