When families face financial hardship or unexpected challenges, knowing where to turn for help can be one of the biggest obstacles. United Way of Floyd, Polk & Chattooga Counties is working to remove that barrier by connecting residents with assistance through the 211 helpline.
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history as blood donations continue to fall well below hospital demand.
Fifteen students graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held Wednesday, July 15, at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.
More than $2 million in grants has been awarded to nonprofit organizations across northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama through the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation’s 2026 Community Impact Grant program.
The American Red Cross is asking donors to roll up their sleeves after declaring an emergency blood shortage caused by a sharp decline in donations during June. The organization says its blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent, creating a growing gap between available blood and hospital demand. The shortage is especially critical for platelets, O-positive blood, and B-negative blood.
Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is seeking volunteers to support its mission of building homes and creating hope for families across Chattooga, Floyd and Polk counties.
Volunteers do not have to be experienced with construction to help. The organization offers several ways for community members to get involved.
Ground was broken in late May on Habitat’s 62nd home, which will be built for the Cornejo family. Executive Director Betsy Allgood encourages residents to watch for upcoming information about volunteer opportunities connected with the home build.
Volunteers are also needed to work concessions during Rome Emperors home games at AdventHealth Stadium. Habitat operates two large concession stands and the nacho stand, receiving 15 percent of the proceeds along with any tips donated by customers.
Habitat also welcomes volunteers, donations and shoppers at its ReStore near Central Plaza in Rome.
More information about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is available at www.habitatcoosavalley.org.
Bond has been denied for an Anniston, Alabama man following his arrest in a July 4 crash in Polk County that claimed the life of a one-year-old child.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the wreck happened around 2:50 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 100 and Fields Road south of Cedartown. Troopers say a Ford Mustang was traveling too fast to negotiate a curve, left the right side of the roadway, and struck a concrete culvert head-on.
Investigators said the one-year-old child was in the front seat and was not in a car seat. The child was taken to Floyd Medical Center, where she died from her injuries on Sunday.
The driver, Ezzie Tommy Harrison of Anniston, Alabama, remains in the Polk County Jail. He is facing multiple charges, including felony first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, endangering a child while DUI, child restraint violation, failure to maintain lane, no insurance, failure to exercise due care, and no registration.
A new study estimates that residents of Chattooga County spent approximately $114,000 on OnlyFans subscriptions during 2025, making it one of five Northwest Georgia counties included in the analysis. The report was conducted by OnlyGuider, an independent search engine that indexes creators on the subscription-based platform.
Summer camp season is officially underway for Scouting America’s Northwest Georgia Council, with hundreds of Scouts preparing for weeks of outdoor adventure, learning, and leadership development at Camp Sidney Dew.
The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia is currently seeking compassionate and community-minded individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors.
