A campaign meet-and-greet for Clay Fuller is set for Monday, February 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson’s, 10096 Commerce St., Summerville, with organizers saying no RSVP is needed and the public is invited to stop by and talk with the candidate.
The University of Georgia School of Medicine has reached a major milestone in its development, receiving preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the national accrediting body for medical education programs. This designation allows UGA to begin recruiting and admitting its inaugural class of medical students, with plans to start instruction in Fall 2026.
A North Georgia Lottery player is celebrating a life-changing win after claiming a $3 million top prize from a Georgia Lottery scratch-off ticket, one of several major payouts announced across the state in a single week. The win was part of a broader surge in lottery prizes, with players statewide collecting tens of millions of dollars from scratch-off and draw games.
Chattooga High School is expressing its appreciation to the Chattooga County Memorial Home and American Legion Post 129 for the donation of two new United States flags, reinforcing a long-standing tradition of patriotism and respect on campus.
Initial unemployment filings in Georgia increased last week compared with the week before, according to new figures released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The state recorded 5,133 new jobless claims for the week ending February 7, up from 4,681 the prior week — a gain of 452 claims. Nationwide, initial unemployment claims fell to 227,000, down 5,000 from 232,000 the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis, signaling a modest improvement at the national level even as Georgia ticked upward.
Other states saw sharper swings. Virginia posted the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, rising 68.8%, while Missouri had the largest percentage drop, with new claims falling 43.5%.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating 23-year-old Gabrielle Haley Sipes, who was reported missing earlier this week.
Sipes was last seen around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, in the Menlo area of Chattooga County, with investigators saying her possible last known location may be in Northeast Georgia. She is described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 135 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. What she was wearing at the time she was last seen is unknown.
Family members report that Sipes is autistic but verbal. Authorities urge anyone who may have seen her or has information on her whereabouts to contact Chattooga County E-911 at 706-857-0750 immediately.
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.
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:
