Grady Jay Crabb, a resident of Menlo, has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on multiple charges related to an April 2024 collision on Highway 114 that resulted in serious injuries to several people.
The Georgia General Assembly has officially designated cornbread as the official state bread, cementing its place as a beloved Southern staple. The move, spearheaded by Representative Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton), aims to celebrate the state’s rich culinary heritage. “Basically, this would just take such a Southern delicacy that has such a profound heritage in the state of Georgia, beginning with the Native Americans and on through our cuisine over the last 200-plus years,” Carpenter stated. “Making cornbread the state bread will solidify our position in the nation as one of the best culinary places to visit.” The bill was met with widespread support, highlighting the widespread appreciation for the versatile and comforting bread. Cornbread joins Brunswick stew, which was separately designated as the official state stew, in representing Georgia’s distinct culinary identity. The decision is expected to further boost tourism and promote the state’s unique food culture. Georgians can now proudly proclaim their love for cornbread, a symbol of their Southern heritage.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will convene for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Walker County Courthouse. The agenda includes a variety of important items for consideration. The meeting will begin with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Chairwoman Shannon Teems calling the meeting to order and the clerk establishing a quorum. Commissioners will approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on February 6, 2025. Chairwoman Teems will then deliver a report to the public, followed by an update on the Pension Plan for Walker County employees. A designated time for public comment will be provided, allowing citizens to address the board. Unfinished business includes a previously tabled purchase order concerning a fuel system upgrade for the Public Works Department. New business will encompass several resolutions. These include resolutions regarding upcoming road resurfacing projects throughout the county, various appointments to county boards and committees, and the approval of vehicle purchases for the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for Commissioner comments and an executive session if deemed necessary. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting and stay informed about the issues facing Walker County.
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is offering a valuable opportunity for residents to learn about estate planning with a free two-hour workshop next week at the Chattooga County Civic Center. The workshop is scheduled for March 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 Noon. UGA Extension Coordinator & FACS Agent Rebecca Thomas will be leading the workshop, alongside Probate Court Judge Gary Woods. Participants will receive guidance and utilize templates and worksheets to help them develop essential estate planning documents. The workshop will highlight the importance of estate planning, emphasizing that it’s not just about asset distribution. Proper planning can also minimize income, gift, and estate taxes. Attendees will learn how, without a will or comprehensive estate plan, state laws dictate the distribution of possessions and the courts determine child custody. The workshop offers crucial information for anyone looking to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to protect their loved ones. The Chattooga County Civic Center is located at 44 GA-48, Summerville, GA 30747. Due to limited materials, reservations are required. To secure your spot and access the provided resources, please contact the Chattooga Chamber of Commerce HERE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and take control of your future.
Georgia lawmakers have introduced new legislation that would require moped drivers to have liability insurance to operate in the state. If passed, individuals under 15 years old would be prohibited from driving mopeds on highways. Additionally, only those with a valid driver’s license, an instruction permit, or a limited permit would be allowed to drive a moped on highways. House Bill 494 also mandates that mopeds must be covered by financial responsibility insurance to cover damages in case of an accident. Current auto insurance laws require at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death, $50,000 for multiple injuries or deaths, and $25,000 for property damage, and this bill would extend those requirements to mopeds.
A coalition of over 40 agricultural organizations has successfully raised $1,774,282 in a mere three months to aid Georgia farmers devastated by Hurricane Helene. The “Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund for Georgia Farmers” will provide direct financial assistance to cover losses to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure not covered by insurance.
The Rome Tennis Center at Berry College is once again hosting a major tennis event, with the Georgia Open wheelchair tennis tournament kicking off this Wednesday. According to Sarah Williams with Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism, the professional tournament will welcome 50 athletes from 15 countries, promising a week of exciting competition.
Georgia drivers are enjoying continued relief at the pump as gas prices maintain their downward trend. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Georgia is currently $2.94 (subject to change overnight), according to AAA.
The Trion, Summerville and Hays Correctional Fire Departments responded to a woods fire in the Back Penn Road area of Summerville on Monday afternoon, averting potential disaster. Reports of a spreading woods fire with a threat to a nearby structure prompted the swift dispatch of firefighters. Upon arrival, crews discovered the blaze had extended from the woods, engulfing an outbuilding and a camper. Firefighters quickly established attack lines and successfully extinguished the flames, preventing further spread. Their rapid response is being credited with saving a home located near the fire. The quick thinking and effective teamwork of the firefighters were crucial in containing the fire and preventing it from reaching the nearby residence. The incident highlights the increased fire risk due to dry conditions that have plagued the region for the past week, leading to a surge in wildfire reports. Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor activities that could potentially spark a fire. Relief may be on the horizon, as potential rainfall is forecast for tonight, which is expected to alleviate some of the dry conditions and lower the fire risk.
Northwest Georgia residents are urged to exercise extreme caution due to elevated fire danger conditions persisting through Monday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a warning citing low relative humidity across the region. Relative humidity levels are expected to remain at or below 25% for at least four hours Monday afternoon and evening, coupled with light and variable winds shifting from east to southeast at 4 to 7 mph.