Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate increased slightly in the latest labor market report, even as the region recorded all-time highs in both its labor force and the number of people employed.
The Georgia Department of Corrections has released information about the arrest of a woman accused of bringing contraband into Hays State Prison in Trion.
According to a report released Monday, October 19, the incident occurred September 20, when a civilian identified as Charlene Seechan passed through a body scanner at the prison’s front entrance.
Prison security personnel reportedly noticed a set of earbuds and a charging block on the floor after Seechan exited the scanner.
Investigators subsequently reviewed surveillance footage from previous visits and noticed what corrections officials described as suspicious activity.
According to the Department of Corrections, Seechan was questioned about those earlier visits and admitted to bringing contraband into the facility.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office arrested Seechan in connection with the investigation.
The incident was included in a statewide report detailing contraband-related arrests at Georgia correctional facilities.
The Department of Corrections did not specify what additional contraband Seechan allegedly brought into the prison during previous visits.
Contractors interested in participating in the first phase of renovations to the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville have until 5 PM today, Friday, October 23, to submit their bids to Chattooga County.
The City of Summerville Water Department has announced an overnight road closure on Lewis Street as crews work to repair a water main.
Lewis Street will be closed between West Washington Street and Georgia Avenue Thursday night, October 22, and is expected to reopen Friday morning, October 23.
City officials say residents living along the affected section of Lewis Street will still be able to access their homes while repairs are underway.
Motorists traveling through the area should plan to use alternate routes until the work is completed and the road is reopened.
The City of Summerville apologized for the inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience while crews complete the necessary repairs.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 22, 2026:
Residents across Chattooga County can expect another stretch of beautiful fall weather, with sunny skies, comfortable afternoon temperatures and cool nights continuing through the middle of next week. However, the National Weather Service is warning that dry conditions will increase the danger of outdoor fires today.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and preparations are already underway for the 2026 Summerville Christmas Parade.
Registration for floats and other parade entries will begin November 1 and continue through December 1.
This year’s parade theme is “A Hard Candy Christmas,” and participants are invited to celebrate the season with creative, holiday-themed entries.
The Christmas Parade will be held Monday, December 7, beginning at 7 PM. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top three floats.
Registration for the parade is available online at www.summervillega.org.
Organizers encourage businesses, churches, organizations, families and other groups interested in participating to begin planning their entries.
The annual Christmas parade is a longstanding holiday tradition in Summerville, bringing residents together to celebrate the Christmas season.
The Summerville Harvest Festival is coming up next month, offering vendors and the community another opportunity to come together and enjoy a festive fall celebration at Dowdy Park.
The festival will take place Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM until 5 PM at Dowdy Park in Summerville. Admission to the festival will be free to the public.
Organizers are inviting local vendors to participate in the event, which will feature a variety of booths and opportunities for visitors to shop and enjoy the fall season.
Vendors who registered for this year’s Sun Melly Festival will also have the opportunity to participate in the Summerville Harvest Festival at no additional cost.
Anyone who was not registered for the Sun Melly Festival but would like to become a vendor for the Harvest Festival can find registration information at www.summervillega.org.
The event is part of Summerville’s fall activities and will provide another opportunity for residents and visitors to support local vendors and enjoy a day at Dowdy Park.
A 37-year-old man was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop on White Oak Road that led to the discovery of a handgun and information about the driver’s criminal history.
The deadline to apply for an Early Head Start teacher position at Chattooga Head Start is tomorrow, Friday, October 23.
The position is available immediately through the Family Resource Agency of North Georgia and involves working with infants and toddlers in a classroom setting.
Responsibilities include conducting home visits, planning and implementing classroom activities, and maintaining records.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED along with TCC or CDA credentials. An associate degree in early childhood education is preferred.
The position pays $16.99 per hour and offers a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, with no weekend work.
Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, paid annual and sick leave, paid holidays and wellness reimbursements.
Interested applicants can contact Center Manager Candice Mickler at 706-857-1651 or email cmickler@myfraga.org for additional information.
The deadline to apply is tomorrow, Friday, October 23, 2026.