There’s Hope for the Hungry to Provide Free Groceries Thursday in Trion
The There’s Hope for the Hungry ministry will be at Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion this week to provide free groceries to community members in need.
The grocery giveaway is set for Thursday, January 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Organizers say no ID is required, but individuals must be present to receive food.
In addition to the grocery distribution, The Clothes Closet will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for those who need clothing assistance.
Central Avenue Baptist Church is located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, behind Dixie Subs.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - January 7, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 7, 2026:
Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Chattooga County; Unseasonably Warm Week Ahead with Rain and Storms by the Weekend
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia through 10 a.m., with some areas possibly seeing reduced visibility until 11 a.m. Officials warn that visibilities could drop to one-quarter mile or less, creating hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute.
Forecasters say the fog should gradually lift late this morning as skies begin to clear, allowing for sunshine this afternoon. This marks a continuation of foggy mornings seen across north and central Georgia over the past several days, with similar conditions possible again Thursday morning.
Temperatures will remain well above average through the remainder of the week, running 10 to 25 degrees warmer than normal. Highs are expected to reach the 60s and 70s, with some locations approaching record highs. Overnight lows will stay mild, generally in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Looking ahead to the weekend, rain and thunderstorms are expected to return Friday evening and continue into Saturday. While the risk for widespread severe weather appears limited at this time, forecasters are increasingly concerned about heavy rainfall and localized flooding, particularly across Northwest Georgia. Some models indicate rainfall totals could exceed 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible depending on storm development and placement.
Behind the cold front, temperatures will cool back closer to seasonal norms by Saturday, and drier conditions are expected to settle in early next week.
Residents are urged to use caution while driving in foggy conditions and to stay weather-aware as the weekend approaches.
Chattooga County Sheriff's Office Continues Investigating Highway 337 Shooting
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding a shooting reported Sunday night, Jan. 4, 2026, at a residence on Highway 337 between Teloga and Chelsea.
According to Sheriff Schrader, preliminary findings indicate a 61-year-old father, Miles Bagley, and his 34-year-old son, Isaiah Bagley, became involved in a domestic dispute after the son returned home “highly intoxicated.” Investigators say the father and mother attempted multiple times to de-escalate the situation by having the son go to his bedroom, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Sheriff Schrader said the son allegedly continued confronting the parents, including head-butting the father multiple times and making threats. Authorities say the father then retrieved a small handgun and fired a shot into the floor in an attempt to deter the son. Investigators report the father was pushed out the front door and onto the porch, and as the son approached again while the father was still on the porch, the father fired, striking his son three times. Sheriff Schrader said the mother also fell onto the porch at some point during the incident.
The sheriff’s office says the son is being treated at an area hospital.
No charges have been filed against the father at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Special Election Set for March 10 to Fill Northwest Georgia’s 14th District Seat After Greene Resignation
Governor Brian Kemp issued an order Tuesday calling for a special election on Tuesday, March 10 to fill the vacant 14th Congressional District seat after U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Rome resigned, effective Monday, Jan. 5.
The 14th District includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker, Whitfield, and parts of Cobb County, meaning voters across much of Northwest Georgia will head to the polls to choose a new representative.
Qualifying for the special election will be open Jan. 12 through Jan. 14, with a qualifying fee of $5,220. The deadline to register to vote in the March 10 election is Feb. 9.
Because this is a special election, there will be no party primaries. All qualified candidates will appear on the same ballot. If no one receives a majority of the vote, a special runoff election will be held April 7.
