Concerns over PFAS contamination — often called “forever chemicals” — continue to affect communities across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as lawmakers debate legislation that could change how pollution cases are handled in the state.
The Annual Vietnam Veterans Lunch will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 12 noon at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, ahead of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Organizers say the luncheon will include a brief program to honor those who served during the Vietnam era.
All veterans who served during the Vietnam era, defined as November 1, 1955, through May 15, 1975, are invited to attend with their families, whether they served in-country or at posts around the world. Spouses of Vietnam-era veterans who have passed away are also invited as special guests.
The program will also recognize widows and widowers whose spouse served during the Vietnam era and has since passed away. Organizers encourage them to sign up for an Honor Certificate so their loved one’s service can be formally recognized.
To sign up for an Honor Certificate, call Kim Snow at the Chattooga County Extension Service at 706-857-0744 by Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Callers should be prepared to provide the military information needed for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service to print the certificate.
The event is hosted by VFW Post 6688, its Auxiliary, and local volunteers. For more information, call Barbara Reece at 706-857-8478 or Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394.
As plants begin a new season of growth and bloom, health care providers at Atrium Health Floyd are reminding residents that rising tree pollen levels can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms and are encouraging people to take steps now to stay comfortable.
Doctors say seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is often caused by tree pollen as spring approaches. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, an itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
Health experts note that allergy symptoms can become worse on dry, windy days, when pollen levels tend to be at their highest. Residents who struggle with spring allergies are encouraged to monitor pollen levels and take preventive measures to reduce exposure and manage symptoms.
The Internal Revenue Service has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2026, warning taxpayers to stay alert for schemes that could steal personal information, financial data, or tax refunds during the filing season.
Today is the final day of early voting in the upcoming Special Election. Voters in Chattooga County will be voting for a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Colton Moore in the Georgia Senate. Also, voters will be casting their ballot in the 14th District U.S. Congressional Race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House of Representatives. All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. Voting hours today are from 8:30 AM until 5 PM. Bring a picture ID when you come to vote. Next Tuesday, Election Day, all voting will take place in local precincts across the county. Voting on Tuesday will be from 7 AM – 7 PM. No voting will take place at the Registrars Office on Election Day.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, March 6, 2026:
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are heading into a stretch of unusually hot and unsettled weather, with temperatures running 15 to more than 20 degrees above normal through the next several days.
Drivers in Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama counties are seeing gas prices rise this week as global and seasonal factors push fuel costs higher.
A Canton man was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Tuesday on charges of theft by deception and exploitation of the elderly.
According to arrest warrants, 35-year-old Quinton Antonio Wood Sr. contacted a Rome man over the age of 65 on January 26 and told him his bank account had been compromised.
Investigators say Wood instructed the victim to withdraw money for “safekeeping,” then later showed up at the victim’s residence, claiming to be acting in an official capacity, and accepted $9,000 in cash.
The victim was later able to identify Wood in a photo lineup, leading to the warrants and arrest.
The case remains under investigation.
State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), who represents Chattooga County and part of Floyd County, says the Georgia House completed a busy seventh week of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers approach the important Crossover Day deadline. The week included extensive committee work and the final passage of the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, which totals about $43.6 billion and includes billions in surplus funding. According to Lumsden, the budget prioritizes taxpayer relief, transportation improvements, expanded mental health services, and investments in the state’s prison system, along with a one-time $2,000 salary supplement for educators and state employees.
