Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton has announced that intent to Fi Fa letters have been sent out to residents for unpaid 2024 taxes. These letters are now arriving in mailboxes throughout the county, serving as an essential reminder for property owners.
According to a report released this past Friday, Summerville Police were called to 109 Summerville Gardens Drive on January 1st due to a disturbance caused by Shaun Goodson, who damaged property and refused to leave. Officers arrived at 10:36 PM and spoke to three women: Misty Goodson, Byonca Goodson, and Stephanie Norton. Misty stated her brother broke a closet door and threw Stephanie’s belongings out of a window. Officers confirmed the damage and found items on the grass. Shaun Goodson left the residence heading for the management office but was not found. Misty and others reported his aggressive behavior. Summerville Police Officers collected information and said Shaun would face charges for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Manager Amy Winters of Summerville Gardens Apartments also planned to press charges and requested that police ban Shaun Goodson from the property.
Georgia State Senator Colton Moore (R) held an “urgent” fundraiser after being arrested on misdemeanor charges for obstructing law enforcement. He was detained while trying to attend the State of the State Address at the Capitol, despite being banned by House Speaker Jon Burns (R) due to negative comments about the late House Speaker David Ralston.
The Trion Fire Department is working on updating pre-plans for properties in the community to improve emergency preparedness. These pre-plans gather important details about buildings before any emergency happens, helping responders manage situations better. The Tron Fire Department is emphasizing the significance of these pre-plans and noted that they are actively trying to complete them. If they haven’t visited a location yet, they are committed to finishing the remaining updates soon. Residents are encouraged to ask questions or set a time for updates, as the department prioritizes community safety. They invite residents to take this chance to improve safety measures for their properties. For more information or to arrange a pre-plan update, community members should contact the Trion Fire Department.
The Summerville City Council is set to convene for a special called meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting will take place at the city hall and is expected to address several important agenda items relevant to the community. Key items on the agenda include a financial proposal for the approval of a payment of $24,681 to Templeton & Associates for a pressure-sustaining valve for the water transmission line. The council will engage in a discussion before taking action on this matter. Additionally, the council plans to discuss and authorize Mayor Harvey to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding the 2025 Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). After the scheduled discussions, the council will enter into an executive session to talk about litigation and real estate matters.
Today is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – the third Monday in January set aside to honor the civil rights leader. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill making the third Monday in January “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” across the nation back in 1983. Dr. King was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929. The Baptist preacher spent most of his adult life crusading for an end to segregation in the United States and was shot down by an assassin’s bullet in 1968. Today the nation will remember the life and legacy of Dr. King. Since it is a Federal Holiday, banks and post offices will be closed, along with governmental office. Also, Trion City Schools will be out today for Dr. King’s birthday. Chattooga County Schools are on a four-day school week and are already out every Monday. A Day of Service has been planned by the local MLK Day Committee. This year, they will be meeting at the Fairway Recreation Center in Summerville at 10 AM and will be working with Felicia’s Kids – an after school -tutoring program.
The Georgia Young Farmer Association (GYFA) State Convention is held annually. The location rotates around the state. The GYFA Convention is a highlight of the year for GYFA members. State Award winners are announced, scholarship winners are recognized and newly elected Board of Directors are installed. The Georgia Young Farmers Association convention is a family event and offers fun family activities and women’s programs each year in the agenda. This year, the 2025 Georgia Young Farmers Association state convention was held at Jekyll Island. This year, Chattooga Young Farmer Director Lauren Jarrett was recognized as the Georgia Young Farmer Director of the Year. Ms. Jarrett’s dedication to advancing the interests of young farmers in the community has not gone unnoticed, and this accolade serves as a testament to her hard work and leadership. Also, Chattooga High School Senior Carol Ann Cash was awarded a Georgia Young Farmer Association scholarship. This scholarship will aid her as she pursues her educational goals, helping to empowering the next generation of farmers in Georgia.
An Armuchee man is facing drug charges after his arrest late last Thursday on South Broad Street in Rome. According to Floyd County Jail records, 57-year-old Joshua Jodell Leach was stopped for a window tint violation. A K9 indication prompted a search that found two bags of suspected crack cocaine prepared for resale and a small amount of marijuana. Leach is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
Community Recourse Center of Chattooga County announced a warming station is open due to the extreme cold weather. The center opened on Sunday night and will remain open through Thursday morning at 10 AM. Anyone wishing to stay at the warming station should arrive by 10 PM. There will be no entry after 10 PM. CRC Chattooga says, “If you or someone you know needs a place to come in to get out of the bitter cold then you are welcome to come”. The warming center is located at 172 Farrar Drive in Summerville – the building just past Chattooga EMA/911.
Residents in Northwest Georgia should brace for dangerously cold temperatures this week, as wind chills are forecasted to plunge to around zero and possibly into the negative digits. An extreme cold warning has been issued for several counties, effective Monday morning. The National Weather Service warns that wind chills could reach as low as 2 degrees below zero in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield Counties from 1 AM to noon EST on Monday.