WZQZ received confirmation on Thursday from the GHSA that since Telfair County is not an NFHS-stream-capable school, WZQZ will be able to purchase video streaming rights to the Trion vs Telfair County playoff game on Friday!  The GHSA broadcast fee for the game has been paid for in full by Equipment Outlet and LS Tractors in Armuchee.

Therefore, the Trion vs Telfair playoff game will be live video streamed on the WZQZ Facebook page and also will be broadcast live on the radio on 99.1 FM and AM 1180.  WZQZ’s Paul Cavin, Jeremy Burke and Jim Warnock will provide live coverage from Telfair County on Friday night.  The pregame show will begin at around 7:15 pm and kickoff will follow at 7:30 pm.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, November 21, 2024:

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AAA anticipates record-high travel numbers for Thanksgiving, with over 2. 3 million Georgians traveling 50 miles or more, an increase from last year. Nationally, about 79. 9 million people are expected to travel, marking a 2% growth from last year’s figures. Economic improvement, lower inflation, and rising incomes are contributing factors, potentially increasing consumer spending by 4. 6% compared to the previous year. The AAA travel period for Thanksgiving has been extended from Tuesday, November 26 to Monday, December 2, allowing for better comparison with past years.

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The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Brayden Whatley, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Dakota Bottomlee on Halloween night. The investigation into Bottomlee’s tragic death has led authorities to detain three individuals, but Whatley remains at large. Brayden Whatley, a 23-year-old black male, stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Authorities have classified Whatley as armed and dangerous, urging the public to remain vigilant. The Sheriff’s Office is working tirelessly to locate Whatley, and they are appealing to the community for assistance. If anyone has seen Whatley or has information regarding his whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

The Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is collecting holiday gifts for the more than 1,300 older Georgians and adults with disabilities who are under guardianship as part of the annual Light Up the Holidays gift drive. These adults may be residents of long-term care communities, have low incomes, or no family or friends in their lives to celebrate the holidays with, and your generosity makes all the difference.

There are two ways to get involved:

• Buy items from our Amazon Gift List which contains a variety of requested wish list items.
• Reach out to the DAS Gift Drift Coordinator at dasgiftdrive@dhs.ga.gov to sponsor an individual wish list and learn more about how to donate.

Gifts are due by Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. To learn more about DAS’s Light Up the Holidays Gift Drive and the difference you can make in someone’s life this holiday season, please visit aging.georgia.gov/get-involved/sponsor-vulnerable-georgian.

Yesterday, the Chattooga County Board of Assessors informed residents that it has contracted Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services (GMASS) to assist with essential fieldwork. The decision comes as the Board grapples with challenges in hiring and retaining a full staff of qualified appraisers. GMASS is a well-respected organization known for its highly trained employees and has been successfully employed by several counties across Georgia, including Dade, Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield. Their expertise aims to ensure accurate property assessments, which are vital for local tax purposes and community planning. Residents can expect to see GMASS vehicles marked with their logo as they conduct assessments throughout Chattooga County. Additionally, all appraisers from GMASS will carry identification badges that include their names, the Chattooga County emblem, and the contact number for the Assessors Office, ensuring transparency and security for residents. Should residents have any questions or concerns regarding the appraisal process or the presence of GMASS employees in the area, they are encouraged to reach out directly to the Chattooga County Assessors Office at 706-857-0737. Nancy Edgeman, Chief Appraiser for the Chattooga County Assessors Office, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in maintaining the integrity of property assessments.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture  has reached its initial goal of $1 million for Hurricane Relief, but with damages estimated at $6. 46 billion, more help is needed. They are now striving to raise $1. 5 million to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. All funds raised will go directly to farmers for recovery efforts. Farmer applications will open in November, with funds expected to be distributed between January and February 2025. To make a difference, you can donate, share, or host a fundraiser. Visit https://www. supportgeorgiafarmers.org/ for more information and to contribute. By supporting this cause, you can support Georgia farmers in rebuilding and thriving.

Each November, communities across the nation come together to observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition is leading the charge to elevate awareness about this critical health issue.

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The Georgia Supreme Court has suspended the law license of former state Court of Appeals judge and former state representative Christian Coomer for two years. The suspension will end in August of the following year. Coomer was removed from the Court of Appeals by the Supreme Court due to the state Judicial Qualifications Commission’s recommendation, citing misuse of campaign funds and inappropriate dealings with a client before becoming a judge.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, November 20, 2024

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