Arrest Report - Sunday - August 23, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, August 23, 2026
Drier Air Brings Less Humid Weather To Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia will enjoy a break from the oppressive humidity Sunday as a secondary cold front pushes through the state, bringing drier air and lower dewpoints to the region.
The National Weather Service says Sunday will be sunny across the Chattooga County area with a high near 90 degrees. North winds will be light at around 5 mph. While afternoon temperatures will still be warm, the lower humidity should make conditions considerably more comfortable than some of the hot and muggy weather the area has experienced recently.
The change will become even more noticeable Sunday night. Skies will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 65 degrees and a light north wind continuing around 5 mph.
The front moving through Georgia Sunday is expected to push farther south toward Florida and the Georgia and South Carolina coastline. Isolated thunderstorms will remain possible Sunday afternoon and early evening across portions of Central Georgia, but North Georgia is expected to remain largely dry.
The National Weather Service says drier air filtering into the state behind the front will keep dewpoints primarily in the 60s, reducing the oppressive feel of the summertime heat. Overnight temperatures across North Georgia will generally fall into the 60s, with some higher elevations potentially reaching the upper 50s.
Monday should provide another pleasant late-August day for Northwest Georgia. Look for partly sunny skies and a high near 88. A north wind around 5 mph will become calm during the day. Monday night will be partly cloudy and cool for August, with a low around 64.
Tuesday remains mostly dry and comfortable. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 90, followed by partly cloudy conditions Tuesday night and a low around 67.
The weather pattern begins changing by the middle of the week as moisture gradually returns and disturbances move through northwest flow aloft.
Wednesday will start mostly sunny, but there will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. The high will be near 90. Rain chances increase to 50 percent Wednesday night, when temperatures will fall to around 69.
A second frontal boundary is expected to approach the region Thursday and Friday, bringing the best opportunity for widespread showers and thunderstorms during the week.
Thursday carries a 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms, with a high near 88. Rain chances fall to around 30 percent Thursday night.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible Friday with a 30 percent chance during both the day and nighttime hours. Friday’s high will be near 89 with an overnight low around 68.
By Saturday, rain chances decrease to around 20 percent. Otherwise, skies should be sunny with a high near 90.
Overall, the week ahead looks considerably more seasonable for Northwest Georgia. High temperatures will generally remain in the upper 80s to around 90 degrees, while morning lows will frequently fall into the 60s. The driest and most comfortable portion of the forecast will be Sunday through Tuesday, followed by increasing rain and thunderstorm chances from Wednesday through Friday.
Fair Officials Remind Visitors Of Rules Ahead Of Chattooga County Agricultural Fair
With the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opening next Thursday, August 27th, fair organizers are reminding visitors to review important rules and information before heading to the fairgrounds.
The fair runs Thursday, August 27th through Sunday, August 30th at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.
One important rule concerns pets and animals. The Chattooga County Fair has a no-pet policy for the safety of guests. Service animals are permitted, but fair officials say they must meet requirements established under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Animals that do not meet those requirements will not be allowed inside the event.
Visitors should also be aware that photography and video recording take place during the fair. Fair organizers say the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair reserves the right to photograph, videotape or record patrons during fairground events. Those images, video or audio may be used for purposes including marketing, social media and security. By entering the event, patrons consent to that policy.
Fairgoers should also remember that carnival rides are not included with regular gate admission. General admission is $5, with children age 4 and younger admitted free. Students receive free gate admission Thursday for Student Night, while active or retired military members receive free admission with military ID Friday for Military Night. All concerts and scheduled events are included with gate admission.
Unlimited ride armbands are $25 Thursday and $30 Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The fair will be open 5 to 10 PM Thursday, 5 to 11 PM Friday, 2 to 11 PM Saturday and 2 to 9 PM Sunday. Fair officials note that the Chattooga County Agricultural Center will close one hour before the overall event ends each day.
Anyone entering items in the Blue Ribbon Department or livestock shows should also carefully review the separate rules and regulations for those competitions. Entry requirements and schedules vary by department and category.
Complete information, schedules and rules for this year’s fair are available through the official Chattooga County Agricultural Fair website at ChattoogaFair.com.
The 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens next Thursday, August 27th, and continues through Sunday, August 30th.
