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May 28, 2026

New Georgia Law Allows Property Owners To Sue Over Public Nuisance Enforcement

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A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.

House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.

State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.

However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.

Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.

House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Salvation Army Leaders Preparing To Leave Rome

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Majors Hank and Eunice Harwell, current Corps Officers for The Salvation Army of Rome, are preparing to say goodbye to the community.

The Harwells will leave Rome in mid to late June to take on new leadership roles with The Salvation Army in Dothan, Alabama.

Major Hank Harwell says they will miss Rome and the people of Northwest Georgia, but he is also excited about the future of the local organization under incoming leaders Lieutenants Cory and Cristina Tilley.

The Salvation Army of Rome serves both Floyd and Chattooga counties, providing assistance and support to families in need throughout the area.

Major Harwell is encouraging continued community support in the years ahead. For more information, visit salvationarmyrome.org or call 706-291-4745.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Rain Chances Ease Slightly, But Stormy Pattern Sticks Around In Northwest Georgia

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Northwest Georgia will get a little break from the heavier coverage of showers and storms today and Thursday, but the rainy pattern is far from over.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Shorter University Announces New Dual-Degree Engineering Partnership With Kennesaw State

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Shorter University has announced a new partnership with Kennesaw State University that will give students the opportunity to earn two bachelor’s degrees at the same time.

Through the program, students can graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Shorter University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from KSU’s Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Students will complete 45 credit hours at Shorter before transferring to Kennesaw State. The coursework has been aligned so credits transfer smoothly and students remain on track toward graduation.

Shorter Provost Dr. John Reams said the partnership gives students a strong pathway toward careers in engineering and mathematics while expanding academic opportunities.

Students who complete the requirements for the Shorter mathematics degree will receive that degree through reverse transfer while finishing their engineering degree at KSU.

For more information, visit shorter.edu/admissions or call 706-233-7319.

May 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat And Strong Storms Continue Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia

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Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for several more days of wet and stormy weather as an active weather pattern continues to bring repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the region.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Georgia and Alabama

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Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia Seeking Board of Directors Members

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The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia is currently seeking compassionate and community-minded individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Native Named Chief Of Staff For Congressman Clay Fuller

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Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has been named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller.

Hogg officially joined Congressman Fuller’s team on April 14th. He brings experience in economic development, government relations, and constituent service to the role.

Most recently, Hogg served as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. He previously worked with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, serving as President and CEO, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Relations, and Economic Development Project Manager.

Hogg also has prior experience on Capitol Hill, having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the offices of Congressmen Tom Graves and Jody Hice.

In a statement to WZQZ News, Hogg said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to join Rep. Clay Fuller as his Chief of Staff. Northwest Georgia raised me, and I look forward to fighting every day for the place I am proud to call home. I appreciate the chance to work for a Congressman that is committed to rural values and defending our communities.”

May 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Tax Suspension Offers Relief Ahead Of Memorial Day Travel

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As Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach, Georgia drivers are getting some relief from the state’s extended gas tax suspension.

May 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Haywood Valley Road Closure In Floyd County Will Affect Chattooga County Commuters

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The Floyd County Emergency Management Agency says Haywood Valley Road will be closed on Monday, May 11, for cross drain replacement work.

The closure will be in the area of 1248 Haywood Valley Road and is scheduled to last from 8 AM until 4 PM.

Floyd County Public Works will be completing the project.

Drivers traveling through the area should plan ahead and use alternate routes. The south-end detour will be New Rosedale Road, also known as Georgia Highway 156. From the north, drivers may use Dry Creek Road or Little Sand Mountain Road as detours.

Officials say the closure will affect Chattooga County commuters.