Halloween Celebrations Planned Across Chattooga County Today
Halloween is here, and families across Chattooga County have plenty of opportunities to celebrate today, with activities scheduled in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, local organizations have planned a full day of trick-or-treating, costume contests, hayrides and other family-friendly activities.
Summerville
Summerville Main Street and the Summerville Optimist Club will host the annual Halloween Walk and Pumpkin Palooza in downtown Summerville.
Pumpkin Palooza will take place from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. around the historic Summerville Depot, featuring food and craft vendors.
The annual Halloween Walk will run from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. along the East Washington Street Streetscape, giving children an opportunity to collect candy while showing off their Halloween costumes.
A costume contest will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Open Air Stage.
Sloppy Floyd State Park
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host the final Halloween Hayrides of the season today from 1 until 4 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 through 12. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.
Visitors can also enjoy free candy, temporary tattoos and popcorn.
A $10 vehicle parking pass is required unless visitors have an annual Georgia State Parks ParkPass. A free shuttle will transport visitors from the park entrance to the hayride area.
The hayrides will be canceled if it rains.
The park is also offering a Spooky Sunset Paddle and Costume Contest from 6 until 8 p.m. Registration is required, with a cost of $20 per person using a rental kayak or $10 for those bringing their own kayak. Participants should meet at the park office by 6 p.m.
Trion
The Town of Trion will hold its annual Halloween Walk this evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The event is a longstanding community tradition, bringing families together for an evening of Halloween fun and trick-or-treating.
Lyerly
The Lyerly Fire Department will host a Trunk or Treat and Movie Night at Lyerly Park.
Trunk or Treat activities will run from 5 until 7 p.m., with free hot dogs available for families attending.
A free outdoor movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and concessions will be available for purchase.
Additional Halloween Activities
North Georgia Truckfest 2.0 is also scheduled today from noon until 5 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road.
The event will include Halloween and children’s activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, a cake walk and hayrides, along with truck competitions. General admission is $20, with children younger than 8 admitted free.
Proceeds are intended to help families with Thanksgiving meals and holiday bills.
Halloween Safety And Weather
Families heading out tonight should keep an eye on the weather, particularly for outdoor activities. Rain could affect some evening celebrations.
Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children, carry flashlights or reflective items and remind children to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
Motorists should be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and near community events, where children may be crossing streets throughout the evening.
With celebrations planned from late morning through tonight, Chattooga County families have several opportunities to enjoy Halloween close to home.
Tourism Spending In Walker County Climbs To $54.1 Million In 2025
Tourism continues to be a growing part of Walker County’s economy, with visitors spending more than $54 million during 2025, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
The Walker Chamber of Commerce and Tourism announced that visitor spending reached $54.1 million in 2025, an increase of 4.3% over 2024. The figures come from an annual study conducted by Tourism Economics.
The report shows increases in spending across every major tourism category, including restaurants, recreation, retail and transportation. However, the largest growth occurred in lodging, reflecting the increasing popularity of Walker County’s unique overnight accommodations.
Among the attractions drawing visitors are Cloudland at McLemore Resort on Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens and a growing number of specialty lodging destinations offering everything from treehouse retreats and glamping yurts to mountain cabins and themed accommodations.
Cloudland at McLemore Resort welcomed guests from all 50 states and 37 countries across six continents during its second year of operation. The resort also opened its second 18-hole golf course, The Keep, which received Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Best New Course Overall recognition.
Rock City Gardens, another major regional attraction, welcomed more than half a million visitors during 2025.
Lacey Smith, president and CEO of the Walker Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, said the county’s natural beauty and variety of visitor experiences continue to strengthen the local economy.
“As the organization responsible for championing our local tourism industry, we are excited to see the impact visitor spending continues to have on our economy,” Smith said.
The report found that tourism supported 462 jobs in Walker County during 2025 and generated $3.8 million in state and local tax revenues.
According to the study, without those tourism-related tax revenues, each Walker County household would need to pay an additional $143 annually to generate an equivalent amount.
