Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, December 3, 2024:

The City of Summerville has announced that they will be closing their offices early this Friday for the annual employee Christmas Lunch.  The city’s offices will be closing at 11 AM and will reopen the following Monday, December 9th for normal business hours.  If you have any emergency, you should contact 911.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), in partnership with the National Weather Service, is launching Winter Weather Preparedness Week from December 2-6. As the state transitions from hurricane season into the colder months, residents are urged to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and their families against winter weather threats.

During this dedicated week, Georgians are encouraged to educate themselves about the potential hazards associated with winter, update or create a family communications plan, and ensure their Ready Kits are stocked with essential supplies necessary for inclement weather. “As we transition from hurricane season into the winter months, the need for preparation continues,” stated GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “In past years, Georgia has experienced extreme cold, snow, ice, and freezing rain, which highlights the importance of being ready ahead of a disaster. Winter Weather Preparedness Week is the perfect opportunity for everyone to learn how to prepare and respond before, during, and after winter weather events.”

The week-long initiative aims to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce the understanding of winter weather terminology, ensuring that residents are fully informed and equipped to face the challenges winter may bring.

For more information on winter weather preparedness tips, residents are encouraged to visit the GEMA website at gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia. Taking proactive measures now can make all the difference when winter weather strikes.

A group of 17 Republican governors has written to Congress asking for an updated Farm Bill. The last Farm Bill expired in September, and new versions are being discussed in the House and Senate, with disagreements between Republicans and Democrats about food stamp funding.

The letter points out the urgency for action due to problems like high inflation, rising costs, high interest rates, natural disasters, and a growing agricultural trade deficit. The governors warn that without timely support, the agricultural sector may face serious issues, which could affect the nation. They emphasize that reauthorizing the Farm Bill and providing immediate assistance will help farmers and ranchers continue to support the country and the world.

Kemp joined the GOP governors of Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia in signing the letter.

The Georgia gas price average is cooling off slowly at the pumps as the weather turns cold. Georgians pay an average of $2.90 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 3 cents less than a week ago, 5 cents less than a month ago, and 5 cents less than last year.  It costs drivers an average price of $43.50 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are paying almost $1 less to fill up at the pump than a month ago.

“Hopefully, gas prices in Georgia stay low, which will be a sweet deal for drivers hitting the road this Christmas. Mild gasoline demand, steady supply, and low oil costs have contributed to pump prices sliding further,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “As for guessing when those gas prices will reverse course. Well, that’s still anyone’s call.”

Nationally:

Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has held steady at $3.05 (subject to change overnight).

Regional Prices:

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($2.94), Atlanta ($2.93), and Valdosta ($2.92).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Augusta-Aiken ($2.82), Dalton ($2.77), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.73).

Area Gas Price Averages – Chattooga ($2.71), Walker ($2.72), Floyd ($2.83), Gordon ($2.81), DeKalb, AL ($2.68), Cherokee, AL ($2.72).

The Chattooga Young Farmers will hold their December meeting on Thursday, December 19, at 7 PM, featuring Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper as guest speaker. This gathering will celebrate the local farming community with great food and connections. Attendees will enjoy a steak dinner, sponsored by Ag Georgia Farm Credit and the Chattooga County Young Farmers. Twenty tables will be decorated by local farm families, showcasing their stories through photographs and memorabilia. Participants need to RSVP to Lauren Jarrett at ljarrett@chattooga. k12. ga. us or call 706. 252. 4266 by Tuesday, December 17th. This event will honor farm families and provide a chance to hear about the future of agriculture in Georgia from Georgia’s Commissioner of Agriculture.

AdventHealth Redmond is hosting the AngioScreen bus from 8 am to 3 pm, Monday, Dec. 9. The AngioScreen bus will be parked in front of the main entrance of AdventHealth Redmond. An AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.

This painless 10-minute assessment delivers immediate results at the time of screening. An AngioScreen includes carotid artery screening ultrasound looking for plaque (the leading cause of stroke), 5 lead ECG of the heart rhythm, ankle brachial indices and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. If you have any of the following risk factors, you should consider scheduling an appointment today:

· Age 55 or above

· High blood pressure

· High cholesterol

· History of smoking

· Family history of stroke

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Family history of heart attack

· A personal medical history of other cardiovascular issues

The screening is $85 per person and HSA eligible. To register for this screening, visit https://bit.ly/3vTFXsB.

