Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
Walker County officials are clarifying the county’s new spay and neuter ordinance and explaining which pet owners may qualify for exemptions.
The ordinance requires most dogs and cats six months of age or older to be spayed or neutered unless the animal qualifies for an exemption or the owner purchases an annual unaltered animal license. County leaders say the goal is to reduce pet overpopulation and ease pressure on the Walker County Animal Shelter.
Exemptions include animals owned by licensed commercial breeders or pet dealers, animals with a veterinarian-certified medical exemption, and working animals used for farming, herding, hunting, service work, law enforcement, or show purposes. Owners must have proper documentation.
Pet owners who do not qualify for an exemption may purchase an annual license through the Walker County Animal Shelter. The fee is $100 per year for dogs and $50 per year for cats, with proceeds going toward the county’s spay and neuter voucher program.
County officials say the ordinance will be reviewed later this year to evaluate how well it is working.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is asking Georgians to help the Georgia State Patrol bring home a national title by voting in the 2026 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Best Looking Patrol Car Contest.
Voting is now underway, and the annual contest features patrol vehicles from state law enforcement agencies across the country. Supporters can cast one vote for Georgia’s entry through July 10.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is also encouraging residents to like and share the contest announcement on social media and invite friends and family to participate. Officials say every vote helps showcase the pride, professionalism, and tradition of the Georgia State Patrol on a national stage.
To vote, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026bestlookingcruiser
A 23-year-old woman was arrested on DUI charges after a Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy observed her vehicle repeatedly cross traffic lines during an early morning traffic stop in Summerville.
As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.
AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to gather comments and discuss a proposed temporary moratorium on certain non-traditional development projects within the county.
According to a public notice released by the Commissioner’s Office, the proposed moratorium would apply to projects including cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, and other similar non-traditional residential or mixed-use developments that may be identified during the county’s review process.
County officials say the purpose of the proposed moratorium is to provide time to review existing land use regulations, evaluate the potential impacts of these types of developments, and determine whether changes to county ordinances are needed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of the community.
The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. Residents, property owners, developers, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide input before any action is taken on the proposed moratorium.
The Commissioner said the meeting is intended to ensure the public has an opportunity to be informed and participate in the discussion before any decision is made regarding the proposal.
Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.
The Town of Trion is accepting sealed bids for a roofing project at the town’s Public Works building located at 141 Echols Drive. According to the bid invitation, the project involves removing the existing gable roof and installing a new low-slope roofing system.
Sealed bids must be submitted to Trion Town Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Bids will be publicly opened at noon on Friday, July 17, in the council room at Town Hall, with the contract to be awarded at a later date. No pre-bid conference will be held.
Contractors with questions may contact Brandon Croy at 706-859-1015 at least 36 hours before the submission deadline. The Town of Trion reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive technicalities or informalities.
Georgia Highlands College has announced its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic success during the spring semester.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 1, 2026:
