Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers And Donations For Holiday Programs Serving Chattooga County
The Salvation Army of Rome is seeking volunteers and community support for its annual holiday programs, which provide Christmas assistance to families and senior citizens throughout the area, including Chattooga County.
Lieutenant Cory Tilley, Corps Officer with The Salvation Army of Rome, says volunteers are needed to ring bells for the organization’s annual Red Kettle campaign. He encourages residents to volunteer with friends and give a couple of hours of their time to help raise money for those in need.
The Red Kettle campaign will begin Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and continue through the early hours of Christmas Eve. It is The Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser.
Captain Cristina Tilley says the Red Kettle campaign is a longstanding holiday tradition and provides an opportunity for community members to give back.
The organization is also seeking support for its Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts to children from birth through age 12 and senior citizens ages 65 and older.
The Salvation Army of Rome serves families in Chattooga County, making the holiday assistance programs important to local residents who may be struggling financially.
In addition to the Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns, the organization will conduct a canned food drive during the holiday season.
Residents interested in volunteering, making donations or learning more about the holiday assistance programs can contact The Salvation Army of Rome at 706-291-4745.
Additional information and updates are available through The Salvation Army of Rome, GA Facebook page.
Summerville Police Respond To Crash Involving Suspected Impaired Driver
The Summerville Police Department responded to a single-vehicle accident Wednesday night, November 4, after a driver reportedly crashed into a retaining wall along Jakeville Avenue.
According to an incident report filed by Officer B. Campbell, police were dispatched to the intersection of Jakeville Avenue and Congress Street around 9:40 PM in reference to a motor vehicle accident involving a possibly intoxicated driver.
When officers arrived, they found a silver GMC Acadia that had crashed into a retaining wall adjacent to a driveway at 116 Jakeville Avenue.
The driver was identified as Rebecca Woodall, who resides at the address where the accident occurred.
Officer Campbell reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from Woodall. According to the report, her eyes were bloodshot, and she was unable to stand without assistance. Officers also observed alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle that appeared to have been recently purchased.
Based on those observations, Officer Campbell suspected Woodall was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
However, officers were unable to conduct field sobriety testing due to safety concerns. Woodall was transported to the Atrium Health Floyd emergency facility in Trion for medical evaluation.
According to the police report, emergency room personnel indicated Woodall might be experiencing an altered mental status and required further evaluation.
The report does not indicate that Woodall was arrested or charged in connection with the incident.
Chattooga County Historical Society To Meet Sunday At Historic Finley-Sanford Home
The Chattooga County Historical Society will hold its November meeting this Sunday, November 8, offering an opportunity for residents to learn more about local history while visiting one of the county’s historic homes.
The meeting will take place from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the historic Finley-Sanford home, located at 3065 Holland-Chattoogaville Road in the Lyerly area.
The gathering provides an opportunity for Historical Society members and others interested in Chattooga County’s past to come together, share their interest in local history and support efforts to preserve the county’s historical heritage.
The Historical Society works to preserve and promote the stories, buildings, landmarks and traditions that have shaped Chattooga County over the years. Its meetings offer opportunities for residents to become involved in those preservation efforts and learn more about the area’s history.
The organization will also have its 2026 commemorative Christmas ornament available for purchase at Sunday’s meeting.
This year’s ornament features the historic 1898 Trion Railroad Bridge, recognizing a landmark associated with the development of rail transportation and the textile industry in Chattooga County.
The annual ornaments have become a way for the Historical Society to celebrate significant local landmarks while giving residents an opportunity to collect keepsakes representing the county’s past.
The 2026 ornament is also available at Sweet Beaux in downtown Summerville and through the Historical Society’s online store.
Residents interested in local history, historic architecture and preservation are encouraged to attend Sunday’s meeting.
Again, the Chattooga County Historical Society will meet Sunday, November 8, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the Finley-Sanford home, 3065 Holland-Chattoogaville Road in Lyerly.
Chattooga County Library Brings Back “Food For Fines” Program
The Chattooga County Library is bringing back its annual “Food For Fines” program, giving patrons an opportunity to reduce overdue library fines while helping provide food for families in need.
