Georgia’s political landscape is once again grappling with the contentious issue of legalized gambling. As Republican leaders openly advocate for family values, they are at the same time, teaming up with a growing alliance of sportsbooks, including industry giants FanDuel and DraftKings, who are making renewed efforts to legalize sports betting in the Peach State. This push comes on the heels of a recent poll indicating widespread public support for the measure, which is already a reality in 39 other states.

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The Chattooga County Board of Education invites community members to participate in three upcoming public hearings to discuss the decision to opt out of House Bill 581 (HB 581), a statewide floating homestead exemption. The hearings will allow residents to share their perspectives on this significant decision, which impacts the future funding of Chattooga County Schools.

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The spirit of unity and service will be the theme on January 19 as the community comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr here in Chattooga County.

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On February 22, 2025, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will host a “Learn & Burn Workshop” aimed at educating local landowners on the benefits and techniques of prescribed fire. From 8 AM to 4 PM, participants will gain valuable hands-on experience while learning from local experts about safely incorporating fire back into their land management practices.

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After an initial delay due to winter weather over the past weekend, the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency/911 (EMA) will install a tornado siren at the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department on Highway 337 on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This addition is important for improving emergency preparedness in the community. Crews are expected to arrive before 8 a. m. to start the installation, followed by testing of the siren later that afternoon to ensure it works properly. Pamela M. Vaughn, Director of Chattooga County EMA, and Teloga Fire Chief Andy Rowe, highlighted the importance of such systems for timely alerts during severe weather. If bad weather delays the installation, officials will inform the public about rescheduling. Once installed, the siren will be tested monthly on the first Wednesday at noon, and if the weather is not suitable, testing will occur the following Wednesday. Residents are encouraged to watch for updates on the installation and testing schedule. For more information, contact the Chattooga County EMA/E911 office at 706-857-3400 or email chattoogaema@gmail.com.

Chattooga High School invites all rising freshmen, along with their parents and guardians, to the Rising Freshman Night on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the cafeteria. This event will provide information about the opportunities and resources available to students as they begin high school. It aims to help students and families prepare for the transition, with details on academic programs, extracurricular activities, and school policies being shared. Parents and guardians can sign up for individual advisement appointments during the event, scheduled for January 21, 22, and 23, from 3:45 PM to 6 PM. These sessions will help create students’ schedules for the upcoming year, ensuring they are placed in suitable courses. Chattooga High School looks forward to supporting each child’s educational journey and encourages participation in this important evening. For more information, visit the school website or contact the school directly.

On Monday, Governor Brian P. Kemp, along with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, announced a legislative plan to improve K-12 education and strengthen classrooms in Georgia. This package includes funding from the AFY’25 and FY’26 budgets, ensuring full funding for K-12 formula earnings, increasing school safety grants, and enhancing mental health support and crisis counseling. It also includes additional funds for technical education and transportation and aims to improve teacher benefits while modernizing school facilities.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect a period of dry weather and slightly below average temperatures over the next few days, with highs and lows anticipated to be 2 to 7 degrees below seasonal averages. According to the latest weather forecasts, a surface high pressure system will dominate the region today, providing stable and uneventful weather conditions. A secondary high pressure system is expected to move in from the Plains on Wednesday, reinforcing the calm weather pattern. As a result, west to northwest winds will prevail across the state, with wind speeds ranging from 4 to 12 mph.

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Georgia gas prices increased at the pumps compared to a week ago. Georgians pay an average price of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 3 cents more than a week ago, 1 cent more than a month ago, and 1 cent less than last year. It costs drivers an average price of $43.95 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians now pay approximately 15 cents less to fill up at the pump than a year ago.

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As the Georgia General Assembly convened yesterday, veteran lawmaker, State Representative Eddie Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, will once again chair the Georgia House Insurance Committee. Lumsden first took office in January of 2013 after defeating longtime Democratic State Representative Barbara Massey Reece of Menlo. He, along with his wife Theresa, operate a State Farm insurance agency in Floyd County, close to Mount Berry Mall. Lumsden, who served in the United States Air Force is also a retired Georgia State Trooper and a graduate of Armuchee High School. He also attended Floyd College (now Georgia Highlands) and received a bachelor’s degree from Berry College. The 12th District, that Lumsden represents, is comprised of all of Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County. Committee assignments for the 2025 legislative session will be decided this week.