A damp and unsettled weather pattern will remain parked over North Georgia this week, bringing repeated opportunities for showers and thunderstorms across Chattooga County and surrounding areas.
Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state motor fuel tax contributed to a significant decline in tax collections during May, according to state revenue figures.
State officials reported that net tax revenues for May declined by 12.6 percent compared to the same month a year ago. The decrease comes after Georgia suspended its motor fuel excise tax for part of May in an effort to provide relief to drivers facing higher fuel costs. The suspension remained in effect through June 2.
The gas tax holiday temporarily removed Georgia’s fuel excise tax, which currently amounts to about 33 cents per gallon on gasoline. State leaders said the suspension was intended to help offset rising fuel prices and reduce costs for consumers at the pump.
While the suspension provided relief for motorists, it also reduced one of the state’s major sources of transportation-related revenue. The tax is normally collected at the wholesale level and helps fund transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Georgia.
The gas tax suspension officially expired on June 3, and state officials have indicated it will not be extended. As a result, motorists across Georgia may continue to see fuel prices fluctuate throughout the summer as the tax returns and market conditions evolve.
Survey crews have begun geotechnical work for a proposed $62 million bioenergy plant planned for Trion’s industrial park, marking the first visible activity associated with the project.
A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is looking to add a full-time Animal Care and Field Services Technician to its staff and is currently accepting applications.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has expanded the agenda for the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, adding several items beyond the previously announced discussions on redistricting and election law changes.
Homemade ice cream makers will have an opportunity to put their recipes to the test later this month during the Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest at the Summerville Depot.
The contest will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 11:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., with judging beginning at 12:45 p.m. Organizers are inviting individuals and groups to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights as the maker of the best homemade ice cream in town.
Contestants may enter one flavor and must pre-register by June 15. Setup begins at 10:30 a.m., with ice cream churning scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. Participants must provide their own ingredients, supplies, and electrical cords if needed.
Judges will evaluate entries based on flavor, body, texture, and overall appearance. The winning recipe will receive a $500 cash prize and a People’s Choice Award plaque. Second place will receive $250, while third place will be awarded $100.
Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to sample the ice cream entries by purchasing a wristband and voting for their favorite flavor in the People’s Choice competition. Organizers say all proceeds from voting and wristband sales will benefit Main Street Summerville.
For more information or to register, contact Main Street Summerville before the June 15 deadline.
The Summerville Police Department is investigating an incident in which a dog was shot and later died from its injuries following a dispute between two Chattooga County residents.
A Summerville man faces multiple charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Summerville Police Department.
According to citations provided to WZQZ, Antonio Francisco Tomas, 37, of Summerville, was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Failure to Maintain Lane.
The citations indicate the incident occurred on Sixth Avenue within the city limits of Summerville. The reporting officer noted that Tomas was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was considered less safe to drive. The citation states that a breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
A separate citation alleges that Tomas failed to maintain a single lane of travel and was involved in a vehicle accident while impaired.
The case is scheduled to be heard in Summerville Municipal Court at a later date.
Weeks of steady rainfall have brought encouraging news for Northwest Georgia, helping ease drought conditions that have plagued the region for months.