Chattooga County Sheriff Visits Cub Scout Pack 38 To Discuss Leadership And Public Service
Members of Cub Scout Pack 38 recently received a special visit from Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, who attended one of the group’s weekly meetings to talk with scouts about law enforcement, leadership and community service.
During the visit, Sheriff Schrader discussed his responsibilities as an elected official and the role of the Sheriff’s Office in protecting and serving the citizens of Chattooga County.
The meeting gave scouts an opportunity to learn more about local government, public safety and the importance of leadership in their community. Sheriff Schrader also answered questions from the young scouts, helping them better understand the work involved in keeping their community safe.
Pack 38 expressed appreciation to the sheriff for taking time out of his schedule to visit with the scouts and share his experiences in public service.
The visit was part of the Cub Scouts’ ongoing efforts to introduce young people to leadership, citizenship and community involvement.
Scouting is a year-round program offering activities designed to build character, confidence, respect and personal achievement. Local scouting opportunities are available for young people from kindergarten through age 18, with age-appropriate programs that emphasize hands-on learning and leadership development.
Families interested in learning more about scouting opportunities in Chattooga County or enrolling their children can visit www.beascout.org.
Summerville Man Indicted On Multiple Sex Offense Charges
A Summerville man has been indicted by a Chattooga County grand jury on multiple sex-related charges following allegations of sexual assault and failure to comply with Georgia’s sex offender registration requirements.
According to Chattooga County Superior Court records, Timothy Alan Bryan was indicted earlier this month on one count of aggravated sexual battery, four counts of sexual battery and one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
Bryan was arrested by Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies on July 29, 2026, in connection with the incident that led to this month’s indictment.
Court records show Bryan was convicted of statutory rape in Catoosa County in September 2003 and was sentenced under Georgia’s First Offender Act. As part of that case, he was placed on probation.
Investigators allege that Bryan sexually assaulted a younger woman during an incident in July. According to the indictment, Bryan is accused of touching the alleged victim’s intimate parts without her consent, resulting in the aggravated sexual battery and sexual battery charges.
In addition to the alleged assault, prosecutors contend Bryan violated Georgia’s sex offender registration laws by failing to notify the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office after changing his residence to 401 Roberts Drive in Summerville.
The charges were returned by a Chattooga County grand jury earlier this month. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, and Bryan is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Summerville Police Respond To Harassment Complaint Involving Family Dispute
Summerville Police responded to a harassment complaint Friday night, October 23, involving an ongoing family dispute at a residence on Sixth Avenue.
According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, officers were dispatched to 80 Sixth Avenue around 10:20 p.m. after receiving a complaint from residents who reported ongoing problems with a family member.
The residents told police that a relative had allegedly been threatening and harassing them through Facebook and repeatedly driving past their home.
Police said the incident was connected to an earlier complaint that same day involving an attempt to have the occupants removed from the residence.
During the earlier incident, an officer explained that the property dispute would have to be handled through the eviction process in Magistrate Court. Police advised that law enforcement could not remove the occupants without the required eviction notice.
The residents requested that police document the ongoing situation, and an information report was completed.
The incident was classified as non-criminal harassment, and the report was administratively closed. No criminal charges were listed in connection with the complaint.
Hunters Ending Hunger Program Provides Venison To 229 Families
A northwest Georgia nonprofit organization is celebrating a successful start to its Hunters Ending Hunger initiative, which has already provided fresh ground venison to 229 families during the opening month of the season.
Helping Hands Ending Hunger Inc. announced that bow hunters have been making a significant difference by donating harvested deer to help feed families in need throughout the region.
According to the organization, the donated venison has reached 229 families in just one month, marking a first for the program.
The organization also recognized Graysen Carpenter, a sophomore at Trion High School, for supporting the effort through the Kids Helping Kids initiative.
Students and families associated with Leroy Massey Elementary School, Summerville Middle School and Rome Middle School have also benefited from the program.
