Flood Watch Continues As Heavy Rain Threatens Chattooga County Through Friday
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Chattooga County and much of northwest Georgia through Friday evening as repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to bring the potential for excessive rainfall and localized flooding.
Rain chances increase this afternoon, with showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m. High temperatures will reach around 87 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Some storms could produce heavy downpours, with rainfall amounts of a quarter-inch or more in the strongest cells.
The wet weather continues tonight with additional showers and thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., followed by scattered showers overnight. Friday will bring another active weather day with an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms from morning through the afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service says widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible through Friday, with isolated locations receiving more than 5 inches. The greatest flooding risk will be in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and locations with poor drainage.
Residents should never drive through flooded roadways and should closely monitor weather conditions over the next two days. A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, and additional Flood Warnings could be issued if flooding develops.
The weather begins to improve late in the weekend. Scattered thunderstorms remain possible Saturday before rain chances decrease Sunday. Sunshine and hotter temperatures return early next week, with highs climbing into the middle 90s by Tuesday.
Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park Sunday
If you’re looking for a cool treat this weekend, the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, July 26, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Volunteers will be set up next to the park’s Visitor Center serving a variety of homemade ice cream flavors. Ice cream is $3 per cup, and both cash and credit cards will be accepted.
Proceeds from the sale will support the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, a volunteer organization that helps enhance and support the park through special projects and programs.
A $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass or an annual ParkPass is required for parking.
Reminder: Lyerly Seeking Vendors For Down Home Day Celebration
The Town of Lyerly is reminding vendors that applications are still being accepted for this year’s Down Home Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Vendor spaces are $15 each. Anyone interested in participating should comment only on the Town of Lyerly’s Facebook post, send a private message to the official Lyerly, Georgia Facebook page or to Sally Kerce, or call Lyerly Town Hall at 706-895-2611.
Town officials are also warning vendors to be alert for online scammers. Last year, individuals impersonated event organizers on Facebook and attempted to collect $150 for vendor spaces through fraudulent payment requests.
Officials emphasize do not send money to anyone claiming to represent the event through Facebook comments or messages unless you are communicating directly with the official Lyerly, Georgia page or Sally Kerce.
Chattooga Football Mattress Fundraiser Set For Saturday At Chattooga High School
Support the Chattooga County High School football program while shopping for a new mattress during a special one-day Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, July 25.
The sale will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Chattooga High School Main Gym. Organizers say more than 25 mattress styles will be available to try, with sizes ranging from twin to king from brands including Purple, Therapedic, Southerland, Corsicana, Tranquility and PureCare.
Adjustable bases, luxury pillows and mattress protectors will also be available. Delivery, financing and full factory warranties are offered, and all forms of payment will be accepted.
Every purchase benefits the Chattooga County High School football program, making it an opportunity to support local student-athletes while saving on a new mattress.
UGA Students Develop AI Tool To Help Georgia Farmers Reduce Paperwork
University of Georgia students are helping Georgia farmers spend less time behind a desk and more time in the field through a new artificial intelligence-powered platform called FieldLog.
Developed through a Google-funded initiative, FieldLog allows farmers to use their smartphones to verbally record field activities while automatically organizing compliance reports and operational records. The platform can also integrate weather data, GPS information and regulatory requirements, reducing the time spent on paperwork and recordkeeping.
The project began in 2025 after UGA students traveled across the state interviewing farmers about their biggest challenges. Many reported spending nearly 30 hours each week on administrative tasks in addition to long days working in the field. Those conversations shaped the development of the platform.
This summer, FieldLog is being tested on farms across South Georgia in partnership with UGA Cooperative Extension. Students and agricultural specialists are gathering feedback before refining the technology for broader use. If testing is successful, the platform could eventually expand to more farms across Georgia and become a resource offered through UGA Extension programs
Woman Reports Harassment Incident Near McGinnis Circle In Summerville
A woman has filed a harassment complaint with the Summerville Police Department following an incident that allegedly occurred near McGinnis Circle.
According to the police report, the complainant told Officer Ibzan Ramirez that she had gone to the residence of her ex-girlfriend, Mariah Davis, on July 15 after Davis asked her to come over for a conversation.
The complainant said that after leaving the residence and traveling on McGinnis Circle toward Oak Street, a man identified in the report as Ricky Benson stopped his vehicle in front of hers, preventing her from continuing. She told police Benson exited his vehicle and approached her while making statements for her to leave Mariah Davis and Amanda alone.
The complainant told officers she felt intimidated after seeing Benson carrying a pistol on his hip. She said Benson never removed the firearm or pointed it at her.
Another individual in the complainant’s vehicle reportedly witnessed the interaction.
Police documented the incident and advised the complainant that an investigator would contact her if additional information was needed.
Rosie Is Looking For A Loving Forever Home
Rosie is waiting at the Chattooga County Animal Control Shelter for someone to give her the loving forever home she deserves.
According to Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter, Rosie is affectionate, incredibly sweet and eager to make friends with everyone she meets. She greets visitors with a wagging tail and plenty of kisses, always hoping the next person she sees could become her person.
