The dental hygiene program at Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has grown exponentially from its humble roots to one of the institution’s most popular degree programs.
A routine traffic stop turned into a significant drug bust on Monday when officers arrested a Centre, Alabama man for multiple drug charges. According to records from the Floyd County Jail, officers initiated the stop on a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Patrick La’Don Steen Jr. for failing to operate with headlights on North Broad Street near Russell Street. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers conducted a search following a positive indication from a K9 unit. The search resulted in the seizure of illegal substances, including cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana, as well as a 9mm pistol. Steen now faces several charges, including possession of cocaine, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and a violation related to the headlight infraction.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, November 26, 2024:
Each year the Chattooga County Historical Society offers a new Christmas Ornament featuring a different historical place in the county. In the past, the ornaments have featured the Chattooga County Courthouse, the Summerville Depot, Reigeldale Tavern, Alpine Church, the Tooga Theater and the Lyerly Dam. This year, the ornament is a picture of Taylor’s Ridge at Sunset. The ornaments are available on the Historical Society’s website for $20 ( Here). They can also be purchased at DIRT in Summerville for $15. All of the past ornaments are available as well. Put some Chattooga History on your Christmas tree ! They will become family heirlooms for your children and grandchildren!
Cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person.
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.
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.
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.
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.
