The Town of Trion will hold a Special Called Council Meeting on January 7, 2025, at 6:00 p. m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. The agenda includes discussing amendments to the 2023/2024 budget and reviewing the annual audit. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their views. For more information, contact Town Hall.
On Sunday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp remembered the remarkable legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away that afternoon. During his remarks, Gov. Kemp celebrated Carter’s numerous accomplishments, emphasizing his pioneering role in establishing the Georgia Film Commission during his tenure as governor. Carter’s foresight in creating the film commission has proven to be a turning point for the Peach State, transforming it into a major player in the entertainment industry.
In the waning hours of his single-term in office, Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry appointed an Election Board to oversee Chattooga County elections. The outgoing commissioner appointed Alfred McDaniel, Tim Shiflett, Nick Casey, Gartrelle Davison to the board and name Jennifer Tudor as the board chair. Both Casey and Tudor have served as officers in the Chattooga County Republican Party. Shiflett is the former longtime chairman of the Chattooga County Democratic Party. Alfred McDaniel has been an active member of the Chattooga County Democratic Party for many years. Both Shiflett and Davison will serve two-year terms on the newly-formed board.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, December 31, 2024:
Georgia State Patrol Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Officers encourage motorists to exercise safe driving habits during the New Year’s holiday travel period. In an effort to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on Georgia roadways, State troopers and MCCD officers will be on high visibility patrols on interstates and state roads. Five people lost their lives on Georgia roadways during the Christmas Holiday travel period last week. During the 2023-24 New Year’s holiday travel period there were nine statewide fatalities. GSP investigated 317 crashes that resulted in approximately 177 injuries and three fatalities. If you plan to include alcohol consumption in your holiday celebrations, make sure to plan for a sober designated driver by contacting a taxi, rideshare, friend, or family member to help you get home safely. Make these decisions before you get into the holiday spirit.
Georgia gas prices brings joy to drivers at the pumps compared to a week ago. Drivers are now paying an average of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 2 cents less than a week ago, 2 cents less than a month ago, and 10 cents less than last year. It costs drivers an average price of $43.35 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians now pay almost $2.00 less to fill up at the pump than a year ago.
A 66-year-old Summerville man, who was banned from the Commerce Street Dollar General Store, was arrested on Sunday after being accused of shoplifting at the same Dollar General Store. Summerville Police say that Hugh Vernon Snider, Jr. stole several items including chap stick, a Georgia Bulldogs cap, a Sharpie pen and a carton of milk and then fled the scene. Officers said that Snider ran towards Favor Street, but was apprehended and arrested. The arresting officer said that Snider had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage. The suspect admitted to having consumed several alcoholic beverages prior to the shoplifting incident. Snider was charged with shoplifting and public intoxication before being booked into the Chattooga County Jail. In all, the items Snider is accused of stealing, valued $33.26.
In 2025, new election laws will take effect in Georgia, particularly affecting homeless voters. SB 189, introduced by state Sen. Max Burns and passed at the end of the 2024 legislative session, already has some changes in effect. Signed by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 6, the law removed Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger from the State Election Board, opened new options for third-party presidential candidates, and set new guidelines for voter challenges. Starting tomorrow, January 1, 2025, homeless voters will only be able to register to vote at their county registrar’s office. Supporters say this will improve election clarity, while opponents argue it will disenfranchise homeless voters.
Over the past four years, there have been a number of pedestrian deaths in Chattooga County. The most recent, in November of this year, happened when a man was struck and killed on the Lyerly Highway in the pre-dawn hours the second weekend in November. That death is still under investigation and as the year closes, no arrests have been made in connection with the fatality. The victim was identified as 27-year-old Austin Ryan Carnes of Lyerly. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 2022 saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths in Chattooga County in the past five years. That year, four people lost their lives while walking along Chattooga County’s roadways. Almost all of the pedestrian deaths recorded in the county over the past five years have happened in the nighttime or early morning hours. The Georgia DOT says only 18% of the pedestrian fatalities in Georgia happen during daylight hours.
As the year ends, a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show is set for this evening in Rome at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited to enjoy over 800 fireworks lighting up the sky from Jackson Hill for a spectacular 15-minute display. The event, supported by Atrium Health Floyd, promises vibrant colors and stunning patterns, making it a memorable way to celebrate. Georgia’s Rome is inviting everyone to kick off the New Year with fireworks this evening.
