Georgia hospitals and businesses will get some protection against COVID-19 related lawsuits under a Senate bill that was pushed through on the last day of the session. The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome), who represents part of Chattooga and Floyd Counties in the Georgia Senate.
A Chattooga County World War II veteran celebrated his 95th birthday this past week. Mr. Billy Locklear was surprised with cards and notes from Chattooga County residents, and he was also surprised with a parade of well-wishers driving by his residence.
The Georgia Department of Labor has recently been asked why not all initial unemployment claims have not been paid. 92% of all valid claims have received benefits in the past 19 weeks where a payment has been requested, but many of the others are not eligible for payment per state and federal law.
The American Red Cross of Georgia recently honored local Northwest Georgia volunteers at a ‘virtual awards event’.
Last week, WZQZ News shared a story about a DeKalb County, Alabama man who died while operating a tractor. The report we shared from an Alabama news outlet cited the cause of death as a “tractor accident.” Family members of the deceased man contacted WZQZ News with the following statement:
Have you responded to the census? Our self-response rates look like this: Chattooga is at 50%, Georgia is at 58.9%, and the nation is at 63.1%.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, August 8, 2020:
Several Walker County teachers spoke to the School Board about their concerns with opening schools under the threat imposed by COVID-19. At a meeting on the millage rate Thursday night, teachers told the board they fear taking the virus home to family members who may be vulnerable due to pre-existing health conditions.
Chattooga County Probate Judge Jon Payne continues to be hospitalized in a Rome hospital after contracting COVID-19. Judge Payne had been admitted to ICU earlier this week, but a family spokesperson says that Judge Payne is showing signs of improvement. According to the family, “Judge Jon Payne is doing his best to make all of his goals in intense respiratory therapy. At this time he does not have a fever and is comfortable sitting in a chair”. WZQZ continues to keep Judge Payne, and his family in our prayers.
Chattooga County School Superintendent Jared Hosmer released a “Weekly COVID-19 Report” after the first full-week of school for the Chattooga County School System. According to the report, five have tested positive for COVID-19 at Chattooga High School and one has tested positive at Sumerville Middle School. Leroy Massey Elementary, Lyerly Elementary, Menlo Elementary and the county office have not reported any positive cases. The reports include staff and students at each school. You can see the complete weekly status report below:
