Teloga Food Distribution Today
A free food distribution event is taking place today in the Teloga community.
The Teloga Community Food Drive will be held from 10 AM until noon today, or until supplies run out, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337 in Summerville.
No ID is required to receive food. Organizers are asking participants not to line up before 9:30 AM.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the event.
The food drive is being supported by Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands.
Sloppy Floyd State Park Ready to Welcome Summer Adventurers
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.
Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.
Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.
Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Makerspace Monday Returning to Chattooga County Library on May 18
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System will host another “Makerspace Monday” event on Monday, May 18, at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the library located at 360 Farrar Drive.
Participants can sign up for time to use equipment including Cricut machines, 3-D printers, a large-format printer and a laser engraver. Organizers say materials are available for purchase, or participants may bring their own supplies.
Registration is required to participate. Those interested can call 706-857-2553 or stop by the library circulation desk for more information.
Summerville Woman Arrested After Domestic Disturbance and Struggle With Police
A Summerville woman was arrested after a domestic disturbance allegedly led to property damage and a physical confrontation with officers.
According to the Summerville Police Department incident report, officers responded to a residence on Gash Street in connection with a domestic-related incident involving Lexington Isher.
Police said Isher allegedly damaged a window air conditioning unit before fleeing into a wooded area behind the residence when officers arrived on scene.
The report states officers repeatedly ordered Isher to stop, but she allegedly refused to comply. Officers later located her lying on the ground in the wooded area attempting to conceal herself.
According to police, Isher resisted efforts to take her into custody and allegedly struck an officer in the face during the struggle before being restrained.
Authorities transported Isher to the Chattooga County Jail.
According to the Summerville Police Department, charges included:
- Two counts of felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer
- Two counts of misdemeanor obstruction
- Three counts of cruelty to children
- Criminal damage to property under the Family Violence Act
The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Summerville Officials Seek Federal Funding for Water, Flooding and Gas System Projects
Summerville city leaders traveled to Washington to meet with Congressman Clay Fuller and discuss federal funding requests tied to several major infrastructure needs in the city.
Mayor Rickey Hughes, City Manager Jason Winters and Councilman Joe Money met with Congressman Fuller and his chief of staff, Spencer Hogg, to discuss funding assistance for PFAS water treatment, flood mitigation and replacement of aging natural gas infrastructure.
According to documents provided by the City of Summerville, officials are requesting $28 million for a Granular Activated Carbon filtration system at the Summerville-Raccoon Creek Water Treatment Plant. City leaders say the project is needed after PFAS levels in the city’s water supply exceeded federal limits beginning in 2020.
Additional requests include support for drainage infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing flooding in downtown Summerville and grant assistance for modernization of the city’s aging natural gas distribution system.
Mayor Rickey Hughes praised the meeting with Congressman Fuller and thanked those involved in arranging the visit.
“It’s so good to have a Congressman that will talk with constituents,” Hughes said. “We met with Congressman Clay Fuller today and requested funding for treatment of PFAS as well as flooding situations and old gas line replacement. Also a huge thank you to Kendall Keeling for giving us a great Capitol tour. We are trying our best to do great things for the City of Summerville.”
City officials say the natural gas system serves more than 4,600 residential, commercial and industrial customers across Chattooga and Floyd counties.
VA Approves Record $596 Million for Facility Improvements During Second Quarter of FY 2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $596 million in infrastructure improvements during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 as part of a historic $4.8 billion investment in non-recurring maintenance projects nationwide.
According to the VA, the FY 2026 maintenance budget is the largest in department history and will fund major repairs, replacements, and upgrades at VA medical facilities aimed at improving healthcare delivery and operational readiness for veterans.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the investments are helping strengthen services for veterans across the country.
“The Trump Administration is making massive improvements in VA healthcare and benefits, and Veterans are noticing,” Collins said. “The historic investments we’re making in VA facilities across the nation are another reason why we’ve added more than 125,000 VA healthcare enrollees in 2026 alone.”
Through the second quarter, the VA has obligated more than $1 billion of the total funding package. Projects include:
- $795 million for repairs and upgrades to aging infrastructure systems at medical facilities.
- $255 million to modernize facilities in preparation for future electronic health record system updates.
