
Georgia’s archery deer season is underway, but hunters across Northwest Georgia are dealing with unusually hot and dry conditions during the opening days of the season.

Georgia’s archery deer season is underway, but hunters across Northwest Georgia are dealing with unusually hot and dry conditions during the opening days of the season.

Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.
According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.
The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.
County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.
Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.
Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 17, 2026:

Another round of unusually hot September weather is in store for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia on Thursday, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s.

The Trion Farmers Market is open this morning with another selection of locally made foods, produce and homemade favorites.
The market is held at the pavilion near the track field in Trion, off Simmons Street, giving residents an opportunity to shop locally and support area growers and vendors.
Among the items available today are fried pies, chicken salad, muscadines, peanut brittle, cashew brittle, no-bake cookies and cornflake candy.
Shoppers can also find Granny Parker Pickles, other pickles, relish, salsa, Zippy, jams and jellies, pickled Vidalia onions, pickled eggs and pickled okra.
The Trion Farmers Market has become a regular Thursday stop for residents looking for locally produced foods, homemade treats and specialty items.
Residents are encouraged to stop by the pavilion near the track field off Simmons Street in Trion this morning and support local vendors.

Those patches of taller grass and wildflowers motorists sometimes see along Georgia highways may be serving a purpose beyond simply beautifying the roadside.

A 55-year-old man was arrested after a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported observing a vehicle being driven erratically on Trion Teloga Road.

A Summerville man who was acquitted of murder in the 2025 shooting death of Christopher “DJ” Chapman has now been sentenced on the two charges for which a Chattooga County jury found him guilty.

The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge returns to Rome in October, and Chattooga County will again have a strong connection to the regional skilled-trades competition.

The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Blood Assurance for a community blood drive next month in Summerville.
The blood drive will be held Friday, October 9, from 12:30 until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County EMA office, 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Blood Assurance encourages residents who are able to donate to participate, emphasizing its message of “Give Local, Save Local.” Blood collected through the organization helps provide a local supply for hospitals and patients throughout the region.
Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a good meal beforehand, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks and bring identification.
As an added incentive, donors who give blood during the month of October will receive a “Blood Donors Are Game Changers” T-shirt, while supplies last.
Appointments can be made using the QR code included on the blood drive flyer.
The Chattooga County EMA blood drive is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 12:30-3:30 PM at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.