As of Tuesday, a large field had already filed with the Federal Election Commission, allowing candidates to begin raising and spending campaign funds ahead of qualifying. Candidates for Congress are not required to live in the district they seek to represent
Candidates (as filed/announced as of Jan. 6)
Democrats
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Shawn Harris (Rockmart)
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Clarence Blalock (Hiram)
Independent
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Rob “Rush” Ruszkowski (Rising Fawn)
Republicans
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Reagan Box (Armuchee)
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Beau Brown (Rome)
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Jim Tully (Rome)
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Jacqueline Cherise Wilmer (Augusta)
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Thomas Jonathan Jackson Gray (Powder Springs)
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Meghan Strickland (Marietta)
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Star Black (Kennesaw)
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Jefferson Edward Criswell (Smyrna)
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Uloma Ekpete (Atlanta)
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Colton Moore (Trenton)
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Michael Allen Corbin (Peachtree Corners)
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Elvis Julian Casely Jr. (Kennesaw)
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Benjamin M. Cope (Acworth)
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Linvel Risner (Kennesaw)
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Jenna Jaye Turnipseed (Chickamauga)
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James M. Brown (Ringgold)
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Nicky Lama (Dalton)
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Christian Michael Hurd (Rocky Face)
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Brian C. Stover (Alexandria, Virginia)
Chattooga Superior Court January Calendar Includes Multiple Sex Crime and Drug-Related Cases Ahead of Trial Term
The January criminal pre-trial calendar for Chattooga County Superior Court shows a wide-ranging docket as cases move toward the upcoming trial term, including multiple cases involving serious sex crime allegations, along with drug, theft, and violent offenses.
According to the January calendar, several cases involve charges of child molestation or aggravated child molestation, while some cases include statutory rape allegations, and some are paired with additional counts such as sexual exploitation of a minor or incest. Several of these cases involve multiple victims or multiple counts tied to the same defendant.
Beyond sex-related offenses, the calendar reflects a heavy volume of drug-related cases, with more than a dozen matters involving charges such as methamphetamine possession, trafficking, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute. The docket also includes burglary and theft cases, firearm-related charges, probation violations, and violent felony charges, including aggravated assault.
Court officials note that of the cases listed on the pre-trial calendar, some may be resolved through plea negotiations or continued before reaching a jury trial.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Cases on pre-trial calendar for Chattooga County Superior Court:
22CR23073 — Juan Carlos: Child Molestation
23CR23490 — James Edward Moore: Possess/Mfg/Dist/Sale Of Marijuana, Poss Of Firearm/Knife During Crime/Attempt Crime
23CR23492 — Lisa Ann Sizemore: Burglary-1st Degree, Concealing Death Of Another, Theft By Taking – Felony, and other charges
24CR23799 — Melinda Bernice Lively: Burglary-1st Degree, Theft By Taking – Misdemeanor
24CR23917 — Christopher Jay Caldwell: Theft By Taking – Felony, Receipt/Possession/Transfer Of Firearm By Convicted Felon
24CR23918 — Stephanie Michelle Caldwell: Theft By Taking – Felony
24CR23933 — Tommy Lee Allen: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR23934 — Jessica Marie Allen: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR23945 — Justin Ray Housley: Aggravated Assault, Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of Felony
24CR23962 — Destiny Nicole Roberts: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR23963 — Cody Alan Roberts: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR23980 — Jeremy Shane Williams: Theft By Taking – Felony
24CR23994 — Michael Anthony Smith: Trafficking In Methamphetamine, Possession Of Methamphetamine, and other charges
24CR24001 — Amanda Lynn Smith: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24010 — William Thomas Johnson: Burglary, Theft By Taking, Criminal Damage To Property
24CR24011 — Kayla Renee Johnson: Burglary, Theft By Taking
24CR24022 — Brandon Scott Brown: Aggravated Assault, Family Violence Battery
24CR24030 — Joshua Daniel Wilson: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24041 — Heather Dawn Wilson: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24055 — Jacob Aaron Miller: Fleeing/Attempting To Elude, Possession Of Methamphetamine, and other charges
24CR24061 — Austin Lee Simmons: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24070 — Brittany Nicole Simmons: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24084 — Caleb Andrew Thomas: Burglary, Theft By Taking
24CR24088 — Jerry Wayne Thomas: Burglary, Theft By Taking
24CR24092 — Devin James Ellis: Theft By Receiving Stolen Property, Possession Of Methamphetamine
24CR24098 — Amanda Rae Ellis: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24105 — Tyler Shane Baker: Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation, and other charges
24CR24106 — Cody Lane Baker: Child Molestation, Enticing A Child For Indecent Purposes, and other charges
24CR24110 — Robert Allen Long: Statutory Rape, Child Molestation, and other charges
24CR24111 — Heather Marie Long: Cruelty To Children, Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor
24CR24114 — James Randall Green: Statutory Rape, Sexual Exploitation Of Children
24CR24119 — Joshua Michael Green: Statutory Rape
24CR24122 — Timothy Wayne Parker: Aggravated Assault, Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of Felony
24CR24124 — Kayla Jean Parker: Theft By Taking, Financial Transaction Card Fraud
24CR24130 — Christopher Lee Davis: Trafficking In Methamphetamine, Possession With Intent To Distribute, and other charges
24CR24131 — Amber Nicole Davis: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24133 — Michael Scott Edwards: Burglary, Theft By Taking, Criminal Trespass
24CR24134 — Angela Dawn Edwards: Theft By Taking, Criminal Trespass
24CR24138 — Steven Ray Johnson: Aggravated Assault, Battery, and other charges
24CR24139 — Melissa Ann Johnson: Battery
24CR24145 — David Lee Thompson: Statutory Rape, Incest
24CR24147 — Crystal Dawn Thompson: Cruelty To Children
24CR24155 — Cody Alan McDonald: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24158 — Ashley Nicole McDonald: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24162 — Brandon Keith King: Aggravated Assault, Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of Felony
24CR24166 — Matthew Ryan King: Burglary, Theft By Taking
24CR24168 — Brittany Leigh King: Theft By Taking
24CR24175 — Gary Wayne Mitchell: Child Molestation
24CR24176 — Brittany Lynn Mitchell: Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor
24CR24180 — Christopher Wayne Howard: Trafficking In Methamphetamine, Possession Of Methamphetamine, and other charges
24CR24181 — Kayla Michelle Howard: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
24CR24190 — James Anthony Neal: Burglary, Theft By Taking
24CR24192 — Christina Marie Neal: Theft By Taking
24CR24198 — Jonathan Blake Harris: Aggravated Assault, Family Violence Battery, and other charges
24CR24201 — Shelby Rae Harris: Theft By Receiving Stolen Property
25CR24210 — Brandon Tyler Wright: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
25CR24212 — Tiffany Nicole Wright: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
25CR24218 — Jason Allen Henderson: Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
25CR24221 — Hailey Brooke Henderson: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
25CR24230 — Justin Cole Wheeler: Burglary, Theft By Taking, Criminal Damage To Property
25CR24231 — Kelsey Marie Wheeler: Theft By Taking
25CR24240 — Derek Wayne Rogers: Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation, and other charges
25CR24241 — Tabitha Ann Rogers: Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor
25CR24252 — Jared Michael Jones: Trafficking In Methamphetamine, Possession With Intent To Distribute, and other charges
25CR24253 — Courtney Elise Jones: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
25CR24266 — Nicholas Alan Wood: Statutory Rape
25CR24267 — Hannah Grace Wood: Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor
25CR24282 — Zachary Lee Reynolds: Burglary, Theft By Taking
25CR24283 — Megan Nicole Reynolds: Theft By Taking
25CR24295 — Steven Paul Carter: Trafficking In Methamphetamine, Possession Of Methamphetamine
25CR24296 — Amber Renee Carter: Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Drug Related Objects
25CR24307 — Brian Anthony Wimbley: Identity Theft Fraud (Using/Possessing Identifying Info), Possession Of Methamphetamine, and other charges
Chattooga County to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Worship Service and Day of Service
The Chattooga County community is invited to come together for a weekend of remembrance, worship, and service in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. later this month in Summerville.
