North Georgia Cruisers Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show Happening Today In Summerville
Car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts will be gathering in Summerville today as the North GA Cruisers Inc. hold their annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
Registration begins at 8 AM and continues until noon. The show is open to a variety of vehicles, including classics and modern muscle. Current event listings confirm today’s show and the registration period.
One of the biggest attractions will be a $1,000 cash giveaway, with $700 going to the grand-prize winner and $300 for second prize.
The North Georgia Cruisers have made their annual show more than simply a gathering for automobile enthusiasts. The organization has traditionally used proceeds from the event to support area programs helping people in need, giving those attending an opportunity to enjoy the vehicles while supporting the community. Previous shows have also featured trophies, door prizes, concessions and automotive swap-meet items.
The show gets underway this morning at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road in Summerville.
Calhoun Man Facing Additional Drug Charges Following Child Molestation Arrest
A Calhoun man arrested earlier this week on allegations involving a 10-year-old child is now facing additional drug charges following the execution of a search warrant at his home.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 42-year-old Zachary Joe Shortnancy was initially charged with child molestation, illegal electronic surveillance and peeping Tom.
Authorities allege Shortnancy placed a cell phone camera underneath a wall and used it to record a 10-year-old child inside her room.
During the execution of a search warrant Tuesday at Shortnancy’s Everett Springs Road home, investigators reportedly discovered more than 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine. According to jail records, the methamphetamine was individually packaged in a manner authorities allege indicated it was ready for sale.
Investigators also reported finding Roxicodone pills and a glass smoking device at the residence.
Shortnancy now faces additional charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug-related objects.
Summerville Police Arrest Man Following Raymond Street Disturbance
A man was arrested following a reported disturbance at a Raymond Street residence in Summerville.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to 110 Raymond Street at approximately 11:35 PM on Monday, August 31.
The complainant told police that she and a man identified in the report as Jordan had been arguing over rent. She said the argument began inside her grandson’s room, where Jordan was allegedly screaming and tearing the room apart.
The complainant told officers she believed Jordan would damage property inside the home and showed police holes in the bedroom walls that she said he had previously made.
She also told officers she was afraid to go outside because Jordan had run from the residence after she called 911 and was hiding in a wooded area behind the home.
Officers located Jordan in the wooded area behind the residence, where police said he appeared to be hiding.
According to the report, the complainant appeared upset and frightened, and officers determined there was probable cause to believe Jordan had acted in a tumultuous manner that caused her to fear for her safety and property.
Jordan was taken into custody and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident. He was issued a citation for city ordinance disorderly conduct.
Chattooga High School Announces 2026 Homecoming Court
Chattooga High School has announced its 2026 Homecoming Court, with this year’s homecoming celebration coming up in just a few weeks.
The freshman representatives are Layla Albert, Georgia Foster and Karli Parker.
Representing the sophomore class are Hailey Cornejo, Yulmi Vasquez Perez and Emma Veatch.
The junior representatives are Addison DeBerry, Kendall Harrell and Gracelyn Rutledge.
This year’s senior Homecoming Court includes Carlee Childers, Brieann Edwards, Molly Gregory, Temperance Kinnebrew, Daysa Martin, Claira Moseley, Kamberli Robbins, Kiyah Shropshire, Anzli Toles and Jacey Wiggins.
Homecoming week will include the Red & Black Bash Homecoming Block Party on Wednesday, September 30, from 6 until 8 PM at Chattooga High School. The community event will bring together students, families, businesses, organizations and vendors for an evening of activities and school spirit.
The week culminates with the Chattooga Indians’ Homecoming football game Friday, October 2, when Chattooga hosts the Gordon Central Warriors at the Little Big Horn. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
The Homecoming Court will be part of the festivities as Chattooga students, alumni and supporters come together for one of the biggest school-spirit weeks of the year.
Georgia Deer Archery Season Opens Today; DNR Urges Tree Stand Safety
Georgia deer hunters are heading back into the woods today as the state’s 2026-2027 archery deer season gets underway, and wildlife officials are reminding hunters that one of the greatest dangers may come before they ever take a shot.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division issued a reminder this week urging hunters to pay particular attention to tree stand safety.
DNR says tree stand accidents accounted for 18 of Georgia’s 24 hunting incidents during the 2025-2026 season, including two fatalities.