Anyone interested in adopting Rosie can meet her at the shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.
The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday visits are available by appointment.
For more information, call the shelter office at 706-857-0679 or the director at 706-578-0849. Inquiries may also be emailed to Charlie.long@chattoogacounty.gov.
Lyerly Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest
A traffic stop in Lyerly earlier this month resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old woman on multiple drug charges after Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly discovered more than 100 suspected oxycodone tablets during a vehicle search.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Matt Wilson and Corporal Bob Villagomez stopped a vehicle on July 15 near the intersection of Highway 114 and Lyerly Dam Road after learning the vehicle’s registration had been suspended.
During the stop, deputies reported smelling the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to recently smoking marijuana and consented to a search. A passenger, identified as Chelsy Leeann Marie Dotson, 23, of Lyerly, was also asked to exit the vehicle.
Deputies reported finding a concealed brown purse belonging to Dotson containing numerous white tablets later identified as suspected oxycodone hydrochloride 10 mg, along with one additional tablet believed to be Percocet 10. The incident report states deputies counted 117 suspected oxycodone tablets.
Dotson was arrested and charged with Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. She was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.
The driver and another passenger were questioned and released after deputies determined they had no knowledge of the suspected narcotics.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
CareSource Reverses 20% Therapy Rate Cut For Some Georgia Providers
CareSource has reversed a controversial 20% reimbursement rate cut for some pediatric therapy providers in Georgia following months of criticism from families, therapists and state lawmakers. However, the change does not apply to every provider, leaving some clinics facing reduced payments and uncertainty.
The rate reduction, which took effect earlier this year, affected providers offering services such as speech, occupational, physical and behavioral therapy to children enrolled in Georgia Medicaid. Many providers warned the cuts threatened access to care, particularly in rural areas where therapy options are already limited. Some clinics reduced services or stopped accepting CareSource patients altogether.
According to Atlanta News First, CareSource has notified some providers that it will restore reimbursement rates, but others remain excluded from the reversal. Those providers say the uneven decision continues to create financial challenges and could still impact access to therapy for Georgia children.
GBI Investigating After Man Shoots Himself During Warrant Service In Floyd County
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to conduct an independent investigation after a man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound while officers were serving warrants Tuesday afternoon in Floyd County.
According to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Floyd County Police officers went to a residence in the 4300 block of Martha Berry Highway on July 21 to serve child support warrants on Kyle Stamey and Sharon Stamey.
After receiving permission from the homeowner to enter and search the residence, officers heard a gunshot. Kyle Stamey was found inside a room with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Deputies immediately provided first aid and applied pressure to the wound until emergency medical personnel arrived. Stamey survived and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Sharon Stamey was taken into custody and booked into the Floyd County Jail on the outstanding child support warrant.
Because personnel from both the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Floyd County Police Department were involved in the warrant service, the GBI was contacted to investigate the incident independently.
Flood Watch Continues Through Friday for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
A Flood Watch remains in effect through Friday evening for Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia as forecasters warn that repeated rounds of heavy rainfall could lead to flooding across the region.
The National Weather Service says a stalled frontal boundary is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms through the end of the week. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely across the area, with isolated locations receiving 5 inches or more.
In Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia counties, excessive rainfall could cause creeks, streams, rivers, and other low-lying areas to overflow. Flooding is also possible in locations with poor drainage, especially in urban areas where heavy rain can quickly overwhelm storm drains.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert for changing weather conditions and monitor forecasts for any Flood Warnings that may be issued. Those who live in flood-prone areas should be prepared to act quickly if water begins to rise.
Motorists are reminded to never drive through flooded roadways. Even a small amount of moving water can sweep a vehicle away, and it is often impossible to determine the condition of the road beneath floodwaters.
Officials urge everyone across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to remain weather aware through Friday as the threat for flash flooding continues.
Daily Thunderstorm Chances Continue Through Weekend Before Hotter, Drier Weather Returns
Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain in the forecast for Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through the weekend, with the greatest chances for widespread rainfall arriving Thursday through Saturday.
Today will be partly sunny with a high near 91 degrees and heat index values approaching 99. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 4 p.m.
Rain chances increase to 70 percent tonight and Thursday, with periods of showers and thunderstorms capable of producing locally heavy rainfall. Highs on Thursday and Friday will be slightly cooler, topping out around 86 degrees.
The unsettled weather continues into Saturday with an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before conditions begin improving Sunday. Sunshine returns early next week with temperatures climbing back into the lower 90s Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by only a slight chance of afternoon storms.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - July 22, 2026
AdventHealth Medical Group Welcomes New Primary Care Physician To Summerville
AdventHealth Medical Group has welcomed Weston King, MD, to AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care & Urgent Care at Summerville, expanding access to primary care services for adults in Chattooga County and surrounding communities.
Dr. King provides patient-centered care with an emphasis on preventive medicine, chronic disease management and whole-person health. His clinical interests include diabetes care, improving health outcomes in rural communities and helping patients take an active role in their care.
Dr. King earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine and completed a Master of Biological Science at William Carey University. He completed his internal medicine residency at AdventHealth Redmond.
