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June 22, 2026

Summerville Main Street Receives 2026 National Accreditation

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Summerville Main Street has earned 2026 National Accreditation, a designation recognizing the organization’s efforts to strengthen and revitalize the downtown district.

The downtown revitalization program was recognized as a 2026 accredited Main Street community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs during a recent recognition ceremony.

According to the article by Jason Espy in the Summerville News, the accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to the Main Street Approach, a framework focused on Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.

Mayor Ricky Hughes and members of the Summerville City Council were recognized during the ceremony, along with Main Street Director Susan Locklear, volunteers, business owners, and community partners who have contributed to downtown improvement efforts.

Each member of the Summerville Main Street board received a letter acknowledging the program’s accreditation. The recognition places Summerville among a select group of communities meeting national standards for downtown development and community engagement.

City leaders said the accreditation reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the appearance and functionality of downtown Summerville while supporting local businesses and encouraging community involvement.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Report Shows More Than 660 Chattooga County Residents Live In Subsidized Housing

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A new report from USAFacts, using data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, shows that hundreds of Chattooga County residents rely on federally subsidized housing programs.

June 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Highlands College To Celebrate Community Impact Day June 26

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Georgia Highlands College is inviting students, employees, alumni, families and community members to a special Community Impact Day celebration on Friday, June 26, at its Floyd Campus in Rome.

June 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Surpasses 5 Million Jobs As Unemployment Rate Falls To 3.4 Percent

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The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state has reached a major economic milestone, surpassing 5 million jobs for the first time in state history.

According to the latest labor report, Georgia recorded 5,002,400 jobs in May, an all-time high. The state’s labor force also reached a record 5,470,704, while total employment climbed to a new high of 5,283,862.

Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in May, down from a revised 3.5 percent in April and well below the national unemployment rate.

“Five million jobs, an all-time high labor force, and record employment in a single month: This is what a modern, adaptable economy looks like when it works for all Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.

The state added 6,900 jobs during May and has now experienced job growth for three consecutive months. Employment increased by more than 56,000 jobs over the past year.

Among the industries posting the largest gains in May were accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, transportation and warehousing, local government and state government.

Over the past year, health care and social assistance led all sectors with nearly 25,000 new jobs added statewide.

The labor department also reported that initial unemployment claims declined in May, another sign of continued strength in Georgia’s workforce and economy.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chamber of Commerce Hosting AfterWork Meet Up Thursday

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting members and prospective members to a special AfterWork Meet Up this Thursday evening at Dos Maguey’s Mexican Restaurant in Summerville.

The networking event will take place Thursday, June 11, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and is designed to provide a relaxed setting for local business professionals to connect and build relationships.

According to the Chamber, the event is intended to be a social and networking opportunity where attendees can talk shop—or anything but work. Dos Maguey’s will offer drink specials, and the Chamber will provide appetizers for those attending.

The Chamber is not hosting its regular luncheons during June and July and is instead offering these lower-key summer networking gatherings.

While tickets are not required, organizers encourage attendees to RSVP. For more information, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce at 706-857-4033.

The event is open to Chamber members and those interested in learning more about the local business community.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Survey Work Begins for Proposed $62 Million Bioenergy Plant in Trion

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Survey crews have begun geotechnical work for a proposed $62 million bioenergy plant planned for Trion’s industrial park, marking the first visible activity associated with the project.

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

City of LaFayette Hiring Downtown Development Coordinator/Main Street Manager

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The City of LaFayette is seeking applicants for its Downtown Development Coordinator/Main Street Manager position, a role focused on downtown revitalization, community engagement, economic development, and event planning.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Rising Housing Costs Continue To Squeeze Chattooga County Residents

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Finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult for many families in Chattooga County as rent prices continue to rise while wages struggle to keep pace with the cost of living.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chamber To Host Member AfterWork Meet Up At Dos Magueys

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting local business leaders and community members to attend its upcoming Member AfterWork Meet Up on Thursday, June 11.

The networking event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Dos Magueys Mexican Restaurant in Summerville.

According to the Chamber, the gathering is designed as a casual social and networking opportunity for members to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Dos Magueys will offer drink specials, and the Chamber will provide appetizers for attendees.

The Chamber noted that it will not hold a June luncheon this year and is instead offering this smaller summer networking event. While tickets are not required, organizers encourage attendees to RSVP in advance.

For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce at 706-857-4033