Chattooga County To Host Free Tax Appeal Class August 31st
Chattooga County will host a free Tax Appeal Class on Monday, August 31st at 6 PM to help property owners better understand the process of appealing their 2026 property assessments.
The location for the class is still being finalized.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said he is working to secure a location and will release a flyer once the site is confirmed. Allen is also finalizing who will teach the class.
The class is being organized in response to a high volume of property owners filing appeals on their tax assessments this year.
This is not the first time Chattooga County has seen a large number of appeals. In 2023, more than 3,000 property owners filed appeals after receiving their assessment notices.
At that time, Allen was a private citizen and held a community-wide meeting to help residents better understand how the appeals process works. Now, as sole commissioner, Allen is again working to provide residents with information about how to file and handle an appeal.
The August 31st class is expected to cover the basics of the appeal process, including how property owners can review their assessment, file an appeal and understand the steps that follow after an appeal is submitted.
County officials are expected to release additional details once the location and instructor are confirmed.
The free Tax Appeal Class will be held Monday, August 31st at 6 PM. WZQZ News will provide the location and additional information as soon as it
“Be Their Voice” Golf Tournament To Raise Money For Children’s Advocacy Center
Golfers from across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity this fall to spend a day on the course while helping children who have been victims of abuse.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit is preparing for its 6th Annual “Be Their Voice” Golf Tournament, scheduled for Thursday, October 1st, at the LaFayette Golf Course.
Activities are scheduled from 7:15 AM until 6 PM, and organizers are currently looking for golf teams, hole sponsors and donations of door prizes to help make this year’s fundraiser a success.
Money Raised Stays In The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit
According to information about the fundraiser, proceeds from the tournament stay within the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit and are used to help meet the needs of local children who have experienced abuse.
The judicial circuit includes Chattooga, Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties, meaning the organization serves children and families throughout this part of Northwest Georgia.
The Children’s Advocacy Center works with children and families involved in abuse investigations, providing a setting where agencies involved in child-abuse cases can work together while reducing additional trauma for the child.
The annual golf tournament has become an important fundraising event for the organization. The Children’s Advocacy Center has previously said its programs include mental-health services for children, with fundraising helping supplement the government and grant funding available to the organization.
Sponsors And Golf Teams Needed
Organizers are encouraging local businesses, organizations and individuals to participate.
Hole sponsorships are available for $100, and individual sponsorships are also being accepted. Organizers are also seeking teams to play in the tournament as well as businesses and individuals willing to provide door prizes.
The tournament will be held at the LaFayette Golf Course, 1 Fred Henry Drive in LaFayette.
For supporters, organizers say the tournament offers a way to enjoy a day of golf while helping an organization whose work directly benefits children in Northwest Georgia.
The 6th Annual “Be Their Voice” Golf Tournament benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit will be held Thursday, October 1st, from 7:15 AM until 6 PM at the LaFayette Golf Course.
Those interested in entering a team, sponsoring a hole or donating a door prize are encouraged to contact the Children’s Advocacy Center for registration and sponsorship information.
Georgia Continues To Need Foster Families As Thousands Of Children Remain In Care
Georgia continues to have a significant need for families willing to open their homes to children in foster care, and residents of Chattooga County who have considered becoming foster parents are encouraged to learn more about the process through the local Division of Family and Children Services office.
According to the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services, there are currently just under 10,000 children and young people in Georgia’s foster care system. DFCS says the state has a growing need for foster caregivers, with a particularly strong need for families able to care for teenagers, sibling groups and children with complex needs.
Children enter foster care when a juvenile court determines they cannot safely remain in their home. In many cases, the ultimate goal is to reunite children with their parents once the problems that led to their removal have been addressed.
When a child needs a temporary home, DFCS first looks for relatives or others who already have a strong relationship with the child or family. When an appropriate kinship placement isn’t available, foster families become an important part of providing children with a safe and stable place to live.
Foster Parents Provide More Than A Place To Stay
Foster care is intended to provide stability during what can be one of the most difficult periods of a child’s life.
Foster parents provide everyday necessities such as a safe home, meals and transportation, but their role goes much further. Children in foster care may be dealing with separation, trauma, uncertainty and major changes in their lives.
Georgia uses a trauma-informed approach to prepare foster caregivers for those challenges. Prospective caregivers receive training designed to help them understand children who have experienced trauma, separation or loss.
