Big Weekend For Chattooga Football As Varsity Wins And Middle School Advances To Championship

Chattooga Middle School football players celebrate following Saturday’s 52-8 semifinal victory over Darlington. The Indians advance to the championship game and will face Model Thursday, October 8, at 5 PM.

It was a big weekend for Chattooga football, with both the varsity Indians and Chattooga Middle School picking up important victories.

On Friday night, the Chattooga Indians earned their first win of the season, defeating Gordon Central 38-22 in front of the Homecoming crowd at the Little Big Horn.

The 38 points were a season high for Chattooga, which improved to 1-5 overall and 1-1 in Region 7-AA.

Chattooga will have an open date this coming Friday before returning to action October 16, when the Indians host Dade County in another region matchup.

Then on Saturday, Chattooga Middle School punched its ticket to the championship game with a dominant semifinal victory over Darlington.

The middle school Indians defeated Darlington 52-8, winning by 44 points to advance to the title game.

Chattooga now knows its championship opponent after Model defeated Pepperell in the other semifinal.

Chattooga Middle School will face Model for the championship Thursday, October 8, at 5 PM.

The back-to-back victories made for a strong weekend for Chattooga football, with the varsity Indians breaking into the win column and the middle school team earning an opportunity to bring home a championship.

Chattooga Indians Pick Up First Win With 38-22 Homecoming Victory

The Chattooga Indians broke into the win column in a big way Friday night, defeating Gordon Central 38-22 in front of the Homecoming crowd at the Little Big Horn.

The victory was the first of the season for Head Coach Roone Gable and the Indians, who entered Friday night’s Region 7-AA contest with an 0-5 record. Gordon Central also came into the game looking for its first victory of the year.

Chattooga’s offense had its biggest night of the season, putting 38 points on the scoreboard. Before Friday night, the Indians’ season high was 17 points in a 27-17 loss at Ridgeland. Chattooga had scored 14 against LaFayette, seven against Model, seven against Coosa and was shut out 23-0 by Gordon Lee last week.

The win also came on Homecoming night at Chattooga High School, capping a week of activities that included Wednesday night’s Red & Black Bash. Students, alumni and supporters gathered Friday night at the Little Big Horn for the Homecoming celebration and the Indians’ region matchup with Gordon Central.

The 2026 Homecoming Court was recognized during the evening.

Daysa Connie Martin was crowned the 2026 Homecoming Queen.

Claira Moseley was named First Runner-Up, while Carlee Alissa Childers was named Second Runner-Up.

Class princesses were also recognized. Addison Deberry was named Junior Princess, Emma Kate Veatch was named Sophomore Princess, and Layla Monet Albert was named Freshman Princess.

Trion had the week off Friday night. The Bulldogs are 5-1 following last week’s 48-21 road victory over Northview. Trion returns to action next Friday, October 9, traveling to Greenville to take on the Patriots at 7:30 PM.

Chattooga will have next Friday off before returning to the Little Big Horn on Friday, October 16, when the Indians host Dade County at 7:30 PM.

 

Rain And Storms Increase Saturday, Wet Sunday Ahead For Chattooga County

Rain chances will increase across Chattooga County Saturday as a frontal system moves into northwest Georgia, bringing scattered thunderstorms before more widespread rainfall arrives Sunday.

The National Weather Service says Saturday will remain unusually warm for early October, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 87 degrees. There is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 PM.

While rain and storms will remain scattered during the day, forecasters say the atmosphere contains plenty of moisture, meaning some thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall. Many locations should still experience periods of dry weather Saturday.

Rain chances increase to 60 percent Saturday night, with showers becoming more widespread toward daybreak Sunday. The overnight low will be around 68 degrees.

Sunday is expected to be the wettest day of the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a much cooler high near 76 degrees. The National Weather Service says moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall will be possible.

Across north Georgia, rainfall totals of one to three inches are possible through the first part of next week, although the greatest rainfall amounts and highest flash-flooding threat are currently expected farther south.

The front will push south of northwest Georgia by early next week, allowing cooler and drier air to move into the region.

Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 81 degrees. North winds around 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph.

More fall-like weather arrives Tuesday and Wednesday with sunshine and highs near 79 degrees. Overnight temperatures will fall into the lower 50s, reaching around 50 degrees Wednesday night.

Sunny skies continue Thursday with a high near 82 degrees.

Today
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 76. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 63. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 79.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 82.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Sum Nelly Moves Downtown Today; New Harvest Festival Planned For November

The 52nd annual Sum Nelly Festival is taking place today, but visitors will find some significant changes because of concerns about the weekend weather.

The City of Summerville has moved today’s festival from its traditional location at Dowdy Park to East Washington Street in downtown Summerville. Festival hours have also been shortened, with Sum Nelly running from 9 AM until 3 PM today.

The changes were made with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast. Moving the festival to a paved downtown location will help avoid problems associated with wet and muddy conditions at Dowdy Park.

Some vendors had petitioned for the festival to be postponed because of concerns about the weather, possible flooding, reduced attendance and the financial impact of a rainy festival day.

Instead of canceling Sum Nelly, the city is moving forward with today’s downtown event while also providing vendors with another opportunity later this fall.

Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson has announced a new Summerville Harvest Festival, which will be held Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM until 5 PM at Dowdy Park.

Vendors who were already registered and paid for Sum Nelly will be able to register for the November Harvest Festival at no additional charge.

Registration for the Harvest Festival opens Monday, October 5, through the Summerville Parks and Recreation website at summervillerec.org.

For anyone planning to attend Sum Nelly today, remember the two major changes: the festival is on East Washington Street instead of Dowdy Park, and it runs from 9 AM until 3 PM.

Rain chances increase as the day progresses, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely later this afternoon and evening.

Northwest Georgia Health Officials Urge Residents To Get Flu Shots By End Of October

With flu season approaching, Northwest Georgia public health officials are encouraging residents to get their annual influenza vaccination, preferably before the end of October.
Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s 10-county Northwest Health District, says everyone six months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine unless their healthcare provider advises otherwise.
That includes residents in Chattooga County, which is part of the Northwest Health District.

Health officials say getting vaccinated before flu activity increases gives the body time to build protection ahead of the period when influenza typically becomes more widespread.
Voccio says influenza can lead to more than just a few days of illness. Cases can result in missed work and school, serious complications, hospitalization and, in some cases, death. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness.

People at increased risk of serious flu complications include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent handwashing, cleaning commonly touched surfaces and staying home when sick to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Voccio is also reminding Northwest Georgia residents about the importance of staying current on other recommended vaccinations, including the measles vaccine, following an increase in measles cases reported in Georgia this year.

Flu vaccines are available through local health departments, doctors and many pharmacies. Residents can contact their healthcare provider or the Chattooga County Health Department for more information.

Summerville Announces Halloween Walk And Pumpkin Palooza For October 31

Halloween will bring a full day of family activities to downtown Summerville later this month, with the annual Halloween Walk and Pumpkin Palooza planned for Saturday, October 31.

Activities will be centered around the East Washington Street Streetscape area and the Historic Summerville Depot.

Pumpkin Palooza will run from 10:30 AM until 3 PM in the Depot area, featuring food and craft vendors along with other activities.

The annual Halloween Walk will take place from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM along the downtown Streetscape, giving youngsters an opportunity to dress up and take part in the Halloween festivities.

A costume contest is scheduled for 11:30 AM at the Open Air Stage.

Organizers are also planning a candy walk and other daytime activities, followed by nighttime events. A blood drive is also being held in connection with this year’s Halloween activities.

Residents should check with individual cities and towns for their separate evening trick-or-treating times and locations.

The October 31 festivities are being presented by Summerville Main Street and the Optimist Club.

Anyone interested in becoming a Pumpkin Palooza vendor can contact Susan at 706-728-0456.

Free Webinar To Help Younger Georgians Avoid Costly Financial Mistakes

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office will offer a free financial education webinar later this month designed to help Millennials and Generation Z recognize and avoid common financial mistakes that can cost them thousands of dollars over time.

The FIN FIT webinar, “Money Pitfalls Costing Millennials and Gen Z Thousands,” is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 6 PM. The program will be available online and by phone, making it accessible to residents across Georgia, including those in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.

The webinar will focus on financial decisions that can have long-term consequences, particularly for younger adults who are beginning careers, establishing credit, paying off student loans or other debt, and trying to build savings.

Topics will include managing debt, building and protecting credit, developing a realistic budget, increasing savings and making better long-term financial decisions. The program will also look at how high-interest debt, unnecessary fees, delayed investing and missed savings opportunities can add up to significant amounts of money over the years.

Award-winning journalist Donna Lowry will moderate the discussion. Featured speakers will include Dr. Brent Evans, an assistant professor of finance and author of FreeFinanceBook.com, and Cait Howerton, a certified financial planner with Earned Wealth.

Participants will also have an opportunity to submit questions and receive practical information they can use when making everyday financial decisions.

The Secretary of State’s Office launched FIN FIT in 2023 as a financial literacy initiative providing educational resources to Georgians, small businesses and entrepreneurs. The program covers subjects ranging from personal budgeting and investing to protecting consumers from financial fraud.

The October 29 webinar is free, but participants are required to register in advance through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.

Summerville Man Charged With DUI After Police Say Vehicle Reached 88 MPH

A Summerville man was arrested after police said they clocked his vehicle traveling 88 miles per hour while responding to a report of a vehicle being driven at a high rate of speed.

According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, an officer was looking for a vehicle matching a description provided by 911 when he spotted a vehicle traveling eastbound on West Washington Street at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.

The officer followed the vehicle as it turned onto Commerce Street and activated his in-car radar. Police said the vehicle was traveling 88 miles per hour and continued at approximately 78 miles per hour through the area of Commerce Street and Georgia Avenue.

According to the report, the vehicle crossed the center line approximately three times and failed to maintain its lane before eventually stopping near Jakeville Avenue.

Police identified the driver as Tyler James Simpson, 34, of Summerville.

Simpson reportedly told the officer he had consumed a strong alcoholic beverage earlier in the evening. According to the report, Simpson said he and his wife had been arguing and that he left their residence on Cooper Heights to prevent the situation from escalating.

The officer reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol and said Simpson had slurred speech and red, glossy eyes.

During a search of the vehicle, police reported finding two open containers of alcoholic beverages.

The officer also conducted field sobriety evaluations. According to the report, Simpson did not exhibit clues of impairment during the walk-and-turn or one-leg-stand evaluations. However, the officer reported observing six clues during the horizontal gaze nystagmus evaluation.

Based on Simpson’s driving, the odor of alcohol, his physical appearance and the results of the investigation, the officer reported determining that Simpson was less safe to operate a motor vehicle.

Simpson was arrested and charged with DUI – Alcohol Less Safe, speeding, failure to maintain lane and an open container violation.

Chattooga River Cleanup Planned Monday During Fall Break

The Chattooga River Group is teaming up with Chattooga County Extension for a river cleanup Monday, October 5, as part of the Rivers Alive program.

The cleanup begins at 10 AM at the river in Trion, with participants meeting at the end of Park Avenue.

Organizers say Monday’s cleanup is specifically for landlubbers, meaning volunteers will work from land and will not be kayaking or getting into the river.

Adults interested in participating are asked to contact Cindy Rivers McGraw at 706-466-9014. 4-H members who would like to participate should contact Kyle Krueger at the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744.

While volunteers work on the cleanup, other members of the Chattooga River Group will be on the water. They plan to kayak the Blue Leg section of the river from Trion to Summerville, where they will install river signage in cooperation with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

The cleanup coincides with Fall Break for local students, providing an opportunity for families and young people to take part in a community environmental project.

Rivers Alive is a statewide program that encourages volunteers to help clean and protect Georgia’s waterways.

Fall Break Coming Up For Chattooga County And Trion Students

Students in both local school systems will be out for Fall Break next week, although the schedules are slightly different for Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.

