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July 31, 2026

Commissioner Approves 180-Day Moratorium On Cargo Container Homes And Other Non-Traditional Developments

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has approved a 180-day moratorium on certain non-traditional residential developments while the county reviews and updates its land-use regulations.

The resolution places a temporary halt on accepting permit applications for cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, mixed-use developments, and other non-traditional residential projects not specifically addressed in the county’s current ordinances.

According to the resolution, the county believes the pause is necessary to study the health and safety implications of these types of developments, including structural standards, impacts on existing neighborhoods, property values, public health, and community welfare. The document also states the county has recently become aware of multiple non-traditional building styles and development projects that are not adequately covered under current regulations.

The moratorium will remain in effect for 180 days, although the resolution allows it to be renewed or extended if county officials determine additional time is needed to complete the review process.

The resolution became effective immediately upon approval by Sole Commissioner Andy Allen.

Commissioner Allen has emphasized throughout the process that the moratorium is intended to provide time to develop appropriate regulations and is not a permanent ban on these types of developments.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GEMA/HS Names Kirk Smith Deputy Director Of Homeland Security Division

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The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has appointed Kirk Smith as the new Deputy Director of its Homeland Security Division.

Smith most recently served as GEMA/HS Homeland Security Operations Manager. In his new role, he will oversee Homeland Security Operations, Intelligence, and Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, helping coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen preparedness, security and resilience.

Before joining GEMA/HS, Smith spent nearly 18 years as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where he served in several roles, including field agent, child abuse specialist, crime scene specialist and field training agent. He also served as a civilian law enforcement advisor with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb praised Smith’s leadership and experience, saying his commitment to preparedness and coordination will help strengthen the agency’s mission of protecting Georgia communities from natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies.

As part of the Governor’s Office, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal partners to coordinate disaster response, emergency preparedness and homeland security efforts throughout Georgia.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

United Way’s 211 Service Connects Residents To Help With Just Three Digits

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When families face financial hardship or unexpected challenges, knowing where to turn for help can be one of the biggest obstacles. United Way of Floyd, Polk & Chattooga Counties is working to remove that barrier by connecting residents with assistance through the 211 helpline.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Department Of Corrections Recruiting Employees, Including At Hays State Prison

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The Georgia Department of Corrections is continuing to recruit new employees across the state, including at Hays State Prison in Trion, where several positions are currently available.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Curtain Call Presents Newsies Jr. Today And Tomorrow

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Chattooga Curtain Call will bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage today and tomorrow, continuing its tradition of giving local students opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.

The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who join together to demand fair treatment while learning lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.

Chattooga Curtain Call is a local nonprofit organization that has provided theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities for more than a decade. The organization helps young performers build skills in acting, singing and stage performance while supporting the performing arts locally.

Performances are scheduled for today at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Connect City Church.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through Venmo at @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. Buyers will receive confirmation and their tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Inmate Charged After Altercation With Officers At Chattooga County Jail

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An inmate at the Chattooga County Jail is facing additional charges following an incident that deputies say involved resisting officers and assaulting a detention officer.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Martin Roberson, 37, was charged following an incident on July 23 inside the jail. Deputies reported Roberson had been damaging a jail-issued tablet with a glass screen and also damaging a jail cell window when officers responded to restrain him.

The incident report states Roberson refused repeated commands to get off a table inside a cell block. Officers deployed a Taser after he allegedly resisted efforts to remove him from the table. Deputies reported the Taser was effective, and Roberson was then secured in a restraint chair.

Afterward, a detention officer reported that Roberson spit on him, with saliva striking the officer’s right hand. The officer requested that charges be filed.

Roberson was charged with Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers (Misdemeanor) and Simple Battery Against a Law Enforcement/Detention Officer.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Police Investigating Repeated Political Sticker Incidents

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating after a city resident reported someone repeatedly placing political stickers on his vehicle without permission.

According to an incident report, police met with Dominick Bennett on July 25 regarding a criminal trespass complaint at a residence on Martin Street.

Bennett told police he first discovered “Trump” stickers placed on his vehicles about a month earlier while they were parked at his home. He said there was no damage to the vehicles and did not report the incident at that time.

According to the report, Bennett contacted police again after his wife discovered another “Trump” sticker inside the gas tank door of one vehicle. Later that same day, Bennett found an additional sticker on the rear passenger-side window of the same vehicle.

Bennett told officers he believes he and his family are being harassed because of their political views. He identified a nearby neighbor as a person of interest but acknowledged he has no evidence to support that belief. Bennett requested a follow-up investigation and told police he wishes to prosecute if the person responsible is identified.

The case has been turned over to the Summerville Police Department’s Investigations Division.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Breaks Ground On Major Plant Bowen Expansion As Supporters, Critics Debate Future Of Energy

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Hundreds of invited guests gathered this week at Plant Bowen in Northwest Georgia as Georgia Power officially broke ground on one of the largest electric generation expansion projects in the company’s history.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Woman Charged With Shoplifting Following Summerville Store Investigation

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A Chattooga County woman was arrested after deputies responded to a reported shoplifting incident at a local business.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany was dispatched on July 22 after store personnel reported a suspected shoplifter. Investigators said Brenda Sue Ingram, 71, allegedly concealed six items inside her purse after checking out and attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise.

The incident report states that while confronting Ingram, store personnel discovered what was believed to be marijuana in her purse and turned it over to law enforcement. Deputies also obtained a copy of the store’s surveillance video as evidence.

According to the report, Ingram apologized and told deputies she did not have enough money to pay for all of the items. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

Ingram was charged with Theft by Shoplifting.

As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GDOT Encourages Northwest Georgia Residents To Review Transportation Projects

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The Georgia Department of Transportation is encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to review proposed transportation projects and submit feedback online as part of the draft 2027–2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

GDOT is encouraging citizens to participate through its interactive STIP website, where users can search for projects by county, view detailed project descriptions, funding information and anticipated timelines, and submit comments electronically. The public comment period remains open through August 15, 2026.

The STIP serves as Georgia’s four-year transportation plan for federally funded projects outside metropolitan planning areas and includes proposed highway, bridge, safety, resurfacing, bicycle, pedestrian and railroad improvements. Public comments will help GDOT identify local transportation priorities as it finalizes the 2027–2030 program.

Residents can review projects affecting Chattooga County and other areas of Northwest Georgia and submit feedback online through the Georgia DOT STIP website before the August 15 deadline.

You can find out more HERE