Arrest Report - Sunday - November 15, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, November 15, 2026:
Frosty Sunday Morning As Dry Weather And Gradual Warming Trend Continue
Widespread frost and freezing temperatures are greeting residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this Sunday morning, but a stretch of sunny, dry weather and gradually warming temperatures is ahead for the coming week.
The National Weather Service says temperatures have fallen below freezing across much of North Georgia, with some locations dropping into the middle and upper 20s. Clear skies and light winds have allowed temperatures to fall steadily overnight, with the coldest readings expected around sunrise.
Widespread frost is expected to linger until around 9 AM. Sunshine will return today, with afternoon temperatures reaching near 59 degrees. North winds will blow at 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 15 mph.
Another chilly night is expected tonight, with mostly clear skies and temperatures falling to around 33 degrees. Patchy frost may develop after 2 AM.
Monday will bring more sunshine after areas of morning frost, with temperatures climbing to around 61 degrees. Monday night will be clear and cold, with a low near 31.
The extended forecast calls for a steady warming trend throughout the week. Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 64, followed by 67 on Wednesday, 68 on Thursday and 70 on Friday. By next Saturday, afternoon temperatures are expected to reach around 71 degrees.
Overnight temperatures will remain near freezing early in the week before gradually moderating into the upper 30s by Friday night.
Forecasters say high pressure will dominate the Southeast through the week, keeping rain chances out of the forecast. Although a weather system will move across the Gulf Coast region early in the week, most of its moisture is expected to remain well south of Northwest Georgia.
The National Weather Service also notes that the traditional frost and freeze warning program for much of Georgia ends around November 15. That does not mean freezing temperatures are over, but rather that the agricultural growing season has largely ended.
Residents should continue taking precautions to protect outdoor pets, exposed pipes and other items vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
The bottom line: After a frosty start Sunday, Northwest Georgia can expect plenty of sunshine, no rain and a gradual return to afternoon temperatures near 70 degrees by the end of the week.
Trion Schools Invites Generations Of Bulldogs To Celebrate Historic 600th Football Victory Friday Night
Trion City Schools is inviting generations of former Bulldog football players, coaches and support staff to return to Trion next Friday night for a special celebration recognizing the football program’s historic 600th all-time victory.
The celebration will take place Friday, November 20, 2026, as the Bulldogs host Mitchell County in the Sweet 16 round of the Georgia High School Association Class A state playoffs.
Trion reached the historic milestone Friday night with a convincing 35-6 victory over BEST Academy of Atlanta in the opening round of the state playoffs. The victory marked the program’s 600th win and secured another home playoff game for the Bulldogs.
School officials are now planning a special recognition that will bring together generations of individuals who have contributed to the Trion football program over the decades.
All former and current Trion High School football players, coaches and support staff are invited to gather at Trion’s Historic Arch at 6:45 PM Friday. From there, participants will take the field together as one team, representing the generations of Bulldog football history.
The event is intended to recognize not only the current team that achieved the milestone, but also the many players, coaches and others whose contributions helped build the program’s tradition over the years.
In announcing the celebration, Trion City Schools emphasized the importance of bringing together the past and present generations of Bulldog football.
The school system described the gathering as an opportunity to take the field “as one team, united by generations of tradition and excellence.”
The celebration comes as Trion continues its postseason run under head coach Sean Patrick. The Bulldogs defeated BEST Academy for the second consecutive week Friday night, following a 40-7 regular-season victory over the Eagles on November 6.
Trion now turns its attention to Mitchell County, which advanced to the second round with a 30-22 victory over Miller County.
Friday night’s Sweet 16 matchup will give the Bulldogs an opportunity to record victory number 601 and advance to the state quarterfinals.
Trion City Schools is encouraging the entire Bulldog Nation to attend the game and participate in what the school system is calling a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Trion football history.
For generations of Bulldog players, coaches, families and supporters, Friday night will be an opportunity to celebrate 600 victories and the lasting tradition of Trion High School football while cheering on the current Bulldogs as they continue their pursuit of a state championship.
