Swim Guide Helps Residents Check Water Safety Before Weekend Recreation

Residents planning to swim, paddle, or play on area waterways this weekend are encouraged to check water quality before heading out.

The Coosa River Basin Initiative is once again offering its 2026 Swim Guide, which tracks bacteria levels at 29 monitoring sites across the Coosa River Basin through Labor Day weekend. That includes monitoring of the Chattooga River.

Courtnee Davenport, Outreach Programs Manager for CRBI, says water samples are tested for harmful E. coli. Results are posted each Friday at coosa.org. Sites marked green indicate low E. coli levels and are considered suitable for recreation, while red sites show high levels and mean visitors should use extra caution or avoid the area.

Davenport says bacteria levels often rise after heavy rainfall, and swimmers should wait 24 to 48 hours after a rain event before getting into area rivers and lakes.

The Coosa River Basin Initiative works to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin.

Arrest Report – Thursday – July 9, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 9, 2026:

Read more

Storm Chances Increase Today Ahead of Wet Weekend

A more unsettled weather pattern begins building across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia today, bringing a better chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Read more

Tellus Museum to Visit Chattooga County Library for Summer Reading Finale

Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with a special visit from the Tellus Science Museum at the Chattooga County Library next week.

The Summer Reading Finale with the Tellus Museum will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

The free program will feature an interactive dinosaur-themed presentation where children will learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through a hands-on educational game. Following the presentation, participants can enjoy activity stations featuring dinosaur crafts, a dinosaur dig scavenger hunt, fossil touch pieces, bookmark coloring, and a chance to cool off with free icees.

Library officials say the event will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is open to the public.

Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana, Suspended License Charges

A 34-year-old man was arrested following an early morning traffic stop in Chattooga County after a deputy reported finding suspected marijuana inside his vehicle.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Deputy Adam Dawson was parked on Highway 27 at approximately 4:04 a.m. on July 2 when he observed a gray Honda Accord traveling without functioning taillights. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.

The driver was identified as Patrick Lamar Davis, 34. According to the report, deputies searched the vehicle and found a mason jar containing two bags of suspected marijuana beneath the driver’s seat, along with a suspected marijuana grinder and a THC gummy.

Investigators also determined Davis was driving with a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant from Floyd County. He was arrested and charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and possession of marijuana (less than one ounce) before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

Summerville to Celebrate Diversity During Multicultural Festival July 18

The City of Summerville is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the many cultures that make up the community during the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Train Depot.

The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live cultural performances, face painting, craft vendors, educational displays, and exhibits celebrating traditions from around the globe.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to welcome the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Antique Steam Engine and see the working Summerville Turntable, making it a unique day of entertainment, history, and community.

Organizers encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a day of food, culture, music, and family fun while celebrating the diversity that helps make Chattooga County a special place to live.

Arrest Report – Wednesday – July 8, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 8, 2026:

Read more

Hot, Humid Weather Continues Before Storm Chances Increase This Weekend

Residents across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia can expect another stretch of typical July weather today, with plenty of sunshine, afternoon heat, and only a slight chance of a few pop-up showers or thunderstorms late in the day.

Read more

Trion High School Announces Orientation, Locker And Parking Purchase Dates

Trion High School has announced important back-to-school dates for students and families.

Freshman and new student orientation will be held Wednesday, July 29, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Students and parents should meet at the high school gym. New students and freshmen will also be able to purchase lockers during orientation.

Locker and parking purchases for returning students will be held Friday, July 24, at the back entrance of Trion High School. Seniors may purchase from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m., juniors from 9:30 until 11 a.m., sophomores from 11 a.m. until noon, and freshmen from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m.

Students must wait until their assigned time slot to make purchases.

UGA Extension Bringing Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County This Fall

Cattle producers across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve herd management this fall as the University of Georgia Extension brings the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County.

The eight-week program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet each Monday at 6 p.m. through November 2 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

Participants will hear from University of Georgia specialists and industry experts on a wide range of topics, including beef quality assurance, herd selection, cattle economics and marketing, herd health management, parasite control, facilities, nutrition, reproductive management and forage management.

The registration fee is $100 and includes a notebook, program hat and meals. Registration is open through September 8.

To register, call the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744, scan the QR code on the program flyer or visit bit.ly/49yrFld.

Extension officials say the program is designed for both new and experienced cattle producers looking to strengthen their management skills and improve the profitability of their operations.