Lawmakers Return to Atlanta Monday as 2026 Georgia Legislative Session Gets Underway

The 2026 Georgia Legislative Assembly will convene Monday, January 12, 2026, bringing state lawmakers back to the Capitol to begin the annual session. Over the coming weeks, legislators are expected to take up a wide range of issues that affect Northwest Georgia, including the state budget, public safety, education, health care access, and insurance-related policy.

Representing the area will be State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who serves House District 12, covering Chattooga County and parts of Floyd County. During the 2026 session, Lumsden is serving as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, and he also holds assignments on the Appropriations, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Governmental Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Rules, and State Properties committees.

Constituents who want to share concerns or follow legislative developments can reach Rep. Lumsden by email at eddie.lumsden@house.ga.gov, by phone at (404) 656-7850, or by mail/visit at 220-A State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334.

Wildlife Officials Arrest Rome Man as Deer Season Nears End in Northwest Georgia

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As deer season winds down across Northwest Georgia, Georgia wildlife officials have arrested a Floyd County man accused of illegally hunting and possessing white-tailed deer after investigators say he exceeded the legal bag limit.

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Arrest Report – Thursday – January 8, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 8, 2026:

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Fog This Morning, Near-Record Warmth, Then Heavy Rain and Storm Risk for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

Drivers across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should use extra caution early today as dense fog is expected through about 10 a.m., with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less in some areas.

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Mohawk Hiring Event Happening Today in Trion for Summerville Plant Jobs

Mohawk Industries is holding a hiring event happening today (Thursday, January 8) for job opportunities at its Summerville manufacturing facility. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Trion Recreation Department, located at 90 Dalton Street.

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Leadership Chattooga 2026 Program Launches New Class to Build Stronger Community Leaders

A new class of local professionals has been announced for Leadership Chattooga 2026, a community leadership program focused on strengthening the county by connecting participants with local resources, key issues, and one another.

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Georgia Health Officials Raise Alarm as Vaping Persists Among Teens and Young Adults

Public health leaders across Georgia are renewing warnings about vaping as e-cigarette use remains a major concern for teens and young adults, even as prevention campaigns expand in schools and communities.

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Summerville Police Report Machete Threat During Domestic Incident on Highway 48

A report released by the Summerville Police Department details a domestic incident that led to an arrest at a residence on Highway 48 on the night of Dec. 30, 2025.

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Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley Breaks Ground on 62nd Home

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Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley will celebrate a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its 62nd home this Saturday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. at 510 Nixon Ave, Rome, GA 30161, in South Rome. The event highlights continued momentum in providing affordable homeownership opportunities across Northwest Georgia.

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Four Convicted in Walker County Murder Case, Sentenced to Life in Prison

Four defendants have been convicted and sentenced to life in prison following a deadly shooting that occurred in Walker County in 2024.

A Walker County jury found Marcus Allen Chambers, James Logan Darty, Kayla Michelle McClure, and Brayden Niri Whatley guilty on multiple charges, including Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Assault after a six-day trial before Superior Court Judge Chris Arnt.

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