Sewer Line Backup Sends Cooking-Based Oil Into Creek Near Lyerly Street
Summerville Police said Tuesday afternoon that city police and fire personnel were notified of a discolored material in the creek near Lyerly Street.
After consulting with other city departments, officials learned that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division had reported the material to the city earlier in the day, prompting personnel from Summerville’s Water and Sewer Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant to respond.
During the inspection, city crews identified a sewer line backup at a trucking facility on the former Georgia Rug Mill property. According to the city, a displaced manhole allowed some of the backed-up material to enter the creek.
City crews were able to vacuum up a quantity of the visible material from the creek and dispose of it at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
The trucking company told city officials that the substance was a cooking-based oil. City workers collected water samples for laboratory analysis and also sent samples to EPD.
Summerville Police said once the assessment of the incident and the material is complete, required regulatory reports will be submitted. At this time, ongoing monitoring is not expected to be necessary.
City officials thanked residents for reporting potential hazards and said the quick notification allowed crews to respond and address the situation.
Water To Be Shut Off On Ridge Street In Trion Thursday
The Town of Trion is advising residents on Ridge Street that water service will be temporarily shut off Thursday while crews work on a water main.
According to a notice issued Wednesday by the Town of Trion, the water will be turned off beginning at approximately 9 AM Thursday, October 8.
Town officials say crews will work to restore water service as soon as possible during the day and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary outage.
Anyone with questions can contact the Town of Trion at 706-734-2332 between 8 AM and 5 PM.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - October 7, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, October 7, 2026:
2026 Chattooga County Property Tax Bills Now Available Online
Late Tuesday evening, Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton announced that 2026 property tax bills are now available online, with printed bills expected to begin arriving in local mailboxes within the next one to two weeks.
Hampton said several property owners withdrew assessment appeals last week, allowing the county to receive approval for the 2026 Tax Digest. The Property Assessor’s Office has also been processing remaining appeals and forwarding finalized information to the Tax Commissioner’s Office so bills can be completed.
Property owners can now view their 2026 tax bills online at chattoogacountytax.com.
The current due date is December 11, 2026.
Hampton said taxpayers should be aware of several details when reviewing their bills.
FLOST/PTRLOST savings will appear on mailed tax bills for properties that are not exempt from county taxes. That savings field is not yet appearing on the online bills, and the Tax Commissioner’s Office is working to have that corrected.
Taxpayers who pay their bill online before receiving a printed copy may still receive a bill in the mail because the printing files have already been submitted.
Hampton also said the date when interest begins accruing could be adjusted depending on when printed bills actually reach taxpayers. The Tax Commissioner’s Office will provide an update if that date changes.
Sales tax rollbacks for schools and insurance rollbacks for the county will appear on both the online and mailed bills.
Properties that still have a pending appeal will receive bills later from the Tax Commissioner’s Office along with additional information. Those bills can be viewed and paid online, but Hampton noted they are calculated using 85% of the property’s value while the appeal remains pending.
The Tax Commissioner also clarified how freeze exemptions are shown. The exemption does not freeze the amount of taxes owed. Instead, it freezes the taxable value used to calculate the tax bill, with that amount reflected in the exemption section.
Hampton thanked taxpayers for their patience as county offices worked through the assessment appeal process and finalized this year’s bills.
Tropical System Could Bring Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds To Northwest Georgia This Weekend
Northwest Georgia will remain dry and warm through Friday, but forecasters are closely watching a tropical system in the Gulf that could bring significant rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms to the region this weekend.
The National Weather Service says Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the Gulf, although considerable uncertainty remains concerning its eventual track and the extent of its impacts on Georgia.
For Thursday, Chattooga County can expect sunny skies with a high near 87 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 58.
Friday will remain mostly sunny with a high near 85, but conditions could begin changing Friday night as moisture associated with the tropical system moves northward. A slight chance of showers develops after 2 AM.
Rain chances increase to 50% Saturday, with a high near 75. Showers become likely Saturday night, when thunderstorms will also be possible and rain chances increase to 70%.
