More than two weeks into the summer burn ban, officials report ongoing violations in Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County. The ban, effective from May 1st to September 30th, forbids burning yard and land-clearing debris to protect air quality and reduce wildfire risks. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the statewide ban impacting 54 counties, aimed at decreasing smoke during the high ozone summer months. An EPD spokesperson noted that open burning adds to pollutants that harm air quality and affect individuals with respiratory issues, like asthma. Residents are encouraged to use alternative methods for yard waste, such as composting, chipping, or commercial services. While the ban is strict, specific activities like agricultural burning and campfires may be permitted under strict regulations. The EPD monitors compliance and urges residents to report any violations, as ignoring the ban jeopardizes air quality and increases wildfire risks.

Billy Paul Niccum, 64, from Summerville, was arrested last week, on May 18th, after a hit-and-run investigation led to drug charges. The incident began around 8:00 p. m. when officers contacted each other about a driver who had fled the scene. Niccum was found in his backyard. As officers approached, he allegedly threw a white object, prompting a K-9 unit to investigate. They discovered a metal pipe with a bandana holding a bag of a white crystal-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Niccum consented to a search, where officers found glass smoking devices, digital scales with meth residue, and marijuana in his bedroom. A large gun safe contained more marijuana in bags. Niccum was aware of the concealed items and was arrested. He faces multiple charges, including Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, among others.

As summer approaches, the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI) has launched its 2025 Swim Guide program, offering weekly updates on water quality for recreational users in the upper Coosa River basin, from Weiss Lake to Lake Allatoona, including Chattooga County.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia should be prepared for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and into the overnight hours, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe. The National Weather Service has issued a warning, indicating the possibility of strong wind gusts, hail up to the size of quarters, and locally heavy rainfall. The chance of showers and thunderstorms increases this afternoon, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm after 3 p.m. The high will be near 81 degrees with calm winds becoming south around 5 mph. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with the potential for higher amounts in thunderstorms. Tonight, showers and a thunderstorm are likely before 11 p.m., followed by showers and thunderstorms likely between 11 p.m. and midnight. Patchy fog is expected after 1 a.m. The low will be around 64 degrees with calm winds. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with similar rainfall amounts expected as today. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into Memorial Day, with a 70% chance of precipitation and the possibility of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Monday night carries an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The forecast for Tuesday predicts an 80% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with a high near 74. Tuesday night will also see a high chance (90%) of showers and possible thunderstorms. The wet weather is expected to linger into Wednesday, with a 70% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms throughout the day.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 25, 2025:

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A 29-year-old Armuchee man is behind bars facing a slew of charges after allegedly stealing a firearm and a vehicle from a residence on Old Summerville Road last month. Dakota Joseph Godfrey was arrested and charged with felony burglary, auto theft, possession of a pistol during the commission of a crime, and criminal damage to property, according to Floyd County Jail reports. Authorities allege Godfrey caused over $1,500 in damage to the garage door of the victim’s home during the March 26th incident. In addition to the aforementioned charges, Godfrey faces counts of felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, misdemeanor criminal trespass, and theft by taking. Police reports indicate the stolen items included a Ruger Mark II pistol and a Honda CR-V valued at $1,600. As of Friday, Godfrey remains in jail without bond.

The City of Summerville is currently accepting applications for a Payroll/Finance Clerk to manage and process payroll records, perform financial duties, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the city’s financial operations.

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State and local law enforcement officers urge everyone to “Join the Click” by wearing seat belts in vehicles and life jackets on the water this Memorial Day Weekend. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and others are on a statewide safety tour during the holiday travel period. More than a million people are expected to travel this weekend, prompting reminders to wear seat belts and life jackets and avoid impaired driving. During last year’s holiday weekend, 16 people died in traffic crashes. Law enforcement will enforce traffic laws and conduct vessel safety checks. Key reminders include allowing extra travel time and designating sober drivers before celebrations.

The Walker County Board of Commissioners will be holding public budget work sessions on Thursday, June 2nd, and Friday, June 3rd, 2023, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day. The sessions will be held at 101 S Duke Street in LaFayette, allowing for public access. For those unable to attend in person, the county will be live-streaming the sessions on its official Facebook page. These work sessions are crucial for the Commissioners to deliberate and finalize the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.  You can see the agenda for the meetings below:

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Helena Chisolm has been named Nurse of the Year at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center. Other nurses recognized for their excellence include Nikki Willis from the Emergency Care Center, Will Kirkland from Inpatient Pre-op/Post-Anesthesia Care, Hope Couch from Pediatrics, Alfreda Mitchell from Floyd Behavioral Health, Katie Wingate from Inpatient Rehab, and Rhiannon Nicholson from Medical/Surgical nursing.

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