As temperatures climb into the 90s across Northwest Georgia this week, many Georgia Power customers could see their electric bills rise as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool.
Congressman Clay Fuller spent time back in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District last week, meeting with local business owners, workers, and community leaders across Northwest Georgia.
Fuller’s visits included stops with Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling, the Medical College of Georgia’s regional campus in Rome, Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark, Covenant Logistics, Solmax Geosynthetics in Ringgold, Catoosa County leaders, and Rockmart Fuel Containment in Polk County.
In Chattooga County, Fuller toured Smith Ironworks, where he met with team members and learned more about the company’s work and role in the local economy.
Fuller said small businesses, manufacturers, transportation companies, and local employers remain a critical part of Northwest Georgia’s economy. He said hearing directly from workers and business leaders helps him better advocate for the district in Washington.
His office said Fuller remains committed to supporting small business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs across Georgia’s 14th District.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 27, 2026:
Residents of Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today and Sunday, with a few storms capable of becoming strong to severe, according to the National Weather Service.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.
Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.
Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.
Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.
Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.
AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.
The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.
Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.
For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.
AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.
A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.
“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.
Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.
Spark Day will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.
The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.
Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.
The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.
Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.
For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.
The City of Summerville has received a $187,798.50 grant reimbursement for construction of a new soccer mini-pitch at the Fairgrounds property near Fairway Recreation.
The City of Summerville, with assistance from the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, successfully applied in 2025 for the GA 100 Initiative Project soccer mini-pitch grant. The project was funded through a $100,000 contribution from the Atlanta United Foundation’s GA 100 Initiative and $87,798.50 from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation.
The new 60-foot by 120-foot soccer mini-pitch will provide additional recreational opportunities for local youth and families while enhancing Summerville’s growing parks and recreation offerings.
Additional support for the Fairgrounds improvements included a $20,000 grant from the Menlo-Tillotson Foundation for new restroom facilities and a $10,000 contribution from Georgia Power for electrical upgrades at the site.
Future plans for the Fairgrounds property include adding a full-size soccer field and expanded parking to support continued growth in recreational programming and community events.
The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Maintenance Technician position to help ensure school facilities throughout the district remain safe and operating efficiently.
The full-time position is benefits eligible and follows a 208-day work schedule each school year. Employees work a four-day schedule with most Mondays off and participate in a rotating on-call schedule to respond to after-hours emergencies. Pay is based on certifications and experience, with wages up to $27.21 per hour.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED along with HVAC certification and/or electrical technician experience. Candidates should also have working knowledge of building maintenance trades, be able to work independently or as part of a team, climb ladders or scaffolding, lift heavy objects, possess a valid driver’s license, and successfully complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
Applications are available through the Superintendent’s Office or online at www.chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting Menu, District Services, then Human Resources.
Completed applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education, 33 Middle School Road, Summerville, Georgia 30747.