Bus Driver Shortage Delays Chattooga County School Bus Route
The Chattooga County School District reported Wednesday morning that Bus 104 was running one hour behind schedule due to a bus driver shortage.
The delay highlights an ongoing need for school bus drivers in Chattooga County.
The school system is currently hiring drivers, encouraging residents to help provide safe and reliable transportation for local students.
Officials say the job offers a consistent schedule, meaningful work, midday free time, and opportunities for retirees or those seeking part-time hours.
Interested applicants can contact the Chattooga County Board of Education at 706-857-3447 or 706-857-3440. The board office is located at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
Trenton Man Sentenced To Consecutive Life Terms In Child Sexual Abuse Case
A Trenton man has been sentenced to consecutive life prison terms after being convicted by a Dade County jury on multiple child sexual abuse charges.
Randall Dakota Wallin, 36, was convicted following a three-day trial before Judge Chris Arnt that concluded on April 22nd. Wallin was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and two counts of child molestation.
According to prosecutors, the case began on July 31st, 2024, when the Dade County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Family and Children’s Services responded to a report of sexual abuse at a residence on Casey Road.
Investigators said multiple minors were found living in deplorable conditions at the home. All of the children were later removed from the residence after one minor disclosed sexual abuse involving Wallin.
A forensic interview was later conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Fort Oglethorpe, where the victim disclosed extensive abuse that occurred when she was 13 years old.
The case was investigated by former Dade County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Misty McConathy and prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh, with assistance from members of the District Attorney’s Office trial team and victim-witness services staff.
Wallin was sentenced on April 29th to serve consecutive life sentences in prison. Under Georgia law, prosecutors say he will not be eligible for parole until he has served 60 years.
Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and said the sentence ensures Wallin will never again have the opportunity to harm a child.
Summerville Woman Arrested On Obstruction Charge During Warrant Service
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Summerville woman last week after deputies say she interfered while officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a residence on Airport Road.
According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Jodi Shook was charged with misdemeanor obstruction of officers following the April 29 incident.
Deputies reported they went to the home around 10:42 p.m. to serve a warrant for James Shook. Officers said they announced themselves and spoke with Jodi Shook at the door after seeing a vehicle they believed James Shook had been driving.
Authorities say Jodi Shook told deputies James Shook was not home, but officers later located him inside the residence and took him into custody.
The report states Jodi Shook was then arrested for hindering the apprehension of her husband after deputies determined she had knowledge he was inside the home.
She was transported to the Chattooga County Detention Center without further incident.
The case was handled by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Georgia Highlands College To Hold Graduation Ceremonies In Rome
Georgia Highlands College will celebrate hundreds of graduates during commencement events set for May 14th and May 15th in Rome.
The college will hold three events this year at the Floyd Campus gym, located at 3175 Cedartown Highway.
Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Nursing Pinning and Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, May 15th, at 10:30 a.m.
Due to limited seating, attendance will be restricted to graduates and four guests per graduate. GHC identification and guest passes will be required to enter the venue area.
For those unable to attend in person, livestreams of the ceremonies will be available through the college website at highlands.edu, as well as on Georgia Highlands College’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Featured speakers this year include Shelley Wynter, Kevin Corke, Charlie Culberson, CJ Stewart, and Pascale Charlot.
Chattooga County EMA Hosting Community Blood Drive May 15
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive.
The blood drive will take place Friday, May 15, from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County EMA building located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The event is being held in partnership with Blood Assurance under the theme “Give Local, Save Local.”
Organizers encourage donors to eat a good meal before donating, avoid energy drinks, drink extra water, and bring a photo ID to the event.
Blood Assurance is also offering an incentive during the campaign period. Donors participating between May 1st and May 15th will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community.
Community members can scan the QR code on the event flyer to register or learn more about donation opportunities.