Today is the last day to register for spring semester classes at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), which start on January 6, 2025.

GNTC’s call center is open Monday to Friday from 7:45 a. m. to 4:15 p. m. at 866-983-4682. For summer semester applications, visit GNTC’s webpage and click “Apply Now. ” For questions about GNTC’s Free Application Month, contact the Office of Admissions.

GNTC offers quality workforce education in northwest Georgia, allowing students to earn degrees, diplomas, or certificates in various fields. Last year, 12,241 people used GNTC’s programs, with 8,031 enrolled in credit courses and 4,210 in adult and continuing education.

The annual Rome Christmas Parade will be held at 7 PM this evening in downtown Rome. This year’s festivities will honor Grand Marshals Jeff and Mary Margaret Mauer, who have worked tirelessly to address the foster care crisis in Rome and Floyd County. As Co-Founders of Restoration Rome, their dedication reflects the spirit of the holiday season.

The parade will start at Broad Street and 1st Avenue and end at 6th Avenue in front of City Hall, where Santa will light the Christmas tree. If there is bad weather, the rain date is Thursday, December 5th. Participants are encouraged to arrive early, and entries must be in position by 6:00 PM for judging.

The community can find updates on the Rome Christmas Parade’s Facebook page or through Georgia’s Rome YouTube channel. For more parade details, visit the official parade website HERE

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, December 2, 2024:

The prices of new vehicles can shock many buyers, and a report shows that Georgia has the highest hidden costs for owning a car. According to Bankrate, drivers in Georgia pay an average of $8,249 a year for expenses like car insurance, taxes, fuel, and maintenance. Georgia has high average vehicle taxes, insurance costs, and maintenance fees. Although gas prices are relatively low, long commutes and limited public transport mean Georgians spend more on fuel, averaging over 17,500 miles driven per year, which is above the national average.

Many consumers focus on loan or lease payments but may not consider other expenses, such as insurance and fuel. Bankrate found that Georgia drivers’ hidden costs are nearly double those in New Hampshire, the state with the lowest hidden costs at $4,299. The national average for the hidden costs of car ownership is $6,684.

In Georgia, the average insurance premium for full coverage is $2,562, exceeding the national average. Although full coverage is optional, many drivers choose less coverage and still pay more for minimum coverage than the U. S. average. Bankrate advises drivers to explore insurance quotes and choose fuel-efficient cars to manage costs better.

Dry and cooler-than-average weather will continue from Monday night through Tuesday night due to cold air following a dry cold front. Temperatures will be 10-15 degrees below average, with “real feel” temperatures in the teens to mid-20s at night and early morning.

A slight warmup is expected on Wednesday as Georgia prepares for another shortwave trough and front on Thursday. Wednesday’s highs will be in the 50s, and overnight lows will be in the 30s to lower 40s. Moisture advection ahead of the front may cause isolated rain showers on Thursday morning into the afternoon, with temperatures in north Georgia around freezing to the mid-30s.

Another cold air push will arrive Thursday night into Friday. Friday will be cold and mostly dry. A weak shortwave trough may bring light rain or freezing rain on Saturday, but rainfall amounts are expected to be minimal.

The City of Summerville will hold the 2024 Christmas Parade on Monday, December 2, at 7:00 p. m. , with the theme “The Magic Of Christmas. ” The parade will start at the junction of Hwy. 27 and Hwy 114 and end at Hwy. 27 at Hurley Crossing.

Ms. Mildred Cordle, a long-time resident of Chattooga County, will be the 2024 Parade Grand Marshal. She is known for her apple pies and her successful Cordle Apple Orchard, which she ran with her late husband. A deeply religious person, Ms. Cordle has devoted her life to helping others through various church and community activities, including youth ministry and working with the Menlo Lions Club to provide eyeglasses and personal care packages to those in need.

Santa will light the Courthouse Christmas Tree during the parade, bringing joy to the spectators. This year, a Christmas Parade Vendor Market will be held on East Washington Street from 6:00 to 9:00 p. m. , featuring food and craft vendors. An entry fee of $25. 00 is required for parade participation, and registration will close on December 2. For more details and registration assistance, contact the Summerville Recreation Department.

The Trion Bulldogs’ spirited journey in the GHSA Class A, Division II playoffs came to a close last Friday night as they faced off against the Irwin County Indians in the quarterfinals. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulldogs fell short, losing the game 40-30 in a contest that showcased both teams’ talent and determination.

