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April 2, 2026

Health Inspection Scores – Last Half of March, 2026

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The latest health inspection scores released by the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department show perfect scores for two Summerville restaurants.

Burger King, located at 11245 Highway 27 in Summerville, received a score of 100 on a routine inspection conducted March 30, 2026. The inspection was completed by Rashelle Eubanks.

Taco Bell, located at 11317 Highway 27 in Summerville, also earned a perfect score of 100. That routine inspection took place on March 17, 2026, and was also conducted by Rashelle Eubanks.

The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department reminds residents that complaints involving any food service establishment or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County may be reported by calling 706-857-3377.

April 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Understanding Water Systems In Chattooga County Amid PFAS Concerns

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A meeting was held Monday evening in Rome to discuss PFAS contamination in water systems across Northwest Georgia. The Ben Finley Law Firm hosted the public forum at The Forum in Rome, with consumer advocate Erin Brockovich in attendance.

March 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Erin Brockovich Returns To Northwest Georgia Amid PFAS Concerns

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Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as the PFAS Georgia team announces a major expansion of water, soil, and dust testing in Rome and several surrounding counties. Organizers say the renewed push comes after more than 20 months of work in the region uncovered some of the highest levels of “forever chemicals” found anywhere in the country.

March 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County EMA to Host Community Blood Drive April 10

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The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to give back and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive on Friday, April 10.

The event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA office located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville. Organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives, making community participation especially important.

Those who donate between April 1 and April 15 will also be entered into the Blood Assurance “BA Local Hero” promotion, with a chance to win one of several $100 gift cards being awarded across participating communities.

Appointments can be scheduled online through Blood Assurance, and walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Officials encourage residents to consider donating and supporting the ongoing need for blood supplies across the region.

March 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mayor Rickey Hughes Says Summerville to Use $4.5 Million Grant for PFAS Removal and Water System Upgrades

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The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans to improve its water system after receiving a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to address PFAS contamination.

March 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Awarded $4.5 Million Grant to Improve Drinking Water System

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The City of Summerville is receiving a major boost for its public water system after being awarded a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help address emerging contaminants in drinking water.

March 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Erin Brockovich to Return to Northwest Georgia for PFAS Town Halls

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Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia later this month as part of an expanded effort focused on testing for PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in Rome and Dalton.

March 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Health Fair Seeking Vendors in Chattooga County for April 18 Event

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The Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition is inviting vendors and community members to take part in the 2nd Annual Health Fair set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville and will focus on promoting health, wellness, and preventive care across the community.

Organizers say the health fair will feature a wide range of free health screenings, including cholesterol and glucose checks, blood pressure and BMI screenings, HIV testing, prostate and colorectal cancer screenings, vision exams, dental screenings, and hands-on CPR demonstrations. Mammograms will also be available by appointment.

The coalition is encouraging local vendors to participate, offering an opportunity to connect with community members, promote services, and support ongoing health initiatives in Chattooga County. Each vendor will be provided with a table and chairs, and organizers say door prizes are encouraged but optional.

Vendor setup is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Officials say the event aims to improve access to healthcare resources while raising awareness about preventive health measures and overall well-being.

Those interested in participating or seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

UGA Extension Offering Diabetes Cooking School Series In Chattooga County

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The University of Georgia Extension – Chattooga County is inviting residents to participate in a “Learning to Live With Diabetes” Cooking School Series, designed to help individuals better manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions through healthier cooking and nutrition choices.

The 2026 Lunch and Learn Series will cover several topics including label reading and portion control, sweeteners, carbohydrates and fiber, hypertension and sodium, and modifying recipes for healthier alternatives. Classes will be held Wednesdays from noon until 1:30 p.m. beginning March 25 and continuing through April 22.

Each class costs $15 and includes lunch. Sessions will take place at the Chattooga County Extension Office, 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. To register, residents can call 706-857-0744 or email rbt@uga.edu.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Blood Drive Planned at Chattooga County EMA on April 10

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Residents in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive hosted at the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in Summerville. The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA facility located at 170 Farrar Drive.

The event is being organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, and officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through bloodassurance.org/schedule, though walk-ins may be accepted if space allows.

In addition, Blood Assurance is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who donates between April 1 and April 15 will be entered to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.

Community leaders say blood donations are always needed to help hospitals maintain an adequate supply for patients requiring surgeries, treatments, and emergency care.