Here is the latest arrest report for Saturday, March 8, 2025:
Governor Brian Kemp signed the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 this week, with support from key officials and lawmakers. He expressed gratitude to legislative partners, constitutional officers, and his team for their efforts in the budget process.
Remember to set your clock ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a. m. Sunday. It’s a good time to also change the batteries in your smoke alarm and ensure they are working. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries last for 10 years. If the alarm chirps for low battery, replace the entire unit immediately. For alarms with replaceable batteries, change the battery at least once a year, and replace it right away if the alarm chirps. AAA warns that changing the time can affect drivers. “Adjusting our clocks disrupts the natural rhythm of our days and sleep patterns, raising the risk of drowsy driving,” said Montrae Waiters from AAA. Symptoms of drowsy driving include trouble keeping eyes open, drifting from your lane, and feeling irritable. Be extra cautious near schools, as it will be dark later in the morning. A study found a 6% increase in fatal crashes during the week after the time change.
A new study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows mixed results for lung cancer outcomes in Appalachia. While cancer rates and deaths have dropped since 2004, they are still much higher than in other parts of the United States.
Georgia hunters can mark their calendars! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the dates for the 2025 turkey season. Private land will be open to turkey hunting from March 29th to May 15th, while public land season runs from April 5th to May 15th. Young and mobility-impaired hunters will have an early opportunity to bag a gobbler during a special season on March 22nd and 23rd. The season limit remains at two gobblers, with a daily bag limit of one. Hunters using public land should be aware that they are limited to harvesting only one gobbler per season per area. The youth and mobility impaired season allows hunters aged 16 and under and individuals with mobility impairments to participate in the hunt. The DNR is reminding all hunters to familiarize themselves with the regulations and bag limits before heading into the woods. Failure to comply with these rules can result in charges and fines. “Responsible hunting starts with knowing the rules,” a DNR spokesperson stated. “We encourage all hunters to review the regulations before the season begins.” For those looking for prime turkey hunting locations, the Ridge & Valley Region is known for its excellent turkey harvests. Remember, all resident hunters aged 16 or older are required to possess a Resident Hunting, Combo, or Sportsman’s License, unless hunting on their own land or land owned by immediate family. Detailed information regarding the 2024-2025 Georgia Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits can be found online at the Georgia DNR website or at any authorized license vendor.
A 31-year-old woman from North Carolina is facing multiple charges, including DUI and child endangerment, following a crash on Highway 27 last Friday. The incident involved a KhemPro truck carrying weed killer and occurred in front of the McDonald’s in Summerville. According to Georgia State Patrol records, Kristina Marie Chandler was attempting to pull out of a shopping center near McDonald’s around 11:15 AM when her vehicle collided with the truck driven by 46-year-old Kevin Marshall of Summerville. The report from the Georgia State Patrol, said Chandler failed to yield the right of way and entered into traffic, striking the truck that was carrying weed killer driven by Marshall. Chandler’s vehicle struck the truck in the left northbound land of Highway 27. Chandler was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI, DUI child endangerment, and failure to yield when entering a highway.
U. S. Senator Jon Ossoff is urging the Trump Administration to better protect Georgia seniors from scams. In a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, he called for stronger measures as financial scams continue to increase. Sen. Ossoff highlighted the serious financial and emotional impact on seniors, who number over 1. 2 million in Georgia and deserve security. He noted that Georgia is among the top five states affected by financial fraud, with losses rising from $25 million in 2020 to $92 million in 2023. In Georgia, reports of scams targeting seniors are increasing, causing significant financial losses for those aged 60 and older. The FBI reported that losses from scams rose from over $25 million in 2020 to $92 million in 2023. In the first quarter of 2023, fraud losses reached about $33. 4 million, placing Georgia 12th in the nation. This situation is harming the trust of seniors and their caregivers in the financial system. Ossoff has consistently pushed for protections for seniors, including pressing the CFPB on this issue and securing commitments from Bank of America’s CEO to combat schemes targeting vulnerable populations.
Chattooga County voters are being asked to decide the future of a one-cent sales tax that has been in place for several decades and provides revenue for infrastructure projects for the county government, as well as the county’s four municipalities: Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and Menlo. Voters have the opportunity to cast their vote during Saturday voting today. Advance voting takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. You may cast your ballot today between the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM. Weekday voting resumes on Monday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5 PM.
The North Georgia Cruisers have announced the resounding success of their 2024 Car Show, attributing the event’s significant impact on local families to the overwhelming generosity of the community. According to a statement released by the organization, the combined efforts of donations, t-shirt and concession purchases, car show entries, and fundraiser participation, allowed them to contribute over $18,000 towards Christmas gifts and groceries for needy families within Chattooga County. This support ensured a brighter holiday season for families who might otherwise have gone without. “On behalf of the North Georgia Cruisers, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting our 2024 Car Show,” the statement read. “Every contribution has made a significant impact on many needy families of Chattooga County.” The organization emphasized the collective effort, highlighting the community’s willingness to give back and make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors. The North Georgia Cruisers are welcoming new members who share their passion for cars and community involvement. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend their meetings, held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Recreation Center at 6:00 p.m. You do not have to own a car to join the organization. For more information, please call 706-264-3287.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, March 7, 2025: