PSC Rule Limits Georgia Power Disconnects During Heat Advisories

The Georgia Public Service Commission is reminding customers that special rules apply when dangerous summer heat is in the forecast.

Under PSC rules, Georgia Power cannot disconnect electric service to a residential customer for non-payment if a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, or forecast to be in effect, for that customer’s county before 8 a.m. on the scheduled disconnection date.

The rule applies specifically to Georgia Power, which is regulated by the PSC. Customers served by electric membership corporations or municipal electric systems should contact their provider directly to ask about similar policies.

The restriction is temporary. Once the heat advisory or warning ends, disconnection can be reinstated. The PSC encourages customers at risk of losing service to contact their provider and make payment arrangements.

Customers who need help may also contact PSC Consumer Affairs at 404-656-4501, 800-282-5813, or by email at gapsc@psc.ga.gov.

UGA Extension Offers Food Safety Tips for Fourth of July Cookouts

As families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia fire up their grills for Independence Day celebrations, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is reminding everyone that food safety should be just as important as the menu.

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GOHS Urges Sober Driving During Fourth Of July Holiday Weekend

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding drivers to keep fireworks in the sky and off the road this Fourth of July holiday weekend by planning ahead for a sober ride.

State troopers, local officers, H.E.A.T. units and regional traffic enforcement networks are stepping up patrols through Sunday night. Officers will be watching for impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations.

GOHS says Georgia is a zero-tolerance state for drunk driving, and drivers over the legal limit will be arrested. More than 700 DUI arrests were made during last year’s July Fourth enforcement period.

AAA’s Tow-To-Go service will also be available through Monday morning, offering a free tow and ride for the driver up to 10 miles.

Arrest Report – Friday – July 3, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 3, 2026:

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Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Installs Prescription Drug Drop Box

Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

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Menlo Invites Community To Celebrate Independence Day Saturday At City Park

The City of Menlo is inviting residents and visitors to spend the Fourth of July celebrating with a full day of family fun, food, entertainment, and patriotic festivities at Menlo City Park.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with the annual Fourth of July Parade stepping off at 11 a.m. Following the parade, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the park, including vendors, food, a waterslide, and entertainment for all ages.

This year’s celebration will feature a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, specialty products, and community information. Participating vendors include Anita’s Blissful Bites, Twinkle & Tatt glitter tattoos and hair color, Mercy Me Pork Skins, Daydreamer Farms, Smoke Signals, DOB Lemonade Co., K Sims T-Shirt Bar, Leroy’s Seasoning, Sweet Pastures Sweet Treats, the Menlo Masonic Lodge, the Trion Library, Menlo First Baptist Church, and several others.

The Trion Library will be providing free information for families, while Menlo First Baptist Church will be handing out free bottled water, courtesy of Lucky’s.

City officials encourage everyone to come out, support local businesses, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate Independence Day with friends, family, and neighbors in Menlo.

Georgia Department Of Public Health Urges Safe And Healthy Fourth Of July Weekend

The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

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Chattooga County Young Farmers Welcomes New Teacher Chris Ramsey

Chattooga County Young Farmers has announced the addition of a new instructor for the upcoming program year. Chris Ramsey has joined the organization after most recently teaching at Rockmart High School for the past two years.

Ramsey holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, a master’s degree in secondary education, and a specialist degree in career and technical education from Auburn University. Prior to teaching in Georgia, he spent more than 20 years teaching in Alabama.

In addition to his classroom experience, Ramsey operates a farm where he raises beef cattle and pigs. He and his wife have two children, both of whom are studying Agribusiness at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Chattooga County Young Farmers officials say they are excited to welcome Ramsey and look forward to the knowledge, energy, and leadership he will bring to the program. Ramsey says he is eager to get started and looks forward to meeting and working with local Young Farmers members.

Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Free Back-To-School Bash July 11

The Lyerly Fire Department is inviting families from across Chattooga County to kick off the new school year at its annual Free Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, July 11.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lyerly Park and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a day of family fun.

Children attending the event will receive free book bags and free school supplies while supplies last. Families can also enjoy free hot dogs, free icees, a waterslide, and a dunk tank, where participants will have the chance to dunk a firefighter.

The Lyerly Fire Department will also have one of its fire trucks on display, giving children an opportunity to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use to protect the community.

Organizers say the event is free and open to the public and encourages families to arrive early, as some giveaway items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Back-To-School Bash has become a popular annual tradition, bringing together first responders, community volunteers, and local families while helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.

Heat Advisory Continues as Dangerous Heat Grips Northwest Georgia Through Independence Day

The dangerous heat that’s been building across Northwest Georgia will continue today and through the Independence Day holiday, with a Heat Advisory remaining in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. An Excessive Heat Warning also continues for parts of northwest Georgia.

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