Kia has issued a recall for over 137,200 of its Seltos and Soul models due to a potential engine defect, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects certain 2021-2023 model year vehicles. The NHTSA stated that a manufacturing error involving the piston oil rings could lead to engine damage. This damage may result in stalling or, in more severe cases, an engine fire, posing a significant safety risk. The recall specifically targets affected Seltos and Soul vehicles. To address the issue, Kia dealerships will conduct a thorough inspection of the engine. If necessary, the engine will be replaced free of charge. In addition, dealerships will install a piston-ring noise-sensing system to proactively identify and mitigate potential problems. The repairs will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners. Kia anticipates notifying affected owners via mail starting after April 4th. In the meantime, owners can contact Kia directly at 800-333-4542 for more information regarding the recall. The company’s internal recall number for this issue is SC336.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office Training Division is hosting an open forum for citizen gun owners on March 12th, 2025, at 6 PM at the Walker County Civic Center, located on Highway 27 in Rock Spring.

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Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, along with colleagues nationwide, sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting the repeal of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This letter emphasizes how the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements burden small businesses. Raffensperger stated that these rules impose unnecessary costs and complicate business creation. He asserts that the federal government already collects much of the needed information and points out the frustration seen from small business owners about unclear implementation. Raffensperger calls for immediate support for H. R. 8147, the ‘Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act,’ to address concerns about government overreach and protect privacy.

The Community Resource Center of Chattooga (CRC Chattooga) is thrilled to announce its annual 5K Walk/Run, a fundraising event to support its vital services to the Chattooga County community. The race will take place on March 15th, 2025, at 8:00 AM, offering a fun and active way for community members to contribute to a worthy cause.

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Today is “Crossover Day”, the last day for bills to pass either the Georgia House or Senate to be considered by the other chamber. In recent days,  Georgia legislators rushed to pass several education bills covering various topics, including school security and a cell phone ban for students. These bills must also be approved by the other chamber before the April 4 deadline.

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Early voting for the Chattooga County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) election is experiencing a slow start, according to officials at the Chattooga County Registrars Office. Less than 200 residents have cast their ballots in person, and only four absentee ballots have been received by mail. Chattooga County voters are being asked to decide the fate of a one-cent sales tax, a funding mechanism that has been in place for decades. This SPLOST provides vital revenue for infrastructure projects throughout the county, benefiting the county government, as well as the four municipalities within Chattooga County: Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, and Menlo. Early voting is being held at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in downtown Summerville. Weekday voting hours are from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Residents will also have the opportunity to vote this Saturday, with polling hours from 9 AM to 5 PM. Voters are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard on this important issue that impacts the future of Chattooga County’s infrastructure.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, March 5, 2025:

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Residents of Northwest Georgia are waking up to a blustery Wednesday after overnight thunderstorms packing strong winds swept through the region, leaving hundreds without power. While the rain has moved eastward, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a wind advisory for the area until 7 PM this evening, warning of continued strong gusts. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 30 mph, posing a risk to unsecured objects, tree limbs, and potentially causing further power outages. The strong winds could also make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. The National Weather Service urges drivers to use extra caution. “Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and additional power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” stated a release from the NWS. The forecast for today includes a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 3 PM, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 57 degrees. Southwest winds will be blowing at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low of around 32 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, with west winds at 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. Thursday offers a respite with sunny skies and a high near 54, though winds will still gust up to 25 mph. Looking ahead, a chance for thunderstorms may return to Northwest Georgia Saturday night into Sunday morning, bringing with it a new round of potential weather hazards.

Storms overnight have left hundreds of people in Chattooga County without power as of Wednesday morning.  Georgia Power is reporting multiple outages across the county.  Most of the outages are small affecting less than 10 residence, with a notable exceptions being in the Cooper and Neal Gap Road area as well as the Hair Lake and Beavers Road area.  Other outages are reported on Highway 48 at Cloudland, Oak Hill-Alpine Road, Highway 114 at Ellenburg Subdivision and Norton Road in Summerville as well as Dray Valley Road and a small outage reported near Trion Town Hall.  North Georgia EMC says there are 96 customers without power in Chattooga County this morning with area affected including: Raccoon Road, Ramsey Avenue, Trion-Teloga Road and the Harrisburg Road area.