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June 27, 2026

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Deputies Assist In Chattooga County Shoplifting Arrest

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A Chattooga County woman was arrested on a charge of theft by shoplifting after investigators say she was identified through store surveillance video and later located by Walker County deputies.

According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany responded on June 19 to a report of a shoplifting at a local business. Store employees told the deputy they observed 32-year-old Crissy Leigh Ingram on surveillance video remove a pair of purple aviator-style sunglasses from a display, conceal them in her pocketbook and leave the store without paying.

Store personnel provided investigators with surveillance footage and a vehicle tag number, which was relayed through Chattooga County 911 to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Walker County Sheriff’s deputies soon located a vehicle matching the description and detained a woman matching the suspect shown in the surveillance footage.

Deputy Garmany met Walker County deputies at the Walker County line near the Highway 27 and Highway 151 intersection, where custody of Ingram was transferred. She was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident on the shoplifting charge. The incident was recorded on the deputy’s body-worn camera.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Offering Night Classes For Diesel Technician Program

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is making it easier for working adults and others with busy schedules to prepare for a career in the diesel industry by offering night classes in its Diesel Equipment Technology program.

According to GNTC, diesel technicians are in high demand as freight transportation continues to grow, creating an ongoing need for skilled professionals to maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including independent maintenance and repair shops, corporate fleet maintenance, truck leasing and rental operations, and trucking logistics facilities.

Early registration for fall classes is underway, with the registration deadline set for August 4.

For more information about the Diesel Equipment Technology program or to apply, visit gntc.edu or call 866-983-4682.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

County Dumpsters To Open Sunday Afternoons At Chattooga Transfer Station

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Chattooga County residents will soon have another opportunity to dispose of household garbage at the county’s free dumpsters.

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the dumpsters at the Chattooga County Transfer Station on Stockade Road in Summerville will now be open on Sunday afternoons for residents bringing household garbage.

Allen noted that the Transfer Station itself will not be open on Sundays, only the free household garbage dumpsters.

The county also reminds residents of the current transfer station fees, which are scheduled to take effect Monday, September 8, 2025. Fees listed include $60 per ton for in-county garbage, $80 per ton for out-of-county garbage, $45 per ton for brush, $160 per ton for car tires, $260 per ton for truck tires, and $10 each for mattresses and box springs. The minimum dump fee is $5.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Animal Advocates Remind Pet Owners To Prepare Ahead Of July Fourth Fireworks

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With July Fourth fireworks just around the corner, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper identification before the holiday.

Each year, shelters and rescues see an increase in lost pets following fireworks displays, as loud noises can cause animals to panic, run away or escape from yards and homes.

Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their animals are microchipped and that all contact information is current. Collars and ID tags should also be secure, readable and up to date. For pets without an ID tag, advocates say even a simple collar with a phone number written on it can help reunite a lost pet with its owner.

Owners of pets that become especially anxious during fireworks should also consider talking with their veterinarian about calming options before the holiday arrives.

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County says the time to prepare is now, before fireworks begin, to help make sure pets stay safe and make it home.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Hosting Adoption Event Saturday

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If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, this Saturday could be the perfect opportunity.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host a special adoption event on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.

Dozens of dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and personalities will be available for adoption, including Macy, Carmelo, Lucy, Lucky, Rosie, Colby, Pickles, Ziggy, Zoe, Ruby, Courage, Penelope, Simba, Freda, Oscar, Cash, Flora, Isabella, Autumn, Jasmine, Aurora, Orion, Preacher, Coral, Nico, Myrtle, Pumpkin and Tinkerbell.

Shelter staff encourage residents to stop by, meet the animals and find a new companion while giving a deserving pet a loving forever home.

The event’s message is simple: “Give a pet a second chance. Gain a loyal friend.”

For more information about the adoption event or animals available for adoption, contact the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Revs for Resources Rally Set For July 11 At Trion Memorial Park

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Cars, trucks, motorcycles, live music and family fun will come together for a good cause when the Revs for Resources Rally rolls into Trion Memorial Park on Saturday, July 11, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – June 25, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 25, 2026:

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Railroad Circle Domestic Call Leads To Two Arrests

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A domestic disturbance call on June 16 at a residence on Railroad Circle resulted in the arrests of two individuals by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the incident report, deputies responded to the residence shortly after noon and separated the involved parties. During the investigation, deputies reported that April Michelle Shaw, 40, of Summerville, repeatedly refused commands from law enforcement and fled from deputies. The report states Shaw was eventually taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. She was charged with two counts of Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers (Misdemeanor) and Disorderly Conduct.

Deputies also arrested Douglas Wayne Payne, 43, who was identified as the other party involved in the disturbance. According to the report, Payne was charged with Disorderly Conduct.

Both individuals were transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Domestic Dispute Leads To Summerville Woman’s Arrest

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A domestic disturbance at a residence on Spring Creek Road resulted in the arrest of a Summerville woman on June 17, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Matt Wilson responded to the residence after receiving a report of a possible physical altercation involving family members. According to the incident report, deputies spoke with multiple individuals at the scene regarding an argument that allegedly escalated into a confrontation.

During the investigation, deputies determined that Jessica Ann Delee, 36, became involved in a verbal dispute that led to a disturbance at the residence. The report states that Delee was taken into custody after deputies concluded there was probable cause to charge her.

Delee was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.