Summerville Main Street extends an invitation to the public to enjoy the Summerville Depot fully decorated for Christmas during Christmas Open House Friday, December 13th through Sunday, December 15th. Admission to the special Christmas Open House is free. Countless photo opportunities and holiday joy have been planned for families to make the open house a memorable event.

Friday, December 13th from 6-8 p.m. a free hot cocoa bar will be sponsored by Common Grounds For The Gospel. Simple kids craft activities with Ms. Claus and live Christmas Music in the Depot Freight Room by Charlie Long, Olivia Millican and more are also planned for the evening.

Saturday, December 14th from 6-8 p.m. children’s Christmas movies will be played in the Depot Freight Room, with free popcorn and crafts. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a blanket and pillow to enjoy movies. Special visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus are planned. Free tickets for this particular evening may be picked up at Summerville City Hall, as space is limited. Activities for the evening are geared towards children ages 8 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, December 15th Christmas Open House is planned from 2-4 p.m. The depot will be open for those wishing to stop in for family photos and enjoy live musical entertainment in the depot Freight Room. The Horizon Hand Bell Choir is scheduled to perform from 2:15-2:30 p.m., followed by Olivia Millican beginning at 2:35 p.m. Cathy Worley will close out the Open House

with holiday favorites from 3:00 -4:00 p.m. Event goers are welcome to bring a family photographer, or use cell phones for photos.

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson has warned the public about a rise in scam calls where scammers impersonate Sheriff’s Office staff. Many residents have reported getting calls from people claiming to represent the sheriff, asking for payments through cash, bitcoin, or Green Dot cards to settle fake debts or outstanding warrants. Sheriff Wilson stated, “Please know that the Sheriff’s Office will never contact you asking for money, bitcoin, or Green Dot cards. ” He advised citizens to protect their personal information and not share it with unknown callers. The scammers often use threats to create fear of legal trouble or arrest if demands are not met. Sheriff Wilson urged everyone to be cautious and to verify the identity of anyone requesting money. If you get such a call, hang up and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly. Residents should report any suspicious activities to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.

The School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia surveyed registered voters on various aspects of the voting process in Georgia during the recent Presidential election. The 2024 Georgia Post-Election Survey showed positive results for Georgia voters and reflected the efforts of election administrators across the state.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was pleased with the results of the survey, recognizing the win for Georgia voters, “Over half of Georgia’s voters had zero wait, and 98% thought their poll workers went above and beyond. 94% of voters knew it’s easy to cast a ballot, and 4 out of 5 voters trust the process. I’d say Georgia elections are on the right track. These results show what we’ve been saying all along: Georgia elections are secure and accessible.” Raffensperger continued by praising Georgia’s election officials, “We appreciate the hard work that Georgia’s 159 election directors did to make it a success. They are our everyday heroes and should be praised for their work.”

The survey highlights several wins for Georgia voters, including:

• 98% of voters had no issue casting a ballot.
• 98.3% of voters gave high marks to poll worker job performance.
• 98.5% of voters felt safe casting a ballot.
• 96.2% of voters had a positive experience while voting.
• 93.9% of voters found it easy to cast a ballot.
• 91.5% of voters trusted the integrity of the process, with 95.4% of Conservative voters expressing that their vote was counted accurately, compared to 88.6% of Liberal voters.
• 80.8% of voters experienced a wait time of less than 10 minutes.

Donald Palmer, Vice Chair of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission shared his congratulations on the survey, stating, “The 2024 post-election survey results from Georgia voters are a true testament to the exemplary performance of election directors across the state. I appreciate the continuing efforts of Secretary Raffensperger and local election officials to foster confidence in the integrity, security, and accessibility of Georgia elections.”

The survey polled 1,541 registered voters in Georgia who voted in the 2024 Presidential election.

Georgia’s economy is expected to grow by 2. 4% in 2025, a decrease from 3. 1% this year, according to Ben Ayers, dean of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Despite this slowdown, Georgia’s performance will remain better than the national average of 1. 6% growth. Ayers noted that the slowdown is due to a planned policy change rather than unexpected shocks, which suggests it will be gradual and short-lived.

The main factor contributing to this economic slowdown is the Federal Reserve’s actions in 2022 to limit lending to manage inflation. This decision has helped reduce inflation from 8% in 2022 to 3% currently, and it is expected to stay at 3% in 2025. As inflation decreases, the Fed has started lowering interest rates, which Ayers anticipates will continue into 2025, with quantitative tightening concluding as well. These measures, coupled with a strong job market and positive economic trends, are expected to support Georgia’s economy through 2025 and lead to growth in 2026.

Ayers also predicted a slight rise in Georgia’s unemployment rate from 3. 7% to 4%, which is still lower than the national forecast of 4. 3%. This increase will result from reduced hiring rather than layoffs. Economist John Silvia raised concerns about the uncertain national economic outlook for 2025 under President-elect Donald Trump, mentioning potential tax cuts, regulations, tariffs, and immigration policies. Silvia warned that such actions, particularly on tariffs and immigration, could negatively impact industries reliant on immigrant labor, like agriculture and construction, which are crucial to Georgia’s economy. He believes inflation is unlikely to drop back to 2%, and interest rates will stay high.

In a proactive effort to bolster emergency response and community safety, the Trion Fire Department is currently in the process of updating its pre-plans and digitizing them for easy access on emergency vehicles. This initiative aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of firefighting efforts throughout the community.

Residents may have noticed Trion firefighters and fire trucks in their neighborhoods, with firefighters engaging with local business owners and property occupants. The firefighters are gathering essential information to refine the department’s pre-planning process. A pre-plan, often referred to as a fire preplan, is a comprehensive data collection about buildings that guides firefighters’ actions during emergencies.

According to the fire department, these pre-plans include crucial details such as building layouts, access points, exit routes, and potential hazards. The development of these plans is a collaborative effort, requiring input from both emergency services personnel and property owners. Firefighters are meeting with homeowners and construction companies to review floor plans and material lists, ensuring that all pertinent information is accurately captured. The benefits of having up-to-date pre-plans are significant. They enable firefighters to respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies, ultimately saving lives and minimizing property damage. Additionally, informed pre-planning enhances firefighter safety and can lead to cost savings for the community. Importantly, pre-planning also plays a vital role in the Insurance Services Office (ISO) inspection process, which fire departments undergo to improve their fire protection capabilities.

The Trion Fire Department encourages residents to participate in this initiative, as community involvement is key to creating a safer environment for all. For further information about the pre-planning process or how you can contribute, please contact the Trion Fire Department.

Georgia’s new school voucher program, the Georgia Promise Scholarship, is facing significant delays and criticism. The program, which aims to provide up to $6,500 to eligible public school students in lower-performing schools, also offers funding for tutoring services, speech therapy, and other educational needs. However, identifying eligible schools has been a critical piece of the rollout, with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) citing the need for “validating additional data to ensure accuracy” as the reason for a retraction with a list of “underperforming schools” that included two in Chatttooga County – Leroy Massey Elementary and Summerville Middle School. The program’s reliance on standardized test scores to determine school eligibility has been criticized by Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, who believes it is problematic. The program’s rollout has been closely monitored by teachers’ unions, many of which have long opposed school choice initiatives. Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, expressed skepticism about the program’s implementation, referring to it as a “false promise” and referring to the program as a “symptom.” As the program faces mounting criticism and logistical hurdles, parents and educators are left in limbo, awaiting clarity on how or if the Georgia Promise Scholarship will deliver on its commitments.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) announced 23 projects in October 2024, which include bridge rehabilitation, resurfacing, safety improvements, and new bridge construction. The largest project is a bridge construction along 1. 003 miles on US 41/SR 11/SR 49 over the Norfolk Southern Railway, costing about $21 million. This project and three others make up 40% of the total funds awarded this month.  Only one of the projects listed in the latest round of funding is in Northwest Georgia.

About $33. 1 million was assigned to 11 resurfacing projects. The biggest involves 9. 537 miles of resurfacing on SR 20, costing around $7. 5 million. The second-largest surfacing project will be $4. 4 million for 4. 628 miles on US 1/SR in Richmond County. These resurfacing efforts make up 43% of the funds awarded.

Bridge rehabilitation received approximately $6. 6 million, or 9% of the total. This funding will support various locations in Douglas, Fulton, and Lamar counties. A $4. 3 million roundabout project in Chattahoochee County accounts for 6% of the funds.