Showers are likely again Sunday, with thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Sunday’s high will be near 74 degrees, with a 70% chance of precipitation.
The National Weather Service says current projections indicate one to three inches of rainfall could fall across portions of north and central Georgia, although amounts will depend heavily on the eventual track of the tropical system.
Forecasters say sustained winds around 15 mph with gusts potentially reaching 25 to 30 mph are also possible. Heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding and rises along rivers, creeks and streams.
There could also be a tornado threat depending on the system’s eventual track and strength.
Forecasters emphasize that considerable uncertainty remains regarding the timing, location and intensity of the system. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the weekend approaches.
Conditions should gradually improve early next week as the tropical system weakens and a drier air mass moves into the region.
Heart And Vascular Screening Coming To Summerville October 23
A heart and vascular screening event will be offered in Summerville later this month, giving area residents an opportunity to be checked for several potential warning signs associated with heart disease and stroke.
The screening will be held Friday, October 23, from 8 AM until 3 PM at AdventHealth Primary Care Urgent Care, located at 9777 Rome Boulevard in Summerville.
The AngioScreen costs $85 and is a non-invasive vascular screening that takes approximately 10 minutes.
The screening includes a carotid artery ultrasound, an EKG of the heart, an ankle-brachial index test to check for peripheral artery disease, and screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The tests are designed to help identify potential risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Because AngioScreen is a screening service, insurance is not accepted. Payment may be made by cash, check, credit card or debit card. Participants may also be able to use money from an employer-sponsored flexible spending account.
Appointments are required for the October 23 screening.
Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment can call 706-290-8008.
Town Of Trion Seeking Wastewater Operator Or Trainee
The Town of Trion is accepting applications for a wastewater operator trainee or a state-licensed wastewater operator to work the night shift at the town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
According to a public notice from the town, wages for the position will be based on the applicant’s experience and level of state certification.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also be able to pass a drug screening.
The opening provides an opportunity for someone interested in entering the wastewater treatment field as a trainee, as well as experienced applicants who already hold a state wastewater operator license.
Employment applications are available at Trion Town Hall or at the Town of Trion Wastewater Treatment Plant on Highway 27 in Trion.
The Town of Trion is an equal opportunity employer.
Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Announces Several Promotions
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced several recent promotions involving deputies and supervisors within the patrol division.
Sheriff Mark Schrader said Corporal Corey Fielding has been promoted to Patrol Lieutenant. Fielding will manage the patrol division while working an assigned shift that allows him to work alongside both day and night shift deputies.
Corporal Jared Wilks has been promoted to Sergeant. Wilks will supervise one rotation of day and night shift deputies, along with the night shift corporal.
Corporal Rob Villagomez has also been promoted to Sergeant. Villagomez will oversee the other rotation of day and night shift deputies, as well as the night shift corporal assigned to that rotation.
The Sheriff’s Office also announced two promotions at the corporal level.
Deputy Jonathan Reynolds has been promoted to Corporal over one night shift, while Deputy Matt Wilson has been promoted to Corporal over the other night shift.
Sheriff Schrader praised the employees of both the Sheriff’s Office and Chattooga County Jail, saying he is proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by the men and women who serve the public.
Schrader said the employees perform their duties with high expectations and professionalism and added that he enjoys working alongside them.
The promotions come as the Sheriff’s Office continues organizing supervisory responsibilities across both day and night patrol rotations.
$10 Million In Housing Grants Available; Chattooga County Among Communities That Could Seek Funding
A new round of state-administered housing grants could provide an opportunity for communities such as Chattooga County to obtain funding for home repairs and the development of affordable housing.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has opened applications for $10 million in 2027 Community HOME Investment Program, or CHIP, grants.
The federally funded program provides money to eligible local governments, public government authorities and nonprofit organizations to address housing needs and increase homeownership opportunities for low- and very low-income Georgians.
For Chattooga County, one potential use of the program would be rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied homes.