For Trion City Schools, Fall Break begins Monday, October 5, and continues through Friday, October 9. Students will return to class Monday, October 12.

For Chattooga County Schools, which operate on a four-day school week, Fall Break is Tuesday, October 6, through Friday, October 9.

The break gives students and school employees several days away from the classroom as the first part of the 2026-2027 school year moves into October.

Parents and students should keep the Fall Break schedules in mind when making plans for the coming week.

Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit To Focus On Jobs, Manufacturing And AI

Business leaders, educators and workforce experts from across Northwest Georgia will gather later this month to discuss some of the biggest challenges facing employers and workers across the region.

The second annual Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Gordon County Campus.

Presented by Dalton State College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College, the summit will bring together representatives from education, industry and government to examine how Northwest Georgia can develop the workforce needed for continued economic growth.

This year’s discussions will concentrate on three areas with significant implications for Northwest Georgia — healthcare, manufacturing and the growing impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the workplace.

A healthcare workforce panel will examine ways employers and educators can meet current staffing needs while developing future workers. Representatives will include AdventHealth Murray, Hamilton Medical Center, the Technical College System of Georgia and Calhoun College & Career Academy.

Another panel will focus on manufacturing, industrial growth and economic opportunity. Representatives from Mohawk Industries, GEDIA, Georgia Power and regional economic development organizations are among those participating in the day’s discussions.

Artificial intelligence will also receive considerable attention. An afternoon panel will look at how AI and other technologies are changing jobs and what workers and employers can do to prepare. Panelists include representatives from the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries and Vitruvian Health.

The summit comes as Northwest Georgia continues working to prepare for significant employment growth. Dalton State says the region is expected to add more than 20,000 jobs over the next decade, increasing demand for skilled and educated workers.

The luncheon program will feature a discussion about Georgia’s workforce future with Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, University System of Georgia Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Ashwani Monga, and Ian Caraway, director of policy and external affairs for Gov. Brian Kemp.

The summit begins at 8:30 AM October 29 with registration, coffee and networking and is scheduled to conclude at 3 PM.

Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.

Organizers say the goal is to move beyond simply identifying workforce problems and encourage cooperation among schools, colleges, employers and economic development organizations throughout Northwest Georgia.

Wet Weekend Ahead As Fall Temperatures Return To Northwest Georgia

Northwest Georgia is in for a significant weather change this weekend, with unseasonably warm conditions giving way to increasing rain chances, the potential for locally heavy rainfall and noticeably cooler temperatures by Sunday and early next week.

Friday will remain warm and humid, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 89 degrees. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms develops during the afternoon and evening, with rain chances around 20 percent. Winds will remain light, becoming southerly at around 5 mph during the afternoon.

Friday night will stay mild and humid, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 68 degrees. A few isolated showers or thunderstorms will remain possible overnight.

Rain chances increase more substantially Saturday as deeper moisture continues moving into the region. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread during the day, with a 60 percent chance of rain and a high near 87 degrees. Saturday night looks even wetter, with a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 68.

Some of Saturday’s storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, especially where repeated showers move over the same areas.

Sunday is expected to be the wettest and coolest day of the weekend. Showers are likely, with thunderstorms also possible, and the chance of rain increases to 80 percent. Temperatures will be much cooler, with a high near 75 degrees.

The National Weather Service says a very moist air mass will remain in place across Georgia while a frontal boundary stalls near the northern part of the state. At the same time, tropical moisture will continue feeding northward from the Gulf, creating favorable conditions for periods of heavy rain.

Forecasters say North Georgia could receive between 1.5 and 3 inches of rainfall through the period. The exact placement of the heaviest rainfall remains uncertain, but localized flooding could become a concern, particularly in low-lying areas, poor drainage locations and places that receive repeated rounds of heavy rain.

The Weather Service is also monitoring the potential for excessive rainfall across the region through the weekend.

While thunderstorms are possible Friday through Sunday, severe weather is not currently expected to be the main concern. Heavy rainfall and localized flooding appear to be the greater threats.

Conditions begin improving early next week as the front finally pushes south and a much drier and cooler air mass moves into North Georgia.

