Last Week to Vote Early Ahead of May 19 Primary

Voters across northwest Georgia are entering the final week of early voting ahead of the May 19 primary election.

Early voting is continuing this week in Chattooga County at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, giving residents the opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day next Tuesday.

Local election officials are encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting to avoid possible lines and scheduling conflicts on Election Day. Voters are reminded to bring a valid photo ID when voting in person.

Voters in the May 19 Primary Election must choose a Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan ballot. Primary elections are where political parties determine their candidates for the General Election in November.

Election officials say absentee ballots must also be returned by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted.

Residents who have questions about polling locations, sample ballots, or voting hours are encouraged to contact their county elections office.

Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, May 19.

Arrest Report – Sunday – May 10, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 10, 2026:

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Foggy Start Followed By Cooler, Drier Weather Across Northwest Georgia

Residents in Chattooga and Floyd counties could see patchy fog this morning, with some areas experiencing dense fog through around 10 AM.

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City of Summerville Seeks Bids for New Recreation Splash Pad

The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans for a new community splash pad at the Summerville Recreation Department.

City officials are seeking sealed proposals from qualified, licensed contractors to design and construct a 3,464-square-foot free-flow-through splash pad. The project is listed as RFP-2026-126-Recreation Splash Pad.

Proposals will be received at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue, until 10 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026. Bids will be opened later that same day at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Council Room.

The city says the goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and eco-friendly water play area for local families to enjoy for years to come.

All proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked with the project name and RFP number. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Audia Group Files Federal Lawsuit Against Walker County

A company identified as Audia Group, Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority alleging breach of contract.

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Arrest Made After Traffic Stop On Highway 27 In Chattooga County

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A traffic stop on Highway 27 led to an arrest earlier this month, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Matt Wilson reported that on May 2, 2026, he observed a silver 1997 Toyota 4Runner traveling northbound with a tag light out near the area of Little Sand Mountain. After initiating a stop, the driver was identified as Jacobo Reynoso, 34.

According to the report, a language barrier made communication difficult, but Reynoso was ultimately determined to be driving without a valid license. Deputies also noted the vehicle’s tag light violation.

Reynoso was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

He is charged with driving without a license and a traffic offense.

Armuchee Man Arrested On Methamphetamine Charge In Floyd County

Joseph Weldon Hubbard, 46, of Armuchee, was arrested in Floyd County this past week after reports said he was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and a smoking device.

According to reports, Hubbard was found with the suspected drugs near the Checkers restaurant on North Broad Street.

Hubbard is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects.

Trion Lady Bulldogs Advance To First-Ever State Championship Match

The Trion High School girls soccer team is headed to the biggest match in program history after punching its ticket to the 2026 GHSA Class A Division II State Championship with a dominant 3-0 semifinal victory over Portal on May 8.

The Lady Bulldogs controlled the match from start to finish as Baylee Blair, Allie Hudgins, and Dallas Payne each found the back of the net. Blair and Hudgins scored on penalty kicks while Payne added another goal to seal the historic win.

With the victory, Trion advances to the state championship game for the first time ever, continuing an incredible postseason run for the Area 7 champions.

The Lady Bulldogs will now face Irwin County for the state title on Friday, May 15, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM at Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston.

Trion’s championship appearance marks another major milestone for the school’s athletic program and gives Northwest Georgia soccer fans plenty to celebrate as the Lady Bulldogs prepare to compete for a state crown.

GDOT To Give Update On Second Avenue Widening Project In Rome

GDOT to give Second Avenue update on Monday

Traveling into downtown Rome by way of Second Avenue has been a source of frustration for many drivers as the ongoing road construction project continues.

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 will provide a public informational update on the Second Avenue widening project on Monday, May 11, 2026. The presentation is scheduled from 5 until 6 PM in the City Commission Chambers upstairs at Rome City Hall.

GDOT officials are expected to share updates on construction progress, project timelines, and ongoing work related to the widening project.

State Representative Katie Dempsey of Rome thanked GDOT District 6 officials for continuing to communicate with local leaders and residents throughout the process.

The presentation will also be livestreamed through the City of Rome YouTube Channel, the same way regular Rome City Commission meetings are streamed

Prevention Program Targeting Chattooga, Walker Counties Seeks Community Partners

A new substance misuse prevention initiative is expanding into Northwest Georgia, and organizers are seeking local partners in Chattooga and Walker counties.

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