Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are experiencing temperatures that feel more like early summer than early March, with forecasters warning that temperatures could remain 15 to 20 degrees above normal through the coming days.
Qualifying for local races in Chattooga County ended on Friday, March 6, 2026, and voters will see one contested race in the upcoming Republican Primary for the Chattooga County Board of Education.
In the District 2 school board race, incumbent Tiffany T. Lawrence qualified as a Republican and will face challenger Norma Peterson in the primary contest.
In District 3, incumbent Lori Ann Brady qualified as a Republican and drew no opposition.
In District 4, incumbent Bonnie Kinnamont Fletcher also qualified as a Republican and will appear on the ballot unopposed.
Meanwhile, in the nonpartisan race for State Court Judge, incumbent Jon Dennis qualified for re-election with no opposition.
With qualifying now complete, the District 2 school board seat will be the only locally contested race among those offices listed, while the remaining candidates secured spots on the ballot without challengers.
The Miss Chattooga County Pageant 2026 will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Chattooga High School in the auditorium/cafeteria. Organizers are encouraging contestants to register early and take advantage of the discounted entry fee.
The early registration deadline is March 20 at 11:59 p.m., with an entry fee of $40. Participants who register before that deadline will save $10 compared to the late registration fee. Late registration will remain open until March 26 at 6:00 p.m., with a fee of $50.
Contestants must either live in Chattooga County or attend a school in Chattooga County to be eligible to participate. Reigning winners may not compete in the same category the following year but may enter the next category if their age allows them to move up.
Those interested in entering can complete the application online at https://forms.gle/gFvWcpHQZp3mMdqo8 or by scanning the QR code included on the pageant flyer. Anyone with questions can contact Sandy Blalock at sblalock@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
More information and updates about the pageant can also be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Chattooga High School has earned industry certification in both its construction and metal works programs through the Georgia Department of Education, continuing a tradition of recognition for excellence in career and technical education.
Concerns over PFAS contamination — often called “forever chemicals” — continue to affect communities across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as lawmakers debate legislation that could change how pollution cases are handled in the state.
The Annual Vietnam Veterans Lunch will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 12 noon at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, ahead of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Organizers say the luncheon will include a brief program to honor those who served during the Vietnam era.
All veterans who served during the Vietnam era, defined as November 1, 1955, through May 15, 1975, are invited to attend with their families, whether they served in-country or at posts around the world. Spouses of Vietnam-era veterans who have passed away are also invited as special guests.
The program will also recognize widows and widowers whose spouse served during the Vietnam era and has since passed away. Organizers encourage them to sign up for an Honor Certificate so their loved one’s service can be formally recognized.
To sign up for an Honor Certificate, call Kim Snow at the Chattooga County Extension Service at 706-857-0744 by Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Callers should be prepared to provide the military information needed for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service to print the certificate.
The event is hosted by VFW Post 6688, its Auxiliary, and local volunteers. For more information, call Barbara Reece at 706-857-8478 or Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394.
As plants begin a new season of growth and bloom, health care providers at Atrium Health Floyd are reminding residents that rising tree pollen levels can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms and are encouraging people to take steps now to stay comfortable.
Doctors say seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is often caused by tree pollen as spring approaches. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, an itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
Health experts note that allergy symptoms can become worse on dry, windy days, when pollen levels tend to be at their highest. Residents who struggle with spring allergies are encouraged to monitor pollen levels and take preventive measures to reduce exposure and manage symptoms.
Today is the final day of early voting in the upcoming Special Election. Voters in Chattooga County will be voting for a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Colton Moore in the Georgia Senate. Also, voters will be casting their ballot in the 14th District U.S. Congressional Race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House of Representatives. All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. Voting hours today are from 8:30 AM until 5 PM. Bring a picture ID when you come to vote. Next Tuesday, Election Day, all voting will take place in local precincts across the county. Voting on Tuesday will be from 7 AM – 7 PM. No voting will take place at the Registrars Office on Election Day.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, March 6, 2026:
Drivers in Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama counties are seeing gas prices rise this week as global and seasonal factors push fuel costs higher.