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May 31, 2026

Several Statewide Races Headed To June 16 Runoff In Georgia

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Georgia voters will return to the polls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to decide several key statewide races that were not settled during the May primary election.

According to unofficial results released by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, runoff elections will be required in a number of contests, including races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and Public Service Commission District 5.

Among the higher-profile runoff contests, Colby Maurin and Nabilah Parkes will face off in the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, while Greg Dolezal and John F. Kennedy advance to the Republican runoff.

In the Republican race for secretary of state, Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones will compete for the nomination, while Democrats Dana Barrett and Penny Brown Reynolds will meet in a runoff for their party’s nomination.

Several statewide races were decided outright in the primary, including the Democratic nominations for U.S. Senate, governor and attorney general, along with the Republican nominations for attorney general, agriculture commissioner and insurance commissioner.

Voters in Chattooga County and across Georgia who participated in the primary will have another opportunity to cast ballots in the runoff election on June 16.

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – May 28, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 28, 2026:

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Commissioners To Consider Rezoning Requests, Road Closure, And County Projects

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex IV in LaFayette.

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 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Expands Fight Against PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contamination

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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.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Warns Customers About Active Utility Scams

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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.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Troopers Report Deadly 2026 Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

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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.

May 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Rising Gas Prices Creating Financial Strain For Chattooga County Commuters

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High gasoline prices are continuing to put financial pressure on thousands of Chattooga County residents who travel outside the county each day for work.

May 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Guard Units Dispatched To Support Washington, D.C. Mission

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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.

May 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Sunday – March 24, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 24, 2026: