Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, December 2, 2024:

The prices of new vehicles can shock many buyers, and a report shows that Georgia has the highest hidden costs for owning a car. According to Bankrate, drivers in Georgia pay an average of $8,249 a year for expenses like car insurance, taxes, fuel, and maintenance. Georgia has high average vehicle taxes, insurance costs, and maintenance fees. Although gas prices are relatively low, long commutes and limited public transport mean Georgians spend more on fuel, averaging over 17,500 miles driven per year, which is above the national average.

Many consumers focus on loan or lease payments but may not consider other expenses, such as insurance and fuel. Bankrate found that Georgia drivers’ hidden costs are nearly double those in New Hampshire, the state with the lowest hidden costs at $4,299. The national average for the hidden costs of car ownership is $6,684.

In Georgia, the average insurance premium for full coverage is $2,562, exceeding the national average. Although full coverage is optional, many drivers choose less coverage and still pay more for minimum coverage than the U. S. average. Bankrate advises drivers to explore insurance quotes and choose fuel-efficient cars to manage costs better.

Dry and cooler-than-average weather will continue from Monday night through Tuesday night due to cold air following a dry cold front. Temperatures will be 10-15 degrees below average, with “real feel” temperatures in the teens to mid-20s at night and early morning.

A slight warmup is expected on Wednesday as Georgia prepares for another shortwave trough and front on Thursday. Wednesday’s highs will be in the 50s, and overnight lows will be in the 30s to lower 40s. Moisture advection ahead of the front may cause isolated rain showers on Thursday morning into the afternoon, with temperatures in north Georgia around freezing to the mid-30s.

Another cold air push will arrive Thursday night into Friday. Friday will be cold and mostly dry. A weak shortwave trough may bring light rain or freezing rain on Saturday, but rainfall amounts are expected to be minimal.

The City of Summerville will hold the 2024 Christmas Parade on Monday, December 2, at 7:00 p. m. , with the theme “The Magic Of Christmas. ” The parade will start at the junction of Hwy. 27 and Hwy 114 and end at Hwy. 27 at Hurley Crossing.

Ms. Mildred Cordle, a long-time resident of Chattooga County, will be the 2024 Parade Grand Marshal. She is known for her apple pies and her successful Cordle Apple Orchard, which she ran with her late husband. A deeply religious person, Ms. Cordle has devoted her life to helping others through various church and community activities, including youth ministry and working with the Menlo Lions Club to provide eyeglasses and personal care packages to those in need.

Santa will light the Courthouse Christmas Tree during the parade, bringing joy to the spectators. This year, a Christmas Parade Vendor Market will be held on East Washington Street from 6:00 to 9:00 p. m. , featuring food and craft vendors. An entry fee of $25. 00 is required for parade participation, and registration will close on December 2. For more details and registration assistance, contact the Summerville Recreation Department.

The Trion Bulldogs’ spirited journey in the GHSA Class A, Division II playoffs came to a close last Friday night as they faced off against the Irwin County Indians in the quarterfinals. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulldogs fell short, losing the game 40-30 in a contest that showcased both teams’ talent and determination.

The Bulldogs wrapped up their season with a commendable 10-3 record. Their impressive regular-season record of 8-2 stands out, especially considering they navigated one of the toughest schedules in their classification. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, highlighted by two decisive road playoff victories against last year’s semifinalist teams. As the season concludes, the Trion Bulldogs express deep gratitude for their senior players, whose dedication has been instrumental in the program’s success.

This year’s Trion Senior Bulldogs have left an indelible mark, boasting a remarkable overall record of 40-9 during their tenure. They are celebrated as the winningest senior class in the program’s history, achieving four playoff appearances and five playoff victories throughout their time with the Bulldogs. The seniors not only led their team to a perfect 10-0 regular season, earning a coveted region title, but they also contributed to a stellar 24-4 overall record at Sam R. McCain Stadium. Their hard work and commitment have set a high standard for future Bulldogs.