Hunters using ladder stands or other non-climbing portable stands should make certain the stand is securely fastened to the tree and that ladders and steps are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
DNR says hunters should always wear a full-body fall-arrest harness while climbing, hunting and descending from an elevated stand. Older single-strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer recommended.
Hunters should also use a haul line to raise and lower their bow, firearm and other equipment rather than attempting to climb while carrying gear.
Another important precaution is making sure someone knows where you are hunting and when you expect to return. Hunters should keep a cell phone or other signaling device where it can be reached even if they fall and are left suspended in a harness. DNR also recommends having a rescue or recovery plan before climbing into a stand.
Hunters are also reminded never to use alcohol or drugs while hunting and to avoid medications that could cause drowsiness while sitting in an elevated stand.
With deer season getting underway across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, DNR’s message is simple: a full-body harness and a few basic precautions can prevent a day in the woods from ending in serious injury or death.
More information on Georgia hunting regulations and hunter education is available through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
$1 Billion Data Center Proposed Near Kingston In Bartow County
Another massive data center project is being proposed in Northwest Georgia, this time near Kingston in Bartow County.
A Development of Regional Impact filing submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs on September 4 outlines plans for the Kingston Technology Hub, a proposed 350,000-square-foot data center on approximately 559 acres. The development is estimated to represent a $1 billion investment and is targeted for completion in 2030.
The developer is listed as Thor Acquisition, associated with New York-based Thor Equities. The property is located in the Kingston area near Highway 411 and the Hyundai-SK battery facility. No future operator or end user for the data center has been identified in the state filing.
While the investment would be substantial, the number of permanent jobs would be comparatively small. Project documents estimate the completed facility would employ approximately 50 full-time workers while generating about $2 million annually in local tax revenue.
The project would also require significant utility infrastructure.
The filing estimates the data center would need approximately 150 megawatts of electrical capacity. Developers plan to pursue power through a Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia request-for-proposals process, with additional electrical infrastructure, including a substation, likely required at the site.
Water usage is projected at approximately 50,000 gallons per day, and about three miles of additional water line would be installed. The final length and size of that line would be determined following engineering review with the Bartow County Water Authority.
The proposal still has several hurdles before construction could begin. Reporting from WBHF indicates the project would require rezoning, along with other local approvals involving water, sewer, tree removal, occupancy and business licensing.
The Kingston proposal comes as data center development has become an increasingly prominent issue across Georgia and Northwest Georgia, with communities weighing potentially significant tax revenue against concerns about electricity demand, water use and infrastructure. Neighboring Floyd County recently adopted regulations governing data center development following a temporary moratorium.
If ultimately approved and constructed, the Kingston Technology Hub is projected for completion in 2030.
Walker County Approves $39.9 Million Budget With No Tax Increase
Walker County commissioners have approved a $39.9 million budget for fiscal year 2027 without increasing the county’s tax rate, following several months of discussion over rising expenses and how to balance the spending plan.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved the budget during its September 3 meeting. The new fiscal year begins October 1 and runs through September 30, 2027.
The final budget includes funding for three additional firefighters and does not add any other new county positions. County employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment.
Getting to the final spending plan took several months. When the budget process began this summer, county departments had submitted requests totaling more than $50 million. Chairwoman Angie Teems and county staff worked with department heads to reduce those requests by more than $10 million.
As recently as August, commissioners were still facing a projected $1.9 million gap between revenues and expenses, prompting the board to delay a budget vote while members considered additional changes. Among the pressures on the budget were inflation, state-mandated expenses, a new ambulance service contract, firefighter staffing and employee compensation.
The final $39.9 million spending plan was adopted without a tax increase.
For comparison, Walker County’s FY2026 General Fund budget was approximately $37.25 million.
Georgia DNR Opens 2027 Fish Art Contest For Young Artists
Young artists across Georgia are being invited to combine art, writing and an interest in the outdoors as entries are now being accepted for the 2027 Fish Art Contest.
The free competition is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, ages 5 to 18, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. The international program is designed to encourage young people to learn more about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation.
For Georgia entries, students select a fish species, research the fish and its habitat, and create an original, hand-drawn illustration showing a wild fish in its natural habitat. Digital artwork and artwork created using artificial intelligence are not allowed. Students in fourth grade and above must also submit a short creative writing piece demonstrating what they learned about their chosen species.
Students competing for the Go Fish Georgia Award should select a fish native to Georgia or an introduced species commonly pursued by Georgia anglers.
Winners will be chosen in five age divisions, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Top Georgia entries will be displayed at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry.
