The Chattooga Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its upcoming Annual Membership Meeting, inviting all members to join for an engaging and informative session.

The complimentary meal will be provided for current members, while non-members are encouraged to attend for a nominal fee. As catering arrangements require precise planning, reservations are mandatory. Interested participants can secure their spot by clicking the reservation button on the Chamber’s website. The meeting’s agenda promises to be both enlightening and entertaining. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Chattooga Chamber Board of Directors, including the newly elected members of the Class of 2027. The gathering will feature the presentation of the Annual Report and an in-depth overview of the 2025 Strategic Plan, highlighting the Chamber’s goals and initiatives aimed at fostering community growth and support for local businesses.

In addition to the presentations, there will be a Q&A session, where members can voice their concerns and share ideas, making it a great platform for community involvement. Participants will also have the chance to win exciting door prizes, adding an element of fun to the evening’s proceedings. Networking opportunities will abound as members connect with one another, sharing insights and building relationships that strengthen the Chattooga business community.

The Chattooga Chamber looks forward to welcoming its members to this pivotal event, where collaboration and connection will lay the groundwork for the future.

Chattooga’s star running back Zayden Cook has committed to play football at Wofford College.

Cook has made a name for himself with record-breaking performances for Chattooga High School and will join a program coached by Senorise Perry, a Chattooga alumnus and former NFL running back. This connection highlights the legacy of Chattooga as Cook brings his talent to Wofford’s football team.

Wofford College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1854. It competes in NCAA Division I within the Southern Conference, with school colors of old gold and black, and the mascot being a Terrier. The college has a strong graduation success rate for its teams and hosts the Carolina Panthers for their summer training camp. Additionally, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas is held at Wofford’s Gibbs Stadium.

The Chattooga Indians witnessed the end of their impressive nine-game winning streak on Friday night, suffering a defeat against the Christian Heritage Lions. The final score read 80-34, marking the Indians’ lowest-scoring game of the season. The loss halted Chattooga’s momentum, bringing their overall record to 16 wins and 4 losses, including a notable five-game streak of away victories that has now come to an end. On the other side of the court, Christian Heritage celebrated their 13th consecutive home victory, further solidifying their robust performance this season and elevating their record to an impressive 16-1. Despite the setback, the Indians remain optimistic as they prepare for their upcoming matchups. Chattooga, currently ranked 259th in the MaxPreps Georgia Rankings, is set to face Gordon Lee, ranked 529th, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Walker County Board of Education has announced the resignation of Mr. Stacey Meeks from the Post 4 School Board seat. Mr. Meeks, who was elected in November, has announced that he will be relocating to another area of the county and will thus be unable to fulfill his duties.

In accordance with state law, the Board is required to appoint a replacement within 45 days of the resignation. To facilitate this process, the Board has outlined a clear procedure for interested candidates. Individuals seeking to fill the vacant seat are encouraged to reach out to the central office and provide their primary residence address. Ms. Janet Cobb, the Administrative Assistant, will then verify residency with the local Elections Office to confirm eligibility. Once residency is verified, interested candidates will either receive a thank you for their interest if they do not reside in the district or an invitation for an interview, based on a developed schedule.

The Superintendent will oversee the interview process, which will include a detailed agenda, a list of board-developed questions, and a rubric for scoring candidates. Following the interviews, the Board will select a candidate to fill the position temporarily until the next general election, when a new member will be elected to serve the remainder of Mr. Meeks’ term. The deadline for expressing interest in the vacant Post 4 seat is Friday, January 31, 2025.

The Board encourages community members who are passionate about education and serving their community to consider this opportunity. For more information on the application process, interested individuals may contact the Walker County Central Office. Thank you for your continued support of Walker County Schools.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Georgia through testing of a hunter-harvested deer in Lanier County.

The positive sample was taken from a two-and-a-half-year-old male white-tailed deer. Following this discovery, the DNR implemented the CWD Response Plan and is collecting more samples from the area. Walter Rabon, the Commissioner of the DNR, assured hunters that deer hunting will still be supported in Georgia while managing CWD effectively.

The DNR has established a CWD Management Area that includes Lanier County and Berrien County, covering a 5-mile radius around the positive sample’s location. The next step is to determine how widespread CWD is in this area by working with landowners to conduct cluster sampling.

CWD is a fatal disease affecting deer, elk, and moose, caused by infectious prions, and it was first reported in 1967 in Colorado. CWD has been detected in 36 states and three Canadian provinces. While there is no evidence that CWD can transmit to humans, the CDC advises hunters in CWD areas to test their game and not consume meat from infected animals.

