On January 18th, the 2024-25 Wrestling Duals State Championship crowned Social Circle the state champion in the Class A bracket. Wrestling is one of the only sports that does not have a split Class A and the Redskins are a Class A Div. I school. Runner-up Toombs County is also in Class A Div. I and finished runner-up to Social Circle. Trion fell to Social Circle in the winner’s bracket and then dropped a 51-27 loss to Bremen in the consolation finals to finish fourth place. As a result, Trion was the furthest advancing Class A Div. II-based school in this year’s Class A wrestling duals and will get another chance to make a run when the traditional meet rolls out next month.

A twenty-eight year old Summerville man lost his life in an accident on Friday night.  The accident happened on Highway 114 (the Lyerly Highway) in the area between Belmont Baptist Church and Ellenburg Subdivision. According to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney, Travis Bailey was the fatality in the accident. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says that there were a total of five vehicles involved in the accident.  Highway 114 and Norton Road were closed to traffic for a period of time while first responders and law enforcement worked the accident. Details are still under investigation.  WZQZ will have more information as it becomes available.

Photo Credit: Berry College

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Ruby Bridges, a civil rights icon, spoke to nearly 2,000 people at Berry College, highlighting her experience as one of the first Black students to integrate an all-white elementary school in the U. S.

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton reminds residents that Georgia law requires returns for all real estate and personal property, submitted to the Assessor’s Office at the courthouse annex in Summerville. Property changes must be reported by April 1, 2025.

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp presented his budget proposal to the Georgia General Assembly, highlighting the need for relief following Hurricane Helene’s devastation. He emphasized that this budget aims to support farmers and small businesses, provide relief from high living costs, and strengthen infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public safety without increasing government size.

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The Walker County Board of Education has announced that it will not opt out of House Bill 581, the floating homestead property tax exemption, despite the concerns raised by neighboring school districts. This announcement comes in the wake of the Chattooga County Board of Education, Trion City Schools Board of Education, and the Floyd County Board of Education all expressing their intentions to opt out of the legislation.

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Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center received a Patient Safety and Quality Award from the Georgia Hospital Association for enhancing care. The hospital’s project, “Enhancing Bedside Care with Implementation of Monthly Staff Education Newsletters,” improved staff education and patient care, earning third place in the Specialty Hospitals category. Karen Sablon, vice president of Rehabilitation Services, noted the newsletter helps the nursing team focus on important topics to better serve patients. Atrium Health Floyd also received the Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing hospitals with multiple GHA awards over five years. Overall, these awards honor Georgia health care organizations for their efforts in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. GHA President Caylee Noggle praised the hospital’s contributions to patient safety and quality care.

The Trion Town Council held their regular monthly meeting for January on Tuesday of this week.  Normally, council meetings are held on Thursdays, but the date was changed due to scheduling.

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to address concerns regarding an “illegal permit” granted by the former county commissioner for the construction of poultry houses in the Gore area. The meeting is set to take place next Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Building, located at 33 Middle School Rd. in Summerville.

In a statement released earlier today, Commissioner Allen highlighted the serious implications of the permit that allowed for the construction of four chicken houses in the Gore community, claiming it violates the Chattooga County Poultry Ordinance. Residents have expressed their frustration and alarm over what they perceive as a disregard for local regulations. The current administration has initiated an investigation into the issuance of this permit and is consulting legal counsel to explore options for rectifying the situation. Commissioner Allen emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating, “We are committed to addressing this issue head-on and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard. We will work tirelessly to correct past mistakes and protect our residents’ interests.”

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. For further information regarding the meeting or media inquiries, please contact Johnna Allen, County Clerk, at 706-857-0701 or via email at chattcom@windstream.net.

You can read the press release below:

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Governor Brian Kemp has announced the creation of the Georgia US250 Commission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort endorsed by Congress to mark this important milestone. Governor Kemp highlighted Georgia’s significant role in U. S. history, noting that it was the 13th colony represented by three signers of the Declaration. He aims to empower local communities to honor Georgia’s contributions.

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