The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced that starting Monday, January 6, through Friday, January 10, crews will be conducting nightly lane closures on 2nd Avenue as part of an ongoing improvement project. The closures, weather permitting, will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. The 2nd Avenue improvement project stretches from the Oostanaula River to just north of the intersection with Turner McCall Boulevard. Motorists should prepare for temporary lane closures that will be implemented periodically in both directions between West 3rd Street and Turner McCall Boulevard. “We advise all motorists to exercise caution in the area during these times,” said a GDOT spokesperson. “Delays are expected, and we urge drivers to reduce their speed while traveling through the work zones.” To stay informed about the latest traffic conditions and work status, drivers can call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app before heading out.
At the request of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating a death in Macon County after hunters discovered a body in the woods near Flint River.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, January 4, 2025:
A 47-year-old man was arrested late on New Year’s by Summerville Police after a drunken episode on Smith Street ended with charges of disturbing the peace. According to police, Chris John Gianoulis was inside the residence yelling and cursing and then began to break items in the home. Smith was placed under arrest and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail. The cirmustances around the incident were no immediately available from police.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff announced this week that legislation he championed to cap prescription drug costs has officially taken effect. Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D will now face a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $2,000 per year for their medications.
Now that we have entered a new year, Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries seeks new volunteers.
Another lawsuit has been filed to recover costs for cleaning up PFAS chemicals. Murray County is suing several chemical companies and carpet manufacturers for using these “forever chemicals” to make carpets stain resistant. In November, Mohawk Industries, based in Calhoun, sued, claiming chemical companies hid risks about PFAS. In August, a federal court consent decree settled a water pollution case involving the City of Calhoun and environmental groups. The City of Rome also reached a settlement in a similar lawsuit in summer 2023.
The Chattooga Young Farmers will host their annual awards banquet coming next week, on Saturday, January 11th. The event will be held at the Chattooga County Ag Center, located just off Highway 100 on Middle School Road in Summerville. Those planning to attend the annual event should contact Chattooga County Young Farmer Director Lauren Jarrett no later than Thursday, January 9, 2025.