Helping Hands Ending Hunger credited the success of the initiative to participating hunters, community supporters and the vision of Allison Agnew, whose encouragement helped inspire the effort.
The organization hopes to build on its early success as hunting season continues, encouraging additional participation to help provide nutritious food to families facing food insecurity.
Helping Hands Ending Hunger says the initiative demonstrates how hunters, schools and community volunteers can work together to make a difference for families across northwest Georgia.
Daylight Saving Time Ends This Weekend As Clocks Fall Back One Hour
Chattooga County residents will get an extra hour of sleep this weekend as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end early Sunday morning, November 1.
At 2 a.m. Sunday, clocks will be turned back one hour to 1 a.m., marking the return to Eastern Standard Time. The change means sunrise and sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier by the clock, bringing more daylight to the morning hours but earlier darkness in the evenings.
Residents are reminded to set clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Most smartphones, computers and other internet-connected devices will make the adjustment automatically, but traditional clocks, watches and some household appliances will need to be changed manually.
The time change also serves as a reminder to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire safety officials encourage residents to test alarms, replace batteries when needed and make sure alarms are working properly throughout the home.
The twice-yearly time change has been the subject of debate for years, with proposals to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. However, federal law continues to require the seasonal clock changes in most states, including Georgia.
Daylight Saving Time will return on Sunday, March 14, 2027, when clocks will move forward one hour.
For now, residents can look forward to an extra hour of sleep this weekend, but should also prepare for sunsets arriving earlier in the afternoon.
Remember: Fall Back One Hour Before Bed Saturday Night!
City Of Summerville Announces Holiday Events Leading Up To Christmas
The City of Summerville is preparing for a busy holiday season, with a variety of Christmas celebrations planned throughout downtown and other locations in the city during November and December.
From the annual Christmas tree lighting and holiday shopping opportunities to train excursions, the Christmas parade and Christmas in the Park, residents and visitors will have several opportunities to celebrate the season.
The holiday festivities begin Thursday, November 26, with the official Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting and Downtown Midnight Madness. The Thanksgiving evening celebration will kick off the Christmas season in downtown Summerville, with holiday shopping and opportunities to visit local businesses.
The popular Summerville Santa Special Holiday Train Excursions and Mistletoe Markets will return for three weekends. The events are scheduled for November 28–29, December 5–6 and December 12–13. The holiday train excursions and markets have become seasonal attractions, bringing visitors downtown for Christmas shopping and holiday activities.
One of the season’s biggest community traditions, the City of Summerville Christmas Parade, is scheduled for Monday, December 7. The annual parade brings together families, local organizations, businesses and community groups to celebrate the Christmas season.
The holiday celebrations continue Thursday, December 10, with Christmas in the Park, offering another opportunity for residents to enjoy the holiday season together.
City officials are encouraging residents and visitors to shop, dine and enjoy the many holiday activities planned throughout Summerville.
The city’s holiday calendar includes:
- Thursday, November 26: Official Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting and Downtown Midnight Madness
- November 28–29: Santa Special Holiday Train Excursions and Mistletoe Markets
- December 5–6: Santa Special Holiday Train Excursions and Mistletoe Markets
- Monday, December 7: City of Summerville Christmas Parade
- Thursday, December 10: Christmas in the Park
- December 12–13: Santa Special Holiday Train Excursions and Mistletoe Markets
Additional information about individual events, including times and activities, is expected to be available as the holiday season approaches.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Open Elite Eight Play Today Against Irwin County
The Trion High School Lady Bulldogs softball team begins its quest for a state championship today as the Georgia High School Association Elite Eight tournament gets underway in Columbus.
Trion will face Irwin County at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday at the South Commons Softball Complex. The tournament continues through Saturday, October 31, with the remaining eight teams competing for the Class A state championship.
The Lady Bulldogs enter the tournament with an impressive 23-5 record and a 10-game winning streak. Trion has also captured the Region 7 championship and is making its second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight.
