Finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult for many families in Chattooga County as rent prices continue to rise while wages struggle to keep pace with the cost of living.
Students planning to attend Georgia Northwestern Technical College now have an opportunity to apply for scholarship assistance through the GNTC Foundation.
Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley has broken ground on its 62nd home, which will be built for the Cornejo family.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday, May 31, at the future home site on Brown Street in East Rome. Habitat officials say the project marks an important step toward providing the family with safe, affordable housing and long-term stability.
Executive Director Betsy Allgood said the home represents more than walls and a roof, calling it a foundation for stability, opportunity, and hope.
Habitat homes are built through partnerships involving volunteers, donors, community organizations, and the future homeowners themselves.
Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley serves Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk counties. More information about volunteer opportunities or ways to support the organization is available at habitatcoosavalley.org.
A Chattooga County family is starting over after a fire destroyed their Lyerly home Sunday night, leaving them with only the clothes they were wearing when they escaped.
Photo Credit: Summerville Mayor Rickey Hughes
For the first time in its history, Mitchell Field at Summerville Parks and Recreation is now hosting games under the lights.
Berry College has once again received national recognition for its financial strength, earning an A+ rating in Forbes’ 2026 College Financial Grades.
DNR Proposes Updates To Georgia Protected Species List
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to the state’s protected species list for the first time since 2006.
The list includes plant and animal species protected under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act and Wildflower Preservation Act. These are species considered most in need of conservation across the state.
State listing makes it illegal to intentionally harm protected animals. It also restricts removing protected plants from state land without a permit, or from private land without the landowner’s permission.
DNR says the proposed updates include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and aligning some state listings with federal status.
The agency says the changes were developed as part of the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.
The public may also nominate species for consideration through June 30, 2026, using the online nomination form provided by DNR.
Final proposed changes will be made available for public comment before being sent to the Board of Natural Resources for adoption.