An annual outdoor burning ban is now in effect across Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia.
Georgia taxpayers could soon see extra money coming their way.
Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Revenue announced Monday that the state has started issuing one-time special tax refunds authorized under House Bill 1000 during the 2026 legislative session.
The refund will return more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers. It is the fourth special refund of its kind under Governor Kemp, following similar refunds issued in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Most eligible taxpayers who filed both their 2024 and 2025 Georgia income tax returns before the deadline can expect to receive their refund in the coming weeks.
Refund amounts are capped at $250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $375 for head of household filers, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.
To qualify, taxpayers must have filed both required returns, paid into the system, and not owe the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Taxpayers can check eligibility through the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool on the Georgia Tax Center website.
A Summerville man was arrested on DUI charges following a traffic stop according to a report released this week from the Summerville Police Department.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, May 5, 2026:
After a quiet start to the week, weather conditions are beginning to change across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is currently accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a new truck, according to a recent request for bids notice.
Officials are seeking a 2026 or newer Ford F-150 4×4 Crew Cab XLT or equivalent, with specific equipment and performance requirements outlined in the bid documents. The vehicle will be used for county operations and must meet detailed specifications, including engine size, transmission, and additional features.
Bids must be submitted to the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville, by 5 p.m. on May 7.
All bids must be clearly marked and include required documentation such as total cost, vehicle specifications, and estimated delivery date.
The bids will be publicly opened at 10 a.m. on May 8, 2026.
County officials note they reserve the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Chattooga Middle School students interested in playing volleyball next season will have the opportunity to try out this week.
Tryouts are scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, and Thursday, May 7 at the Summerville Middle School gym, with sessions running from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days.
The tryouts are open to current and upcoming Chattooga Middle School students. Participants should come prepared with knee pads.
For more information, contact Head Coach Ryan Martin at rymartin@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
Registration is now open for the upcoming Chattooga Indians Red and Black Basketball Camp, scheduled for later this month at Chattooga High School.
The camp will take place on May 28 and May 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is open to boys and girls in first through fourth grade.
Organizers say the camp is designed to help young players develop fundamental basketball skills while also giving them the opportunity to play games and enjoy time on the court.
The registration fee is $20, payable by cash or check.
Parents and guardians interested in signing up their children are encouraged to register ahead of time.
Families looking for outdoor activities this weekend will have a couple of educational options at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County.
Residents in Chattooga County will have the opportunity to learn hands-on food preservation skills this summer through a series of workshops hosted by the UGA Extension Office.
The classes, led by Chattooga County Extension Agent Rebecca Thomas, will cover a variety of popular home preservation techniques and recipes, including jams, jellies, canning, and pickling.
Workshops begin June 2 with a session on Jams & Jellies from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Additional classes include:
- Canning Tomatoes & Salsa on July 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Cowboy Candy on August 4 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Pickled Okra on September 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Each class costs $25, and space is limited to 15 participants per session. Officials say payment is required to secure registration.
All workshops will be held at the Chattooga County Extension Office, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
To register or for more information, call 706-857-0744.