Summerville Gas Department Asking Customers To Complete Safety Survey
The City of Summerville Gas Department is asking its natural gas customers throughout Chattooga and Floyd counties to participate in a new Public Awareness Survey designed to help evaluate pipeline safety information and community awareness.
While the notice is being issued by the City of Summerville, the city’s natural gas system serves customers well beyond the Summerville city limits, including customers in both Chattooga and Floyd counties.
The survey asks customers about their knowledge of natural gas and pipeline safety. According to the city, responses will help the Gas Department evaluate how effectively important pipeline information is reaching residents and businesses and identify areas where additional public education may be needed.
City officials say participation can help support a safer and more reliable natural gas network for the communities served by the Summerville system.
The survey can be downloaded from the City of Summerville’s website. Customers can also stop by Summerville City Hall to complete a copy. Completed surveys may be mailed to City of Summerville, P.O. Box 580, Summerville, Georgia 30747.
The city is encouraging Summerville Gas customers in both Chattooga and Floyd counties, including residential and business customers, to take a few minutes to participate.
Tax Commissioner Explains Senior Property Tax Questions Heading To November Ballot
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is providing additional information about property tax exemption questions voters will see on the November ballot, including proposed changes affecting homeowners who are at least 70 years old on January 1, 2027.
For Chattooga County taxes, a “yes” vote would increase the income limit for the senior exemption from $20,000 to $38,000 for the applicant and spouse. Those who qualify would receive an exemption of $70,000 from the assessed value of their homestead property.
Because Georgia generally assesses property for taxation at 40% of fair market value, Hampton says that exemption is equivalent to $175,000 in fair market value, regardless of acreage or additional buildings.
The existing county senior exemption uses a sliding scale providing a 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 100% exemption on the home and five acres, depending on income.
School Tax Exemption Would Also Change
Voters will also consider a change involving Chattooga County school taxes.
Under that proposal, the maximum income for qualifying seniors would increase from $20,000 household income to $38,000 for the applicant and spouse.
Those who qualify would receive an exemption of $41,150 in assessed value in 2027, increasing to $55,000 in subsequent years. Hampton says that represents approximately $102,875 in fair market value in 2027 and $137,500 thereafter.
The current school exemption provides qualifying homeowners with a $40,000 exemption from assessed value.
Hampton said the proposals were developed after examining approximately a decade of data, census information and inflation. She said the objective was to provide additional relief for lower-income senior citizens while limiting the amount of the tax burden that could be shifted to small businesses and newer homeowners.
Other Property Tax Exemptions
Hampton also reminded taxpayers that other mechanisms affect property taxes.
Chattooga County has a freeze exemption covering inflationary growth on a home and five acres. There is also a state floating homestead exemption that is automatically applied and designed to offset inflationary increases in property values while allowing taxable values to decline if property values decrease.
ESPLOST Renewal Also On Ballot
In addition to the property tax questions, Chattooga County voters will consider an ESPLOST renewal in November.
Hampton emphasized that the ESPLOST question is a renewal of the existing education sales tax rather than the creation of a new sales tax.
The proposals will ultimately be decided by Chattooga County voters in the November 3, 2026 election.
Substitute Teacher Arrested Following Incident At Summerville Middle
A substitute teacher working for the Chattooga County School System was arrested following an incident at Summerville Middle School.
Zachary E. Duncan, 31, of Trion, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and disrupting a public school, according to the report.
The incident reportedly happened at approximately 11 AM on August 14 inside Summerville Middle School.
According to Chattooga County Deputy Chris Clark, the substitute teacher was allegedly using vulgar and abusive language in the presence of students under the age of 14.
The report states that Duncan allegedly made comments about the dress of female students, including comments concerning the use of tight upper-body clothing by pre-teen or juvenile children.
School Resource Officer Clark stated in the arrest report that the incident created a disturbance on school property.
According to the newspaper, Clark said the disturbance occurred during school hours in the seventh-grade hallway and disrupted normal activities and schedules of school administrators and teachers. The report also states that the incident occurred in an area where students were present and witnessed the disturbance.
Duncan was subsequently arrested on two charges.
Chattooga County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie declined to comment on the incident, telling The Summerville News that it is a personnel matter.
Duncan’s termination from his position as a substitute teacher was confirmed by local school officials, according to the newspaper.