Under the current program, eligible applicants can seek up to $500,000 for rehabilitation of owner-occupied single-family homes. Grants of up to $1.5 million are available for new construction or rehabilitation of affordable single-family homes that will be sold to income-eligible homebuyers.
The money does not go directly from the state to individual homeowners. Instead, an eligible local government or organization must apply for a CHIP grant and then administer a local housing program if funding is awarded.
That distinction means Chattooga County residents cannot individually apply to the state for a portion of the newly announced $10 million.
Housing conditions are already an issue receiving attention locally.
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Chattooga County had approximately 10,929 housing units in 2025. About 66.8 percent of occupied housing units are owner-occupied, based on 2020-2024 estimates.
The median value of an owner-occupied home in Chattooga County is approximately $115,600, considerably below home values found in many other parts of Georgia.
Chattooga County has also previously taken steps to prepare for federal grant opportunities involving housing and community development. In 2025, the county sought proposals from firms qualified to assist with federal grant applications and administration. Among the programs specifically identified by the county were the Community HOME Investment Program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Competition for CHIP funding can be significant.
In the most recent round announced earlier this year, DCA awarded more than $10 million to 12 Georgia communities and organizations.
Eight recipients received $500,000 each for rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes, while four recipients received $1.5 million each for construction of new affordable single-family homes.
DCA says applications are evaluated competitively, with consideration given to a community’s housing needs, readiness to proceed with a project and ability to properly administer the program.
Communities applying for rehabilitation funding must provide information documenting existing housing conditions. Applicants seeking money for new home construction must provide market analysis demonstrating both the need for affordable housing and the ability to sell the homes to income-qualified buyers.
Applications for the 2027 CHIP grant cycle must be submitted by January 31, 2027.
No announcement has been made that Chattooga County will apply for funding during the current grant cycle. However, the county is among the types of Georgia communities that could potentially benefit from the program if an eligible local application is developed and approved.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs administers CHIP using funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Rabies Vaccine Bait Drops Begin This Month Across Northwest Georgia
Residents across northwest Georgia may begin noticing low-flying aircraft this month as the U.S. Department of Agriculture moves ahead with its annual oral rabies vaccination campaign, including bait distribution in Chattooga County.
The latest schedule calls for helicopter operations to begin around Wednesday, October 7, in several northwest Georgia cities, followed by a much larger fixed-wing airplane operation beginning around October 20.
More than 500,000 oral rabies vaccine baits are expected to be distributed across more than 7,000 square kilometers of northwest Georgia during the October operation.
The vaccination area includes all or portions of Chattooga, Walker, Dade, Catoosa, Floyd, Gordon, Whitfield, Bartow, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns and Union counties.
Helicopter baiting beginning around October 7 is planned primarily around more populated areas, including Dalton, LaFayette, Rome, Calhoun, Fort Oglethorpe, Chickamauga and Tunnel Hill.
For rural areas, including portions of the larger Chattooga County vaccination zone, specially equipped airplanes will distribute baits as part of the fixed-wing operation expected to begin around October 20. That portion of the operation is expected to last about a week, depending on weather and other conditions.
The program targets raccoons and other wildlife and is designed to prevent the westward spread of raccoon rabies.
The baits contain the RABORAL V-RG oral rabies vaccine. They are small packets containing liquid vaccine and are coated with a fish-scented attractant designed to encourage raccoons to eat them.
Residents who find one of the baits are encouraged to leave it alone so wildlife can consume it. If an intact bait must be moved, USDA recommends wearing gloves or using a towel and moving it into nearby woods or brush.
The vaccine does not cause rabies, and USDA says humans and pets cannot contract rabies from the baits. Dogs that eat several baits could experience a temporary upset stomach, but officials say there are no expected long-term health effects.
Anyone who comes into direct contact with the liquid vaccine inside a damaged packet should wash the affected area with soap and warm water.
Pilots and crews distributing the vaccine use equipment that allows bait drops to be stopped when aircraft pass over roads, buildings, large bodies of water and other locations where baits should not be released.
The northwest Georgia operation is part of a much larger USDA effort along the eastern United States aimed at maintaining a vaccination barrier against the spread of raccoon rabies.
