A check for $1 million was presented during the Summerville City Council meeting last night. The funding, awarded by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, is earmarked for essential sewer improvements on Highland Avenue. The City of Summerville plans to utilize the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to enhance the sewer system, a critical upgrade aimed at benefiting the local community. According to city officials, the project is expected to directly assist 25 residents, with 23 of those individuals—approximately 92%—falling into the low-to-moderate income bracket. The total cost of the sewer improvement project is projected to be $1,108,584. This includes an additional $108,584 in match and leverage funds from the City of Summerville. Community Development Block Grants support Georgia communities in development and revitalization to provide housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible activities include housing improvement, public facilities, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. Eligible applicants are cities with under 50,000 people and counties with under 200,000 people.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader announced that generous donations collected for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina were successfully delivered last week. Beginning the donation drive just days ago, the Sheriff’s department wrapped up collections last Tuesday, amassing an impressive four enclosed pull-behind trailers and a 53-foot semi-trailer brimming with essential supplies, all destined for Rutherford County, NC.

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Last week, students from Chattooga High School and Lyerly Elementary School participated in an informative class focused on hunter safety. Led by Mr. David Yarbrough, a certified hunter safety instructor and the high school’s agriculture teacher, the course provided students with essential skills for safe and responsible outdoor activities.

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Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Cherokee County EMA are hosting a free Boating Basics Course. The courses will be held at the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency in Centre, Alabama. The courses will take place this Saturday, October 19th, 2024 and again on November 23rd, 2024, from 8:00am to 4:00pm. It is important to note that individuals without a boating certification and vessel endorsement on their license must take this course before operating a vessel on area waterways. The class is suitable for ages 12 and up, with no children under 12 eligible to take the exam. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The course is free of charge and attendees are required to bring a notepad, something to write with, and either a driver’s license or social security number. Participants seeking a refresher course are also welcome. Registration can be completed by clicking on the provided link HERE

New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site and the Friends of New Echota are hosting ‘Yours State Parks Day’ on November 2,2024 9:30 am-2pm. New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site and Friends of New Echota invite the public to come participate in our annual Your State Parks Day event. This event will be a chance for visitors to come to the site and give back to the park system. There will be various work projects led by rangers throughout the day that will include trail maintenance, cleaning historic buildings and landscaping. The event is open to all ages and groups. Organized Scout Troops and other groups are encouraged to participate and should call 706-624-1321 to register and reserve a project. Friends of New Echota State Historic Site members will be available to learn about ongoing year-round volunteer opportunities and how to join the Friends organization. There will be a free raffle to win Georgia State Parks and Historic Site merchandise and admission fees will be waived for all volunteers that participate and will include access to the historic grounds, buildings, and trails.

A trio of residents is taking legal action against Walker County’s funding method for fire protection and emergency management services, arguing that the fee imposed is effectively a tax. The class action lawsuit, which is set to be heard by a superior court judge in November, is part of a broader trend in Georgia where several counties are facing similar challenges regarding their funding mechanisms.

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Hurricane Helene resulted in over $6. 46 billion in losses for Georgia farmers, according to preliminary estimates from the University of Georgia College of Agriculture & Environmental Science. These losses include direct crop damages, impacts on businesses supporting agriculture and forestry, harm to workers in related industries, and anticipated recovery costs for agricultural businesses. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper emphasizing the uncertainty faced by thousands of affected farmers. The storm struck amid existing economic challenges for farmers, exacerbated by inflation, high costs, and low commodity prices. Gov. Brian Kemp has urged Congress to swiftly allocate federal aid, while a hurricane relief fund has been established by over 40 agriculture organizations to assist impacted farmers in their recovery efforts. Further details are available at www. supportgeorgiafarmers. org.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced that Georgia voters can now receive ballot tracking notifications on the My Voter Page. Voters are encouraged to request their Absentee-by-Mail ballots early through the MVP to utilize the tracking tool powered by Ballot Scout. This tool allows absentee voters to monitor the status of their ballot and feel confident that it will be received and accepted.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, October 14, 2024:

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The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia warns Northwest Georgia residents of heightened fire danger today due to low humidity around 25% and strong northwest winds of 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Outdoor burning is not advised as dry fuels could easily ignite, increasing the risk of wildfires. Authorities advise caution and vigilance to prevent fires, especially during dry and windy conditions.