Early voting is now underway across Chattooga County and the state of Georgia as the General Primary election approaches.
Georgia Power is encouraging eligible customers to apply for its Income-Qualified Discount program, which is designed to help lower monthly energy bills for households that meet income and program requirements.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host a Wildflower Hike on Saturday, May 2, giving participants a chance to explore local trails while learning about native plants.
The guided hike will begin at 10 a.m., with park rangers leading visitors along the Lower Lake Trail. Participants will learn about Georgia’s native wildflowers and which species are most important to pollinators.
Attendees are asked to meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and should bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is also required in advance.
For more information or to register, call the park at 706-857-0826.
Chattooga High School is heading into the final stretch of the school year, with several key events scheduled over the next two weeks as graduation approaches.
School officials say there are just four weeks remaining until graduation, with 16 school days left that include testing, exams, and end-of-year activities.
Upcoming events include:
- April 30 – Spring Band Concert at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria
- May 2 – Track & Field Sectionals in Bremen (time to be announced)
- May 7 – Fine Arts Banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria
- May 9 – Prom from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
In addition to these events, Chattooga’s baseball team is currently competing in the state playoffs, while the track and field team is preparing for sectionals competition.
School leadership says the end of the year is quickly approaching and encourages students to stay focused and finish strong.
The Chattooga County Republican Party will host a candidate forum on Saturday, May 9, giving local residents an opportunity to hear from candidates and engage with those running for office.
The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, located at 818 Memorial Drive in Summerville.
Organizers say the forum will allow candidates to meet with voters and discuss key issues ahead of upcoming elections. A table rental fee of $250 is required for candidates wishing to participate.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by May 2. A $15 registration fee will be collected, which includes lunch.
For more information, contact Chattooga County Republican Party Chairwoman Meredith Rosson at 706-331-5547 or by email at chattoogacountyrepublicanparty@gmail.com.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 26, 2026:
Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are expected across north and central Georgia over the next seven days, but forecasters say the rain is not expected to bring much meaningful improvement to ongoing drought conditions.
Mohawk Industries will host a hiring event later this week for positions at its Summerville facility.
Chick-fil-A Chairman and Berry College Trustee Emeritus Dan Cathy will serve as the speaker for Berry College’s Class of 2026 Commencement Celebration on Saturday, May 9th, at Valhalla Stadium.
Berry College will celebrate approximately 545 undergraduate graduates beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Class of 2026 represents 47 academic majors and includes students from 31 states.
Gates will open at 8:00 a.m., with early entry beginning at 7:30 a.m. for guests who need special assistance. Due to current lane closures on Highway 27, guests are encouraged to enter campus through the back entrance at 221 Legacy Drive Northwest.
Cathy served on the Berry College Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2016. He is chairman of Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based restaurant chain founded in 1946 by his father, S. Truett Cathy.
Cathy is also the founder and chief visionary at Trilith, a major film and entertainment community in Fayette County that includes one of the largest purpose-built movie studios in North America.
Berry graduate students will receive their degrees during a separate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8th, at the College Chapel. A Baccalaureate Service honoring graduating seniors will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th, also at the chapel.
The City of Summerville marked Arbor Day on Friday with a ceremonial tree planting at Dowdy Park, highlighting the importance of trees and environmental stewardship in the community.
City leaders planted a Kwanzan flowering cherry tree as part of the celebration, adding both beauty and shade to the popular public space. The Chattooga County Extension Office, through UGA Extension, was also on hand to support the event by providing free literature on proper tree planting and care to attendees.
Arbor Day is observed annually across the United States as a time to encourage individuals and communities to plant and care for trees. The holiday dates back to 1872, when it was first celebrated in Nebraska as a way to promote tree planting on the largely treeless plains. Since then, Arbor Day has grown into a nationwide tradition, with communities recognizing the environmental, economic, and health benefits trees provide.
Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, reducing erosion, conserving water, and enhancing the overall quality of life in cities and towns. Events like Summerville’s Arbor Day celebration help raise awareness about those benefits while encouraging residents to take part in preserving and expanding green spaces.