Foster parents are also expected to work with DFCS and, when appropriate, support a child’s relationship with his or her biological family while parents work toward reunification.
Different Types Of Families Can Foster
There is no single description of what a foster family must look like.
Prospective foster parents go through an approval process that includes background checks, screenings, training and an evaluation of their ability to provide a safe and stable home. DFCS says applicants must demonstrate the maturity, stability and ability necessary to protect, nurture and meet the developmental needs of children placed in their care.
One of the greatest needs is for families willing and able to keep brothers and sisters together. Homes are also particularly needed for older children and teenagers, who can sometimes be more difficult to place than younger children.
Becoming a foster parent does not necessarily mean making a permanent commitment to adopt. Foster care is generally temporary, and reunification with the child’s family remains an important goal whenever it can safely be accomplished.
Chattooga County Residents Can Learn More Locally
People in Chattooga County who believe they may be able to provide a safe and caring home are encouraged to contact Chattooga County DFCS to ask questions and learn more about becoming a foster family.
The Chattooga County DFCS office is located at 102 Highway 48 in Summerville. The office’s primary telephone number is 706-857-0817.
Georgia also operates a statewide foster and adoptive parent inquiry line at 1-877-210-KIDS — 1-877-210-5437. Prospective caregivers can receive information about the process and available training, and DFCS says county offices regularly host information sessions for people considering fostering or adoption.
Becoming a foster family is a major decision and isn’t right for every household. But with nearly 10,000 Georgia children and young people currently in foster care, the state says additional families are needed to provide safe and stable homes — particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and children whose needs can make finding the right placement more difficult.
For Chattooga County residents interested in finding out whether fostering might be right for their family, the first step can simply be asking questions and learning about the process through Chattooga County DFCS at 706-857-0817.
Georgia Emerges From Historic Drought As Northwest Georgia Sees Major Recovery
After months of severe drought that brought dry pastures, stressed crops and concerns over water supplies, Georgia has experienced a dramatic turnaround — and Northwest Georgia is among the areas seeing substantial improvement.
The National Weather Service says the drought that began in September 2025 has officially ended across North and Central Georgia, following repeated rounds of soaking summer rainfall. The improvement is particularly significant considering just how widespread and severe the drought became earlier this year.
At its peak in April, 100 percent of Georgia was experiencing severe drought or worse, the first time that had occurred in the history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. At one point, portions of the state reached D4 Exceptional Drought, the highest category on the drought scale.
Northwest Georgia Was Hit Hard
Northwest Georgia was certainly not spared.
In April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Chattooga and Gordon counties as primary natural disaster areas because of the drought. Walker County had already been included among the counties receiving a primary disaster designation, while Floyd County was among counties eligible because of its proximity to designated areas.
Those declarations made eligible agricultural producers able to seek USDA Farm Service Agency emergency loan assistance.
The dry conditions were particularly concerning for Northwest Georgia’s cattle and hay producers. During severe drought, soil moisture declines, hay production can suffer, pastures deteriorate and livestock producers may be forced to begin supplemental feeding earlier than normal.
Summer Rainfall Changed The Picture
The turnaround began as more frequent rainfall returned during late spring and summer.
By late June, the National Weather Service reported widespread drought improvement following several weeks of soaking rainfall. Some areas of North and Central Georgia received 4 to 9 inches of rain during a 30-day period, with some locations recording as much as 250 percent of their normal rainfall.
Even then, Northwest Georgia had some catching up to do. Areas of North Georgia remained roughly 5 to 10 inches below normal rainfall for the year despite the substantial improvement.
The recovery continued through July. By early August, the Weather Service reported that typical summertime thunderstorms had produced generally 3 to 7½ inches of rainfall over a 30-day period, with approximately 8 to 12 inches over 60 days in parts of North and Central Georgia.
That rainfall was enough to eliminate the remaining severe drought conditions and bring the prolonged drought episode to an official end across the region.
A Remarkable Change Since Spring
The recovery represents a major shift from conditions only a few months ago.
The 2025-2026 drought lasted for months, with Georgia experiencing 38 consecutive weeks of drought conditions during the event. Severe drought first appeared in Georgia in September 2025, and conditions ultimately reached Exceptional Drought before the recovery began.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, August 20th and based on conditions through August 18th, shows how dramatically conditions have improved from the widespread drought that covered Georgia this spring.
Recovery Doesn’t Mean The Ground Is Completely Recharged
There is an important distinction between being out of drought and having completely erased the effects of months of dry weather.
The Weather Service has noted that lingering dryness can remain even after official drought classifications disappear. Ground moisture, deeper soil moisture, streamflows and groundwater can take longer to fully recover, and the scattered nature of summertime thunderstorms means rainfall totals can vary significantly over relatively short distances.
Hot summer temperatures also increase evaporation and water demand, meaning an extended period of hot, dry weather could cause soil moisture to deteriorate again relatively quickly.
For farmers, particularly cattle and hay producers, recovery from a drought can also take longer than the change shown on a drought map. Pastures, forage supplies and farm finances can continue feeling the effects long after rainfall returns.
Still, for Chattooga, Walker, Floyd and Gordon counties and the rest of Northwest Georgia, conditions entering the latter part of August are substantially better than they were this spring.
After one of Georgia’s most significant drought episodes in recent history, repeated summer rainfall has brought Northwest Georgia out of official drought and given pastures, crops, streams and water supplies an opportunity to recover.
Three Generations Of The Statler Brothers Family Legacy Coming To Chattooga County Fair
Fans of classic country music will have a unique opportunity at this year’s Chattooga County Agricultural Fair, when The Statler Experience takes the stage Sunday, August 30th at 6 PM.
The show features Wilson Fairchild — Wil Reid and Langdon Reid — along with their sons, Jack Reid and Davis Reid, bringing together three generations of a family whose name is firmly established in country music history. The concert is free with paid admission to the fair; no separate concert ticket is required.
The Statler Experience was added to the fair lineup after Guy Penrod announced he would be unable to perform because of illness. Fair organizers have said they hope Penrod can return next year.
But The Statler Experience isn’t simply another tribute act performing Statler Brothers songs. Two of the men onstage are sons of original Statler Brothers, and the other two are their grandsons.
Wil Reid
Wil Reid is the son of the late Harold Reid, the legendary bass singer and comedian of The Statler Brothers.
Wil grew up surrounded by the music that made his father and the Statlers famous and eventually established his own career alongside his cousin Langdon as Wilson Fairchild.
Wil and Langdon have performed professionally together for more than 15 years, but their musical partnership stretches back much further. They grew up together in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, writing, singing and playing music from an early age.
Wil is a singer, musician and songwriter. Songs written by Wil and Langdon have been recorded not only by themselves but also by artists including The Statler Brothers, Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent.
Langdon Reid
Langdon Reid is the son of Don Reid, the longtime lead singer and principal songwriter for The Statler Brothers.
Like Wil, Langdon grew up with a front-row seat to country music history. The two cousins eventually began performing together professionally and became known as Wilson Fairchild.
Their national television roots actually stretch back to The Statler Brothers Show on TNN, where Wil and Langdon appeared and performed an early song they wrote together, “What We Love To Do.” The Statler Brothers later recorded the song themselves.
Wil and Langdon have since written more than 30 published and recorded songs. One of their most personal compositions is “The Statler Brothers Song,” written as a tribute to their fathers and their careers.
Today, Wilson Fairchild are Gaither recording artists, carrying the traditional country and gospel influences of their family into their own music.
Jack Reid
The next generation will also be represented in Summerville.
Jack Reid is Wil Reid’s son and Harold Reid’s grandson. Jack performs alongside his cousin Davis as Jack & Davis Reid, establishing their own identity while continuing a musical tradition they inherited from their fathers and grandfathers.
At the Chattooga County Fair, Jack and Davis are scheduled to open the show with their own high-energy set before Wilson Fairchild takes the stage.
Jack’s connection to the Statler legacy is especially significant because his grandfather Harold provided one of the most recognizable elements of the original group’s sound — the deep bass voice heard on generations of Statler recordings.
Davis Reid
Davis Reid is Langdon Reid’s son and Don Reid’s grandson. Like Jack, Davis represents the third generation of the Reid family to take the stage professionally.
Jack and Davis’ involvement in what became The Statler Experience grew significantly during a Gaither Music Group television taping in 2025. The two young men were originally in the audience when they were unexpectedly invited onstage with their fathers.