The Bulldogs wrapped up their season with a commendable 10-3 record. Their impressive regular-season record of 8-2 stands out, especially considering they navigated one of the toughest schedules in their classification. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, highlighted by two decisive road playoff victories against last year’s semifinalist teams. As the season concludes, the Trion Bulldogs express deep gratitude for their senior players, whose dedication has been instrumental in the program’s success.

This year’s Trion Senior Bulldogs have left an indelible mark, boasting a remarkable overall record of 40-9 during their tenure. They are celebrated as the winningest senior class in the program’s history, achieving four playoff appearances and five playoff victories throughout their time with the Bulldogs. The seniors not only led their team to a perfect 10-0 regular season, earning a coveted region title, but they also contributed to a stellar 24-4 overall record at Sam R. McCain Stadium. Their hard work and commitment have set a high standard for future Bulldogs.

As the Trion Bulldogs reflect on a season filled with pride and achievement, they look forward to the future, carrying with them the lessons learned and the memories made. Fans and supporters eagerly await the next chapter in the Bulldogs’ storied football history

It was all perfect scores for the latest round of health inspections from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the last half of November 2024.

The Georgia State Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands has unanimously approved 11 recommendations aimed at curbing the rapid loss of prime farmland to urban development.

With approximately 2.6 million acres of farmland vanishing over the past five decades, the committee’s proposals seek to bolster the struggling farming community and encourage a new generation of farmers. The committee highlighted a concerning trend: there are currently more farmers over the age of 65 than those under that age, contributing to a critical shortage of new farmers entering the industry. High costs associated with modern farming and intensified competition have further discouraged young individuals from pursuing agriculture as a viable career option. To address these pressing issues, the committee has recommended the continuation of state income tax breaks for farmers and an increase in the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, currently capped at $2 million.

They also proposed expanding an existing program that allows farmers to benefit from lower property taxes by committing to not develop their land, as well as doubling the maximum acreage eligible for conservation. Additional recommendations put forth by the committee include raising weight limits for trucks transporting agricultural products and making adjustments to the Gratuities Clause specifically for farmers. Moreover, the committee plans to explore the potential impact of solar farms on agricultural land.

These proposals will be presented to the full Senate in January 2024, as lawmakers strive to create a supportive environment for Georgia’s vital agriculture industry.

In a year marked by significant changes for educators, teachers in Georgia received a pay raise earlier this year, yet they continue to fall short of the national average salary for teachers. The most recent data reveals a concerning disparity, particularly for educators in the Walker County School System, the Chattooga County School System and the Trion City School System, where salaries remain below the state and national benchmarks.

According to a report released by the National Education Association last month, the national average teacher salary stands at $69,544. In comparison, Georgia’s average teacher salary is reported at $64,461, highlighting a gap that persists despite recent increases in pay. The figures are even more striking at the local level. In Chattooga County, the average annual salary for teachers is just $42,236, translating to approximately $20.31 per hour. Meanwhile, teachers in the Trion City School System fare slightly better, with an average salary of $44,403 per year, or around $21.35 per hour.  However, in neighboring Walker County, the average teacher salary is even less, at $39,475 but in Floyd County the number is quite a bit higher with the average teacher’s salary being $54,712.

These numbers raise important questions about the implications for teacher retention and recruitment. As the cost of living continues to rise, the challenge of maintaining competitive salaries for teachers becomes increasingly critical.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, December 1, 2024:

Morris Jewelers, a beloved fixture in downtown Summerville, is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the month of December, and the community is invited to join in the festivities. In honor of this milestone, Morris Jewelers will be hosting a special giveaway, offering a $500 gift certificate to one lucky customer on December 20th, with no purchase necessary.
Customers can stop by the store to explore a stunning selection of watches, rings, earrings, and pendants, all while enjoying exclusive discounts of 20% to 50% off select items for the holiday season. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the ideal time to find that special gift for loved ones—or even a treat for oneself.

JV Morris, along with his wife Betty and son Vic, invite everyone to stop by and find out about their great selection and “service as good as gold” since 1974.

So, whether you’re on Santa’s nice list or just looking for something shiny, be sure to visit Morris Jewelers this December. It’s not just a celebration of our past—it’s a celebration of the community that has supported us for half a century. Don’t miss out on the fun, and who knows, you might just walk away with that $500 gift certificate! For more information, visit Morris Jewelers in downtown Summerville or check out their social media pages for updates