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is offering the program through December 19, allowing library patrons to exchange canned food donations for reductions in their outstanding fines.
For every canned food item donated, participants will receive a $2 credit toward overdue fines, up to a maximum of $20 in savings.
Library officials say the program provides an opportunity for patrons to clear up overdue fines while supporting the local community kitchen and helping provide food for those in need.
Residents who do not have outstanding library fines are also encouraged to participate by donating canned food items.
The Chattooga County Public Library is located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The “Food For Fines” program continues through December 19.
Chattooga County Audit Details Financial Challenges And Improvements As Commissioner Allen Announces New Accounting Procedures
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is making significant financial progress, pointing to the recently completed 2025 audit and changes in county accounting procedures as evidence of efforts to improve financial management, strengthen oversight and maintain adequate cash reserves.
Allen says the county has reached a point where it can operate without borrowing money to cover routine expenses while waiting for property tax revenue. At the same time, the newly released audit identifies several areas where the county needs to strengthen its accounting practices and internal financial controls.
One of the most significant changes being implemented involves eliminating traditional checkbooks in county departments.
Allen told WZQZ News that, going forward, all county checks will be issued through the county’s financial software system rather than through individual departmental checkbooks. The change is intended to provide more consistent records of expenditures and improve financial oversight.
County No Longer Relying On Short-Term Borrowing
Allen described the county’s bookkeeping situation when he took office as a nightmare, saying the financial condition was worse than he initially realized.
He said the county previously relied on tax anticipation notes, which function much like short-term lines of credit, to cover operating expenses while awaiting property tax collections.
The county borrowed money through those notes in 2025, but Allen said it has not needed to use a tax anticipation note during 2026.
The commissioner credited the county’s bookkeeping team and other employees with helping improve financial operations.
Allen also said the 2024 audit had not been completed when he took office, making it difficult for his administration to determine the county’s financial position.
General Fund Balance Declined During 2025
The 2025 audit shows that Chattooga County’s General Fund ended the year with a balance of approximately $5.84 million, compared with $6.95 million at the end of 2024.
That represents a decrease of approximately $1.1 million during the year.
The county collected approximately $10.2 million in taxes during 2025, compared with $11.2 million the previous year.
General Fund expenditures totaled approximately $13.5 million, an increase from approximately $12.99 million in 2024.
Public safety accounted for the largest share of expenditures, totaling approximately $6.2 million. That included approximately $2.7 million each for the Sheriff’s Office and county jail.
General government spending totaled approximately $2.55 million, while judicial expenses were approximately $1.86 million. Sanitation expenditures totaled approximately $1.34 million.
Despite the decline in the General Fund balance, the audit also reflected reductions in certain financial obligations.
Accounts payable declined from approximately $542,724 at the end of 2024 to $209,307 at the end of 2025.
The audit also showed no General Fund interest expense in 2025, compared with $33,258 in 2024.
The absence of interest expense in the General Fund does not mean the county had no borrowing during 2025. Allen has acknowledged that the county used tax anticipation borrowing that year.
Auditor Identifies Four Significant Deficiencies
The audit was prepared by certified public accountant Chrysan Thomas and covers the year ending December 31, 2025.
The auditor issued an unmodified opinion on the county’s financial statements, meaning they were fairly presented in all material respects under generally accepted accounting principles.
However, the auditor also identified four significant deficiencies involving accounting procedures and internal financial controls.
No material weaknesses were identified.
The findings involve financial recordkeeping in certain court offices, the separation of accounting responsibilities, Water Department bookkeeping and cash handling procedures.
A significant deficiency is an accounting or internal control problem important enough to warrant the attention of county management, although it does not meet the more serious classification of a material weakness.
Court Offices Need Improved Accounting Records
The first finding involved custodial funds maintained by the Probate Court, Magistrate Court and Clerk of Superior Court.
These funds generally consist of money held by county offices on behalf of other governments, organizations or individuals.
The auditor found that the offices were managing those funds without using general ledgers and that procedures were not in place for regular reconciliation of account balances.
The report also identified older outstanding funds that had not been disbursed.
The auditor recommended implementing proper general ledgers, regular reconciliations and procedures for reviewing outstanding balances.