Summerville Woman Arrested Following Altercation At Ingles Grocery Store
A Summerville woman was arrested Thursday evening following an altercation involving two women at the Ingles grocery store on Rome Boulevard.
According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, 38-year-old Lacey Rose Phillips was charged with simple battery following the incident on November 12, 2026.
Police were dispatched to Ingles at approximately 5:58 PM after Chattooga County E-911 received a report of a domestic disturbance in progress. The caller reported that a man wearing an orange shirt had pushed a woman to the ground and was walking away.
While officers were responding, E-911 received another call from a woman who identified herself as the complainant and said she was at the nearby Wildlife Lake Food Mart. She reported that Phillips had attacked her at Ingles and that she and her children were unable to drive away because her glasses had been knocked off during the confrontation.
A Summerville police officer met with the complainant, identified as 34-year-old Bobbie Jo Bridges, at the convenience store.
Bridges told police she had gone to Ingles to purchase groceries when she encountered Phillips, who had been calling her names. According to Bridges, the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation.
Bridges reported that Phillips struck her first with a closed fist to the back of her head and then slammed her head into a window at Ingles. Bridges also told police that she had previously slept with Phillips’ husband, Steven Phillips.
Bridges reported experiencing a headache and said she had sustained injuries to the back of her head and a bruise on her left cheek. She requested medical attention, and emergency medical personnel were called to evaluate her.
The officer subsequently returned to Ingles and spoke with Phillips about the incident.
According to the police report, Phillips acknowledged that the altercation began after Bridges had previously slept with her husband. When questioned about the confrontation, Phillips admitted that she struck Bridges first.
Phillips also acknowledged striking Bridges in the back of the head with a closed fist and slamming her head into a window at the grocery store.
Police spoke with an Ingles employee who reported seeing Phillips pushing Bridges and appearing to initiate an altercation as the women walked toward the exit. The employee said she did not witness what occurred after the women left the store.
The employee confirmed that surveillance cameras were operating, although only the store manager had access to the recordings.
After being evaluated and cleared by emergency medical personnel, Bridges told police that her boyfriend, Kristofer Meeler, had not pushed Phillips during the altercation and had only attempted to separate the women.
Bridges also indicated that she wanted to pursue charges.
Following the investigation, Phillips was arrested and charged with simple battery. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
The incident remains documented under Summerville Police Department case number 2026110025.
Georgia Power Donates $150,000 To Improve State Fishing Education Center
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced a $150,000 donation from Georgia Power to support improvements at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Georgia.
The donation, announced Thursday, November 12, will help enhance and update the center’s educational facilities, which introduce visitors to Georgia’s native fish species, aquatic habitats and recreational fishing opportunities.
Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, the center provides hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
Its attractions include interactive exhibits, educational programs, a working fish hatchery and a stocked casting pond where visitors can learn about fishing.
Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon said partnerships with organizations such as Georgia Power help strengthen educational opportunities and connect people with the state’s natural resources.
The center also supports efforts to educate the public about fisheries management, aquatic conservation and the importance of protecting Georgia’s waterways.
Georgia Power Vice President of Land Jennifer Winn said the company supports efforts to protect Georgia’s natural resources and introduce young people to outdoor recreation.
The Go Fish Education Center serves families, school groups and visitors interested in learning more about freshwater fishing and the state’s aquatic wildlife.
The new funding is intended to make the center’s educational experiences more engaging for visitors.
The announcement did not identify specific construction projects or provide a timetable for completing the improvements.
More information about the center, including visitor information and educational opportunities, is available at gofisheducationcenter.com.
Federal Proposal Would Increase Weekly Work-Search Requirements For Georgia Unemployment Recipients
Georgia residents receiving unemployment benefits could face additional weekly job-search requirements under a proposed federal rule announced by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The proposal, released November 9, would establish a nationwide minimum of five qualifying work-search activities each week for individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits.