USDA has conducted oral rabies vaccination programs since the 1990s, distributing millions of baits in selected states each year.
Residents should not be alarmed if they see low-flying aircraft over parts of northwest Georgia during the operation later this month.
Questions about the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program can be directed to USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-487-3297.
State Board Of Equalization Training Coming To Summerville In November
The Georgia Department of Revenue will bring a week-long training program for county Boards of Equalization to Summerville next month.
The department’s 2026 training schedule lists a Board of Equalization Workshop November 16-20 at the Chattooga County UGA Extension Office, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
The five-day workshop is designed to train members of county Boards of Equalization in Georgia’s property appraisal and equalization processes and procedures.
Boards of Equalization play an important role in Georgia’s property tax system. Property owners who disagree with the value placed on their property by a county Board of Tax Assessors have several appeal options under state law, including having an appeal heard by the county Board of Equalization.
Board members review property tax assessment appeals and hear evidence involving disputed property values. Their work can ultimately determine whether an assessment is upheld or changed.
The Georgia Department of Revenue says Board of Equalization members are appointed by the county grand jury and serve three-year terms.
Newly appointed members are required to complete 40 hours of training during the first calendar year of their appointment before they can serve. After completing their initial training, members are required to receive eight hours of continuing training each year.
The November workshop in Summerville is one of a limited number of in-person Board of Equalization workshops currently appearing on the Department of Revenue’s statewide training calendar. Other sessions are being offered online and at locations elsewhere in Georgia.
The timing comes as property assessments and property taxes continue to receive considerable attention across Georgia following several changes in state law and local homestead exemption measures.
The November 16-20 training will be held at the Chattooga County UGA Extension Office in Summerville.
Sunday Dinner At The Depot Planned For October 11
The Depot in Summerville will be serving up a traditional Sunday dinner this weekend, with fried chicken, baked ham and a variety of homemade-style sides on the menu.
Sunday Dinner At The Depot will be held Sunday, October 11, from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM.
Diners will have several plate options. Meat and two vegetables will be $10, while one meat and three vegetables will be $12. A two-meat, two-vegetable plate will be $14, and two meats with three vegetables will be $15. A four-vegetable plate will be available for $9.
Meat choices will include fried chicken and baked ham.
Vegetable and side selections include dressing and gravy, green beans, pinto beans, potato salad and cream corn. All plates include a choice of a roll or cornbread.
Drinks will be available for $2, and desserts will be $5. Dessert choices include banana pudding, red velvet cake and chocolate cake.
Sunday Dinner At The Depot offers area residents another opportunity to gather for a traditional Sunday meal at one of Summerville’s familiar community gathering places.
$5 Million Available To Help Georgia Churches And Nonprofits Improve Security
Churches and other nonprofit organizations in Chattooga County may be eligible for a new round of state funding designed to help organizations protect their facilities and the people they serve.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is accepting applications for the FY2027 Georgia Funds for the Protection of Communities program, which has $5 million available statewide.
The program provides security funding to eligible nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate a need for additional protection against potential threats.
Eligible applicants include qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, which could include churches, religious organizations and other nonprofit groups in Chattooga County.
Unlike some grant programs, no local matching funds are required.
The grants can be used for eligible security improvements intended to help protect nonprofit facilities, employees, members, volunteers and visitors.
Potential projects can include physical security improvements, security equipment and other measures designed to reduce vulnerabilities at nonprofit facilities, subject to state program requirements.
Applicants are required to complete a vulnerability assessment identifying security risks and explaining how the proposed project would address those concerns.
The program is separate from the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which also provides funding to nonprofit organizations considered at risk of terrorist attacks or other extremist threats.
Georgia lawmakers created the state-funded program to provide an additional source of security assistance for nonprofit organizations.
The application period opened October 1, and organizations have until October 31, 2026, to submit applications.
Funding will be awarded competitively, meaning organizations interested in applying should begin gathering the required documentation and security information well ahead of the deadline.
