Dry Weather Raises Fire Concerns Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and the wider Northwest Georgia region can expect several more days of warm, dry weather, increasing the risk for outdoor fires through the end of the workweek.
High pressure over the Southeast is keeping skies mostly clear and conditions dry, with temperatures climbing from cool mornings in the 40s and 50s to the upper 70s and low 80s this afternoon. The warming trend continues, with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s by Thursday and Friday.
The combination of dry air and already parched vegetation is creating elevated fire weather concerns each day. Officials urge residents to use caution with any outdoor burning, as fires could spread quickly under these conditions.
Relief may be on the horizon, as a shift in the weather pattern is expected this weekend. A cold front approaching the region could bring scattered showers and thunderstorms beginning late Friday into Saturday and continuing into early next week. While widespread heavy rainfall is not guaranteed, even spotty rain will be beneficial given the ongoing dry spell.
Forecasters say the risk for severe weather currently appears low in Northwest Georgia, but the situation will be monitored as the system develops.
Passenger In 2025 Hays Prison Chase Arrested In Chattooga County Over The Weekend
A man authorities say was the passenger in the vehicle involved in last year’s drug-drop attempt near Hays State Prison and the resulting crash that seriously injured a Chattooga County woman was arrested in Chattooga County over the weekend.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office jail media report, Amari Duvwon-Qutez Robinson, 24, was booked on April 18, 2026. The report lists charges including giving inmate liquor, drugs, weapons, or tobacco, items prohibited for distribution to inmates, unmanned aircraft used to violate subsection B, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana over one ounce, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, along with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.
The arrest stems from an investigation dating back to May 2025, when the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about possible contraband activity near Hays State Prison around 7 AM. Authorities said a deputy stopped a suspicious vehicle, but the driver fled when asked to get out, triggering a high-speed chase along Highway 27.
At the time of the incident, Sheriff Mark Schrader said charges were pending against the suspects as investigators continued working the case involving both the alleged prison contraband drop and the crash.
With Robinson now booked into the Chattooga County Jail, the case marks a major development in the investigation that began with the 2025 pursuit and injury crash.
Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Fall, Bringing Relief To Drivers
Georgia drivers are continuing to see relief at the pump this week as gas prices trend lower across the state, even amid ongoing global tensions that continue to affect energy markets.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is now $3.61, down 10 cents from last week and 15 cents from last month. However, prices remain 68 cents higher than this time last year. For motorists filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the average cost comes to about $54.15.
Much of the current relief is being supported by the continued suspension of Georgia’s state gas tax, which has helped offset potential increases and keep prices more manageable for drivers statewide.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said gas prices continue to rise and fall with the global market, but for now, Georgia motorists are benefiting from a period of welcome stability. She also encouraged drivers to use fuel-saving strategies since prices can still change quickly.
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline dropped 8 cents this week to $4.04 per gallon. Oil prices have remained below $100 per barrel following the recent ceasefire announcement involving the U.S. and Iran, helping prevent sharper jumps in fuel prices. Still, lower activity through the Strait of Hormuz and continued regional tensions mean prices could shift again in the weeks ahead.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Valdosta at $3.69, Atlanta at $3.64, and Gainesville at $3.60. The least expensive metro markets are Albany at $3.50, Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.48, and Dalton at $3.45.
Area averages as of Monday show Chattooga County at $3.53, Walker County at $3.56, Floyd County at $3.52, Gordon County at $3.47, DeKalb County, Alabama at $3.78, and Cherokee County, Alabama at $3.69.
The national average cost at a public EV charging station remained unchanged this past week at 41 cents per kilowatt hour.
GNTC Hiring Part-Time CDL Instructor At Walker County Campus
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is now accepting applications for a part-time Commercial Truck Driving Road/Range Instructor at its Walker County Campus.
The position focuses on training students in commercial truck driving, helping prepare them for careers in the transportation industry. GNTC is encouraging qualified applicants with experience in commercial driving to apply.
College officials say the role includes both road and range instruction, providing hands-on training to students enrolled in the program.
As required by federal regulations, applicants must complete a physical exam and drug screening as part of the background check process. Those hired will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment.
Anyone interested in applying or learning more about the position can visit the GNTC employment page online.
6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap Set for May 2
Plant lovers across Chattooga County are invited to take part in a popular community event returning next month.
The 6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd from 2 to 6 p.m. at Teloga Spring Farm, located at 9505 Highway 337 in Summerville.
Organizers say the free event will bring together the community for an afternoon of plants, fellowship, and fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring plants to swap, along with friends and family.
This year’s event will also feature raffle tickets, food trucks, a bake sale, and a variety of vendors.
All donations from the event will benefit the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County and the Teloga Fire Department.
Organizers note the event is cash-only, and cell service may be limited in the area.
Chattooga County Extension Shares Tips On Beneficial Insects For Spring Gardens
With spring gardening season now underway, Chattooga County Extension is reminding local gardeners that not every insect in the garden is a bad thing.
Extension officials say spring brings welcome benefits for pollinators, wildlife, and desirable grasses, especially if the area receives much-needed rain. But it also brings the return of garden pests that can damage plants, spread disease, and quickly destroy vegetable crops.
According to Chattooga County Extension, some insects actually play an important role in protecting gardens by helping control harmful pests. Beneficial insects such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on common garden pests like aphids, caterpillars, and other plant-damaging insects, helping reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Gardeners are encouraged to learn how to identify these helpful insects and take steps to attract them. Extension experts say planting a variety of flowering plants, limiting pesticide use, and creating a healthy garden environment can help keep more of these “good bugs” around throughout the growing season.
The University of Georgia Extension has also provided a detailed guide explaining how to recognize beneficial insects, understand their role in the garden, and manage pest problems more effectively using natural methods.
Find out more HERE
Events Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park This Weekend
Outdoor enthusiasts will have a couple of opportunities to enjoy nature this weekend at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, with two ranger-led events scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
The day will begin with a Turtle Hike at 10 AM, where participants can explore the Upper Lake Trail and learn about the turtles that inhabit the park. Organizers say the guided hike is a great way to experience local wildlife while enjoying the outdoors. The cost is $3 per person, and participants are asked to meet at the park office before the hike. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended, and binoculars will be available, though guests are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
Later in the day, the park will host Kayaking 101 at 5:30 PM, offering beginners a chance to learn the basics of kayaking from park rangers. Participants can enjoy an evening on the lake while gaining hands-on experience. The cost is $20 per person with rental included, or $10 for those bringing their own kayak.
A $10 park pass is required for both events, and registration is required in advance. Anyone interested can call the park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for more information.
Park officials say both events are designed to encourage community members to get outside and take advantage of the natural beauty Northwest Georgia has to offer.
Warmer Weather, Summer Break Bring Renewed Push for ATV Safety in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama
With warmer weather settling in and school set to let out in just a few weeks, families across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are being reminded that ATV season also brings a higher risk of serious and sometimes deadly crashes.
As more children, teens, and adults head outdoors for trail riding and recreation, safety officials say now is the time to slow down, gear up, and make smart decisions before climbing onto an ATV.
Safety experts say many of these tragedies share the same causes: riders not wearing helmets, children operating adult-sized machines, passengers riding on vehicles built for one person, and ATVs being driven on paved roads where they are far more likely to overturn or collide with another vehicle. Alcohol and inexperience are also major factors in many crashes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says riders should never use ATVs on paved roads, should never carry more passengers than there are seats, and should always wear a helmet and protective gear including goggles, gloves, boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Officials also stress that younger riders need special attention. Federal guidance says children under 16 should only ride age-appropriate youth models and should never operate adult ATVs. Training is also strongly encouraged, since many fatal wrecks happen when an inexperienced rider loses control, overturns, or is thrown from the machine. Nationwide, the CPSC says the latest data show an annual average of more than 800 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries involving off-highway vehicles.
With summer approaching, law enforcement and safety advocates want families to treat ATV safety the same way they would water safety or seat belt safety. A fun day outside can turn tragic in seconds when riders cut corners. Parents are urged to supervise young riders closely, make sure machines fit the rider, and insist on helmets every trip, every time.
Drought Conditions Worsen Across Georgia, Including Northwest Region
Drought conditions continue to intensify across Georgia, with new data showing much of the state now experiencing severe to extreme drought levels.
According to the National Weather Service in Atlanta, drought conditions have steadily worsened since last fall. Maps comparing conditions from September 2025 to now show a dramatic expansion of dry conditions, with nearly the entire state now impacted.
As of mid-April, about 90 percent of Georgia is classified in severe to exceptional drought, marking the largest coverage of drought in nearly 20 years.