Monday will be partly sunny with a high near 81 degrees. Tuesday turns mostly sunny with a high near 78, followed by a low near 50 Tuesday night. Wednesday looks sunny and pleasant with a high near 76, with another cool night around 50 degrees.

By Thursday, sunshine continues with a high near 81.

The extended forecast represents a noticeable transition from summerlike warmth to more typical early October weather, with cooler afternoons, crisp nighttime temperatures and drier conditions expected by the middle of next week.

Today
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am, then a slight chance of showers between 3am and 5am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then showers likely after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday
Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 75. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 76.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 81.

Chattooga Hosts Gordon Central For Homecoming Friday Night

The Chattooga Indians return to the Little Big Horn Friday night for Homecoming, taking on the Gordon Central Warriors in a Region 7-AA matchup.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.

Both teams enter Friday night’s game looking for their first win of the season. Chattooga is 0-5 overall and 0-1 in region play, while Gordon Central is also 0-5 overall and 0-1 in the region.

Chattooga is coming off a 23-0 loss to Gordon Lee, while Gordon Central fell to Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 35-26 last Friday.

For Head Coach Roone Gable and the Indians, Friday night’s game provides an opportunity to pick up an important region victory in front of the Homecoming crowd.

The game caps off a week of Homecoming activities at Chattooga High School, including the Red & Black Bash held Wednesday evening. The Homecoming Court will also be featured Friday night as students, alumni and supporters gather at the Little Big Horn.

Trion has the week off, making the Chattooga-Gordon Central matchup the featured WZQZ football broadcast this week.

The game will be heard live on WZQZ 99.1 FM and will also be streamed live on the WZQZ Facebook page.

The Chattooga broadcast crew of Chris “Bubba” Wilson and Steiner Davis, along with cameraman Mason Gilreath, will bring listeners and viewers all the action from the Little Big Horn.

Kickoff between the Chattooga Indians and Gordon Central Warriors is at 7:30 PM Friday.

Georgia Tightens Animal Entry Requirements Following New World Screwworm Detection

Livestock owners in Chattooga County and across Georgia are being urged to stay alert as the Georgia Department of Agriculture has reinstated enhanced animal-entry requirements following another detection of New World screwworm in New Mexico.

The latest case was confirmed September 17 in a horse in Grant County, New Mexico. In response, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced additional requirements for warm-blooded animals being brought into Georgia from affected areas.

The enhanced requirements currently apply to animals originating in Catron, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra and portions of Grant County, New Mexico. Additional restrictions also remain in effect for animals entering Georgia from Texas.

The regulations could be important for local farmers, livestock producers and horse owners who purchase animals from affected areas or transport animals into Georgia.

Animals coming from an officially designated New World screwworm infested zone must receive a Georgia entry permit, which should be requested at least 48 hours before entering the state.

Animals coming from designated counties but outside an infested zone must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within seven days of travel. The animal must be inspected and found free of New World screwworm, with that finding recorded on the certificate.

New World screwworm is caused by the larvae of a fly that infest wounds and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Infestations can cause severe and potentially deadly injuries.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says livestock and pet owners should regularly inspect animals for wounds and watch for maggots or eggs, foul-smelling wounds, excessive licking or biting at a wound, head shaking, irritation or unusual isolation from other animals or people.

Owners who suspect New World screwworm in a domestic animal should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Office of the State Veterinarian at 404-656-3667. Suspected cases involving wildlife should be reported to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

State agriculture officials say the animal movement requirements may be changed as conditions develop.

Cloudland Man Indicted In February Domestic Assault Case

A Cloudland man accused of threatening a woman with a knife and handgun during a domestic dispute earlier this year has now been indicted by a Chattooga County grand jury.

Joseph Daniel Wallin, of Piedmont Avenue in the Cloudland area, was indicted on two counts of aggravated assault, simple assault under the Family Violence Act, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, terroristic threats and acts, and obstruction of an officer.

The charges stem from a February 14 incident investigated by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the original incident report, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a domestic dispute involving reports of both a knife and firearm. Wallin had reportedly left the residence on foot before officers arrived.