Trion earned its trip to Columbus by sweeping Taylor County in the second round of the state playoffs on October 19. The Lady Bulldogs won the opening game 3-0 behind a strong pitching performance from Hartley Staton, who struck out nine batters.
The second game was a much closer contest, with Trion pulling out a 5-4 victory to complete the sweep and advance to Columbus.
The Lady Bulldogs opened postseason play with convincing victories over Atkinson County, winning 11-1 and 17-5 in the first round.
Head coach Trent Stamey praised his team’s determination following the Taylor County series, saying the players have demonstrated grit throughout the season and have learned to focus on doing whatever is necessary to win.
The Elite Eight appearance gives Trion another opportunity to compete against the state’s top Class A softball programs, with the ultimate goal of bringing a state championship back to Trion.
Fans unable to attend the tournament can watch games through the NFHS Network, which has exclusive streaming rights for the state championships.
Tickets for the tournament are available online through GoFan. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
Summerville Man Indicted Following Domestic Dispute And Confrontation With Police
A Summerville man has been indicted by a Chattooga County grand jury following a March domestic disturbance that resulted in allegations of false imprisonment, domestic violence and an assault on a law enforcement officer.
Jacob Andrew Gosnell, 22, of Peppermint Place, was among those indicted by the grand jury earlier this month. The indictment includes charges of false imprisonment, simple battery, obstruction of an officer, disorderly conduct and cruelty to children.
The charges stem from an incident on March 16, 2026, when Summerville Police responded to a complaint involving a domestic dispute at a residence on Peppermint Place.
According to the original police report, a woman told officers that Gosnell had pushed her during an argument and attempted to take her cellphone.
The woman reported that when she attempted to leave the residence with her child, Gosnell grabbed her clothing and pulled her back toward the house, preventing her from leaving.
Police subsequently responded to the residence, where officers reported finding Gosnell apparently intoxicated.
According to the report, Gosnell resisted officers attempting to take him into custody and kicked a Chattooga County deputy while being placed in a patrol vehicle.
Police also reported that Gosnell managed to open a patrol vehicle door and attempted to get out before officers secured him.
He was transported to the Chattooga County Jail following the incident.
The October grand jury indictment moves the case forward in the court system.
Registration Open For Trion Mat-Dog Youth Wrestling Program
Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Mat-Dog Wrestling season in Trion, offering young athletes an opportunity to learn the sport of wrestling and become part of the Bulldog wrestling family.
The program is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade, regardless of experience level. Both beginners and returning wrestlers are encouraged to participate.
A registration event is scheduled for Monday, November 9, from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at the Trion High School Wrestling Facility.
Organizers say the program welcomes young athletes of all skill levels, providing an opportunity to develop wrestling skills and participate in the sport.
Parents interested in registering their children can use the online registration link provided by Trion Wrestling or scan the QR code on the organization’s registration flyer.
The Mat-Dog Wrestling program is preparing for another season of youth wrestling in the Trion community.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Offering Free Applications Throughout November
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is giving prospective students an opportunity to save money on enrollment costs by waiving its application fee throughout November for those planning to attend classes during the spring 2027 semester.
The college has announced that its regular $25 application fee will be waived through November 30 for all incoming students. Applicants must enter the promotional code NOVFREE27 in all capital letters when completing their applications to receive the waiver.
The admissions deadline for the spring semester is November 20. However, students who complete their applications after that date will still have an opportunity to enroll in Term C of the spring semester, with applications accepted through March 7.
Spring semester classes are scheduled to begin January 11, 2027.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates in a variety of career fields, including aviation, business, healthcare, industrial technology and public service.
The college serves students throughout northwest Georgia, providing workforce training and educational opportunities for individuals preparing to enter the workforce, change careers or advance in their current professions.
According to GNTC, more than 14,000 individuals benefited from its credit and noncredit educational programs over the past year. The college reported an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and a 100 percent placement rate.
Prospective students can apply online at www.gntc.edu by selecting the “Apply Now” option.