The four performed the Statler Brothers classic “I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You.” The performance proved memorable enough to be included in the television special, and the combination of Wil, Langdon, Jack and Davis eventually developed into The Statler Experience.
More Than A Tribute Show
The resulting show is unusual because the performers aren’t trying to recreate someone else’s family history — it is their family history.
Wil and Langdon are the sons of Harold and Don Reid, while Jack and Davis are their grandsons. The four combine the music of The Statler Brothers with their own songs, family stories, humor and memories from growing up inside one of country music’s most successful musical families.
Audiences can expect familiar Statler Brothers favorites associated with the show, including songs such as “Flowers on the Wall,” “Bed of Rose’s,” “Do You Remember These,” and “Elizabeth.”
The format planned for the Chattooga County Fair will showcase each generation. Jack and Davis perform first, followed by Wilson Fairchild. Then all four Reids will come together onstage for four-part harmony on classic Statler Brothers songs.
For longtime Statler Brothers fans, it will be a chance to hear the group’s musical legacy performed by the sons and grandsons who grew up with that music.
The Statler Experience featuring Wilson Fairchild and Jack & Davis Reid performs Sunday, August 30th at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair, 33 Middle School Road in Summerville. The performance is included with paid fair admission.
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Announces Logan’s List To Help First Responders Assist Residents With Special Needs
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is preparing to implement a new voluntary program designed to give emergency responders important information before they arrive at the home of a resident who may have special needs.
The program, known as Logan’s List, allows individuals, parents, guardians and caregivers to voluntarily provide information to the local E-911 center about physical, neurological, developmental, mental or communication-related conditions that could affect how a person responds during an emergency.
The initiative is authorized under Georgia House Bill 631 and O.C.G.A. § 38-3-182 and is intended to help 911 dispatchers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel better understand a resident’s individual needs before arriving at an emergency.
Information Could Help Responders Before They Arrive
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 says an emergency can be especially challenging for someone who has difficulty communicating, understanding or responding to commands, recognizing first responders or tolerating flashing lights, sirens and other loud noises.
Information that can be included through Logan’s List may involve autism or other developmental disabilities, non-verbal or limited verbal communication, cognitive impairments, PTSD, sensory sensitivities, physical disabilities or mobility limitations and other communication barriers or special considerations.
Having that information beforehand can allow emergency personnel to adjust their approach when circumstances permit. Officials say that could reduce confusion, stress and unnecessary escalation while improving safety for both the resident and first responders.
Participation Is Voluntary And Information Is Confidential
Participation in Logan’s List is completely voluntary. Individuals, parents, guardians or caregivers can provide information to the Chattooga County E-911 center for inclusion in the registry.
Officials emphasize that confidential information about a registered individual will not be broadcast over emergency radio channels or released to the public. Instead, information needed by responding emergency personnel will be relayed by telephone.
The information is intended for use when emergency personnel are responding to a call at the registered address.
EMA/E-911 also stresses that being registered with Logan’s List does not replace calling 911 during an emergency and does not guarantee a particular emergency response.
Goal Is A Safer, More Informed Response
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 says every emergency is different, but giving dispatchers and first responders useful information before they arrive can make a significant difference.
The agency says the goal is to help first responders provide a safer, more informed and more compassionate response for residents who may have unique needs during an emergency.
Families, caregivers and individuals who believe they could benefit from Logan’s List are encouraged to learn more about the program and consider voluntary registration.
For more information or to register, contact Chattooga County EMA/E-911 at 706-857-3400, option 1 or 2.
Registration forms may also be emailed to pamela.vaughn@chattoogacounty.gov or fran.hamilton@chattoogacounty.gov.
Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Rock Spring Office Closing Temporarily For Repairs
The Walker County Tax Commissioner’s office in Rock Spring will close to the public beginning Monday, August 24th, as renovation and repair work continues at the Local Government Services building.
The building, located at 122 Highway 95, sustained substantial water damage in April after a pipe burst overnight, flooding several offices and public areas.
A restoration team began work earlier this month, starting on the second floor, where the Walker County Assessor’s office is located. Work on that portion of the building is not expected to be completed until after Labor Day.
The Tax Commissioner’s office handles tax payments for land, homes and personal property, along with vehicle tag and title services.
While the Rock Spring office is closed, most Tax Commissioner staff will relocate to the Rossville office at 2012 McFarland Gap Road. Additional service windows will be available there for the public. The Rossville office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM, and a night drop is also available.
Officials say operations at the Planning and Zoning department, which is also located inside the Local Government Services building, are not expected to be disrupted.
The building is insured.
Arrest Report - Saturday - August 22, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, August 22, 2026:
Sunny, Less Humid Weather Arrives For The Weekend
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can look forward to a noticeably more comfortable weekend as drier air moves into the region, bringing plenty of sunshine, lower humidity and cooler nighttime temperatures.
The National Weather Service says a frontal boundary is continuing to move through Georgia today, with much of the shower and thunderstorm activity expected to remain well south of Northwest Georgia. Behind the front, lower dewpoints are filtering into North Georgia, providing some relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of recent days.
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Winds will be calm during the morning before becoming northwest around 5 mph during the afternoon. While temperatures will still be warm, the lower humidity should make outdoor conditions considerably more comfortable than they have been recently.
Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 68. Northwest winds around 5 mph will become calm overnight.
Another push of drier air arrives for Sunday, providing what should be one of the more pleasant August days Northwest Georgia has seen recently. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 90 and a light north wind around 5 mph. Sunday night will be mostly clear and noticeably cooler, with temperatures falling to around 64 degrees.
The dry stretch continues into Monday. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 89. The National Weather Service says the upper-level weather pattern should keep relatively dry conditions across the region through the first part of the new week, along with slightly cooler mornings.
Changes begin arriving Monday night, when there is a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 AM and a low around 66.
Rain chances increase Tuesday with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 89. Tuesday night carries a 30 percent chance of rain with a low around 68.
By Wednesday, moisture from the Gulf will begin returning to the region as the weather pattern changes. There will be a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday with a high near 90, followed by another 50 percent chance Wednesday night.
Thursday currently appears to have the best chance for widespread rain and thunderstorms, with precipitation chances increasing to 70 percent during the day and 60 percent Thursday night. Thursday’s high will be near 87.
Friday brings a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with otherwise mostly sunny skies and a high near 89.
The return of Gulf moisture during the latter half of the week will also mean increasing humidity and a return to a more typical late-August pattern of afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
For now, Northwest Georgia will enjoy a welcome break from the recent oppressive humidity, with sunny skies, lower humidity and nighttime temperatures falling well into the 60s through the weekend.
Trion Rolls Past Gordon Lee While Chattooga Falls To LaFayette In Season Openers
Trion 36 – Gordon Lee 7
LaFayette 33 – Chattooga 14
Trion Rolls Past Gordon Lee 36-7 In Season Opener
The Trion Bulldogs opened the 2026 football season in impressive fashion Friday night, defeating longtime rival Gordon Lee 36-7 at Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium.
The victory gives Trion a 1-0 start to the season under head coach Sean Patrick and provides an early boost for a Bulldog team looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance. The win was also a measure of revenge for Trion after Gordon Lee defeated the Bulldogs 23-12 in Chickamauga last season.
Trion established control of Friday night’s game and never allowed Gordon Lee to generate enough offense to seriously threaten the Bulldogs’ lead. The Bulldogs put 36 points on the scoreboard while holding the Trojans to a single touchdown.
The performance was particularly encouraging for a Trion program that entered the season emphasizing improvement on both sides of the football. The Bulldogs returned several experienced players from last year’s team, including quarterback and defensive back Linc Allen, running back and linebacker Landon Kimbell, and Hudson Thomas at defensive end and tight end.
Friday night’s victory also reversed the outcome of the most recent meeting in a rivalry that has featured plenty of memorable games. Trion has enjoyed considerable success in the series in recent years, including wins of 30-6 in 2024, 56-14 in 2023 and 45-19 in 2022.
The 36-7 final puts Trion at 1-0, while Gordon Lee begins the season at 0-1.
The Bulldogs won’t have long to celebrate.
Trion will remain at home next Friday, August 28, when the Bulldogs welcome the Model Blue Devils to Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
LaFayette Tops Chattooga 33-14 In Season Opener
The Chattooga Indians opened the 2026 football season at home Friday night, falling to the LaFayette Ramblers 33-14 at the Little Big Horn.