The county’s growth was part of another record-setting year for tourism statewide. Georgia welcomed 175.6 million domestic and international visitors who spent $46.2 billion during 2025.
State tourism officials say visitor spending generated $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues and supported more than 473,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs across Georgia.
The annual tourism economic impact study is commissioned by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and examines visitor spending and its economic benefits in all 159 Georgia counties.
Additional information about Walker County tourism is available at walkerrocks.com.
Sources: Walker County Government; Walker Chamber of Commerce and Tourism; Georgia Department of Economic Development; Tourism Economics.
Georgia Wildlife Officials Warn Drivers Of Increased Deer Activity On Roadways
With deer breeding season underway and the end of Daylight Saving Time approaching tonight, Georgia wildlife officials are urging motorists to be especially careful on the roads.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources issued a warning Thursday, October 29, reminding drivers that deer movement increases significantly during the fall months, raising the risk of collisions.
The warning is particularly important for motorists traveling rural roads throughout Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, where wooded areas, farmland and highways frequently intersect deer habitats.
According to the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, deer breeding season generally occurs between October and late December, depending on location. During this period, male deer become more active as they search for mates, often crossing roads without warning.
The time change early Sunday morning adds another concern. As clocks move back one hour, evening commuters will be traveling during hours when deer are especially active.
Kevin Rose, assistant state deer biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division, says drivers should remember that deer often travel in groups.
If one deer crosses the road, others may be following close behind.
Wildlife officials recommend reducing speed in areas where deer are commonly seen, paying attention to roadsides and avoiding distractions while driving.
Drivers should never swerve sharply to avoid a deer, since doing so could cause a head-on collision or send a vehicle off the roadway. Instead, motorists should brake firmly while maintaining control of their vehicle.
Deer are most active around dawn and dusk, making early morning and late afternoon travel especially hazardous during the fall.
The DNR says extra caution now can help prevent serious accidents as deer activity increases throughout November and December.
Hashtags: #WZQZNews, #WZQZ, #ChattoogaInfo, #GeorgiaDNR, #DeerSafety, #DeerCollisions, #RoadSafety, #ChattoogaCounty, #NorthwestGeorgia, #WildlifeSafety, #DaylightSavingTime
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, October 29, 2026.
Summerville Fire Service Fees End Today Following Supreme Court Ruling
The City of Summerville officially ends collection of fire service fees today, Saturday, October 31, following a recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling concerning the legality of certain fire protection charges.
The decision follows the Georgia Supreme Court’s October 14 ruling in Chatham County v. Smith, which determined that Chatham County’s fire protection charge operated as an illegal property tax rather than a lawful service fee.
Following the ruling, the Georgia Municipal Association advised local governments to review their fire service fees with legal counsel.
Summerville officials consulted with the city’s attorney before announcing that the fees would be discontinued.
City leaders are now examining alternative funding methods to help replace revenue previously collected through the fire service fees.
Despite the change, city officials emphasize that residents and businesses will continue receiving the same level of fire protection services.
The city says its commitment to providing professional and dependable fire protection remains unchanged.
The decision represents a change in how Summerville will fund fire protection operations, but city officials have assured residents that the elimination of the fees will not mean a reduction in emergency services.
Hashtags: #WZQZNews, #WZQZ, #ChattoogaInfo, #SummervilleGA, #CityOfSummerville, #FireServiceFees, #SummervilleFireDepartment, #GeorgiaSupremeCourt, #ChattoogaCounty, #LocalGovernment
Sources: City of Summerville; Georgia Supreme Court, Chatham County v. Smith, October 14, 2026.
GNTC Foundation Board Earns State Recognition For Fifth Consecutive Year
The Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation’s Board of Trustees has been named a 2026 Role Model Board by the Technical College Foundation Association of Georgia, marking the fifth consecutive year the foundation has received the statewide honor.
The recognition highlights the board’s commitment to supporting students and maintaining high standards in nonprofit governance, financial accountability and fundraising.
The Technical College Foundation Association of Georgia represents foundations affiliated with the state’s 23 technical colleges and more than 450 trustees across Georgia.
Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC, said the recognition reflects the dedication of the foundation’s trustees to helping students succeed.
“This designation as a Role-Model Board is confirmation of what we already knew—the GNTC Foundation Trustees are passionate about supporting our students,” Hannon said.
Hannon added that board members have demonstrated exceptional commitment to helping students achieve their educational and career goals through their service, contributions and leadership.
The Role Model Board designation is awarded annually to technical college foundations that demonstrate excellence in nonprofit operations, board management, financial compliance and fundraising activities.
To qualify, foundations must meet certification requirements established by the association, including active trustee participation in development activities and continuing professional development for board members and college advancement personnel.
The GNTC Foundation received its recognition during the 2026 Technical College System of Georgia Fall Leadership Conference, held recently at the Hyatt Regency Savannah.
GNTC was among 17 technical college foundations across Georgia recognized for meeting the certification requirements.
The GNTC Foundation supports students attending Georgia Northwestern Technical College, which serves Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia communities through technical education and workforce training programs.
Berry College To Open Historic House O' Dreams For Public Tours November 7
Visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore one of Northwest Georgia’s most historic mountain retreats when Berry College opens the House o’ Dreams to the public on Saturday, November 7.
Oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum will host the special open house from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., allowing visitors to tour the historic cottage atop Lavender Mountain and learn about its connection to Berry College founder Martha Berry.
The House o’ Dreams was constructed in 1922 by Berry students and staff as a gift to Martha Berry in celebration of the school’s 20th anniversary. The stone and wood cottage served as a mountain retreat where Berry could entertain guests and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Situated approximately 1,360 feet above sea level, the property offers sweeping views of Berry College, Rome and the surrounding Northwest Georgia mountains. On clear days, visitors can see portions of Alabama and Tennessee.
During the November 7 open house, guests will be permitted inside the historic cottage, with guides available to explain its history and significance.
Because the property is located atop a steep mountain road, Berry College will provide shuttle transportation from its Mountain Campus.
Shuttle tickets cost $18 for the general public and $12 for Berry College students, faculty, staff and alumni. The shuttles will depart every 45 minutes beginning at 10 a.m., with the final departure scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Visitors who prefer to hike to the House o’ Dreams may participate in the open house free of charge.
Advance reservations are required for shuttle transportation because seating is limited. Parking and shuttle pickup information will be provided to ticket holders before the event.
The House o’ Dreams has limited accessibility, and visitors with special accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the Martha Berry Museum beforehand.
Tickets and additional information are available through the official House o’ Dreams reservation website.
Community Churches And Businesses Help Provide Shoes And Clothing For Leroy Massey Students
Students at Leroy Massey Elementary School in Summerville are receiving a helping hand thanks to the generosity of local churches, businesses and community members who are working together to make sure children have the clothing and supplies they need.
School officials recently expressed their appreciation for several donations that are helping students feel comfortable, confident and prepared for the classroom.
Summerville First United Methodist Church donated Walmart gift cards, while Try-Con Tufters, Inc. made a generous donation to purchase shoes for students.
The school also recognized Johnnie and Martha Cameron for their ongoing support throughout the year, including donations of shoes, clothing and snacks.
Additional appreciation was extended to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Menlo Methodist Church, Bethel Methodist Church and Trion First Baptist Church for their generosity and continued support of students.
School officials said the contributions demonstrate the strong relationship between the school and the surrounding community.
The donations help ensure that students have access to basic necessities, allowing them to focus on learning rather than worrying about whether they have appropriate shoes, clothing or other everyday items.
In a message shared by the school, officials expressed gratitude for the many individuals and organizations who continue to make a difference in students’ lives.
The school emphasized that it takes an entire community working together to support children and help them succeed.
Georgia's Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Season Opens Sunday
Georgia anglers will have additional trout fishing opportunities beginning Sunday, November 1, as the state’s annual delayed harvest trout season gets underway.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says the special season provides anglers with opportunities to enjoy catch-and-release trout fishing on five designated streams across the state.