The charges are allegations, and Duncan is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
AAA Warns Labor Day Travelers To Expect Higher Costs And Heavy Traffic
Americans planning a Labor Day getaway should prepare for higher travel costs and heavier traffic, according to a new holiday travel outlook from AAA.
AAA booking data shows strong demand for travel during the September 3-7 Labor Day period, with Atlanta ranking 10th among the nation’s most popular domestic destinations. Seattle tops the domestic list, followed by Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York.
Travelers are paying more for several parts of their vacations this year. Average domestic roundtrip airfare is 2% higher than last year at about $750, while flights to the most popular domestic destinations are nearly 20% higher, averaging about $790. Domestic hotel costs are up 9%, while international hotel bookings are 12% more expensive. One bright spot is international airfare, which is down 4%, while cruises departing from U.S. ports are about 4% cheaper.
Georgia Drivers Paying Much More For Gas
Motorists traveling from Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are also facing substantially higher gasoline prices than they did last Labor Day.
AAA’s latest figures show Georgia regular gasoline averaging about $3.80 per gallon, compared with approximately $2.89 on Labor Day 2025. In the Rome market, which includes much of the immediate Northwest Georgia area, regular gasoline was averaging about $3.73 per gallon Thursday.
Nationally, regular gasoline is around $4.09 per gallon. AAA says August is on track to become the most expensive August on record at the pump, with the national average remaining above $4 throughout the month.
Avoid The Afternoon If Possible
Traffic could also become a major issue as the holiday approaches. INRIX expects some of the heaviest congestion on Thursday and Friday, when holiday travelers will be sharing the highways with normal commuter traffic.
The worst travel periods are expected to be 2-7 PM Thursday, noon-8 PM Friday, 1-5 PM Saturday and 2-5 PM on Labor Day Monday. AAA recommends leaving early and avoiding afternoon travel whenever possible.
Atlanta-area travelers could encounter particularly significant delays returning home. AAA and INRIX project the I-20 corridor from Atlanta toward Birmingham could see travel times approximately 65% longer than normal Monday evening.
AAA is also urging drivers to check their vehicles before leaving. During last year’s Labor Day holiday period, the organization responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls, including dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts and vehicles requiring towing.
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, and AAA recommends motorists check tires, batteries and fluid levels before hitting the road and carry basic emergency supplies.
Georgia Students Invited To Celebrate Wildlife Through Art In Annual Poster Contest
Elementary students across Georgia are being encouraged to put their artistic talents to work while learning more about the state’s wildlife.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is accepting entries for the 37th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest, open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. This year’s theme is “Wildlife Great and Small: We Need Them All!”
DNR says the theme emphasizes the importance of every species in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Georgia is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and wild animals, along with tens of thousands of invertebrate species. Students are encouraged to look beyond larger, familiar animals and consider smaller plants and creatures found in their own backyards, schoolyards and local parks.
Artwork must follow this year’s theme and feature native Georgia wildlife, plants or both. Students initially compete at the local level, typically through their school. However, homeschool organizations, after-school programs, Scout troops and libraries can also host local contests. First-place winners in each division can advance to the state competition at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.
Competition divisions include kindergarten; first and second grades; third and fourth grades; and fifth grade. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in each division.
The deadline for schools and participating organizations to submit digital photographs of their state-level entries is March 1, 2027. The artwork of the top 12 state winners will be featured through Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden social media and a statewide news release. Winners will also receive award ribbons.
Teachers, parents and organizations interested in participating can find contest rules, entry forms and additional information through the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s poster contest page. Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest
CRBI Continues Swim Guide Testing Through Labor Day, Including Chattooga River
With summer temperatures continuing across Northwest Georgia, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is reminding residents to check water conditions before swimming, paddling or enjoying area rivers and lakes.
CRBI will continue its Swim Guide water-quality monitoring through Labor Day weekend, collecting samples from 29 locations throughout the Coosa River Basin. Samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, and updated results are posted each Friday. Sites receiving a green designation have low E. coli levels and are considered suitable for recreation, while red sites have elevated levels and visitors are advised to use extra caution or avoid the location.
The program has a direct connection to Chattooga County because CRBI’s monitoring includes the Chattooga River watershed. CRBI describes its Swim Guide as a weekly bacteriological monitoring program covering popular recreational locations throughout the upper Coosa basin. The organization conducts testing each Thursday and Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
CRBI’s broader water-monitoring work has also included the Chattooga River itself. The organization has previously documented and monitored water-quality concerns in the river, including PFAS contamination associated with upstream textile manufacturing in the Trion area.
For Swim Guide testing, CRBI is specifically looking for E. coli, which can indicate fecal contamination and an increased health risk for people recreating in the water. The organization says E. coli can enter waterways from sources including animal and human waste, wastewater and stormwater runoff.
CRBI particularly urges people to be cautious following heavy rainfall, when bacterial levels can increase as runoff carries contaminants into rivers and lakes. The organization recommends avoiding swimming after significant rain, staying out of water that smells like sewage, avoiding swimming with open wounds and checking the latest Swim Guide results before heading to the water.
The latest Swim Guide results are available through the Coosa River Basin Initiative website at coosa.org.
Friday At The Fair Features Military Night, Livestock, Demonstrations And Live Country Music
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair moves into its second night today with a full Friday schedule featuring carnival rides, agricultural events, demonstrations and live music.
The fairgrounds will be open from 5 PM until 11 PM today. Friday is Military Night, with active-duty and retired military personnel receiving free gate admission with military identification. Regular admission is $5, children four and younger are admitted free, and unlimited-ride armbands are $30. Concerts and scheduled fair events are included with gate admission.
Agriculture takes center stage beginning at 5:30 PM with the 4-H and FFA Junior Market Lamb Show. Local young people will bring their livestock projects into the show ring as the fair continues its emphasis on agriculture and the work of Chattooga County’s 4-H and FFA members.
Also at 5:30 PM, the Demonstration Kitchen will feature Stacie Marshall of Mountain Mama Farms demonstrating how to make beeswax lip balm. At 7 PM, Rebecca Thomas with UGA Extension Chattooga will present Using Herbs to Create a Variety of Flavor, showing how different herbs can change the flavor profile of the same ingredients. Free tastings are included with that demonstration.
Friday night’s featured musical entertainment begins at 9 PM with Babe’s Bayou. The North Georgia band specializes in the country music of the 1980s and ’90s and has shared stages over the years with performers including Shenandoah, Luke Bryan, Sammy Kershaw and Doug Stone. Fair officials encourage those attending the concert to bring a folding chair.
Fairgoers can also enjoy the midway rides and games, fair food, agricultural and Blue Ribbon exhibits and other attractions throughout the evening.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair continues through Sunday at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. Saturday’s hours are 2 PM until 11 PM, with the fair wrapping up Sunday from 2 PM until 9 PM.
Trion Hosts Model Tonight At Sam R. McCain Stadium
The Trion Bulldogs return to Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium tonight looking to build on an impressive start to the 2026 football season as they welcome the Model Blue Devils to Trion.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.
Coach Sean Patrick’s Bulldogs are 1-0 after opening the season with a convincing 36-7 victory over arch-rival Gordon Lee. Trion showed plenty of offensive firepower in the opener while its defense held the Trojans to just seven points.
Among the Bulldogs to watch tonight is senior quarterback and defensive back Linc Allen, who rushed for 116 yards in the opener and accounted for four touchdowns. Junior Landon Kimbell contributed 85 receiving yards, while senior Hudson Thomas led the defense with 12 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks.
Model also comes into tonight’s non-region matchup at 1-0. The Blue Devils are coached by Jeff Hunnicutt and compete in Class AA, while Trion is a Class A program.
Recent history between the two schools has favored Trion. The Bulldogs have won four of the last five meetings, including a 28-21 victory at Model last season. Trion defeated Model 22-12 at home in 2024 and 31-12 on the road in 2023. Model’s most recent victory in the series came in 2022, when the Blue Devils edged Trion 31-27.
There is also some history on the line for the Bulldogs this season. Following last week’s win, Trion stands at 592 all-time football victories, leaving the program eight wins away from becoming one of a relatively small group of Georgia high schools to reach 600 victories.
Tonight’s game is the second of two consecutive home games for Trion. The Bulldogs travel to Ridgeland next Friday before visiting Dade County on September 11.
The Chattooga Indians have the night off tonight and return to action next Friday, September 4, when they host this same Model Blue Devils team at the Little Big Horn.
WZQZ will have tonight’s Trion-Model game live. Fans can listen on WZQZ 99.1 FM and AM 1180, or watch the live broadcast on the WZQZ Radio Facebook page. Kickoff from Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium is at 7:30 PM.
Arrest Report - Friday - August 28, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, August 28, 2026:
Friday Brings Mostly Sunny Skies, Slight Storm Chance
Northwest Georgia will see a mostly sunny and seasonably warm Friday, with only a small chance for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for patchy fog between 7 and 8 AM, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. Winds will remain calm. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM.
While scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected across parts of Georgia today, the greatest storm coverage and severe-weather threat will remain farther south and east of Northwest Georgia. A few storms in eastern Georgia could become severe with damaging wind gusts, while locally heavy rainfall could produce isolated flooding in portions of central Georgia.
For Friday night, there is just a 10% chance of an early evening shower or thunderstorm, mainly between 7 and 8 PM. Otherwise, skies will become partly cloudy with a low around 68.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 90 and a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 69.
Sunday brings another mostly sunny day with a high near 90 and a 20% chance of afternoon storms. The chance drops to around 10% Sunday evening, with an overnight low near 70.
The weather should cooperate fairly well for the final days of the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair, although anyone attending outdoor activities should keep an eye on the sky for an isolated afternoon thunderstorm.
Heat Builds Next Week
Temperatures begin climbing again next week. Labor Day Monday will be sunny with a high near 91 and only a 20% chance of an afternoon storm.
Tuesday should be sunny and around 92, followed by highs near 93 Wednesday and Thursday.
The National Weather Service says a strengthening upper-level ridge will bring hotter conditions next week. By early to midweek, heat index readings could become widespread in the 100 to 104-degree range. If readings of 105 degrees or higher become widespread, Heat Advisories could eventually be needed.
Free Property Tax Class Set For Monday In Chattooga County
Chattooga County residents who have questions about their property assessments, appeals or tax bills will have an opportunity to hear directly from county officials during a free property tax class Monday, August 31.
The class, “Understanding Property Taxes in Chattooga County,” will begin at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
The goal is to give residents a clearer understanding of how property taxes work at the local level, including assessments, appeals, exemptions, tax relief, tax bills and how the county millage rate is established.
Sole Commissioner Andy Allen will open the class with an overview of the property tax process and explain the roles of the different elected county officials involved. Allen will also discuss how the millage rate process works.
Chattooga County Tax Assessor Nancy Edgeman will explain the property tax appeal process and the duties of the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton will cover how taxpayers can understand and estimate their tax bills, the different layers of property tax relief available in 2026 and property tax exemptions.
The class comes at a particularly important time for local property owners, with many Chattooga County residents questioning their latest property assessments and filing appeals.
The program is Monday, August 31, at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered After Being Found On Oak Street
A vehicle reported stolen from a Summerville residence was later recovered on Oak Street, according to a Summerville Police Department incident report.
Police were called after Marc Ladon Hogg, 62, reported that his 2013 white Chevrolet Suburban had been taken from his residence on Edmondson Street. Hogg told police he had last seen the vehicle at approximately 11 PM before going to bed and discovered it missing when he woke up. Based on that information, police believed the Suburban was taken sometime between 11 PM and 6 AM.
Hogg told police he had not loaned the vehicle to friends or family members. He initially believed there was no key inside the Suburban, but later told the officer he was unsure whether his wife, who normally drives the vehicle, had a copy of the key.
While investigating, police observed a tire mark in the driveway that could indicate the direction the vehicle traveled. Another tire track was found in the mud and grass, suggesting the Suburban may have backed into the yard before leaving. Police photographed the tire marks and issued a BOLO — Be On the Lookout — to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
The Suburban was subsequently located at the dead end of Oak Street in a parking space. Police confirmed through state tag information that it was Hogg’s vehicle.
According to the report, the Suburban appeared to have recently been driven through dirt and mud. Police also discovered damage to the passenger-side mirror, which was hanging from the vehicle. The backing of the mirror was found on the ground behind the Suburban.
An on-call investigator was notified, and photographs were taken of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. The report states that officers noticed items on the center console and dashboard that could potentially belong to whoever had driven the vehicle. However, because the vehicle was locked, police could not immediately examine those items more closely.
Police attempted several times to contact Hogg to arrange for him to retrieve the vehicle but were unsuccessful. E-911 then requested a wrecker, and LuAllen’s Wrecker Service transported the Suburban to its lot, where it was to remain until the owner could be contacted.
The incident report lists offenses including theft by taking a motor vehicle, entering an automobile with intent to commit theft, duty upon striking a fixed object and driving without a valid license.
The report provided to WZQZ does not identify a suspect or indicate that an arrest had been made in connection with the theft.
Northwest Georgia Unemployment Falls To 3.1 Percent In July
Unemployment declined across Northwest Georgia in July, with the regional jobless rate falling to 3.1 percent, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.
That rate was down three-tenths of a percentage point from June and well below the 3.8 percent rate recorded one year ago.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said July brought lower unemployment in every metro area and region of the state. She credited cooperation among state leaders, local communities and businesses, saying the department remains focused on putting Georgians to work and expanding economic opportunity.
In Northwest Georgia, the labor force declined by 1,274 people over the month but was still up 7,400 compared with a year ago, reaching 459,530.
The number of employed residents increased by 164 over the month and by 10,492 over the year, bringing total employment in the region to 445,273.
Initial unemployment claims rose by 148 from June, totaling 1,956, but were still down sharply from a year earlier — by 2,196 claims.
The July numbers point to continued year-over-year improvement in Northwest Georgia’s labor market, with more people working and fewer residents unemployed than at the same time last year.
Connecticut Man Jailed In Floyd County On Grooming And Threat Charges
A Connecticut man was booked into the Floyd County Jail Thursday on charges involving alleged online contact with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
According to arrest warrants, 29-year-old Gabriel Reno Lorenzo Grant of Norwich, Connecticut, is charged with grooming a minor, obscene internet contact with a child, and terroristic threats and acts.
The warrants allege that Grant sent text messages between June 8 and June 11 to an individual he believed was a 14-year-old female. Investigators say the messages were intended to prepare, persuade or coerce the juvenile into a sexual offense.
The warrants further allege that Grant discussed various sexual acts during the messages and later made threats to blind, rape and murder the individual.
Grant was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Thursday. The charges are allegations, and Grant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
AdventHealth To Host Free Night Of Hope Concert In Rome
AdventHealth is inviting families from across Northwest Georgia to come together for an evening of music, worship and encouragement at the Night of Hope on Saturday, September 19, at Ridge Ferry Park in Rome.
The free community event will feature nationally recognized Christian artists Naomi Raine and Pat Barrett, along with music from local performer Daniel Mulkey and messages from area faith leaders.
Gates will open at 5:30 PM, with the program beginning at 7 PM.
AdventHealth says Night of Hope was created to bring people together through music, faith and fellowship while offering a message of encouragement to communities across Northwest Georgia.
Isaac Sendros, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Georgia Market, said the organization believes caring for a community extends beyond hospitals and clinics. He said the event gives people from across the region an opportunity to gather, be encouraged and experience the connection between faith, music and community.
Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor concert. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will also be available throughout the evening.
Previous Night of Hope events have featured Christian artists Danny Gokey and Brandon Heath.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets can be reserved at NightofHopeGA.com.
Free Property Tax Appeal Forms Available Saturday In Downtown Summerville
Residents who still need to file a property tax appeal will have another opportunity to pick up a free appeal form Saturday morning in downtown Summerville.
Nancy Bishop says volunteers plan to be in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office near Jefferson’s Saturday morning and will remain there until at least noon, or until rain moves in.
Drivers are invited to slow down or stop to pick up a form, but organizers are asking everyone to be careful and considerate of other traffic in the area.
The deadline to file a property tax appeal is Monday, September 14.
Bishop also reminds residents that they do not have to complete all of their research before filing an appeal. She says if a property owner later determines that the value they asserted was too low, they can raise that amount, but they cannot lower the asserted value after the appeal is filed.
Residents may also designate an agent to represent or assist them during the appeal process. According to the post, that agent does not have to be a real estate or insurance professional and could be a friend, family member, business associate or hired professional.
Organizers hope to get additional clarification about the agent process during Monday night’s property tax class at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Anyone who still needs an appeal form can stop by downtown Summerville Saturday morning.
Georgia Could Receive Nearly $135 Million In Landmark Meta Settlement
Georgia could receive nearly $135 million under a landmark multistate settlement with Meta Platforms that will also bring major changes to how children and teenagers use Facebook and Instagram.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the agreement Wednesday. The overall settlement is worth up to $17.1 billion and resolves claims from 47 states and several U.S. territories alleging Meta designed Instagram with addictive features, exposed young users to serious mental-health harms and misled the public about the safety of its platforms.
Georgia is expected to receive close to $100 million, with its share potentially increasing to nearly $135 million. The agreement has been described by Carr’s office as the largest state consumer-protection settlement in history outside of the tobacco settlements of the 1990s.
But the settlement could have an even more noticeable impact on families through new restrictions on how children use social media.
Under the agreement, Facebook and Instagram will have a combined two-hour daily time limit for children, along with mandatory “productive pauses” after 15 minutes of continuous use and again after 60 and 90 minutes. The two-hour limit is scheduled to remain in place for five years.
Children will also face a nighttime block from midnight until 6 AM, while push notifications will be eliminated during school hours — from 8 AM until 3 PM on weekdays during the school year.
Meta must also implement stronger age-verification measures and parental controls. Additional safeguards will target content involving bullying, eating disorders, suicide and self-harm. Social-comparison features, including certain beauty filters and visible “like” counts, will also be restricted for younger users.
The settlement follows a nationwide investigation launched by attorneys general beginning in 2021. States alleged Meta knew some features could negatively affect young users while continuing to design its platforms to encourage greater engagement.
Not everyone believes the agreement goes far enough. Some child-safety advocates have praised the restrictions as significant progress while arguing that more protections involving recommendation algorithms and interactions between children and adults should operate automatically rather than requiring parents to opt in.
Carr called the agreement a landmark that could establish a standard for other social-media companies, saying Meta may be the first major platform to reach such an agreement but should not be the last.
Two Special Events Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two special outdoor programs Saturday, August 29, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park from sunrise through moonrise.
The day begins with a Sunrise Paddle from 7 until 8 AM. Participants will join park rangers for an early-morning paddle around the Lower Lake. Those attending should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water and clothing that can get wet.
The Sunrise Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 for participants who bring their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.
Saturday evening, the park will host a Moon Pie Hike beginning at 8 PM.
Rangers will lead an easy hike around the Lower Lake before participants enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise from the lower dam. Participants should bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on and comfortable walking shoes.
The Moon Pie Hike costs $3 per person, in addition to the required $10 park pass.
Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Hiking 101 Program Coming To James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a special Hiking 101 program on Saturday, September 12.
The program begins at 2:30 PM, with participants meeting in front of the park office.
Park rangers will lead a guided hike along the Lower Lake Trail, teaching participants some of the basics of hiking. The program will cover how to safely hike trails, what hikers should pack and how to prepare for an emergency while enjoying the outdoors.
Organizers say the program is open to all ages and is designed for people who are new to hiking as well as those who simply want to spend some time outdoors and learn more about safely navigating trails.
The Hiking 101 program itself is free, although a $10 park pass is required.
Anyone interested in participating is asked to register by calling the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.
Georgia Could Add 145 Species To State Protected List
Georgia is considering the first major update to its list of protected plants and animals in two decades, a move that could add 145 species whose populations are declining or facing significant threats.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says the state’s current protected-species list contains 318 species. Under the proposed revisions, that number would increase to 423, with 145 species added and 40 removed after surveys indicated their populations have recovered. Another 66 species would have their protection status changed to better reflect current conditions.
Among the animals proposed for protection are the hoary bat, eastern spotted skunk, whooping crane, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Suwannee alligator snapping turtle.
The changes would mark the first update to Georgia’s protected-species list since 2006. DNR says the recommendations grew out of work on Georgia’s 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan, which involved hundreds of experts evaluating species based on their rarity, population trends and threats to their survival.
State protection carries legal consequences. Georgia law prohibits intentionally harming protected animals. Protected plants cannot be removed from state property without a permit or from private property without the landowner’s permission. Violations can be prosecuted as misdemeanors.
The proposal would also make it easier for nurseries and other sellers to offer certain native plants. An exemption would allow 39 protected plant species grown from cultivated stock to be sold without a DNR permit, while maintaining protections against taking the plants from the wild.
The Georgia Board of Natural Resources reviewed the proposal this week, with final action expected later this year. A public comment period runs from August 28 through September 20, and a public hearing is scheduled for September 8 at 7 PM at the Wildlife Resources Division headquarters in Social Circle.
DNR says updating the list is intended to focus conservation efforts on Georgia species most in need of help and, when possible, prevent declining populations from reaching the point where federal Endangered Species Act protection becomes necessary.