Currently, the Georgia Department of Labor generally requires unemployment recipients to complete at least three new, verifiable work-search activities each week, conducted on three or more days, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Under the proposed federal rule, states would be required to establish a minimum of five qualifying activities or an approved alternative points-based system demonstrating an equivalent level of job-search effort.
The proposal would also require unemployment recipients to report their completed work-search activities before receiving payment for the week being claimed.
Qualifying activities could include applying for jobs, participating in employment placement services and maintaining appropriate contact with employment agencies or unions.
The Labor Department says the proposal is intended to establish more consistent standards among states, encourage active job searches and strengthen accountability within the unemployment insurance system.
The proposed rule would allow certain exceptions when conventional job-search activities would not be appropriate or when other qualifying circumstances apply.
For Georgia workers, the change could mean completing additional job-search activities beyond the state’s current minimum requirements.
However, the proposal has not been adopted, and Georgia’s existing unemployment work-search requirements remain in effect.
The federal government is accepting public comments on the proposed regulation through January 11, 2027.
Residents receiving unemployment benefits should continue following the Georgia Department of Labor’s current requirements, including maintaining records of their work-search activities and submitting the required information when requesting weekly benefits.
Additional information about Georgia’s unemployment insurance program is available at dol.georgia.gov.
USDA Reminds Farmers Of December 7 Deadline To Return County Committee Election Ballots
Farmers and agricultural landowners in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are being reminded that ballots for the 2026 USDA Farm Service Agency county committee elections must be returned by December 7.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced November 9 that ballots have been mailed to eligible agricultural producers and private landowners throughout the country.
Farm Service Agency county committees give farmers and ranchers a direct voice in how federal agricultural programs are administered at the local level.
Committee members help make decisions involving farm disaster assistance, conservation programs, commodity and price support programs, county office operations and other agricultural matters.
Elections are conducted annually in designated Local Administrative Areas, with committee members serving three-year terms.
To be eligible to vote, agricultural producers generally must participate in or cooperate with a USDA program and reside in an area holding an election.
Farmers who have provided information about their agricultural operations to the Farm Service Agency may qualify as cooperating producers even if they have not received federal program benefits.
Completed ballots must be delivered in person to the appropriate Farm Service Agency office by the close of business Monday, December 7, or mailed with a postmark no later than that date.
Eligible voters who have not received a ballot should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to request one.
More than 7,700 agricultural community members serve on Farm Service Agency county committees nationwide.
Newly elected committee members will begin their terms January 1, 2027.
Farmers can learn more about the elections and identify the Local Administrative Area covering their property by visiting fsa.usda.gov/elections.
The USDA encourages eligible farmers and landowners to participate in the election process to ensure their agricultural communities are represented in decisions affecting federal farm programs.
Postal Service Offers Holiday Shipping Deadlines And Tips To Prevent Package Theft And Scams
With the holiday shopping season getting underway, the United States Postal Service is encouraging Chattooga County residents to plan ahead for Christmas deliveries while taking precautions against package theft and fraudulent delivery notifications.
The Postal Service has announced its recommended 2026 holiday shipping deadlines for customers who want cards and packages to arrive before Christmas Day.
For deliveries within the continental United States, the recommended mailing deadline for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail is Thursday, December 17.
The recommended deadline for Priority Mail is Friday, December 18, while Priority Mail Express customers should mail their packages by Saturday, December 19.
Postal officials emphasize that these are recommended mailing dates rather than guarantees of delivery. Customers shipping gifts to Alaska, Hawaii, military addresses or international destinations may need to mail their packages considerably earlier.
Residents are also being encouraged to take steps to prevent package theft as online shopping increases during November and December.
The United States Postal Inspection Service recommends retrieving packages promptly after delivery and avoiding leaving valuable items unattended on porches or in mailboxes for extended periods.
Customers who will not be home when a package arrives can consider using the Postal Service’s Hold for Pickup service or arranging for someone they trust to collect deliveries.
Signature confirmation is another option for valuable shipments.