In its response, county management agreed with the finding and said custodial funds would begin using general ledgers through the county’s Harris financial software.
Concerns About Separation Of Financial Duties
The second finding involved insufficient separation of financial responsibilities in some county offices.
The auditor explained that sound accounting practices generally require different employees to handle authorization, custody of funds, recordkeeping and reconciliation whenever possible.
The audit found that some employees were performing overlapping financial responsibilities without sufficient independent review.
The report attributed part of the problem to limited staffing in certain offices.
According to the auditor, inadequate separation of duties increases the risk that financial errors or misappropriation of funds could go undetected.
County management agreed with the finding and said it was implementing procedures to improve accounting controls and separate employee responsibilities when possible.
Water Department Records Required Significant Corrections
The third finding involved accounting procedures in the county Water Department.
The audit found that Water Department financial activity was being maintained in two separate accounting ledgers, one at the Commissioner’s Office and another at the Water Department.
Those records were not being reconciled properly throughout the year.
The auditor reported that the initial accounting records contained materially misstated balances involving cash, expenses and grant activity.
The records required substantial reconstruction and numerous correcting entries before reliable financial statements could be prepared.
The audit attributed the problems partly to insufficient accounting training, unfamiliarity with the county’s bookkeeping system and a lack of supervisory review.
The auditor recommended additional employee training, monthly reconciliations of bank accounts and loan balances, better documentation and stronger oversight.
The report also noted that similar conditions had been identified in previous years and recommended a formal corrective action plan.
County management responded that software training would be provided and additional oversight implemented to improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial records.
Cash Handling And Sheriff’s Office Accounting
The fourth finding involved cash handling and accounting procedures in county operations.
The auditor found that deposits were generally prepared and delivered to the bank by a single bookkeeper without another employee independently reviewing the process.
The report also identified accounting issues involving Sheriff’s Office funds, where financial activity across multiple funds was maintained in a single ledger.
Correcting entries were required to properly reflect certain 2025 financial activity and year-end cash balances.
The auditor recommended involving another employee in deposit procedures, maintaining separate accounting records for individual funds and conducting regular reconciliations.
County management agreed with the recommendations and indicated that procedures were being implemented to improve accounting controls and safeguard public assets.
The audit findings identify weaknesses in financial procedures and recordkeeping. They do not establish that county funds were stolen or misappropriated.
Eliminating Departmental Checkbooks
Allen says the decision to eliminate traditional checkbooks throughout county departments is part of the effort to address financial oversight concerns.
Under the new procedure, checks will be issued through the county’s financial software system rather than being written independently from departmental checkbooks.
The change is designed to provide a more consistent accounting record of payments and make expenditures easier to track and reconcile.
The county’s written responses to the audit also outline plans for additional employee training, improved accounting procedures and greater supervisory oversight.
The auditor’s recommendations extend beyond check-writing procedures, calling for regular account reconciliations, independent reviews and better separation of financial responsibilities.
Sales Tax Revenue Helping Fund County Projects
Allen also credited voter-approved sales tax initiatives with helping the county fund transportation improvements and reduce pressure on property tax revenues.
He pointed to the county’s ability to cover part of the cost of a new bridge near Spring Creek Road using transportation sales tax revenue rather than relying entirely on property taxes or other general revenue.
The commissioner said those funding sources have helped the county continue infrastructure improvements while managing its operating expenses.
Commissioner Says Work Continues
Allen maintains that the county’s financial position has improved during 2026, despite the accounting problems and declining General Fund balance documented in the 2025 audit.
He said the county has not needed to borrow money this year to meet routine expenses and credited county employees with helping improve the government’s financial management.
The audit provides a detailed accounting of the county’s financial position at the end of 2025, while the commissioner’s comments describe changes and financial developments during the current year.
The county’s next annual audit will provide a more complete picture of how those changes affected its financial operations and whether the deficiencies identified in the 2025 report have been corrected.
Dade County High School Principal Faces Additional Charges Including Rape And Child Molestation
The principal of Dade County High School in Trenton is facing additional felony charges, including rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery, following his arrest last week in an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.