Rainfall totals have been well below normal in recent months. In some areas, including parts of North Georgia, rainfall has dropped to just a fraction of typical levels, contributing to worsening soil moisture and increasing stress on crops, water supplies, and vegetation.
Locally, these dry conditions are already contributing to elevated fire danger across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with officials urging residents to use caution with outdoor burning.
Forecasters say that without meaningful rainfall in the coming weeks, drought conditions are expected to persist and could continue into the summer months.
Arrest Report - Monday - April 20, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 20, 2026:
Critical Fire Weather Conditions Raise Concerns Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Dry air, clear skies, and gradually warming temperatures are creating dangerous fire weather conditions across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with concerns expected to continue through the rest of the work week.
Forecasters say the region will stay dry through at least Friday, allowing fire danger to build each afternoon. Even though temperatures are starting the week near seasonal normals, the combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and warming conditions will make outdoor burning especially risky.
High temperatures today are expected to reach the upper 60s in the north Georgia mountains and the mid to upper 70s across much of the area. After another cool night tonight, temperatures will climb into the upper 70s to low 80s on Tuesday, with mid to upper 80s possible by midweek.
The dry and warm pattern is expected to hold through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, keeping fire weather concerns in place daily. Relief may finally arrive this weekend as a front moves toward the region and brings increasing chances for rain. While rainfall totals remain uncertain, any rain would be welcome as drought conditions continue to affect the area.
Residents in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could spark a fire, especially during the afternoon hours when conditions are at their worst.
Teloga Fire Department to Conduct Fire Hydrant Testing This Evening
Residents in the Teloga area are being advised of possible temporary low water pressure this evening as the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department conducts scheduled fire hydrant testing.
Testing is planned for this evening (Monday, April 20, 2026) from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Officials say water customers may notice a drop in pressure during that time, but normal service is expected to resume by 8:00 p.m.
The testing is part of routine efforts to help ensure fire hydrants are working properly and ready when needed.
Residents are asked for their patience and understanding during the testing period.
City of Summerville Seeking Bids for Caterpillar Wheel Loader Purchase
The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a Caterpillar 910 Wheel Loader as part of ongoing efforts to support infrastructure and maintenance projects across the city.
Officials say the equipment will play a key role in daily operations, helping city crews handle a variety of tasks more efficiently and reliably.
Bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and delivered to Summerville City Hall located at 120 Georgia Avenue. City leaders are encouraging qualified vendors to review all requirements carefully and submit complete bid packages.
Detailed specifications and submission guidelines are available through the City of Summerville’s official website.
Sex Crime Charges Among Latest Chattooga County Indictments
Sex crime charges are among the latest indictments returned by a Chattooga County grand jury, with two Summerville men named in the cases.
According to the indictment report, Ayden Matthew Ard, of 271 Scoggins Street in Summerville, was indicted on charges of statutory rape and sodomy. Court records cited in the report state the alleged victim is between 13 and 16 years old and younger than the accused. Also indicted was Michael Lamar Battles, of 702 Scoggins Street in Summerville, on charges of child molestation and grooming of a minor.
The indictments are part of the latest group of felony cases returned in Chattooga County. An indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Trion City Schools Hiring Literacy Coach to Strengthen Early Reading Success
Trion City Schools is now accepting applications for a Literacy Coach position aimed at improving student reading outcomes and strengthening classroom instruction across the district. The role will focus heavily on supporting teachers and students through evidence-based practices grounded in the science of reading.
The Literacy Coach will work closely with educators and administrators to analyze student data, guide instruction, and implement Georgia’s Literacy Act. The position emphasizes building teacher capacity, improving literacy interventions, and supporting students—especially in early grades—with targeted strategies, including dyslexia-specific instruction.
Applicants must hold a valid Early Childhood Education (P-5) teaching certification and have at least five years of successful classroom or literacy intervention experience. Preferred candidates will have additional endorsements in reading, dyslexia, or instructional coaching, along with a strong track record of improving literacy outcomes.
Key responsibilities include coaching teachers, modeling effective literacy instruction, supporting data-driven decision-making, and leading professional development efforts. The position also involves collaborating with school leadership and regional education partners to implement and monitor literacy plans.
The job is based within the Curriculum and Instruction department, with a 195-day work schedule. Salary will be determined based on experience.
Applications can be submitted through TeachGeorgia or by sending resumes directly to Jan Andrews. Initial review of applicants is set to begin April 24, 2026.
