Chattooga High School is proud to announce that Jayla Rich, an exceptional senior, has been named the 2025 STAR student, with Mrs. Stephanie Ratliff recognized as her STAR teacher. This prestigious honor is awarded to the student achieving the highest SAT score while also ranking in the top 10 percent of their class, highlighting not only academic excellence but also the teachers who play pivotal roles in their educational journeys. The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, established in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, has celebrated over 30,000 outstanding students across the state. In the mid-1990s, the PAGE Foundation took charge of the program, overseeing its administration and promotion, ensuring that every accredited high school in Georgia can participate in this notable academic initiative. Jayla Rich has earned the highest SAT score in her class and has chosen Mrs. Ratliff as the teacher who has had the most significant impact on her academic career. The Chattooga High School community recognizes these remarkable individuals and celebrating their contributions to academic excellence. Congratulations to Jayla Rich and Mrs. Stephanie Ratliff for their outstanding achievements!

A $10 million renovation project begins this month at the historic Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Georgia, a key site for Black leadership. The lodge will be restored to its original state and will transform into a 16,000 square-foot multi-use space, with public access as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park.

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The Summerville Police Department is currently investigating a burglary reported by local resident Jackie Askea. On Tuesday, Askea met with police to discuss the details of the incident that took place in her apartment on January 8, 2025. According to Askea, the burglary occurred between 3:15 PM and 7:00 PM while she was visiting another resident. During her absence, an unknown individual entered her locked apartment and made off with a $100 money order and $200 in cash from her pocketbook, which was left on the kitchen counter. Askea expressed her concerns about the break-in, noting that there were no signs of forced entry into her home. This has led her to believe that the perpetrator may have had a key, raising questions about who could have had access to her apartment. The incident is still under investigation.