Starting July 1, 2025, selling used catalytic converters in Georgia will become significantly more regulated, thanks to the implementation of SB 40. The new law aims to combat the rising problem of catalytic converter theft by increasing transparency and accountability in the secondary metals market.
With summer temperatures soaring and much of Georgia facing a week of 90+ degree weather, Georgia Power is offering customers a series of recommendations to stay cool while keeping energy bills manageable. The power company recognizes the strain that summer heat can place on household budgets and is encouraging customers to implement these simple, cost-effective strategies:
A warming trend is expected to bring high temperatures and humidity to Georgia over the next two days, with the potential for heat indices to soar into the 100 to 107 degree range on Tuesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting the heat wave due to a large upper-level ridge building over the Eastern U.S. This ridge will lead to rising temperatures and dry conditions across the region. While the most intense heat will be concentrated in the Ohio Valley and Mid Atlantic, Georgia’s proximity to the ridge ensures it will experience a significant heat spike. Afternoon highs today are expected to reach the mid-90s, with Tuesday potentially seeing temperatures climb into the upper 90s. The greatest concern is for east central Georgia, where there is a 50% chance of a Heat Advisory being issued for Tuesday. Peak heat indices in this region are forecast to reach a dangerous 103 to 107 degrees. While the Atlanta Metro area faces a lower, 20% chance of a Heat Advisory, residents are still urged to take precautions against the heat. Looking ahead, thunderstorm chances later in the week may bring some relief from the heat, but the current heat wave is expected to peak on Wednesday, pending any thunderstorm activity. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 23, 2025:
Brandon Keith Bolden, 37, convicted of aggravated child molestation in Chattooga County, died last week after being assaulted by his cellmate at Rutledge State Prison in Columbus, Georgia. According to the Muscogee County Coroner, Bolden succumbed to blunt-force trauma injuries sustained during the attack. Bolden was serving time for a conviction stemming from a 2010 arrest in Summerville, where he was initially charged with child molestation, aggravated child molestation, and sexual battery. The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed Bolden’s death and stated that the incident is under investigation by the GDC’s Office of Professional Standards. “The death is being investigated by the GDC’s Office of Professional Standards, as standard procedure; however, additional details are not available, as the investigation is ongoing,” said Joan Heath, director of communications for the Georgia Department of Corrections, in an email statement. Authorities have not yet released the identity of Bolden’s cellmate or indicated whether charges are pending. Bolden’s family has been notified, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an autopsy. Rutledge State Prison, a medium-security facility housing 640 inmates, is located in Columbus.
As summer approaches, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County (AACC) remind pet and livestock owners of important safety precautions during the hot weather. With rising temperatures, they warn against leaving pets in vehicles, as car interiors can become dangerously hot, leading to heatstroke and death. The Animal Advocates recommend leaving pets at home in cool, well-ventilated areas when running errands or attending outdoor events. Also those who keep livestock should remember the need for plenty of water and shade for all animals. Livestock also need access to clean, cool drinking water and shade structures like barns or trees to prevent heat stress. Community members are encouraged to report any signs of animal neglect or distress to authorities. By working together, everyone can help protect the safety and well-being of animals in Chattooga County this summer.
In a landmark agreement, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced Friday that the state will be exporting 42,000 pounds of Georgia peaches to Mexico, marking the first time since 1994 that the state has been able to ship the beloved stone fruit to its southern neighbor.
Menlo Elementary School (MES) is spotlighting one of their distinguished alumni, Dr. Susanna Brantley, who is making significant strides in the field of clinical research. Dr. Brantley is also a graduate of Chattooga High School (CHS).
Time is running out to get a fresh box of Georgia peaches and support a worthy cause! The Chattooga County 4-H is holding its annual Georgia Peach Sale, a vital fundraiser for local 4-H programs. The deadline for orders is June 30th. For over a decade, Chattooga County 4-H has partnered with Dickey Farms, a family-run business established in 1897, to bring the community the finest Freestone peaches from South Georgia. This year, a box containing approximately 25 pounds of these juicy peaches is available for $40. Perfect for enjoying fresh or transforming into homemade jams and preserves, these peaches are a summer treat you won’t want to miss. “Our annual peach sale is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, allowing us to provide enriching opportunities for the youth of Chattooga County,” said a representative from the Chattooga County Extension office. Orders will be delivered between July 7th and 9th, but potential buyers are urged to act fast, as quantities are limited. To place an order, contact the Chattooga County Extension office at 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the taste of summer while supporting the youth development efforts of the Chattooga County 4-H program! The 4-H program extends its sincere appreciation to the community for its continued support.
A Summerville woman reported a theft from her vehicle while it was parked at the First Baptist Church parking lot during Vacation Bible School. According to a police report filed with the Summerville Police Department last Thursday, the victim reported that her 2000 White Chevrolet Lumina, parked on Georgia Avenue in front of the church, was entered and items were stolen. The victim stated that she parked her car, which had plastic covering the driver’s side window, unlocked on Wednesday evening. Upon returning to her vehicle around 9:00 PM, she discovered that a jar containing an unspecified amount of change and a Bluetooth speaker with rainbow circles, valued at approximately $500, were missing from the front passenger floorboard. The victim stated that during 6 PM and 8:30 PM, someone had gotten into her vehicle and stolen a jar with change that was in the passenger front floorboard. She was unsure how much change was inside the jar. She stated someone had stolen her Bluetooth speaker that had rainbow circles on it. She priced the speaker to be approximately $500. She stated she noticed the items were missing when she got home at 9 PM. The responding officer informed the victim that the investigation would be turned over to detectives to review any potential security camera footage from the area. A report was filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
