CHS Class Of 1996 Plans 30th Class Reunion

The Chattooga High School Class of 1996 is making plans for its 30-year class reunion, which is currently scheduled for Saturday, October 3.

Classmates are encouraged to join the Facebook group “CHS Class of 1996 – 30-Year Reunion” to stay informed about plans and additional details.

Those who are not on Facebook may contact Ben Sellers by email at nauticalarch@yahoo.com for more information.

Organizers are asking classmates to help spread the word so as many members of the Class of 1996 as possible can be included.

Finster Fest Returns To Summerville September 19-20

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will once again host Finster Fest 2026 on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, bringing artists, music, food and family activities to Summerville.

The annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Paradise Garden, 200 North Lewis Street.

Festival organizers say this year’s event will feature more than 60 folk artists and craftsmen from across Georgia and around the country, showcasing paintings, pottery, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork and other handmade creations. Several artists will be exhibiting at Finster Fest for the first time, while others are returning after previous appearances.

In addition to the artist market, Finster Fest will include live music, Southern food, children’s art activities, guest speakers and special exhibits throughout the weekend. A list of performing musicians will be announced closer to the festival.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, one of Northwest Georgia’s best-known folk art attractions, draws visitors from across the nation each year to celebrate the legacy of the internationally recognized artist and minister.

Additional information and updates are available through the Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden Facebook page.

Chattooga High School Releases Athletic Schedule For Upcoming Week

Chattooga High School Athletic Director Mark Turner has released the schedule for the first week of athletic competition as the 2026-27 school year gets underway.

The schedule begins Tuesday, July 28, when the Lady Indians softball team hosts Northwest Whitfield in a scrimmage at 6 p.m. at the CHS softball field.

On Saturday, August 1, Chattooga travels to Model for an 11 a.m. softball game.

The Lady Indians return home on Wednesday, August 5, to face Model at 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, August 6, Chattooga softball travels to Armuchee for a 5 p.m. game, while the Lady Indians volleyball team will compete at Woodland against Woodland and Pepperell, with matches scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to come out and support Chattooga High School student-athletes as they begin the new athletic season.

City Of Summerville Hiring Cathodic Protection Technician

The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Cathodic Protection Technician to help protect and maintain the city’s utility infrastructure.

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Highland Avenue Paving To Continue This Week In Summerville

Motorists traveling through Summerville should expect delays this week as paving work continues on Highland Avenue.

The City of Summerville announced that road paving and infrastructure improvements will take place Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31, along Highland Avenue between Third Street and Sixth Avenue.

Construction crews will be working each day from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. During those hours, drivers should expect temporary traffic delays in and around the work zone.

City officials encourage motorists to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes when possible and exercise caution while traveling through the area to help keep both workers and drivers safe.

The paving project is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve local streets and infrastructure

Chattooga County Schools To Provide Free Breakfast And Lunch To All Students

All students enrolled in the Chattooga County School District will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

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City Of Summerville Hiring Gas Department Director

The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Gas Department Director to oversee the operation, maintenance and continued development of the city’s natural gas distribution system.

The position requires an experienced and motivated leader who can manage daily departmental operations while ensuring compliance with local, state and federal pipeline safety regulations.

Responsibilities include supervising and supporting Gas Department employees, directing emergency response procedures, managing the department’s budget and planning infrastructure improvement and expansion projects.

Applicants should have proven experience in natural gas utility operations and leadership, along with a thorough understanding of gas pipeline safety standards and regulations. Strong communication, problem-solving and team leadership skills are also required.

Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and any relevant state or industry certifications.

Additional information regarding the application process, salary or deadline was not included in the city’s announcement. Those interested should contact the City of Summerville for complete application details.

Report Of Shots Fired Investigated In Summerville

The Summerville Police Department investigated a report of possible gunfire early Sunday morning after a resident reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot outside a home on Raymer Street.

According to the incident report, officers were dispatched to 271 Raymer Street at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, after Chattooga 911 received a call from a resident who said he heard what sounded like a gunshot and believed someone had fired from a vehicle before leaving the area.

Officers located a silver-colored van that initially matched the caller’s description. However, after further investigation, police determined the driver was the complainant’s brother-in-law and was not believed to be involved in the incident.

Police searched the area but found no additional vehicles or suspicious individuals. The complainant later told officers he did not want to meet with them but requested extra patrols in the area during the early morning hours because of an ongoing issue. He was unable to provide any possible suspects.

The incident report indicates the investigation concluded without identifying a suspect, and no additional information was available.

Arrest Report – Saturday – July 25, 2026

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

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Storm Causes Flooding In Downtown Summerville, Lightning Damages County Communications Tower

A strong thunderstorm Friday afternoon caused flooding in downtown Summerville and damaged Chattooga County’s emergency communications system after lightning struck the county’s communications tower on Taylor’s Ridge.

Summerville City Manager Jason Winters told WZQZ News that the primary flooding occurred along Commerce Street in front of Bryant and Sons Lumber Company. Winters said the flooding was likely caused by a drainage tile beneath the state-owned railroad tracks becoming clogged with debris. He said the city has contacted the state and will work to have the tile cleared.

Meanwhile, Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen told WZQZ News that a lightning strike shortly after 5 p.m. caused major damage to the communications tower used by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, county fire departments and EMS. Allen said service was partially restored by 6 p.m. and was expected to be fully restored before nightfall. He said permanent repairs to the tower are expected to be costly but should be covered by the county’s insurance.

Press Release:

From Chattooga County Government, EMA/E-911

A lightning strike associated with a severe storm this (Friday)  afternoon impacted the Chattooga County Public Safety Communications Building, affecting portions of the county’s communications infrastructure.

Emergency communications remain operational, and dispatch services continue to support public safety agencies throughout the county. Personnel are actively working to restore all systems to full functionality.

Currently, there are no unmet public safety needs, and emergency services continue to respond to calls for service.

The public is encouraged to use 911 for emergencies as normal. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews work to complete repairs.