Summerville’s Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series wraps up tonight, Friday, June 19, with a free downtown concert featuring Strictly Skynyrd, a premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band.
Today, Friday, June 19, 2026, communities across the United States are observing Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day is recognized as a time to reflect on freedom, history and the continuing pursuit of equality.
Locally, Chattooga County government offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. Municipal offices in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and Menlo are also closed. Banks, post offices and many other government offices across the nation are not operating today.
However, Chattooga County officials remind residents that the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules throughout the holiday.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is celebrated nationwide with educational events, community gatherings, cultural programs and opportunities to reflect on an important chapter in American history.
The Summerville Police Department is investigating the theft of wheels and tires from a vehicle at a local auto dealership.
According to the incident report, the theft involved a white 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer located at a dealership property on Martin Street. The stolen property was listed as four wheels and tires removed from the vehicle.
Police documented the theft and advised the vehicle owner that the case would be turned over to investigators. Officers also indicated that extra patrols would be conducted in the area as the investigation continues.
No suspects had been identified at the time of the report, and the case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
A woman was arrested on a criminal trespass charge after allegedly returning to a property from which she had previously been banned, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Sandy Waynette Wilson, 48, of Summerville.
According to the report, officers learned Wilson had been criminally trespassed from the property approximately 13 days earlier and was prohibited from being there. After confirming that information through dispatch, officers placed Wilson under arrest and transported her to the Chattooga County Jail.
The charge listed in the report is criminal trespass. The case was handled by the Summerville Police Department.
Summerville Police officers responded to a reported disturbance involving a child custody exchange at a residence on Carol Drive.
According to the incident report, a disagreement arose regarding the transportation of bicycles during a child exchange between family members. Police spoke with those involved and determined the situation was a civil matter.
The report states that an argument occurred between family members over where the bicycles would be transported. Officers mediated the dispute, and after several phone calls, the parties reached an agreement regarding the bicycles.
No criminal charges were filed, and the incident was cleared following mediation by the Summerville Police Department.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet and stormy Thursday as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through the area.
Chattooga County government offices will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
According to County Clerk Johnna Allen, the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules.
County offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.
A Summerville woman contacted police after receiving a series of anonymous messages that authorities believe may be part of a scam.
According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, officers responded to a harassment complaint at a residence on Allen Street on June 11.
The complainant, identified as 55-year-old Dina Joanne Harper, told officers she had been receiving anonymous messages on her phone from an unknown individual. When asked to show the messages, Harper reportedly was unable to locate them on her device.
The responding officer advised Harper that the messages contained harassing content and threats. Harper also stated that the messages referenced sending money.
Based on the information provided, the officer advised that the messages could be part of a scam and recommended that she block the number and avoid sending any form of payment.
Harper requested that a report be filed and also asked for additional patrols in the area.
No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.
Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for a special guided hiking event later this month.
The park will host its “Tails on Trails” program on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Rangers will lead participants and their dogs on a guided hike to the Marble Mine, giving both pets and owners an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while exploring one of the park’s scenic attractions.
The event is designed especially for energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Organizers encourage participants to bring water for themselves and their pets and remind owners that all dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.
Participants will meet in front of the park office by 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required.
Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
Brownie, our WZQZ Pet of the Week, is still waiting for his forever home, and time is running short.