The Summerville practice offers acute and chronic disease management, wellness exams, health screenings, immunizations, laboratory services, mental health care, weight management and women’s and men’s health services.
Dr. King sees patients ages 18 and older at 9777 Rome Boulevard in Summerville.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 706-368-8899.
Outside of work, Dr. King enjoys spending time with his wife and children, volunteering at his church, traveling and playing golf.
Kemp Appoints Kathleen Van Pelt Davis As Lookout Mountain District Attorney
Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Kathleen Van Pelt Davis to serve as district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Chattooga, Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties.
Davis will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Clayton M. Fuller, who previously served as district attorney before leaving the position in 2026.
Davis currently serves as a special assistant attorney general representing the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Division of Aging Services throughout the four-county judicial circuit.
She has also served for 11 years as a director of the law firm Bowers & Davis, LLC, representing clients in criminal and domestic cases and conducting mediations across Northwest Georgia. Davis previously worked as an associate special assistant attorney general under former District Attorney Steven M. Ellis.
Davis graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law, where she participated in the Prosecutorial Clinic. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Georgia.
Davis, her husband and their four children live in Catoosa County.
Chattooga County Young Farmers Honored as Georgia's Outstanding Post-Secondary Program
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Program has earned statewide recognition after being named the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (GVATA) Outstanding Post-Secondary Program during the organization’s Summer Conference held this past week in Athens.
The prestigious award recognizes agricultural education programs that demonstrate excellence in providing quality educational opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, strong community partnerships and effective program promotion.
Program leaders said the honor reflects the dedication of the many people who have contributed to the success of the Chattooga County Young Farmers over the years.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of the members, officers, volunteers, community partners, local businesses and everyone who has supported the Chattooga County Young Farmers,” the organization said in announcing the award.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Program offers educational programs, workshops and networking opportunities for area farmers and agricultural professionals while promoting lifelong learning and leadership within Georgia agriculture.
The Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association represents agricultural educators from across the state and annually recognizes programs that exemplify excellence in agricultural education and community involvement.
Drivers Reminded to Watch for School Buses as Chattooga Students Return Friday
With the first day of school just days away, motorists are being reminded to slow down, stay alert and obey Georgia’s school bus laws as Chattooga County students return to class on Friday, July 24.
School buses will once again be traveling roads across the county during the early morning and afternoon hours, picking up and dropping off hundreds of students. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and be especially cautious in neighborhoods and along rural routes where children may be waiting for buses.
Under Georgia law, drivers traveling in both directions on an undivided roadway must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and activates its flashing red lights. Drivers may only proceed after the stop arm is withdrawn and the bus begins moving again.
On divided highways with a grass median, concrete barrier or other physical separation, only vehicles traveling behind the bus are required to stop. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction is not required to stop but should continue with caution.
Passing a stopped school bus is not only dangerous but can also be expensive. Violators face significant fines, points on their driver’s license and possible court appearances. Many school buses are also equipped with stop-arm cameras that record vehicles illegally passing while children are boarding or exiting.
Parents are encouraged to remind children to remain a safe distance from the roadway, wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the street and never walk behind a school bus.
As another school year begins, motorists are reminded that a few extra seconds of patience can help ensure every child arrives safely at school and returns home each afternoon.
Summerville to Celebrate Recreation Improvements Today
The City of Summerville is inviting the public to attend the first of two open house celebrations today as it highlights recent improvements to the city’s recreational facilities.
The first event will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Summerville Recreation Center, where city officials will celebrate the installation of the facility’s new gymnasium HVAC system. The public is invited to attend.
A second celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 24, at 8:30 p.m. at Dunson Field, where the city will officially unveil the new MUSCO ballfield lighting system during youth baseball and softball games.
Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said both events are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to join the city in celebrating the completion of these important recreation improvements.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church To Hold Annual School Prayer Walk Sunday
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Gore community will hold its annual school prayer walk on Sunday, July 26, inviting families, educators, students, community members and other churches to take part.
The prayer walk will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the CCEC Center and Chattooga County Schools Bus Garage.
The group will then visit the following schools:
Leroy Massey Elementary School — 5:45 p.m.
Trion City Schools — 6:10 p.m.
Summerville Middle School and the CO/AGC area — 6:40 p.m.
Chattooga High School — 7 p.m.
Lyerly Elementary School — 7:25 p.m.
Menlo Elementary School — approximately 7:56 p.m.
Organizers said all times are approximate, but the group plans to arrive as close as possible to the listed schedule.
Community members are welcome to join the prayer walk at their local school or travel with the group to each stop. Other churches are also invited to participate.
Chattooga County Schools To Host Meet the Teacher Night Thursday
Families across Chattooga County will have an opportunity to meet teachers and prepare for the upcoming school year during Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, July 23.
The event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Menlo Elementary School, Lyerly Elementary School, Leroy Massey School, Summerville Middle School, and Chattooga High School.
Students and their families are encouraged to visit their schools, meet teachers, tour classrooms, drop off school supplies, and learn more about the year ahead before classes begin.
School officials say Meet the Teacher Night is a great opportunity for students to become familiar with their learning environment and start the new school year with confidence.