Chattooga County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in the latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor, the highest rate among the nine Northwest Georgia counties included in the regional report.
A Lyerly woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges related to child sexual abuse material and bestiality following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
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.
A growing number of Georgia drivers are making car payments of $1,000 or more each month, according to a new LendingTree analysis, placing Georgia fourth in the nation for borrowers carrying four-figure auto loan payments.
The study found that 12% of Georgians with active auto loans have at least one monthly payment of $1,000 or more. Only Texas, Alaska and Wyoming ranked higher. Nationwide, the figure is 9.6%. The analysis was based on approximately 180,000 anonymized credit reports from the fourth quarter of 2025.
Consumer finance experts say several factors are driving the trend in Georgia, including higher vehicle prices, elevated interest rates, the popularity of larger trucks and SUVs, long commuting distances and lower average credit scores, which can result in higher borrowing costs.
LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz cautioned that qualifying for a large auto loan does not necessarily mean it’s affordable. He recommends buyers focus on the total cost of the vehicle rather than just the monthly payment, avoid unnecessarily long loan terms and purchase less vehicle than they think they can afford whenever possible.
Trion Elementary School is reminding families that orientation and Meet the Teacher events will take place this week as students prepare to return to the classroom.
On Tuesday, July 28, a Parent Orientation for all Pre-K students and newly accepted Trion Elementary students will begin at 5 p.m. in the Trion Middle School Gym. School officials say this is an information session for parents only.
On Wednesday, July 29, families are invited to Meet the Teacher, a drop-in event where students can visit their classrooms, meet their teachers and bring school supplies. Meet the Teacher hours are 3 to 5 p.m. for Pre-K through first grade and 4 to 6 p.m. for second through fifth grades.
The Kona Ice truck will also be on site. Families are encouraged to visit classrooms before purchasing a frozen treat.
The first day of classes for Trion City Schools is Thursday, July 30.
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.
The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Cathodic Protection Technician to help protect and maintain the city’s utility infrastructure.
New restrictions are changing how automated school-zone speed cameras may be used across Georgia as students return to class.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 26, 2026: