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June 27, 2026

Floyd County Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty

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A Floyd County man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he seriously injured a dog with a machete at a Rome hotel.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 25-year-old Joseph Robert Bisher was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following an incident at a hotel on Martha Berry Boulevard.

Investigators allege Bisher struck a dog named “Oreo” with a machete, causing a deep laceration.

According to the arrest report, when questioned about the incident, Bisher allegedly told authorities he did not want to strike his girlfriend, so he struck the dog instead.

The case remains under investigation.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

According To Georgia Recorder, More Than Half Of Georgia Teachers Now Use AI To Prepare For Class

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More than half of Georgia’s public school teachers are now using artificial intelligence to help prepare lessons and complete other classroom tasks, according to a new report highlighted this week by the Georgia Recorder.

The report, based on findings from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, found that 54 percent of teachers surveyed said they use generative AI tools for lesson planning, classroom activities, grading, or other instructional purposes. At the same time, many educators expressed concern that students’ growing use of AI could negatively affect learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

The findings come as school systems across Georgia continue developing policies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. State education leaders have also released guidance encouraging schools to use AI in ways that support teaching while protecting student privacy and promoting ethical use.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Spark Day Happening Today In Summerville

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A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.

“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.

Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.

Spark Day will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.

The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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Ice cream lovers will have a chance to cool off and support a local organization later this month at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, June 28, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. near the park’s Visitor Center.

Volunteers will offer a variety of homemade ice cream flavors, giving visitors plenty of options to choose from. Ice cream will be available for $3 per cup, and both cash and card payments will be accepted.

Organizers say the event is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy a summer treat while spending time at one of Northwest Georgia’s most scenic state parks.

A Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for entry. Visitors must have either a $10 daily ParkPass or an annual pass to park at the facility.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, fishing lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The event is open to the public.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Library To Host Live Animal Show For Summer Program

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Children and families will have an opportunity to experience an up-close wildlife encounter later this month as the Sara Hightower Regional Library System welcomes Animal Adventures of Georgia to Summerville.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 2 p.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Animal Adventures of Georgia is a mobile wildlife education company based in Newnan that specializes in bringing live animal programs to schools, libraries, festivals, and community events across the state. The organization is known for its interactive presentations featuring a variety of animals while teaching participants about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and nature.

Library officials describe the program as an interactive and educational live animal nature show designed to engage children and adults alike through hands-on learning experiences.

The event is free and open to the public and is part of the library’s ongoing summer programming.

Families are encouraged to arrive early for what promises to be a fun and educational afternoon featuring live animals and opportunities to learn more about the natural world.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Low-Cost Spay And Neuter Assistance Available For Chattooga County Pet Owners

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Animal Advocates of Chattooga County has announced a new partnership with My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic to help local pet owners offset the cost of spay and neuter procedures for their dogs and cats.

June 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Weekend Sunshine Gives Way To Increasing Storm Chances Next Week

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After a pleasant start to the weekend, Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a return to a more active summer weather pattern beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing through much of next week.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Council to Hold Special Called Meeting Monday

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The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, June 15, at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

According to the meeting agenda, council members will consider several items of business, including authorizing Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a UCBI financing resolution and approving Change Order No. 1 related to the city’s 2024 Community Development Block Grant project.

The primary item on the agenda is the second reading and adoption of the City of Summerville’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget ordinance. The budget consideration will include a public hearing, followed by discussion and possible action by the council.

The meeting will also include the mayor’s comments, approval of the agenda, public comments and adjournment.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing regarding the proposed budget.