Joseph “Brent” Cooper was initially arrested October 29 on two counts of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent or foster parent, according to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office.
New arrest warrant affidavits obtained by Chattanooga television station WTVC NewsChannel 9 outline additional allegations involving two individuals who were minors during at least part of the periods described in the warrants.
According to the affidavits, one rape allegation involves an incident or incidents alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, at a residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Trenton. The individual identified in that allegation was reportedly between 16 and 19 years old during the period specified.
A separate warrant accuses Cooper of child molestation and aggravated sexual battery involving a child who was approximately eight years old. Those alleged offenses reportedly occurred between August 13, 2019, and August 13, 2020, at the same residence.
The investigation began after a school resource officer received information concerning possible misconduct. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office subsequently opened an investigation that led to Cooper’s initial arrest.
Following that arrest, Dade County Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle announced that Cooper had been placed on administrative leave. Two assistant principals were assigned to oversee daily operations at Dade County High School with assistance from district administrators.
School officials have said the district is cooperating with law enforcement and remains focused on maintaining a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Investigators have described the case as an active and ongoing investigation.
The Dade County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at 706-657-3233 or by email at tips@dadesheriff.com.
The allegations remain criminal accusations, and Cooper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Arrest Report - Thursday - November 5, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, November 5, 2026:
Dense Morning Fog Gives Way To Sunshine As Cooler Weather Arrives This Weekend
Dense fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia early Thursday morning, but sunshine and mild temperatures are expected later today before cooler weather arrives for the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 AM Thursday, with visibility dropping to a quarter-mile or less in some locations. Motorists are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow extra distance between vehicles.
Once the fog clears, Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 75 degrees. Tonight will be partly cloudy with temperatures falling to around 49.
Friday will bring more sunshine and a high near 72 degrees, but a reinforcing cold front will usher in cooler, drier air heading into the weekend.
Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 64 degrees. North winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour could gust as high as 20 miles per hour. Temperatures will drop to around 37 degrees Saturday night.
Sunday will remain sunny with a high near 66 degrees, followed by another chilly night with lows around 37.
The dry weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, with highs near 68 Monday and 69 Tuesday.
The National Weather Service says temperatures will return to more seasonal levels this weekend, with chilly overnight conditions raising the possibility of frost in portions of North Georgia.
Looking ahead to Veterans Day on Wednesday, the forecast currently calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 69 degrees.
Forecasters say rain chances should remain low through much of the coming week, although longer-range weather models show some uncertainty about the potential for another weather system developing next week.
Menlo Lions Club Brunswick Stew Sale This Saturday — Orders Needed Today
The Menlo Lions Club is getting ready for its annual Brunswick stew fundraiser, and anyone wanting to purchase stew is encouraged to place an order today, Thursday, November 5.
Club members will be cooking the stew on Friday, November 6, with orders ready for pickup Saturday morning, November 7, from 7 AM until 10 AM at the Menlo School lunchroom.
The homemade Brunswick stew will be available for $30 per gallon or $8 per quart.
The annual fundraiser helps the Menlo Lions Club provide scholarships for graduating seniors at Chattooga High School.
The stew sale has become a community tradition, with Lions Club members preparing the stew ahead of Saturday’s pickup.
Residents who want to support the scholarship program and enjoy some homemade Brunswick stew are encouraged to get their orders in today so club members can plan for Friday’s cooking.
Pickup will be Saturday morning at the Menlo School lunchroom between 7 and 10 AM.
Anyone interested in purchasing Brunswick stew or getting additional information can contact Lee Majors at 706-862-2857 or Elaine at 706-844-2349.
Summerville Man Arrested For DUI After Traffic Stop On Highway 48
A Summerville man was arrested on multiple traffic charges after a Summerville Police Department officer observed a vehicle speeding and repeatedly crossing into another lane on Highway 48.
According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, Officer Brock Campbell was parked at Mason’s Funeral Home on Saturday, October 31, around 8:49 PM when he observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 48 at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.
Campbell checked the vehicle’s speed at 55 miles per hour in a posted 35-mile-per-hour zone. After following the vehicle, the officer reported observing it cross into the center turn lane approximately three times.
