Georgia is set to introduce several new laws on July 1, 2025, that will significantly impact various areas, including school sports, legal reimbursements, and taxation.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) highlights the importance of selecting DDS-certified driving schools for both new driver training and driver improvement courses. Using a certified school guarantees qualified instructors and a curriculum that follows state laws, covering essential topics like traffic rules and safety.
Georgia Highlands College recently honored the late mathematics professor Tracy Kight with the Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award. Kight passed away in June 2024, but her influence on students is still remembered. GHC President Mike Hobbs praised her unmatched dedication to student success. The Walraven Award is given annually to a faculty member who goes above and beyond for their students and was established to honor Wesley C. Walraven, a past academic dean at the college. Kight’s family accepted the award on her behalf. Hobbs noted that she created a supportive learning environment and often stayed late to help students. Kight began her journey at GHC as a student in the 1990s and earned her master’s degree in Mathematics Education in 2006. She joined the faculty in 2016. Hobbs emphasized that Kight chose to serve her local community and made a transformative impact on many students’ lives, leaving a lasting legacy.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 29, 2025:
The National Weather Service is predicting isolated to scattered thunderstorms each afternoon and evening across Northwest Georgia, from today through Thursday of this week. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of localized flash flooding, frequent lightning, and gusty winds during the storms. Expect high humidity and warm temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s, along with mild morning lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Patchy fog and low clouds may develop, particularly near bodies of water or in areas that received rainfall the previous day, but visibility should improve after sunrise.
Photo Credit: Church Answers
Churches in Georgia are facing a significant drop in donations, reflecting a national trend despite an overall increase in charitable giving in the U. S. in 2024. Contributions to religious organizations have decreased when adjusted for inflation, continuing a slow decline in church giving over recent years. One major factor in this challenge is the reduced practice of tithing, where individuals traditionally give 10% of their income.
Walker County Commission Chairwoman Angie Teems and her staff presented the proposed fiscal 2026 county budget to the Board of Commissioners last week during a special called meeting.
According to a press release, the $36.8 million spending plan reflects the Chairwoman’s commitment to responsible stewardship, aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to deliver high-quality services to citizens.
The Chattooga community is eagerly preparing for the upcoming Back to School Bash, receiving strong support from local organizations, businesses, and volunteers. The event is focused on celebrating students as they return to school and ensuring they have the necessary supplies. Maisha Ludy, coordinator for Chattooga Family Connection, expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement, emphasizing the collective goal of supporting students.
There should be no shortage of family fun at the 2025 City of Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival & Fireworks Show on July 3. The festival and fireworks show has been a long-time family affair and one of the best fireworks shows in northwest Georgia! This free community event will be held at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 33 Middle School Rd. Music, food, fun and festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the fireworks show scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Event goers will experience non-stop excitement with fun family activities. Parking for this event is free, opening prior to the event. Staff will be on hand to assist in directing vehicles to available parking spaces at the venue. It is suggested to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and dancing shoes for this evening of entertainment.
In spring 2025, GNTC awarded cords to 660 high school students who achieved college credit through the Dual Enrollment program. Among them, 41 seniors from Chattooga High School and 34 seniors from Trion High School received these honors. Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program enables qualified high school students in GNTC’s nine-county area to take college-level courses that provide both college and high school credits simultaneously. Kristi Hart, the director of High School Initiatives at GNTC, explained that students can enroll in any GNTC program if they meet the necessary admission and eligibility requirements. Students in grades 10-12 can enroll part-time or full-time in courses at their high school, GNTC campus, or online, and can earn dual credit during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. GNTC’s program is nationally accredited by NACEP. For admission into GNTC’s Dual Enrollment program, students must first meet with their high school’s counselor or Dual Enrollment coordinator and obtain approval to participate; home school students and parents can meet with the Dual Enrollment specialist in High School Initiatives at GNTC. Students must have a high school GPA of 2.0 documented with a high school transcript or have acceptable standardized test scores. Transcripts and test scores are generally provided by the high school.