Chattooga County 4-H Shotgun Team Sending 13 Shooters To State Competition
The Chattooga County 4-H Shotgun Team is celebrating a strong showing after a recent competition in Gordon County, with 13 local shooters advancing to the state competition.
According to the team, five juniors and eight seniors qualified for state, while Owen Hester earned a perfect score during the event. The Junior Team also captured second place honors, along with one of the Senior Teams.
Junior shooters advancing to state include Nathanael Reimer, RosaLee Hammond, Brayden Forman, Henry Housch, and John Reimer.
Senior team members advancing are Jonas Hardy, Genna Baker, Gabe Smith, Owen Hester, Jackson Montgomery, Brax Cook-Bevels, David Mangan, and Jaden Treadaway.
Team leaders praised the athletes for their hard work and dedication throughout the season as they prepare for state competition in the coming weeks.
Jefferson’s in Summerville Names Briana Carmon 2026 Teacher Of The Year
Jefferson’s Restaurant in Summerville has announced Briana Carmon, Agriculture teacher at Summerville Middle School, as the 2026 Jefferson’s Summerville Teacher of the Year.
Carmon was selected following an overwhelming number of community nominations recognizing outstanding educators across the area.
In announcing the award, Jefferson’s shared praise submitted by those who nominated Carmon, highlighting her dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom.
Nominators described Carmon as a teacher who “always goes out of her way to make her students feel welcome” and praised her commitment to after-school practices, student activities, and agricultural education programs.
They also noted her passion for ensuring students feel supported and encouraged, saying she has “never turned a child away” and consistently helps students however she can.
Carmon said agriculture education goes far beyond farming and livestock.
“Being a teacher is so rewarding,” Carmon shared. “Agriculture education isn’t only learning about cows and planting crops, but it teaches life skills such as leadership, communication, and how to be self-sufficient by providing many different hands-on activities and leadership opportunities through FFA.”
As part of the recognition, Carmon will receive a $500 Jefferson’s gift card and a commemorative plaque that will be displayed inside the restaurant honoring her achievement.
Jefferson’s also thanked the community members who submitted nominations and praised all teachers for their dedication to local students.
JBar Manufacturing Hiring In Trion For Fabrication And Welding Positions
JBar Manufacturing in Trion is now hiring and looking to add new team members to its workforce.
The family-owned company, which has been in operation since 1972, is currently hiring for fabrication and welding positions.
Applications are being accepted in person at the company’s location at 17877 Highway 27 North in Trion. Application hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The work schedule for these positions is also Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
JBar encourages applicants to “join our team and build the future,” emphasizing strong teamwork and quality craftsmanship.
Teloga Community Food Drive Set For May 23 In Summerville
Residents in the Teloga community will have an opportunity to receive free food and lend a helping hand during an upcoming food distribution event later this month.
The Teloga Community Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., or while supplies last. The event will be held at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337 in Summerville.
Organizers say no identification is required to receive food, but ask that attendees not line up before 9:30 a.m.
The event will provide free food distribution to those in need and is supported by Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands.
Volunteers are also needed for the event, with organizers encouraging community members to come out and support their neighbors.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - May 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, May 6, 2026:
Severe Storms, Flooding Today Into Thursday
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe weather beginning today and continuing through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. Northwest Georgia remains under a Level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” for severe weather.
Meteorologists warn the greatest threat window appears to be from Wednesday evening through the early morning hours Thursday as a slow-moving cold front pushes into the state. Atmospheric conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable for strong to severe storms, especially across North Georgia.
In addition to the severe weather threat, a Flood Watch has been issued from late Wednesday through Thursday morning for portions of North and Central Georgia, including areas near Chattooga County. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, with isolated spots potentially receiving more than 4 inches of rain.
Officials say the combination of intense rainfall rates and repeated storms moving over the same areas could quickly lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks, streams, and urban drainage areas may rise rapidly during the heaviest downpours.
The National Weather Service noted that despite ongoing drought conditions, the hardened ground could actually increase runoff and worsen flooding concerns.
Storms may initially develop as isolated supercells before organizing into a larger storm complex overnight. All modes of severe weather remain possible, including isolated tornadoes.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive Thursday into Friday before warmer conditions return for the weekend.
Man Arrested After Domestic Disturbance In Summerville
A man was arrested following a domestic disturbance in Summerville, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department that was released this week.
The incident happened on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at approximately 10:36 p.m. at a residence on Union Street.
According to the report, officers were dispatched to the location after a physical domestic incident involving a male and female subject. E-911 advised officers that the male subject had reportedly had a knife in his pocket at the time of the altercation.
When officers arrived, they spoke with the individuals involved, identified in the report as Bobby Durham and Cynthia Hogue. Police said Durham remained calm during the investigation, while Hogue was described as irate. Officers also reported noticing signs of alcohol use.
Hogue told police that she and Durham had argued after she learned she was no longer being invited to go fishing the following morning. She told officers that during the argument, Durham struck her in the face. The officer reported observing a red mark on Hogue’s right cheek below her eye and took photographs of the injury.
Durham told police the two had not been arguing and said Hogue had bought him alcohol from a nearby store. Officers searched Durham, the area where he had been standing, and the tent where Hogue was staying, but no knife was found.
Police said they also observed redness on Durham’s knuckles. After reviewing the information gathered at the scene, Durham was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
Durham was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident. The report also states Durham was issued a verbal trespass warning from the property.
May On The Mountain Bluegrass Festival Set For May 16 In Henagar
The City of Henagar, Alabama on Sand Mountain is inviting the public to its annual May on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The event will take place at Henagar City Park, with live music beginning at 10:00 a.m. Performances will be held on the back porch of the park’s cabin, creating a relaxed, traditional bluegrass atmosphere.
Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy a variety of food and craft vendors on site throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and settle in for a full day of music and community fun.
Headlining this year’s festival are The Malpass Brothers, a well-known country and bluegrass duo recognized for their classic sound. Brothers Chris and Taylor Malpass have built a national following with their traditional country style, drawing inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. They have performed on the Grand Ole Opry and are known for their rich harmonies, vintage instrumentation, and commitment to preserving the roots of country music.
Organizers say the festival continues to be a favorite Sand Mountain tradition, bringing together families, music lovers, and visitors from across the region.
Bridge Replacement To Cause Detour In Chattooga County
A bridge replacement project in Chattooga County will soon impact local traffic, according to a notice from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The project involves replacing the existing SR 114 triple arch bridge over Mossy Creek with a new structure approximately 95 feet in length. The total project area, including roadway improvements, will span about 2,200 feet.
During construction, traffic will be rerouted using an off-site detour. Drivers traveling along Foster Street will be directed along SR 114, Tennessee Avenue, and Chattooga Avenue. The detour is expected to add between 0.16 and 0.24 miles to normal travel routes.
The detour was officially approved on March 26, 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.
The project is located just west and east of the current bridge site, with work extending roughly 1,230 feet west and 870 feet east of the structure.
Project plans are available for public inspection through the Georgia Department of Transportation. For additional information, residents can contact GDOT Area Manager Joel Dillingham in Rome.
Blood Drive Scheduled In Trion On May 15
A community blood drive is set for Friday, May 15 at Atrium Health Floyd–Chattooga ER, located at 13583 Highway 27 in Trion.
The drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives.
Those who donate between May 1st and May 15th will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card as part of the Blood Assurance “Local Hero” promotion.
Appointments can be scheduled online at bloodassurance.org/chattoogaer.
Shadow Day Named Administrative Assistant For Summerville Parks And Recreation
The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department has announced the hiring of Shadow Day as its new Administrative Assistant, effective May 1, 2026.
Day joins the department full-time after ten years of service in a similar role with the Chattooga County School System. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said Day is a natural fit because of her strong community ties, administrative experience, and sports background.
