Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are under elevated fire danger today due to very low humidity and dry air combining with northwest winds this afternoon and evening, while a separate storm system later this week may bring rain and an increasing risk of impactful wintry weather over the weekend.
The next meeting of the Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is set for Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2 PM in the lobby of the Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. The meeting is open to the public.
The Board of Elections and Registration plays a major role in local voting, helping oversee voter registration and ensuring elections are conducted fairly and accurately. The board’s work includes maintaining voter rolls, preparing polling locations, training poll workers, and handling key steps in the election process, including the reporting and certification of results.
This meeting comes as attention turns to upcoming special elections for Congress, when deadlines and voting information can change quickly. Election officials encourage residents to stay informed, verify their voter registration, and be aware of important dates as the special election season approaches.
A long-running investigation into a failed internet project in Menlo resulted in an arrest earlier this month, but many questions are still unanswered about how the project was handled and how taxpayer dollars were spent.
Georgia Power customers may see some relief on their monthly electric bills later this year. The company’s president and CEO, Kim Greene, said this week that Georgia Power plans to file upcoming changes that would lower rates starting in June 2026.
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.
