Water Service Interruption Expected in Hwy 48 Area
Some City of Summerville water customers may experience low water pressure or no water service today due to a scheduled Georgia Power outage.
The outage is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, and will affect the city’s water pump station located on Highway 48.
Areas that may be impacted include Peach Orchard Road, Highway 48, Hairlake Road, and Beavers Road.
City officials say the estimated restoration time is approximately three hours.
Anyone with questions can contact the City of Summerville Maintenance Department at 706-859-0907.
Arrest Report - Friday - June 19, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 19, 2026:
Juneteenth Brings Sunshine Before Stormier Pattern Returns
After a mostly cloudy start to the Juneteenth holiday, skies will gradually clear across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to top out near 86 degrees, with light winds making for a comfortable day.
Clouds will increase again overnight, with temperatures falling to around 64 degrees. The pleasant weather continues into Saturday, with mostly sunny skies and another afternoon high near 86 degrees.
The forecast takes a wetter turn beginning Sunday. While much of the day will remain warm and partly sunny, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and evening hours. Rain chances increase further Sunday night and continue through Monday, when widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely across the region.
The unsettled weather pattern lingers into next week, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms from Tuesday through Thursday. Despite the increased rain chances, temperatures are expected to remain seasonably warm, with highs generally in the mid-80s.
Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend may want to take advantage of the dry weather through Saturday before keeping a close eye on the forecast as storm chances increase Sunday and Monday.
Strictly Skynyrd To Close Out Summerville’s Friday Night Concert Series
Summerville’s Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series wraps up tonight, Friday, June 19, with a free downtown concert featuring Strictly Skynyrd, a premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band.
The concert, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, will be held on East Washington Street in the downtown Entertainment District. Music begins at 7 PM, with local favorite The Hwy 27 Band opening the show.
Strictly Skynyrd will perform Lynyrd Skynyrd favorites including “What’s Your Name,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Freebird.” The band uses period-correct instruments to help recreate the look and sound of 1970s Lynyrd Skynyrd.
East Washington Street will close from US 27/Commerce Street to Regions Bank beginning at 3:15 PM and will remain closed until 11 PM.
Entertainment District rules will apply. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased only from permitted businesses, including Jefferson’s and Dos Magueys, and must be served in an approved clear 16-ounce specialty cup with the proper City of Summerville sticker. Beverages must stay within the Entertainment District.
Guests may not bring their own alcohol, refill their own cups, take alcoholic beverages outside the district, drink from unapproved cans, bottles or glass, or consume alcohol under the age of 21.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of live music downtown. The event is family-friendly.
Georgia Highlands College To Celebrate Community Impact Day June 26
Georgia Highlands College is inviting students, employees, alumni, families and community members to a special Community Impact Day celebration on Friday, June 26, at its Floyd Campus in Rome.
The event will be held from 11 AM until 1 PM and will commemorate three major milestones: welcoming accepted students, celebrating the college’s impact on the region, and recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The celebration comes as Georgia Highlands College marks a historic achievement of serving more than 250,000 community members since its founding. In recognition of that milestone, the college has received proclamations and letters of commendation from local governments throughout its service area, members of the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Brian Kemp.
The free event will feature a community cookout, an apple pie contest, music, games and family-friendly activities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take photos in front of what organizers describe as the “World’s Largest American Flag.”
In addition, guests can explore a Community Impact Showcase featuring interactive displays highlighting the college’s role in workforce development, economic growth and educational opportunities across Northwest Georgia.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to wear red, white and blue as part of the patriotic celebration.
The event will also recognize students who have been accepted to Georgia Highlands College and will begin their college careers this fall.
Community Impact Day will take place at the Georgia Highlands College Floyd Campus, located at 3175 Cedartown Highway in Rome.
Georgia Surpasses 5 Million Jobs As Unemployment Rate Falls To 3.4 Percent
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state has reached a major economic milestone, surpassing 5 million jobs for the first time in state history.
According to the latest labor report, Georgia recorded 5,002,400 jobs in May, an all-time high. The state’s labor force also reached a record 5,470,704, while total employment climbed to a new high of 5,283,862.
Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in May, down from a revised 3.5 percent in April and well below the national unemployment rate.
“Five million jobs, an all-time high labor force, and record employment in a single month: This is what a modern, adaptable economy looks like when it works for all Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.
The state added 6,900 jobs during May and has now experienced job growth for three consecutive months. Employment increased by more than 56,000 jobs over the past year.
Among the industries posting the largest gains in May were accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, transportation and warehousing, local government and state government.
Over the past year, health care and social assistance led all sectors with nearly 25,000 new jobs added statewide.
The labor department also reported that initial unemployment claims declined in May, another sign of continued strength in Georgia’s workforce and economy.