- $13 million for major building improvements including elevators, electrical systems, and boiler plants.
The department also highlighted several additional accomplishments since January 2025, including:
- More than 125,000 new veterans enrolled in VA healthcare during 2026.
- Opening 35 new VA healthcare facilities nationwide.
- A 70% reduction in the VA benefits backlog.
- More than 82 million direct care appointments completed during FY 2025.
- More than 2.5 million appointments offered outside normal operating hours.
- Nearly 52,000 homeless veterans permanently housed during FY 2025, the highest total in seven years.
Drought Conditions Continue Across Chattooga County Despite Recent Rainfall
Even with several rounds of recent rainfall across northwest Georgia, drought conditions continue to grip Chattooga County and much of the Southeast.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, Chattooga County remains in drought conditions, with officials saying recent rain has provided only limited relief to extremely dry soil and low streamflow levels.
Weather experts say the region remains well below normal rainfall totals over the past several months, and ongoing dry conditions have continued to elevate wildfire danger across Georgia and neighboring states.
The National Drought Mitigation Center reports that much of Georgia remains in moderate to severe drought categories despite scattered rain events in recent weeks. Forecasters say isolated showers may temporarily improve surface conditions, but more widespread and sustained rainfall will be needed before meaningful drought recovery occurs.
Recent dry weather has also contributed to elevated fire weather concerns across north Georgia, with low humidity and dry vegetation increasing the risk for brush fires and wildfires.
Meteorologists say warmer temperatures expected over the coming days could worsen evaporation rates and place additional stress on already dry ground conditions.
Town of Trion Holding Dog Park Grand Opening Today
The Town of Trion will officially celebrate the opening of its new dog park today with a special ceremony at the Track Field Pavilion adjoining Simmons Street.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 AM.
Town officials say the project was inspired by the late Brinley A. Corbin, whose dream of a community dog park has now become a reality.
Mayor Mickey McGraw and members of the Trion Town Council are inviting residents and visitors from across the area to attend the celebration and bring their dogs.
Free Community Meal Happening Today at Summerville First Baptist Church
All are residents are invited to enjoy a free hot meal today during the Grateful Saturday Blessings event at Summerville First Baptist Church.
The meal will be served from 11 AM until 1 PM at the church located at 125 Georgia Avenue in Summerville.
Today’s menu includes spaghetti, corn and garlic bread, along with desserts.
The meal is available to anyone in the community.
Organizers say Grateful Saturday Blessings will pause for the summer and resume in August 2026.
Arrest Report - Friday - May 15, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 15, 2026
Warm and Dry Weekend Ahead for Northwest Georgia
Dry weather is expected to continue across northwest Georgia through Friday as high pressure remains in control of the region.
Forecasters say humidity levels will drop near critical fire weather thresholds Friday afternoon, with relative humidity expected to fall to around 25 percent. Afternoon temperatures will reach the upper 70s to lower 80s, while overnight lows Friday night are expected to dip into the mid-50s.
A warming trend will begin over the weekend as winds shift from the south, bringing warmer temperatures and increasing moisture from the Gulf.
High temperatures Saturday are expected to climb into the mid-80s with increasing cloud cover during the afternoon. Despite the added moisture, rain chances are expected to remain low through Saturday.
By Sunday, temperatures could reach the upper 80s to lower 90s across parts of the area. Forecasters say a few isolated afternoon showers may develop, although high pressure is expected to limit widespread rainfall.
Rain chances may increase by the middle of next week as a frontal system approaches the Southeast.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Competing For State Soccer Championship Today
The Trion Lady Bulldogs take the field today with a chance to bring home a Georgia High School Association Class A Division II State Soccer Championship as they face Irwin County in the title match.
Trion earned its spot in the championship game following a dominant postseason run that included a 3-0 semifinal victory over Portal. The Lady Bulldogs also defeated Claxton and Georgia Military College during the state playoffs to advance to the finals.
The Lady Bulldogs have been especially impressive defensively during the postseason, holding opponents scoreless in both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds while continuing to generate balanced offensive production.
