City Of Summerville Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting At Dowdy Park

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.

Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

Woman Arrested After Report Of Intoxicated Pedestrian In Summerville

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A woman was arrested after a Chattooga County deputy responded to a report of a possibly intoxicated pedestrian near McDonald’s in Summerville this past week.

According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, Deputy Riley Reeves was dispatched around 6:35 p.m. on April 20th after a caller reported a woman stumbling near the roadway and appearing as though she might fall into traffic on Highway 27.

The deputy located 43-year-old Jessica Leeann Mobley along Highway 27 North. The report says Mobley appeared to have trouble keeping her balance, had slurred speech, and smelled of alcohol.

Mobley reportedly told the deputy she had consumed an alcoholic beverage before leaving the Red Roof Store in Trion and was walking toward Summerville.

She declined medical assistance multiple times and was arrested on a charge of pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No contraband was found.

Showers And Storms Possible Across Northwest Georgia Into Next Week

Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, is expected to see several days of unsettled weather as showers and thunderstorms move through the region over the coming week.

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Arrest Report – Saturday – April 25, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, April 25, 2026:

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City Of Summerville Seeks Bids For New Mini Excavator

The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a new mini excavator.

According to an official Request for Bid, submissions will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on May 6, 2026, at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue. Bids will be opened publicly at that time in the Council Room.

Officials say all bids must remain valid for 60 business days and must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “RFB-2026-125-New Mini Excavator.” Any bids received after the deadline will not be considered.

City leaders note they are not responsible for delays caused by postal or delivery services. The contract will be awarded after city officials have had time to review all submissions.

Those interested can find the full bid document on the City of Summerville’s official website.

March Housing Sales Show Continued Activity In Chattooga County

Housing activity in Chattooga County remained steady in March 2026, reflecting continued demand for homes across Northwest Georgia.

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Chattooga High School Class Of 2015 Planning Summer Reunion

The Chattooga High School Class of 2015 is making plans to reunite this summer, with a class reunion scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The event will be held at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center beginning at 6 PM. Organizers say tickets are $25 per person, and all attendees must be at least 18 years old.

Class members interested in attending are encouraged to connect through social media or sign up for updates. A Remind notification system has been set up, and a Facebook group for the Class of 2015 reunion is also available for those wanting more information.

Organizers say tickets should be purchased in advance, with a deadline of June 30. Those interested can reach out to Tiffany Maynard, Jessie Corbitt, or Ivy Middleton for additional details.

The reunion is expected to bring classmates together for an evening of reconnecting and celebrating more than a decade since graduation.

Arrest Report – Friday – April 24, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 24, 2026:

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Hazy Skies, Fire Danger Continue Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia As Rain Chances Increase

Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia will continue to deal with hazy skies today as wildfire smoke drifts north from South Georgia and North Florida. The smoke may create milky-looking skies and could lead to reduced air quality in some areas, especially where winds remain lighter.

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