Americans are now becoming aware of “prescribed fire,” known as “good fire,” which Georgia foresters have promoted for its benefits in making forests healthier and improving safety for people. This contrasts with “bad fire,” like the wildfires recently seen in California. The first week of February, from February 2-8, 2025, is celebrated as “Prescribed Fire Awareness Week,” emphasizing the need for prescribed fires.
Last month, the Walker County Board of Education has announced the resignation of Stacey Meeks from the Post 4 School Board seat. Mr. Meeks, who was elected in November, had announced that he would be relocating to another area of the county and would be unable to fulfill his duties. In accordance with state law, the Board was required to appoint a replacement within 45 days of the resignation. Earlier this week, the board selected Kevin Richardson, a longtime Walker County educator, to fill the position. The vote to appoint Richardson was unanimous. In a post on social media on Tuesday, the Walker Board of Education welcomed Richardson and said that they looked forward to his serving on the school board.
Voters in Chattooga County are being called back to the polls this March to make a significant decision regarding the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The election is scheduled for March 18, where residents will have the opportunity to renew the county’s existing 1% sales tax aimed at funding crucial capital improvement projects.
According to a report released this week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, On January 29, 2025, officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at 608 Rains Circle, in Summerville leading to the arrest of 46-year-old Shannon Matthew Bennet. The incident unfolded around 8:37 PM when law enforcement was dispatched to the scene regarding an intoxicated male. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a witness who indicated that a verbal argument had occurred between her and Bennet.
Joy Hampton, the Tax Commissioner of Chattooga County, has shared the tax collection results for 2024, showing important financial data. In that year, the Tax Commissioner’s Office handled 28,448 payments and collected a total of $20,015,099. 30 from property taxes, interest, and fees. This amount includes $118,596. 04 collected for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS), which supports local government services.
Wednesday – 10:30 AM: The City of Summerville water department will be repairing a water leak on Briarwood Dr. Customers in this area may experience low or, in some cases, no water pressure. The repair is expected to take approximately three hours. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Summerville maintenance department at (706)859-0907.
Today, there is a slight chance of showers between noon and 3 PM, with a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms afterward. The weather is mostly cloudy with a high near 69°F and a 40% chance of precipitation. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 4 AM, followed by a chance of showers. There may be patchy fog before 2 AM and after 5 AM. The temperature will drop to around 57°F, with a 70% chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts between one-tenth and a quarter of an inch, potentially higher in storms.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 5, 2025:
In a significant crackdown on fraud related to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a grand jury in Mitchell County has indicted 21 residents of Camilla for allegedly defrauding the relief fund designed to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
