Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is expanding efforts to investigate PFAS contamination in Northwest Georgia, with Chattooga County among six counties included in a new campaign offering water, soil, and dust testing for residents. The announcement comes as concerns continue to grow over the presence of PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—throughout the region.
As WZQZ News reported last week, a federal judge has cleared the way for thousands of current and former Summerville water customers to continue pursuing claims against several major chemical companies over costs connected to PFAS contamination in the city’s drinking water.
Small meat processors across Georgia will soon have access to customers across the country following a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
As students in the Chattooga County and Trion City school systems return to the classroom this week, healthcare professionals are reminding families that a few simple steps can help children stay healthy and ready to learn throughout the school year.
The Chattooga County housing market remained active during July, with inventory continuing to provide buyers with more options while home values remained relatively stable.
AdventHealth Redmond is inviting the public to take advantage of a Community AngioScreen event on Wednesday, August 12, offering a quick, noninvasive screening designed to help identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke before symptoms appear.
The screening will be available from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. at AdventHealth Redmond in Rome. The assessment takes about 10 minutes and provides immediate results. The AngioScreen includes a carotid artery ultrasound to check for plaque buildup, a five-lead EKG, ankle-brachial index testing to evaluate circulation, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening.
Hospital officials recommend the screening for adults age 55 and older, as well as individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, a history of smoking, a family history of stroke or heart attack, or other cardiovascular conditions.
The complete screening costs $85 per person and is eligible for Health Savings Account (HSA) reimbursement. Cash, checks, credit cards, and HSA or flexible spending account cards will be accepted. Appointments are required and may be scheduled online or by calling 706-290-8008.
Vendor registration is now underway for the 2026 Sum Nelly Festival, one of Summerville’s longest-running community traditions.
The festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, beginning at 9 a.m. at Dowdy Park. Organizers are accepting applications through September 30 for a variety of vendor categories.
Food vendors can register for $75, while specialty treats, drinks, and snack vendors—including baked goods, jellies, jams, popcorn, ice cream, specialty beverages, lemonade, and shaved ice—can register for $60.
Arts and crafts vendors may register for $50. This category includes handmade or original products such as jewelry, woodworking, pottery, ceramics, photography, soaps, candles, quilts, leather goods, metal or glass art, custom home décor, and seasonal crafts.
The Sum Nelly Festival has been a beloved Summerville tradition for more than 50 years, drawing residents and visitors for a day of food, shopping, entertainment, and community activities.
Vendor applications are available online at www.summervillerec.org.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, August 4, 2026:
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect another stretch of typical summer weather this week, with warm afternoons and scattered showers and thunderstorms developing each day.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen is clarifying the county’s newly adopted 180-day moratorium on tiny home developments and container homes following questions from residents.