As the Trion Bulldogs reflect on a season filled with pride and achievement, they look forward to the future, carrying with them the lessons learned and the memories made. Fans and supporters eagerly await the next chapter in the Bulldogs’ storied football history

It was all perfect scores for the latest round of health inspections from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the last half of November 2024.

The Georgia State Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands has unanimously approved 11 recommendations aimed at curbing the rapid loss of prime farmland to urban development.

With approximately 2.6 million acres of farmland vanishing over the past five decades, the committee’s proposals seek to bolster the struggling farming community and encourage a new generation of farmers. The committee highlighted a concerning trend: there are currently more farmers over the age of 65 than those under that age, contributing to a critical shortage of new farmers entering the industry. High costs associated with modern farming and intensified competition have further discouraged young individuals from pursuing agriculture as a viable career option. To address these pressing issues, the committee has recommended the continuation of state income tax breaks for farmers and an increase in the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, currently capped at $2 million.

They also proposed expanding an existing program that allows farmers to benefit from lower property taxes by committing to not develop their land, as well as doubling the maximum acreage eligible for conservation. Additional recommendations put forth by the committee include raising weight limits for trucks transporting agricultural products and making adjustments to the Gratuities Clause specifically for farmers. Moreover, the committee plans to explore the potential impact of solar farms on agricultural land.

These proposals will be presented to the full Senate in January 2024, as lawmakers strive to create a supportive environment for Georgia’s vital agriculture industry.

In a year marked by significant changes for educators, teachers in Georgia received a pay raise earlier this year, yet they continue to fall short of the national average salary for teachers. The most recent data reveals a concerning disparity, particularly for educators in the Walker County School System, the Chattooga County School System and the Trion City School System, where salaries remain below the state and national benchmarks.

According to a report released by the National Education Association last month, the national average teacher salary stands at $69,544. In comparison, Georgia’s average teacher salary is reported at $64,461, highlighting a gap that persists despite recent increases in pay. The figures are even more striking at the local level. In Chattooga County, the average annual salary for teachers is just $42,236, translating to approximately $20.31 per hour. Meanwhile, teachers in the Trion City School System fare slightly better, with an average salary of $44,403 per year, or around $21.35 per hour.  However, in neighboring Walker County, the average teacher salary is even less, at $39,475 but in Floyd County the number is quite a bit higher with the average teacher’s salary being $54,712.

These numbers raise important questions about the implications for teacher retention and recruitment. As the cost of living continues to rise, the challenge of maintaining competitive salaries for teachers becomes increasingly critical.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, December 1, 2024:

Morris Jewelers, a beloved fixture in downtown Summerville, is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the month of December, and the community is invited to join in the festivities. In honor of this milestone, Morris Jewelers will be hosting a special giveaway, offering a $500 gift certificate to one lucky customer on December 20th, with no purchase necessary.
Customers can stop by the store to explore a stunning selection of watches, rings, earrings, and pendants, all while enjoying exclusive discounts of 20% to 50% off select items for the holiday season. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the ideal time to find that special gift for loved ones—or even a treat for oneself.

JV Morris, along with his wife Betty and son Vic, invite everyone to stop by and find out about their great selection and “service as good as gold” since 1974.

So, whether you’re on Santa’s nice list or just looking for something shiny, be sure to visit Morris Jewelers this December. It’s not just a celebration of our past—it’s a celebration of the community that has supported us for half a century. Don’t miss out on the fun, and who knows, you might just walk away with that $500 gift certificate! For more information, visit Morris Jewelers in downtown Summerville or check out their social media pages for updates

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has asked Georgia’s 51 government agencies to exercise continued fiscal restraint while creating their budgets for the amended fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026. Despite the state’s general fund surplus reaching a record $16. 5 billion last month, most agencies have followed his guidance. Out of the agencies, 45, excluding state courts, kept their budgets flat, meaning no extraordinary requests were made. Thirty-one agencies maintained their budgets for the amended fiscal year 2025, and 24 did so for fiscal year 2026.

Georgia is currently working on the governor’s overall budget, which reflects state needs and Kemp’s priorities. Tony West, director of Americans for Prosperity, described the budget requests as restrained and conservative, helping agencies use taxpayer dollars more efficiently. Additionally, this allows the governor and the Legislature to direct funding where it is most needed, potentially lowering tax rates.

The proposed budget requests by state agencies total $35. 9 billion for fiscal year 2026, a decrease from the $36. 5 billion requested for the amended fiscal year 2025. The Department of Education expects a budget cut of $466 million, partly due to declining student enrollment. Requests related to school safety have increased following a recent school shooting. Other departments, like Medicaid and Transportation, have requested funding increases for future budgets.

The state budget is crucial, as it is mandated by law to be passed each year, with education and health care being the largest expenditure areas. The General Assembly will begin reviewing the budgets in mid-January.

Georgia is witnessing a robust military presence, with significant facilities such as Fort Moore, Fort Gillem Enclave, and Augusta’s Cyber Command Center playing pivotal roles in national defense. Recent developments include the U.S. Navy’s transition from the aging Ohio-class submarines to the state-of-the-art Columbia-class subs at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, ensuring that American naval capabilities remain at the forefront of modern warfare. Meanwhile, Moody Air Force Base is preparing for a significant upgrade, as it plans to replace its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft with the advanced F-35 fighters, enhancing its operational efficiency.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff says he wants to continue that legacy of advocacy, actively engaging with soldiers and military families to address pressing issues affecting service members. During his recent engagements, Senator Ossoff has tackled critical concerns, including the improper fitting of body armor for women soldiers and the poor housing conditions many military families face. His advocacy has prompted investigations and subsequent improvements in these areas, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Georgia’s service members.

Ossoff emphasizes that the well-being of military personnel is vital for national security, asserting that underpaid and inadequately housed service members struggle to remain effective, making recruitment and retention a significant concern. To address these challenges, the senator is pledging support for bipartisan legislation aimed at improving veterans’ benefits, such as simplifying access to home loans and aiding servicemembers in their transition to civilian life.

Ossoff will be facing re-election in 2026.

The City of Summerville is set to light up the holiday season with its much-anticipated annual Christmas Parade, taking place tomorrow evening at 7 PM. Residents and visitors alike are invited to gather in downtown Summerville for an evening filled with festive cheer and holiday spirit. The parade will kick off at the intersection of Highway 114 (Lyerly Highway) and Highway 27 (Commerce Street), winding its way through the heart of downtown. Spectators can look forward to a delightful procession that will pass by the historic courthouse before concluding at Hurley Crossing near Zaxby’s.

This year, attendees will be treated to a new addition: the Christmas Parade Vendor Market on East Washington Street. Open from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, the market will feature a diverse array of food and craft vendors, offering a perfect opportunity for holiday shopping and enjoying seasonal treats. To accommodate this exciting new feature, the eastbound lane of East Washington Street will close to parking and traffic from U.S. Hwy 27 Commerce Street to Economy Street starting at 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM on December 2. The City encourages everyone to explore the vibrant downtown area, where local businesses and restaurants will be ready to welcome patrons. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, savor delicious meals, and soak in the festive atmosphere before or after enjoying the parade.

With floats, music, and holiday cheer, the Christmas Parade promises to be a memorable event for families and friends. Don’t miss out on the magic of the season—join the community in celebrating this cherished tradition in Summerville!

This past week, Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry announced that the last grant funds were used to upgrade and refurbish the floors at the Chattooga County Animal Control Building, located off Red Oak Road in Summerville.  The grant totaled $30,000 and was through the Atlanta Humane Society and the Rachael Ray Capital Improvements Program.

The Rachael Ray Capital Improvements Program is funded by a portion of proceeds from each sale of celebrity chef Rachael Ray’s pet food, Nutrish®, through the Rachael Ray Foundation. The Foundation was launched by Rachael in 2016 to better support the causes she cares for most such as helping animals in need.

