Trion Middle School is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced bookkeeper to manage the school’s financial records and prepare essential monthly reports. This vital position reports directly to the Principal and Assistant Principal and will be responsible for maintaining a complete and systematic set of records for all financial resources. Key responsibilities include recording comprehensive financial information, preparing reports for the central office, reconciling accounts payable with bank statements, verifying bank balances, and managing vendor payments related to middle school functions. The bookkeeper will also be responsible for managing leave reports for the middle school staff and faculty. Candidates must possess a minimum of a high school diploma and demonstrable experience in bookkeeping and/or accounting practices. Proficiency in a variety of office equipment and computer applications, including Excel, Quicken, and Microsoft Word, is essential. The ability to multi-task and perform job duties with frequent interruptions is also a key requirement. Strong communication, computer, bookkeeping, and interpersonal skills are a must. The successful candidate must also be able to learn and utilize new software programs as systems are upgraded. This is an 11-month (220 days per year) position. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

Randy Lavon Sims, 59, from Trion, was arrested last week, for driving under the influence of drugs and driving with a suspended license. The arrest followed a traffic stop by a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 27 North after a deputy observed Sims’ Dodge truck with an obstructed license plate around 1:34 PM last Wednesday. Signs of impairment were noted, including bloodshot eyes and droopy eyelids. Sims, who admitted to being on probation, allowed a vehicle search, which uncovered a plastic bag with a white crystal-like substance. Tests indicated the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl. During field sobriety tests, deputies noted signs of drug impairment, and Sims subsequently refused a blood test, seeking to consult his probation officer. He was taken to the Chattooga County Detention Center, and his vehicle was towed.  Sims was charged with driving while license suspended and DUI for drugs.

Over a hundred students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Cartersville campus on Monday to celebrate GHC President Dr. Mike Hobbs, who was presented with the prestigious White Rose Award.

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed a second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer harvested in Berrien County, South Georgia. The infected deer, a 4.5-year-old male, was located approximately 400 yards from the site of the first CWD-positive deer found in the area. The sample was collected from a landowner permittee assisting with ongoing sampling efforts as part of the DNR’s CWD response plan. This discovery underscores the importance of continued monitoring and management strategies in the region. “Our staff continues to work in collaboration with landowners and hunters in the CWD Management Area to sample for the disease. These collaborative efforts will help us manage CWD and ensure Georgia maintains healthy deer herds,” said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon. 

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Chattooga County has sued Zentell Communications, LLC, and Jonathan W. Allen for breach of contract and fraud related to a late-2024 communications project. The lawsuit, filed in Chattooga County Superior Court, claims Zentell did not meet contract obligations and misused county funds. Former County Commissioner Blake Elsberry paid $333,265 for work that was allegedly not completed. The lawsuit seeks damages equal to the payments made, plus additional compensation for fraud and attorney fees. Attorneys from the Palmour Law Firm are handling the case. Zentell Communications has not yet responded to the lawsuit. WZQZ will have more on this story in tomorrow’s news on the radio and online at www.chattoogainfo.com.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 23, 2025:

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Drivers in Northwest Georgia are urged to exercise caution this morning as patchy, dense fog is expected to significantly reduce visibility. The National Weather Service advises motorists that visibility could be less than one-half of a mile in affected areas. The fog is expected to dissipate after 9 AM. Until then, drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Later today, scattered thunderstorms are possible across portions of North Georgia. Despite the potential for storms, the day is expected to be partly sunny with a high of 80 degrees. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 59 degrees. Patchy fog is expected to return on Thursday morning. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, isolated thunderstorms are forecast from Thursday through Sunday across portions of North and Central Georgia, with the highest chances in North Georgia. Forecasters currently do not expect widespread severe storms during this period.

Veterinarians in Georgia are concerned about an increase in a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) has described this illness as an unidentified respiratory disease and is investigating its cause and treatment options. Veterinarians have noted the difficulty in diagnosis due to the unknown nature of the illness. Her clinic has treated about 15 dogs with symptoms over the last two months, which include a persistent cough similar to whooping cough and low energy levels. The lack of a clear diagnosis complicates tracking the illness’s spread, and it has shown resistance to standard antibiotic treatments, requiring multiple medication rounds. The outbreak seems to be linked to increased dog interactions at boarding and daycare facilities. As the illness is likely airborne, complete avoidance is hard. To protect their pets, veterinarians advise dog owners to keep vaccinations up-to-date and discuss risk factors with their veterinarian, as well as reduce exposure to busy dog areas. Most healthy dogs are expected to recover without issues, but extra care is needed for older dogs or those with existing heart or respiratory problems. Health officials urge dog owners to contact veterinarians if their pets show any signs of respiratory problems.

The Trump administration’s recent decision to grant exemptions from federal emission rules to over 60 power plants, including Plant Bowen and Plant Scherer in Georgia, has sparked controversy among clean energy advocates. The exemptions allow these plants to avoid mercury and other air pollutant regulations, which critics view as prioritizing the coal industry over environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the two-year exemption at Southern Co. ‘s request, citing a need for energy security. This decision contrasts with the Biden administration’s push for stricter toxic metal emission standards. Critics argue the exemptions threaten public health and hinder the shift to cleaner energy. Isabella Ariza from the Sierra Club and Keri Powell from the Southern Environmental Law Center have criticized this move, emphasizing the increased risk to local communities. Despite this, Southern Co. claims compliance with federal guidelines and seeks more time for adjustments. The debate on coal power’s future in Georgia continues.

The Georgia Recorder