Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, February 17, 2026:
Above-average temperatures will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with the warmest weather expected on Thursday and Friday. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach the upper 60s and low 70s through midweek, then climb into the 70s by the end of the week, making it feel more like early spring than mid-February.
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.
Motorists traveling through Summerville should prepare for delays beginning Tuesday morning as road work impacts a major route inside the city limits. Officials say traffic on Rome Boulevard/Highway 27 at the railroad tracks will be reduced to one lane starting February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
An estimated time for full reopening has not been announced. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, expect delays, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
The advisory was issued by Pamela M. Vaughn, Director of the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Mapping and Addressing, Deputy Director of Chattooga County E-911, and Chattooga County Safety Coordinator.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports that a 61-year-old Summerville man was arrested following a domestic-related call earlier this month.
According to an incident report covering the period of February 3 through February 10, 2026, deputies were dispatched on February 7 to Cottonwood Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies encountered an ongoing dispute between two individuals at the residence.
The report states that after returning to the scene later that evening, deputies heard threats of bodily harm. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Authorities say the individual has been charged with Felony Terroristic Threats and Acts and Disorderly Conduct. The case remains under investigation.
Voters across Northwest Georgia can begin casting ballots today in a special election to fill the vacant Georgia State Senate District 53 seat following the resignation of Colton Moore, who stepped down to run for U.S. Congress after the vacancy created by former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation.
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released health inspection results for the first half of February 2026, showing a range of scores for local food service establishments in Summerville and Trion.
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with AdventHealth to host a Heart Health Month Lunch & Learn on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville and is open to the public.
Organizers say the Lunch & Learn will focus on heart health awareness and prevention, with Dr. Himanshu Patel, MD serving as the guest speaker. The catered lunch is sponsored by AdventHealth, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about maintaining heart health while connecting with local professionals.
Reservations are required for the event, and interested participants are encouraged to review event policies and secure their spot in advance.
Visit the Chattooga Chamber Facebook page or their website for more details and registration.
Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in the Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K, a Bob Ross-inspired virtual event scheduled for April 18–26, 2026. Participants can complete 3.1 miles anywhere outdoors—running, walking, hiking, rolling, biking, skating, or paddling—at their own pace and in the location of their choice.
Locally, the event is being highlighted by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park in Summerville, who encourage residents to take advantage of nearby trails and natural spaces while supporting conservation efforts. Registration costs $36 and includes a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib number, sticker, and a Bob Ross-inspired finisher medal.
Timed between Earth Day and Arbor Day, the event helps raise awareness about the importance of healthy forests, with proceeds supporting tree planting and forest protection projects across Georgia’s State Parks. More information and registration details are available at friendsofgastateparks.org/HappyLittle5K.