Several measures that could affect residents in Northwest Georgia are still alive in the Georgia General Assembly after lawmakers met last week’s Crossover Day deadline, one of the most important milestones of the legislative session. Crossover Day marks the point when most bills must pass either the House or Senate in order to continue moving forward this year, and a number of proposals tied to schools, taxes, public safety, and the courts made it through.
Walker County is inviting community members to show appreciation for local emergency dispatchers through a new “Adopt a Dispatcher” program ahead of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which will be observed April 12–18.
Dispatchers are often the first voice heard during emergencies, providing life-saving guidance to callers while coordinating responses from law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel.
Through the program, residents, businesses, and organizations can fill out a short form on the county’s website to be matched with a member of the Walker County E-911 team. Participants will receive basic information about the dispatcher they adopt to help inspire messages of appreciation such as handwritten notes, drawings, or small gifts.
Curtis Creekmur, Director of E-911, said dispatchers play a vital role in public safety, working behind the scenes around the clock to connect those in need with emergency services.
Community members interested in participating can sign up at walkercountyga.gov/adoptadispatcher or email r.pope@walkerga.us. The deadline to participate and deliver appreciation items is April 6, 2026.
The Summerville City Council will meet Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. with several action items on the agenda, including the mid-year budget ordinance, a bid award for a Caterpillar backhoe, and approval of five part-time summer internship positions.
Council members will also consider appointing Maisha Ludy to fill an unexpired term on the Sara Hightower Regional Library board, along with requests involving a mobile home at 92 Hill Avenue, sign permits, and a proposal for BRAG riders to camp at the Summerville Recreation Center and serve alcohol on May 31.
Another discussion item will focus on whether city customers should be allowed to opt out of garbage service.
The meeting will be held in the council room at Summerville City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
Concerns over PFAS contamination — often called “forever chemicals” — continue to affect communities across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as lawmakers debate legislation that could change how pollution cases are handled in the state.
Today is the final day of early voting in the upcoming Special Election. Voters in Chattooga County will be voting for a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Colton Moore in the Georgia Senate. Also, voters will be casting their ballot in the 14th District U.S. Congressional Race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House of Representatives. All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. Voting hours today are from 8:30 AM until 5 PM. Bring a picture ID when you come to vote. Next Tuesday, Election Day, all voting will take place in local precincts across the county. Voting on Tuesday will be from 7 AM – 7 PM. No voting will take place at the Registrars Office on Election Day.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen released a statement Wednesday evening outlining the county’s progress, financial challenges and plans for the future in what he described as a “2026 State of Chattooga County” update to residents.
A major new landmark for Cherokee County, Alabama could officially open as soon as April, as contractors and the project architect complete final touchups on the county’s new courthouse.
The 37,500-square-foot facility, describing it as “state of the art” in both design and functionality. From its exterior appearance to the elegant interior finishes and upgraded courtroom technology, officials say the building is something Cherokee County residents can be proud of.
The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the construction and installation of an Outdoor Basketball Court Pavilion, with a submission deadline set for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Bids must be delivered to City of Summerville, 120 Georgia Ave., Summerville, GA 30747 by the deadline. City officials emphasize that late bids will not be accepted or considered, and the city will not be responsible for delays caused by the postal service, carriers, or other delivery issues.
Bids will be opened publicly at 2:00 p.m. on March 6 in the City Hall Council Room, and the contents will be made public for interested respondents and others properly involved. Officials note the bid will not be awarded immediately, allowing designated city officials time to review submissions.
All bids must remain valid for 60 business days and are subject to the conditions outlined in the bid document.
To be considered, submissions must be in sealed envelopes with “RFB-2026-120-Outdoor Basketball Court Pavilion” clearly marked on the outside for identification.
Chattooga County is taking additional legal steps to recover more than $300,000 in taxpayer funds tied to a controversial broadband project in the Menlo area that never materialized.
The Finley Law Firm — which represents Chattooga County in PFAS-related litigation — is warning that a proposed bill in the Georgia Senate could effectively end the county’s case and shut down similar lawsuits filed by local governments across the state seeking cleanup costs for “forever chemical” contamination.
