May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Atrium Health Floyd physician Dr. Michael Gonsalves is reminding residents that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives.
The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.
Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three new measles cases involving members of a metro Atlanta family who recently traveled internationally.
A community blood drive will be held tomorrow at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion.
The blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the mill located at 91 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to make an appointment ahead of time.
Blood Assurance officials remind donors to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, and avoid energy drinks before donating blood.
Donors can also save time on the day of their appointment by completing the Blood Assurance QuickScreen health questionnaire before arriving.
Anyone with questions about donating blood, or those needing assistance in Spanish, can contact Mitzi at 706-618-9108.
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released its latest food service inspection scores for the first half of May 2026.
All listed locations received scores in the 90s or above, with three locations receiving perfect scores of 100.
Pudding Pops’ base of operation and mobile unit, both located at 190 Alred Street in Summerville, each received a perfect score of 100 during inspections on May 12.
Lyerly School also received a perfect score of 100 during its May 1 inspection.
Other scores included Waffle House in Summerville with a 96 on May 8, and Zaxby’s in Summerville with a 99 on May 7.
For more information, or for any complaints about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, residents may contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
An annual outdoor burning ban is now in effect across Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
The public is invited to a free documentary screening Monday at the DeSoto Theatre in downtown Rome, focusing on PFAS contamination in the South and its impact on Northwest Georgia.
The latest health inspection report for Chattooga County covering April 15 through April 30 shows a strong run of perfect scores across local schools and restaurants.
The following establishments all received a 100 health inspection score during the reporting period:
- Menlo Elementary School – inspected April 29
- Leroy Massey Elementary – inspected April 28
- Summerville Middle School – inspected April 28
- Trion School – inspected April 27
- Chattooga Head Start / Early Head Start – inspected April 22
- Chattooga High School – inspected April 16
- Domino’s Pizza in Summerville – inspected April 15
Health officials say these scores reflect proper food handling, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards.
Residents are reminded that if they ever have concerns or complaints about a food service establishment or tourist accommodation in Chattooga County, they can contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at (706) 857-3377.
















