A dramatic rescue unfolded on Thursday afternoon after a female driver found herself trapped in a vehicle that had overturned and submerged in the Chattooga River. According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, emergency services were dispatched at 3:44 PM to the intersection of Centerpost Road and Giles Road following reports from the public that a woman was calling for help from inside her vehicle.

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A native of Chattooga County, Stanley Knox, who made significant contributions both as a U.S. Army veteran and as the former police chief of Detroit, Michigan, passed away last week. Knox, who was raised in Chattooga County, will be laid to rest next week, leaving behind a cherished legacy of service, faith, and love.

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Republicans in Congress are planning to cut Medicaid, impacting the 27. 5% of Chattooga County residents who depend on it for healthcare. Concerns are rising about how these cuts will affect low-income families and individuals in the area. President Trump has assured the public that he will protect Medicare and Medicaid, claiming that Republicans will find budget savings elsewhere for tax cuts. However, this assurance contradicts the House GOP’s budget plan, which wants to cut Medicaid by up to $880 billion over the next decade to fund $2 trillion in tax breaks. Deficit-focused conservatives believe these cuts are necessary to manage the national debt, currently at $36 trillion. The specifics of the proposed cuts will be determined by the Energy and Commerce Committee soon. Moderate Republicans worry about the impact on low-income constituents and are waiting for more information before showing support. Democrats oppose the cuts, warning they will harm vulnerable families and children. Over 7,000 Chattooga County residents rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.

Torie Burdick, a 33-year-old resident of LaFayette, has been sentenced in Chattooga County Superior Court after pleading guilty to charges of statutory rape related to an incident involving a minor at a Trion motel in 2021. The case came to light when Trion Police discovered evidence of sexual activities between Burdick and a juvenile. According to law enforcement officials, the investigation began in October 2021 when Walker County Sheriff’s investigators notified Trion Police about the allegations. They had been in communication with the victim, a 14-year-old boy, who confirmed that he had engaged in sexual relationships with Burdick at the motel on multiple occasions. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence to the Chattooga County Grand Jury, which included distressing materials from Burdick’s cell phone, as well as a receipt indicating that she had booked the motel room in Trion where the incidents occurred. Burdick’s child molestation and aggravated child molestation charges were dismissed. She was given credit for time served but will complete 18 years of probation and comply with sex offender conditions of probation.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking feedback on a newly updated strategy for wildlife conservation, known as the State Wildlife Action Plan. From February 19 to March 21, the public can review the draft of the plan at HERE. First created 20 years ago and updated every decade, this plan helps protect native species like gopher tortoises and bald eagles from becoming rare and costly to conserve.

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This is National FFA Week and the Chattooga Future Farmers of America (FFA) has announced achievements of two of its students at the recent regional competition. Kasen Elsberry secured first place in Wildlife Production and Management, while Lane Bridges clinched the top spot in Dairy Production. These outstanding victories highlight the dedication and talent of our young agricultural leaders. The Georgia FFA organization is committed to positively impacting the lives of students, fostering their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through comprehensive agricultural education. As the third-largest state association in the country, Georgia FFA boasts over 80,000 members across 391 chapters, supported by nearly 600 agricultural education teachers. Both Elsberry and Bridges will take their skills and knowledge to the next level as they advance to the state competition, set to take place in Macon, GA, at the end of April. The Chattooga FFA and agricultural community is proud to support these young leaders as they represent their chapter on a larger stage. Congratulations to Kasen Elsberry and Lane Bridges for their remarkable achievements! Their hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to all members of the Chattooga FFA and our community.

On Wednesday of this week, at approximately 2:04 PM, the Summerville Police Department received a call regarding a vehicle incident at the railroad tracks on North Commerce Street. The disturbance involved a railroad crossing arm that struck a vehicle, causing minor damage. Officers arrived at the scene to find Thomas Baker, a resident of Trion, who reported the incident. According to Mr. Baker, he was traveling northbound in the inside lane when the crossing arm unexpectedly descended, impacting the top of his 2024 Ford F250 pickup truck. Fortunately, the damage was described as minor. Police took detailed photographs of the damage for documentation purposes. In an effort to gather more information, police spoke with Donnie Owens, an employee of the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway Company. Mr. Owens was informed of the situation and promptly met with Mr. Baker to exchange necessary information. Both Mr. Baker and Mr. Owens expressed the desire for an official report to be filed regarding the incident. The police department is expected to compile the details for further review.