Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry is responding to recent online discussions about findings from the ongoing 2024 audit of Chattooga County finances, offering context about accounting discrepancies identified during that time.
The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office has announced that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 state and county taxes, with property owners required to make their return on or before April 1, 2026.
The City of Summerville has launched a new Water Bill Protection Plan designed to help residents avoid unexpected spikes in their water bills caused by major leaks.
City Manager Jason Winters said the city has occasionally received complaints about unusually high water bills caused by leaks that went undetected for several days. The new program is intended to provide a safety net for customers in those situations while still encouraging residents to monitor their water usage.
Officials say the protection plan is designed to help cover situations where a major leak runs for several days before being discovered, which can cause water usage to increase dramatically. City leaders note that similar programs are offered in many other cities and say the plan is meant to provide peace of mind for residents while helping protect them from extremely high utility bills.
The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Building Inspector position. According to the job summary, the position is responsible for inspecting new residential, commercial, and industrial construction to make sure projects comply with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, safety standards, and approved construction plans.
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:
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Gore Fire Hall
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Lyerly Community Center
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Former Menlo City Hall
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Chattooga County Civic Center
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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:
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59 ballots have been accepted
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1 ballot has been spoiled
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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.
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).
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.
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.