Georgia Unemployment Claims Fall Sharply in Latest Weekly Report

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia declined last week compared with the week before, according to numbers released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor. New jobless claims in Georgia dropped to 4,472 for the week ending January 24, down from 6,278 the previous week.

Nationally, weekly unemployment claims also dipped slightly to 209,000, down 1,000 from 210,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Among the states, Nebraska reported the largest percentage increase in claims, while Kentucky recorded the biggest percentage decrease.

DOJ, FBI Warn of Scammers Posing as Federal Prosecutors and Law Enforcement

U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District Of Georgia Collects Over $108 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2016

Federal authorities are warning the public about a scam involving fraudsters impersonating federal law enforcement and prosecutors. According to the Department of Justice, scammers—possibly operating from outside the United States—are contacting Americans by text message, email, or phone call, falsely claiming the victim is a suspect in a fraud investigation in an attempt to pressure them into handing over money or sensitive information.

Officials say the scam often involves multiple contacts before the criminals begin requesting personal details such as credit card numbers, banking information, or other identifying data. FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis said scammers rely on fear and intimidation, and warned that the FBI will pursue those involved.

The DOJ says these scammers may use convincing details—such as real-sounding titles, badge numbers, names, and addresses—and can even spoof phone numbers to make it appear calls are coming from legitimate government agencies. Authorities stress that federal agencies do not call and demand money or personal information over the phone, and anyone receiving these messages should not provide information and should report suspected scams.

Early Head Start Hiring Two Teacher Positions in Chattooga County

The Family Resource Agency of North Georgia Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Program is accepting applications for two Early Head Start Teacher positions at the Chattooga Head Start/Early Head Start location. The start date will be determined later, and the positions are full-time at 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with no weekends, totaling 1,976 annual hours.

Read more

Camp Hamby Celebrates Decades of Faith, Friendship, and Fun for Chattooga County Kids

For generations of families in Chattooga County, Camp Hamby has been a summertime tradition where children learn, grow, and build friendships in a setting rooted in faith and community. Operated by local United Methodist Churches, the long-running day camp has served as a welcoming place for kids to explore their relationship with Jesus while enjoying a full schedule of classic camp activities.

Read more

Summerville Man Named in Reported Attempted Break-In and Church Vandalism Case on Highway 114

A 28-year-old Summerville man, Codie Mac Creekmore, is listed as the suspect in a reported attempted break-in and vandalism incident at United By Faith Baptist Church, located at 1794 Highway 114 in Summerville.

Read more

Dodge Ram Hits Summerville City Backhoe on Highway 27 Near Chattooga River Bridge; Driver Suffers Medical Emergency

Georgia State Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash Monday night involving a City of Summerville backhoe and a Dodge Ram truck on Highway 27 (Georgia 1) just north of the Chattooga River bridge.

Read more

Sheriff: Deputy Saw No Impairment After First Crash, Second Collision Minutes Later Led to DUI Arrest

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement to local media explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Billy Joe Dooley following a crash Friday evening that resulted in DUI charges.

Read more

Chattooga County Offices Return to Normal Schedule on Tuesday

Growing Winter Storm Signal for the East This Weekend, Forecast Details Still Unclear

The potential is increasing for another significant winter storm to impact parts of the eastern United States this coming weekend. Forecasters emphasize it is still too early to pin down exact details, but confidence is growing that a storm system could develop and move through while very cold air remains in place.

Meteorologists say a disturbance is expected to move out of Canada later this week, helping a stronger low-pressure system form across the East. If that system tracks in the right corridor, it could bring widespread precipitation that may fall as rain, snow, or a mix, depending on where the coldest air sets up. The biggest uncertainties right now include the storm’s timing, track, and strength, which will determine what areas see the greatest impacts.

For Northwest Georgia and the surrounding region, the message for now is preparedness without panic. Residents should keep checking updated forecasts through the week, especially as we get closer to Friday and Saturday when forecast confidence typically improves. Now is also a good time to review weekend travel plans, make sure you have supplies in case of slick roads or power issues, and plan ahead for pets, pipes, and outdoor needs if colder, wetter conditions move in.

Chattooga County School Schedule For January 27, 2026