LaFayette was able to build the advantage it needed and keep Chattooga from mounting a comeback, handing the Indians a loss in their first game of the new season. The victory moves LaFayette to 1-0, while Chattooga begins the year at 0-1.
Chattooga reached the end zone twice during the contest, but the Indians were unable to keep pace with a LaFayette offense that finished the night with 33 points.
The season opener was an early test for a Chattooga team that entered 2026 determined to return to the state playoffs after narrowly missing the postseason last year.
Head coach Roone Gable and the Indians entered the season with several returning contributors and an emphasis on developing the team’s younger players while building around the experience returning on both sides of the football.
Friday night’s game also continued a longtime Northwest Georgia matchup between the two programs. LaFayette has now won the last two meetings after defeating Chattooga 25-0 in 2025. Chattooga’s most recent victory in the series came in 2024, when the Indians defeated the Ramblers 30-0 at the Little Big Horn.
Chattooga will now have an open week, giving the Indians additional time to evaluate the opener and prepare for their next opponent.
The Indians return to action Friday, September 4, when the Model Blue Devils come to the Little Big Horn for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Chattooga will then begin Region 7-AA play the following week, making the Model game another important opportunity for the Indians to make adjustments before the region portion of the schedule gets underway.
Final: LaFayette 33, Chattooga 14.
Summerville Gas Department Seeks Public Input Through Natural Gas Survey
The City of Summerville Gas Department is asking residents and business owners throughout its service area to participate in a Natural Gas Public Awareness Survey.
City officials say the survey is designed to measure how well customers understand natural gas pipeline information and safety awareness. Feedback from the public will help the department evaluate its public education efforts and identify areas where additional information may be needed.
The Summerville Gas Department serves customers not only inside the City of Summerville, but also in surrounding portions of Chattooga County and in the Armuchee and northern Floyd County area.
Residents and business owners can complete the survey by downloading it from the City of Summerville website. Paper copies are also available at Summerville City Hall, and completed surveys may be mailed to P.O. Box 580, Summerville, Georgia 30747.
The city says participation will help support local infrastructure and contribute to a safer and more reliable natural gas system for the communities served by the department.
The survey and additional information are available through the City of Summerville’s website HERE
Free Food Talk Workshop Coming To LaFayette-Walker County Library
Walker County residents will have an opportunity this fall to learn how to eat healthier, stretch their grocery budgets and prepare nutritious meals during a free Food Talk workshop series in LaFayette.
The University of Georgia Extension’s Families Eating Smart and Moving More program will offer the workshops beginning Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the LaFayette-Walker County Library, located at 305 South Duke Street in LaFayette.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
Organizers say participants will learn practical ways to eat more healthfully, feed a family on a budget and keep food safe. The workshops will also include opportunities to make and sample recipes.
The program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, and no previous cooking or nutrition experience is necessary.
The workshops are free, but space is limited and advance registration is encouraged.
For additional information or help registering, contact the Walker County Extension Office at 706-638-2548 or email walker.extension@uga.edu.
The program is offered through UGA Extension and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Concerned Citizens Offering Free Property Tax Appeal Forms Today In Summerville
Chattooga County property owners who want to appeal their 2026 property assessment can pick up a free appeal form in downtown Summerville today.
Concerned Chattooga County citizens will be set up in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office on Main Street beginning at 8 a.m. today, Saturday, August 22.
Organizers say they plan to remain there until at least noon, although the exact ending time will depend on the heat.
Residents can park and walk up to get a form, or organizers say motorists may slow down and receive a form from their vehicle when it is safe to do so.
Organizers are reminding property owners that the deadline to appeal their 2026 property assessment is September 14.
Property owners who have not yet had time or resources to determine what they believe is a fair value can use last year’s value as their asserted value in order to get the appeal filed before the deadline. They also remind residents that an asserted value can later be adjusted higher if research supports a higher figure, but a property owner cannot argue for a value below the asserted value listed on the appeal.
The effort is being organized by some concerned citizens and is not an official Chattooga County government event.
Property owners can also obtain appeal forms through the Chattooga County Tax Assessors Office during regular business hours.
Organizers say the main goal today is to make sure property owners who intend to appeal have access to the necessary paperwork and don’t miss the September 14 deadline.
4-H And FFA Poultry Show And Auction Set For Chattooga County Fair
Months of work by local 4-H and FFA members will be on display next weekend when the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair hosts its annual 4-H and FFA Poultry Show and Auction.
