As the new year begins, Georgia is seeing one of the highest rates of flu-associated hospitalizations in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Georgia drivers are getting some relief at the pump to start the week, with AAA reporting the statewide average for regular unleaded at $2.65 per gallon and the national average at $2.81.
The Chattooga County Republican Party will hold its January meeting Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson’s Restaurant, 10096 Commerce Street, in Summerville.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has released incident reports detailing two separate DUI arrests from late 2025, involving calls for service on Mitchell Circle and West Spring Creek Road.
A major state program designed to help Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive in-home care and supports could see significant changes in 2026, as state officials consider proposals aimed at reshaping how applicants are prioritized for services.
The City of Summerville is inviting the public to a reception recognizing Mayor Harry Harvey for his years of dedicated service to the community.
The reception will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Summerville City Hall. City officials say the event is an opportunity for residents to stop by, offer congratulations, and celebrate Mayor Harvey’s leadership and contributions to Summerville.
The public is invited to attend.
A Georgia state Senate committee tasked with charting a path to eliminate the state income tax is set to meet Wednesday, Jan. 7, to adopt its final report — a move that could tee up major tax legislation when lawmakers return to Atlanta for the 2026 legislative session later this month.
The City of Summerville Fire Department will conduct routine fire hydrant flushing on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of ongoing system maintenance.
Officials say the work will primarily affect northeast Summerville, including the Highway 27 area and West Washington Avenue area. During the maintenance period, fire department personnel will perform essential tasks on hydrants across the city, including lubrication, flushing, and function checks.
Residents in affected areas may notice brief periods of water discoloration during the flushing process. City officials emphasize this is normal and safe. If discoloration occurs, residents are advised to run their tap for a few minutes until the water clears.
The City of Summerville thanks residents for their cooperation and understanding as crews carry out this important work to ensure the reliability of the city’s fire protection system.
Rev. John Mann, age 98, of Lyerly, GA, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Advent Health Redmond.
Rev. Mann was born January 20, 1927, in Guntersville, AL, son of the late James Arthur Mann and Argie Leona Davis Mann. He was the pastor of the West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church for many years and had previously pastored other churches including Barrett’s Chapel in Gaylesville, AL, Big Rock Church in Sand Rock, AL, Fort Payne Holiness Church of Fort Payne, AL, and Cunningham Bridge Church in Sylvania, AL. Rev. Mann was also retired from Riegel Textiles.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Bessie Anderson Mann; siblings, Gracie Adams, Margaret Hughes, William A. “Dock” Mann, Floye Rice, James Oscar Mann, Lula Hughes, Ray Mann, Essie Lou Lively, Fay Mann, Katherine Sims, and Viver Mann; and his son-in-law, Danny Morgan.
Survivors include his daughter, Glenda Mann Morgan; grandson, Billy John (Tabatha) Lewis; great-grandchildren, Maranda (Jason) Phillips, Levi Lewis; great-great-grandson, Jaxon Phillips; special friends, Barbara Dickens and Tina Maynard.
Funeral services for Rev. Mann will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jason Boyd officiating. Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jason Phillips, Matt Boyd, Billy Lewis, Teddy Williams, Chad Miller, Bobby Sizemore, Junior Boyd, and Jaren Boyd. Honorary pallbearers will be Levi Lewis, Jaxon Phillips, and the members of West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church.
Rev. Mann will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2026.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, January 5, 2026: