Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

Arrest Report – Saturday – April 25, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, April 25, 2026:

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Georgia Lottery Players Win Big With Fantasy 5 Jackpot And Scratch-Off Prize

Two Georgia Lottery players are celebrating major wins after separate tickets produced prizes of more than $1 million.

A Fantasy 5 player won a $1,725,995 jackpot in the April 22 drawing, marking the sixth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. The winning ticket was purchased at Supermarket on Buford Highway in Duluth and matched all five numbers: 11, 18, 34, 39, and 40.

Another player won the $1 million top prize playing the Millionaire Maker scratch-off game. That ticket was purchased at Chevron Food Mart on Baker Road in Acworth. The winner claimed the prize on April 22 and chose the annuity option.

Georgia Lottery officials say proceeds from Fantasy 5 and scratch-off games continue to benefit education programs across the state.

Auto Insurance Costs Climbing Across Georgia, Impacting Drivers Statewide

Drivers across Georgia are continuing to feel the pinch as auto insurance costs remain among the highest in the country.

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Savvy Senior Event Coming To Rome Focuses On Financial Wellness And Fraud Prevention

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is inviting Northwest Georgia residents to attend an upcoming “Savvy Senior” event designed to help individuals strengthen their financial future and guard against fraud.

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New Congressman Clay Fuller Begins First Days Representing Northwest Georgia

Northwest Georgia’s new representative in Washington is settling into his role after officially being sworn into Congress.

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Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Fall, Bringing Relief To Drivers

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Georgia drivers are continuing to see relief at the pump this week as gas prices trend lower across the state, even amid ongoing global tensions that continue to affect energy markets.

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Warmer Weather, Summer Break Bring Renewed Push for ATV Safety in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama

With warmer weather settling in and school set to let out in just a few weeks, families across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are being reminded that ATV season also brings a higher risk of serious and sometimes deadly crashes.

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Walker County Tax Office in Rock Spring Closed Through Thursday After Water Damage

The Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office in Rock Spring will remain closed to the public through Thursday, April 23, following water damage caused by a burst pipe.

County officials say the Rossville office, located at 2012 McFarland Gap Road, will be open with extended hours to help serve residents while the Rock Spring location is closed.

The Rossville office will operate from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and officials say six fully staffed service windows will be available to accommodate the public.

Residents needing tax office services are encouraged to visit the Rossville location until the Rock Spring office reopens.

Rome Police Seek Public’s Help After Fatal Shooting on North Broad Street

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Authorities have identified the man killed in a shooting early Sunday morning in Rome as 22-year-old Chancellore Donaldson, according to Floyd County Deputy Coroner Brent Whatley.

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