Georgia lawmakers finished their session ahead of the midnight deadline on Thursday, marking Crossover Day with extensive activity in both the House and Senate. Bills that did not pass from one chamber to the other by midnight are considered dead for the session. School safety was a major focus, with both chambers working on measures to improve security in schools.
A judge declined Georgia state Senator Colton Moore’s request for an arrest warrant against House staffer Keith Williams after a confrontation earlier this year. The scuffle between Moore and Williams occurred outside the House chamber in January. Moore had been barred from House property and defied that ban by attempting to attend a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly. Fulton County Magistrate Judge Robert Wolf stated there was not enough evidence to support criminal charges. Williams’ attorney, Phil Holloway, welcomed the ruling, noting that the incident, while unfortunate, did not rise to criminal levels. Catherine Bernard, Moore’s lawyer, disagreed and believes the evidence met the probable cause standard, stating they plan to appeal the judge’s decision to Fulton County Superior Court. The conflict between Moore and Georgia House leaders stemmed from Moore’s comments made at a memorial service for former Georgia Speaker David Ralston last year. Since the arrest of Senator Moore, the Georgia House has agreed that Moore can attend joint sessions of the legislature.
With spring just around the corner, the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Thinking Green” Lunch & Learn event on March 17th at noon at the Chattooga Agricultural Center, located at 44 GA-48, Summerville, GA 30747. The event will focus on planning and preparing for successful spring vegetable gardens. Local expert Klaudia McMahon with Pine Ridge Outdoors will be leading the discussion, providing valuable insights and tips for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Attendees will enjoy a catered lunch, with a special St. Patrick’s Day theme featuring traditional Irish fare alongside local favorites. This event provides the perfect opportunity to learn from an expert and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Reservations are required for this event. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Chattooga Chamber to secure their spot. Click here to register.
The City of Summerville is seeking a dedicated and hardworking individual to fill the role of Recreation Maintenance Worker. This vital position is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the city’s recreation facilities and grounds, ensuring residents can enjoy well-maintained spaces for leisure and community activities.
As spring approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources advises residents to keep bird feeders clean to reduce health risks for birds. Sick birds often appear in backyards linked to dirty feeders, so regular cleaning is essential. To prevent diseases like conjunctivitis and avian pox, wear gloves and masks when cleaning feeders and birdbaths. Clean feeders weekly with bleach, rake up seeds and waste often, and space feeders apart. Move feeders slightly to minimize disease spread, and clean bird baths every two days. Do not handle sick or dead birds; bury a few but report multiple dead birds. Read the full story below:
Governor Brian Kemp signed the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 this week, with support from key officials and lawmakers. He expressed gratitude to legislative partners, constitutional officers, and his team for their efforts in the budget process.
Remember to set your clock ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a. m. Sunday. It’s a good time to also change the batteries in your smoke alarm and ensure they are working. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries last for 10 years. If the alarm chirps for low battery, replace the entire unit immediately. For alarms with replaceable batteries, change the battery at least once a year, and replace it right away if the alarm chirps. AAA warns that changing the time can affect drivers. “Adjusting our clocks disrupts the natural rhythm of our days and sleep patterns, raising the risk of drowsy driving,” said Montrae Waiters from AAA. Symptoms of drowsy driving include trouble keeping eyes open, drifting from your lane, and feeling irritable. Be extra cautious near schools, as it will be dark later in the morning. A study found a 6% increase in fatal crashes during the week after the time change.
A new study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows mixed results for lung cancer outcomes in Appalachia. While cancer rates and deaths have dropped since 2004, they are still much higher than in other parts of the United States.
