Fuel prices in Georgia moved higher this week, pushing the statewide average to $2.72 per gallon as of Monday, though drivers could still see day-to-day swings at the pump. AAA-The Auto Club Group says rising oil costs and the start of seasonal refinery maintenance are tightening supplies and nudging prices upward, even as winter weather has kept demand somewhat lower.
Two educators from the Chattooga County School District are being recognized statewide for excellence in science instruction. Erin Smith of Leroy Massey Elementary and Melissa Rowe of Chattooga High School have been named Georgia Science Teachers Association (GSTA) Science Teachers of the Year, earning top honors at the elementary and high school levels.
District leaders say Smith and Rowe were selected for their dedication, instructional leadership, and passion for engaging students in meaningful science learning. Their recognition, the district says, reflects the high-quality science instruction delivered across Chattooga County classrooms each day.
The GSTA Teacher of the Year Award honors educators with a proven record of excellence and impact on student learning. Award recipients receive a $1,500 honorarium and complimentary registration to the GSTA Annual Conference. The district is encouraging the community to join in congratulating both teachers on the achievement.
This week’s WZQZ Pet of the Week is Kevin — a happy, playful pup with a big smile who’s ready to find his forever home. Kevin is a neutered male who’s described as sweet and loving, and he gets along great with toys and other dogs, making him a wonderful fit for an active family or anyone looking for a friendly companion.
Kevin is currently available for adoption at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays by appointment, and the shelter also opens the first Saturday of every month for adoptions only. To learn more about Kevin or to start the adoption process, call 706-857-0679.
Motorists traveling through Summerville should prepare for delays beginning Tuesday morning as road work impacts a major route inside the city limits. Officials say traffic on Rome Boulevard/Highway 27 at the railroad tracks will be reduced to one lane starting February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
An estimated time for full reopening has not been announced. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, expect delays, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
The advisory was issued by Pamela M. Vaughn, Director of the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Mapping and Addressing, Deputy Director of Chattooga County E-911, and Chattooga County Safety Coordinator.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, February 16, 2026:
A group of mostly Republican Georgia state senators is moving quickly to advance legislation that would reduce the state’s personal income tax, marking the first step in a long-term plan to eliminate the tax entirely by 2032.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, February 12, 2026:
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, December 4th at 6 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex in LaFayette. The agenda includes several routine items, such as approval of the agenda and minutes from the November 6th meeting.
A traffic stop on Lake Wanda Reita Road resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old man on multiple driving violations, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
The Chattooga County housing market has undergone a significant shift, moving from a seller’s market last year to a buyer’s market in February 2025, according to the latest housing market report. This transition indicates that home prices are trending lower, and properties are staying on the market for longer periods, giving buyers more negotiating power. The report reveals that the median sold price for homes in Chattooga County in February 2025 was $203,666, with a median price per square foot of $142. While this represents a 7.2% increase compared to February 2024, when the market was a seller’s market, the overall conditions now favor buyers. The shift to a buyer’s market in Chattooga County offers a great opportunity for those looking to purchase a home according to market analysts. With prices stabilizing and more inventory available, buyers have more leverage and can potentially find better deals. The $203,666 median sold price reflects data from all homes sold in the past 12 months. This shift signals a potentially opportune time for individuals and families looking to invest in the Chattooga County housing market.
