Big Lots, a nationwide discount retailer, has officially announced a “going out of business” sale at all its locations nationwide. The announcement comes as the company seeks to protect its finances and find a potential buyer amidst challenging market conditions.
At their meeting last Thursday evening, Walker County Commissioners voted to cut the annual county supplement for Sheriff Steve Wilson. Sheriff Wilson said he was surprised by this decision, as he received no prior notice that it would be discussed.
If your child would like a last-minute virtual visit with Santa Claus before the big day on Wednesday, they can “chat” with Santa during a Facebook Live event on Monday evening, December 23rd. You can visit Chattooga County State Court Judge Jon Dennis’ Facebook Page and leave your child’s name for a “shout-out” from Santa. Santa Claus visits around the area this year included events at Dowdy Park, Dry Valley Baptist Church, Sloppy Floyd State Park, Menlo First Baptist and this past week they concluded at Kaleidoscope and the Chattooga Senior Center – along with visits at 292 East Washington Street in Summerville. Santa’s Facebook Live event will be tomorrow evening from 6 PM until 7:30 PM.
Many people are traveling for the holidays, but next Christmas, flying may not be possible without the right ID. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 for added security after the Twin Towers attack. Enforcement was originally set for 2008 but has been delayed, with a new start date of May 7, 2025. This act aims to set standards for issuing identification, like driver’s licenses and state ID cards, as stated by Homeland Security.
The Dalton Daily Citizen has announced that Jimmy Espy is returning as its executive editor. Espy, a native of Chattooga County, has a strong background in journalism and is connected to the community. He first joined the Daily Citizen in 1986 as a sportswriter and quickly moved up to city editor. He has worked at various newspapers, including the Valdosta Daily Times and the Cape Coral Daily Breeze. Espy returned to the Daily Citizen in 2000, serving as executive editor for ten years before working at his family’s newspaper in Summerville – The Summerville News. Recently, he was the general manager and editor of the Chatsworth Times until his resignation. Espy expressed his love for Dalton and excitement to help the Daily Citizen face challenges and create the best newspaper and website for readers.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that Georgia farmers will be allowed to drill new irrigation wells starting next year. For over ten years, farmers in southwest Georgia could not drill new wells due to a ban enacted in 2012 during a severe drought. Starting April 1, Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division will accept applications for new wells in the lower Flint River area. The director of the state agency noted that conditions have changed since 2012. A lawsuit from Florida in 2013 linked Georgia’s water use to negative effects downstream but was dismissed by the U. S. Supreme Court in 2021. State officials say that new water withdrawals will conserve resources, with no additional water taken from streams or lakes. New wells will have to stop using water during extreme drought and must be connected to efficient irrigation systems.
The state of Georgia’s tourism department, known as Explore Georgia, has released the “2025 Georgia Travel Guide,” which is now available to the public. This annual guide, produced by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, showcases diverse locations in Georgia with maps, tips, and recommendations.
Georgia State Troopers and local law enforcement, is urging drivers to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. During the holiday season, law enforcement will increase DUI enforcement and will arrest any driver exceeding Georgia’s legal Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of . 08. Georgia strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving, offering no warnings and not permitting drivers over the limit to call for rides.
Friends and family of Melissa Gifford-Hise gathered in Summerville’s main courtroom on Friday, December 2024, as she was sworn in as a Superior Court Judge for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. Retiring Judge Kristina Cook Graham swore in the newly-elected judge. Judge Hise has previously served as a part-time Magistrate in Walker County.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Georgia’s November unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, up one tenth from a revised 3.6 percent in October. The unemployment rate was five-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.
