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June 27, 2026

State Agriculture Officials Ask Georgians To Watch For Yellow-Legged Hornets

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.

Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.

Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.

Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.

Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC To Offer Free Application Week For Fall Semester

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College will waive application fees next week for students planning to enroll for the 2026 fall semester.

GNTC will host a Free Application Week from Monday, June 29, through Sunday, July 5. During that time, the college will waive the regular $25 application fee for all incoming students. Applicants will not need a special code to receive the fee waiver.

The admissions deadline for the fall semester is August 4, and fall classes are scheduled to begin August 17.

Students who need assistance can contact GNTC’s call center Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM until 4:15 PM at 866-983-4682. More information is also available on GNTC’s website by selecting “Apply Now.”

Questions about Free Application Week may be directed to the GNTC Office of Admissions at 866-983-4682 or by email at admissions@gntc.edu.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA: Record Number Of Americans Expected To Travel During Independence Day Holiday

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A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.

Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.

For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.

AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty

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A Floyd County man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he seriously injured a dog with a machete at a Rome hotel.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 25-year-old Joseph Robert Bisher was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following an incident at a hotel on Martha Berry Boulevard.

Investigators allege Bisher struck a dog named “Oreo” with a machete, causing a deep laceration.

According to the arrest report, when questioned about the incident, Bisher allegedly told authorities he did not want to strike his girlfriend, so he struck the dog instead.

The case remains under investigation.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

According To Georgia Recorder, More Than Half Of Georgia Teachers Now Use AI To Prepare For Class

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More than half of Georgia’s public school teachers are now using artificial intelligence to help prepare lessons and complete other classroom tasks, according to a new report highlighted this week by the Georgia Recorder.

The report, based on findings from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, found that 54 percent of teachers surveyed said they use generative AI tools for lesson planning, classroom activities, grading, or other instructional purposes. At the same time, many educators expressed concern that students’ growing use of AI could negatively affect learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

The findings come as school systems across Georgia continue developing policies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. State education leaders have also released guidance encouraging schools to use AI in ways that support teaching while protecting student privacy and promoting ethical use.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Spark Day Happening Today In Summerville

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A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.

“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.

Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.

Spark Day will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.

The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.