Hot summer weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s each afternoon and the daily chance of scattered thunderstorms remaining in the forecast.
Pet owners are being urged to check their dog food after the manufacturer of Pedigree canned dog food announced a voluntary recall of two products because they may contain metal and plastic fragments.
The recall affects select lots of Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy canned dog food. According to the manufacturer, the foreign materials could pose a choking hazard or cause injury if consumed by pets.
Consumers who have recalled products should stop feeding them to their dogs immediately. Pet owners are encouraged to dispose of the affected cans or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Anyone whose dog has consumed the recalled food and is showing signs of illness or injury should contact a veterinarian promptly.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the manufacturer or visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website for complete lot numbers and additional information.
A Greensboro man was jailed in Floyd County this past week after authorities said he kidnapped an 11-year-old child following inappropriate online communication.
Georgia health officials are warning expectant and young mothers that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, especially during pregnancy or around infants.
The Georgia Department of Public Health says vape products often contain highly addictive nicotine and other substances that are heated and inhaled into the lungs. The CDC says nicotine products are not safe during pregnancy and can harm a baby’s developing brain and lungs.
The warning is especially important in communities across Northwest Georgia, where young families may see vaping as less harmful than cigarettes. Health experts say secondhand exposure can also be dangerous for babies and small children, and homes and vehicles should remain smoke-free and vape-free.
Mothers who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for infants are encouraged to talk with their doctor or local health department about safe ways to quit nicotine use.
Georgia residents looking for help can contact Ready to Quit GA, the state’s tobacco quit resource.
The Chattooga County housing market remained relatively stable as the summer selling season continued, with buyers benefiting from a healthy inventory of homes and sellers still receiving offers close to their asking prices.
Patients in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia who require emergency air transport may now benefit from faster treatment thanks to a new medical technology added to Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE Air Medical helicopters.
LIFE FORCE has announced that it has equipped its entire helicopter fleet with the LifeFlow® PLUS portable rapid fluid and blood resuscitation system. The hand-operated device allows flight crews to deliver blood, blood products and intravenous fluids more quickly to critically ill and injured patients suffering from conditions such as severe blood loss, shock and sepsis.
According to LIFE FORCE, the new system is designed to provide faster, more controlled fluid delivery than traditional methods, helping stabilize patients while they are being transported to the hospital. Officials say the upgrade is especially valuable in emergency situations where every minute can make a difference.
LIFE FORCE serves a large region that includes North Georgia, East Tennessee, Northeast Alabama and Western North Carolina, with helicopter bases in Calhoun and Blue Ridge helping provide emergency air medical coverage for Northwest Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says its Plant Protection team continued efforts in June to track and eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet, an invasive species that poses a threat to honeybees and Georgia’s agriculture industry.
According to the department, crews found 125 hornets and eradicated three nests during the month of June.
Agriculture officials say hornet activity increases as temperatures rise. Beekeepers and residents are encouraged to watch for nests and for “hawking” behavior around beehives, where hornets hover near hives and prey on bees.
Anyone who believes they have found a Yellow-Legged Hornet nest in Georgia should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
Families looking for a fun outdoor adventure can explore the world of frogs and toads during a special ranger-led hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park next weekend.
The park will host “Ribbitting the Trails” on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Participants will hike the Marble Mine Trail while learning about the life cycle of local frogs and toads, what they eat, how they live, and the habitats where they’re most commonly found. Rangers say hikers may even get the opportunity to see some of the amphibians up close.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.
Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 10 a.m.
To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 5, 2026:
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another hot and humid day today, with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms expected to develop.