The driver turned onto Commerce Street, where Campbell initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually stopped near the intersection of Commerce Street and East Washington Street, nearly striking a parked vehicle, according to the report.
The driver was identified as 39-year-old Santos Ramirez Velasquez of Summerville. Campbell reported that Ramirez Velasquez had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and difficulty following instructions. The officer also observed an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment.
Ramirez Velasquez reportedly admitted drinking four or five beers before driving. Following field sobriety testing, Campbell placed him under arrest.
Ramirez Velasquez was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a valid license, speeding, failure to maintain lane and an open container violation.
The charges are allegations, and Ramirez Velasquez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Chattooga County Voters Approve Three Local Referendums — Here's What They Mean
Chattooga County voters approved three countywide ballot referendums in Tuesday’s General Election, renewing a one-percent education sales tax and approving two measures providing property tax relief for senior citizens.
All three measures received substantial support, with the county senior homestead exemption drawing the largest percentage of favorable votes.
Education Sales Tax Renewal
Voters approved continuing the existing one-percent education sales tax for another five years, with 4,490 voting yes and 2,395 voting no. The measure received 65.21 percent approval.
The renewal authorizes the collection of up to $26.9 million for the Chattooga County and Trion school systems.
The money will be divided between the two school districts based on student enrollment and can be used for school construction and renovations, classroom improvements, technology, school buses, safety and security equipment, athletic facilities and payments on existing school-related debt.
The measure continues an existing sales tax rather than imposing an additional one-percent tax. Revenue is collected on eligible purchases made in Chattooga County, including purchases by visitors and residents.
County Property Tax Exemption For Seniors
The strongest voter support went to a new county property tax exemption for qualifying senior citizens.
The measure passed with 6,216 yes votes and 665 no votes, receiving 90.34 percent approval.
Under the measure, Chattooga County homeowners who are at least 70 years old and have incomes not exceeding $38,000 will qualify for a $70,000 exemption from the assessed value of their homestead for county property tax purposes.
Georgia generally assesses residential property at 40 percent of fair market value. That means the $70,000 assessed-value exemption is substantial and could eliminate the county portion of property taxes for many qualifying senior homeowners, depending on their property’s assessed value.
The exemption applies to county property taxes, not necessarily every tax appearing on a homeowner’s property tax bill.
School Property Tax Exemption For Seniors
Voters also approved expanding eligibility for an existing senior citizen homestead exemption from Chattooga County School District property taxes.
That referendum received 5,068 yes votes and 1,308 no votes, with 79.49 percent voting in favor.
The measure increases the income limit for qualifying homeowners age 70 and older from $20,000 to $38,000.
The income limit will increase to $41,150 for the 2027 tax year and to $55,000 beginning with the 2028 tax year.
Unlike the county exemption, this measure changes the income eligibility requirements for an existing school property tax exemption, allowing more qualifying senior citizens to receive the benefit.
The school tax exemption applies to the Chattooga County School District, and eligibility requirements must be met.
What’s Next?
The results from Tuesday’s election remain unofficial until certification.
The Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is scheduled to meet Friday, November 6, at 5 PM at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office to certify the election results.
The approval of these three measures means the county’s education sales tax will continue, while qualifying senior homeowners will have expanded opportunities for property tax relief.
Trion Property Tax Increase Hearings Scheduled For Today
The Town of Trion will hold two public hearings today, Thursday, November 5, concerning a proposed 5.96 percent property tax increase.
The hearings are scheduled for 10 AM and 5 PM at the Town of Trion Conference Room. Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed property tax increase before a final decision is made.
The town is proposing to maintain its property tax millage rate at 10.781 mills. However, because of increases in assessed property values, keeping the millage rate unchanged would result in additional property tax revenue for the town.
Under Georgia law, that additional revenue is advertised as a tax increase because the town is not adopting the lower rollback millage rate.
For a home with a fair market value of $175,000, the proposed increase would amount to approximately $19.45 in additional annual property taxes, assuming the same exemptions and other applicable factors.
A third public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at 6 PM, also at the Town of Trion Conference Room.
Residents who want to learn more about the proposed millage rate or express their opinions are encouraged to attend one of the public hearings.