The remaining 2% of funds, about $1. 5 million, will go to four safety improvement projects. The biggest of these focuses on widening turn lanes on SR 101 in Carroll County. The October awards bring the total for Fiscal Year 2024 to $802 million. Floyd County received a $1. 8 million contract for a bridge construction project with a deadline of March 31, 2026. Contractors and consultants interested in bidding on projects must prequalify with Georgia DOT.

On Tuesday evening, the Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Christmas Dinner.  Jeffrey Mosher was recognized as the 2024 Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter of the Year.  The award was presented to Mosher by Cloudland Fire Chief Bobby Cavin.  The department serves residents on Lookout Mountain in the Cloudland Community in both Chattooga County, Georgia and Cherokee County, Alabama.

Georgians are expected to travel in record numbers for the year-end holiday period (from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1). AAA predicts that 3.7 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more from home. That’s 108,677 more travelers than the previous record high set last year.

AAA expects 3 million more travelers nationwide than last year. An estimated 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more, narrowly surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.

“Travelers should expect the roads, airports, and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So, finalize your travel plans now and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. We also suggest travel insurance, which provides assistance in the event winter weather or something unexpected interferes with your plans.”

Factors influencing this year’s travel forecast:

• Travel volume is being driven by consumer spending as inflation continues to moderate.
• Strong employment continues to drive rising wages, and with inflation leveling off, consumers are expected to spend nearly 5% more than last year as incomes rise at a similar level.
• Economic growth continues to remain steady, with Q4 real GDP growth expected at 2.0% in Q4 compared to last year.

Year-End Travelers by Mode

By Car:  AAA expects 2.5 million more people on the roads this year. Nationwide, an estimated 107 million will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s just shy of the record of 108 million road travelers – set in 2019.

Road travel is expected to set new records in Georgia. More than 3.3 million Georgians are forecast to take a road trip, 87,637 more than last year. Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, making it the most popular travel method.

“Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost of road trips,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely, and holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online rather than in person.”

Gas prices are expected to be competitive with last year’s levels. During the last two weeks of 2023, Georgia gas prices averaged $2.99 per gallon. During that time, the state average ranged from $2.96 per gallon to a high of $3.01/g. Currently, Georgia drivers are paying around $2.90 per gallon. To view updated national, state, and metro area gas price averages, visit GasPrices.AAA.com.

AAA car rental partner Hertz says Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa are the cities displaying the highest holiday rental demand. The busiest car pick-up days are expected to be Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21. The busiest time for rental returns is expected to be the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average length of rental is one week.

By Air: Nationally, AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season. Nearly 7.9 million Americans are forecast to take at least one domestic flight, surpassing the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season than last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13% more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.

By Other Modes: The number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year. AAA expects 4.47 million people to travel by other modes, the highest it’s been in 20 years. Cruise bookings out of domestic ports are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.

AAA’s Road Trip Safety Tips

With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety with the following tips:

Follow Posted Speed Limits: While it’s tempting to speed to save time, the facts don’t support it. Even minor speed increases can make crashes deadly.

• Driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes, hardly worth the risk.
• Speeding may feel faster but often leads to tragedy.

Drive Only When Alert and Refreshed: Driving on 4-5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication). Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles.

• Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives.
• Steer clear of heavy meals, drowsy medications, and alcohol.
• For long trips, take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to switch drivers if possible, or park at a safe location and nap for 20-30 minutes to recharge.

Slow Down, Move Over: A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drivers to Slow Down, Move Over.

• When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed.
• If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely.
• All 50 states and the District of Columbia have Move Over laws.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects drivers will experience the worst traffic delays the weekends before Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The holidays themselves are expected to have minimal congestion. Drivers in Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC could see double the typical delays. Nationwide, travel times could be up to 30% longer.

“With a near record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, December 22, expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.”

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, December 11, 2024:

Heather Ballard, owner of Hayden Taylor Designs in Summerville, was appointed to the Summerville Main Street Board of Directors on Monday during the Summerville City Council’s regular monthly meeting.

The Summerville Main Street Board focuses on downtown revitalization using the National Main Street Program’s four-point approach: organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring.  Key goals include attracting businesses and revitalizing downtown to boost tourism and foster partnerships and finding sources of funding.

Ballard’s Hayden Taylor Designs is located at 56 West Washington Street in Summerville and offers gifts, candles, books, jewelry and art.

Heather Ballard is replacing former board member Ellen Kinnamont.

Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of best hospitals for maternity care. The list classifies the hospital as “high performing,” the highest level of achievement possible

“This award is a significant achievement, and we will continue to prioritize high quality, equitable care, supporting every mother who walks through our doors,” said Kellie Pearson, director of Women’s and Children’s Service at Atrium Health Floyd. “It reflects our commitment to best practices and evidence-based protocols to ensure we provide save care for our patients.”

Floyd Medical Center, which has delivered more than 2,040 babies this year, is one of 24 Advocate Health hospitals named to the list. Six Atrium Health hospitals in North Carolina that made the list are also part of Charlotte-based Advocate Health.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as cesarean section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

“This recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional maternity care,” said Dr. Scott Rissmiller, executive vice president and chief physician executive for Advocate Health. “Our commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care ensures that families receive the highest quality of care during one of the most important times in their lives.”

Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center was also designated as a “Maternity Care Access Hospital,” recognizing hospitals that provide quality care to expectant parents in areas that would otherwise be maternity care deserts.

Earlier this year, Advocate Health was recognized by U.S. News & World Report with eight “Top 50” rankings and 32 “High Performing” specialties at its hospitals

Authorities are investigating a tragic incident that occurred Friday, which is being treated as an apparent murder-suicide. The DeKalb County, Alabama Coroner confirmed that the event unfolded at a residence, involving a married couple, 76-year-old Kenneth Trowbridge and 69-year-old Vicky Patrick.

According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), emergency dispatch received a concerning call from a man residing in Mentone, who reported multiple fatalities at his home. As dispatchers coordinated a response, they remained on the line with the caller, who revealed that he had shot his wife and their two dogs, and expressed intentions to harm himself. Law enforcement officials responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered the bodies of Trowbridge, Patrick, and the dogs, all with apparent gunshot wounds. Following the initial investigation, DCSO reached out to the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics to assist with evidence collection.

Preliminary findings have led investigators to conclude that Kenneth Trowbridge fatally shot his wife before taking his own life.

In a statement, Sheriff Nick Welden expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies, including the Mentone Police Department, Valley Head Police Department, and others who assisted at the scene. “Please keep all families involved in your thoughts and prayers for the weeks and months to come,” Welden urged the community. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to gather more information and provide clarity surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

In a commendable display of courage and quick thinking, Game Warden Matt Tsiklistas and Georgia State Patrol Sgt. Ty Brooks were honored with the prestigious Acts of Heroism Award by Governor Brian Kemp for their life-saving actions during a fiery crash in Glynn County. On November 22, 2023, while on routine patrol, Tsiklistas and Brooks responded to an urgent call about a collision on Georgia 25.

Upon arrival, they found a pickup truck lodged beneath a dump truck, moments away from being engulfed in flames. As the truck erupted, flames shot from its front, creating a perilous scene. Without hesitation, Tsiklistas sprang into action, rescuing the injured driver from the smoke-filled cab, while Sgt. Brooks shielded them from the encroaching flames. Their situation escalated when the heat from the fire caused ammunition in the truck to begin detonating, adding a dangerous twist to the rescue operation. Despite the immediate threat to their own safety, the officers successfully maneuvered the driver away from the inferno just as Fire and EMS crews arrived on site to take over. “The quick response of both officers, and their disregard for personal safety, undoubtedly saved the life of the pickup driver and possibly others,” stated the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in a Facebook post praising their bravery.

Last week, Tsiklistas and Brooks were formally recognized at the Governor’s Public Safety Awards ceremony held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. In their honor, DNR officials expressed their pride, affirming, “Both officers are truly deserving of this award!”

This commendation not only highlights the officers’ heroism but also serves as a reminder of the critical role law enforcement and first responders play in ensuring the safety of the community.

A report of suspected fraud at United Community Bank revealed a case involving family issues and financial misconduct. On December 5, the bank called the Summerville Police Department about a fraudulent withdrawal connected to Marvin Dutton’s bank account, who died on October 22, 2024.  According to the report from the Summerville Police Department, a bank official said that one of Dutton’s children withdrew $2,244 from their deceased father’s account at the bank.  Social Security checks are supposed to be returned to the United States Treasury after the beneficiary passes away.  Dutton’s family member returned $1,000 of the funds to the bank, but then stopped communications.  Police told the bank that since a portion of the money was returned, the matter would need to be taken up in civil court.

What gift can you give to the person that loves being outdoors more than anything? We know! Gift them a hunting or fishing (or combo) license to help them enjoy the wild places they love, encourages the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

A youth license, a lifetime license or an annual hunting or fishing license are all great examples of how to give access to the great outdoors and provide support for Georgia wildlife and state-managed lands. While a lifetime license purchase includes a free durable license card, you can put any annual license on a beautiful “collector’s hard card” (a credit card sized durable license card) giving you the perfect stocking stuffer or wrap-able gift.

Youth License
The Youth Sportsman’s License for $15 makes a great gift for resident youth under age 16 and allows you to give them a gift valued at $70! This license provides both hunting and fishing privileges, and is good through age 17, giving them a full year sportsman’s license once they reach age 16 (when they are required to have a license).

Resident Lifetime Licenses
With a lifetime license, the Georgia resident hunter or angler on your gift list will never need to purchase another state hunting or fishing license…ever! From hunting trophy whitetails to casting for lunker largemouth, their cherished recreation in Georgia is covered. Depending upon their recreational activity, they may need additional no-cost licenses or a harvest record. Visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/LifetimeLicense for applications and more details.

Annual or Other Licenses
Can’t purchase a lifetime license? How about giving an annual or 2-year license to that hunter or angler? Even if they already have a current license, if you purchase a same-type license, it will “stack” onto their existing one.

Licenses are Gifts That Keep On Giving…
The Wildlife Resources Division uses hunting and fishing license sales to fulfill its wildlife mission. The sale of paid licenses is a key measure through which states receive federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding. Meaning more license sales potentially means more conservation funding. Uses of this funding in Georgia vary from operating public fishing areas to managing the state’s 1 million-strong deer herd.

Did we mention merch? There is now lots of great “Go Outdoors Georgia” merchandise available for your recreational enthusiast. From tumblers, to hats, to backpacks and coolers – add some items to your cart with your license purchase. Be sure to order early to get items in time for the holidays!

More information on licenses at GeorgiaWildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes, and you can purchase a youth, annual, or 2-year license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

Summerville Police responded to a call at Ingles Supermarket on Friday of last week, after an employee said a man had kissed and then licked her hand.  The complainant told a responding officer that she was cleaning the men’s bathroom when a man, identified to police as Jerry Luallen, came in and requested to wash his hands.  The employee told the man that it was fine to wash his hands, and when he finished he “turned and grabbed her hand, kissed it and then proceeded to lick between her fingers”, according to the police report.  Luallen had left the store by the time police arrived, but they later located him walking on the sidewalk along the Lyerly Highway (Highway 114).  Police informed Luallen that he was trespassed from Ingles and was not to return to the store.

Three businesses from Chattooga County have been honored in the “Best of Georgia” 2024 awards by the Georgia Business Journal. This award celebrates the best products and services in Georgia, determined by votes from loyal readers, combining popular choice with the editor’s selections.

This year, Chattooga County was highlighted with Honeybee Flowers Gifts and Sweets winning first place in the Florists Category.

The Great Awakening Coffee Company was awarded “Best of Georgia” in the Coffee Houses Category.

Goodson Fencing received the title in the Fencing Contractors category.

Congratulations to Honeybee Flowers Gifts and Sweets, The Great Awakening Coffee Company, and Goodson Fencing for their well-deserved “Best of Georgia” recognition!

A Cherokee County man died after a head-on crash Monday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Benjamin Davis, a 46-year-old from Gaylesville, was critically injured when the Hyundai Elantra he was operating hit head-on with a tractor-trailer. The crash happened around 12:50 p.m. on Alabama 35 near Cherokee County 782. Davis was taken to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia, but died from his injuries. Troopers with the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, December 10, 2024: