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March 10, 2026

Election Day Arrives for District 14 U.S. House, Georgia Senate District 53 Special Elections

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Today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, is Election Day for the Special Elections for U.S. House of Representatives District 14 and Georgia Senate District 53.

The Chattooga County Elections and Registration Board reminds voters that ballots must be cast at their assigned polling location.

Polling places open today include:

Gore Fire Hall
Lyerly Community Center
Former Menlo City Hall
Chattooga County Civic Center
Trion Recreation Department

Election officials report that 1,837 ballots were cast during Advance Voting, which has now concluded.

As of 8:30 a.m. on March 9, a total of 74 absentee-by-mail ballots had been issued. Of those:

59 ballots have been accepted
1 ballot has been spoiled
14 ballots remain outstanding

The deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot has already passed. However, absentee ballots may still be returned until 7 p.m. today. Ballots must be mailed or hand delivered to the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.

Voters with questions about polling locations or ballot status are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Elections and Registration Office.

March 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville City Council to Meet This Evening With Budget, Equipment, and Community Items on Agenda

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The Summerville City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting this evening at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, with a full agenda that includes budget matters, equipment purchases, appointments, and several community-related requests. (See complete agenda below).

March 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Several Floyd County Commission Races Contested After Qualifying Ends

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Qualifying has officially ended for the May 19 primary election and the November 3 general election, setting up several contested races for the Floyd County Commission.

In Floyd County Commission Post 1, incumbent Rhonda Wallace will face a Republican primary challenge from Shane Cowan.

In Post 4, incumbent David Thornton is being challenged in the Republican primary by Bryon Eugene Benefield. The winner of that race will face Democrat Fred Adams in the November general election.

The Post 5 seat, currently held by Scotty Hancock, is open as Hancock is not seeking re-election. Ronnie Kilgo, Cleve Jackson, and Tonya Eden Shepard will compete in the Republican primary, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Shonna Bailey in November.

March 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Several Georgia Bills With Potential Impact on Northwest Georgia Survive Crossover Day

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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.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Launches “Adopt a Dispatcher” Program for Telecommunicators Week

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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.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville City Council to Review Budget, Backhoe Bid, and Internship Positions Monday

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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.

March 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

PFAS Concerns Continue in Northwest Georgia as Proposed Legislation Could Affect Chattooga County Lawsuit

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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.

March 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Last Day to Vote Early in Special Election – Election Day Next Tuesday

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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.

March 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Commissioner Releases 2026 State of the County Statement

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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.

March 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New Cherokee County, Alabama Courthouse Nearing Completion; Grand Opening Targeted for April

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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.