Chattooga Indians Close Regular Season Tonight At Christian Heritage
The Chattooga Indians will wrap up their regular football season tonight, Thursday, November 5, when they travel to Dalton to face the Christian Heritage Lions. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.
The Indians enter tonight’s contest with a 2-7 record following last week’s 45-7 loss to Fannin County in Blue Ridge.
Chattooga will face a Christian Heritage team that has put together an impressive 8-1 season. The Lions are coming off a 63-7 victory over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe last Friday night.
Tonight’s game was originally scheduled for Friday but was moved to Thursday because of a shortage of available high school football officials.
Chattooga will be looking to finish the regular season with a victory after picking up wins over Gordon Central and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe earlier this season.
Meanwhile, the Trion Bulldogs will close out their regular season Friday night when they host BEST Academy of Atlanta at Sam R. McCain Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Trion enters Friday’s game with a 7-2 record after having last week off. The Bulldogs defeated Manchester 35-7 in their most recent game on October 23.
Trion will be looking to finish the regular season on a winning note as the Bulldogs prepare for postseason play.
WZQZ will provide live coverage of both games on AM 1180 and FM 99.1, along with live video coverage on the WZQZ Radio Facebook page.
Chattooga’s game at Christian Heritage kicks off tonight at 7 PM, while Trion’s home game against BEST Academy is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 PM.
AdventHealth Partners With Area Restaurants To Provide Free Veterans Day Meals
AdventHealth is partnering with seven restaurants across Northwest Georgia to provide free meals to veterans on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.
The initiative is designed to recognize veterans for their military service and provide an opportunity for communities to show their appreciation.
In Chattooga County, veterans can receive a complimentary breakfast at McDonald’s in Summerville, located at 11240 U.S. Highway 27, from 7 AM until 9 AM.
In Rome, Chick-fil-A on Shorter Avenue will provide free meals to veterans from 11 AM until 1 PM.
Additional participating locations include:
- Chick-fil-A of Calhoun: 495 Highway 53, from 11 AM until 1 PM.
- Chick-fil-A of Cedartown: 1610 Rome Highway, from 11 AM until 1 PM.
- Bojangles in Chatsworth: 1119 North Third Avenue, from 7 AM until 10 AM.
- Chick-fil-A of Rockmart: 1500 Chattahoochee Drive, from 7 AM until 9 AM.
- Chick-fil-A of Cartersville: 2000 Georgia Highway 20, from 11 AM until 1 PM.
“AdventHealth and our community partners are honored to recognize the men and women who have served our nation,” said Josefer Montes, executive director of marketing and communications. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to express our appreciation and connect with veterans in our communities through a simple gesture of gratitude.”
AdventHealth says the restaurant partnerships reflect its ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and strengthening communities throughout Northwest Georgia.
Veterans are encouraged to visit one of the seven participating restaurants during the designated serving hours on Wednesday, November 11, to receive their complimentary meal.
Chattooga Family Connection Holiday Food Distribution Scheduled For November 19
Chattooga Family Connection is preparing to help local families ahead of Thanksgiving with its 10th Annual Home for the Holidays Free Food Distribution, scheduled for Thursday, November 19.
The drive-through food distribution will take place from 1 PM until 3 PM at the Community Resource Center of Chattooga, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville.
The event is open to all local residents, with families receiving turkey breast, canned goods, fresh produce and information about helpful community resources.
Organizers are also seeking food donations and financial contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations interested in supporting the Thanksgiving distribution.
Anyone wishing to contribute or learn more about the event can contact Maisha Ludy by email at maishaludy@gmail.com or by calling 706-857-7917.
The annual event is designed to help local households prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday while connecting families with resources available in the community.
Nearly 5,000 Deer Harvested Across Four Northwest Georgia Counties This Season
Deer hunters across four Northwest Georgia counties have harvested an estimated 4,944 deer so far during the 2026–2027 hunting season, according to current figures from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The latest figures from the DNR’s Deer Harvest Dashboard show Floyd County leading the four-county area with an estimated 1,770 deer harvested, followed by Gordon County with 1,355.