The deadline to enter is February 28, 2027. Entries can be submitted digitally, and Georgia DNR also provides an option for mailing artwork to the Go Fish Education Center. Entry forms, contest rules and additional information are available through FishArt.org.
Arrest Report - Friday - September 11, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, September 11, 2026:
Hot Friday With Afternoon Storm Chance; Widespread Rain Expected Saturday
It will be another hot and humid day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with a much better chance for rain and thunderstorms arriving for the first part of the weekend.
The National Weather Service says today will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees. With the humidity, heat index values could reach around 99 degrees during the hottest part of the afternoon.
There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly after 2 PM. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any stronger thunderstorm that develops could bring heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and gusty winds.
Rain chances increase tonight to 40%, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 71.
The biggest weather story comes Saturday, when a weakening frontal boundary and very moist air combine to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms to North Georgia. The chance of rain is 90% Saturday, with showers likely during the morning and thunderstorms becoming more numerous after 11 AM. The high will be around 88 degrees.
Forecasters say the atmosphere will contain unusually high moisture levels, meaning thunderstorms could be efficient producers of heavy rain. Localized flooding will be possible, particularly where storms repeatedly move across the same areas.
The overall threat for organized severe weather Saturday remains low, but some thunderstorms could produce gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Rain and thunderstorms continue into Saturday evening before gradually decreasing overnight.
Conditions improve Sunday. Look for mostly sunny skies, a high near 90 and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Hot weather returns for the beginning of the workweek, with sunshine and a high near 93 Monday.
Chattooga Heads To Coosa, Trion Travels To Dade County Tonight
It’s another Friday night of high school football, and both Chattooga County teams will be on the road tonight as the Chattooga Indians travel to Coosa and the Trion Bulldogs head to Dade County.
For Chattooga, tonight’s game provides an opportunity to get into the win column after a difficult start to the season.
The Indians are 0-2 under head coach Roone Gable, following a 33-14 loss to LaFayette in the season opener and last week’s 42-7 loss to Model. Tonight, Chattooga makes its first road trip of the regular season when the Indians take on the Coosa Eagles. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Chattooga had an open date between the LaFayette and Model games, meaning tonight will be only the Indians’ third regular-season contest.
The Indians will be looking to establish some momentum before another road game next week at Ridgeland. After that, Chattooga returns home to the Little Big Horn on September 25 to face Gordon Lee.
Tonight’s Chattooga-Coosa game will be the featured radio broadcast on WZQZ 99.1 FM. Fans can also watch the game live on the WZQZ Radio Facebook Page.
Meanwhile, Trion heads to Trenton tonight to take on the Dade County Wolverines.
The Bulldogs enter the game 2-1 under head coach Sean Patrick. Trion opened the season with a convincing 36-7 victory over Gordon Lee before falling to Model 31-7. The Bulldogs bounced back last week with a road victory over Ridgeland.
Trion’s offense is led by senior quarterback Linc Allen, who has been a major part of the Bulldogs’ production both through the air and on the ground. Allen has also been a key contributor defensively. Hudson Thomas remains an important presence at defensive end and tight end as Trion continues through the non-region portion of its schedule.
Tonight’s matchup at Dade County is the second of back-to-back road games for the Bulldogs. Trion returns to Sam R. McCain Stadium next Friday night to host Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe.
Kickoff for Trion at Dade County is also set for 7:30 PM, and WZQZ will provide live video coverage of the Bulldogs on the WZQZ Radio Facebook Page.
So tonight, local football fans have two games to follow: Chattooga at Coosa and Trion at Dade County.
Listen to the Chattooga-Coosa game on WZQZ 99.1 FM, and watch both Chattooga and Trion live on the WZQZ Radio Facebook Page.
Chattooga County Man Faces Drug Trafficking Charges Following Arrest
A 52-year-old Chattooga County man is facing several drug charges following an encounter with deputies at a residence on Williams Cemetery Road.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, deputies encountered Aaron Ray Croy, 52, at the residence on September 1 while attempting to locate another individual.
The report states that deputies saw Croy near the residence and attempted to speak with him. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Croy initially resisted deputies’ efforts to detain him and was eventually taken into custody.
During the investigation, deputies reported finding suspected narcotics among Croy’s belongings. The report states that suspected methamphetamine was later taken to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, where it was weighed at approximately 16 grams and field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to the incident report, Croy allegedly told a deputy that he had used methamphetamine about two weeks earlier. The report also states that deputies located other suspected controlled substances during the investigation.