The program could be particularly relevant to churches and other community organizations that have considered adding or improving security cameras, access controls or other protective measures but have been concerned about the cost.
Organizations receiving funding must follow state grant requirements governing how the money is spent and documented.
Additional information, application materials and eligibility requirements are available through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
Residents Warned About Jury Duty And Fake Law Enforcement Scams
Chattooga County residents are being reminded to be cautious of telephone scams in which callers pose as law enforcement officers, court employees or federal agents and threaten victims with arrest unless money is paid immediately.
The warning comes as authorities continue to report cases involving scammers who use fear and urgency to convince victims that they have missed jury duty, have an outstanding warrant or are under investigation.
In one recent Georgia case, an elderly woman reportedly lost nearly $70,000 after scammers convinced her that she was dealing with legitimate government and law enforcement officials.
Police in Perry said the scammers allegedly posed as federal, court and law enforcement officials and threatened the woman with arrest. The suspects reportedly instructed her to withdraw money and make payments through cryptocurrency and other methods.
One of the tactics used in the scheme was telling the victim not to discuss what was happening with anyone else.
Authorities say that is a major warning sign. Scammers frequently attempt to isolate victims from family members, bank employees or others who might recognize the fraud and stop a payment.
The scam can be especially convincing because criminals may know a victim’s name, address or other personal information. They can also use caller ID spoofing, making a telephone call appear to originate from a sheriff’s office, police department, courthouse or other legitimate government agency.
Some scammers also use the real names of judges, deputies, police officers or court employees in an effort to make their demands sound legitimate.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, which serves Chattooga County, warns that residents continue to receive fraudulent calls and emails claiming they failed to report for jury duty.
The court says legitimate jury summonses are sent through the U.S. Mail.
Courts and legitimate law enforcement agencies will not call someone and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest for missing jury duty. Residents should be particularly suspicious when callers request payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers or payment kiosks.
Another warning sign is a caller who insists that the person remain on the telephone while traveling to a bank, ATM or store to obtain money.
Anyone receiving such a call should hang up without providing personal or financial information.
Residents who are concerned that a call might be legitimate should independently look up the telephone number for the agency supposedly calling and contact that agency directly. Do not rely on a telephone number provided by the caller.
Residents should also talk with older family members about these scams. Criminals frequently target senior citizens and may attempt to keep victims frightened and isolated long enough to obtain money before relatives become aware of what is happening.
The most important thing to remember is simple: a legitimate court or law enforcement agency will not demand immediate payment over the telephone to prevent your arrest.
Chattooga Schools Developing Districtwide Literacy Plan
Chattooga County Schools are working toward completion of a districtwide literacy plan as educators continue professional development and efforts to strengthen reading instruction throughout the school system.
During a recent update to the Chattooga County Board of Education, educator Robert Beach said district staff, literacy coaches and community partners are participating in training as individual schools develop formal literacy plans.
The district hopes to have a unified literacy plan completed by October, providing time for the Board of Education to review the plan ahead of a January 1 approval deadline.
Beach also updated board members on professional learning and activities taking place throughout the district.
The school system’s annual educators conference was moved earlier in the year in response to teacher feedback. The conference, held at Chattooga High School, featured keynote speaker Justin Old, whose presentation was titled “Perspective Matters.” Sessions were also conducted by outside experts and district presenters.
Community partnerships remain part of the district’s literacy and educational efforts.
The Chattooga County Farm Bureau continues monthly visits to kindergarten classrooms at Leroy Massey Elementary School in Pennville. During a recent visit, students read about apples and learned about different varieties.
Students also participated in Constitution Day and Citizenship Day activities. An attorney visited social studies classes at Summerville Middle School to discuss the legal profession, continuing a program from the previous school year.
The district is also preparing activities for Georgia Reads Initiative Week, with plans to connect classroom literacy activities with families and library resources.
Beach told the board that enrollment continues to be monitored, noting that declining enrollment has become a trend across Georgia. School officials are also preparing for the upcoming FTE count, with individual schools reviewing scheduling and staffing.
