Trion Fire Department Fire Chief William Justin Lowe Sr. and Assistant Fire Chief David A. Lowe have successfully completed the comprehensive online prerequisites for the Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 2 course. This achievement qualifies them to attend the specialized training session at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth this week. The course is designed to teach fire service personnel on how to develop training for their agency.  Topics range from lesson plan development,  development of learning objectives, test development, and evaluation of training.  The final exam and presentation will be administered through Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training. This advanced training will equip them with enhanced skills and knowledge needed to effectively train and mentor future firefighters and emergency responders in the community.

Earlier this month, a routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a man suspected of driving under the influence after a deputy observed erratic driving behavior on Gore Subligna Road.The incident began when a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy was traveling south on Gore Subligna Road, just south of Stinett Road. The deputy noticed a black 2010 Dodge Charger traveling northbound that crossed over the center line, forcing the deputy to maneuver toward the shoulder to avoid a collision. After ensuring it was safe to turn around, the deputy intercepted the vehicle on East Armurchee Road, approximately a quarter-mile from the initial incident. Upon approaching the car, the deputy requested the driver’s license and informed him of the reason for the stop. The driver complied, presenting his license and acknowledging the situation. However, the deputy quickly detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver, who exhibited bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech. When questioned about his alcohol consumption, the driver claimed to have consumed just two beers.  Forty-five-year-old Tomereo Shawn Perry was arrested and charged with DUI and was booked into the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

At least seven people were killed in a tragic incident when the gangway of a ferry dock on Sapelo Island in Georgia collapsed, leading to multiple individuals falling into the water. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed the fatalities and stated that several people were transported to hospitals while search efforts continue. The incident occurred as people were heading to the island to celebrate the Gullah-Geechee community. President Biden expressed sadness over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims’ families and expressing concern for the injured and missing individuals. Approximately 20 people fell into the water, but the exact number of injuries is unknown. The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation by the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office and state officials.

Advanced voting continues this week in Chattooga County.  Early voting started last Tuesday and Saturday voting was available over the past weekend.  All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located on Commerce Street just past the Chattooga County Courthouse.  Last week, 2997 voters cast their ballots for the 2024 General Election, with 287 of those votes being cast on Saturday.  Monday through Friday of this week, voting hours are from 8:30 AM until 5 PM.  Saturday voting will be available again this Saturday. Voting hours will be from 9 AM until 5 PM on October 26th.  Then, October 28th – November 1st, voters will be able to cast their ballots early between the hours of 8:30 AM and 6 PM.  The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 25th.  The Chattooga County Registrars Office is located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.  You can see vote totals for each day of early voting last week below, along with a sample ballot to review before you go to vote.

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The Chattooga Board of Education met on Thursday of last week and approved several personnel changes. Notable resignations included Beverly Bishop, a Student Records Facilitator, and Annie Morgan McGraw, Summerville Middle School Nurse. New hires approved by the board included Destiny Gilreath as a Special Education Caregiver at Leroy Massey Elementary School, Savannah Hyatt as a Custodian at the same school, and Wallace ‘Mike’ Martin as a Certified Substitute Administrator, all effective from October 15, 2024. Candace Sullivan, a Bus Driver, and Shanese Walker, a Custodian, also resigned for personal reasons.

Steam Into Summerville Railroad Days continues into November.  The arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train brings visitors from all over to Chattooga County.  This past weekend, the annual Sequoyah Quilt Show saw the arrival of the train on Saturday and Sunday to the historic Summerville Depot.

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There were no health inspection scores to report for the first half of October from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department.  Should you ever have any complaint with any food service or tourist accommodation that operates within Chattooga County, you may register that complaint by calling the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, October 20, 2024:

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Synthica Energy, a company specializing in anaerobic digestion to convert organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), has begun construction on a new facility in Rome. The facility, located in Floyd County, will handle up to 300,000 tons of industrial organic waste annually once operational in late 2025. This marks Synthica’s third project, alongside sites in Cincinnati and San Antonio. The facility will consist of two digesters, two tanks, and a boiler, covered by an air quality permit to ensure emission limitations. Synthica is working with Atlanta manufacturers to handle organic waste feedstocks, including food and beverage byproducts and expired produce. The President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority highlighted the project’s contribution to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. The anaerobic digester will use proven technology to produce renewable energy. Synthica’s co-founder emphasized the benefits of having such a facility in the Atlanta region, reducing costs for manufacturers and providing environmental benefits through RNG production. The project reflects a commitment to progressive industry practices and a cleaner future for Rome and Floyd County.