The poultry competition is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in Summerville. Poultry judging begins at 4 p.m., awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m.
For the young people participating, however, the project began long before fair week.
Local students signed up for the 2026 Poultry Project earlier this year and began raising their birds in the spring. Each participating 4-H and FFA member received eight three-day-old chicks to raise specifically for the fair. Along the way, students were required to keep records and attend a workshop teaching them how to select their best birds for competition.
This year’s project features two breeds — Black Australorp and Buff Orpington — both known as good producers of light brown eggs.
After months of caring for the birds, each student will select their best three hens to enter in the poultry show. Those pens of three will be evaluated during judging Saturday afternoon before the winners are announced that evening.
But the competition is only part of the event.
Following the awards presentation, the students’ chickens will be sold during the Poultry Auction at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the sale of a student’s birds will go directly to that student. Buyers will also receive a cage to take their chickens home. Anyone interested in bidding is asked to arrive by 6:30 p.m. to receive a bid number.
The cages were built by students in Mr. Yarbrough’s eighth-grade Chattooga County FFA Basic Agriculture class, adding another student-led component to this year’s poultry project.
Organizers say livestock projects such as the poultry program help young people develop responsibility, self-motivation, record-keeping skills and agricultural knowledge, while the auction gives the community an opportunity to directly support local 4-H and FFA members.
The poultry show is part of a full slate of livestock events at this year’s fair, which runs Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. Other livestock events include the Junior Market Goat Show, Junior Market Lamb Show, Junior Beef Show, Junior Dairy Show and Market Hog Preview Show.
Poultry judging begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 29, awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m.
Multi-Employer Job Fair Coming To Walker County Civic Center
Job seekers from across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity next month to meet with employers from several counties during a multi-employer job fair in Walker County.
WorkSource Georgia and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority will host the event on Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring.
Employers from Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties are expected to participate and will be recruiting for available positions.
Organizers are encouraging job seekers to prepare in advance by creating an individual account through the WorkSource Georgia portal before attending. Applicants should also bring multiple copies of their resumes to share with prospective employers.
The job fair is designed to connect area residents directly with companies that are currently hiring and give employers an opportunity to meet potential workers from throughout the four-county region.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Chattooga Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Dade and The Walker Chamber of Commerce.
The multi-employer job fair will be held Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.
Summerville Assigns Mickey Floyd To Building Inspection Duties
The City of Summerville is moving to strengthen its building inspection program, with Mickey Floyd taking on additional responsibilities as a building inspector while continuing his work with the city’s fire department.
The Summerville City Council recently approved the move as city officials work to update and expand local inspection services.
City Manager Jason Winters told council members that Floyd has certifications that will allow him to move into the inspection role. Winters said Floyd will undergo additional training and mentoring as he becomes familiar with the city’s inspection procedures and applicable state and local codes.
The city is also reviewing portions of its Code of Ordinances dealing with inspections to determine whether changes or updates are needed.
Officials said having Floyd available for inspection work will give the city greater ability to conduct building inspections when needed rather than relying entirely on outside assistance.
Floyd will continue to have responsibilities with the fire department while adding inspection duties to his role with the city.
The council approved the arrangement following discussion of the city’s building inspection needs and the work necessary to keep local requirements consistent with applicable codes.
Walker County Data Center Standards Committee To Hold First Meeting
Walker County officials are beginning a formal review of local regulations governing data centers, with the first meeting of the newly formed Walker County Data Center Development Standards Study Committee scheduled for next week.
The committee will meet for the first time at 3 p.m. Thursday, August 27, at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 Highway 27 in Rock Spring.
According to Walker County Government, the committee has been established to review the county’s existing Code of Ordinances as it relates to data center development.
The study will include a wide range of issues that could affect where and how future data centers are allowed to operate in Walker County. Those topics include allowable zoning districts, building setbacks, buffers, noise, lighting, environmental impacts and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
The committee may also consider other possible regulations designed specifically for large-scale data center developments.
Data centers have become a growing land-use issue across Georgia as communities consider the economic benefits of the facilities alongside concerns about electricity demand, water use, noise, environmental impacts and their effect on nearby residential and agricultural property.
Walker County says the study committee will meet every other Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center.
All meetings of the committee will be open to the public