CRC Chattooga to Host Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner April 25
CRC Chattooga is inviting volunteers, donors, churches, and mission supporters to a special Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the North Summerville Gym, located behind the current CRC Food Pantry.
The event will celebrate more than a decade of service and support in Chattooga County. Organizers say that over the past 12 years, volunteers, donors, and churches have helped launch 4.6 million pounds of food and resources into the community, providing help, hope, and stability to families in need.
CRC Chattooga says the dinner is a way to honor everyone who has played a part in that mission, whether through volunteering, financial support, or church involvement.
Churches that have supported CRC are encouraged to send a representative or crew leader so each congregation can be represented. Mission crew members, both past and present, are also invited to attend.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP through the organization’s online form.
Busy Week Ahead for Chattooga High School Athletics and Events
Chattooga High School is gearing up for a busy week of athletic competition and school events as the countdown to graduation continues.
According to school officials, Track and Field athletes will compete in the Region meet on Monday at Gordon Central. The tennis team will be in action Tuesday through Friday in the State Playoffs, while the baseball team is also scheduled to compete in the State Playoffs from Wednesday through Saturday.
In addition to athletics, the school will host its Choral Spring Concert on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.
School leaders note that graduation is now just five weeks away, with several activities planned in the coming weeks as the school year winds down.
Officials also announced that an April fire drill is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Trion Boys and Girls Tennis Teams Capture Region Championships
Trion High School is celebrating a big accomplishment after both the Trion Boys Tennis Team and Trion Girls Tennis Team were crowned Region Champions.
The Lady Bulldogs secured their region title with a win over Elite Scholars, while the Trion boys claimed their championship by defeating Bowdon.
Trion’s region champions included standout performances across both singles and doubles competition.
For the boys, region champions were:
Singles 1 Tylan Bohannon
Singles 2 Alex Bohannon
Singles 3 Ashton Mason
Doubles 1 Jet Johnson and Hudson Thomas
Doubles 2 Justin Bohannon and Jacob Cook
For the girls, region champions were:
Singles 1 Ansleigh Simpson
Singles 2 Kasey Coley
Singles 3 Averie Gable
Doubles 1 Abbi Wheat and Payton Weaver
Doubles 2 Jana Price and Allie Bandy
The sweep marks an impressive showing for Trion tennis, with both programs bringing home region titles and multiple individual and doubles champions.
Georgia Power Bills Strain Families as Summer Heat Approaches
As temperatures begin to climb across Northwest Georgia, many residents are bracing for another season of high Georgia Power bills — and for some families, the financial strain is already being felt.
Over the past few years, electricity costs have steadily increased, with Georgia Power customers now paying significantly more each month than they did just a few years ago. In fact, the average customer is paying about $43 more per month compared to 2022, adding up to more than $500 extra per year.
A combination of factors is driving the higher costs, including multiple rate increases approved by state regulators, rising fuel prices, infrastructure upgrades, and growing demand for electricity across the state.
Even though base rates are currently frozen through at least 2027, that does not necessarily mean lower bills. Additional costs — including storm recovery expenses, fuel adjustments, and increased usage during hot weather — can still push monthly bills higher.
And summer is when the impact is felt the most.
Electricity rates in Georgia are structured so that prices increase during peak summer months, especially as usage climbs. Air conditioning use — often the largest energy expense in Southern homes — can quickly drive bills up, particularly during stretches of extreme heat.
Across the state, many customers say they are struggling to keep up. Reports show some households cutting back on basic expenses or adjusting their lifestyles just to stay current on their power bills, highlighting the growing burden of utility costs.
With another hot summer expected, officials encourage residents to take steps to reduce energy use where possible, including limiting electricity during peak afternoon hours, sealing air leaks, and maintaining HVAC systems.
Still, for many families in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia, the reality is simple — staying cool is becoming increasingly expensive, and relief may not be coming anytime soon
Walker County Tax Office in Rock Spring Closed Through Thursday After Water Damage
The Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office in Rock Spring will remain closed to the public through Thursday, April 23, following water damage caused by a burst pipe.
County officials say the Rossville office, located at 2012 McFarland Gap Road, will be open with extended hours to help serve residents while the Rock Spring location is closed.
The Rossville office will operate from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and officials say six fully staffed service windows will be available to accommodate the public.
Residents needing tax office services are encouraged to visit the Rossville location until the Rock Spring office reopens.