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June 23, 2026

Georgia Lawmakers Focus on Election Changes, Tax Relief During Special Session

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Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.

According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.

One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.

Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.

Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.

The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.

You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County FY2027 Budget To Be Presented June 26

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Walker County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget is scheduled to be submitted later this week during a special called meeting of the Walker County Board of Commissioners.

The proposed budget will be presented at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26, at Walker County Courthouse Annex I, located at 101 South Duke Street in LaFayette.

After the budget is submitted, it will be available for public review at the county administration building, also located at 101 South Duke Street, and online at walkercountyga.gov in the Government section.

Two public hearings have been scheduled to allow residents to review and comment on the proposed budget. The first hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and the second will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6. Both hearings will take place at Walker County Courthouse Annex IV, located at 201 South Duke Street in LaFayette.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Back-to-School Bash Seeks Donations as School Supply Drive Continues

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With the annual Back-to-School Bash less than a month away, organizers with Chattooga Family Connection are continuing to collect school supplies and financial donations to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Monday – June 22, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 22, 2026:

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Strong Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Target Northwest Georgia Monday Evening

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Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms this evening as a line of storms is expected to move into the region from Tennessee and Alabama between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion’s Thompson Named GACA Coach Of The Year

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Trion High School girls soccer coach Marcia Thompson has been named Coach of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) as part of the Class A Division II First Team All-State honors.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

TVA Investing Billions To Meet Growing Power Demand Across The Tennessee Valley

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As population growth, industrial expansion, and increased electricity usage continue across the Southeast, the Tennessee Valley Authority is making major investments in power generation and grid infrastructure to meet rising demand throughout its seven-state service region.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City Of Summerville Hiring For Several Government Positions

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The City of Summerville is currently accepting applications for several job openings in city government.

Current openings include a Building Inspector position in administration, a Customer Service Representative position in administration, and a Water/Sewer Maintenance Worker position with Summerville Utilities.

City officials say all listed positions are open until filled, meaning interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applicants may review full job descriptions and apply online through the official City of Summerville Job Opportunities page. Applications may also be picked up in person at Summerville City Hall.

For more information about the application process, residents may contact Human Resources Director Kim Tucker at City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue in Summerville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 180, Summerville, Georgia 30747.

The Human Resources office may be reached by phone at 706-859-0900. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Council To Consider Adding Juneteenth As Paid Holiday

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City of Summerville employees could receive an additional paid holiday beginning in 2027 if the city council approves a proposal to recognize Juneteenth as an official city holiday.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Republicans Move To Keep Touchscreen Voting System Ahead Of Midterms

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Georgia Senate Republicans have approved legislation that would delay a state law banning the use of QR codes to count votes, keeping the state’s touchscreen voting system in place through the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed the Senate by a 33-19 vote and now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.

The legislation would postpone the QR code ban until January 2028 and create a committee to recommend specifications for Georgia’s next voting system. Lawmakers say the move is necessary to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges because the state has not yet developed or implemented a replacement system.

Gov. Brian Kemp called lawmakers into a special session in part to address the looming July 1 deadline established by a 2024 law that would prohibit counting votes through QR codes. Election officials have warned that making a major change before this fall’s elections could create logistical problems for counties and voters.

Georgia’s current voting system uses touchscreen machines that print paper ballots containing both a human-readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to tabulate votes. Critics have argued for years that voters cannot independently verify the information contained in the QR code, while supporters say changing systems too close to an election could create significant disruptions.

The Senate proposal would also require full hand recounts of the top two races on the ballot, a provision that has generated debate among lawmakers over the time and resources required to conduct such counts.

Democrats generally support delaying the QR code ban but criticized the bill’s process, arguing that the committee tasked with designing a future voting system lacks adequate bipartisan representation.

If approved by the House and signed into law, the measure would keep Georgia’s touchscreen voting system in place through at least the 2026 election cycle while state leaders work toward selecting a long-term replacement.