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April 26, 2026

Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

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As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

March 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Approves Five-Year Water Rate Increase

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Chattooga County residents will soon see changes to their water bills after Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen approved a plan to gradually increase rates over the next five years.

March 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Awards Bids for Trucks, Roof, and Public Works Buildings

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has announced several bids awarded after last Friday’s bid deadline, covering equipment purchases and facility improvements across the county.

March 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Reviewing Bids for new Sheriff’s Office Roof in Trion

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen says he and Sheriff Mark Schrader will be reviewing bids for a new roof at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office on Underwood Dairy Road in Trion.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Seeking Bids For Pole Barns And Sheriff’s Office Roof Project

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is seeking sealed bids for two separate construction projects, including new pole barn buildings for the county’s Public Works Department and a roof replacement at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

March 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Former Commissioner Responds to Audit Concerns as County Works to Reconcile Finances

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Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry is responding to recent online discussions about findings from the ongoing 2024 audit of Chattooga County finances, offering context about accounting discrepancies identified during that time.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lightning Strike Destroys Barn on Commissioner Andy Allen’s Farm

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen said Tuesday that a barn on his farm was destroyed after being struck by lightning during storms overnight.

Allen and his wife, Whitney, said the lightning strike hit a fence charger, which sparked the fire that resulted in the barn being a total loss.

In a statement, the Allens thanked the Gore Fire Department and Hays State Prison firefighters for their quick response.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank Gore Fire Department and Hays Prison on their quick response and professionalism that they showed early this morning,” the statement said. “During the storms last night lightning hit our fence charger which sparked a fire and our barn was a total loss.”

The Allens said firefighters worked quickly to ensure the fire was fully contained and did not spread to their nearby horse barn.

“We appreciate their efforts and kindness,” the statement concluded.

March 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Commissioner Releases 2026 State of the County Statement

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen released a statement Wednesday evening outlining the county’s progress, financial challenges and plans for the future in what he described as a “2026 State of Chattooga County” update to residents.

January 5, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Commissioner Andy Allen Says Chattooga County Avoided TAN Borrowing for 2025 Budget Year

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county made it through the 2025 budget year without using a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN), a common short-term borrowing tool used by local governments to cover expenses while waiting for tax revenues to come in.

December 4, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Animal Welfare Dispute in Chattooga County Includes Earlier Email Exchange and Commissioner’s New Call for Meeting

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A continuing disagreement involving animal welfare efforts in Chattooga County is drawing renewed attention after Sole County Commissioner Andy Allen released a statement this week calling for clearer communication and a face-to-face meeting with the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County. The commissioner’s statement follows months of tension and includes earlier correspondence from this spring that centered on concerns about the county animal shelter and its leadership.