The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will start a new electronic system for submitting Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) medical certificates this week, on June 18, 2025. This change aims to make the process easier and more accurate, in line with the National Registry II. After this date, DDS will not accept hard copy medical certificates from drivers, which means all submissions must be made electronically. Key changes include that no paper submissions, faxes, or in-person deliveries will be allowed; certified medical examiners must send the medical information electronically to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which will then share it with DDS. Drivers should wait at least 48 business hours after their medical exam for the information to update in the DDS records. Existing valid medical certificates will stay valid until they expire and do not need to be resubmitted. CDL holders still need to confirm their driving category with DDS and must provide any required medical waivers. CDL holders are advised to reach out to their medical examiners and Georgia DDS for more details on these changes.

The Town of Trion is now accepting applications for a maintenance employee at the Town of Trion Wastewater Treatment Plant. This person will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the plant through preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment management. Key duties will include preventative maintenance procedures, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, ordering parts from vendors, equipment installation and replacement, and general grounds keeping. Ideal candidates will possess a working knowledge of electrical PLCs, drives, relays, and pumps. Wages will be commensurate with experience. To be considered, applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or GED, and be able to successfully pass a drug screening. Applications are currently available at Town Hall and at the Town of Trion Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 15131 Hwy 27, Trion, GA 30753. The Town of Trion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply promptly.

The City of Summerville Fire Department will be flushing hydrants today, Monday, June 16th, and Tuesday, June 17th, from 8 AM to 3 PM. This maintenance is important for community safety in fire situations. Residents in North Summerville, particularly on Hairlake Road, Orchard Hill Road, and Commerce Street, might see brief water discoloration during this process, which is normal and safe. If discoloration occurs, running the tap for a few minutes will clear it up. Fire Department staff will perform tasks like lubrication and function checks on each hydrant to ensure the fire suppression system works well. Residents can contact the Fire Department with any questions or concerns.

On May 2, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia finalized a settlement, which establishes a $1 million Temporary Drinking Water Fund to provide bottled water or filtration systems to current Summerville water customers. The settlement stems from concerns about the quality of Summerville’s water supply. Under the agreement, eligible residents can elect to receive either a permanent water filtration system, installed by Fontis Water Incorporated, or regular deliveries of 5-gallon jugs of PFAS-free spring water for a period determined by the Claims Administrator.

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The Chattooga County School District will hold its annual Consolidated LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP) meeting this Thursday, June 19th, at 9 AM to discuss how the district utilizes crucial federal funds to improve the educational system. The public is highly encouraged to attend this important meeting, held in Chattooga County. The CLIP, as explained by the district, is a comprehensive plan outlining the specific strategies and initiatives supported by federal funds within Chattooga County Schools. This plan is vital for securing both state and federal funding, directly impacting the resources available to students and teachers. These meetings provide an opportunity for the community to understand how those funds are being allocated and to offer valuable input. By holding these public CLIP meetings, the Chattooga County School District aims to ensure transparency and foster community involvement in the decision-making process. The meeting is open to all residents and stakeholders interested in learning more about the school district’s plans for improving education through the effective use of federal resources.

Chattooga County faces a significant economic challenge, with a poverty rate far exceeding both the Georgia state average and the national benchmark. According to recent data, 19.9% of Chattooga County’s 23,046 residents live below the poverty line, a stark contrast to Georgia’s overall poverty rate of 13.5%. This means that nearly one in five residents in the county are struggling to make ends meet. The county’s poverty rate also surpasses the national average of approximately 12.5%, further highlighting the severity of the economic hardship faced by its citizens. Like last year, the latest data indicates that the most affected demographic group is women aged 25-34, a prime working age. This demographic faces added difficulties as women in America are 35 percent more likely than men to be living in poverty, and single mothers make up 35 percent of those raising their families below the poverty line. Women account for 60 percent of minimum-wage workers. The second largest group facing poverty in Chattooga County are females aged 55-64. Rounding out the top three, young boys under the age of 5 also face economic hardship in Chattooga County. The high poverty rate raises concerns about access to resources, educational opportunities, and overall well-being for Chattooga County residents.

Welfare Info contributed to this report

There were no health inspections to report for the first half of June, 2025.  Should you ever have any complaint with any food service or tourist establishment that operates in Chattooga County, you may register that complaint by calling the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3471.

With summer officially underway, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is issuing a warning to landowners about a potential surge in Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) activity. Peak SPB season has arrived, posing a significant threat to Georgia’s valuable pine forests. The GFC is actively assisting landowners in confronting this invasive pest, offering resources and expertise to help identify, manage, and mitigate potential outbreaks. Southern pine beetles are native to Georgia and are considered the most destructive type of pine beetle. They can kill large numbers of healthy trees over many acres in a short period of time. The Southern Pine Beetle can cause widespread damage to pine trees, ultimately leading to their death. Early detection and swift action are crucial to limiting the spread of the beetle and protecting Georgia’s forest resources. “Georgia’s west-central region had a lot of activity last year, and it hasn’t slowed since,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Forest Health Coordinator Paul McDaniel. “The highest numbers of southern beetles trapped this spring were in Polk and Paulding Counties; Carroll and Dawson were close behind.”Landowners are encouraged to visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website or contact their local GFC office for more information on identifying SPB infestations and implementing preventative measures. You can find more information from the GFC HERE

This year, summer officially kicks off on Friday, June 20th, a date that might surprise many who automatically associate the solstice with the 21st. While June 21st is often considered the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the actual date can fluctuate between June 20th, 21st, or even 22nd. This fascinating phenomenon, as explained by Space.com and The Courier-Journal, is a result of the complex interplay between Earth’s orbit and our standardized calendar system. The reasons are threefold: Earth’s Orbit: Our planet’s journey around the sun takes approximately 365.24 days, slightly longer than our standard 365-day calendar year. This fractional difference causes the solstice to drift over time. Solstice Timing: The summer solstice, defined as the moment the sun reaches its northernmost point from the celestial equator, isn’t locked to a specific calendar date. Its occurrence depends on Earth’s precise position in its orbit. Leap Years: While leap years, with their added day every four years, help realign our calendar with the Earth’s orbit, the adjustment isn’t perfect. The timing of the solstice can still shift slightly. So, mark your calendars for June 20th this year and prepare for warmer weather, longer days, and the official start of summer