Republicans in Congress are planning to cut Medicaid, impacting the 27. 5% of Chattooga County residents who depend on it for healthcare. Concerns are rising about how these cuts will affect low-income families and individuals in the area. President Trump has assured the public that he will protect Medicare and Medicaid, claiming that Republicans will find budget savings elsewhere for tax cuts. However, this assurance contradicts the House GOP’s budget plan, which wants to cut Medicaid by up to $880 billion over the next decade to fund $2 trillion in tax breaks. Deficit-focused conservatives believe these cuts are necessary to manage the national debt, currently at $36 trillion. The specifics of the proposed cuts will be determined by the Energy and Commerce Committee soon. Moderate Republicans worry about the impact on low-income constituents and are waiting for more information before showing support. Democrats oppose the cuts, warning they will harm vulnerable families and children. Over 7,000 Chattooga County residents rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.

Torie Burdick, a 33-year-old resident of LaFayette, has been sentenced in Chattooga County Superior Court after pleading guilty to charges of statutory rape related to an incident involving a minor at a Trion motel in 2021. The case came to light when Trion Police discovered evidence of sexual activities between Burdick and a juvenile. According to law enforcement officials, the investigation began in October 2021 when Walker County Sheriff’s investigators notified Trion Police about the allegations. They had been in communication with the victim, a 14-year-old boy, who confirmed that he had engaged in sexual relationships with Burdick at the motel on multiple occasions. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence to the Chattooga County Grand Jury, which included distressing materials from Burdick’s cell phone, as well as a receipt indicating that she had booked the motel room in Trion where the incidents occurred. Burdick’s child molestation and aggravated child molestation charges were dismissed. She was given credit for time served but will complete 18 years of probation and comply with sex offender conditions of probation.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking feedback on a newly updated strategy for wildlife conservation, known as the State Wildlife Action Plan. From February 19 to March 21, the public can review the draft of the plan at HERE. First created 20 years ago and updated every decade, this plan helps protect native species like gopher tortoises and bald eagles from becoming rare and costly to conserve.

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This is National FFA Week and the Chattooga Future Farmers of America (FFA) has announced achievements of two of its students at the recent regional competition. Kasen Elsberry secured first place in Wildlife Production and Management, while Lane Bridges clinched the top spot in Dairy Production. These outstanding victories highlight the dedication and talent of our young agricultural leaders. The Georgia FFA organization is committed to positively impacting the lives of students, fostering their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through comprehensive agricultural education. As the third-largest state association in the country, Georgia FFA boasts over 80,000 members across 391 chapters, supported by nearly 600 agricultural education teachers. Both Elsberry and Bridges will take their skills and knowledge to the next level as they advance to the state competition, set to take place in Macon, GA, at the end of April. The Chattooga FFA and agricultural community is proud to support these young leaders as they represent their chapter on a larger stage. Congratulations to Kasen Elsberry and Lane Bridges for their remarkable achievements! Their hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to all members of the Chattooga FFA and our community.

On Wednesday of this week, at approximately 2:04 PM, the Summerville Police Department received a call regarding a vehicle incident at the railroad tracks on North Commerce Street. The disturbance involved a railroad crossing arm that struck a vehicle, causing minor damage. Officers arrived at the scene to find Thomas Baker, a resident of Trion, who reported the incident. According to Mr. Baker, he was traveling northbound in the inside lane when the crossing arm unexpectedly descended, impacting the top of his 2024 Ford F250 pickup truck. Fortunately, the damage was described as minor. Police took detailed photographs of the damage for documentation purposes. In an effort to gather more information, police spoke with Donnie Owens, an employee of the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway Company. Mr. Owens was informed of the situation and promptly met with Mr. Baker to exchange necessary information. Both Mr. Baker and Mr. Owens expressed the desire for an official report to be filed regarding the incident. The police department is expected to compile the details for further review.

The Chattooga Indians Varsity Boys Basketball team saw their season come to a close on Wednesday evening as they hosted Banks County in the first round of the GHSA State Playoffs. In an intense match-up, the Indians fell just short, suffering an 81-76 defeat at the hands of the Banks County Leopards. The game showcased the Indians’ determination and skill, as they managed to score even higher than in their previous game against the Gordon Central Warriors just last Friday, where they put up 69 points. Despite their offensive prowess, Chattooga could not secure a win, ending their impressive season with a record of 22-6. In a parallel playoff journey, the Lady Indians faced Elbert County on Tuesday evening, but also fell short in their quest for advancement, ending their season with a 53-37 loss. While the playoffs may not have ended in the desired outcome for either team, the Chattooga Indians Boys and Girls teams can hold their heads high after a commendable season filled with hard work, dedication, and remarkable performances. Congratulations are in order for both the boys and girls Chattooga Indians Basketball teams for their efforts and achievements throughout the season.

Northwest Georgia residents are advised to exercise caution this morning as black ice is a possibility on local roadways. A Cold Weather Advisory is currently in effect until 10 AM today due to dangerously low wind chill values, which are expected to dip into the single digits. Forecasters are warning that the threat of hazardous wind chills will continue, prompting the issuance of an additional Cold Weather Advisory from 10 PM tonight through 10 AM Friday.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, February 20, 2025:

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The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 61-year-old Deta Joy Ratledge after a deadly multi-vehicle accident on January 24, 2025. Ratledge, age 61 of LaFayette, was arrested by Deputy Kevin Phillips on February 18 and charged with Following Too Closely and DUI/Drugs/Less Safe. The accident caused the death of 28-year-old Travis Bailey from Summerville. Ratledge was released on bond the same day her booking report was made public on February 19. Preliminary information from the Georgia State Patrol indicated that the crash happened around 6:50 PM on Georgia Highway 114 near Bargain Lane. A red Chevrolet S-10 truck had broken down, blocking the southbound lanes. A grey Nissan Sentra stopped to avoid hitting the truck, but a silver Toyota Corolla, following too closely behind, crashed into it from behind. After the collision, the driver of the Toyota stepped out to talk to witnesses. Meanwhile, a blue Jeep Compass approached the scene and failed to stop, hitting the Toyota and its driver, Travis Bailey. Bailey sadly died from his injuries at the scene. Drug paraphernalia and prescription medications were found in the Jeep, and Ratledge, the driver, was impaired and agreed to a blood test. The Georgia State Patrol State Crash Reconstruction Team investigated the incident.