The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $596 million in infrastructure improvements during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 as part of a historic $4.8 billion investment in non-recurring maintenance projects nationwide.
Even with several rounds of recent rainfall across northwest Georgia, drought conditions continue to grip Chattooga County and much of the Southeast.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, Chattooga County remains in drought conditions, with officials saying recent rain has provided only limited relief to extremely dry soil and low streamflow levels.
Weather experts say the region remains well below normal rainfall totals over the past several months, and ongoing dry conditions have continued to elevate wildfire danger across Georgia and neighboring states.
The National Drought Mitigation Center reports that much of Georgia remains in moderate to severe drought categories despite scattered rain events in recent weeks. Forecasters say isolated showers may temporarily improve surface conditions, but more widespread and sustained rainfall will be needed before meaningful drought recovery occurs.
Recent dry weather has also contributed to elevated fire weather concerns across north Georgia, with low humidity and dry vegetation increasing the risk for brush fires and wildfires.
Meteorologists say warmer temperatures expected over the coming days could worsen evaporation rates and place additional stress on already dry ground conditions.
The Town of Trion will officially celebrate the opening of its new dog park today with a special ceremony at the Track Field Pavilion adjoining Simmons Street.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 AM.
Town officials say the project was inspired by the late Brinley A. Corbin, whose dream of a community dog park has now become a reality.
Mayor Mickey McGraw and members of the Trion Town Council are inviting residents and visitors from across the area to attend the celebration and bring their dogs.
All are residents are invited to enjoy a free hot meal today during the Grateful Saturday Blessings event at Summerville First Baptist Church.
The meal will be served from 11 AM until 1 PM at the church located at 125 Georgia Avenue in Summerville.
Today’s menu includes spaghetti, corn and garlic bread, along with desserts.
The meal is available to anyone in the community.
Organizers say Grateful Saturday Blessings will pause for the summer and resume in August 2026.
Fresh sawed lumber for sale, 1 inch, 2 inch, 8 inch, 12 inch, and 16 inch. Contact 706-936-2506.
Small ducks for sale, $15 a piece. Contact. 706-346-0567
Mr. Huston “Don” Palmer age 83 of Dalton, GA passed away Tuesday May 12, 2026
Mr. Palmer was born January 19, 1943 in Round Mountain, AL to the late Huston and Carolyn Stancell Palmer. He was a retired truck driver and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bee keeping. He treasured spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his son, SSG David Palmer; granddaughter, Ansley Palmer; grandson, Tyler Palmer; siblings, Bobby Palmer, Marilyn Palmer, Jimmie Sweat, Phyllis Padgett, Becky Schilling, and Kim Blackmon; and the mother of his children, Ann Palmer.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy Gulledge Palmer; children, Ricky (LeAnne) Palmer, Scott (Jennifer) Palmer, Rox Ann Palmer (Benny Humpherys), and Wendy Wofford; step-daughters, Jeletta (Kenny) Pinion, and Tressia (David) Arnold; siblings, Mike (Susan) Palmer, Patsy Elsberry, Martha (Duck) Reynolds, Linda (Raymond) Orr, Kathy (Bucky) Brown, and Marsha Uptain; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Palmer will take place at 11:00 AM Monday, May 18, 2026 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Palmer officiating. Interment will follow at United Memory Gardens in Dalton, GA with Ross Palmer, Gavin Palmer, Ricky Palmer, Scott Palmer, Benny Humphreys, and Adam Nelson serving as pall bearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nurses Shelia Ault, Rose & Derrick Floyd, and Channel Salazar.
The family will receive friends Monday from 9:00 AM until the service hour at the funeral home.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 15, 2026
