Summerville Police documented a property damage incident on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a vehicle reportedly drove through and damaged commercial chain-link fencing and an adjacent gate along Red Oak Road. Investigators noted the impact knocked a major support pole loose and caused visible damage to the gate. Officers also reported finding broken tempered glass at the scene—consistent with a truck window—and photographs of the damage were included with the incident report.
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader joined fellow sheriffs at the State Capitol to support proposed state budget funding for a new 300-bed mental health hospital, a move aimed at addressing Georgia’s long-standing shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds.
City of Summerville water customers may experience low water pressure on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to maintenance work at the city’s water treatment plant.
City officials say the maintenance will begin and conclude on Monday, February 23. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and use water conservatively if needed during the work period.
The City of Summerville thanked customers for their patience and understanding while the maintenance is completed.
A 60-year-old Chattooga County man was arrested February 13 following a traffic stop along Highway 27 that led to a driving under the influence charge, according to an incident report.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, February 20, 2026:
Construction on Pilgrim’s Pride’s new prepared foods plant in Walker County is expected to begin this fall, a major step forward in a $400 million development local and state leaders say could reshape the area’s economy and bring hundreds of jobs to Northwest Georgia.
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.