Excitement surrounding the championship appearance has spread throughout Chattooga County, with students, faculty, parents, alumni, and community members rallying behind the team ahead of today’s match. Support for the Lady Bulldogs has filled social media throughout the week as Trion looks to cap off one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Today’s championship appearance represents a major accomplishment for the Trion soccer program and gives the Lady Bulldogs an opportunity to bring a state title back to Northwest Georgia.
First Annual Coosa Valley Spring Fair Coming To Rome May 22-31
A brand-new spring fair is coming to Rome later this month as the inaugural Coosa Valley Spring Fair prepares to open at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds beginning May 22.
Organizers say the event will feature more than 30 amusement rides, live family entertainment, carnival games, food vendors, and attractions for all ages during the multi-day event. The fair will run through May 31 at the fairgrounds on Church Street in Rome.
Among the featured attractions are the Banana Derby featuring monkeys riding dogs, the Goat Island Petting Zoo, a Bubble Foam Show, and the Super Cyclone Roller Coaster. Organizers say all live entertainment will be included with admission.
Advance ticket sales are already underway online, with discounted ride wristbands and admission packages available before opening day. Officials say weekday and weekend unlimited ride wristbands will be offered, along with several special discount days throughout the fair’s run.
Special promotions announced for the event include:
- Opening Night specials on May 22
- Free admission until 3 p.m. on select weekend days
- Discounted food and rides during “Thrifty, Thirsty, Tasty Tuesday”
- Family package specials later in the week
The fair is expected to operate weekdays from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day from noon until 11 p.m.
Organizers say the new spring fair is designed to bring an additional family entertainment event to Northwest Georgia ahead of the traditional Coosa Valley Fair held each fall.
Additional information and tickets are available through the fair’s official website.
Additional Charges Filed Against Teen Accused Of Discharging Gun On Armuchee High School Grounds
A Silver Creek teenager arrested earlier this week after allegedly discharging a handgun on the campus of Armuchee High School is now facing several additional charges, according to Floyd County Jail records.
Authorities say 17-year-old Scott Ryan Ferguson was allegedly loitering in the north parking lot of Armuchee High School on Martha Berry Highway Tuesday when he discharged a firearm into his own leg while another student was nearby. The incident reportedly triggered multiple 911 calls and caused a substantial disruption to normal school operations.
Investigators say the firearm was later abandoned on school property.
Ferguson was initially charged with possession of a pistol or revolver by a person under the age of 18, carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, and reckless conduct.
Jail records now show additional charges have been filed, including criminal trespass, loitering on school grounds, disruption of a public school, and an additional count of reckless conduct.
Authorities also stated Ferguson had previously been banned from all Floyd County School System campuses prior to the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Self-Advocacy Zoom Event Scheduled For May 20
An upcoming online event focused on self-advocacy and personal empowerment is set for Tuesday, May 20 at 1 p.m. through Zoom.
The program encourages participants to “speak up, be heard, and make a difference” by learning skills related to self-expression, confidence, decision-making, and community support.
According to event organizers, the self-advocacy session will focus on helping individuals better understand how to express their thoughts, needs, and personal boundaries while building confidence in everyday situations.
Topics highlighted for the event include:
- Knowing your voice and learning how to communicate your needs
- Building confidence to speak up in everyday life
- Making choices that are right for you
- Connecting with others in a supportive community environment
The virtual meeting will be held through Zoom on May 20 beginning at 1 p.m. Organizers say the event is designed to encourage participants to be bold, be themselves, and be heard.
The Zoom meeting link listed on the promotional flyer is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89901085584
Vehicle Strikes Pole At CVS In Summerville
Emergency responders were called to the CVS parking lot on Rome Boulevard in Summerville Thursday following a single-vehicle accident involving a Ford Explorer.
According to a crash report filed by the Summerville Police Department, the accident happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. on May 14. The driver, identified as 67-year-old Margaret Tapp of Summerville, was traveling through the CVS parking lot when the vehicle struck a fixed object identified as a pole near the building.
The report indicates the 2004 Ford Explorer sustained disabling front-end damage and was removed from the scene by Luallen’s Wrecker Service. Authorities noted there were no signs of alcohol or drug involvement, and no citations were listed in the report.
A diagram included in the accident report shows the SUV traveling south through the parking lot before colliding with the pole adjacent to the CVS building. Witness information was also documented at the scene.
The Summerville Police Department investigated the incident. No injuries were listed in the report.
GDOT Updates Public On Second Avenue Widening Project In Rome
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation addressed the public Monday ahead of the Rome City Commission meeting, providing an update on the ongoing Second Avenue widening project.
Although the project is located inside the City of Rome, officials emphasized that it is coordinated, funded, and managed by GDOT. The presentation included updates on the status of the work, the project timeline, and the next steps planned along the Second Avenue corridor.
GDOT District 6 Engineer Grant Waldrep fielded questions from residents and State Representative Katie Dempsey during the presentation. Officials said the projected completion date for the project has now been pushed back to September of 2027.
According to GDOT representatives, several delays have been caused by previously uncharted underground infrastructure discovered during construction. Many of those issues involve aging water and sewer lines that pre-date the levee system, along with an old fire line serving Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center.
GDOT 14th District Board Member Micah Gravley, of Paulding County, also spoke during the meeting. Gravley pledged to continue working to improve communication and dialogue between GDOT and Rome city leaders as the project moves forward.
The Rome Commission Chambers were packed for the update, reflecting continued public interest in one of Rome’s most discussed infrastructure projects. GDOT officials themselves made up nearly a quarter of those in attendance.
The Second Avenue widening project is expected to continue impacting traffic and travel patterns in the area as work progresses toward the revised completion date.
Summerville Student Awarded $1,000 National Technical Honor Society Scholarship
A Summerville resident pursuing her education at Georgia Northwestern Technical College has received a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society.
Raven Dallas, who is working toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education at GNTC, was recently awarded the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship.
Dallas said after graduating from GNTC, she plans to continue her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in School Counseling.
GNTC officials praised Dallas for earning the recognition.
“In earning this recognition, Raven has demonstrated all seven attributes of NTHS: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership, reflecting the very best of what it means to be a GNTC student,” said Medina Safic, coordinator of Career Services and NTHS advisor at GNTC.
Dallas was one of 275 outstanding NTHS members selected to receive the scholarship. Recipients are chosen based on their ability to consistently demonstrate the seven core attributes of the National Technical Honor Society.
The National Technical Honor Society has served students in career and technical education since 1984, recognizing students at career centers, community and technical colleges, high schools and universities. The organization recognizes more than 68,000 new members each year and has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to career and technical education students.
More information about the National Technical Honor Society is available at nths.org.
UPDATED: Chattooga County Schools Announce 2026 Summer Feeding Program
Chattooga County School Nutrition officials have announced the return of the Summer Feeding Program for 2026, providing free meals for children throughout the summer months.
According to information released by the Chattooga County School District, the program will operate on Fridays beginning June 5 through July 10. Meal service will not be offered during the week of June 29 through July 5 due to the Independence Day holiday.
The program is open to all children ages 18 and under, and families will receive seven days of breakfast meals and seven days of lunch meals for each child in the household during each pickup date. Officials noted that children do not have to be present to receive meals.
Meal pickup dates include:
- Friday, June 5
- Friday, June 12
- Friday, June 19
- Friday, June 26
- Friday, July 10
Meals will be distributed from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Chattooga High School
- Menlo Elementary School
- Fairway Recreation Center
- Leroy Massey Elementary School
School officials say the annual program helps ensure children in the community continue to have access to nutritious meals during the summer break.
Questions about the Summer Feeding Program may be directed to School Nutrition Director Brandie Wooten at 706-859-3054.
Summerville Montessori Planning End-Of-Year Parade May 21
Summerville Montessori School will celebrate the end of the school year with a community parade on Thursday, May 21 beginning at 5 p.m.
Organizers say the parade will travel from Chattooga High School to Summerville Montessori School as students, families, and community members come together to celebrate the accomplishments of students throughout the year.
School officials are also extending a special invitation to any high school graduate who previously attended Summerville Montessori to serve as grand marshals for the parade. Graduates interested in participating are asked to arrive at Chattooga High School by 4:30 p.m. to line up before the parade begins.
Community members are encouraged to line the parade route and help celebrate local seniors and Montessori students during the event.
Organizers say the parade is intended to honor the hard work and achievements of students while bringing the community together for an evening celebration.