Juneteenth Celebrates Freedom And Marks A Pivotal Moment In American History
Today, Friday, June 19, 2026, communities across the United States are observing Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day is recognized as a time to reflect on freedom, history and the continuing pursuit of equality.
Locally, Chattooga County government offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. Municipal offices in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and Menlo are also closed. Banks, post offices and many other government offices across the nation are not operating today.
However, Chattooga County officials remind residents that the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules throughout the holiday.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is celebrated nationwide with educational events, community gatherings, cultural programs and opportunities to reflect on an important chapter in American history.
Summerville Police Investigating Theft Of Wheels And Tires From Vehicle
The Summerville Police Department is investigating the theft of wheels and tires from a vehicle at a local auto dealership.
According to the incident report, the theft involved a white 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer located at a dealership property on Martin Street. The stolen property was listed as four wheels and tires removed from the vehicle.
Police documented the theft and advised the vehicle owner that the case would be turned over to investigators. Officers also indicated that extra patrols would be conducted in the area as the investigation continues.
No suspects had been identified at the time of the report, and the case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
Woman Arrested On Criminal Trespass Charge In Summerville
A woman was arrested on a criminal trespass charge after allegedly returning to a property from which she had previously been banned, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Sandy Waynette Wilson, 48, of Summerville.
According to the report, officers learned Wilson had been criminally trespassed from the property approximately 13 days earlier and was prohibited from being there. After confirming that information through dispatch, officers placed Wilson under arrest and transported her to the Chattooga County Jail.
The charge listed in the report is criminal trespass. The case was handled by the Summerville Police Department.
Argument During Child Exchange Leads To Police Response In Summerville
Summerville Police officers responded to a reported disturbance involving a child custody exchange at a residence on Carol Drive.
According to the incident report, a disagreement arose regarding the transportation of bicycles during a child exchange between family members. Police spoke with those involved and determined the situation was a civil matter.
The report states that an argument occurred between family members over where the bicycles would be transported. Officers mediated the dispute, and after several phone calls, the parties reached an agreement regarding the bicycles.
No criminal charges were filed, and the incident was cleared following mediation by the Summerville Police Department.
VA Launches Partial Claim Program To Help Veterans Avoid Foreclosure
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new program aimed at helping veterans who are struggling financially avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.
The VA Partial Claim Program is designed for veterans with VA-backed home loans who are in default but may be able to resume making regular mortgage payments. Under the program, mortgage servicers identify eligible veterans and place them on a three-month trial payment plan.
If the veteran successfully completes the trial period, the mortgage servicer pays the overdue mortgage amount to bring the loan current. The VA then reimburses the servicer for that amount. The servicer repays the VA when the loan is paid in full, refinanced or the property is sold.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the program will help keep thousands of veterans in their homes.
The VA says the Partial Claim Program is one of several home retention options available to veterans, including repayment plans, traditional loan modifications, 30-year and 40-year loan modifications, and disaster-related modifications.
Veterans having trouble reaching a resolution with their mortgage servicer can contact the VA at 877-827-3702, option 6.
The VA says it has helped veterans, service members and survivors purchase more than 29 million homes since the home loan guaranty program began.
Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills To Headline Fort Oglethorpe’s Labor Day At The Post
Walker County native and Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina along with Mark Wills have been named headliners for the City of Fort Oglethorpe’s 2026 Labor Day at the Post celebration.
The free event will take place on Monday, September 7, from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM at Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
In addition to Alaina and Wills, the entertainment lineup includes The Singing Barber Noah Peters, James Rogers, Shelby Mosteller and Remembering January.
Labor Day at the Post will feature a full day of live music, classic cars, food trucks, a market, a kids’ zone and a petting zoo.
Lauren Alaina will be returning to her hometown area for the event. The Rossville, Georgia native was runner-up on season 10 of American Idol and is known for songs including “Georgia Peaches” and her duet with Kane Brown, “What Ifs.”
Mark Wills, who is from Cleveland, Tennessee, found success on the country charts in the 1990s and early 2000s with songs such as “Wish You Were Here,” “19 Somethin’” and “Don’t Laugh at Me.”
The Singing Barber Noah Peters is from Polk County, Tennessee, and currently works and sings at a barber shop in Columbia, Tennessee.
Rome To Celebrate 250 Years Of American Independence With July 4th Extravaganza
Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation will host the 2026 Independence Day Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4, at Ridge Ferry Park, celebrating 250 years of American independence.
The event, sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, begins at 3 PM and will feature family activities, games, water inflatables, food trucks and concessions. Inflatable wristbands will be available for $5.
Live music will be featured on the Coca-Cola stage, including a performance by Makenzie Phipps, a contestant from Season 28 of The Voice.
The evening will conclude with one of the largest fireworks shows in Northwest Georgia at approximately 9:30 PM above Jackson Hill. The fireworks display, produced by Pyrotecnico, will include more than 1,500 fireworks in a red, white and blue celebration.
