Siemens Energy announced Tuesday that it will invest $1 billion in its operations across the United States, including a major expansion at its facility in Fort Payne, Alabama. The investment is aimed at increasing manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for power generation and electrical grid equipment.
Trion City Schools is accepting applications for a School Social Worker to support student mental health, attendance, safety, and family engagement across the district. School officials say the position plays a critical role in providing counseling services, coordinating support plans, and connecting students and families with community resources.
The Chattooga Public Library has announced its annual Royal Ball, set for March 14th, 20th, and 21st, 2026, with festivities beginning at 5:30 PM each evening. Families are invited to “join the princesses” for food, fun, and dancing.
Tickets go on sale February 3rd during library hours and cost $10, with each ticket admitting one child and one adult. For more information, contact the library at 706-857-2553—and organizers note that no tickets will be sold or reserved by phone.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is inviting the community to help support local dogs through a new “Adopt a Kennel” sponsorship program. The program is open to businesses, individuals, classrooms, families, and anyone who wants to help, offering a direct way to support the shelter and the animals in its care.
The public is invited to attend a Town Hall hosted by (Ret.) Brigadier General Shawn Harris on Thursday, February 5th in Summerville. Harris is a candidate in the March 10 special election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene.
In his latest legislative report, State Rep. Eddie Lumsden says the Georgia House returned to full work after Winter Storm Fern prompted a State of Emergency and briefly slowed the start of the 2026 session. Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Lumsden says House Appropriations subcommittees resumed meetings to review the AFY 2026 and FY 2027 budget proposals, while the House Rules Committee met for the first time this session and the chamber passed its first legislation of 2026. He also noted lawmakers recognized utility crews, first responders, and agencies for storm response and power restoration efforts across North Georgia.
Among key actions, the House passed HB 443 to create offshore fishing endorsement fees to support Georgia-based fisheries surveys, and unanimously adopted HR 1008 to update the state’s water planning council structure. Lumsden also cited final passage of SB 148, which would update public school policies including hunting safety lessons, outdoor learning, expanded personal leave, and changes to AED program requirements. He added that House Speaker Jon Burns introduced the Georgia HOME Act, a proposal aimed at phasing out homestead property taxes by 2032.
You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:
Gas prices across Georgia eased over the weekend, supported by strong in-state fuel supplies and softer regional demand, even as the national average moved higher. As of Monday, the statewide average for regular unleaded is $2.66 per gallon, though minor day-to-day fluctuations are still possible.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced its top student and instructor honors for 2026, naming Noelia Sargento, a Business Management student from Rossville, as its Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, and Trevor Roberts, clinical coordinator of Ultrasound Programs and instructor of Adult Echocardiography, as the college’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.
Young Farmers Director Lauren Jarrett has released a February update for the Chattooga County Young Farmers Association, highlighting upcoming educational programs and certification opportunities for area agricultural producers.
The group’s program on Catching Honeybee Swarms with Brandon Ray, North Region Ag Education Director, originally planned for February 5, has been rescheduled due to a weather-related schedule change for the presenter. The meeting and educational class will now be held on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 PM at the Chattooga Ag Center, with a meal provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, February 10th to help organizers get an accurate meal count.
Jarrett also announced that a pesticide credit class for Chattooga, Floyd, and Gordon County Young Farmers is scheduled for February 19th.
The Summerville City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is expected to focus heavily on city finances and budget planning as officials review the mid-year status of the current fiscal year.
