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July 18, 2026

Georgia Law Limits Who Can Legally Conduct Raffles

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Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.

To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.

Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Tax Sale Scheduled for August 4

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The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office has announced that the county’s annual tax sale will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Launches “Safe at Home” Program to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes

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A new statewide program is now available to help protect the privacy and safety of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other qualifying crimes in Georgia.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Expands Medical Cannabis Access for Patients

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Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Law Allows Consumer Fireworks, But Safety Should Come First

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As Independence Day approaches, many families across Northwest Georgia are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. While Georgia law allows the use of many consumer fireworks, officials are reminding residents that safety should remain the top priority.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Residents Reminded to Call 811 Before Digging

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Summerville residents planning outdoor projects are being reminded to call 811 before beginning any digging or excavation work.

Whether installing a privacy fence, starting construction, or preparing for a pool project, homeowners and contractors are required by Georgia law to contact Georgia 811 at least three business days before digging begins.

Underground utility lines can include natural gas pipes, water mains, sewer lines, and electric cables. Striking one of those lines can cause service outages, costly repairs, injuries, or dangerous emergency situations.

The Georgia 811 service is free. After a request is submitted, utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Anyone digging near marked lines should use caution and hand tools when working within 24 inches of a marked utility.

Residents can contact Georgia 811 by dialing 811, calling 800-282-7411, or visiting Georgia811.com.

Summerville officials encourage everyone to help protect public safety and utility service by remembering one simple rule: call before you dig.

June 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Commissioner Addresses Property Appraisal Visits Across Chattooga County

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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).

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Officials Urge ATV Safety As Summer Riding Season Begins

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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.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.