Parking for the event is $5 and card only. Parking will be available in the main park and Shoals parking lots, and attendees are asked to follow staff directions.
Guests are reminded that large coolers, pets, drones, fires and sparklers are not permitted in Ridge Ferry Park.
For more information, visit rfpra.com.
Arrest Report - Thursday - June 18, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 18, 2026:
Rain And Thunderstorms Today With More Rain This Weekend
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet and stormy Thursday as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through the area.
Forecasters say storms will be most widespread during the afternoon and evening hours, with an 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout much of the day. High temperatures will reach around 83 degrees, with southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Rainfall amounts of up to a half-inch are possible during the day, with heavier rainfall expected tonight.
Thunderstorms will continue into Thursday evening before gradually diminishing overnight. Some locations could receive an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain, raising the potential for localized flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
Conditions improve for Juneteenth on Friday as only a slight chance of a morning shower remains. Skies will become partly sunny with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s.
The weekend begins on a mostly dry note, with only a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms on Saturday. However, rain chances increase again Sunday and continue into early next week, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected Sunday through Monday. Rain chances remain elevated through Wednesday as an active summer weather pattern settles over the region.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution during periods of heavy rainfall and remain alert for changing weather conditions, especially during afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Chattooga County Offices To Close Friday For Juneteenth
Chattooga County government offices will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
According to County Clerk Johnna Allen, the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules.
County offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.
Applications Open For Fall 2026 Governor’s Internship Program
Students and recent graduates interested in public service and state government now have an opportunity to gain firsthand experience inside Georgia’s Executive Office.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2026 Governor’s Internship Program, a competitive program that places participants in various offices within Governor Brian Kemp’s administration. The internship is designed to provide students and young professionals with practical, hands-on experience while exposing them to the day-to-day operations of state government.
Eligible applicants include junior and senior undergraduate students, recent college graduates, and law students. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside state officials and staff members, gaining valuable experience in areas such as public policy, communications, constituent services, legal affairs, administration, and government operations.
The Governor’s Internship Program is intended to help participants develop professional skills, build connections within state government, and gain a deeper understanding of how public policy decisions are made and implemented in Georgia.
The program has served as a stepping stone for many young professionals pursuing careers in government, law, public administration, communications, and related fields.
Applications for the Fall 2026 session will remain open through July 6, 2026. Interested applicants can learn more about eligibility requirements, internship opportunities, and the application process by visiting gov.georgia.gov.
State officials encourage qualified students and recent graduates from across Georgia to apply and take advantage of the unique opportunity to serve while gaining valuable career experience.
Summerville Woman Reports Harassing Messages, Police Warn Of Possible Scam
A Summerville woman contacted police after receiving a series of anonymous messages that authorities believe may be part of a scam.
According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, officers responded to a harassment complaint at a residence on Allen Street on June 11.
The complainant, identified as 55-year-old Dina Joanne Harper, told officers she had been receiving anonymous messages on her phone from an unknown individual. When asked to show the messages, Harper reportedly was unable to locate them on her device.
The responding officer advised Harper that the messages contained harassing content and threats. Harper also stated that the messages referenced sending money.
Based on the information provided, the officer advised that the messages could be part of a scam and recommended that she block the number and avoid sending any form of payment.
Harper requested that a report be filed and also asked for additional patrols in the area.
No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.
James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park Hosting 'Tails on Trails' Hike June 20
Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for a special guided hiking event later this month.
The park will host its “Tails on Trails” program on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Rangers will lead participants and their dogs on a guided hike to the Marble Mine, giving both pets and owners an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while exploring one of the park’s scenic attractions.
The event is designed especially for energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Organizers encourage participants to bring water for themselves and their pets and remind owners that all dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.
Participants will meet in front of the park office by 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required.
Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
Brownie Still Waiting For A Home As Adoption Deadline Nears
Brownie, our WZQZ Pet of the Week, is still waiting for his forever home, and time is running short.
Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter says Brownie has just 11 days left and is in urgent need of adoption. Brownie was abandoned inside a house with two other dogs and arrived at the shelter in very poor condition. The other dogs have since found homes, but Brownie is still waiting.
Volunteers describe Brownie as one of the sweetest dogs at the shelter. They say he is a giant teddy bear who loves attention, enjoys being outside, and simply wants to be near people. Brownie is gentle, easygoing, well-mannered, and does not jump on people.
Brownie is approximately 2 to 3 years old, neutered, affectionate, and great with other dogs. Volunteers say he would be a good fit for almost any family, whether someone is looking for a walking buddy, a couch companion, or a loyal best friend.
Brownie is available at Chattooga County Animal Control, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. For adoption information, call 706-857-0679.
Shelter hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesdays are by appointment.
Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking the community to share Brownie’s story and help him find the home he has been waiting for.