Over the past fifteen years, Chattooga County has witnessed a notable increase in its senior citizen population, highlighting a trend that is reshaping the dynamics of the community. According to recent U.S. Census data, 18.9% of the county’s residents are now aged 65 or older, a significant rise from 14.7% recorded in 2010.
Georgia Power’s recent decision to implement a 3.5% rate increase, which took effect in January 2025, is set to significantly affect both seniors and other customers across the state. This latest hike adds an average of $5.48 to monthly household bills, marking the sixth rate increase in a span of just three years.
The Chattooga County Board of Education will have a called meeting on January 7, 2025, at 7:00 AM. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss O.C.G.A. 48-5-44-2 (HB 581). The meeting will be held at Chattooga County Education Center, 206 Penn Street, Summerville, GA 30747. The public is welcome to attend.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 3, 2025:
Several new legislators will start their first legislative session on January 13, joining returning legislators and leadership for another year of making laws at the Gold Dome.
A boil water advisory remains in effect for water customers in the City of LaFayette due to ongoing issues at the Lee School Road Water Treatment Plant. Despite a decrease in turbidity levels, city officials have confirmed that they have not yet dropped to a safe threshold to lift the advisory.
Tina Cox, Executive Director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, is encouraging individuals to make a resolution for 2025: to incorporate more art into their lives. Cox believes that engaging with art can significantly enhance overall well-being and provide a fresh perspective on daily experiences. Located in Pennville in Chattooga County, Paradise Garden was once the vibrant home of the late folk artist Howard Finster, renowned for his unique and whimsical style. This artistic haven is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, drawing visitors from near and far in search of inspiration and creativity. Cox invites the community to explore the rich history of Paradise Garden and the legacy of Howard Finster. For those eager to discover the wonders of Paradise Garden, more information is available online at www.paradisegardenfoundation.org. Additionally, art enthusiasts can engage with the garden’s vibrant community by searching for Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden on social media platforms. This New Year, take a step towards enriching your life through art—visit Paradise Garden and immerse yourself in the creativity that awaits.
An 18-year-old Alpharetta woman was transported to the AtriumHealth Floyd Chattooga Emergency Department on New Year’s Day following an accident at the intersection of Commerce Street (Highway 27) and Highway 48. Summerville Police worked the accident and say that Isabelle Beasley was in a 2022 Kia Soul and attempted to turn left onto Highway 48 and pulled into the path of a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 21-year-old Anastasia Reynolds. The vehicles collided and Beasley’s Kia overturned and then struck a 1996 Ford F-250, driven by 48-year-old Jonathan Smith of Gaylesville, Alabama. Beasley had to be extracted from the vehicle, but did not sustain any serious injuries.
On Thursday, the Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office released a report on an accident that happened on Sunday evening on Highway 114 near the intersection of Racoon Creek Road. According to troopers, 72-year old Glenn Leming of Summerville was turning off Racoon Creek Road in a 2020 Jeep Renegade, and pulled into the path of an oncoming 2014 Kia Optima, driven by 20-year-old Emmal Hamby of Lyerly. Troopers say that the Jeep Renegade struck the Kia Optima in the right rear. The Optima left the roadway and struck a tree. Hamby and a passenger, identified as 19-year-old Ethan Cooper of Lyerly, were both taken by AtriumHealth Floyd Ambulance to AtriumHealth Floyd Hospital with injuries. Leming was cited for failure to yield in connection with the accident.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has given a Chattooga County native, Bode Brooks, a commission as a Kentucky Colonel. The honorary commission is given to outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and they retain the commission for their lifetime.
