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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A thirty-six-year-old Armuchee man was arrested last week after Floyd County Police say he used the debit card belonging to a used car dealer to make multiple purchases. Cody Franklin McCollum was arrested on sixteen counts of financial transaction card fraud. They say that McCollum used the card to obtain money, goods, and services by conducting fifteen transactions between August 7 and September 24.The transactions totaled $938.50. He also used the card to make a cash app transaction in the amount of $123.60.
The Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission has endorsed how the initial portion of a significant $638 million settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors should be utilized. $44. 4 million has been designated for 130 projects in the first year of a 20-year initiative, focusing on treatment, prevention, naloxone availability, and research to address the opioid crisis. Opioid overdose deaths have decreased nationwide for the first time since 2018, including in Georgia. The high demand for funding resulted in over 300 applications totaling $248 million, with the current distribution process involving regional boards and a trustee, Kevin Tanner. The aim is to finalize grants by the end of the year and start the next grant application cycle in the spring. The funding, which includes $638 million overall, will be mostly distributed through the grant process, with $159 million going to the city of Atlanta and major Georgia counties through a separate process. This funding originates from a $26 billion settlement with major pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson.
