Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, January 25, 2025:
UPDATE:
A five-vehicle accident with injuries and on fatality happened on Friday night on Highway 114, the Lyerly Highway. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader notified local media shortly after 7 PM about the accident. Highway 114 was closed at Ellenburg Subdivision along with Norton Road headed east for a period of time while law enforcement and emergency responders worked the accident. WZQZ will have more information about the accident as it becomes available from law enforcement. The name of the fatality victim was not immediately released by law enforcement pending notification of family.
Photo Credit: Berry College
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Ruby Bridges, a civil rights icon, spoke to nearly 2,000 people at Berry College, highlighting her experience as one of the first Black students to integrate an all-white elementary school in the U. S.
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton reminds residents that Georgia law requires returns for all real estate and personal property, submitted to the Assessor’s Office at the courthouse annex in Summerville. Property changes must be reported by April 1, 2025.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp presented his budget proposal to the Georgia General Assembly, highlighting the need for relief following Hurricane Helene’s devastation. He emphasized that this budget aims to support farmers and small businesses, provide relief from high living costs, and strengthen infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public safety without increasing government size.
Area fire departments responded to a residential structure fire on Mahan Road in Summerville on Friday. Reports indicate that the mobile home and an adjacent camper were fully involved when firefighters arrived. The Summerville Fire Department, along with Trion Fire Department and Hays Correctional Fire Department were able extinguish the flames upon arrival. Both structures sustained substantial fire and smoke damage. One person was transported by Atrium Health Floyd EMS for evaluation due to smoke inhalation. Traffic was routed around the area due to a downed power line due to the fire. There was no immediate word as to the cause of the fire.
The Walker County Board of Education has announced that it will not opt out of House Bill 581, the floating homestead property tax exemption, despite the concerns raised by neighboring school districts. This announcement comes in the wake of the Chattooga County Board of Education, Trion City Schools Board of Education, and the Floyd County Board of Education all expressing their intentions to opt out of the legislation.
State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) recently confirmed his leadership role within the Georgia House of Representatives following the completion of the House Committee on Assignments. Last week, the committee announced the new committee assignments for each representative, and Lumsden has been reappointed as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. As Chairman, Lumsden will oversee legislation concerning all facets of insurance and the insurance industry, a critical responsibility that impacts countless Georgians. In addition to his chairmanship, Lumsden has also been appointed to serve on several other key committees, including Public Safety and Homeland Security, Appropriations, Rules, Governmental Affairs, and Veterans Affairs, for the next two years. A retired Georgia State Trooper, Lumsden brings extensive public safety experience to his legislative role. Together with his wife, he operates an insurance agency in Armuchee, providing him with a unique perspective on the issues facing the industry. For more information about the various committees and their functions, you can visit the House’s public website here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/house.
Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center received a Patient Safety and Quality Award from the Georgia Hospital Association for enhancing care. The hospital’s project, “Enhancing Bedside Care with Implementation of Monthly Staff Education Newsletters,” improved staff education and patient care, earning third place in the Specialty Hospitals category. Karen Sablon, vice president of Rehabilitation Services, noted the newsletter helps the nursing team focus on important topics to better serve patients. Atrium Health Floyd also received the Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing hospitals with multiple GHA awards over five years. Overall, these awards honor Georgia health care organizations for their efforts in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. GHA President Caylee Noggle praised the hospital’s contributions to patient safety and quality care.