Virgil Miller named to Georgia Power Board of Directors

Georgia Power has announced Virgil R. Miller will join their board of directors on January 1, 2025. Miller is the President of Aflac Incorporated and Aflac U. S. , a Fortune 500 company providing financial protection for policyholders in the U. S. and Japan. In his leadership role at Aflac, Miller focuses on growth, digital capabilities, and customer-centric strategies. Georgia Power’s President, Kim Greene, expressed excitement about Miller joining the board, citing his experience and passion for innovation.

Miller joined Aflac in 2004 and has held various roles, quickly rising from Chief Administration Officer to President of Aflac Incorporated. With over 30 years of experience, Miller has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership. He is also a U. S. Marine veteran and holds degrees in accounting, business management, and humane letters.

Miller’s leadership extends beyond Aflac, serving on several industry boards like AHIP, ACLI, and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. His expertise in the insurance industry and commitment to customer experience make him a valuable addition to Georgia Power’s board during a time of growth and opportunity.

Trion Fire Chief Justin Lowe has successfully completed the Fire Instructor II course, meeting the standards set by the state of Georgia and the National Professional Qualifications. This rigorous 48-hour program is designed to equip fire service personnel with the skills needed to develop effective training for their agencies.

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Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting holiday spirit at the Chief Vann House State Historic Site. This December, join Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites for Candlelight Tours, where the historic Cherokee-built plantation house, originally constructed in the 1800s, will be adorned with festive boughs, bows, and greenery inspired by a traditional 19th-century Moravian Christmas celebration.

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Get ready to embark on an exciting journey toward better health! The Chattooga County Extension Office is thrilled to announce the launch of its 7-Day Healthy Habits Challenge, kicking off on Monday, December 2nd. This initiative aims to empower participants with vital nutritional knowledge, inspire thoughtful discussions, and provide enjoyable suggestions to enhance wellness routines.

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President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate former U. S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler to head the U. S. Department of Agriculture, turning to Georgia for a key appointment. Loeffler was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2020 but lost in a runoff in 2021. She has a background in business, being a CEO and co-owner of various companies. Loeffler is known for her loyalty to Trump, supporting his legal challenges after the 2020 election. She later founded Greater Georgia to recruit Republican candidates. In his last term, President Trump had appointed former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as U.S. Ag Secretary.  Although her business experience is not in agriculture, she did grow up on a farm in southern Illinois. Loeffler’s nomination will need to be confirmed by the Senate, where she once served, continuing her political career with this potential appointment.

At the request of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Cherokee County, GA. Charles H. Woodall, age 52, of Cartersville, GA, was shot and killed. No officers were injured.

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Allie Jo Deberry, a 34-year-old woman, was arrested late Tuesday night on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, endangering the life of a child while driving, and failure to maintain lane after a traffic stop near Buck Gardner Road.

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AAA anticipates record-high travel numbers for Thanksgiving, with over 2. 3 million Georgians traveling 50 miles or more, an increase from last year. Nationally, about 79. 9 million people are expected to travel, marking a 2% growth from last year’s figures. Economic improvement, lower inflation, and rising incomes are contributing factors, potentially increasing consumer spending by 4. 6% compared to the previous year. The AAA travel period for Thanksgiving has been extended from Tuesday, November 26 to Monday, December 2, allowing for better comparison with past years.

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Yesterday, the Chattooga County Board of Assessors informed residents that it has contracted Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services (GMASS) to assist with essential fieldwork. The decision comes as the Board grapples with challenges in hiring and retaining a full staff of qualified appraisers. GMASS is a well-respected organization known for its highly trained employees and has been successfully employed by several counties across Georgia, including Dade, Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield. Their expertise aims to ensure accurate property assessments, which are vital for local tax purposes and community planning. Residents can expect to see GMASS vehicles marked with their logo as they conduct assessments throughout Chattooga County. Additionally, all appraisers from GMASS will carry identification badges that include their names, the Chattooga County emblem, and the contact number for the Assessors Office, ensuring transparency and security for residents. Should residents have any questions or concerns regarding the appraisal process or the presence of GMASS employees in the area, they are encouraged to reach out directly to the Chattooga County Assessors Office at 706-857-0737. Nancy Edgeman, Chief Appraiser for the Chattooga County Assessors Office, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in maintaining the integrity of property assessments.

An off-duty Summerville Police officer noticed suspicious activity that led to a drug arrest last week in the parking lot of the Fit Pit gym. Officer Ty Hutchins observed a white female driver and a male passenger acting suspiciously in a white Toyota sedan. Officer Pledger joined Hutchins and saw John Reid, known for drug offenses, get into the vehicle, which drove off and was stopped by a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy. Inside were Lisa Barker, John Reid, and Teresa Reid. A search found methamphetamine in the car, with John initially claiming ownership but Teresa admitting it was hers. Lisa Barker, showing signs of drug impairment, failed sobriety tests and was arrested for driving under the influence. She consented to a blood test but faced difficulties due to dehydration during the process. All three individuals now face charges in connection with drug possession and distribution.