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July 19, 2026

Chattooga County Schools Highlights Career and Technical Education Opportunities

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Students in the Chattooga County School System will have access to a wide range of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs during the 2026-2027 school year, preparing them for college, technical education and careers in high-demand fields.

The CTAE program is offered at Chattooga High School, Summerville Middle School, Lyerly Middle School and Menlo Middle School. School officials say the courses are available to all students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or limited English proficiency.

Available pathways include agriculture, allied health, certified nursing assistant, carpentry, cloud computing, criminal investigations, electrical, automotive technology, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal, welding, sports nutrition, patient care, plant science, work-based learning and youth apprenticeship programs.

For more information about Chattooga County’s CTAE programs, contact Angie Culbert, CTAE Director and Assistant Principal, at aculbert@chattooga.k12.ga.us.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Highland Avenue to Close for Road Work Beginning Monday

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The City of Summerville is advising motorists of a temporary road closure on Highland Avenue beginning Monday, July 20.

Highland Avenue will be closed from Third Street to Sixth Avenue each day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Friday, July 24, while scheduled road work is completed.

A designated detour route will be clearly marked to guide traffic around the work zone.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time and use caution while traveling through nearby detour areas.

The city thanked residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation while the infrastructure improvements are underway.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Home Gardeners Report Poor Tomato Harvests Across Northwest Georgia

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Many home gardeners across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are finding that this year’s tomato crop hasn’t lived up to expectations. While tomato plants may appear healthy, many are producing fewer tomatoes than normal, dropping blossoms before fruit develops, or producing fruit that cracks, rots, or ripens unevenly.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Historical Society Hosts Summer Meeting Today

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The Chattooga County Historical Society is inviting the public to its Summer Meeting today, featuring a firsthand account from a Chattooga County native who took part in one of the most significant military operations in American history.

The meeting begins at 2 p.m. today at the Historic Summerville Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.

Featured speaker Jim Lenderman will share his experiences as a U.S. Marine helicopter pilot during the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. Lenderman will also discuss his later service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, providing a unique perspective on both military and presidential aviation.

The Historical Society says the presentation offers a rare opportunity to hear an inspiring story from one of Chattooga County’s own while learning more about an important chapter in American history. The event is free and open to the public.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Twisted Ankle Trail Race Celebrates 20 Years at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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Trail runners from across the Southeast are invited to lace up for the 20th annual Twisted Ankle Trail Race at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, as the popular event celebrates two decades of racing and giving back to the park.

To mark the milestone, organizers are adding a special 20-mile race for 2026 only, giving participants the chance to make two climbs to Becky’s Bluff. The race lineup also includes a beginner-friendly 5K, a challenging 10-mile, and a half marathon, offering options for runners of all experience levels.

The scenic courses feature a mix of wide trails, single-track sections, Marble Mine, and the iconic climb to Becky’s Bluff, where runners will enjoy a stretch along the Pinhoti Trail before descending. Organizers say the courses include plenty of rocks and roots, providing the technical challenge trail runners have come to expect.

Since its beginning, the Twisted Ankle Trail Race has donated all proceeds to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, helping support improvements and preservation efforts.

Additional race information, course maps and registration details are available at twistedanklerace.com.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Saturday – July 18, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 18, 2026:

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hot, Humid Saturday with Afternoon Storm Chances

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A hot and muggy Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Multicultural Festival Brings Food, Music and Culture to Downtown Summerville Today

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A celebration of cultures from around the world will take place today at the Summerville Train Depot as the City of Summerville hosts its Multicultural Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live entertainment, craft vendors, cultural displays and activities celebrating the diverse traditions that make up the local community.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s antique steam locomotive arrive at the depot and watch demonstrations of the historic Summerville Turntable, one of the few operating railroad turntables of its kind.

The festival is open to all ages and will be held at the Summerville Train Depot, 111 East Washington Street.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Law Limits Who Can Legally Conduct Raffles

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Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.

To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.

Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale Returns to Dowdy Park August 6–8

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Bargain hunters and vendors alike will have an opportunity to buy, sell and explore during the Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale at Dowdy Park in downtown Summerville, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8.

Hosted by the City of Summerville, the three-day event runs from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day at Dowdy Park. Organizers say shoppers can expect a wide variety of treasures while sellers have a chance to clean out unwanted items and earn extra money.

Vendor spaces measure 15-by-15 feet and are available for $5 per day. Those interested in reserving a space can request a vendor form by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.

Dowdy Park is located along Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Summerville, offering convenient access and plenty of visibility throughout the event.