The delayed harvest season runs from November 1 through May 14, with special regulations designed to maintain healthy trout populations and provide fishing opportunities throughout the colder months.
During this period, anglers must immediately release all trout they catch and use only artificial lures equipped with a single hook.
The five designated delayed harvest waters include portions of the Chattahoochee River, Toccoa River, Amicalola Creek, Smith Creek and the Chattooga River along the Georgia-South Carolina border.
The Chattooga River included in the program is located in Northeast Georgia and should not be confused with Chattooga County in Northwest Georgia.
According to Chris French, trout stocking coordinator for the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, the delayed harvest program allows anglers to enjoy fishing opportunities throughout the winter while protecting stocked trout.
The designated streams are stocked monthly during the season, with the first stockings scheduled for the week of November 2.
The DNR is also partnering with University of Georgia researchers on a trout study along the Chattahoochee River to learn more about angler success and how long stocked fish remain in the designated fishing area.
Georgia anglers participating in the program must have a valid Georgia fishing license and trout license.
Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or through the Go Outdoors GA mobile app.
The delayed harvest season continues through May 14, 2027.
Hashtags: #WZQZNews, #WZQZ, #ChattoogaInfo, #GeorgiaDNR, #TroutFishing, #DelayedHarvest, #GeorgiaFishing, #NorthGeorgia, #OutdoorRecreation, #FishingSeason, #WildlifeResources
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, October 20, 2026.
Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance to State Softball Championship After 6-3 Win Over Wheeler County
The Trion Lady Bulldogs are headed to the Georgia High School Association Class A State Softball Championship after defeating Wheeler County 6-3 in 12 innings on Friday afternoon in Columbus.
The victory at the South Commons Softball Complex continues an outstanding postseason run for the Lady Bulldogs, who have now won 14 consecutive games.
Trion entered Friday’s matchup undefeated in the Elite Eight tournament after posting back-to-back shutout victories. The Lady Bulldogs opened tournament play Wednesday with a 2-0 win over Irwin County before defeating Emanuel County Institute 1-0 on Thursday.
Freshman pitcher Hartley Staton has played a key role in Trion’s postseason success, helping lead the team through a challenging field of Class A opponents.
Friday’s victory over Wheeler County, one of the state’s top-ranked Class A teams, puts Trion in position to compete for a state championship.
Under head coach Trent Stamey, the Lady Bulldogs have put together one of the program’s most impressive postseason performances, advancing to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season and now reaching the championship round.
The GHSA State Softball Tournament concludes Saturday, October 31, in Columbus at 12:15 PM.
Tree Maintenance To Limit Access To Summerville Cemetery Beginning Monday
The City of Summerville is advising residents that access to Summerville Cemetery will be limited beginning Monday, November 2, 2026, while scheduled tree maintenance is underway.
Certain sections of the cemetery may be temporarily blocked or inaccessible as crews carry out the work.
Visitors planning to visit gravesites should be aware of the restrictions and use caution around areas where maintenance crews are working.
The city says the work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the safety and appearance of the cemetery and appreciates the public’s patience while the maintenance is completed.
Arrest Report - Friday - October 30, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, October 30, 2026:
Menlo Halloween Walk Tonight
The City of Menlo will celebrate Halloween this evening with its annual Halloween Walk at Lawrence Park in Menlo. The event gets underway at 5 o’clock and continues until 6:30, giving local children and families an opportunity to enjoy some Halloween fun and collect candy. Menlo is holding its celebration tonight, one day ahead of Halloween, while Summerville, Trion and Lyerly have their community celebrations scheduled for Saturday. Families are invited to come out in costume and enjoy the Halloween festivities at Lawrence Park this evening.
Mild Friday Ahead As Rain Chances Increase For Halloween Weekend
Chattooga County will enjoy another mild and mostly dry day Friday, but changes are on the way for Halloween weekend as a weather system brings increasing clouds and a chance of rain Saturday night into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 79 degrees. North winds will remain light at around 5 mph. Clouds will increase Friday night, with temperatures dropping to around 56 degrees.
