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August 1, 2026

Happening Today: James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Offers Two Guided Hikes Saturday

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Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park can enjoy two ranger-led hiking programs today, Saturday, August 1.

The first is a Guided Marble Mine Hike beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the park office for the moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike along the Marble Mine Trail. Rangers will share the park’s natural history while leading hikers to the historic Marble Mine. Guests are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

The second program is a Firefly Night Hike at 8:30 p.m. along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the park’s glowing fireflies while learning about their habitat and ways to help protect them. Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Both programs cost $3 per person, require advance registration, and participants must also have a $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

August 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Considers Tax Increase, Higher Safety Fee to Fund Additional Firefighters

Local News, Local News Items #Budget2027, #ChattoogaInfo, #firedepartment, #LaFayetteGA, #MillageRate, #northwestgeorgia, #PropertyTaxes, #PublicSafety, #WalkerCountyCommission, #WalkerCountyGA, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Walker County commissioners are considering several options to fund nine additional firefighter positions, including a potential property tax increase or higher public safety fees. The discussion took place during a special called meeting as county leaders continue work on the fiscal year 2027 budget.

County officials say adding nine firefighters would allow each fire engine to respond with a minimum of three firefighters, improving staffing levels and emergency response. To pay for the positions, one option discussed would increase the county millage rate by about 9% in unincorporated areas and 11% in incorporated areas. Another proposal would increase the county’s public safety fee, including eliminating the current $600 annual cap for larger homes.

Commissioners also discussed reducing the number of new positions, using reserve funds, or combining several funding options. Officials noted that although Walker County’s property tax digest has grown significantly over the past several years, repeated millage rate rollbacks have kept county property tax revenue relatively flat.

No decision has been made. Any increase in the millage rate would require public hearings before commissioners could take a final vote. The next Walker County Commission meeting is scheduled for August 6.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Friday – July 31, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 31, 2026:

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Stormy Weekend Ahead as Heavy Rain, Strong Storms Return to Northwest Georgia

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After a welcome break from the heat and humidity, Northwest Georgia will see one more day of pleasant weather before an active weekend weather pattern moves into the area.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Breaks Ground On Major Plant Bowen Expansion As Supporters, Critics Debate Future Of Energy

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Hundreds of invited guests gathered this week at Plant Bowen in Northwest Georgia as Georgia Power officially broke ground on one of the largest electric generation expansion projects in the company’s history.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GDOT Encourages Northwest Georgia Residents To Review Transportation Projects

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The Georgia Department of Transportation is encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to review proposed transportation projects and submit feedback online as part of the draft 2027–2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

GDOT is encouraging citizens to participate through its interactive STIP website, where users can search for projects by county, view detailed project descriptions, funding information and anticipated timelines, and submit comments electronically. The public comment period remains open through August 15, 2026.

The STIP serves as Georgia’s four-year transportation plan for federally funded projects outside metropolitan planning areas and includes proposed highway, bridge, safety, resurfacing, bicycle, pedestrian and railroad improvements. Public comments will help GDOT identify local transportation priorities as it finalizes the 2027–2030 program.

Residents can review projects affecting Chattooga County and other areas of Northwest Georgia and submit feedback online through the Georgia DOT STIP website before the August 15 deadline.

You can find out more HERE

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunny, Less Humid Weather Arrives Before Weekend Storms

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Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will enjoy a brief break from the recent heat and humidity today and Friday before showers and thunderstorms return for the weekend.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Steam Locomotive Rolls Into Summerville Today As International Model Railroad Convention Visits Region

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Rail fans will have a rare opportunity today as a historic steam locomotive arrives in downtown Summerville as part of the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention, being held this week in Chattanooga.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Fair Releases Rules Ahead Of August Event

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Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.

The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.

Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.

Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.

Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Playground Fence Damaged At Summerville Church

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CrimeNews, #FirstUnitedMethodistChurch, #northwestgeorgia, #PropertyDamage, #summervillega, #SummervillePoliceDepartment, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to a playground fence at First United Methodist Church in downtown Summerville.

According to an incident report, Officer Matt Kinnamont responded to the church at 220 West Washington Street on July 28 after receiving a report of property damage.

Pastor John Privett told police someone had damaged the chain-link fence surrounding the church’s playground. Officers observed the fence had been removed from one side, bent, and that the top rail pieces had been broken.

Privett told police that several groups of children often use the playground and nearby basketball court, but it was unclear who was responsible for the damage. He said he was first notified of the incident on Saturday, July 25.

Police documented the damage with photographs and advised the church to consider installing security cameras. The case has been forwarded for further investigation.