The City of Summerville says Highland Avenue will be closed to through traffic beginning today due to an ongoing sewer project.
The closure will run from Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15, between East First Avenue and Sixth Avenue. The road will be closed daily from 7 AM until 8 PM.
Residents and businesses within the closure area will still be able to access their properties, but minor delays should be expected.
Motorists are advised to use Highway 27 northbound and southbound as the primary alternate route during the closure.
Voters across northwest Georgia are entering the final week of early voting ahead of the May 19 primary election.
Early voting is continuing this week in Chattooga County at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, giving residents the opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day next Tuesday.
Local election officials are encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting to avoid possible lines and scheduling conflicts on Election Day. Voters are reminded to bring a valid photo ID when voting in person.
Voters in the May 19 Primary Election must choose a Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan ballot. Primary elections are where political parties determine their candidates for the General Election in November.
Election officials say absentee ballots must also be returned by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted.
Residents who have questions about polling locations, sample ballots, or voting hours are encouraged to contact their county elections office.
Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, May 19.
Walker County animal welfare leaders are celebrating what they describe as a major step forward for animals in the community.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a new spay and neuter ordinance following nearly two years of meetings, revisions, and ongoing discussion.
According to the Walker County Animal Shelter, the ordinance is designed to help address pet overpopulation and encourage responsible pet ownership. The measure applies to pet owners who are found in violation of animal-related offenses, requiring them to have their pet spayed or neutered or pay a fee. That fee is expected to be finalized at an upcoming commissioners meeting.
The ordinance includes exemptions for hunting dogs, working dogs, livestock guardian animals, licensed breeders, and pets with medical exemptions certified by a licensed veterinarian.
Shelter officials say animal welfare efforts often face significant challenges, including overpopulation, hoarding cases, cruelty investigations, and limited resources. Despite those challenges, they say the new ordinance represents meaningful progress for the county.
The Walker County Animal Shelter will continue offering its spay and neuter voucher program and hopes to expand resources available to pet owners in the future.
Georgia lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at helping law enforcement officers better handle traffic stops involving people with autism and developmental disabilities.
The City of Summerville has announced a temporary closure on Highland Avenue due to an ongoing sewer project.
Highland Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Monday, May 11th through Friday, May 15th, between East First Avenue and Sixth Avenue. The closure will be in effect daily from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
Residents and businesses within the closure area will still have access to their properties, but minor delays should be expected.
Motorists are advised to use Highway 27 northbound and southbound as the primary alternate route during the closure.
The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department has announced the hiring of Shadow Day as its new Administrative Assistant, effective May 1, 2026.
Day joins the department full-time after ten years of service in a similar role with the Chattooga County School System. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said Day is a natural fit because of her strong community ties, administrative experience, and sports background.
Day also holds a special place in the department’s history, having won a state championship as both a player in 2005 and as a coach in 2024.
Her responsibilities will include day-to-day office operations, planning special events, assisting with sports programs, and helping with a future summer camp.
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.