Those needing assistance can contact GNTC’s call center at 866-983-4682, Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.
The free application opportunity begins Sunday, November 1, and continues through Monday, November 30.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - October 27, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, October 27, 2026:
Dry Weather Continues Through Friday As Rain Chances Increase For Halloween Weekend
Chattooga County residents can expect several more days of dry, pleasant fall weather before rain chances return just in time for Halloween weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, high pressure will continue to dominate the weather pattern across Northwest Georgia through Friday, bringing sunshine, mild afternoon temperatures and cool nights.
Tuesday, October 27, will be sunny with a high near 75 degrees. Winds will be calm throughout the day. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 48 degrees.
Wednesday will bring partly sunny skies and a high near 74 degrees. Thursday will be sunny with a high around 77, followed by mostly sunny skies Friday and a high near 78 degrees.
Overnight temperatures will generally remain in the upper 40s to middle 50s through the end of the workweek.
Forecasters say the continued dry conditions are the result of a large area of high pressure that has kept significant rainfall away from North and Central Georgia.
While the lack of rain has contributed to increasingly dry conditions across the region, the National Weather Service says moisture moving inland from the Atlantic Ocean should help keep humidity levels above critical fire danger thresholds during the week.
The biggest question in the forecast involves Halloween on Saturday, October 31.
After several days of sunshine, clouds are expected to increase Saturday, with a 20 percent chance of showers developing after 2 p.m. The afternoon high will be near 75 degrees.
Rain chances will increase to 40 percent Saturday night, when temperatures are expected to fall to around 58 degrees.
The possibility of rain could affect Halloween walks, trunk-or-treat celebrations and other outdoor activities planned throughout Chattooga County.
However, National Weather Service forecasters emphasize that considerable uncertainty remains about the timing and development of the approaching weather system.
Some forecast models suggest showers could develop Saturday afternoon or evening, while others indicate the better chance of rainfall may hold off until Sunday.
Sunday, November 1, currently carries a 50 percent chance of showers, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 72 degrees.
By Monday, November 2, rain chances are expected to decrease to around 20 percent, with partly sunny skies and a high near 77.
For now, residents planning Halloween activities should keep an eye on updated forecasts throughout the week.
The National Weather Service says the overall pattern will remain dry and seasonably mild through Friday, but the approaching weekend could finally bring some much-needed rainfall to Northwest Georgia.
Summerville Police Investigating Alleged Forged Checks Totaling Nearly $5,000
The Summerville Police Department is investigating a reported forgery involving two canceled business checks totaling nearly $5,000 that were allegedly altered and deposited without authorization.
According to a report filed with the Summerville Police Department, Officer Vitality Labs responded to 170 Vitality Lane in Summerville, where Melissa Hamilton, an officer and representative of the company, reported discovering two checks bearing the business’s name that had been manufactured.
Hamilton provided police with copies of two canceled checks, numbered 5927 and 5928, totaling $2,459.75.
The checks appeared to contain Hamilton’s signature, but she told police the signature had not been authorized and had been falsely applied to the checks.
Hamilton also presented the original blank checks that had been recovered from the company’s checkbook, indicating the fraudulent checks had been created using the company’s banking information.
Hamilton advised police that the company’s bank had reimbursed the fraudulent withdrawals but required a police report documenting the incident.
The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Trion Man Indicted On DUI And Fleeing Charges Following Police Pursuit
A Trion man arrested earlier this year following an alleged DUI incident and police pursuit on Old Highway 27 has been indicted by the Chattooga County Grand Jury.
Brandon Zane Tibbs, 2541 Old Highway 27, Trion, was indicted this month on charges of DUI, second-degree criminal damage to property, felony fleeing police, reckless driving and five other traffic offenses.
Tibbs was arrested on February 28, 2026, following an incident that led to multiple traffic-related charges.
The original arrest included allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, attempting to flee or elude law enforcement, and several additional traffic violations.
The October indictment moves the case forward in the court system, where Tibbs will have an opportunity to answer the charges.
An indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Tibbs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Trion Plans To Replace Fire Truck Destroyed In Fire At Mount Vernon Mills
The Town of Trion is making plans to purchase a new fire truck after one of its trucks was destroyed in a fire at the Mount Vernon Mills firehouse earlier this year.
Trion Mayor Mickey McGraw said the town recently received a $329,000 insurance payment for the destroyed truck. However, that money is expected to cover only about half the cost of purchasing a replacement.
“That will cover about half the cost of a new one,” McGraw said.
The fire occurred this summer inside the firehouse located at Mount Vernon Mills. A passerby noticed smoke coming from the building and alerted authorities.
Officials believe faulty wiring may have caused the blaze. Although the fire started inside the building, the mill itself was not damaged.
The destroyed fire truck was a Rosenbauer purchased from Southern Emergency Products Inc. in 2012 for approximately $330,000. According to McGraw, the cost of fire trucks has doubled since that purchase.
The town plans to purchase a replacement truck and sell one of its older trucks, which remains operational.
In the meantime, neighboring fire departments are providing fire protection coverage for Trion.
Georgia Gas Prices Drop Eight Cents As Chattooga County Drivers Pay $3.60 Per Gallon
Georgia motorists are seeing some relief at the gas pump as prices continue to decline, with the statewide average falling eight cents over the past week. Drivers in Chattooga County are paying slightly less than the state average, according to the latest figures from AAA – The Auto Club Group.
As of Monday, October 26, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Georgia stands at $3.65 per gallon, down from $3.73 a week ago. Prices have fallen 51 cents over the past month but remain 86 cents higher than this time last year.
In Chattooga County, the average price is $3.60 per gallon, five cents below the statewide average.
AAA reports that the suspension of Georgia’s state gasoline tax, the transition to less expensive winter-blend gasoline and reduced seasonal travel demand are helping bring prices down. However, crude oil prices above $100 per barrel continue to limit how much motorists are saving.
“Georgians are seeing some relief at the pump, with prices averaging 63 cents below the national average,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While seasonal factors are helping push prices lower, drivers can save even more by comparing prices, using fuel rewards and combining errands.”
Gas Prices Across Northwest Georgia And Northeast Alabama
The latest county averages for regular unleaded gasoline include:
- Chattooga County: $3.60
- Walker County: $3.58
- Floyd County: $3.59
- Gordon County: $3.60
- DeKalb County, Alabama: $3.77
- Cherokee County, Alabama: $3.70
Across Georgia, the most expensive metropolitan markets include Savannah at $3.70, Atlanta at $3.68 and Gainesville at $3.67.
The least expensive markets include Warner Robins at $3.58, Brunswick at $3.52 and Albany at $3.46.
National Prices Remain Above Four Dollars
The national average for regular gasoline stands at $4.28 per gallon, down just one cent over the past week.
AAA says higher crude oil prices are slowing the decline in gasoline costs nationwide. October is on track to become the most expensive October on record for the national average, following record-setting gasoline prices in August and September.
For Georgia motorists, filling a standard 15-gallon tank at the statewide average costs approximately $54.75. In Chattooga County, that same fill-up costs about $54.
AAA recommends comparing prices at different stations, using fuel rewards programs, combining errands and avoiding aggressive driving to help reduce fuel expenses.
Gasoline prices are subject to daily changes.
Halloween Safety Takes Center Stage As Rain Chances Increase For Weekend Activities
Halloween is just days away, and families across Chattooga County are preparing for a weekend filled with costumes, candy, trick-or-treating, hayrides and community celebrations. With activities planned in Summerville, Trion, Menlo, Lyerly and at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, residents are encouraged to keep safety in mind, especially as the forecast now includes the possibility of rain on Halloween night.
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, this year, and the National Weather Service says the weather could become unsettled just in time for the holiday.
Saturday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 75 degrees and a 20 percent chance of showers. Rain chances increase to 50 percent Saturday night, with showers and thunderstorms possible. Forecasters say the timing remains uncertain, meaning some Halloween activities could stay dry while others may be affected by rain.
Halloween Activities Across Chattooga County
Several communities have celebrations planned for families and children.
In Summerville, Pumpkin Palooza will take place Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the historic Summerville Depot area, featuring food and craft vendors. The downtown Halloween Walk is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. along the East Washington Street Streetscape, with a costume contest beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Open Air Stage.
Trion’s annual Halloween Walk is scheduled to begin Saturday evening at 5:30.
In Lyerly, the Fire Department will host Trunk or Treat at Lyerly Park Saturday from 5 until 7 p.m. The event will include free hot dogs, followed by an outdoor movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and concessions will be available for purchase.
Menlo will hold its Halloween Walk on Friday, October 30, from 5 until 6:30 p.m. at Menlo Park.
Halloween Hayrides Return To Sloppy Floyd State Park
Families will have one final opportunity to enjoy the annual Halloween Hayrides at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville on Saturday, October 31.
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host the event from 1 until 4 p.m., offering family-friendly hayrides through the park during the fall season.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 through 12. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.
Visitors can also enjoy free candy, temporary tattoos and popcorn.
A $10 vehicle parking pass is required to enter the state park, although visitors with an annual Georgia State Parks ParkPass will not need to purchase a daily pass.
Visitors should park at the park entrance, where a free shuttle will transport them to the hayride area.
Park officials say the hayrides will be canceled in the event of rain, making Saturday’s weather forecast especially important for families planning to attend.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located off Marble Springs Road near Summerville.
Safety Tips For Trick-Or-Treaters And Drivers
With large numbers of children expected to be walking through neighborhoods and attending community events, parents and motorists are encouraged to take extra precautions.
Parents should make sure young children are accompanied by a responsible adult and that older children travel in groups. Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls, and reflective tape, glow sticks or flashlights can help make children more visible after dark.
Children should use sidewalks whenever possible, cross streets at intersections and avoid walking between parked vehicles.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in residential neighborhoods, watch carefully for children crossing streets and avoid distractions while driving.
Parents should also inspect Halloween candy before allowing children to eat it, particularly checking for damaged packaging and potential choking hazards.
Rain Could Create Additional Hazards
With showers and thunderstorms possible Saturday evening, families should consider bringing rain jackets and shoes with good traction.
Wet leaves, sidewalks and steps can become slippery, especially after dark. Drivers should allow additional stopping distance if roads become wet.
If thunderstorms develop, families should move indoors rather than continuing outdoor activities. Lightning can be dangerous even when heavy rain is not falling.
The National Weather Service says confidence in the exact timing of weekend rainfall remains limited, and the forecast could change as Saturday approaches.
Families attending Halloween celebrations are encouraged to check for weather-related schedule changes and stay informed through local announcements.
WZQZ Radio will continue providing weather updates and information about Halloween activities throughout Chattooga County as the weekend approaches.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Open State Softball Elite Eight Wednesday Against Irwin County
The Trion High School Lady Bulldogs are preparing for their second consecutive appearance in the Georgia High School Association Class A Softball Elite Eight, with their opening game scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, against Irwin County.
The Lady Bulldogs will take the field at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Georgia, as they begin their pursuit of a state championship.
Trion earned its place among the final eight teams with an impressive sweep of Taylor County in the second round of the state playoffs on October 19.
The Lady Bulldogs defeated Taylor County 3-0 in the opening game behind a shutout pitching performance from Hartley Staton, who struck out nine batters. Trion then battled to a 5-4 victory in the second game to complete the sweep.
The victories were especially meaningful after Taylor County handed Trion its first loss at last year’s Elite Eight tournament.
Trion entered the second round after sweeping Atkinson County in the opening round, winning 11-1 and 17-5.