An ecumenical celebration service will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Harmony Baptist Church, located at 82 Dot Johnson Drive. The service will begin at 3:00 PM and will be hosted by Pastor Melvin Mosley and Reverend Robert Barrett, MLK President. Music will be provided by the Community Choir. A community dinner will be served prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 PM.
The celebration will continue on Monday, January 19, 2026, with a Day of Service at Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive, in Summerville. Activities will begin at 10:00 AM and will include outreach efforts with Felicia’s Kids, highlighting Dr. King’s legacy of service and community involvement.
Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate in these joyful and meaningful events. For more information call 706-857-1608.
Chattooga County Businesses Reminded to Update Systems for New 8% Sales Tax Rate
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is sharing a reminder from the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office that a new local sales tax rate is now in effect.
Officials say the Chattooga County sales tax rate increased to 8% beginning January 1, 2026, and businesses are being urged to make sure their registers, point-of-sale systems, invoicing software, and online checkout platforms have been updated to reflect the correct rate.
The reminder encourages all local businesses to verify compliance to avoid pricing errors and accounting issues.
For reference, the Georgia Department of Revenue maintains an online listing of sales tax rates by location.
Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Opens 2026 Community Impact Grants; Chattooga County Nonprofits Eligible to Apply
The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation announced that its 2026 Community Impact Grant Cycle opened Monday, January 5, 2026, offering funding opportunities for qualifying nonprofit organizations — including nonprofits serving Chattooga County.
The grant proposal window will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced Friday, May 29, 2026, with awards from Atrium Health hospitals in Floyd and Polk counties to be presented during a Grant Recipient Reception in June 2026.
Foundation grants will support organizations working to improve community health in one or more of the following focus areas: mental and behavioral health or substance abuse (including youth needs), access to care and mobility, education with a health and wellness emphasis, hunger relief, housing, and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations can access the application and review full requirements at Floyd.org/floydpolkfoundation. Questions about the grant cycle, application process, or qualifications may be directed to Donna Martin, Foundation Grants and Program Manager, at donna.martin@atriumhealth.org or 706-509-3287.
Walker County Commissioners to Review Appointments, Contracts, and Fire Station Projects at Jan. 8 Meeting
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Courthouse Annex IV, 201 S. Duke Street in LaFayette. The meeting will be streamed live on the county’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Commissioners are scheduled to handle routine business, including approval of minutes, a financial report, committee updates, and department reports. The agenda also includes a FlashVote survey item presented by Joe Legge, Director of Communications and Community Development.
A public hearing is listed for planning and zoning, and commissioners will also consider several consent agenda items, including reappointments to the Animal Control Board and Walker County Planning Commission, authorization for the Historic Preservation Commission to seek a grant for a historic resources survey, and an extension of the ambulance service contract with CHI Memorial Hospital EMS.
In new business, commissioners are expected to elect a vice chair, set the 2026 meeting calendar, address property matters including an MOU involving property in Rossville, set qualifying fees for the 2026 elections, and consider recommendations tied to the state’s hotel-motel tax performance review.
The agenda also includes multiple fire-related projects and purchases connected to Fire Station #4 (Hinkle), along with additional equipment and policy updates.
Chattooga Sheriff’s Office Report Details Jan. 3 Traffic Stop That Led to Firearm and Drug Charges
A report released Tuesday by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office outlines the arrest of two men following a traffic stop in the Summerville area on Jan. 3, 2026.
According to the incident report, deputies stopped a vehicle on Highway 48 near Mahan Road after clocking it at a high rate of speed. During the stop, deputies reported smelling marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle.
The report states deputies located multiple firearms, including a .45-caliber handgun and a rifle described as sawed-off, along with additional items that led to further investigation. Authorities also reported finding suspected marijuana.
Two suspects were listed as arrested in the report:
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Lamartavious Dequavion Ashley, 21, charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of machine guns/sawed-off rifles, and marijuana possession (less than one ounce).
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DeShawn Mairqs Jackson, 24, charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of machine guns/sawed-off rifles, marijuana possession (less than one ounce), speeding, and driving while license suspended/revoked (misdemeanor).
Georgia Reports Seven Traffic Deaths Over New Year’s Holiday
The Georgia Department of Public Safety reports that seven people died in automobile crashes statewide during the 102-hour New Year’s holiday travel period, as troopers and officers worked high-visibility patrols across Georgia, including routes serving Northwest Georgia.
Law enforcement officials say the biggest source of traffic incidents for state troopers during the holiday period was seatbelt violations, underscoring continued concern about unrestrained driving.
Here’s the tally of incidents and enforcement activity state officers responded to directly during the travel period:
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DUI arrests: 368
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Distracted driving citations: 482
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Seatbelt citations: 645
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Total crash reports: 333
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Crash fatalities (persons): 3
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Crash injuries (persons): 156
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Crashes involving driving under the influence (UI): 45
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Crashes with commercial motor vehicle (CMV) involvement: 13
Public safety officials continue urging drivers in Northwest Georgia to buckle up every trip, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and slow down—especially during winter travel and holiday traffic surges.
Trion Recreation Announces Spring Sports Registration for Youth Baseball, Softball, and Volleyball
The Trion Recreation Department has officially opened Spring Sports registration, giving local youth the opportunity to sign up for baseball, softball, and volleyball ahead of the upcoming season.
Baseball and Softball are open to children ages 3 through 12, with an age control date of June 30. Volleyball registration is available for youth ages 9 through 12, with an age control date of September 1.
Registration fees are set at $15 for participants living inside Trion city limits and $30 for those outside city limits. The deadline to register is Friday, February 7.
Families are encouraged to register early to ensure participation and help organizers prepare teams and schedules for the spring season.
For additional information, residents are encouraged to contact Trion Recreation Department.
From Sheriff Mark Schrader: Update from Sunday night’s shooting:
Trion Pre-K Registration Opens February 13
Pre-K registration for Trion Elementary School begins Friday, February 13th for all students wishing to enroll in the 2026-2027 school year. Parents/Legal Guardians may stop by the elementary office beginning at 8:30 am on February 13th to pick up enrollment packets and turn in required documentation.
Upcoming students MUST be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. To complete the registration process, you MUST bring the child’s birth certificate, proof of Georgia residency, and photo identification of the parent or legal guardian. The child’s social security card, copy of the Ear/Eye/Dental/Nutrition record (form 3300), and Immunization record (form 3231) are also required.
For more information, please call Trion Elementary School at 706-734-2991.
Registracion de Pre-K para la Escuela Primaria de Trion empezará viernes, el 13 de Febrero, para estudiantes de pre-k para el año escolar de 2026-2027. Los paquetes de registro podrán ser recogidos en la oficina de elementary después de las 8:30 am el viernes, 13 de Febrero.
Los estudiantes deben cumplir los 4 años el dia de o antes del 1 de septiembre, 2026. Para registrar, DEBE traer la acta de nacimiento, prueba de residencia de Georgia, y identification de foto de uno de los padres o guardianes. Tambien necesitaremos tarjeta de seguro social del estudiante, copia del record de la prueba de Ojos, Oidos, Nutricion, y Dental (forma 3300), y forma de vacunas (formas 3231).
Para mas informacion, por favor llame la Escuela Primaria de Trion 706-734-2991.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - January 6, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 6, 2026:
Mild, Cloudy, and Breezy in Chattooga County; Weekend Front Could Bring Showers and a Few Storms
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia stay unusually warm today and Wednesday as southwest winds keep moisture and mild air in place. Expect mostly cloudy skies with afternoon highs in the upper 60s to near 70, about 15 degrees above normal for early January. A few isolated, light showers could pop up overnight, but rain chances and amounts look low for now. Winds may get a little gusty at times today, with gusts up to around 20 mph possible across the northern tier of Georgia.
Looking ahead, forecast attention shifts to a late-week system and the timing of a cold front. Current guidance suggests the front could move through Friday night into Saturday with a round of showers and possibly a few thunderstorms. Widespread severe weather doesn’t look likely at this time, but if the front arrives closer to peak daytime heating on Saturday, a few storms could briefly become stronger. Rain totals are expected to be highest in the northwest—generally around 1 to 2 inches—tapering off farther southeast.
Chattooga Schools to Enforce Updated K–8 Cell Phone and Device Policy When Students Return Tomorrow
Chattooga County Schools will begin following an updated personal electronic device policy when students return to class on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in response to Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340).
The updated policy applies to all K–8 students and is designed to promote a safer, more focused learning environment by limiting access to personal electronic devices during the school day. The policy was sent home with students in December, and families are encouraged to read, review, and discuss it prior to the start of the second semester.
Under the new rules, students may not access personal devices during school hours, from arrival to departure. The policy includes cell phones, along with earbuds, headphones, smart watches, tablets, e-readers, gaming devices, and other electronics capable of messaging, recording, or internet access.
School officials say the goal is to reduce distractions, improve classroom engagement, and support learning by keeping student attention on instruction throughout the day.
Flu Hospitalizations Surge Across Georgia as 2026 Begins
As the new year begins, Georgia is seeing one of the highest rates of flu-associated hospitalizations in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health.
State health officials report that seven Georgians died from flu-related complications between December 20 and December 27, bringing the total to 29 deaths since October. At this same point last year, the state had reported no flu-associated deaths.
Hospitalizations are also climbing sharply. In an eight-county metro Atlanta area, 511 people were hospitalized with the flu through December 27, an increase of roughly 600 hospitalizations in just one week. Health experts caution those numbers likely underestimate how widespread the illness truly is, since many people never seek care or testing.
Doctors across the state say emergency rooms are staying consistently busy. Instead of the usual midweek slowdown, hospitals are seeing steady patient volumes throughout the week, with more people being admitted for shortness of breath, chest pain, and severe flu symptoms. Some hospitals have even reinstated universal masking policies, a move not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health officials say this season is being driven by an aggressive Type A flu strain known as subclade K, including a mutated version that can cause more severe illness. While this strain is not fully matched by this year’s flu vaccine, doctors stress the shot still offers critical protection—especially against hospitalization and death.
The CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, particularly seniors, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions. Public health leaders note that free or low-cost vaccines are widely available, even for uninsured residents, through local health departments statewide.
With several months of flu season still ahead, doctors urge Georgians to stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
Press release from the Georgia Department of Public Health:
- Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm to help prevent the spread of the flu.
- Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes.
- If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever, without the use of a fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.
- If you are caring for a sick individual at home, keep them away from common areas of the house and other people as much as possible.
Local Gas Prices Stay Low for Northwest Georgia, But Global Market Could Shift Costs
Georgia drivers are getting some relief at the pump to start the week, with AAA reporting the statewide average for regular unleaded at $2.65 per gallon and the national average at $2.81.
In Northwest Georgia, AAA’s latest local averages show:
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Chattooga County (GA): $2.70
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Walker County (GA): $2.70
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Floyd County (GA): $2.67
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Gordon County (GA): $2.71
Across the state line in Alabama, AAA’s local averages list:
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DeKalb County (AL): $2.56
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Cherokee County (AL): $2.55
AAA says Georgia’s statewide average is 3 cents lower than last week, 16 cents lower than last month, and 25 cents cheaper than this time last year. For a standard 15-gallon fill-up, that’s about $39.75.
Even with global headlines — including renewed attention on Venezuela’s situation — oil prices have remained relatively steady so far. U.S. crude closed at $57.32 a barrel Friday, only 58 cents higher than the week before. Analysts say worldwide supply remains adequate, but caution that any major disruption could still push prices higher with little warning.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Savannah ($2.76), Macon ($2.72), and Atlanta ($2.67). The least expensive are Gainesville ($2.57), Rome ($2.56), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.53).