Chattooga Chamber Unveils Leadership Chattooga Student Edition Class of 2026, Fostering Future Leaders

Meet the LCSE Class of 2026:

The Chattooga Chamber proudly introduces the members of this year’s class:
From Chattooga High School: Tyler Floyd, Koi Dodd, LeeAnna Moseley, Beydaly Gabriel-Diaz, Hannah Reynolds, and Cameryn Smith (not pictured).
From Trion High School: Joseph Santamaria, Will Groce, Christian Sanders, Emma Martz, Jocelyn Mitchell, and Isaura Ramirez.
Diane Vinyard, a program trainer, is also pictured with the class.

The Chattooga Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the incoming Leadership Chattooga Student Edition (LCSE) Class of 2026, a diverse group of twelve high school juniors and seniors poised to embark on an eight-month journey of personal growth and community engagement. This year’s class features six promising students from Chattooga High School and six from Trion High School.

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Georgia Maintains Low 3.4% Unemployment Rate in August, Outpacing National Average

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Georgia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in August 2025, unchanged from July’s figures. This rate stands nine-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national unemployment rate, underscoring the state’s continued economic strength.

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Shrinking Safety Net: Georgia Grapples with Declining Life Insurance Ownership Amid National Trend

Despite a projected $1.32 billion market size in 2025, Georgia is facing a critical challenge as life insurance ownership continues a steady nationwide decline spanning the last 35 years. A recent study places the Peach State low nationally in per capita life insurance industry jobs and investment, signaling a potentially significant gap in financial protection for its residents.

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Georgia Highlands College’s Economic Impact Surges To $214 Million, Driving Regional Prosperity

A new report confirms that Georgia Highlands College (GHC) continues to be a powerful economic engine for Northwest Georgia, with its total economic impact soaring to $214 million in fiscal year 2024. The latest analysis from the University System of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth reveals significant increases across every major economic category compared to the previous fiscal year.

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Northwest Georgia Braces for Warm, Humid Stretch; Isolated Storms Expected This Weekend

Northwest Georgia is set to experience a sustained period of warm, humid, and largely dry weather from Thursday through Monday, driven by a sprawling area of high pressure. While sunshine will dominate the forecast, residents should be aware of a slight chance for isolated afternoon thunderstorms on Saturday and scattered storms on Monday.

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Arrest Report – Thursday – September 18, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 18, 2025:

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Chattooga County Woman Charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty After Dog Found in Deplorable Conditions

A Chattooga County woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following the discovery of a severely neglected pitbull dog found living in horrific conditions inside an abandoned residence.

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Dry Spell Prompts Increased Venomous Snake Sightings Across Georgia

As Northwest Georgia continues to experience a prolonged period of dry weather, residents should prepare for an increased likelihood of encountering venomous snakes, particularly species like the common copperhead. Experts warn that these reptiles are becoming more visible as they actively search for vital food and water sources.

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Unleash Your Inner Artist at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park’s “Paint & Pop” Event

Budding artists in grades 9-12 are invited to capture the natural beauty of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park through their artistic talents at the upcoming “Paint & Pop” event. This free program offers a unique opportunity for young creatives to immerse themselves in the park’s scenic landscapes and potentially have their work showcased at the Georgia State Capitol.

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Medical Emergency Call Leads To Major Drug And Weapon Arrest In Gore

A routine response to a medical emergency call on September 9th culminated in the arrest of a Gore area man facing multiple felony drug and weapon charges, according to records released by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

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