Other upcoming activities include school spelling bees and the district spelling bee, which is expected to be held in early November.
Woman Now Charged With Homicide By Vehicle In Fatal Highway 114 Crash
A LaFayette woman previously charged with DUI following a January 2025 crash that killed a Summerville man is now facing a first-degree homicide by vehicle charge.
Deta Joy Ratledge, 63, was booked into the Chattooga County Jail Sunday evening, October 5. According to jail booking information, Ratledge is charged with homicide by vehicle – first degree, DUI/drugs/less safe and following too closely.
The new charge stems from a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on January 24, 2025, on Georgia Highway 114 near Bargain Lane.
The crash claimed the life of 28-year-old Travis Bailey of Summerville.
WZQZ reported at the time that the crash began when a red Chevrolet S-10 broke down and was blocking the southbound lanes of Highway 114.
A Nissan Sentra stopped to avoid the disabled truck. A Toyota Corolla traveling behind the Nissan then struck the rear of the Sentra.
Bailey, who was driving the Toyota, got out of his vehicle and was standing near the rear of the car talking with witnesses.
According to information released by the Georgia State Patrol following the crash, a blue Jeep Compass driven by Ratledge then approached the scene. Witnesses attempted to use flashlights to get the driver’s attention and warn the approaching vehicle to slow down.
The witnesses were able to move out of the way, but the Jeep struck the Toyota and Bailey. Bailey died from his injuries at the scene.
WZQZ also reported during the original investigation that authorities found drug paraphernalia and prescription medications inside the Jeep. Investigators said Ratledge was impaired and agreed to a blood test.
The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team investigated the crash.
Ratledge was initially arrested in February 2025 and charged with DUI/drugs/less safe and following too closely. She was later released on bond.
The latest booking shows that Ratledge now faces the additional felony charge of first-degree homicide by vehicle in connection with Bailey’s death.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - October 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, October 6, 2026:
Dry, Pleasant Weather Through Friday; Rain Chances Increase This Weekend
Chattooga County and the surrounding area will enjoy several more days of dry, pleasant fall weather before rain chances increase over the weekend as forecasters continue watching a developing system in the Gulf of Mexico.
Today will be sunny with a high near 81 degrees. Northeast winds around 5 mph will become easterly during the morning. Some areas of north Georgia could see patchy fog early, especially in low-lying locations, but any fog should quickly dissipate after sunrise as drier air settles into the region.
Tonight will be clear and cool with a low around 54 degrees. Winds will become calm overnight.
Wednesday will bring another day of sunshine with a high near 83. Wednesday night will remain clear with temperatures falling back to around 54. High pressure will remain the dominant weather feature across the Southeast, keeping conditions dry and seasonable through the middle of the week.
Temperatures will edge a little warmer by Thursday and Friday. Thursday will be sunny with a high near 86, followed by mostly clear skies Thursday night and a low around 57.
Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 85. Clouds may begin increasing Friday night as moisture starts returning to the area, and there will be a 20 percent chance of showers after 2 AM. The overnight low will be around 58.
A more noticeable weather change is expected Saturday. The forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of showers, mainly during the afternoon, with partly sunny skies and a high near 76. Rain chances increase to 60 percent Saturday night, with showers becoming more likely after 8 PM.
Sunday could bring the wettest weather of the period. Showers are likely, and thunderstorms will also be possible, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. The high is expected to be near 75 degrees.
The National Weather Service says forecasters are closely monitoring an area of low pressure in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico that has the potential for tropical development over the coming days.
At this point, there remains considerable uncertainty about exactly where the system will track, how strong it may become, and what impacts it could eventually bring to Georgia. Forecast models often struggle with developing tropical systems before a well-defined circulation forms, which means the outlook could change significantly as the week progresses.
Current forecasts suggest the system could move northward toward the northern Gulf Coast. Depending on its eventual path, north and central Georgia could experience breezy conditions along with increased moisture, showers and thunderstorms.
