Chattooga County Animal Shelter Encourages Families to Adopt, Not Shop

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is reminding residents that if they are thinking about adding a pet to the family, adoption can make a life-changing difference for both the animal and the adopter.

Shelter officials say their facility remains full and many dogs and cats are waiting for a loving, permanent home. By choosing to adopt, families not only gain a loyal companion but also help create space for other animals in need of care and shelter.

The shelter encourages prospective pet owners to consider the many benefits of adopting a rescue animal. Many shelter pets are affectionate, grateful, and eager to become part of a family. Officials say every adoption gives an animal a second chance while helping reduce overcrowding in local shelters.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located in Summerville. Residents interested in meeting adoptable pets or learning more about the adoption process can contact the shelter at 706-857-0679.

Chattooga County Seeks Bids for 18.5-Mile Road Resurfacing Project

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project that will improve more than 18.5 miles of county roads through funding provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Local Road Assistance (LRA) programs.

Read more

Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Homes, Container Homes and Other Non-Traditional Developments

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to gather comments and discuss a proposed temporary moratorium on certain non-traditional development projects within the county.

According to a public notice released by the Commissioner’s Office, the proposed moratorium would apply to projects including cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, and other similar non-traditional residential or mixed-use developments that may be identified during the county’s review process.

County officials say the purpose of the proposed moratorium is to provide time to review existing land use regulations, evaluate the potential impacts of these types of developments, and determine whether changes to county ordinances are needed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of the community.

The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. Residents, property owners, developers, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide input before any action is taken on the proposed moratorium.

The Commissioner said the meeting is intended to ensure the public has an opportunity to be informed and participate in the discussion before any decision is made regarding the proposal.

 

Georgia Highlands College Announces Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s List Honorees

Georgia Highlands College has announced its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic success during the spring semester.

Read more

Happening Today: Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show

One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

The free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. at 33 Middle School Road and will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, contests and one of the largest fireworks displays in Northwest Georgia. The fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m.

Families can enjoy the free Kid’s Zone from 6 until 9 p.m., with waterslides, inflatables, face painting, sack races, badminton, volleyball, Jenga and more. Other activities include the Corn Hole Tournament, the Patriotic Foot Parade for children at 6:35 p.m., and the Summerville Natural Gas and Menlo Lucky’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m. with Parker Thomas, followed by The Whole Fam Damily at 8 p.m.

Parking is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening of food, music, family fun and fireworks.

Arrest Report – Wednesday – July 1, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 1, 2026:

Read more

Trion Farmers Market Open Thursday Morning with Fresh Produce, Baked Goods and More

Fresh, locally grown produce and homemade products will once again be available Thursday as the Trion Farmers Market welcomes shoppers from 8 a.m. until noon at the pavilion near the Trion Track Field off Simmons Street.

This week’s market is expected to feature sweet corn, green beans, Super Sauce, Roma, San Marzano and cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, okra, yellow squash, fresh eggs, grass-fed beef and pork. Shoppers can also find homemade blueberry muffins, zucchini bread, jams, jellies, squash relish, chow chow, bread and butter pickles, candied jalapeños, salsa, lemonade, strawberry lemonade, chocolate no-bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies and a variety of herbal products including creams, lip balm, oils, tinctures, herbal sprays, Bug-Off spray and salves.

The Trion Farmers Market is held every Thursday throughout the growing season, giving residents an opportunity to support local farmers, bakers and artisans while purchasing fresh, locally produced goods.

Heat Advisory in Effect Today as Dangerous Heat Continues Through Holiday Weekend

Another stretch of dangerous summer heat is settling over Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with a Heat Advisory in effect from noon until 8 p.m. for portions of north Georgia. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s, while heat index values could reach 105 degrees in parts of the area.

Read more

Woman Arrested After Alleged Public Disturbance In Downtown Summerville

The Summerville Police Department arrested a Rome woman Saturday after officers responded to a disturbance in downtown Summerville. According to citations filed by the department, Tikeria Shaniquia Clowers, 27, of Rome, was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct following the incident.

According to the citations, officers observed Clowers to be visibly intoxicated in a public roadway, where police say she was causing a public disturbance. Officers also reported that she was told multiple times to lower her voice and stop yelling profanities. The citations state that after several warnings, she allegedly continued to be loud and boisterous, at which point she was placed under arrest.

The arrest occurred on June 28 in the area of 516 Highland Avenue in Summerville. Clowers is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, to answer the charges.

Back to School Bash Organizers Seeking Donations as July 16 Event Approaches

With just over two weeks remaining until the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are asking the community to help fill the final gaps in school supply donations before the event takes place on Thursday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.

Organizer Maisha Ludy says donations have been coming in, but several essential classroom items are still in short supply. The greatest current needs include composition books, dry erase markers, dividers with pockets, sticky notes, and index cards.

The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is designed to help local families prepare for the new school year. The free event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature school supplies, free haircuts, music from DJ Marty Mart, shaved ice treats from Mort’s Brain Freeze, and opportunities for families to connect with community organizations.

Anyone wishing to donate supplies can contact Maisha Ludy through Facebook, email maishaludy@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 706-388-9849. Organizers say every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure local students begin the school year prepared and ready to learn.