Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet weekend as widespread showers and thunderstorms move into the area beginning this morning and continuing through Sunday.
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is providing additional information about two proposed senior property tax exemption changes that voters will consider during the November election, along with a reminder that the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) renewal will also appear on the ballot.
A familiar face is returning to the sidelines in the Chattooga County School System.
Jay Shropshire, a 2017 Chattooga High School graduate, has been named the school’s new head junior varsity boys basketball coach. The appointment comes as Shropshire begins his first year as a teacher while continuing to mentor young athletes both on and off the court.
Shropshire was a standout player for the Indians and became known throughout the area for his athletic ability and highlight-reel dunks during his playing career. Since graduating, he has remained active in the local basketball community by coaching youth teams and organizing basketball events, including the Northwest Georgia Rising Stars Elite adult summer basketball tournament in Summerville.
As JV head coach, Shropshire will help develop the next generation of Chattooga basketball players while working alongside the varsity program. School officials say his familiarity with the program and passion for mentoring students make him a strong addition to the coaching staff.
Shropshire’s hiring marks a full-circle moment as he returns to his alma mater to invest in the same program where he once wore an Indians uniform.
Residents and visitors are invited to downtown Summerville today, Saturday, August 1, for the Celebrate Living Local Market, held in conjunction with the arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum excursion train.
The market will feature local businesses, artists, craftspeople and food vendors. Participants include Sabo’s Golden Nectar with an educational observation beehive and locally produced honey, artist Billy Smith, Willow Flowers at Teloga Springs Farm, Acolyte Realty and additional community vendors.
Food and refreshments will be available from Twisted Treatz Bakery, Eneya’s Lemonade & Sipsations, Granny Hon’s Great Food, Rosita’s and Small Town BBQ.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engine 4501 is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot at approximately 12:45 p.m. with passengers aboard. During the train’s roughly 90-minute layover, visitors will be able to watch the locomotive being turned on the historic Summerville Turntable before it continues its journey.
The event offers a chance to shop with local vendors, enjoy food and refreshments, and see one of the South’s best-known steam locomotives in action.
Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park can enjoy two ranger-led hiking programs today, Saturday, August 1.
The first is a Guided Marble Mine Hike beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the park office for the moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike along the Marble Mine Trail. Rangers will share the park’s natural history while leading hikers to the historic Marble Mine. Guests are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
The second program is a Firefly Night Hike at 8:30 p.m. along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the park’s glowing fireflies while learning about their habitat and ways to help protect them. Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Both programs cost $3 per person, require advance registration, and participants must also have a $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Trion High School’s yearbook program has earned national recognition from Jostens for producing an inclusive, engaging and well-managed publication.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 31, 2026:
After a welcome break from the heat and humidity, Northwest Georgia will see one more day of pleasant weather before an active weekend weather pattern moves into the area.
A community fundraising effort is underway to help the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band replace its equipment trailer after the current trailer was deemed unsafe for travel.
The fundraiser, organized by band supporter and alumna Celia Greene Holt, aims to raise money to purchase a new trailer that will safely transport the band’s instruments and equipment to football games, competitions and other events.
In a social media post, Holt said the Chattooga High School band has been a source of pride for generations of students, families, alumni and the community. Now, as the grandmother of a current band member, she said helping preserve that tradition has become deeply personal.
Holt encouraged anyone who has enjoyed the band’s performances or cherishes memories of Friday night football games to consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser with others.
As of this week, the online fundraiser had raised a portion of its $2,800 goal.
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Chattooga Band Rolling with a New Trailer.”
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has approved a 180-day moratorium on certain non-traditional residential developments while the county reviews and updates its land-use regulations.
The resolution places a temporary halt on accepting permit applications for cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, mixed-use developments, and other non-traditional residential projects not specifically addressed in the county’s current ordinances.
According to the resolution, the county believes the pause is necessary to study the health and safety implications of these types of developments, including structural standards, impacts on existing neighborhoods, property values, public health, and community welfare. The document also states the county has recently become aware of multiple non-traditional building styles and development projects that are not adequately covered under current regulations.
The moratorium will remain in effect for 180 days, although the resolution allows it to be renewed or extended if county officials determine additional time is needed to complete the review process.
The resolution became effective immediately upon approval by Sole Commissioner Andy Allen.
Commissioner Allen has emphasized throughout the process that the moratorium is intended to provide time to develop appropriate regulations and is not a permanent ban on these types of developments.