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March 29, 2026

Georgia Bill Aims To Return Billions In Unclaimed Money To Residents

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A proposed bill in Georgia could help return billions of dollars in unclaimed money to residents, but the effort is facing challenges at the State Capitol.

Lawmakers say the state is currently holding more than $3 billion in unclaimed property, which includes things like uncashed checks, old bank accounts, refunds, and other funds that belong to individuals.

The legislation would allow the Georgia Department of Revenue to automatically match records and send checks directly to residents, especially for smaller amounts, without requiring people to file a claim.

Supporters say the goal is to make it easier for Georgians to get their money back faster, cutting down on paperwork and making the process more efficient. However, the proposal has raised concerns among some lawmakers because parts of the bill could allow the state to take ownership of certain funds if they remain unclaimed for long periods of time.

The bill has already passed the State Senate but has stalled in a House committee, leaving its future uncertain as the legislative session continues.

March 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Floyd County Courthouse Destroyed By Fire, Emergency Funding To Be Considered

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The Floyd County Commission is expected to consider emergency funding to relocate several government offices following a fire that destroyed the Historic Floyd County Courthouse on Monday.

County officials say the building housed the Tax Commissioner, Tax Assessor, and Tag Office. All employees were safely evacuated after smoke was reported around 2:12 p.m., and supervisors conducted a roll call to ensure everyone made it out safely.

Rome-Floyd Fire Department crews worked for hours to battle the blaze, while multiple law enforcement agencies secured the area as smoke spread across downtown Rome. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

In the meantime, residents can still access services online, including property tax payments and tag renewals. County leaders say plans are already underway to establish temporary locations and restore in-person services as quickly as possible.

March 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Awards Bids for Trucks, Roof, and Public Works Buildings

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has announced several bids awarded after last Friday’s bid deadline, covering equipment purchases and facility improvements across the county.

March 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Board of Commissioners Called Meeting

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold a special called work session Tuesday, March 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the County Administration Building (Courthouse Annex I), 101 S Duke Street in LaFayette. The purpose of the work session is to review current revenue and expenses in the FY2026 budget. This work session is open to the public

March 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Reviewing Bids for new Sheriff’s Office Roof in Trion

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen says he and Sheriff Mark Schrader will be reviewing bids for a new roof at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office on Underwood Dairy Road in Trion.

March 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mayor Rickey Hughes Says Summerville to Use $4.5 Million Grant for PFAS Removal and Water System Upgrades

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The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans to improve its water system after receiving a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to address PFAS contamination.

March 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Awarded $4.5 Million Grant to Improve Drinking Water System

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The City of Summerville is receiving a major boost for its public water system after being awarded a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help address emerging contaminants in drinking water.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Seeking Bids For Pole Barns And Sheriff’s Office Roof Project

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is seeking sealed bids for two separate construction projects, including new pole barn buildings for the county’s Public Works Department and a roof replacement at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga BOE Seeking Quotes For High School Lawn Care Service

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The Chattooga County Board of Education is seeking quotes from service providers for lawn care services at Chattooga County High School.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Voters Return to the Polls for Special Election Runoff – April 7

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Voters in the 53rd Georgia State Senate District and the 14th U.S. Congressional District will return to the polls for a runoff election that will be held on April 7th.