To help prevent the spread of CWD, it is important not to move live deer, properly dispose of carcasses, and report sick deer to the DNR. The Georgia DNR will keep the public updated with more information about CWD. For further details, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/CWD.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has made significant strides in the ongoing investigation tied to remains discovered at the Johnson Funeral Home in Ben Hill County, Georgia. Authorities recently announced that all remains connected to the case have been identified, although the investigation remains active as officials continue to uncover the full extent of the situation. This investigation gained traction following the December 8, 2024, arrest of James A. Sirmans, 52, from Fitzgerald.

Sirmans faces serious charges, including two counts of Insurance Fraud and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Insurance Fraud. These charges arose from an inquiry initiated in 2023, centered around Sirmans’ alleged attempt to manipulate a death certificate in 2022 to unlawfully secure additional life insurance proceeds. In conjunction with this case, Chris Johnson, the owner of the Johnson Funeral Home, has also been charged with multiple offenses, including Theft by Deception, Forgery, and submitting fraudulent vital records. He faces a total of seven charges related to the ongoing investigation and remains in custody at the Coffee County Jail.

The GBI has additionally charged Johnson with Theft by Taking and six counts of Violation of Vital Records Registration, further complicating the case. Sirmans was arrested without incident with the help of the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and has since been released on bond. Meanwhile, the GBI has confirmed that they have identified four of the 18 remains discovered at the funeral home on October 26, 2024. Families of the identified remains have been notified and provided with the necessary information to finalize arrangements for their loved ones. Out of respect for the families’ privacy, the GBI has not disclosed their identities. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to identify the remaining two sets of remains. The GBI Crime Lab is currently assessing cremains that have been submitted to determine if they are human.

Further efforts are underway to verify cremation records and ensure that remains were properly returned to the correct families, in addition to investigating any discrepancies in insurance payouts related to the case.

The GBI and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, led by John F. King, are committed to uncovering the truth behind these distressing events and ensuring justice for the affected families.

This past Friday, Cherokee County, Alabama District Attorney Summer Summerford announced that Eric Kyle Hooper was found guilty of murder by a Cherokee County jury for the 2022 death of Lachancey Williams.

The body of Williams was discovered on March 15, 2022, in a toolbox during road work in Polk County, Georgia, and was identified as having two shotgun wounds.

The investigation, conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and local police, revealed that the crime occurred in Cherokee County, Alabama. A crucial piece of evidence was a fingerprint found on the duct tape around the body, which matched Hooper’s prints, leading to his arrest.

The trial included jury selection starting on January 13, 2025, and concluded with closing arguments on January 22, 2025. The jury delivered a guilty verdict on January 23, 2025. Hooper faces a sentencing hearing in February, with a possible sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison. His conviction marks a significant moment for Cherokee County, now free of pending murder cases for the first time in years.

On January 18th, the 2024-25 Wrestling Duals State Championship crowned Social Circle the state champion in the Class A bracket. Wrestling is one of the only sports that does not have a split Class A and the Redskins are a Class A Div. I school. Runner-up Toombs County is also in Class A Div. I and finished runner-up to Social Circle. Trion fell to Social Circle in the winner’s bracket and then dropped a 51-27 loss to Bremen in the consolation finals to finish fourth place. As a result, Trion was the furthest advancing Class A Div. II-based school in this year’s Class A wrestling duals and will get another chance to make a run when the traditional meet rolls out next month.

The Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office has released details surrounding a tragic five-vehicle crash that resulted in a fatality Friday evening near Belmont Baptist Church on Lyerly Highway.

The accident occurred on January 24, 2025, at approximately 6:50 PM, prompting an immediate response from Troopers to the scene on Georgia Highway 114 near Bargain Lane. According to the preliminary investigation, the incident began when a red Chevrolet S-10 truck broke down in both southbound lanes of Georgia Highway 114. A grey Nissan Sentra, traveling south in the left lane, noticed the disabled vehicle and came to a halt to avoid a collision. However, the situation escalated when a silver Toyota Corolla, which was closely following the Nissan, failed to stop in time and struck the rear of the Sentra.

After the collision, the driver of the Toyota exited the vehicle and engaged with witnesses at the rear of the car. As witnesses attempted to signal an approaching blue Jeep Compass in the left lane to slow down using flashlights, the driver of the Jeep was unable to avoid the scene. The Jeep collided with the Toyota and its driver, who was standing outside the vehicle. The impact sent the Toyota spinning into the northbound lanes, where it then struck a red Chevrolet Silverado. Tragically, the driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene due to their injuries. Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney identified the deceased victim as 28-year-old Travis Bailey of Summerville.

During a search of the Jeep, law enforcement officials discovered drug paraphernalia and several prescription medications, leading to the determination that the driver of the Jeep was impaired. The driver consented to a blood draw to test for impairment. The name of the driver of the Jeep who was charged with DUI has not yet been released.

The Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) has arrived on the scene and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this devastating crash. The driver of the Jeep is expected to face charges of DUI and Following Too Closely.

A twenty-eight year old Summerville man lost his life in an accident on Friday night.  The accident happened on Highway 114 (the Lyerly Highway) in the area between Belmont Baptist Church and Ellenburg Subdivision. According to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney, Travis Bailey was the fatality in the accident. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says that there were a total of five vehicles involved in the accident.  Highway 114 and Norton Road were closed to traffic for a period of time while first responders and law enforcement worked the accident. Details are still under investigation.  WZQZ will have more information as it becomes available.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says Northwest Georgia will see temperatures gradually rising to approach normal levels for January. A few light showers and drizzles are forecasted to enter the area. A weak weather pattern will lead to mild temperatures, with highs moving from the mid-40s to the low 50s to near 60 by Sunday. Due to dry air, nighttime lows will stay below freezing.

Beginning this weekend, moisture will increase, raising dewpoints, especially in Northwest Georgia, where light rain showers might occur. The chances of wintry weather remain low, with temperatures mostly staying above freezing except in mountain peaks. There’s uncertainty about when these chances might begin after Sunday afternoon.

From Sunday night through Friday, cooler rain is anticipated, especially on Sunday and Monday, with some snow mix likely in some of Georgia’s higher elevations, though no significant accumulation is expected. Temperatures will remain in the 40s on Monday, with rain totals below half an inch.

Midweek temperatures may rise into the 60s in Northwest Georgia, influenced by a warm subtropical air mass. Rain chances will increase on Wednesday, but the extent of actual rainfall remains uncertain.

Overall, temperatures will gradually warm from Monday through Wednesday, with highs initially in the 50s, then reaching the 60s and possibly even some 70s. A front moving through on Wednesday will not bring an Arctic air mass, ensuring seasonable conditions.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, January 25, 2025:

UPDATE:

A five-vehicle accident with injuries and on fatality happened on Friday night on Highway 114, the Lyerly Highway.  Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader notified local media shortly after 7 PM about the accident.  Highway 114 was closed at Ellenburg Subdivision along with Norton Road headed east for a period of time while law enforcement and emergency responders worked the accident.  WZQZ will have more information about the accident as it becomes available from law enforcement. The name of the fatality victim was not immediately released by law enforcement pending notification of family.

Photo Credit: Berry College

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Ruby Bridges, a civil rights icon, spoke to nearly 2,000 people at Berry College, highlighting her experience as one of the first Black students to integrate an all-white elementary school in the U. S.

The event, led by Berry student Sydney Layne, allowed Bridges to share her childhood memories, including taking a test to secure her spot in an integrated school. She recalled the excitement of taking a streetcar for the first time, emphasizing her innocent perspective during that challenging time. Only six children passed the test, but five withdrew, leaving Bridges to face the first day alone.

Describing her arrival at the school, she remembered seeing U. S. marshals who escorted her through a crowd of angry protesters. Despite the chaos, she perceived it as a festive event, showing her young innocence. Bridges remarked, “Racism really is a grown-up disease,” stressing that children come into the world with pure hearts. Now a civil rights activist, she has created the Ruby Bridges Foundation and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in March 2024.

The Berry College event, part of a lecture series, coincided with the 60th anniversary of the college’s integration, promoting the fight for equality and community support.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton reminds residents that Georgia law requires returns for all real estate and personal property, submitted to the Assessor’s Office at the courthouse annex in Summerville. Property changes must be reported by April 1, 2025.

Landowners using property for agriculture can apply for exemptions from January 1 to April 1. Homestead exemption applications can be made during the year of becoming the primary residence or by April 1 of the following year.

Different homestead exemptions are available for property owners, including Regular Homestead, Double Homestead for those aged 65, Floating Homestead for those aged 62, and others for disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Income requirements apply to some exemptions.

All applications must be submitted to the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office between January 1 and April 1, and signing an affidavit is required.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp presented his budget proposal to the Georgia General Assembly, highlighting the need for relief following Hurricane Helene’s devastation. He emphasized that this budget aims to support farmers and small businesses, provide relief from high living costs, and strengthen infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public safety without increasing government size.

A key focus is on assisting those affected by the hurricane, with a request for over $614 million in hurricane relief funding, including allocations for transportation, agriculture, property insurance, and emergency funds. Kemp praised Georgia’s fiscal management that has kept the state AAA-rated and known as a top business environment, which allows for tax cuts and return of taxpayer money.

