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June 27, 2026

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Animal Advocates Remind Pet Owners To Prepare Ahead Of July Fourth Fireworks

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With July Fourth fireworks just around the corner, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper identification before the holiday.

Each year, shelters and rescues see an increase in lost pets following fireworks displays, as loud noises can cause animals to panic, run away or escape from yards and homes.

Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their animals are microchipped and that all contact information is current. Collars and ID tags should also be secure, readable and up to date. For pets without an ID tag, advocates say even a simple collar with a phone number written on it can help reunite a lost pet with its owner.

Owners of pets that become especially anxious during fireworks should also consider talking with their veterinarian about calming options before the holiday arrives.

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County says the time to prepare is now, before fireworks begin, to help make sure pets stay safe and make it home.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunny Thursday Ahead Before Weekend Rain Chances Return

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Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with afternoon temperatures climbing to near 88 degrees. Winds will remain light, becoming south around 5 mph during the day.

June 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Juneteenth Celebrates Freedom And Marks A Pivotal Moment In American History

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Today, Friday, June 19, 2026, communities across the United States are observing Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day is recognized as a time to reflect on freedom, history and the continuing pursuit of equality.

Locally, Chattooga County government offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. Municipal offices in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and Menlo are also closed. Banks, post offices and many other government offices across the nation are not operating today.

However, Chattooga County officials remind residents that the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules throughout the holiday.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is celebrated nationwide with educational events, community gatherings, cultural programs and opportunities to reflect on an important chapter in American history.

June 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Man Arrested After Loitering Complaint, False Name Given To Officers

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A man was arrested in Chattooga County after deputies responded to a loitering complaint at a Menlo-area business, according to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Riley Reeves reported that he was called to America’s One Stop on Highway 48 after a suspicious male was reportedly approaching customers and asking for money. The man was identified in the report as 27-year-old Christian Freeman Jackson.

According to the report, Jackson had been asked not to return to the business after allegedly loitering around the store and asking customers for money and rides. Deputies later found him at the Handi-Mart, where he allegedly gave false information about his name and date of birth.

The report states that after further investigation, authorities determined Jackson had two valid felony warrants out of Florida, one from Broward County and one from Bay County. Broward County requested a hold be placed on Jackson for extradition.

Jackson was charged in Chattooga County with loitering or prowling and giving a false name to law enforcement officers.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Voters Cast Ballots In Primary Runoff Election

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Chattooga County voters headed to the polls Tuesday for Georgia’s Primary Runoff Election, with unofficial and incomplete results showing turnout of 13.02 percent among the county’s 15,410 registered voters. A total of 2,007 ballots were cast across the county’s five precincts.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Tuesday – June 16, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, June 16, 2026:

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Cooler Temperatures, Daily Storm Chances Continue Across Northwest Georgia; Heavy Rain Possible Later This Week

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Northwest Georgia residents can expect a stretch of cooler-than-normal temperatures and daily opportunities for showers and thunderstorms through the upcoming weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Today Is Election Day For Georgia’s Primary Runoff

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Today is Election Day in Chattooga County as voters head to the polls for Georgia’s Primary Runoff Election. Polls are open today, Tuesday, June 16, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Back To School Bash Organizers Seeking Donations, Volunteers Ahead Of July Event

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With just over one month remaining before the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are continuing efforts to collect school supplies and recruit volunteers to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.

The event is scheduled for July 16, 2026, and organizers hope to serve 400 students by providing backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and community resources.

According to organizers, donations received so far include 288 book bags, 350 erasers, 59 spiral notebooks, 96 pencil sharpeners, 50 pairs of scissors, 44 glue sticks, 24 highlighters, 40 pencils, and a variety of other school supplies. Despite the progress, additional donations are still needed to meet the goal of serving 400 students.

Several community organizations, agencies, businesses, and volunteers have already committed their support. Participants include Early Head Start, the Chattooga County Library, Atrium Health Chattooga, the Chattooga County Health Department, the Community Resource Center, the Cancer Coalition, the Summerville Recreation Department, and others.

Organizers have also secured four hairstylists who will provide free haircuts during the event, but they are seeking at least two additional stylists or barbers to assist.

Donations of school supplies, financial sponsorships, and volunteers are still being accepted. Anyone interested in helping may contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or by email at maishaludy@gmail.com.

Organizers say community support will help ensure local students begin the new school year equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed.