Georgia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would expand the state’s restrictions on student cell phone use, potentially banning personal devices in high schools statewide.
Governor Brian Kemp used his final State of the State address last week to roll out his recommendations for Georgia’s amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, calling for major investments aimed at affordability, student opportunity, workforce development, and public higher education.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents about a phone scam making the rounds in the area that involves callers impersonating law enforcement or court officials and using intimidation to demand immediate payment.
The Chattooga Library is inviting local crafters to grab their yarn and join the Crochet Club on Tuesday, January 20, from 2 PM until 3 PM at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The event, hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System, is open to anyone who enjoys crochet, knitting, cross stitch, or sewing. Participants are encouraged to bring their current project, share ideas, and enjoy conversation with other crafters. Organizers ask everyone to bring their own supplies.
The program is designed for adults ages 18 and up, and the event is open to the public.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently accepting applications for several open jobs across its campuses, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.
Openings include two full-time positions at the Floyd County Campus: Accounting Technician/Cashier and Assistant Director of High School Initiatives. GNTC is also hiring a part-time Communication Officer serving the Floyd County and Walker County campuses, along with a part-time Enrollment Specialist at the Whitfield Murray Campus.
College officials say the positions support GNTC’s continued focus on student success, day-to-day operations, and expanding outreach and enrollment efforts across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. Anyone interested in applying or learning more is encouraged to visit the Technical College System of Georgia’s employment website or contact GNTC Human Resources for details. Applicants may also reach out to Linda McEntire with the Technical College System of Georgia for more information.
February is more than just a bridge between winter and spring—it’s a season for connection, and Summerville Main Street is inviting the community to help “paint the town red” with the return of the “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project. Throughout the month of February, Downtown Summerville will be lined with personalized, heart-shaped messages designed to celebrate the people, places, and stories that make the community special.
Organizers say the project is a chance for everyone to share a message in a fun and visible way, whether it’s a shout-out to a favorite small business, a tribute to a loved one, a school celebration, or a note of encouragement for the community. Hearts can be purchased as a single-sided display for $30 or double-sided for $50, and orders can be placed by visiting the Summerville Main Street office at 179 Union Street.
Spaces are limited, and the deadline to order is January 23. For more information, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900 Ext. 1337 or visit summervillega.org.
The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released health inspection results for the first half of January 2026, showing perfect scores for two tourist accommodation facilities in the county.
Express Inn & Suites, located at 14364 Highway 27 in Trion, earned a score of 100 on its most recent inspection conducted January 14, 2026.
James H. Floyd State Park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road in Summerville, also received a score of 100 on its latest inspection conducted January 7, 2026.
Should you ever have any complaint about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, you can contact Chattooga County Environmental Health at (706) 857-3377.
The State of Georgia says net tax collections in December totaled $3.44 billion. That’s up by about $101 million, or 3 percent, compared to December of last year.
Banks, the post office, and government offices in Chattooga County and in the cities of Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, and Menlo are closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who helped bring national attention to the fight for equality through nonviolent action. The holiday is also recognized as a National Day of Service, encouraging people to give back to their communities as a way to honor Dr. King’s message.
Locally, a Day of Service will be held Monday, January 19th at Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive, Summerville. The event begins at 10 AM with Felicia’s Kids, and everyone is invited to come and join this event sponsored by the Chattooga County MLK Committee.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 13, 2026: