Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, January 18, 2025:

On Friday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the USDA confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as bird flu, in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County. This is the first confirmed case in a commercial poultry setting in Georgia and the fifth case detected in the state.

As a result of this confirmation, all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales within the state are immediately suspended until further notice. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper stated that this is a serious threat to Georgia’s poultry industry and the livelihoods of many residents. Efforts are underway to prevent further spread of the disease and to allow normal poultry activities to resume as quickly as possible.

The bird flu has impacted the egg market significantly, with 17. 2 million egg-laying hens dying in November and December alone. This loss represents nearly half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024, leading to fewer eggs, empty store shelves, and rising prices.

The Georgia producer identified signs of Avian Influenza in their flock on Wednesday, and after testing, a positive detection was confirmed. The state’s Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams were deployed for depopulation, cleaning, and disposal operations. Approximately 45,000 broiler breeder chickens were present at the time of detection, and a quarantine has been placed on all commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer radius for surveillance testing for at least two weeks. Notifications will be given when poultry activities can resume.

Cold weather is moving from Siberia and will reach the United States this weekend and into next week. Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama will experience the coldest temperatures of the season next week.

While Sunday will be cold, Monday will be especially harsh, with morning temperatures in the teens. A strong breeze will make it feel even colder, near zero. This intense cold is expected to last for over 80 hours, possibly leading to frozen pipes.

It is important to winterize your home, protect pets from the cold, and check on vulnerable loved ones. Additionally, snow and ice might occur, although the extent is uncertain. The National Weather Service advises preparation today for the prolonged cold ahead.

The enrollment period for Pre-K programs in Lyerly, Menlo, and Summerville for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Parents and guardians are invited to register their children on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Friday, February 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration will be held at the Chattooga County Education Center, located at 206 East Penn Street, Summerville, GA 30747, in the former Summerville Elementary School building.

To ensure a smooth registration process, parents are required to bring several important documents, including: – Child’s Certified Birth Certificate – Proof of Georgia Residency – Photo ID of Parent/Guardian – Child’s Social Security Card – Child’s Insurance Card or verification of health coverage Additionally, parents should be prepared to provide the Immunization Form 3231 and the Eye, Ear, Dental, & Nutritional Form 3300. It is important to note that children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025, to be eligible for enrollment. For any questions or further information, parents are encouraged to contact the Pre-K office at 706-857-3490.

In the event of inclement weather, please be advised that registration may be canceled and rescheduled for a safer date.

Law enforcement officials have arrested two men from Murray County believed to be involved in a burglary that occurred in Summerville. Clifton Mitchell, 66, and his son, Richard Mitchell, 41, were apprehended by LaFayette Police on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, following a collaborative investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.  Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said that these are the same two men that local investigators believe were part of a burglary at a Summerville business located in the shopping plaza behind Little Caesar’s Pizza.

The investigation that brought about the arrest of the two men was initiated after a burglary was reported at the Dollar Tree in the Walmart shopping center in LaFayette on January 12, 2025. Officers responded to the scene and discovered that a safe had been broken into, resulting in the theft of approximately $3,000, along with the store’s surveillance system hard drive. Nearby businesses were also entered, although no items were reported stolen from them.

Further investigation revealed that another burglary had occurred on the same night in Chattooga County, involving a business located in a strip mall.

Investigators obtained surveillance footage showing the suspects and their vehicle, which ultimately led to identifying the Mitchells. Both men were already on probation due to previous burglary convictions, raising suspicions further. The LaFayette police were able to corroborate their findings when they reviewed additional footage that placed the suspect vehicle near the Dollar Tree at the time of the break-in. An ankle monitor worn by Clifton Mitchell provided crucial data, confirming his presence at the locations of both burglaries and other commercial thefts in the area.

Following the identification and confirmation of their involvement, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Mitchells’ residence in Chatsworth, Murray County. Officers discovered burglary tools and clothing worn during the crimes, providing further evidence against the suspects.

Currently, both Clifton and Richard Mitchell are being held at the Walker County Detention Facility, facing charges of Burglary in the 2nd Degree.

Additional charges are anticipated in connection with crimes committed in Chattooga County and Floyd County, along with a Violation of Probation charge.

Trion High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter excelled at the FBLA regional conference on January 15th, with many students winning medals in nine categories, which qualifies them for the state competition. FBLA, founded in 1940 and based in Reston, Virginia, is a major student organization that helps students prepare for the business world. With over 200,000 members, it is the largest student organization in the U. S. Trion High School also placed third in the Region Sweeps, highlighting the overall achievement of its students, whose average scores were the best in the region. This is a historic achievement for Trion High School’s FBLA chapter. The success is attributed to the support of their advisor, Mrs. Laura Bryant, and the school community looks forward to the state competition.

State Senator Colton Moore was arrested in Atlanta after causing a disturbance at the State House of Representatives and is now being supported by the Chattooga County Republican Party. On January 16th, during Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address, Moore was barred from entering and subsequently arrested by Georgia State Troopers.  Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns had banned Moore from the House of Representatives after a speech Moore made in March 2024 that criticized the late Speaker David Ralston.

The Chattooga County Republican party contends that this event took place during a joint chamber session, where as an elected representative for Georgia’s 53rd District, Moore should have been allowed to attend. The local party says Moore’s exclusion raises concerns about free speech and respect for elected officials. The local GOP went on to say that although Moore’s speech upset Ralston’s family, it was an expression of his right to free speech and not a violation that warranted his arrest.

House Speaker Burns said on Friday, that lawmakers would not be barred from future joint sessions of the General Assembly.

Atrium Health Floyd has given Narcan, a nasal spray for reversing opioid overdoses, to several school partners, including Chattooga County Schools, Darlington School, Floyd County Schools, Rome City Schools, and Trion City Schools. AtriumHealth Floyd’s Dr. Ken Jones emphasized that while they hope it won’t be needed, having Narcan available could save lives, as it is easy to use. Georgia’s new law requires schools to have a supply of lifesaving medications. In 2023, over 107,000 people in the U. S. died of drug overdoses, mostly from opioids. Paula White, School Nurse Director for AtriumHealth Floyd explained that the donation came from Direct Relief, and Atrium Health Floyd provided 108 nasal spray containers to the schools.

Cherokee County Alabama Revenue Commissioner Dustin St. Clair updated the Cherokee County Commission about the tag office and property tax payments. In 2023, the tag office moved to the Revenue Commissioner’s office. During the tax payment period of October 1 to December 31, St. Clair reported that 8,800 people were served in 2023, while in 2024, the number increased to 12,500, an increase of 3,700 taxpayers. Although the transition was challenging, St. Clair praised his employees for adapting to the new service system. He mentioned that the wait time to see a clerk is one minute or less, and the total visit time is about eight minutes, eliminating long lines. St. Clair announced plans to add vessel registration services, enabling watercraft owners to register alongside vehicle tags and property tax payments.

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Four students from Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) have been chosen as finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). The finalists are Sara Gunnels from Rome, Nakesia Thomas from Rome, Robert Branum from Ringgold, and Josue Lopez from Calhoun, each representing different programs and campuses.

GOAL recognizes outstanding academic and leadership achievements among Georgia’s technical college students, with winners selected at each of the 22 colleges. The finalists will undergo a second round of judging by community leaders, where one will be named GNTC’s 2025 GOAL winner.

The winner will be announced at the luncheon on January 28, and will go on to compete at the regional and state levels, where the state winner will serve as an ambassador and receive a new car from Kia Motors.

In a strategic move to bolster their pitching roster, the Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham off waivers from the Washington Nationals. The decision follows the Braves designating fellow right-handed pitcher Allan Winans for assignment. Willingham, pitched for the Chattooga Indians before making his mark at the collegiate level with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

During the 2019 season, he made 18 appearances for Georgia Tech, achieving a 5.19 ERA, with 13 of those being starts. His promising performance earned him a selection in the 17th round of the MLB Draft by the Nationals later that same year. The 26-year-old pitcher has seen brief action in the Major Leagues over the past two seasons, primarily with Triple-A Rochester. In 19 Major League appearances, Willingham holds a 7.11 ERA, a 1.81 WHIP, and a 61 ERA+ across 25 1/3 innings pitched. His time in Triple-A has showcased a more favorable performance, with a 3.69 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings over 55 appearances.

Willingham’s arrival is expected to provide much-needed depth to the Braves’ bullpen as the organization prepares for the upcoming season. The Braves have yet to make any major league-level transactions this offseason, but their minor league moves have been gaining traction. Just last week, the franchise signed former Marlins All-Star Garrett Cooper to a minor league deal. Concerns have been voiced regarding the team’s focus on smaller transactions, especially following a reported failed physical that halted a potential deal with now-Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman. Nevertheless, the Braves remain proactive in their efforts, with expectations of a significant acquisition on the horizon before spring training.

As the Braves continue to build their roster, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how the latest acquisitions, including Willingham, will impact the team’s performance in the coming season.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 17, 2025:

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says Northwest Georgia will shift from cool, clear conditions to increased precipitation starting today through Saturday. As the morning begins, residents can expect mostly clear skies, with low temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to mid-30s across the region. Patchy frost is also likely this morning. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 50s in Northwest Georgia, thanks to a weak upper ridge and surface high pressure that will maintain mild weather throughout the day. However, as the evening approaches, a long-wave trough from the upper Midwest will converge with a shortwave over Oklahoma, bringing a cold front southward toward the Lower Mississippi Valley. This front will travel into Georgia overnight, triggering increased chances for rain.

By sunrise Saturday, widespread showers are anticipated across Northwest Georgia, with low temperatures dropping into the mid-40s for most areas. In the highest elevations of far Northeast Georgia, temperatures could plummet to the mid-30s, where a light mix of rain and snow may occur before transitioning to all rain by mid-morning. Rainfall totals from this system are forecasted to range from 0.5 to 0.75 inches, with little concern for flooding. While thunderstorms are not expected, isolated rumbles of thunder could occur.

Looking ahead to the long-term forecast, a significant temperature drop is expected by Monday as an Arctic high pressure system moves into the area. Highs will plummet to the 20’s, with elevated regions potentially seeing highs in the teens. Lows Monday morning are projected to fall into the low teens, possibly single digits, with breezy conditions creating wind chills that may feel like zero or below for several hours.

As next week progresses, the potential for another round of winter weather will be monitored, with forecasters keeping a close eye on the development of moisture along the coast that could affect precipitation patterns across Georgia.

In an incident at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, State Senator Colton Moore, who represents the 53rd District, including Chattooga County, was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol following a public disturbance that occurred just before the highly anticipated State of the State address. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Senator Moore creating a significant disruption outside the House Chamber, prompting a swift response from troopers stationed at the Capitol.

Moore had been banned from House property last year after making disparaging remarks about former Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston.  Moore made the remarks at a memorial service being held at the state capital and was condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike.

At the capitol yesterday State Troopers said despite receiving multiple verbal warnings and several attempts made by law enforcement to de-escalate the situation, Senator Moore allegedly continued his disruptive behavior, culminating in instances where he physically pushed against the troopers. In a statement released by the Georgia Department of Public Safety, it was emphasized that the troopers acted to maintain peace and ensure the safety of everyone present at the Capitol. “In light of the escalating situation, it became necessary to take action,” the statement read.

“Senator Moore was arrested without further incident and is currently being processed for misdemeanor obstruction.” Following his arrest, Senator Moore was transported to the Fulton County Jail, where he awaits processing. As this event unfolds, officials caution that the information provided is preliminary and could change as the investigation continues and more details emerge.

The Town of Trion is set to hold a regular Workshop and Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Town Hall Conference Room. The Workshop will kick off at 6:00 p.m., with the Regular Meeting following shortly thereafter. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to engage with local government, voice their concerns, and stay informed about community developments. Mayor Lanny Thomas encourages all residents to attend. For those who have questions or comments regarding the upcoming meeting or specific agenda items, please feel free to reach out to Town Hall Office.

For several decades, owners of mobile homes were required to pay mobile home tax and purchase a mobile home tax decal, but those days are over. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen signed a resolution recently to remove the requirement for annual tax decals on mobile homes. This change is intended to simplify tax processes for residents. Previously, mobile homeowners had to display a large decal on their homes each year after paying property taxes. Recent legislation allowed counties to opt out of this requirement, and Chattooga County has decided to do so. This resolution means that mobile homeowners no longer need to worry about displaying a decal, making it easier to manage property taxes.  Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton noted that her office will track payment statuses without the decals. The commissioner believes this resolution represents a modern approach to property tax management in Chattooga County, improving the experience for residents.

A section of Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville that has been closed for more than a quarter of a century will re-open to the public this Summer, according to the Paradise Garden Foundation.

Tina Cox, Executive Director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, says that funds have been raised over recent months for the restoration of the World’s Folk Art Church. Upon completion of that restoration, the structure will be opened for visitors to explore.

The re-opening is set for late June, according to Cox.

The public is asked to assist with fundraising efforts towards the continuing restoration. To donate, visit www.paradisegardenfoundation.org and click on Visionary Capital Campaign.

Finster himself closed the World’s Folk Art Church in 1999. Cox anticipates worldwide media coverage of its re-opening.

In his annual State of the State address on Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp focused on tax cuts and tort lawsuits while also addressing various topics, including Hurricane Helene and healthcare. He proposed a 0. 2% tax cut for 2025, reducing personal and business income tax to 5. 19%, following a previous 0. 1% cut in 2024. This is expected to save Georgians $7. 5 billion over ten years, as Kemp emphasized that this money belongs to the citizens.

Kemp also announced upcoming legislation to reduce tort lawsuits, arguing that excessive litigation drives up insurance costs, which limits business growth and hiring. He highlighted the significant increase in insurance premiums for small business owners.

Georgia has been recognized as the top state for business for eleven consecutive years, thanks to its business-friendly policies. The governor mentioned increased funding for school safety and human trafficking prosecution, but no additional funds for Medicaid. He claimed that Georgia Pathways serves more low-income residents than Medicaid expansion.

Democrats criticized Kemp’s address, saying it favored corporations over the needs of working-class citizens.

As Chattooga County prepares to hold a vote on the Special Local Option Sales Tax later this year, the newly formed Chattooga County Board of Elections will hold their first meeting coming up next week.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen appointed Brandon Gurley, Alfred McDaniel, John Agnew, Patricia Brison, and Gartrelle Davidson. The board consists of two Democrats, two Republicans, and one member “at-large”.

The inaugural meeting of the Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is scheduled for January 21 at 5 PM. Residents are welcome to attend the meeting, which will take place at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville, right next to the courthouse.