Postal inspectors are also warning consumers about fraudulent text messages and emails that appear to come from legitimate delivery companies.
One common scam involves a text message claiming that a package cannot be delivered because of an incomplete address, unpaid postage or another delivery problem.
The message typically includes a link directing the recipient to a website that appears to belong to the Postal Service. However, the website may actually be operated by criminals attempting to steal credit card information, passwords or other personal information.
The Postal Inspection Service warns that customers should not click links in unexpected delivery messages or provide financial information in response to unsolicited texts.
Instead, customers should visit the official Postal Service website at usps.com and enter their tracking number directly to check a shipment’s status.
Suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726, which is the national reporting number for unwanted text messages. USPS-related scam messages can also be reported to spam@uspis.gov.
Anyone who believes mail or packages have been stolen can report the incident to the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The Postal Service is also reminding customers that sending holiday gifts early can help avoid last-minute shipping problems and reduce the risk of packages arriving after Christmas.
With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away and Christmas shopping expected to increase, residents are encouraged to review shipping deadlines, monitor their deliveries and remain cautious of unexpected requests for payment or personal information.
Chattooga County Property Owners Reminded Of December 11 Tax Payment Deadline
Chattooga County property owners are being reminded that the payment deadline for 2026 property taxes is approaching, with bills due December 11.
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton previously announced that this year’s property tax bills had been finalized and were available online, with printed bills also mailed to property owners.
Residents can review their tax bills and make payments through the Tax Commissioner’s website at chattoogacountytax.com.
The December 11 deadline is later than the county’s usual December 1 payment date because of the timing of this year’s tax digest approval and billing process.
The 2026 billing process was delayed while property assessment appeals were being processed and the county awaited final approval of its tax digest.
Hampton previously explained that several property owners withdrew assessment appeals, allowing the county to move forward with finalizing the digest and preparing tax bills.
This year’s bills also reflect several property tax relief measures, including sales-tax-related property tax savings, school tax rollbacks and county insurance rollbacks.
Property owners are encouraged to carefully review their bills to understand how exemptions and tax savings have been applied.
Hampton previously explained that the sales-tax-related property tax savings appear on mailed bills for properties that are not exempt from county taxes. The savings field was not initially appearing on online bills, and her office was working to correct that issue.
Taxpayers with pending property assessment appeals are being handled separately. Those accounts may be billed using 85 percent of the property’s value while an appeal remains unresolved, with adjustments made following the final determination.
Hampton has also reminded residents that a property tax freeze exemption does not necessarily freeze the dollar amount of taxes owed. Instead, it freezes the taxable value used in calculating the bill, which can result in different tax amounts when millage rates or other factors change.
Residents who have already paid their taxes online may still receive a printed bill because the mailing files were prepared before those payments were processed.
Property owners with questions about their bills, exemptions or payment status can contact the Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0703.
The office is located at 120 Cox Street in the Courthouse Annex in Summerville.
Taxpayers are encouraged to review their bills and make arrangements for payment ahead of the December 11 deadline to avoid potential penalties or interest.
Winter Heating Assistance Applications To Begin In December For Eligible Chattooga County Residents
With colder temperatures arriving in Northwest Georgia, Chattooga County residents who need help paying their winter heating bills are being reminded that Georgia’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is preparing to begin accepting applications for the 2026–2027 heating season.
The federally funded program provides financial assistance to qualifying low-income households to help cover home heating expenses during the winter months.
According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, the anticipated application schedule begins Tuesday, December 1, 2026, for residents age 65 and older and individuals who are medically homebound.
All other income-eligible households are expected to be able to begin applying Monday, January 4, 2027.
These dates follow the state’s regular application schedule. Residents should confirm the opening dates and appointment procedures with their local Community Action Agency before applying.
In Chattooga County, the program is administered through North Georgia Community Action, which also serves several neighboring Northwest Georgia counties.
The local Community Action office is located at 152 Senior Drive in Summerville. Residents can call 706-857-0729 for information about assistance, eligibility requirements and appointment availability.
To qualify for LIHEAP assistance, applicants must meet household income guidelines, be responsible for paying their primary home heating expenses, and satisfy applicable citizenship or immigration eligibility requirements.
Household income generally must be at or below 60 percent of Georgia’s state median income, with eligibility limits varying according to the number of people living in the home.
Applicants should be prepared to provide a recent heating bill, proof of household income, Social Security numbers and citizenship documentation for household members, along with verification of any Social Security or unemployment benefits received.
Approved heating assistance payments are generally made directly to the household’s energy supplier rather than being issued to the applicant.
The program serves eligible households on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is limited. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as their eligibility group is permitted to begin the application process.
In addition to regular heating assistance, LIHEAP may provide emergency assistance for qualifying households facing serious heating-related situations.
Georgia also offers weatherization assistance designed to help eligible households reduce long-term energy expenses through improvements such as insulation, air sealing and increased heating efficiency.
The winter heating assistance program is particularly important for senior citizens, individuals living on fixed incomes and families struggling with higher utility bills during periods of freezing weather.
Chattooga County residents seeking assistance should contact North Georgia Community Action at 706-857-0729 to confirm the local application schedule and learn how to apply.
There is no charge to apply for LIHEAP assistance.
Area School Systems Announce Thanksgiving Break Schedules
Thanksgiving break is approaching for students across Chattooga County and surrounding school systems, with most area schools preparing to close for the holiday beginning Monday, November 23.
Both Trion City Schools and Chattooga County Schools have scheduled Thanksgiving breaks, although there is a difference in when students will return to class.
Trion City Schools will be closed Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 27. Students will return to class Monday, November 30.
Chattooga County Schools has scheduled Thanksgiving break for Tuesday, November 24, through Friday, November 27. Because the school system operates on a four-day instructional week, students will also be out of school Monday, November 23, and Monday, November 30. Classes will resume Tuesday, December 1.
Students in the Chattooga County School System will therefore have ten consecutive days away from school, beginning Saturday, November 21, and continuing through Monday, November 30.
Neighboring school systems are also preparing for the holiday.
Walker County Schools will observe Thanksgiving break Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 27, with students returning Monday, November 30.
Floyd County Schools, including schools in the Armuchee, Model, Coosa and Pepperell attendance areas, will follow the same schedule. Students will be out November 23 through November 27 and return Monday, November 30.
Across the state line, Cherokee County Schools in Alabama will also observe Thanksgiving break November 23 through November 27, with classes resuming Monday, November 30.
Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26, this year.
For families making holiday travel arrangements or planning childcare, the difference in return dates is important. While most neighboring school systems will resume classes Monday, November 30, Chattooga County Schools students will not return until Tuesday, December 1.
The upcoming break will provide students and school employees an opportunity to spend time with family before returning for the final weeks of the fall semester and the Christmas holiday season.
Summerville Woman Reports Losing Nearly $1,500 In Georgia Power Impersonation Scam
The Summerville Police Department is investigating a scam in which a local woman reported losing nearly $1,500 after receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to represent Georgia Power.
According to a police incident report filed Thursday, November 12, 2026, Celia Holt came to the Summerville Police Department around 3 PM to report that she had been the victim of a telephone scam.
Holt told police she owns Dirt Design & Decor, located at 9883 Commerce Street in Summerville. She said someone claiming to be with Georgia Power called her business and told her that she was behind on her electric bill and that her power would be disconnected.
The caller provided a telephone number, 1-888-469-4831, which Holt called back. She spoke with a woman who identified herself as Jessica Perez, extension 7250.
According to the report, the woman told Holt she owed $1,498.30 on her electric bill and instructed her to make the payment using a Green Dot payment method at CVS.
Holt told police she went to CVS and attempted to make the payment using a barcode provided by the caller. However, after receiving the barcode, CVS and the Dollar Store were unable to process the transaction.
The caller then instructed Holt to go to Walmart, where another barcode was sent to her. This time, the transaction went through.
