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September 18, 2026

Hot September Weather Continues With Storm Chances Returning

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Unseasonably hot weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the weekend, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s before a better chance of showers and thunderstorms brings somewhat cooler conditions next week.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Supreme Court Ruling Limits State’s Immunity For Property Damaged During Police Operations

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A recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling could have implications for property owners and law enforcement agencies across the state, including here in Northwest Georgia, by rejecting the idea that the state is automatically protected from compensation claims whenever private property is damaged during police activity.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Man Charged With Terroristic Threats Following Domestic Dispute

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A Chattooga County man was arrested after authorities say he sent threatening text messages to his mother and brother during a domestic dispute earlier this month.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Woman Charged With Shoplifting At Trion Walmart

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A 32-year-old woman was arrested Monday after she was accused of shoplifting at Walmart in Trion.

According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Stefanie Maria Mitchell was arrested on September 14 after Deputy Rob Villagomez was dispatched to the store at approximately 12:23 PM.

The report states that Walmart employees told the deputy that Mitchell went through the self-checkout and allegedly failed to scan several items. According to the report, she scanned some clothing items but allegedly placed other clothing into a bag without scanning them.

The deputy reported reviewing surveillance video of the transaction and said the video appeared to show Mitchell scanning some items while failing to scan others.

According to the report, Mitchell told the deputy that she did not intentionally fail to scan the merchandise and said she was having difficulty using the self-checkout.

Mitchell was charged with theft by shoplifting and taken into custody.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

West Nile Virus Infections Increasing Across Georgia

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The Georgia Department of Public Health is warning residents to continue protecting themselves against mosquito bites as West Nile virus infections increase across the state.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Finster Fest Returns To Paradise Garden This Weekend

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Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville will welcome visitors from across the region this weekend for Finster Fest 2026, a two-day celebration of art, music, food and the legacy of renowned folk artist Howard Finster.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Unemployment Falls To 3.2 Percent As Labor Force And Employment Reach Record Highs

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Georgia set new records for both the size of its labor force and the number of people employed during August, while the state’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Gives Banks More Power To Stop Suspected Elder Financial Exploitation

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Georgia financial institutions now have additional authority to temporarily stop transactions when they suspect an elderly or disabled customer is being financially exploited.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heat And Dry Weather Affecting Early Deer Season In Northwest Georgia

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Georgia’s archery deer season is underway, but hunters across Northwest Georgia are dealing with unusually hot and dry conditions during the opening days of the season.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Traffic Change Planned On Rena Street During Finster Fest

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Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.

According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.

The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.

County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.

Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.

Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.