Qualifying Set for State Court Judge, Board of Education Seats in Chattooga County

Qualifying for State Court Judge and Chattooga County Board of Education Seats 2, 3, and 4 will take place March 2 through March 6, 2026.

Qualifying will be held in the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville, for all Independent and Nonpartisan candidates. Hours for qualifying are Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Election officials remind residents that Advance Voting will still be ongoing during that same time period. Anyone with questions about qualifying can email chattoogaregistrar@gmail.com, call 706-857-0739, or visit the Registrar’s Office in person.

Poultry Project 2026 Sign-Ups Set for March 7 at Chattooga County Agricultural Center

Local students can get involved in 4-H style summer learning with Poultry Project 2026, with sign-ups scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 40 Middle School Road.

Organizers say students who participate will purchase eight chicks to raise through the summer, then bring them to the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair on the last weekend in August. During the fair, students will select their best three birds to compete in the poultry show and take part in the auction.

For more details, contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu.

Arrest Report – Monday – February 23, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, February 23, 2026:

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Arctic Start to the Week; Fire Danger Builds Tuesday, Widespread Rain Returns Late Week

Northwest Georgia is getting the coldest day of the week today as strong northwesterly winds keep a sharp chill in place even with sunshine overhead. Morning wind chills across Chattooga County and surrounding communities are running in the teens, with the coldest spots in the region dipping into the single digits, especially in higher elevations. High temperatures this afternoon will stay mostly in the 40s locally, while the mountains hold in the 30s, and it will still feel wintry through the day as breezy conditions continue.

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Summerville Middle School FFA Hosting Animal Shelter Donation Drive

The Summerville Middle School FFA chapter is stepping up to support local animals in need by hosting an Animal Shelter Donation Drive for the Chattooga County Animal Shelter from February 24–27, 2026.

Students are collecting essential supplies to help care for dogs and cats currently housed at the shelter. Needed items include dog food (wet and dry), cat food (wet and dry), cat litter, Milk Bones, cat treats, towels, hard dog toys, and cat toys. All donations should be placed in the front lobby of Summerville Middle School during the collection dates.

FFA members say the drive is part of their ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. By organizing the donation effort, students are learning firsthand the importance of giving back while also helping ensure local shelter animals have the food, comfort items, and enrichment they need.

Community donations are welcome, and organizers encourage residents to participate and help make a positive difference for animals across Chattooga County.

Severe Drought Persists Across Georgia; Northwest Georgia Counties Remain Dry Despite Weekend Rain

Drought conditions continue to grip Georgia, with 87.4% of the state now classified under at least D2 (Severe Drought) conditions — the highest statewide coverage seen since October 2011. While weekend rainfall brought measurable totals to parts of the state, it is not expected to significantly improve overall drought conditions.

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Chattooga High School Shines at SkillsUSA Georgia State Conference, Bringing Home Multiple Gold Medals

Chattooga High School students delivered a standout performance at the SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference (SLSC) 2026, held Thursday through Saturday of last week at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

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2026 Georgia State Parks Pass Now Available; Fees Increase This Year

The 2026 Friends of Georgia State Parks Annual ParkPass is now available, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and giving outdoor enthusiasts a way to enjoy Georgia’s state parks while supporting them directly.

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Hummingbirds Will Soon Return to Northwest Georgia for Spring 2026 Migration

The familiar buzz of hummingbird wings will soon return to Chattooga County and surrounding communities as spring migration gets underway. As temperatures gradually warm, ruby-throated hummingbirds are making their long journey north from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.

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Chattooga High School Basketball Heads to State Tournament

Chattooga High School basketball is headed to the state tournament with both the boys and girls teams set to play on the road this week, and both matchups will require significant travel.

The Chattooga boys will play Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Rabun County High School, while the Chattooga girls will face Putnam County High School on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The teams will be traveling more than 150 miles for a nearly three-hour trip as they represent Chattooga County on the state stage.

Fans are encouraged to support the Indians and Lady Indians and wish them safe travels and strong performances.