Spring Break travel demand, combined with rising crude oil prices, is continuing to send gas prices higher across Georgia.
AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia now stands at $3.51, up 29 cents from a week ago, 79 cents from a month ago, and 61 cents higher than this time last year.
More than $40,000 had been raised as of Monday to help send Jude Baker and his family on a special trip following the young Chattooga County boy’s courageous battle with cancer.
The fundraiser was organized by Kevin Godfrey, owner of Godfrey’s Tree Service, after Leslie Tripp Watwood, owner of Burger Shack, approached him about bringing the community together for Jude.
Jude was diagnosed in February of 2024, at just 12 years old, with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. After months of difficult treatments, Jude eventually reached a major milestone by ringing the bell to mark the end of his treatment.
But even while going through his own battle, Jude was thinking about others.
According to organizers, Jude used his Make-A-Wish Georgia opportunity not for a trip or gift for himself, but instead to help people experiencing homelessness in the community. His wish helped provide backpacks, supplies, sleeping bags, and meals for more than 300 people.
Now that Jude is in remission, organizers say the community is stepping up to give back to him and his family by helping provide a trip where they can enjoy time together and make lasting memories away from hospitals, treatments, and stress.
Organizers say Jude’s compassion and selflessness have deeply touched the community, and donations continue to come in as supporters rally around the Baker family.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the state has officially been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, though officials stress that poultry growers and flock owners still need to stay on guard. Georgia regained its HPAI-free status as of March 13, allowing the state to resume exports and international trade of poultry products.
A residential structure fire late Sunday night sent four people to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and claimed the lives of three family pets.
According to fire officials, the Gore Fire Department, along with the Subligna and Hays Fire Departments, was dispatched at 10:54 p.m. Sunday to a house fire at 2305 Highway 27.
When firefighters arrived, the home was reported to be about 40 percent involved, with heavy fire coming from the roof and front entrance. All occupants had made it out of the home, but several pets were still believed to be inside.
During aggressive firefighting efforts and an initial search, firefighters found three pets inside the structure. Two dogs were removed and CPR was performed for several minutes. A third pet was found later during salvage and overhaul operations and was also removed from the home.
Officials said four occupants were transported by Floyd EMS for smoke inhalation and were reported to be in stable condition.
Sadly, officials said none of the three pets survived.
The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature, beginning at the electric water heater.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is seeking sealed bids for two separate construction projects, including new pole barn buildings for the county’s Public Works Department and a roof replacement at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
The Chattooga County Board of Education is seeking quotes from service providers for lawn care services at Chattooga County High School.
The Town of Lyerly is inviting families to hop on over for its annual Easter celebration later this month at Angus McLeod Park.
The Lyerly Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, March 28, at Angus McLeod Park, located at 5801 Highway 114 in Lyerly. The event is open to children ages 12 and under, with the egg hunt beginning promptly at noon.
Young participants will have the chance to search for colorful eggs hidden throughout the park. Organizers say special golden eggs will also be hidden in each age group, offering additional prize opportunities.
In addition to the hunt, children will have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos during the event.
Following the egg hunt, families are invited to stay and enjoy a free hot dog picnic.
Town officials encourage families to arrive early to make sure children are ready when the hunt begins.
For more information, residents can contact the Town of Lyerly at 706-895-2011.
Voters in the 53rd Georgia State Senate District and the 14th U.S. Congressional District will return to the polls for a runoff election that will be held on April 7th.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, March 16, 2026:
Strong to severe thunderstorms were moving through Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia early Monday morning, bringing the threat of damaging winds and a few brief tornadoes as a powerful squall line pushes across the region.
