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October 12, 2026

When Cotton Was King In Chattooga County And Cotton Gins Were A Way Of Life

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There was a time when the arrival of autumn in Chattooga County meant more than cooler weather and changing leaves. It meant cotton-picking season, when farmers worked long hours bringing in a crop that was once the backbone of the county’s agricultural economy.

From the early days of Chattooga County in the 1800s through much of the first half of the 20th century, cotton was one of the most important sources of income for local farm families.

According to research by the Chattooga County Historical Society, cotton dominated local agriculture from the time the county was established in 1838. By the early 1900s, agricultural agents were encouraging farmers to diversify their crops rather than depend so heavily on cotton.

October 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Kemp Extends Georgia Gas Tax Suspension Through November 5

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Georgia motorists will continue getting a break at the gas pump after Governor Brian Kemp extended the state’s suspension of motor fuel taxes through November 5.

October 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Master Cattlemen’s Program Continues In Chattooga County

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Cattle producers from Chattooga County and the surrounding area are taking part in an eight-week educational program designed to provide practical information on managing and improving beef cattle operations.

October 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Tightens Animal Entry Requirements Following New World Screwworm Detection

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Livestock owners in Chattooga County and across Georgia are being urged to stay alert as the Georgia Department of Agriculture has reinstated enhanced animal-entry requirements following another detection of New World screwworm in New Mexico.

September 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Three Statewide Constitutional Amendments Will Appear On Georgia Ballots In November

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Georgia voters will decide three proposed amendments to the state Constitution in the November 3 general election, in addition to local questions that will appear on ballots in individual counties.

September 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Kemp Suspends Georgia Gas Tax For 30 Days As Fuel Prices Surge

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Georgia drivers will get a break at the pump beginning Tuesday after Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday that he is suspending the state’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days.

September 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two USDA Deadlines Approaching For Chattooga County Farmers And Landowners

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Chattooga County farmers, cattle producers and landowners have two important USDA deadlines approaching, including a September 30 deadline for disaster assistance and an October 9 deadline for several conservation programs.

September 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Ag Commissioner Warns Residents About Unlicensed Door-To-Door Pest Control Operators

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Chattooga County residents who are approached at their homes by someone offering pest control services are being urged to ask for a state-issued license before signing a contract or allowing any work to begin.

September 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

FTC Warns Farmers About Fake Farm Equipment Dealers

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Farmers and farm equipment buyers in Chattooga County are being urged to use extra caution when shopping for tractors and other agricultural equipment online as federal and state officials warn about increasingly sophisticated scams involving fake equipment dealerships.

September 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Pickled Okra Workshop Coming To Chattooga County Extension Office

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Residents interested in learning the proper way to preserve one of the South’s favorite vegetables will have an opportunity this week at the Chattooga County Extension Office.

A Pickled Okra food preservation workshop will be held Thursday, September 24, from 5 until 7 PM at Chattooga County UGA Extension Service / 4-H, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. The class is part of a series of hands-on food preservation workshops offered this year.

The workshop costs $25 per person, and participation is limited to 15 people. Payment is required to secure a spot in the class. Those interested in attending should contact the Extension Office at 706-857-0744 to check availability and register.

UGA Extension’s food preservation programs focus on research-based, tested methods for safely preserving food at home. Extension offers instruction in areas including canning, freezing, drying, jams and jellies, and pickled foods.

The Pickled Okra class wraps up this year’s local food-preservation workshop series, which has also included jams and jellies, canning tomatoes and salsa, and cowboy candy