For Halloween on Saturday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a high near 73 degrees. Southeast winds will increase to 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts reaching 20 mph.
The good news for families planning Halloween activities is that most of Saturday should remain dry. Rain chances do not increase until late Saturday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday will be cooler, with a high near 63 degrees and a 60 percent chance of showers, mainly during the morning and early afternoon hours.
Forecasters say the latest weather models are showing less rainfall than earlier expected. While a few showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm remain possible, Sunday is no longer expected to be the widespread washout that earlier forecasts had suggested.
Any lingering rain should move out by late Sunday afternoon, with improving conditions heading into the new workweek.
Monday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 72, followed by mostly sunny skies Tuesday and a high around 74.
Another weather system is expected to approach Northwest Georgia by the middle of next week, bringing a renewed chance of showers Tuesday night through Thursday. Rain chances increase to 50 percent Wednesday and 60 percent Wednesday night.
Temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild through much of next week before cooler air arrives behind the next weather system.
For now, the forecast looks favorable for most outdoor Halloween activities Saturday, with the greatest chance of rain holding off until after the evening celebrations have ended.
Chattooga Indians Travel To Fannin County Tonight; Trion Bulldogs Have Open Date
The Chattooga Indians will be on the road tonight for another important Region 7-AA football matchup, while the Trion Bulldogs have the week off as the high school football regular season approaches its conclusion.
Chattooga travels to Blue Ridge to take on the Fannin County Rebels, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight.
The Indians enter the contest with a 2-6 record following last Friday’s 27-14 victory over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The win was Chattooga’s second in its last three games, following a difficult start to the season.
Fannin County comes into tonight’s matchup with a 5-4 record and momentum of its own. The Rebels defeated Gordon Central 56-14 last Friday, continuing a strong offensive stretch.
The Indians will be looking to build on their recent improvement as they face a Fannin County team that has won four of its last five games.
Following tonight’s contest, Chattooga will close out its regular-season schedule next week with another road game against Christian Heritage in Dalton.
Meanwhile, the Trion Bulldogs are off tonight following their 36-6 homecoming victory over Manchester last Friday.
Trion will return to action Friday, November 6, when the Bulldogs host BEST Academy in their regular-season finale.
Chattooga football fans can hear tonight’s game live on WZQZ FM 99.1 or watch the live video broadcast on the WZQZ Facebook page. Chris “Bubba” Wilson will provide play-by-play coverage, with Steiner Davis offering commentary and analysis. Mason Gilreath will be behind the camera bringing viewers the action from Blue Ridge.
Tonight’s Game: Chattooga at Fannin County — 7:30 p.m. in Blue Ridge.
Trion: Open date; returns November 6 at home against BEST Academy.
Today Is Final Day Of Early Voting In Chattooga County Ahead Of Tuesday's Election
Today, Friday, October 30, is the final opportunity for Chattooga County voters to cast their ballots early ahead of next Tuesday’s General Election.
Early voting concludes this evening at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.
The Registrar’s Office is open today from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., giving voters one final opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.
Early voting began October 13 and has continued for three weeks, including two Saturdays.
Voters must present an acceptable form of photo identification when casting their ballots. A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired, is among the acceptable forms of identification.
This year’s ballot includes several important local questions, including proposed homestead property tax exemptions, renewal of the education sales tax and a bond referendum for the Town of Trion.
Georgia voters will also decide statewide races, congressional contests and proposed constitutional amendments.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, when polls across Georgia will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Residents voting on Election Day must report to their assigned voting precinct rather than the Registrar’s Office, unless that office is their designated polling location.
Voters can verify their registration status, review a sample ballot and find their assigned Election Day polling location through the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
There will be no additional early voting Saturday or Sunday. Anyone who does not vote today will need to cast their ballot at their assigned precinct on Tuesday.
Sources: Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, Georgia 2026 General Election Calendar.
Chattooga County Clerk Reminds Property Owners Of Filing Requirements And Free Fraud Alert Service
Chattooga County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Windle James is reminding local property owners about Georgia’s electronic filing requirements for real estate documents and a free service that can help residents monitor activity involving their property records.
