A bill moving through the Georgia Capitol could reshape high school sports statewide by allowing student-athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through endorsement and promotional deals.
The City of Summerville is inviting sealed bids for the construction and installation of an outdoor basketball court pavilion, a project aimed at enhancing local recreational facilities in the community. Bids will be received at Summerville City Hall, 120 Georgia Ave., Summerville, GA 30747 until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. After that time, all bids will be opened publicly in the City Hall Council Room for review.
Interested contractors must submit their proposals in sealed envelopes clearly marked “RFB-2026-120-Outdoor Basketball Court Pavilion.” All bids must remain valid for 60 business days and will be reviewed by designated city officials before a contract is awarded. Bids received after the deadline will not be considered for the project.
Despite ice‑cold temperatures and snowfall, the 2026 Pinewood Derby Race for Pack 38 Cub Scouts roared ahead as planned, proving that a little winter weather couldn’t slow down Scout spirit.
Families bundled up and made their way to the race venue, where Scouts proudly presented the wooden cars they had designed and built over the past several weeks. Inside, the atmosphere was warm with excitement as cars raced down the track and cheers filled the room.
Pack 38 held their annual pinewood derby on Saturday January 31 at the Ag Center in Summerville. A popular Cub Scout Activity, pinewood derbies feature unpowered miniature wood cars that compete in timed races on a sloped track.
The Georgia House of Representatives completed a busy fourth week of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers passed House Bill 973, the House’s version of the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The budget, which passed with bipartisan support, is built on a revised $42.3 billion revenue estimate and includes $4.5 billion in surplus and new funding to support priorities through June 30, 2026.
Key investments in the amended budget include property tax relief through the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant program, education funding for K–12 schools and higher education, and pay supplements for teachers, school staff, and early learning educators. The House also approved funding for HOPE and the new need-based DREAMS Scholarship, along with investments in school safety, mental health services, and workforce readiness initiatives.
The budget further prioritizes public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure, with funding for prison security upgrades, behavioral health facilities, rural healthcare access, and major transportation projects, including road resurfacing and rural bridge repairs. Lawmakers also heard the annual State of the Judiciary Address from Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson during the week.
In addition to the budget, the House passed several bills addressing issues such as newborn safety, feral hog control, rural eye care access, veterans’ burial eligibility, and early literacy initiatives. With the amended budget now moving to the Senate, the House will soon begin work on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget as the session continues.
See the complete legislative report below:
The Bank of LaFayette will host a community blood drive with Blood Assurance on Friday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 W. Patton Street in LaFayette.
Community members are encouraged to give local and help save local lives. All donors between February 1–14 will receive a special “Donor for Life” tattoo shirt as a thank-you gift.
To prepare for donation, donors are asked to eat a good meal, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks, and bring a valid ID.
Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/bankla or by calling 1-800-962-0628.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection groups are warning residents to be on the lookout for romance scams, which tend to increase during the weeks leading up to the holiday. Scammers often target individuals through social media, dating apps, and messaging platforms, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust before asking for money.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 4, 2026:
A traffic stop early Monday morning in Mentone led to the arrest of a California man now accused of operating a sophisticated, multi-state diesel fuel theft scheme. Authorities say that on Monday, February 2nd, at approximately 2:20 AM, a DeKalb County Deputy stopped a U-Haul van traveling eastbound on Highway 117 near East River Road.
-
February 4 at 10:00 a.m. — Community Resource Center of Chattooga, 50 Eleanor Ave., Summerville
Habitat for Humanity is inviting residents to learn more about the opportunity to become a homeowner through an upcoming Habitat for Humanity Orientation Meeting focused on families in Chattooga County. The meeting will explain how eligible families can receive a brand-new home through sweat equity and a very low mortgage payment.
Organizers say the program is designed for first-time homeowners who have lived in Chattooga County for at least one year, have sustainable income, and are willing to contribute sweat equity by helping build their home and others in the community. The orientation is open to renters and families who are interested in owning a safe, affordable home and want to learn more about the application process and requirements.
Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley serves Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties in Northwest Georgia, working to expand access to safe, decent, and affordable housing across the region. Community members who think they may qualify are encouraged to attend and find out more information.
A Walker County jury has convicted Michael Forker, a 74-year-old man from LaFayette, on charges of Child Molestation, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and five counts of Invasion of Privacy. Following the verdict on December 3, 2025, Forker was sentenced by Lookout Mountain Superior Court Chief Judge Brian House to 65 years in prison, with 58 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.