Croy was arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
According to the Sheriff’s Office report, Croy is charged with trafficking of certain controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule II drug and obstruction of officers.
Under Georgia law, possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine can constitute trafficking based solely on weight. However, Georgia law also provides trafficking thresholds for certain other controlled substances. The Sheriff’s Office report lists trafficking among Croy’s charges.
Georgia DOT Finalizing Report On Mosteller Creek Bridge
A clearer timeline for replacing the Mosteller Creek bridge in Lyerly could be available as soon as next week.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen told WZQZ News that the Georgia Department of Transportation is finalizing its report on the bridge and preparing to present its findings to the county.
Allen said he has a meeting scheduled for next week to discuss the report, and that meeting could provide new information on when the bridge replacement may move forward.
The bridge has been closed since June after an inspection raised structural concerns. Allen also pointed out that the bridge is not a newly identified problem. He said it has been on the Georgia DOT list of bridges needing repair since 2016.
Allen also clarified that the lower-cost replacement approach recently used on the Spring Creek Road bridge is not an option for the Mosteller Creek crossing.
The Spring Creek project used large modular culvert-style structures as part of an emergency replacement. Allen said the Mosteller Creek bridge spans a much larger area and is not situated in a way that would allow large tiles or culverts to safely handle the volume of water moving through the creek.
That means the county will need a different replacement design for the Lyerly bridge.
The upcoming Georgia DOT report is expected to give county officials a better picture of the condition of the structure, the recommended replacement approach and, potentially, the timetable for getting the project underway.
Allen said more information could be available as soon as next week following his meeting with state transportation officials.
Georgia Tax Collections Rise 3.5% In August
Georgia’s state tax collections continued to grow in August, with revenues approaching $2.5 billion for the month.
According to figures released by Governor Brian Kemp’s office, Georgia collected about $85.4 million more in net tax revenue than in August 2025, an increase of 3.5%.
One of the strongest areas was individual income tax collections, which approached $1.2 billion, up approximately $40 million, or 3.5%, from a year earlier. Income tax withholding payments increased by $49.3 million, or 4.4%.
Sales tax collections also showed significant growth. Gross sales and use tax collections reached roughly $1.79 billion, an increase of $129 million, or 7.8%, compared with August of last year. Net sales and use tax collections were up 5.4%.
The amount distributed to local governments from sales taxes reached $911.9 million, an increase of $81.9 million, or 9.9%, from August 2025.
Not every category increased. Corporate income tax collections fell sharply, dropping 53.8% to $18.4 million. Motor fuel tax collections declined by 3.3%, while motor vehicle tag and title fee collections increased 27.4%. Title Ad Valorem Tax collections were down 1.2%.
The August report follows a 3.1% increase in Georgia’s net tax collections in July, the first month of Fiscal Year 2027. July collections totaled approximately $2.57 billion.
The latest figures indicate that consumer spending and individual income tax collections remain important drivers of state revenue, even as collections vary considerably among individual tax categories.
More Than 87,000 Books Going To Georgia Pre-K Students
More than 87,000 Georgia Pre-K students will soon receive a new book of their own as part of a statewide effort to promote early literacy and learning.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, or DECAL, says it will distribute copies of “Every Amazing Song” to children enrolled in Georgia’s Pre-K Program across the state. The book was co-authored by Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band and former University of Georgia football standout and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell.
The distribution will coincide with Georgia Pre-K Week, October 5 through October 9. Now in its 16th year, Pre-K Week promotes early learning and literacy while giving state and local leaders an opportunity to visit Pre-K classrooms.
DECAL says each Pre-K classroom will receive a copy, and each student will also receive a book to take home and share with their family or caregivers.
“Every Amazing Song” combines reading with music, movement and creativity. The story follows Bowles and Mitchell aboard a fictional “Magic Music Machine” as children learn about rhythm, melodies and the different sounds instruments contribute to a song.
The book is accompanied by two original songs written by Bowles and Mitchell, along with educational activities designed for teachers, students and families. It follows their 2025 Pre-K Week book, “Every Amazing Story.”
DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs said the new book gives young students an opportunity to have fun while learning about music and beginning to develop an interest in reading.
During Georgia Pre-K Week, civic and community leaders will also visit classrooms around the state to read to students and learn more about Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Georgia’s Pre-K is administered by DECAL, which says its mission includes strengthening early-learning experiences for children and families throughout the state.
Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia
Residents looking for something to do Saturday will have plenty of choices, with several events planned in Chattooga County and neighboring communities on Saturday, September 12.
One of the biggest local events will be the North GA Cruisers Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. Registration runs from 8 AM until noon, and the show includes classic and modern vehicles along with a $1,000 cash giveaway — $700 for the grand prize and $300 for second prize.
Saturday will also be a particularly busy day at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The Twisted Ankle Trail Race celebrates its 20th anniversary Saturday, with races beginning at 9 AM. This year’s event includes the traditional 5K, 10-mile and half-marathon distances, along with a special 20-mile race being offered for the anniversary. Runners taking on the longer distances will climb Becky’s Bluff, while the 20-mile competitors will make the trip twice. Proceeds from the race benefit the Friends of the Park. Registration for the race has already closed.
Later Saturday, Sloppy Floyd will take part in Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a Hiking 101 program at 2:30 PM. Rangers will lead participants along the Lower Lake Trail while covering hiking safety, what hikers should carry and how to prepare for emergencies. The program is free, although the park’s $10 parking fee applies.
There are also several events within a short drive of Chattooga County.
The Walker County Ag Festival will be held Saturday from 8 AM until 6 PM at the Ag Center in Rock Spring. The annual event celebrates Northwest Georgia agriculture and includes vendors and agricultural activities. Organizers say the festival will be held rain or shine.
In Chickamauga, Saturday is also the city’s Birthday Celebration, being held at the historic Gordon Lee Mansion. The City of Chickamauga lists the event as its fourth Music at the Mansion event of the year, while Walker County’s tourism calendar lists activities from 4 until 8 PM.
And for those traveling toward Gordon County, Girl Scouts on the Trail of Tears will be held from 10 AM until 3 PM Saturday at New Echota State Historic Site near Calhoun. Rangers will offer Girl Scouts a day of activities and guided programs focusing on Cherokee history and the Trail of Tears.
Also in Calhoun Saturday night, the GEM Theatre will host “Margaritatown,” featuring Nero Simon & The Sunsetters, beginning at 7:30 PM. The show features music associated with Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Bob Marley, Zac Brown and other tropical-rock favorites.
That gives Northwest Georgia residents a full Saturday ranging from cars and motorcycles in Summerville and trail racing and hiking at Sloppy Floyd to agriculture in Rock Spring, history in Chickamauga and New Echota, and live music in Calhoun.
Summerville PFAS Lawsuit Moves Forward Against Major Chemical Manufacturers
A federal lawsuit over PFAS contamination of Summerville’s drinking water supply continues moving toward trial after a federal judge rejected efforts by major chemical manufacturers to dispose of significant portions of the case.
The lawsuit dates back to 2021 and centers on PFAS contamination discovered in Raccoon Creek, the primary source of drinking water for the City of Summerville. The case was originally filed by Summerville resident Earl Parris Jr., with the City of Summerville later joining the lawsuit.
The remaining defendants include some of the largest chemical manufacturers in the country, including 3M Company, Daikin America, DuPont and Chemours. The plaintiffs allege PFAS-containing products manufactured or supplied by the companies were used in textile operations at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion and ultimately contributed to contamination of the Raccoon Creek watershed. Those allegations remain contested.
A significant development came this summer when U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr. ruled on motions for summary judgment filed by 3M and Daikin.
On July 10, the judge denied 3M’s motion for summary judgment, allowing the claims at issue against the company to continue. The ruling means Summerville and Parris may continue seeking monetary damages and, as named plaintiffs, alternative injunctive relief against 3M. The judge also ruled that questions concerning certain future damages should be left for a jury.
The court separately granted part and denied part of Daikin America’s motion for summary judgment, meaning significant claims against Daikin also remain alive.
Court records provide additional detail about how the plaintiffs contend PFAS reached Summerville’s water.
According to the court, Mount Vernon Mills is the largest industrial user of the Trion Wastewater Treatment Plant. Wastewater from the plant is treated before water is discharged into the Chattooga River, while sludge historically was either sent to a landfill or applied to farmland as fertilizer.
Some of those land-application sites were located within the Raccoon Creek watershed.
Court records state that in January 2020, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division notified Summerville that testing had detected PFOS and PFOA in raw and finished drinking water from Raccoon Creek at levels exceeding the EPA health advisory then in effect. Trion stopped applying sludge on properties within the Raccoon Creek watershed the following month.
The litigation also has a direct financial connection to Summerville water customers.
In September 2025, the federal court certified a damages class covering City of Summerville water and sewer ratepayers from January 2020 through the date of class certification. The plaintiffs are seeking recovery for past costs associated with the contamination, while Summerville is also pursuing claims related to treatment of its water supply.
The city has used a temporary treatment system to address PFAS while the litigation has continued. The case includes claims seeking costs associated with a more permanent filtration solution capable of removing PFAS from the city’s drinking water.
The case has been working its way through federal court for more than five years, generating extensive discovery, expert testimony and numerous rulings.
Some defendants have previously reached partial settlements, but the litigation against the remaining chemical manufacturers continues.
The latest rulings are important because they leave key questions unresolved for a jury rather than ending the case in favor of the manufacturers.
No finding of liability against the remaining defendants is established by these rulings. Instead, the court has determined that enough disputed issues remain for significant portions of Summerville’s PFAS claims to proceed.
The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Rome Division.
Calhoun Man Accused Of Secretly Recording 10-Year-Old Child
A Calhoun man is facing several charges after authorities say he secretly used a cell phone to record a 10-year-old child while she was getting dressed.
According to an arrest warrant and Floyd County Jail records, 42-year-old Zachary Joe Shortnancy was arrested Tuesday at his home on Everett Springs Road.
Authorities allege Shortnancy placed a cell phone camera under a wall and recorded the 10-year-old child while she was getting dressed in her room.
Shortnancy is charged with child molestation, unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance, and peeping Tom.
The publicly available arrest information does not provide additional details about when the alleged recording occurred or how investigators became aware of it. The child is not being identified.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
25 Years Later: America Remembers September 11, 2001
Today marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a day that changed the United States forever and claimed the lives of 2,977 people.
Across America today, ceremonies and moments of silence will remember those killed at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
It was a clear Tuesday morning when four commercial airliners were hijacked.
At 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower.
American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 AM, and at 10:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers.
Both World Trade Center towers collapsed that morning. By the end of the attacks, 2,977 victims had been killed, including hundreds of firefighters, police officers and other first responders.
September 11 is now observed each year as Patriot Day. For today’s 25th anniversary, flags at federal buildings are being flown at half-staff in honor of those killed.
At the National September 11 Memorial in New York, family members of victims will gather this morning to read aloud the names of those killed in the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
This year’s ceremony will include seven moments of silence. Six correspond to the moments when the towers were struck and fell, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93. A seventh has been added this year to remember those who have died from illnesses and injuries connected to 9/11 and its aftermath.
The 25th anniversary also marks a major generational change in how America remembers September 11.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum says approximately 100 million Americans are now either too young to remember the attacks or were born afterward. That has placed an increasing emphasis on preserving firsthand accounts and teaching younger generations what happened that morning.
Tonight, the Tribute in Light will once again shine above Lower Manhattan. The two beams of light represent the Twin Towers and have become one of the most recognizable symbols of remembrance associated with September 11.
For Americans old enough to remember that Tuesday morning, September 11 remains one of those rare moments when people can still recall where they were and what they were doing when they first learned the nation was under attack.
Twenty-five years later, America pauses again today to remember the victims, honor the first responders and others who answered the call, and carry forward the promise made in the aftermath of the attacks:
Never Forget.
52nd Annual Sum Nelly Festival Coming To Summerville
One of Chattooga County’s longest-running fall traditions will return next month when Summerville hosts the 52nd Annual Sum Nelly Arts & Crafts Festival.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Dowdy Park in Summerville, with activities beginning at 9 AM. Summerville’s 2026 calendar lists Sum Nelly from 9 AM until 3 PM, while current festival listings indicate activities and vendors may continue later in the day.
Sum Nelly has been a Chattooga County tradition for more than half a century and annually brings arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and visitors to Summerville for the fall event. The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce lists Sum Nelly among the county’s annual October community events.
Current festival information indicates this year’s event will again feature arts and crafts, fine art and handmade items, commercial and informational vendors, food vendors and live entertainment at Dowdy Park.
Sum Nelly is also part of a busy October schedule in Summerville. The city’s fall calendar includes several events surrounding the arrival of passenger trains at the Summerville Depot, with the Summerville Renaissance Festival scheduled for the following Saturday, October 10.
The 52nd Annual Sum Nelly Arts & Crafts Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, at Dowdy Park in Summerville.