As Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach, Georgia drivers are getting some relief from the state’s extended gas tax suspension.
A community blood drive will be held tomorrow at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion.
The blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the mill located at 91 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to make an appointment ahead of time.
Blood Assurance officials remind donors to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, and avoid energy drinks before donating blood.
Donors can also save time on the day of their appointment by completing the Blood Assurance QuickScreen health questionnaire before arriving.
Anyone with questions about donating blood, or those needing assistance in Spanish, can contact Mitzi at 706-618-9108.
The City of Summerville has announced that tickets are now available for the popular Summerville Santa Special train excursions for the 2026 holiday season.
The rides will take place aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s holiday train and are scheduled for November 28-29, December 5-6, and December 11-12.
Organizers say the annual event offers families a festive Christmas experience in downtown Summerville, complete with holiday decorations, shopping, and special activities for children. Officials describe the event as having a “small-town Hallmark movie” atmosphere.
Tickets are priced at $24 for ages 2 and older, and organizers encourage residents to purchase early because the rides traditionally sell out.
Tickets can be purchased through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website.
With school letting out and summer getting underway, safety officials are reminding families across Northwest Georgia to use caution when riding ATVs and other off-road vehicles.
Georgia Power customers could see slightly lower electric bills later this year under a proposed agreement now headed to the Georgia Public Service Commission for approval.
The Georgia State Patrol is warning drivers about a scam involving fake text messages claiming to be from law enforcement.
According to GSP, scammers are sending messages saying recipients have outstanding violations or fines connected to their vehicle. The messages may threaten enforcement action or arrest and urge people to click a link to make a payment.
State officials say GSP troopers will not send text messages demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking drivers to click a link to resolve official violations.
Anyone who receives one of these messages should not click the link, reply, provide personal information, or send payment.
Drivers who are concerned about a possible citation or fine should contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety or their local court directly using verified contact information.
Officials say these scams are designed to create fear and urgency, and drivers should slow down, verify first, and contact the proper agency directly if they have questions.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 18, 2026:
Residents across Northwest Georgia and Chattooga County can expect another warm day Monday, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s.
Election Day for the May 19, 2026 General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election is tomorrow in Chattooga County.
Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 AM until 7 PM. Voters are reminded that they must go to their assigned Election Day polling location, not the Registrars Office.
According to the Chattooga County Board of Elections, 1,301 ballots were cast during Advance Voting, which has now ended.
As of Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 AM, 53 absentee by mail ballots had been issued. Of those, 42 had been accepted and 11 remained outstanding. The deadline to submit an application for an absentee by mail ballot has passed.
Voters will be required to show a government-issued photo ID when checking in to vote. Those voting in person will also be asked to select a Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan ballot.
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released its latest food service inspection scores for the first half of May 2026.
All listed locations received scores in the 90s or above, with three locations receiving perfect scores of 100.
Pudding Pops’ base of operation and mobile unit, both located at 190 Alred Street in Summerville, each received a perfect score of 100 during inspections on May 12.
Lyerly School also received a perfect score of 100 during its May 1 inspection.
Other scores included Waffle House in Summerville with a 96 on May 8, and Zaxby’s in Summerville with a 99 on May 7.
For more information, or for any complaints about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, residents may contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.