Since 2021, Kemp’s actions have given back $7. 6 billion to taxpayers, and he proposed further tax savings of $7. 5 billion over the next decade. He plans nearly $2. 2 billion in investments for water, transportation, and local economic projects, alongside essential funding for education, which includes approximately $1 billion for all education levels.

Healthcare is another priority, with $150 million proposed to increase the number of physicians and support new medical technologies. Additionally, Kemp emphasizes investments in public safety, including increased funding for corrections and human trafficking prosecution treatments.

Kemp thanked the General Assembly for past support and seeks continued backing to maintain conservative fiscal practices, propose a $500 million investment in the Employees’ Retirement System, and fully fund state capital needs without incurring new debt. He closed by expressing gratitude and optimism for the future of Georgia.

Georgia Highlands College (GHC) will host Preview Days this spring semester, with free community events on Saturday, February 8, at the Floyd/Rome site and on Saturday, March 1, at the Cartersville Campus.  

The Floyd/Rome site is located at 3175 Cedartown Hwy, Rome, GA 30161 and the Cartersville site is located at 5441 GA-20, Cartersville.

Starting at 10AM and lasting until 2PM, attendees will learn about the student experience directly from GHC students, explore programs of study, will have the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors and apply for enrollment, hear from Financial Aid, enjoy a free lunch and more.

For example, attendees will be able to explore real-life programs such as Environmental Science, view demonstrations with nursing simulation mannequins, tour a film and podcast studio and experience virtual reality.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the campus, apply on the spot for free, explore a resource fair and attend an extra session on Financial Aid.

“I had a fantastic time. The campus and staff were amazing,” said one of last year’s Preview Days attendees. “It helped me feel more confident in my choice to go back to school.”

Another stated, “Everything was well organized and easy to navigate from start to finish.”

Register today at events.highlands.edu. Connect with an admissions counselor at go.highlands.edu or enroll today at apply.highlands.edu

Area fire departments responded to a residential structure fire on Mahan Road in Summerville on Friday.  Reports indicate that the mobile home and an adjacent camper were fully involved when firefighters arrived.  The Summerville Fire Department, along with Trion Fire Department and Hays Correctional Fire Department were able extinguish the flames upon arrival.  Both structures sustained substantial fire and smoke damage.  One person was transported by Atrium Health Floyd EMS for evaluation due to smoke inhalation.  Traffic was routed around the area due to a downed power line due to the fire.  There was no immediate word as to the cause of the fire.

The Walker County Board of Education has announced that it will not opt out of House Bill 581, the floating homestead property tax exemption, despite the concerns raised by neighboring school districts. This announcement comes in the wake of the Chattooga County Board of Education, Trion City Schools Board of Education, and the Floyd County Board of Education all expressing their intentions to opt out of the legislation.

In a statement released on Friday, the Walker County Board of Education emphasized its commitment to fiscal responsibility toward taxpayers, students, and the community. The Board noted that House Bill 581 was overwhelmingly supported by 71% of Walker County voters in the November election and highlighted that the exemption could influence the district’s property tax revenue, potentially affecting the local five mill share and future state funding.

The Board’s statement outlined the complexities involved with the preliminary calculations regarding the bill’s impact on school funding, revealing that these calculations did not account for new construction or future home sales that could adjust the fair market value for new buyers. While acknowledging that the bill would not halt growth in the tax digest, it would instead place a cap on that growth. Over the past five years, the Walker County School District has prioritized maintaining a balance between meeting the educational needs of its students and keeping local taxes manageable.

The district has successfully lowered or maintained its millage rate during this period, decreasing it from 17.404 mills in 2019 to 14.982 mills in 2024. “By balancing fiscal responsibility with a strong commitment to education quality, we strive to effectively serve the academic needs of our students, ensuring that they graduate ready for college, ready for work, and ready for life,” the statement concluded.

State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) recently confirmed his leadership role within the Georgia House of Representatives following the completion of the House Committee on Assignments. Last week, the committee announced the new committee assignments for each representative, and Lumsden has been reappointed as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. As Chairman, Lumsden will oversee legislation concerning all facets of insurance and the insurance industry, a critical responsibility that impacts countless Georgians. In addition to his chairmanship, Lumsden has also been appointed to serve on several other key committees, including Public Safety and Homeland Security, Appropriations, Rules, Governmental Affairs, and Veterans Affairs, for the next two years. A retired Georgia State Trooper, Lumsden brings extensive public safety experience to his legislative role. Together with his wife, he operates an insurance agency in Armuchee, providing him with a unique perspective on the issues facing the industry. For more information about the various committees and their functions, you can visit the House’s public website here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/house.