Holt provided police with two receipts from the transaction, which were attached to the incident report.
She also reported speaking with a man who identified himself as George Cortazo, extension 2601, during the scam.
The incident report states that Captain Railey researched the telephone number used by the scammers and discovered that it had previously been associated with scams involving callers claiming to represent either Georgia Power or Alabama Power.
The Summerville Police Department says the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident serves as a reminder for residents and business owners to be cautious of unexpected telephone calls threatening immediate utility disconnection unless payment is made.
Scammers frequently use the names of legitimate utility companies to pressure customers into making payments through gift cards, prepaid payment services or other methods that are difficult to reverse.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call claiming to be from Georgia Power should hang up and contact the utility company directly using the telephone number listed on their bill or the company’s official website.
Residents should never provide payment information or purchase prepaid cards based solely on instructions from an unsolicited caller.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a similar scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Arrest Report - Saturday - November 14, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, November 14, 2026:
Trion Bulldogs Defeat BEST Academy 35-6, Record 600th Program Victory And Advance In State Playoffs
The Trion Bulldogs made history Friday night, recording the football program’s 600th all-time victory with a convincing 35-6 win over BEST Academy of Atlanta in the opening round of the Georgia High School Association Class A state playoffs.
Playing before their home crowd at Sam R. McCain Stadium in Trion, the Bulldogs delivered another strong performance against the Eagles, securing their second consecutive victory over BEST Academy and earning a spot in the second round of the state playoffs.
Friday night’s victory was particularly meaningful for the Trion football program, which has a long and successful tradition in Northwest Georgia high school athletics. The Bulldogs entered the postseason needing just one more victory to reach the historic 600-win milestone, giving Friday’s playoff opener added significance for players, coaches, alumni and generations of Bulldog supporters.
Trion had already defeated BEST Academy 40-7 in the regular-season finale on November 6. That victory helped the Bulldogs close out their regular-season schedule with a 7-3 record and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
The two teams met again just one week later, this time with their postseason hopes on the line. Trion once again controlled the scoreboard, defeating the Eagles by 29 points and ending BEST Academy’s season.
Under head coach Sean Patrick, the Bulldogs have now collected nine victories this season, including wins over Gordon Lee, Ridgeland, Dade County, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Northview, Greenville, Manchester and two victories over BEST Academy.
The 600th victory represents an important chapter in Trion football history. Over the decades, the Bulldogs have established a reputation as one of the area’s longstanding football programs, with generations of players representing the school and community on Friday nights.
Reaching the milestone during a home playoff game made the occasion even more memorable, as the Bulldogs celebrated both a historic achievement and the opportunity to continue their postseason run.
Trion will now host Mitchell County in the second round of the GHSA Class A state playoffs next Friday, November 20. Mitchell County advanced with a 30-22 victory over Miller County in its opening-round matchup.
The second-round contest will bring another important postseason challenge for Trion, with the winner advancing to the state quarterfinals.
For the Bulldogs, Friday night’s victory accomplished two goals: securing the program’s 600th all-time win and keeping their hopes of a state championship alive.
Trion will now turn its attention to Mitchell County as the Bulldogs look to add victory number 601 to the record books and move another step closer to a state championship.
Cold Mornings And Sunny Skies Expected Across Chattooga County This Weekend
Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are experiencing some of the coldest temperatures of the fall season this weekend, with the National Weather Service issuing Freeze Warnings for both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
The temperature in Summerville was around 34 degrees early Saturday morning, with mostly clear skies. A Freeze Warning remains in effect until 9 AM today, with temperatures at or below freezing in parts of Northwest Georgia.
Despite the cold start, sunshine will return today, with an afternoon high near 54 degrees. North winds of 5 to 10 mph will keep conditions chilly, although dry weather is expected throughout the day.
Another Freeze Warning is in effect from 1 AM until 9 AM Sunday, when temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s around Summerville. Some locations across North Georgia may experience temperatures in the middle 20s.
Residents should continue protecting exposed water pipes, outdoor faucets, sensitive plants and pets. Freezing temperatures can damage unprotected plumbing and kill tender vegetation.
Sunday will bring widespread morning frost followed by sunshine and a high near 56 degrees. Sunday night will remain cold, with temperatures falling to around 31 degrees.
The beginning of the workweek will bring a gradual warming trend. Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 57 degrees, followed by sunshine and a high near 62 on Tuesday.
Temperatures will continue climbing through the middle of next week, with highs reaching the middle 60s Wednesday and upper 60s Thursday. The National Weather Service expects dry conditions to continue, with little chance of rainfall through the upcoming week.
Thanksgiving Preparations Begin As Local Organizations Offer Free Meals And Food Assistance
Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and Chattooga County families are being encouraged to begin preparing now for holiday meals and gatherings. With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 26, residents have 12 days to make plans, shop for groceries and prepare for family celebrations.
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service offers guidance on holiday meal preparation and food safety. Families can begin by deciding how many people they will serve, planning a menu and making a grocery list. Purchasing nonperishable ingredients early can help avoid crowded stores and last-minute shopping.
Those planning to serve turkey should allow enough time for safe thawing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends approximately 24 hours of refrigerator thawing for every four to five pounds of frozen turkey. A 16-pound turkey, for example, may require four days to thaw.
Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, checked with a food thermometer, and perishable leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours.
Residents with questions about food preparation, safe cooking temperatures or food preservation can contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744. The office is located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
Meanwhile, several Chattooga County churches and community organizations are helping residents prepare for Thanksgiving through free meals and holiday food distributions.
Today, Saturday, November 14, the Community Resource Center of Chattooga County and Three Circles Foundation are hosting a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center. The meal will be served from noon until 3 PM and is open to everyone.
Next Thursday, November 19, Chattooga Family Connection will hold its 10th Annual Home for the Holidays Free Food Distribution at the Community Resource Center, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville. The drive-through event will run from 1 until 3 PM, with turkey breasts, canned goods, fresh produce and community resource information available to local residents. For information or to contribute, call 706-857-7917.
West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church is also preparing for its annual Community Thanksgiving Outreach. The church will distribute Thanksgiving meal boxes on Saturday, November 21, beginning at 10 AM at the Chattooga County Tag Office in Summerville.
The distribution will be conducted as a drive-through pickup, with vehicles lining up along West Washington Street in front of the Tag Office. The food boxes are intended to provide a Thanksgiving meal that families can take home and prepare.
The church is also inviting residents and businesses to participate in its Adopt-A-Box program. A $20 donation sponsors a Thanksgiving meal for a family of four. Contributions can be made through Venmo at @WBFTHC, or by cash or check payable to West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church.
The Community Resource Center also provides ongoing grocery assistance to local households throughout the year.
Along with taking advantage of local food assistance programs, families can use the coming days to check kitchen equipment, prepare appropriate dishes ahead of time and coordinate travel and holiday gathering arrangements.
With Thanksgiving approaching, early preparation and the efforts of local churches and community organizations can help more Chattooga County families enjoy the holiday.
Summerville Christmas Parade Registration Continues Through December 1
With the holiday season approaching, the City of Summerville is reminding businesses, churches, civic organizations and families that registration remains open for the 2026 Summerville Christmas Parade.
This year’s parade will take place Monday, December 7, beginning at 7 PM in downtown Summerville. The theme is “A Hard Candy Christmas,” with participants encouraged to create holiday displays reflecting the theme.
Registration opened November 1 and continues through December 1, giving prospective participants a little more than two weeks to complete their entries.
According to the Summerville Recreation Department’s parade announcement, the entry fee is $25 per float. Trophies and prize money will be awarded to the top three floats.
Participants can register through the Summerville Recreation Department or online at summervillerec.org.
The annual parade is one of Summerville’s traditional Christmas celebrations, featuring decorated floats and entries from local organizations, businesses and families.
