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July 6, 2026

Georgia Health Officials Warn Young Mothers About Vaping Risks

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Georgia health officials are warning expectant and young mothers that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, especially during pregnancy or around infants.

The Georgia Department of Public Health says vape products often contain highly addictive nicotine and other substances that are heated and inhaled into the lungs. The CDC says nicotine products are not safe during pregnancy and can harm a baby’s developing brain and lungs.

The warning is especially important in communities across Northwest Georgia, where young families may see vaping as less harmful than cigarettes. Health experts say secondhand exposure can also be dangerous for babies and small children, and homes and vehicles should remain smoke-free and vape-free.

Mothers who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for infants are encouraged to talk with their doctor or local health department about safe ways to quit nicotine use.

Georgia residents looking for help can contact Ready to Quit GA, the state’s tobacco quit resource.

July 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Housing Market Shows Stable Activity Heading Into Summer

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The Chattooga County housing market remained relatively stable as the summer selling season continued, with buyers benefiting from a healthy inventory of homes and sellers still receiving offers close to their asking prices.

July 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

LIFE FORCE Air Medical Adds New Rapid Blood And Fluid Resuscitation System

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Patients in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia who require emergency air transport may now benefit from faster treatment thanks to a new medical technology added to Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE Air Medical helicopters.

LIFE FORCE has announced that it has equipped its entire helicopter fleet with the LifeFlow® PLUS portable rapid fluid and blood resuscitation system. The hand-operated device allows flight crews to deliver blood, blood products and intravenous fluids more quickly to critically ill and injured patients suffering from conditions such as severe blood loss, shock and sepsis.

According to LIFE FORCE, the new system is designed to provide faster, more controlled fluid delivery than traditional methods, helping stabilize patients while they are being transported to the hospital. Officials say the upgrade is especially valuable in emergency situations where every minute can make a difference.

LIFE FORCE serves a large region that includes North Georgia, East Tennessee, Northeast Alabama and Western North Carolina, with helicopter bases in Calhoun and Blue Ridge helping provide emergency air medical coverage for Northwest Georgia.

July 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Agriculture Officials Continue Tracking Yellow-Legged Hornet In Georgia

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture says its Plant Protection team continued efforts in June to track and eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet, an invasive species that poses a threat to honeybees and Georgia’s agriculture industry.

According to the department, crews found 125 hornets and eradicated three nests during the month of June.

Agriculture officials say hornet activity increases as temperatures rise. Beekeepers and residents are encouraged to watch for nests and for “hawking” behavior around beehives, where hornets hover near hives and prey on bees.

Anyone who believes they have found a Yellow-Legged Hornet nest in Georgia should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

July 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park To Host “Ribbitting The Trails” Nature Hike

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Families looking for a fun outdoor adventure can explore the world of frogs and toads during a special ranger-led hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park next weekend.

The park will host “Ribbitting the Trails” on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Participants will hike the Marble Mine Trail while learning about the life cycle of local frogs and toads, what they eat, how they live, and the habitats where they’re most commonly found. Rangers say hikers may even get the opportunity to see some of the amphibians up close.

The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.

Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 10 a.m.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Sunday – July 5, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 5, 2026:

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Afternoon Storms and Summer Heat Continue Across Chattooga County This Week

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Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another hot and humid day today, with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms expected to develop.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Democrats Donate to Annual Back to School Bash

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The Chattooga County Democratic Party recently presented a donation to support the annual Back to School Bash, an event that helps local students prepare for the upcoming school year with free school supplies and other resources.

State House District 12 candidate Holly Chaney joined the presentation and praised the community effort.

“This is one of the events that makes me so proud of our county,” Chaney said. “Maisha Ludy and Chattooga Family Connection do a terrific job helping our students start school with the supplies and support they need.”

The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.

Pictured are (left to right) Pam Albert, First Vice President of the Chattooga County Democratic Party; Maisha Ludy, Coordinator of Chattooga Family Connection; and Holly Chaney, candidate for Georgia House District 12, which includes Chattooga County.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Launches “Safe at Home” Program to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes

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A new statewide program is now available to help protect the privacy and safety of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other qualifying crimes in Georgia.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Historic Homes of Georgia’s First Black Female State Representative to Be Preserved in Atlanta

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The homes of Grace Towns Hamilton, the first Black woman elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and her father, George Towns, will be preserved as historic landmarks through a new multi-million-dollar restoration project in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood.

Preserve Black Atlanta is leading the effort with approximately $2.3 million in funding from a National Park Service grant and Atlanta’s Westside Tax Allocation District. Fulton County commissioners approved a portion of the local funding in June, allowing the project to move forward.

Grace Towns Hamilton made history in 1965 when she became the first Black woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly. She served in the Georgia House for nearly 20 years and is credited with helping expand political opportunities for Black Georgians during the Civil Rights era. Historians also recognize her as the first Black woman elected to state office anywhere in the South.

Her father, George Towns, was a professor at Atlanta University and helped found the Niagara Movement in 1905, an organization that laid the groundwork for the creation of the NAACP.

Project leaders say the restored homes will become public historic sites while also contributing to neighborhood revitalization. Restoration work is expected to take about two years once permitting is complete.

WABE