Under a Georgia law that took effect January 1, 2025, individuals filing real estate documents on their own are required to submit those documents electronically rather than on paper.
Anyone submitting real estate documents electronically must first complete identity verification through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority. The process includes photographic identification verification and is intended to help protect the integrity of property records.
Certain professionals and organizations, including licensed attorneys, banks, mortgage lenders, surveyors and real estate professionals, may still submit paper documents under exemptions established by state law.
The clerk’s office is also encouraging residents to take advantage of a free service called the Filing Activity Notification System, or FANS.
The program allows property owners to sign up for electronic notifications when certain documents involving their property or name are filed in Georgia’s official records.
The service can help alert property owners to potentially unauthorized activity, including suspicious filings involving deeds or other real estate documents.
FANS is voluntary and free to use. Residents can register online and establish notification requests based on their name or other qualifying property record information.
Notifications apply to future filings after an alert has been established. The service does not prevent fraudulent documents from being filed, and not every filing will necessarily generate a notification.
Residents interested in registering can visit fans.gsccca.org.
Those needing to electronically file real estate documents can use the state’s official portal at efile.gsccca.org.
For additional assistance, residents may contact the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority at 1-800-304-5174.
The Chattooga County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office says the information is being shared to help residents better understand filing requirements and take advantage of services available to protect their property records.
Sources: Chattooga County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Windle James, Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority, Georgia Real Estate Electronic Recording Rules, Filing Activity Notification System.
Annual Walker County Toy Run Set For Sunday To Benefit Local Children
Motorcyclists from across Northwest Georgia will gather in Walker County this Sunday, November 1, for the 2026 Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love Toy Run, an annual event that helps provide Christmas gifts for children in need.
The motorcycle ride is sponsored by Walker County Stocking Full of Love and continues a holiday tradition of bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts and community supporters to help make Christmas brighter for local families.
Participants will gather at Ridgeland High School, located at 2478 Happy Valley Road in Rossville, with motorcycles scheduled to depart at 2 p.m.
Organizers are asking everyone participating to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation to support the Christmas assistance program. All motorcycles and riding clubs are welcome to take part in the event.
The annual ride honors the memory of Al Millard and supports the Stocking Full of Love program, which works to provide Christmas gifts to children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.
Participants are reminded that they ride at their own risk.
With rain in the forecast for Sunday, organizers have also scheduled a rain date of Sunday, November 15, should weather conditions prevent the ride from taking place as planned.
The event is open to motorcycle riders and clubs interested in supporting a charitable cause while helping local children enjoy the Christmas season.
Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday As AAA Warns Drivers About Earlier Darkness
Daylight saving time comes to an end this weekend, and AAA is reminding motorists to prepare for changing driving conditions as the clocks move back one hour.
At 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1, clocks will be turned back to 1 a.m., marking the return to standard time. The change means an extra hour of sleep for many people, but it also brings earlier sunsets and darker conditions during the evening commute.
AAA says the adjustment can create additional hazards for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly during the first several days following the time change.
“Drivers can expect a noticeable change in their commute almost overnight,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Morning sun glare can make it difficult to see the road ahead, while earlier darkness makes pedestrians and cyclists harder to spot in the evening.”
For motorists in Chattooga County and throughout Northwest Georgia, the earlier darkness is especially important on rural highways and secondary roads, where lighting may be limited and drivers frequently encounter curves, hills and narrow shoulders.
AAA points to research from its Foundation for Traffic Safety showing that the increase in pedestrian fatalities since a historic low in 2009 has occurred almost entirely during nighttime hours. Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also indicates that pedestrian deaths increase when standard time returns.
Drowsy driving is another concern associated with changes in sleep schedules. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 644 people were killed in crashes involving drowsy drivers in 2024.
Warning signs of fatigue include difficulty keeping your eyes open, drifting out of your lane or being unable to remember the last several miles driven. AAA recommends pulling over in a safe location to rest rather than continuing to drive while tired.