Day also holds a special place in the department’s history, having won a state championship as both a player in 2005 and as a coach in 2024.
Her responsibilities will include day-to-day office operations, planning special events, assisting with sports programs, and helping with a future summer camp.
Outdoor Burning Ban Now In Effect Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
An annual outdoor burning ban is now in effect across Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s seasonal open burning ban began May 1 and will remain in place through September 30. The ban covers 54 Georgia counties, including Chattooga, Floyd, Walker, Gordon, Catoosa, Polk, Bartow, and other northwest Georgia counties.
The restriction has been in place each summer since 2005 and is aimed at protecting air quality during the warmer months, when hot, sunny weather can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.
Under the ban, residents and businesses are prohibited from burning yard debris and land-clearing materials during the summer ozone season. The restriction is in addition to Georgia’s year-round statewide ban on burning household garbage.
State environmental officials say smoke from open burning contains small particles and pollutants that can contribute to poor air quality and respiratory problems. Children, older adults, and people with existing lung or heart conditions may be especially sensitive when smoke creates hazy or smoky conditions.
Not all outdoor fire-related activities are banned. Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the EPD open burning ban.
Residents looking for alternatives are encouraged to consider composting, chipping, mulching, or hauling debris to an approved landfill or processing facility.
Officials also remind residents that some cities and counties may have stricter local burning rules. Before doing any outdoor burning, residents should check with their local fire marshal or fire department.
Georgia Begins Issuing Special Tax Refunds
Georgia taxpayers could soon see extra money coming their way.
Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Revenue announced Monday that the state has started issuing one-time special tax refunds authorized under House Bill 1000 during the 2026 legislative session.
The refund will return more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers. It is the fourth special refund of its kind under Governor Kemp, following similar refunds issued in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Most eligible taxpayers who filed both their 2024 and 2025 Georgia income tax returns before the deadline can expect to receive their refund in the coming weeks.
Refund amounts are capped at $250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $375 for head of household filers, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.
To qualify, taxpayers must have filed both required returns, paid into the system, and not owe the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Taxpayers can check eligibility through the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool on the Georgia Tax Center website.
Man Arrested For DUI After Traffic Stop In Summerville
A Summerville man was arrested on DUI charges following a traffic stop according to a report released this week from the Summerville Police Department.
The incident occurred on April 26, 2026, at approximately 9:52 p.m. on Highway 114 near Pay-Tote.
According to the report, an officer was conducting speed enforcement near Mason’s Funeral Home on Highway 48 when he observed a silver Dodge truck traveling 56 miles per hour in a 35 mile-per-hour zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Highway 114.
The driver was identified as Jason Reece. While speaking with Reece, the officer reported detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Reece initially denied consuming alcohol.
Police said Reece appeared unsteady on his feet and showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes. A search of the vehicle revealed an empty Miller Lite beer can in the passenger seat, and Reece later admitted to drinking earlier in the day.
Reece agreed to perform field sobriety tests, where officers observed multiple indicators of impairment during the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests.
Based on the investigation, officers determined Reece was under the influence and placed him under arrest for DUI – Alcohol Less Safe.
The report also states Reece refused to submit to both a blood draw and a breath test.
Reece was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident. The case remains on file with the Summerville Police Department.
Natural Resources Conservation Workshop Set For June In Tifton
High school students interested in conservation, agriculture, wildlife, forestry, soil, water, or Georgia’s mining industry are being encouraged to apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop.
The weeklong program will be held June 7-12, 2026, at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Students will get hands-on experience through field studies, outdoor activities, and behind-the-scenes tours focused on Georgia’s natural resources.
More than $20,000 in scholarships and awards will be available. Students will also get a taste of college life by staying in dorms and meeting others from across the state.
The workshop is free, and transportation is provided through Georgia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Interested high school students can apply by contacting Director Michelle Conner at michelle.conner@gaswcc.ga.gov.