The complainant told a Chattooga County deputy that Wallin became angry while working on his truck and the two became involved in an argument.

She alleged Wallin pulled a pocketknife, threatened her and lunged toward her with the open knife.

According to the report, Wallin then allegedly went into another room and retrieved a Tisas 1911 handgun. The complainant told deputies he returned to the living room, pointed the handgun at her and threatened to shoot her.

The confrontation allegedly continued outside. The complainant told deputies Wallin grabbed her thumb with a pair of pliers. She said that after she pushed him away, Wallin placed her in a chokehold. The responding deputy reported observing redness on her neck. Another person reportedly intervened before Wallin left the residence.

While law enforcement officers were still investigating, Wallin allegedly returned to the residence and then ran from officers. Deputies, Summerville Police officers and Georgia State Patrol troopers pursued him on foot before a Chattooga County deputy apprehended him.

Wallin was arrested February 14 and taken to the Chattooga County Jail.

The grand jury indictment now formally charges Wallin in connection with the February incident. According to the indictment, one of the aggravated assault allegations specifically accuses Wallin of pointing the Tisas 1911 handgun at the complainant and threatening to shoot her.

An indictment is a formal accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Wallin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Chattooga County Transit System Seeking Federal Funding For Rural Transportation

Chattooga County residents have until Friday, October 9, to submit comments or request a public hearing concerning the county’s application for federal funding for its rural public transportation program.

A public notice concerning the application was published Thursday, September 24, giving residents 15 days from the date of publication to respond.

The Chattooga County Transit System is applying for funding assistance under Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which provides assistance for public transportation in rural areas.

The county transit system provides transportation for residents for purposes including medical appointments, shopping, social services and other needs.

As part of the application process, the county is seeking comments and concerns from the general public about local rural transportation services. Input is specifically being requested from elderly, low-income and disabled residents and their representatives to ensure their transportation needs are considered.

Private for-profit transportation operators are also being given an opportunity to provide input or express interest in participating in the program.

Residents may request that a public hearing be held to discuss the transportation services being offered or development of the funding application.

Comments and requests should be submitted to Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. The Commissioner’s Office can also be reached at 706-857-0700.

If no response is received during the 15-day comment period, the Chattooga County Transit System will proceed with its funding application.

Town Of Trion Seeking Bids For Recreation Center Door Replacement

The Town of Trion is accepting bids for a door replacement project at the Trion Recreation Center Auxiliary Gym.

According to an invitation to bid issued by the town, the project calls for replacing a 6-by-7-foot double door with glass tops at the Auxiliary Gym, located at 90 Dalton Street.

The project includes furnishing the necessary labor and materials for the replacement.

Sealed bids will be accepted until 11:15 AM on October 8 and must be marked “Trion Recreation Door Replacement Project.” Bids will be opened at 11:45 AM that day in the Council Room at Trion Town Hall.

The town says there will be no pre-bid conference, although prospective bidders may examine the job site during normal Town Hall business hours after contacting Parks and Recreation Director Chris Mosley.

An award will be made at a later date.

Contractors submitting proposals must meet the town’s bid requirements, including applicable licensing, E-Verify and drug-free workplace requirements. The successful contractor must also obtain a Town of Trion business license before beginning work.

The Town of Trion reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.

Five New Measles Cases Confirmed In Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed five additional cases of measles, bringing the state’s total to 21 cases so far in 2026.

The latest cases involve five siblings in a Jasper County family. State health officials say the individuals were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, and at least one of the siblings has a history of travel outside Georgia.

DPH says the Jasper County cases are not connected to the earlier measles outbreak in Cobb County. Public health officials are working to identify people who may have been exposed through contact with the family.

The latest cases continue an increase in measles activity in Georgia. The state reported 10 confirmed cases during all of 2025, compared with 21 through the end of September this year.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for as long as two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take as long as 21 days to appear. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that generally begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

DPH says the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages four and six.

Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should call a healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic. Calling ahead allows healthcare workers to take precautions to prevent possible exposure to other patients.