Forecasters say sustained winds of up to 15 mph and gusts between 25 and 30 mph could become possible over the weekend or early next week. If a deep plume of tropical moisture moves into Georgia, periods of heavy rainfall could also develop.
That could increase the possibility of localized flash flooding and rising water levels along creeks, streams and rivers, especially in areas that receive repeated rounds of rainfall.
Sunday night will continue to carry a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 59.
For Columbus Day Monday, showers will remain possible, with a 30 percent chance of rain. Otherwise, skies should become partly to mostly sunny with a high near 79.
Residents across Chattooga County should continue monitoring the forecast through the week as forecasters gain a better understanding of the Gulf system and its possible impact on northwest Georgia.
Chattooga Gas Prices Match State Average As Prices Ease
Gas prices have moved lower across much of Northwest Georgia, with Chattooga County averaging $3.86 per gallon as of Monday — the same as Georgia’s statewide average.
Among nearby counties, Walker County has the lowest average at $3.70, followed by Gordon County at $3.80 and Floyd County at $3.81.
Drivers crossing into Northeast Alabama aren’t necessarily finding cheaper gasoline this week. DeKalb County, Alabama is averaging $3.94 per gallon, while neighboring Cherokee County is averaging $3.95.
Georgia’s statewide average has fallen 33 cents from a week ago and three cents from a month ago, but remains 96 cents higher than this time last year. Pasted markdown
AAA says lower crude oil prices combined with Governor Brian Kemp’s temporary suspension of Georgia’s state motor fuel tax are helping provide some relief at the pump. The suspension remains in effect through October 29. Pasted markdown
At Chattooga County’s $3.86 average, filling a typical 15-gallon tank costs about $57.90.
The regional averages as of Monday are:
- Chattooga County — $3.86
- Walker County — $3.70
- Floyd County — $3.81
- Gordon County — $3.80
- DeKalb County, Alabama — $3.94
- Cherokee County, Alabama — $3.95
AAA says Georgia’s least expensive metro markets currently include the Catoosa-Dade-Walker area, where the metro average is $3.69 per gallon. Pasted markdown
Nationally, the average price of regular gasoline has fallen 11 cents over the past week to $4.36 per gallon, following a sharp increase in September.
Georgia State Patrol Adds Ford Broncos For Off-Road Emergency Response
The Georgia State Patrol is adding a different type of vehicle to its familiar fleet of patrol cars and SUVs — Ford Broncos equipped for off-road emergency response.
The Broncos are intended to give troopers another option when emergencies take them away from paved highways and into terrain where a conventional patrol vehicle may have difficulty operating.
The Georgia State Patrol’s responsibilities extend beyond traffic enforcement and crash investigations. According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, troopers also assist other public-safety agencies and respond to both natural and manmade disasters.
That can mean reaching areas affected by severe weather, flooding or other emergencies where roads may be blocked, damaged or inaccessible to standard patrol vehicles.
The Broncos retain the recognizable Georgia State Patrol appearance while adding the four-wheel-drive and off-road capabilities associated with the Ford SUV.
Photos of one of the new Broncos began circulating publicly this summer, showing the vehicle outfitted with extensive emergency lighting and Georgia State Patrol markings.
The addition continues a long history of GSP using different types of vehicles for specialized assignments. The Department of Public Safety maintains a large fleet that includes traditional patrol vehicles as well as SUVs, trucks and other specialty vehicles.
DPS Fleet Services is responsible for purchasing and managing vehicles allotted to the department, while emergency-vehicle technicians install and maintain specialized equipment such as emergency lighting and sirens.
The Broncos could be particularly useful in rural and mountainous portions of Georgia, including Northwest Georgia, where troopers may encounter unpaved roads, rugged terrain and areas that become difficult to access during storms or other emergencies.
Georgia State Patrol operates statewide through dozens of patrol posts along with specialized units that include SWAT, aviation, criminal interdiction, collision reconstruction and other operations.
The Department of Public Safety has not announced how many Broncos will ultimately be placed into service or where individual vehicles will be assigned.
Sources:
Georgia Department of Public Safety
Georgia State Patrol
Ford Pro