Chattooga County has been named a primary natural disaster area due to ongoing drought conditions, as state and federal officials continue to respond to dry weather impacting Georgia cities and rural communities.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 27, 2026:
An active and potentially stormy weather pattern is setting up across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, bringing multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms and the possibility of severe weather.
The Chattooga County Grand Jury has handed down several indictments against individuals, according to Superior Court records.
The City of Menlo is moving forward with early planning for its annual July 4 celebration, with city leaders discussing dates, activities, and logistics during a recent council work session.
Early voting is now underway across Chattooga County and the state of Georgia as the General Primary election approaches.
The Chattooga County Republican Party will host a candidate forum on Saturday, May 9, giving local residents an opportunity to hear from candidates and engage with those running for office.
The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, located at 818 Memorial Drive in Summerville.
Organizers say the forum will allow candidates to meet with voters and discuss key issues ahead of upcoming elections. A table rental fee of $250 is required for candidates wishing to participate.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by May 2. A $15 registration fee will be collected, which includes lunch.
For more information, contact Chattooga County Republican Party Chairwoman Meredith Rosson at 706-331-5547 or by email at chattoogacountyrepublicanparty@gmail.com.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 26, 2026:
Chick-fil-A Chairman and Berry College Trustee Emeritus Dan Cathy will serve as the speaker for Berry College’s Class of 2026 Commencement Celebration on Saturday, May 9th, at Valhalla Stadium.
Berry College will celebrate approximately 545 undergraduate graduates beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Class of 2026 represents 47 academic majors and includes students from 31 states.
Gates will open at 8:00 a.m., with early entry beginning at 7:30 a.m. for guests who need special assistance. Due to current lane closures on Highway 27, guests are encouraged to enter campus through the back entrance at 221 Legacy Drive Northwest.
Cathy served on the Berry College Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2016. He is chairman of Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based restaurant chain founded in 1946 by his father, S. Truett Cathy.
Cathy is also the founder and chief visionary at Trilith, a major film and entertainment community in Fayette County that includes one of the largest purpose-built movie studios in North America.
Berry graduate students will receive their degrees during a separate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8th, at the College Chapel. A Baccalaureate Service honoring graduating seniors will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th, also at the chapel.
The City of Summerville marked Arbor Day on Friday with a ceremonial tree planting at Dowdy Park, highlighting the importance of trees and environmental stewardship in the community.
City leaders planted a Kwanzan flowering cherry tree as part of the celebration, adding both beauty and shade to the popular public space. The Chattooga County Extension Office, through UGA Extension, was also on hand to support the event by providing free literature on proper tree planting and care to attendees.
Arbor Day is observed annually across the United States as a time to encourage individuals and communities to plant and care for trees. The holiday dates back to 1872, when it was first celebrated in Nebraska as a way to promote tree planting on the largely treeless plains. Since then, Arbor Day has grown into a nationwide tradition, with communities recognizing the environmental, economic, and health benefits trees provide.
Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, reducing erosion, conserving water, and enhancing the overall quality of life in cities and towns. Events like Summerville’s Arbor Day celebration help raise awareness about those benefits while encouraging residents to take part in preserving and expanding green spaces.