Head Coach Trent Stamey praised his players following the Taylor County series, saying the team had shown determination throughout the season and that their hard work had earned them another opportunity to compete for a state championship.
The state tournament runs Wednesday through Saturday, October 31, and features a double-elimination format, meaning teams must lose twice before being eliminated.
Fans planning to attend should know that tickets must be purchased online through GoFan. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
All tournament games will also be available through the NFHS Network.
The Lady Bulldogs will be looking to continue their outstanding season Wednesday afternoon as they take on Irwin County in Columbus.
Dry Weather Continues Across Chattooga County As Fire Concerns Increase
The extended stretch of dry weather across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia is expected to continue through the end of the workweek, with forecasters keeping an eye on conditions that could increase the danger of outdoor fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, high pressure will keep rain out of the forecast through Friday, bringing mostly sunny skies, mild afternoons and cool overnight temperatures.
For Tuesday, October 27, sunshine is expected across Chattooga County, with afternoon temperatures reaching the middle 70s. Overnight lows will fall into the middle 40s.
Similar conditions are expected Wednesday through Friday, with daytime highs generally in the 70s and little opportunity for rainfall.
The continuing dry weather is raising concerns about the possibility of fires spreading through dry grass, leaves and other vegetation.
National Weather Service fire weather forecasts indicate that afternoon humidity levels across Chattooga, Walker, Floyd, Gordon and surrounding counties could fall to between 30 and 35 percent Tuesday.
Although no fire weather warning was in effect when the forecast was issued, forecasters are monitoring the combination of dry air and the ongoing lack of rainfall.
Residents are encouraged to use caution with outdoor burning, properly extinguish cigarettes and avoid activities that could ignite dry leaves or grass. Anyone planning to burn outdoors should first check current restrictions and permit requirements.
The extended dry spell could finally see some relief as the weekend approaches.
Forecasters say rain chances will begin increasing Saturday, October 31, with a greater possibility of showers Saturday night and Sunday, November 1.
That timing could affect Halloween activities scheduled throughout Chattooga County, although the forecast remains subject to change as the weekend approaches.
Until then, residents can expect another stretch of pleasant fall afternoons, chilly mornings and very little chance of rain.
Georgia Reopens Home Energy Rebate Program Today
Georgia homeowners looking to make their homes more energy-efficient may qualify for financial assistance following the reopening of part of the state’s Home Energy Rebates program on Monday, October 26.
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority reopened the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program with limited funding and revised eligibility requirements.
Under the program, qualifying homeowners can receive financial assistance for electrical wiring improvements and electrical panel upgrades when those improvements are part of an approved home energy-efficiency project.
Eligible households may receive up to $2,500 for electrical wiring improvements and up to $4,000 for electrical panel upgrades.
The amount of assistance available depends on household income.
Households earning less than 80 percent of their county’s area median income may qualify for rebates covering up to 100 percent of eligible costs, subject to program limits.
Households earning between 80 percent and less than 150 percent of the area median income may qualify for rebates covering up to 50 percent of eligible costs.
Households earning 150 percent or more of the area median income are not eligible for this particular rebate program, although other home energy assistance programs may be available.
The electrical improvements must be connected to an approved energy-efficiency project. Replacing an electrical panel or wiring by itself does not automatically qualify a homeowner for a rebate.
The application process begins with a home energy audit conducted by a program-approved contractor. The audit identifies potential improvements and helps determine which upgrades qualify for assistance.
The reopening applies to qualifying single-family homes. Multifamily and do-it-yourself application options are not reopening at this time.
For homeowners in Chattooga County and surrounding communities, the rebates could help reduce the expense of upgrading older homes, particularly when electrical improvements are needed as part of a larger energy-efficiency project.
Homeowners are encouraged to confirm their eligibility and work with an approved contractor before beginning improvements. Rebates are subject to available funding, and work completed before program approval generally does not qualify.
Residents can learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements and locate approved contractors at energyrebates.georgia.gov.
Additional information is available by calling 877-348-5237, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.