AAA offers several recommendations for motorists adjusting to the time change:
- Watch for morning sun glare. Keep sunglasses available, use sun visors and maintain a clean windshield.
- Increase following distance. Allow extra room between vehicles, particularly when visibility is reduced.
- Check vehicle lighting. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
- Slow down after dark. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. Pay particular attention at intersections, crosswalks and along roads with limited lighting.
The time change also serves as a reminder for residents to check smoke alarm batteries and review other household safety precautions.
Daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1. Clocks should be set back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.
Source: AAA – The Auto Club Group; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Chattooga County FFA Pig Show And Auction Scheduled For November 9
Months of hard work and dedication by Chattooga County FFA and 4-H students will culminate next month with the annual Pig Show and Auction, scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
The event is the culmination of the annual Chattooga County Pig Project, a longstanding agricultural education program that gives local students hands-on experience raising livestock while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, animal care and financial management.
Throughout the summer and fall, participating students have been responsible for feeding, caring for and preparing their hogs for exhibition and eventual sale. The project provides practical experience in animal husbandry and helps young people understand the work and financial commitment involved in raising livestock.
The students also have an opportunity to showcase their progress during the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in August, before preparing their animals for the final November show and auction.
The November auction is an important part of the program because the money earned from the sale of each student’s pig goes directly to that student. Those funds can help support future livestock projects, educational expenses or college savings.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers Association plays an important role in supporting and coordinating the project. The organization, which has supported local agriculture since 1970, helps make the annual event possible while encouraging the development of future agricultural leaders.
The Pig Project has also received support from agricultural organizations, including AgGeorgia and Georgia Farm Credit, along with local businesses and community members who recognize the importance of agricultural education.
For the students, the annual show and auction represents much more than an opportunity to exhibit livestock. It is the result of months of daily responsibility, learning and preparation, with the auction providing an opportunity to see a financial return on their work.
Local businesses, families and residents are encouraged to attend the event and support the participating FFA and 4-H students through the purchase of locally raised hogs.
The Chattooga County FFA and 4-H Pig Show and Auction will be held Monday, November 9, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. The event is open to the public.
Twenty-Eight Students Earn High School Equivalency Through GNTC's Accelerated Academy
Twenty-eight students have earned their High School Equivalency credentials through Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Accelerated Academy, completing an intensive program designed to help adults achieve their educational goals in just three days.
A graduation ceremony was held Tuesday, October 27, at GNTC’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun, recognizing students who successfully completed the Fall 2026 program.
The Accelerated Academy, held October 15–17, provided free instruction, practice testing, official testing, meals and snacks. The program is designed for adults who cannot commit to months of traditional classroom instruction.
Among those recognized during the ceremony were students from throughout Northwest Georgia, including Jodi Lyn Meyer of Rome, Mauricio Olguin of Rossville, Sarah Ramey and Aaron Tyler Sprayberry of LaFayette, along with graduates from Dalton, Calhoun, Ringgold, Resaca and other communities.
Sprayberry, who was the first student to complete the Fall 2026 Accelerated Academy, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.
“I’ve always focused on everybody else, but I’ve come to realize that I’ve never really done something for myself,” Sprayberry told fellow graduates. He said earning his High School Equivalency credential represents the first step toward continuing his education.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham congratulated the graduates, describing their accomplishments as an example of what can happen when opportunity meets determination.
Lisa Shaw, GNTC’s vice president of Adult Education, told graduates that completing their education represents both a personal commitment and an investment in their future.
The college also recognized several organizations that support the program through scholarships and other assistance, including the Chattooga County Literacy Council, Atlanta Gas Light Foundation, GNTC Foundation and Technical College System of Georgia Foundation.
The Accelerated Academy offers instruction in language arts, mathematics, reading, science and social studies. Participants attend an evening session Thursday, followed by full-day instruction and testing Friday and Saturday.
Students who do not complete all requirements during the three-day program can receive additional instruction and assistance through GNTC’s Adult Education Department.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued form of identification.
For more information about the Accelerated Academy or other adult education opportunities, visit www.gntc.edu/adult-education or call 706-295-6976.