Anyone planning to enter a float is encouraged to complete registration before the December 1 deadline.
Interstate 285 Closed In Both Directions This Weekend For Major Roadwork
Motorists traveling through the Atlanta area this weekend are being advised to expect major traffic delays as the Georgia Department of Transportation closes a section of Interstate 285 for roadway reconstruction.
The closure began Friday evening, November 13, at 7 PM and is scheduled to continue until 5 AM Monday, November 16, weather permitting.
The work affects the western side of I-285 near South Atlanta Road, South Cobb Drive and Paces Ferry Road, in the Smyrna and Atlanta area.
According to GDOT’s November 9 announcement, all northbound lanes are scheduled to close between South Atlanta Road, Exit 16, and South Cobb Drive, Exit 15. The original announcement also described a southbound closure between South Cobb Drive and South Atlanta Road.
However, a newer advisory posted on Georgia’s 511 traffic information system on November 12 identifies the southbound closure as extending from Paces Ferry Road, Exit 18, to South Cobb Drive, Exit 15. Drivers should follow current roadside detour signs and check 511GA.org for the latest closure limits.
The closures are part of GDOT’s I-285 Westside Rebuild project, which involves concrete roadway reconstruction and rehabilitation. Crews are preparing damaged concrete pavement for repair or replacement.
The larger project also includes improvements to shoulders, the concrete median, guardrails, signs and traffic management systems.
GDOT says traffic will be detoured using Interstate 75, the I-75/I-85 Connector and Interstate 20.
Drivers traveling toward Atlanta from Northwest Georgia are encouraged to allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes.
The interstate is scheduled to reopen before Monday morning’s commute, depending on weather and construction conditions.
Motorists can check current traffic conditions and detours at 511GA.org or by calling 511.
Furkids Provides New Details On Dogs Rescued From Summerville Home
New information is emerging about the dogs rescued from a Summerville residence during an animal hoarding investigation, including the condition of animals transferred to Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters.
The rescue organization took in 23 dogs from the case after Chattooga County Animal Control and the Summerville Police Department removed approximately 116 dogs from the residence.
In a report published Tuesday, November 10, WSB-TV said the dogs taken in by Furkids had been cleaned, were receiving proper nutrition and veterinary attention, and had been spayed or neutered.
Furkids founder Samantha Shelton told the television station that the organization was preparing to return for another 17 dogs. The group expected the animals already in its care to become available for adoption within several weeks.
The dogs were discovered in extremely unsanitary conditions. Rescue workers described floors covered with several inches of animal waste, and dead animals were reportedly found at the property.
The Summerville Police Department has been investigating the case. Police previously indicated that medical evaluations of the recovered animals would help investigators and prosecutors determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long previously reported that 93 of the approximately 116 dogs had been placed with rescue organizations or other appropriate placements, while 23 remained at the county shelter.
The 23 dogs transferred to Furkids and the 23 previously reported at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter are separate figures from different stages of the rescue effort. The available reports do not establish whether the additional 17 dogs have since been transferred.
Furkids is seeking financial support for veterinary treatment, vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, dental care and other needs associated with the rescue.
Residents interested in assisting the Chattooga County Animal Shelter can contact Animal Control at 706-857-0679. The shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.
Trion Basketball Teams Open Season Today At Pepperell
The Trion Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs begin their 2026–2027 regular basketball season today with three games scheduled at Pepperell High School in Lindale.
According to the Trion City Schools athletic calendar, the junior varsity girls will open the afternoon at noon, followed by the Lady Bulldogs varsity game at 1:30 PM. The Bulldogs varsity boys will take the court at 3 PM.
Both varsity teams played preseason scrimmages earlier this week as they prepared for the start of regular-season competition.
Following today’s games, Trion returns home Tuesday, November 17, to face Cedartown. The varsity girls will play at 6 PM, followed by the varsity boys at 7:30 PM.
Today’s games mark the official beginning of the winter basketball season for Trion’s varsity programs.