Walker County has recorded an estimated 1,011 deer harvested, while Chattooga County’s estimated harvest stands at 808.
Statewide, Georgia hunters have harvested more than 107,000 deer through November 2, according to figures compiled from the DNR’s Game Check reporting system.
The statewide estimates include more than 48,000 bucks and 59,000 does.
The DNR adjusts current-season harvest estimates using Game Check reporting compliance rates from previous years. That means the figures include estimates of deer that may not have been reported through the system.
Deer hunting continues across Georgia, and harvest numbers are expected to increase as the season progresses.
Hunters are required to record their deer harvests and report them through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
The Georgia DNR maintains an online deer harvest dashboard where hunters can follow statewide and county-by-county harvest estimates throughout the season.
GNTC Launches Toys For Tots Drive To Help Local Children This Christmas
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is collecting toys for children in Northwest Georgia as part of its annual Toys for Tots donation drive.
The holiday community service project is being organized by GNTC’s Student Government Association and FBLA Collegiate student organizations, with donations being accepted through December 9.
The college is asking community members, students, faculty and staff to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children ages 12 and younger in the communities GNTC serves.
Donations can be dropped off at the Help Center on any GNTC campus, including the college’s campuses in Floyd, Walker and other Northwest Georgia counties.
The donation drive began November 2 and will continue through Wednesday, December 9, giving residents several weeks to contribute before Christmas.
GNTC says the effort is designed to help make the holidays brighter for children who might otherwise go without Christmas gifts.
Anyone with questions about the Toys for Tots drive can contact Larry Blanchard at LBlanchard@gntc.edu.
The college encourages community members to participate by donating a new, unwrapped toy at their nearest GNTC campus Help Center.
Summerville Fire Department Seeking Volunteer Firefighters
The Summerville Fire Department is encouraging residents interested in serving their community to consider becoming volunteer firefighters.
The department recently announced that it continually accepts applications from individuals interested in joining its volunteer firefighting team.
Applicants must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver’s license. The department also requires applicants to demonstrate strong moral character and a commitment to community service.
Volunteer firefighters with the Summerville Fire Department receive an annual pay-per-call check and are eligible for firefighter retirement benefits after 15 years of service.
The department says volunteering also provides valuable training and experience for individuals who may eventually want to pursue careers as full-time paid firefighters.
Volunteer firefighters play an important role in helping local fire departments respond to emergencies and protect lives and property.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can contact the Summerville Fire Department for more information about the application process and training requirements.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - November 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, November 4, 2026:
Chattooga County Voters Approve Local Referendums As Georgia Election Results Take Shape
Voters in Chattooga County gave strong support to four local ballot measures in Tuesday’s general election, while statewide races for governor and U.S. Senate resulted in Democratic victories. Republicans also won key congressional and legislative races representing Northwest Georgia.
All five Chattooga County precincts have reported, according to unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State.
The renewal of the one-percent education sales tax received 4,490 Yes votes, or 65.21 percent, compared with 2,395 No votes. The measure allows the sales tax to continue for up to five years, providing funding for capital projects in the Chattooga County and Trion school systems.
A county senior citizen homestead exemption received overwhelming approval, with 6,216 votes in favor and 665 against, representing 90.34 percent support.
A separate school property tax homestead exemption measure was also approved, receiving 5,068 Yes votes, or 79.49 percent, compared with 1,308 No votes.
Trion voters approved a general obligation school bond referendum with 336 votes in favor and 132 against, representing 71.79 percent support.
In the U.S. Senate race, Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff won reelection over Republican Mike Collins. However, Collins carried Chattooga County, receiving 5,161 votes, or approximately 73 percent, compared with 1,896 votes for Ossoff.
In the governor’s race, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson. Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, becomes the first Black woman elected governor in the United States and the first Democrat elected Georgia governor since 1998.
In Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, Republican Congressman Clay Fuller defeated Democrat Shawn Harris to win a full two-year term.
Republican State Senator Lanny Thomas and Republican State Representative Eddie Lumsden were also projected to win reelection in their respective districts, which includes all of Chattooga County and portions of surrounding counties.
All election results remain unofficial until certified by election authorities.