The Town of Trion Maintenance Department has announced an opening for a full-time Maintenance Worker position. This role is a part of the town’s service team, with a salary commensurate with experience. The primary responsibilities of the Maintenance Worker will include operating the garbage truck as part of the solid waste management team. Additional duties may be assigned as time permits, requiring flexibility and a strong work ethic. Candidates should be prepared for demanding physical tasks, as the job involves heavy manual labor for extended periods. The ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions is essential, along with proficiency in operating miscellaneous equipment. Candidates must possess the capability to understand and follow detailed instructions to ensure safety and efficiency in all tasks. Interested applicants can obtain an application at Town Hall. Please note that applications will be accepted until Friday, April 1, 2025. For further information, please contact Brandon Croy, Maintenance Superintendent, at the Town of Trion.

A residential structure fire on Turner Street has resulted in a fatality, prompting a multi-agency investigation into the tragic incident. At approximately 10:55 AM on Sunday, the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office received a report regarding the fire, which raised concerns of a possible casualty. Coroner Jeremy McElhaney arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and confirmed that one individual had lost their life due to the blaze. The identity of the deceased is being withheld as officials await positive identification and ensure that the family is notified in a respectful and timely manner.  The Summerville, Trion and Hays Correctional Fire Departments responded to the fire.  Smoke from the fire could be seen from more than a mile away, according to reports. As part of the standard procedure following such incidents, the deceased will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Authorities from the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are collaborating to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. As of now, details regarding the cause of the fire have not been disclosed, and further information is expected as the investigation unfolds.

Dry and warmer-than-average conditions will continue. A low-level cloud cover has formed over Upstate South Carolina and much of North Carolina, extending southwest into northeast Georgia. Patchy fog is possible this morning in low-lying areas and next to water. Some patchy freezing fog may occur in Northwest Georgia, where temperatures have dropped into the low to mid-30s but things will warm up today, with highs expected between the mid 60s. A high-pressure system causing this wedge is located in the Northeast but will move eastward into the Atlantic by evening. A clear to mostly clear night is expected, with lows in the upper 30s to upper 40s, and patchy fog may return overnight. For the long term, above-average temperatures are expected in Georgia through next weekend, with increased rain chances and isolated thunderstorms forecasted for mid to late week. The upper flow will shift to a northwesterly direction, leading to scattered showers and possibly some strong storms by Thursday, with rainfall totals between 0. 5 and 0. 75 inches expected.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, February 2, 2025:

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The Calhoun Fire Department, in collaboration with the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, is currently investigating a fire that broke out at Georgia Apache Mills, located at 501 Oak Street, on last Sunday, January 26, at 4:17 PM. The fire department responded swiftly to the scene, but the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry. “Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial to our investigation,” said Investigator Nathan Saylors of the Calhoun Fire Department. Individuals who can provide insights or details are encouraged to contact Saylors directly at 706-263-5293. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804 or via the website at www.georgiaarsoncontrol.org. In a proactive effort to combat arson, a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this fire.

The Lookout Mountain Court Circuit District Attorney’s office is investigating a case involving fake property deeds linked to Atlanta developer Marlena Barnett, the CEO of “The Lakes of Summerville. ” Allegations claim that Barnett filed counterfeit deeds for land she did not own in Chattooga County, causing significant financial losses for unsuspecting buyers. At least 11 victims from multiple states have reported being misled into buying non-existent properties, leaving them without valid deeds. One victim paid $15,000 for what he thought was a legitimate investment but only received a partial refund after months of uncertainty. Similar experiences have been shared by others from across the country who purchased the deeds, revealing a pattern of deception.  The district attorney’s office is considering consolidating all claims to simplify the legal process for the victims and will provide updates as the investigation continues. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader noted that charges against Barnett have not yet been filed.  Sheriff Schrader said that he is relying on updates from the District Attorney going forward and no charges have yet been made.

The Board of Commissioners of Walker County, Georgia, will hold a meeting this Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 6:00 p. m. at the County Courthouse Annex III located at 201 South Main Street in LaFayette. The agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes and a public hearing on planning and zoning matters, including variance requests for zoning issues. The meeting will also discuss a proclamation for Spay/Neuter Month, and presentations regarding a wireless communications facility. Key resolutions include the appointment of a county attorney and spending of 2020 SPLOST funds.  The public is invited to attend.

Residents of Chattooga County are reminded that the deadline to register to vote or update existing voter registration records for the upcoming Special Election on March 18, 2025, is fast approaching.  Voters will be going to the polls to vote for the Special Local Option Sales Tax next month.

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In a celebration of Georgia’s rich heritage, Super Museum Sunday is set to take place on February 9th, 2025, inviting history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike to explore dozens of museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions across the state without spending a dime.

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