Northwest Georgia Public Health Urges Heat Safety, Fall Vaccination Preparation

With the dog days of August bringing continued heat to Northwest Georgia, public health officials are reminding residents to take precautions outdoors while also beginning to prepare for the upcoming fall respiratory illness season.

Dr. Gary Voccio, Health Director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, recommends scheduling outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening whenever possible rather than during the hottest part of the day.

Residents are also encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and avoid heavy foods during periods of high heat.

At the same time, health officials are looking ahead to fall and flu season. Voccio says this is a good time to consider vaccinations against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, particularly for older adults and young children.

With a new school year getting underway, parents are also encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on recommended vaccinations.

Additional information about immunizations and vaccinations is available through the Northwest Health District.

Chattooga County 2026 Property Assessment Notices Mailed

The Chattooga County Board of Assessors is notifying property owners that 2026 Notices of Assessment were mailed July 31 for each parcel in the county.

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Georgia Students Near Pre-Pandemic Levels On Milestones Testing

Georgia students are continuing to make academic gains, with the latest Georgia Milestones results showing performance in several subjects now near or at levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Arrest Report – Friday – August 7, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, August 7, 2026:

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Menlo School Closed Today Due to Power Outage

Hot, Humid Friday Brings Another Chance For Afternoon Storms

Another hot and humid August afternoon is ahead across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected to develop as temperatures climb.

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Three Arrested After Drug Searches in Rural DeKalb County Community

Three people were arrested after investigators executed search warrants at two residences this week in Grove Oak, a rural community in neighboring DeKalb County, Alabama.

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Transportation Available for Chattooga County Pets Needing Spay and Neuter Services

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is helping spread the word about an upcoming transportation opportunity for Chattooga County pet owners seeking affordable spay and neuter services through My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Services.

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Lauren Alaina and Mark Wills to Headline Labor Day at the Post

Country music stars Lauren Alaina and Mark Wills will headline the 2026 Labor Day at the Post celebration in Fort Oglethorpe on Monday, September 7, with a full day of free entertainment and family activities planned.

The free event will take place from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe.

Live music begins at 1 p.m. with James Rogers, followed by Shelby Mosteller at 2 p.m., Hiwassee Bend at 3 p.m., Remembering January at 4 p.m., and special guest The Singing Barber, Noah Peters, at 5 p.m. Mark Wills will perform at 6 p.m., with Walker County native and Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the music, the celebration will feature a classic car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with awards at 3:30 p.m., along with food trucks from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a local vendor market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a free Kids Zone and petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free, and organizers invite residents from across Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to enjoy a full day of music, food, shopping, classic cars and family-friendly activities.

Chattooga Chamber to Host Lunch & Learn on United Way’s 211 Resource Program

 

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce will host its first Lunch & Learn following the summer break on Monday, August 17, featuring a presentation on the United Way’s 211 resource program.

The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hurley Community Development Center, located at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville.

United Way is sponsoring the catered luncheon, which is open to the public. Director Alli Mitchell Ellard will provide an overview of the 211 program, a free and confidential service that connects individuals with resources for food, housing, utilities, healthcare, employment and disaster relief.

The Chamber asks those planning to attend to make a reservation to assist with catering arrangements.