An annual outdoor burning ban is now in effect across Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia.
Georgia taxpayers could soon see extra money coming their way.
Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Revenue announced Monday that the state has started issuing one-time special tax refunds authorized under House Bill 1000 during the 2026 legislative session.
The refund will return more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers. It is the fourth special refund of its kind under Governor Kemp, following similar refunds issued in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Most eligible taxpayers who filed both their 2024 and 2025 Georgia income tax returns before the deadline can expect to receive their refund in the coming weeks.
Refund amounts are capped at $250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $375 for head of household filers, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.
To qualify, taxpayers must have filed both required returns, paid into the system, and not owe the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Taxpayers can check eligibility through the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool on the Georgia Tax Center website.
A Summerville man was arrested on DUI charges following a traffic stop according to a report released this week from the Summerville Police Department.
High school students interested in conservation, agriculture, wildlife, forestry, soil, water, or Georgia’s mining industry are being encouraged to apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop.
The weeklong program will be held June 7-12, 2026, at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Students will get hands-on experience through field studies, outdoor activities, and behind-the-scenes tours focused on Georgia’s natural resources.
More than $20,000 in scholarships and awards will be available. Students will also get a taste of college life by staying in dorms and meeting others from across the state.
The workshop is free, and transportation is provided through Georgia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Interested high school students can apply by contacting Director Michelle Conner at michelle.conner@gaswcc.ga.gov.
First Aid & CPR Training at Lyerly Community Church
Lyerly Community Church is hosting a first aid and CPR training course at their church on Saturday, June 6th at 9:00 AM. The course is $20 per person. You will need to register for this course before you take it. All participants must pre-register by May 31st by calling Derrick Eckroat at 706-409-2466 to sign up. You will learn basic wound care and bandaging, how to handle choking and breathing emergencies and CPR. Be prepared for emergencies with hands-on first aid training led by certified instructors. Learn life-saving skills that make a difference. You will be CPR certified with the American Red Cross. Lyerly Community Church is as 105 Oak Hill Road, Lyerly, GA right across from the Lyerly School. All money taken up will go directly to the American Red Cross. For more information contact Derrick Eckroat at 706-409-2466.
24 foot Louisville copper glass extension ladder for sale. Contact 706-978-2803 for details.
1 karat men’s diamond ring mounted in 14 karat gold for sale. Contact 706-734-7349 for details.
One 12 ft john boat, one 14 ft john boat, and one, fifteen foot canoe for sale. Also has two trolling motors, six paddles, two life beds and a trailer. Contact 706-388-4553 for details.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) will celebrate the achievements of its graduates with two Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Thursday, May 7, at the Forum River Center in Rome.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 5, 2026: