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June 14, 2026

LMES Leadership Team Sets Goals for Year Ahead

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The leadership team at Leroy Massey Elementary School recently gathered at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden for a planning meeting focused on the year ahead.

During the meeting, school leaders worked on setting a vision for the upcoming school year while also taking a close look at student achievement data. The goal was to establish meaningful instructional priorities designed to support student success and continued improvement.

School officials said the conversations centered on building on existing strengths, identifying areas for growth, and creating the best possible learning experiences for students.

Leroy Massey Elementary also thanked Shawn Keim and Mike Afdahl from NWRESA, along with Chattooga County Schools Chief Academic Officer Robert Beach, for their support and guidance throughout the process.

The school said the partnership helps LMES continue moving forward with purpose and excellence.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Car Insurance Costs Remain High for Chattooga County Drivers

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Drivers in Chattooga County continue to face car insurance rates that closely mirror Georgia’s already high statewide averages.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Twenty-Nine Students Earn HSE Diplomas Through GNTC Youth Success Academy

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Twenty-nine students received their High School Equivalency diplomas this week through the Youth Success Academy at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Awards Contract for New Splash Pad at Dowdy Park

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The City of Summerville has taken another step toward adding a new family-friendly attraction by approving a contract for a splash pad at J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park.

During a recent meeting, the Summerville City Council approved awarding the project to Gametime at a cost of approximately $399,948.80. City officials said the splash pad is expected to enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Summerville City Manager Jason Winters discussed the project with council members prior to the vote, noting that the splash pad represents a significant investment in community recreation. The facility is expected to provide a safe and enjoyable place for children and families to cool off during the summer months.

The addition of the splash pad is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve parks and recreational amenities. Once completed, the new attraction will become a centerpiece of Dowdy Park and is expected to serve residents for years to come.

City leaders expressed optimism about the project and its potential to enhance quality of life while providing another destination for families in the community.

June 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Saturday – June 13, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 13, 2026:

June 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Storm Chances Return After Hot Saturday Across Northwest Georgia

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A hot and mainly dry Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with temperatures climbing to around 92 degrees this afternoon. When humidity is factored in, heat index values could approach 99 degrees, making it feel significantly hotter during the peak afternoon hours.

June 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Audit Reveals Financial Control Issues, Documentation Problems in Chattooga County Operations

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A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunday Brings Return of Showers and Storms Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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After a stretch of dry weather, showers and thunderstorms are making a return to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today as a more active weather pattern settles across the region.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Among Highest Poverty Rates in Northwest Georgia, New Data Shows

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Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Full-Time Animal Care and Field Services Technician

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is looking to add a full-time Animal Care and Field Services Technician to its staff and is currently accepting applications.