Trey Skelton has been appointed to the Northwest Georgia Region 1 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, as confirmed by county records. The appointment, made by Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, will see Skelton serving a term that begins on July 1 and extends through June 2028. Skelton takes over the position from long-serving EMS Director Herbert Dodd, marking a new chapter in the council’s leadership. With an extensive background in emergency services, Skelton brings invaluable experience to the advisory council. He currently serves as Summerville’s first-ever full-time fire chief and is recognized as the first Chattooga resident to achieve certification as an arson investigator through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, a program established in 1995. A graduate of Trion High School, Skelton furthered his education by earning a degree in criminal justice from Jacksonville State University. His diverse qualifications and commitment to public safety are expected to contribute significantly to the council’s mission of enhancing emergency medical services in the region. As Skelton steps into this vital role, the community looks forward to his leadership and vision for improving EMS operations in Northwest Georgia.

High school and middle school students can explore health care careers this summer at Georgia Highlands College (GHC) in Rome. GHC, in partnership with Atrium Health Floyd and the Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center, is hosting two summer camps that offer hands-on experiences. The Health Care Discovery Camp, for students entering grades 5 through 8, runs from June 11-13, daily from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. This camp includes interactive activities led by health care professionals and covers topics like nursing and emergency care. Last year’s participants learned about the decontamination process through a fun activity. The Health Care Exploration Camp, for students entering grades 9 through 12, is from June 23-26, also from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. This camp focuses on medical careers and features a Body Interact Virtual Patient Simulator for engaging learning. Registration for the camps is $99 for the Discovery Camp and $149 for the Exploration Camp if signed up by April 5. Interested students can register online [HERE). Families should register quickly as spaces are limited.

The Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition is hosting its First Annual Health Fair on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center. This event will allow community members to take charge of their health and connect with over 30 local vendors offering important health services and information.

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Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) is hosting an in-house job fair on February 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mack Gaston Community Center, located at 218 N. Fredrick St., Dalton, Ga. 30721. This event will provide job seekers with the opportunity to explore career paths, meet with recruiters, and interview for various positions.

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The Georgia House has unanimously passed House Bill 105, a bipartisan initiative aimed at increasing financial compensation for the families of public school personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty. State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) emphasized its alignment with one of Governor Kemp’s key priorities. The legislation raises the indemnification amount for teachers from $75,000 to $150,000, placing it on par with compensation provided to public safety officers who are killed in action. This change reflects a recognition of the critical roles that educators play in society and aims to provide some financial relief to families during an incredibly challenging time. Under the new provisions, the compensation will be distributed either as a lump sum or in equal installments over five years, ensuring that immediate family members of the deceased educators receive the support they need. However, the bill stipulates that only immediate family—such as spouses and children—will be eligible to receive these funds. In cases where no immediate family exists, the indemnity will not be paid. “This bill is a testament to our commitment to the families of those who dedicate their lives to educating our children,” Rep. Lumsden stated. “While we understand that no monetary amount can replace a loved one, increasing the financial support for these families sends a strong message of gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices.” The passage of House Bill 105 marks a crucial step in providing better financial security for the families of fallen educators, ensuring that their valuable contributions are honored and remembered as they navigate the aftermath of such devastating losses.

Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office Investigators were alerted to a stolen vehicle with a switched tag located at a property on County Road 66 earlier this week.  County Road 66 is located in the Cloudland Community on Lookout Mountain, just across the Chattooga County / Georgia State line.

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Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas is reminding residents of the importance of properly disposing of worn American flags as part of their commitment to patriotism and respect for the nation’s symbol. Many homeowners who proudly display the flag may find themselves with old, tattered versions that need to be retired, and the mayor is pleased to announce a simple solution for this issue. Thanks to the efforts of Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton and Herb Skelton, residents now have an easy and respectful way to dispose of their flags. The duo successfully applied for and received a $5,000 grant from the Menlo Tilloston Foundation to establish two American flag drop boxes in the community.

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Walker Rocks is sponsoring the Cove Trail Race, taking place on March 15, 2025, in McLemore Cove, GA. This exciting race will showcase beautiful landscapes, including notable spots like Rock Town and Estelle Mines. McLemore Cove is located between Lookout Mountain and Pigeon Mountain, a 15-mile valley that is a short drive from Chattanooga, TN, and Fort Payne, AL, about an hour from Dalton, GA. The area is known for its remarkable geological features and serves as a unique link between different parts of the Appalachian Mountains.

The Cove Trail Race features three challenging distances: a 10K, a 30K, and a 50K, all starting at Mountain Cove Farms. Runners will ascend Pigeon Mountain, known for its stunning views. The 30K and 50K courses will pass through Rocktown, and the 50K includes the Estelle Mines Trail, with historic railroad tunnels and scenic sights like Pocket Falls and the High Point Overlook. The race includes varying elevations, with a 10K gain of 650 feet, a 30K gain of 2,500 feet, and a 50K gain of 5,000 feet. The 50K must be completed in 10 hours, with start times at 7 AM for the 50K, 8 AM for the 30K, and 9 AM for the 10K.

Participants need a day-use pass for the race day, available for $5, though there is no parking fee. For more details and registration, runners can visit Walker Rocks’ website HERE

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, February 21, 2025:

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Temperatures in our are in the teens this morning as high pressure builds in from the Northwest, creating a dry and chilly start to the day. Residents can expect cold conditions to persist through the end of the workweek and into the weekend, but relief is on the horizon. As the day progresses, temperatures are set to rebound, with highs reaching the 40s.

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