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June 29, 2026

Trion Proposes Smaller Budget With No Tax or Utility Rate Increases

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Residents in Trion could see no increase in property taxes or utility rates under the town’s proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.

The proposed budget totals approximately $14.7 million across all funds, a decrease of about 3.2 percent compared to the current fiscal year. According to Trion Town Clerk Missy Duncan, most of the reduction is tied to lower projected natural gas sales.

Duncan said Mount Vernon Mills, the town’s largest employer and largest natural gas customer, is expected to use less natural gas during the coming fiscal year based on projections from the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia. Even with the anticipated decline in gas revenue, town officials are not proposing any increases in water, sewer, natural gas, sanitation, or property tax rates.

The proposed budget includes approximately $4.05 million for the General Fund, $5.21 million for the Gas Revenue Fund, $4.75 million for the Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Fund, $292,500 for the Water Fund, and $391,950 for the SPLOST Fund.

Town officials also expect to receive about $33,000 per month in Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) revenue, providing additional funding for transportation projects.

Residents will have an opportunity to review the proposed budget and offer comments during a public hearing before the budget is considered for final adoption

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Medicaid Payment Cuts Could Threaten Therapy Services for Children with Special Needs

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Families of children with special needs across Georgia are raising concerns after proposed Medicaid payment reductions could make it harder to access critical therapy services.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Continues Progress on Sludge Disposal Improvements

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The City of Summerville is continuing work to improve how sludge from its wastewater treatment plant is handled, with officials reporting progress on a long-term solution.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CHS Class of 1996 Plans 30th Class Reunion

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The Chattooga High School Class of 1996 is making plans to celebrate its 30-year class reunion this fall.

Organizers are currently planning to hold the reunion on Saturday, October 3, 2026, and are encouraging classmates to reconnect and help spread the word to fellow graduates.

Those wishing to stay updated on reunion plans can join the Facebook group “CHS Class of 1996 – 30-Year Reunion.” The group will provide information about the event, including location, schedule, and other announcements as plans are finalized.

Classmates who are not on Facebook can contact reunion organizer Ben Sellers by email at nauticalarch@yahoo.com to receive updates and additional details.

Organizers encourage members of the Class of 1996 to reach out to former classmates and help make the reunion a memorable celebration.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Program Aims to Protect Farmland From Development

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Georgia is taking steps to slow the loss of farmland as rapid growth continues across the state.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Sunday – June 28, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, June 28, 2026:

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Agriculture Officials Ask Georgians To Watch For Yellow-Legged Hornets

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.

Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.

Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.

Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.

Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC To Offer Free Application Week For Fall Semester

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College will waive application fees next week for students planning to enroll for the 2026 fall semester.

GNTC will host a Free Application Week from Monday, June 29, through Sunday, July 5. During that time, the college will waive the regular $25 application fee for all incoming students. Applicants will not need a special code to receive the fee waiver.

The admissions deadline for the fall semester is August 4, and fall classes are scheduled to begin August 17.

Students who need assistance can contact GNTC’s call center Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM until 4:15 PM at 866-983-4682. More information is also available on GNTC’s website by selecting “Apply Now.”

Questions about Free Application Week may be directed to the GNTC Office of Admissions at 866-983-4682 or by email at admissions@gntc.edu.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA: Record Number Of Americans Expected To Travel During Independence Day Holiday

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A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.

Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.

For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.

AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty

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A Floyd County man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he seriously injured a dog with a machete at a Rome hotel.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 25-year-old Joseph Robert Bisher was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following an incident at a hotel on Martha Berry Boulevard.

Investigators allege Bisher struck a dog named “Oreo” with a machete, causing a deep laceration.

According to the arrest report, when questioned about the incident, Bisher allegedly told authorities he did not want to strike his girlfriend, so he struck the dog instead.

The case remains under investigation.