Paint the Town Red: Summerville Main Street Brings Back “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project This February

February is more than just a bridge between winter and spring—it’s a season for connection, and Summerville Main Street is inviting the community to help “paint the town red” with the return of the “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project. Throughout the month of February, Downtown Summerville will be lined with personalized, heart-shaped messages designed to celebrate the people, places, and stories that make the community special.

Organizers say the project is a chance for everyone to share a message in a fun and visible way, whether it’s a shout-out to a favorite small business, a tribute to a loved one, a school celebration, or a note of encouragement for the community. Hearts can be purchased as a single-sided display for $30 or double-sided for $50, and orders can be placed by visiting the Summerville Main Street office at 179 Union Street.

Spaces are limited, and the deadline to order is January 23. For more information, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900 Ext. 1337 or visit summervillega.org.

Chattooga County Environmental Health Releases Early January Inspection Scores

Sample Image

The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released health inspection results for the first half of January 2026, showing perfect scores for two tourist accommodation facilities in the county.

Express Inn & Suites, located at 14364 Highway 27 in Trion, earned a score of 100 on its most recent inspection conducted January 14, 2026.

James H. Floyd State Park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road in Summerville, also received a score of 100 on its latest inspection conducted January 7, 2026.

Should you ever have any complaint about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, you can contact Chattooga County Environmental Health at (706) 857-3377.

Georgia Net Tax Revenues Rise 3% in December, State Reports $3.44 Billion Collected

The State of Georgia says net tax collections in December totaled $3.44 billion. That’s up by about $101 million, or 3 percent, compared to December of last year.

Read more

MLK Day Closures and Day of Service Set for Monday in Chattooga County

Banks, the post office, and government offices in Chattooga County and in the cities of Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, and Menlo are closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who helped bring national attention to the fight for equality through nonviolent action. The holiday is also recognized as a National Day of Service, encouraging people to give back to their communities as a way to honor Dr. King’s message.

Locally, a Day of Service will be held Monday, January 19th at Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive, Summerville. The event begins at 10 AM with Felicia’s Kids, and everyone is invited to come and join this event sponsored by the Chattooga County MLK Committee.

Arrest Report – Sunday – January 18, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, January 18, 2026:

Read more

Snow Stays South and East as Chattooga County Turns Cold and Clear for MLK Day Weekend

Snow is expected to remain to the east and south of Chattooga County, while local residents see a colder, quieter stretch of weather through early next week. Cloudy skies will hang on through midmorning today before gradual clearing takes over, with temperatures topping out near 41 degrees. A west wind of 5 to 10 mph will add a bite at times, with gusts that could reach 20 mph.

Read more

Chattooga County’s 2025 Housing Market: Slower Sales, Modest Price Gains and a Shift Toward Balance

Home sales activity in Chattooga County cooled in 2025 compared to the faster pace seen in recent years, as higher borrowing costs and affordability pressures kept many buyers cautious. Local market indicators through the year showed fewer monthly closings in several periods, while pricing held up better than sales volume, reflecting a market that increasingly leaned toward balance rather than the rapid, highly competitive conditions that dominated earlier in the decade.

Read more

Chattooga High School Sets Fire Drill for Jan. 21, Outlines Busy Week of Athletics and Student Activities

Chattooga High School will conduct its January fire drill on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., according to Assistant Principal and Athletic Director J. Mark Turner.

Read more

Chattooga Family Connection Sets Collaborative Meeting for Jan. 22 at Community Resource Center

Chattooga Family Connection will hold its next collaborative meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, with local partners gathering at 11 a.m. at the Community Resource Center of Chattooga County. A light refreshment spread will be provided.

Read more

Georgia Forestry Commission Urges Wildfire Awareness as Peak Season Ramps Up Across Northwest Georgia

Northwest Georgia is entering the heart of the state’s most active wildfire season, which typically stretches from January through April, and officials say this year is lining up with that familiar trend. Dry vegetation, gusty winds, and low humidity can combine quickly to turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire — especially during warm, breezy afternoons.

Read more