A new non-profit organization, Georgia Utility Watch, launched Tuesday with the mission of advocating for reform in Georgia’s utility sector and lowering energy bills for consumers served by Georgia Power. This launch comes after a recent study alleged that Georgia Power, which serves millions of customers across the state, made nearly $2 billion in 2022 while also having some of the highest power shutoff rates in the nation.
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), has released his final weekly legislative report for the 2025 session of the Georgia General Assembly. According to Rep. Lumsden, the Georgia General Assembly met for its final week on March 31, 2025, passing important bills for Governor Kemp’s approval. Key legislation includes House Bill 268 for school safety and a $37. 8 billion budget. Other significant bills address insurance requirements, rural hospital grants, mental health oversight, and death penalty cases. Governor Kemp has 40 days to act. You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:
The State of Georgia’s net tax revenue collections in March reached $2. 5 billion, marking an increase of $163. 3 million, or 7 percent, from March 2024, which had nearly $2. 34 billion. For the year-to-date, collections totaled almost $24. 04 billion, rising by $543. 1 million, mainly due to the motor fuel excise tax, which was suspended for over two months during FY 2024. When adjusting for changes in the motor fuel tax, the year-to-date collections as of March 31 were up $82. 8 million, or 0. 4 percent.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (DNR WRD) is reminding residents to resist the urge to “rescue” wildlife, even if they appear to be orphaned or injured. While good intentions are appreciated, interfering with wildlife often does more harm than good.
A Chattooga County woman was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop on Highway 27 near Scott Hill Rd on April 2, 2025. According to a report released this week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a deputy observed a Nissan passenger car following too closely to a commercial vehicle and failing to maintain its lane. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed the passenger, identified as 27-year-old Zoe Samara Hayes exhibiting signs of nervousness. Hayes initially refused to provide her date of birth. A subsequent search through Chattooga County E911 revealed Hayes had an active warrant. While detaining Hayes for the warrant, the deputy observed the end of a syringe protruding from Hayes’ jacket pocket. After being read her Miranda Rights, Hayes admitted the syringe contained a liquid substance she identified as methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle, James Cagle, cooperated with the investigation and granted consent for a search of the vehicle, which yielded no further illegal substances. Hayes was transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Upon arrival, she informed the deputy that she possessed additional methamphetamine and handed over a bag containing the substance before being booked. Hayes was charged with possession and manufacturing of methamphetamine. Cagle was released at the scene.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 9, 2025:
Residents of Northwest Georgia awoke to a chilly start today, with temperatures dipping below freezing in some areas. A freeze warning remained in effect until 10 AM. However, the cold snap is expected to be short-lived, as sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s are predicted for later today. Despite the pleasant afternoon forecast, a significant weather shift is on the horizon. A cold front, currently developing over the upper Mid-Western states, is expected to bring precipitation back to North Georgia around daybreak on Thursday. The front will linger throughout Thursday afternoon, bringing approximately an inch of rainfall to most of Northwest Georgia. The combination of daytime heating and available moisture raises the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has upgraded a significant portion of Northwest Georgia to a “slight risk” area (level 2 of 5) for severe weather. Isolated cells with hail and damaging winds are the primary concerns. Looking ahead to Thursday night, the threat of severe weather continues as a surface low advances from the Lower Midwest. Damaging wind gusts and hail remain the primary threats. The severe weather threat is expected to diminish overnight as instability decreases. Cooler temperatures and breezy northwest winds are expected on Friday following the front’s passage. The weekend is expected to bring a welcome reprieve with mostly clear skies and benign weather, though temperatures will be cooler than average.
The Chattooga County Historical Society is pleased to announce its Spring Quarterly Meeting, scheduled for this Sunday, April 13th, at the historic Summerville Depot in downtown Summerville. The meeting is free and open to the public. This year’s highlight will be the full-length premiere of the documentary “Hester”, that documents the life of an enslaved woman in Dirtown Valley. Last year, attendees were treated to a preview, and this year promises a complete and moving story culminating in the discovery of a connection to local residents Betty Mosley and Stacy Scoggins Marshall. “Hester” tells a powerful narrative of a restorative response to a challenging past, demonstrating how historical understanding can bring a community together. The Chattooga County Historical Society encourages all residents to attend and learn more about this important piece of local history. The meeting will be held at the Summerville Depot
Walker County is taking a firm stance against roadside litter, announcing increased enforcement of Georgia’s unsecured and uncovered load law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-248.1) this month. The move comes in response to growing concerns about trash accumulating along county roads. Starting April 7th, Walker County Code Enforcement officers will be issuing warnings to drivers operating vehicles with unsecured or uncovered loads. The grace period will allow residents to familiarize themselves with the law, which mandates that vehicles be constructed, loaded, or covered in a way that prevents any part of its cargo from dropping, escaping, or shifting in a manner that creates a safety hazard or deposits litter on public or private property. However, the warning period will be short-lived. On May 1st, the county will begin issuing citations to offenders. Repeat offenders will face progressive penalties, sending a clear message that Walker County is serious about keeping its roads clean and safe. Those found in violation of the law will be summoned to Walker County Magistrate Court, where they could face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000. In extreme cases, offenders may even be sentenced to up to 60 days in the Walker County Detention Center. Residents are urged to properly secure and cover all loads to avoid potential fines and contribute to a cleaner Walker County.
