Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) grants, awarding $7.8 million to ten projects across Georgia to help rural communities prepare industrial sites for future business recruitment and job creation. With this latest round, the state has now invested $28 million in rural site development since the program was launched in Fiscal Year 2025.
A newly released report from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) shows that most counties across Northwest Georgia continue to maintain stable economic classifications, although a handful of counties remain among the region’s most economically challenged. The designations are used by ARC to help determine grant eligibility and investment priorities for economic and community development projects throughout Appalachia.
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.
An Atlanta developer has filed a lawsuit in Chattooga County Superior Court alleging that an $89 million residential development on Little Sand Mountain was derailed after the 736-acre property at the center of the project was transferred to another nonprofit organization for $1 without his knowledge.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 15 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Georgia during the 2026 Independence Day holiday travel period, underscoring the dangers of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Georgia motorists are seeing another small drop in gasoline prices this week, according to AAA, as lower crude oil prices continue to help keep fuel costs in check. The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on Monday is $3.53, down slightly from last week, while the national average stands at $3.80 per gallon. AAA says prices could continue to fluctuate throughout the busy summer travel season, but drivers are benefiting from improving market conditions.
Here are the latest AAA average prices for regular unleaded gasoline in the local area:
AAA encourages motorists to compare prices between stations, keep tires properly inflated, and avoid aggressive driving to maximize fuel economy.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the community’s help by donating two items that are always in high demand: cat litter and Dawn dish soap. Shelter officials say even small donations can make a big difference in caring for the dogs and cats housed at the facility.
Cat litter is used daily for the shelter’s feline residents, while Dawn dish soap is an important cleaning supply used to bathe animals and clean food and water bowls, kennels, and other equipment. The shelter says these items are used quickly as staff care for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals from across Chattooga County. The shelter has made similar appeals in the past during periods of increased intake and kitten season.
Donations may be dropped off at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville, during public hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The shelter is open by appointment on Wednesdays. For more information, call 706-857-0679.
Adventure seekers can experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park after dark during a special ranger-led “Creatures of the Night” hike on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m.
The guided hike will take participants along the Marble Mine Trail to discover the nocturnal animals that become active after the park closes. Rangers will explain how nighttime wildlife survives and adapts to the dark while hikers explore the trail under the evening sky.
The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.
Flashlights will be available, although participants are welcome to bring their own. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 9 p.m.
To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 6, 2026:
Hot summer weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s each afternoon and the daily chance of scattered thunderstorms remaining in the forecast.