Back in July Chattooga County applied for the funds and was awarded the grant in October.  The first of the funds were used to add air conditioning to portions of the shelter and the latest funds were used for a complete restoration of all the the kennel floors of both buildings, inside and out, with new epoxy coating and sealant.

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Walker County’s 228 first responders will have PTSD insurance starting January 1, thanks to a new state law, House Bill 451. Earlier this month,  Walker County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to comply with this law through their current partnership with ACCG, which helps counties with insurance. Under HB 451, first responders diagnosed with PTSD can receive a $3,000 lump sum and up to 60% of their pay for 36 months, while volunteer responders can get $1,500 monthly. Certain conditions apply for receiving these benefits, which can date back to July 1, 2024. The annual cost for the county will be over $34,000, with arrangements made with MetLife for insurance coverage.

The 2024 holiday season is looking good for retailers, as indicated by Gallup’s surveys on U. S. consumers’ gift-buying plans. Consumers estimate they will spend an average of $1,012 on Christmas and other gifts, which is up from $975 last year.

The poll shows nearly equal numbers of consumers planning to spend more or less compared to the previous year. Typically, spending estimates decline as the holiday approaches, but this year they have remained steady since October.

Unlike last year, the increase in spending is consistent with a general upward trend since 1999, following difficult inflation years. Holiday sales usually grow by about 4% each year, and this year they may rise closer to 5% due to improved consumer sentiment and stable inflation rates. High-income groups and parents are expected to spend the most, while Christians plan to spend significantly more than non-Christians. Overall, Americans are less cautious about their holiday spending this year.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, November 30, 2024:

Updated 

Trion’s season came to an end on Friday evening as they hosted Irwin County at Sam R. McCain Stadium. Final score was 40-30 in the Class A Division II quarterfinals. The Bulldogs fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to a 40-30 defeat, concluding their season with a record of 10-3.

The game turned in the second half as the visiting Irwin County Indians, now boasting an impressive record of 12-1, unleashed a powerful ground game that overwhelmed Trion’s defense. Despite the Bulldogs’ focused efforts on containing Shane Marshall, a standout rusher committed to Minnesota and a force with 1,600 rushing yards and nearly 20 touchdowns this season, it was Irwin’s fullback Jason Jackson who stole the show. Jackson’s remarkable performance included three long touchdown runs of 24, 60, and 76 yards, propelling the Indians to a commanding 21-10 lead by halftime.

The Bulldogs managed to tie the game early on with a 3-yard touchdown run from Logan Stokes, but the momentum quickly shifted as Irwin County surged ahead. After halftime, the relentless Irwin County offense continued to wear down Trion’s defense. Marshall contributed with impactful touchdown runs of 65 and 2 yards, further extending the Indians’ lead and leaving the Bulldogs scrambling to respond. Despite the scoreboard, Trion showcased their resilience. Stokes added another touchdown run, and Christian Henderson found the end zone as well. In a poignant moment marking the end of his high school career, Kade Smith connected on a touchdown pass to Ethan Willingham, bringing a spark of hope to the Trion faithful.

As the final whistle blew, it was clear that while the Bulldogs fell short, their determination and teamwork defined their season.

As the weekend ends and next week begins, residents should prepare for a big drop in temperatures. A strong wave of freezing air will hit the area, bringing some of the coldest weather so far this season. Meteorologists are monitoring a weather pattern from Canada that will last into midweek. On Monday, highs are expected between the low 40s and low 50s, but the northeast portion of Georgia may only reach the mid-30s. The coldest temperatures will be on Tuesday morning with lows around 20 degrees in Northwest Georgia. Some areas in the northeast portion of the state could see temperatures in the teens. There is a small chance of flurries in mountainous regions, and as the week goes on, colder air will move east, leading to possible rain by Wednesday and Thursday. By midweek, temperatures may rise to the mid to upper 30s, mostly leading to rain, but some areas in north Georgia might see a wintry mix overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Meteorologists advise residents to watch for updates as weather patterns may change with a frontal system expected by next weekend. Stay warm be prepared for cold weather.