As summer approaches, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County (AACC) remind pet and livestock owners of important safety precautions during the hot weather. With rising temperatures, they warn against leaving pets in vehicles, as car interiors can become dangerously hot, leading to heatstroke and death. The Animal Advocates recommend leaving pets at home in cool, well-ventilated areas when running errands or attending outdoor events. Also those who keep livestock should remember the need for plenty of water and shade for all animals. Livestock also need access to clean, cool drinking water and shade structures like barns or trees to prevent heat stress. Community members are encouraged to report any signs of animal neglect or distress to authorities. By working together, everyone can help protect the safety and well-being of animals in Chattooga County this summer.

In a landmark agreement, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced Friday that the state will be exporting 42,000 pounds of Georgia peaches to Mexico, marking the first time since 1994 that the state has been able to ship the beloved stone fruit to its southern neighbor.

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Menlo Elementary School (MES) is spotlighting one of their distinguished alumni, Dr. Susanna Brantley, who is making significant strides in the field of clinical research. Dr. Brantley is also a graduate of Chattooga High School (CHS).

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Time is running out to get a fresh box of Georgia peaches and support a worthy cause! The Chattooga County 4-H is holding its annual Georgia Peach Sale, a vital fundraiser for local 4-H programs. The deadline for orders is June 30th. For over a decade, Chattooga County 4-H has partnered with Dickey Farms, a family-run business established in 1897, to bring the community the finest Freestone peaches from South Georgia. This year, a box containing approximately 25 pounds of these juicy peaches is available for $40. Perfect for enjoying fresh or transforming into homemade jams and preserves, these peaches are a summer treat you won’t want to miss. “Our annual peach sale is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, allowing us to provide enriching opportunities for the youth of Chattooga County,” said a representative from the Chattooga County Extension office. Orders will be delivered between July 7th and 9th, but potential buyers are urged to act fast, as quantities are limited. To place an order, contact the Chattooga County Extension office at 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the taste of summer while supporting the youth development efforts of the Chattooga County 4-H program! The 4-H program extends its sincere appreciation to the community for its continued support.

A Summerville woman reported a theft from her vehicle while it was parked at the First Baptist Church parking lot during Vacation Bible School. According to a police report filed with the Summerville Police Department last Thursday, the victim reported that her 2000 White Chevrolet Lumina, parked on Georgia Avenue in front of the church, was entered and items were stolen. The victim stated that she parked her car, which had plastic covering the driver’s side window, unlocked on Wednesday evening.  Upon returning to her vehicle around 9:00 PM, she discovered that a jar containing an unspecified amount of change and a Bluetooth speaker with rainbow circles, valued at approximately $500, were missing from the front passenger floorboard. The victim stated that during 6 PM and 8:30 PM, someone had gotten into her vehicle and stolen a jar with change that was in the passenger front floorboard. She was unsure how much change was inside the jar. She stated someone had stolen her Bluetooth speaker that had rainbow circles on it. She priced the speaker to be approximately $500. She stated she noticed the items were missing when she got home at 9 PM.  The responding officer informed the victim that the investigation would be turned over to detectives to review any potential security camera footage from the area. A report was filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registrations has announced that due to extremely low voter turnout in the recent Primary Elections for the Georgia Public Service Commission, the Democratic Special Primary Runoff on July 15, 2025, will utilize a single polling location.

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A new law taking effect in Georgia on July 1st will significantly tighten background check requirements for individuals working with young children. House Bill 175 (HB 175) mandates comprehensive national and state-level fingerprint and registry checks for current and prospective employees and directors in early childhood education programs and Head Start.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 22, 2025:

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The eastern United States is set to experience a period of rising temperatures this week, driven by a strengthening upper-level ridge. Residents can expect a gradual warming trend continuing through Monday, with daily high temperatures increasing by a degree or two. The high-pressure system will also limit rainfall, ensuring mostly dry conditions for the region today and Monday. Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies with a high near 92 degrees. The heat index, a measure of how the temperature feels to the human body, could reach as high as 99 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 71 degrees. Monday will bring more sunshine and a high near 94 degrees, with the heat index potentially reaching 98 degrees. While today and Monday are expected to be warm, a significant heat wave is on the horizon. Beginning Tuesday and continuing through Friday, widespread heat indices between 100 and 108 degrees are forecast. This prolonged period of extreme heat could pose risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and individuals without access to air conditioning. Residents are urged to take precautions during the peak heating hours of the afternoon and evening to avoid heat-related illnesses. Looking ahead, isolated to scattered thunderstorms may return to Northwest Georgia by the end of the workweek, offering a potential respite from the heat. However, for the majority of the region, the focus remains on preparing for and managing the upcoming heat wave

A noticeable shift is occurring in Georgia’s religious landscape. While the state once boasted one of the highest rates of weekly church attendance in the nation, recent data reveals a significant decline. According to Between Community News, the percentage of Georgians attending church weekly has fallen below 30% in 2023, a stark contrast to the 39% reported in a 2014 Gallup poll that placed Georgia among the top 10 states for religious participation.

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