Commissioner Addresses Property Appraisal Visits Across Chattooga County

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has issued a statement addressing questions and concerns from residents regarding property appraisal work currently being conducted throughout the county by GMASS (Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services).

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

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.

Officials Urge ATV Safety As Summer Riding Season Begins

With school letting out and summer getting underway, safety officials are reminding families across Northwest Georgia to use caution when riding ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

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Georgia’s New Insurance Reform Law Brings Major Changes For Homeowners And Drivers

A sweeping new insurance reform measure signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp is expected to bring significant changes for Georgia homeowners, drivers and insurance companies.

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Insurance Costs Rise For Teen Drivers In Georgia

Teen drivers in Georgia are facing some of the highest insurance costs of any age group, as insurers point to increased risk and inexperience behind the wheel.

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Chattooga County Tax Books Now Open For 2026 Returns

The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office has announced that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 state and county taxes, with property owners required to make their return on or before April 1, 2026.

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Arrest Report – Monday – February 23, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, February 23, 2026:

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Chattooga County Man Arrested After Reported Trespass, Alleged False “Hostage” Call

A 70-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County after deputies responded to a reported suspicious person and vehicle call on Highway 114 and later charged him with criminal trespass and false report of a crime, according to an incident arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

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