Tuesday evening, the Floyd County Commission approved Arnold & Itkin LLP as lead counsel to represent the county in pursuing legal claims connected to PFAS contamination affecting local landfills, drinking water wells, parks, and other public properties.
Georgia Power customers are being warned about active scams involving people pretending to represent the utility company.
Scammers may contact customers by phone, text message, fake websites, or even door-to-door visits, claiming a bill is overdue and threatening immediate disconnection unless payment is made right away.
Georgia Power says customers should be especially cautious if someone demands payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, Bitcoin, or similar methods. The company says it does not collect payments door-to-door and does not demand those types of payments.
Customers should also watch for fake caller ID information and lookalike websites designed to steal personal or payment information.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or visit should hang up, avoid giving out personal information, and verify the request by calling Georgia Power directly at 888-660-5890 or visiting GeorgiaPower.com.
Customers approached at home by someone suspicious should also contact local law enforcement.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 12 people were killed on Georgia roads during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday travel period.
The 78-hour reporting period ran from 6 PM Friday, May 22, through midnight Monday, May 25. During that time, officials reported 298 traffic crashes statewide, with more than 150 injuries.
Law enforcement officers also made 329 DUI arrests and issued 708 distracted driving citations, along with 911 seatbelt citations. Officials say 31 crashes involved impaired drivers.
The 2026 fatality count was double the number reported during the same holiday period in 2025, when six people were killed on Georgia roads.
One of the fatal crashes was reported Sunday morning in Northwest Georgia’s Troop A region and claimed the life of a 24-year-old.
Public safety officials continue urging drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence.
High gasoline prices are continuing to put financial pressure on thousands of Chattooga County residents who travel outside the county each day for work.
Governor Brian Kemp has authorized the deployment of Georgia National Guard units, including troops from Northwest Georgia, to Washington, D.C., as part of an extended public safety support mission continuing through the end of 2026.
According to information released about the operation, units from armories in Calhoun, Canton, Cedartown, and Dalton are among those supporting Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, known as JTF-DC.
The mission was originally authorized in late 2025 and has now been extended through December 31, 2026.
Georgia National Guard members are assisting with public safety operations in the nation’s capital by providing a visible security presence and supporting law enforcement through logistical, administrative, and medical assistance.
Officials say Georgia Guard soldiers were recently involved in assisting Washington, D.C. authorities during a Metro system theft and assault incident, where Guardsmen reportedly provided immediate medical aid and helped local police at the scene.
Governor Kemp’s office says the deployment is part of ongoing coordination efforts to help maintain safety and support law enforcement operations in the District of Columbia.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 24, 2026:
The Summerville City Council has approved joining other Georgia municipalities in supporting legal efforts aimed at protecting sovereign immunity protections for cities across the state.
During a recent meeting, council members authorized Mayor Ricky Hughes to sign a resolution allowing Summerville to participate in an amicus court brief in the case of Georgia Municipal Association vs. Olivia Adams. The case continues through the Georgia court system and could have major implications for municipalities statewide.
According to discussion presented to the council, the case involves a motor vehicle collision in Milton, Georgia. Court proceedings have centered on whether sovereign immunity protections apply in certain personal injury claims involving municipal employees.
Supporters of the effort argue that weakening sovereign immunity protections could expose cities to increased lawsuits and financial liability. City officials said the issue carries statewide importance and could affect how local governments operate in the future.
Summerville joins a growing number of Georgia cities participating in the legal challenge.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 23, 2026:
The City of Summerville has announced that all non-emergency city offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
City officials say the closure is part of the annual observance honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
While administrative offices will be closed for the holiday, emergency services including the Summerville Police Department and Summerville Fire Department will continue operating as normal throughout the weekend and holiday.
Regular business hours for city offices will resume on Tuesday, May 26.
City leaders are encouraging residents to have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend while taking time to remember and honor America’s fallen heroes.
AAA is warning Georgia drivers not to let higher gas prices lead to risky decisions behind the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.
