The Chattooga Indians Boys Varsity basketball team concluded their season this past week, but Chattooga High School is shining a spotlight on a player who delivered a season for the history books: Dan Meyer. Meyer etched his name into Chattooga High School basketball lore by scoring an astounding 674 points, the most ever recorded in a single season. The remarkable feat is even more impressive considering Meyer’s recent history. “After coming back from a severe leg injury and missing an entire season, he solidified himself as the greatest to ever play in the red and black. Numbers don’t lie!” the team proclaimed on social media. The post further highlighted Meyer’s potential, adding, “College coaches, you’re getting a fearless competitor and hard worker in this kid. Don’t miss out!” While the team’s season may be over, Dan Meyer’s record-breaking performance will be remembered for years to come, leaving a lasting legacy on the Chattooga High School basketball program.

The Georgia General Assembly recently recognized several organizations and individuals for their significant contributions to the state, according to State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee). Rep. Lumsden highlighted the honors in a recent statement, emphasizing the “lasting impact” these groups have on Georgia. On Monday, the Assembly paid tribute to the members of the Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) with an Invitation Resolution on the House Floor.

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Open Door Home, a long-standing haven for youth in need across Northwest Georgia, is hosting its annual “Party on the Plaza” fundraising event on **Friday, March 21st at 6 pm** at Rotary Plaza in downtown Rome. For nearly a century, Open Door Home has provided vital care and support to young people facing challenging circumstances, including neglect, abandonment, abuse, and the absence of parental figures. They offer both emergency and extended care, equipping youth with the resources they need to thrive, both during their stay and as they transition to independent living.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia will see increased cloud cover today, Saturday, February 22, 2025, but little chance of rain. A weakening high-pressure system is letting clouds move into the area. A weak wave over Arkansas and Missouri will move east into the Carolinas tonight, bringing mid-to-high level clouds without showers. Clear skies are expected tonight as high pressure returns but will be short-lived due to a new wave forming along the Texas Gulf Coast, increasing rain chances in the coming days. Temperatures will be slightly warmer today, with highs near 60 degrees and lows in the 20s. A low-pressure system is predicted to develop over the Louisiana Gulf Coast, with a small chance of light showers in far southern Georgia. A northwesterly flow pattern is expected until Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the low 70s, followed by a cold front on Thursday, which may cause isolated thunderstorms and a 30% chance of rain.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, February 25, 2025:

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Trey Skelton has been appointed to the Northwest Georgia Region 1 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, as confirmed by county records. The appointment, made by Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, will see Skelton serving a term that begins on July 1 and extends through June 2028. Skelton takes over the position from long-serving EMS Director Herbert Dodd, marking a new chapter in the council’s leadership. With an extensive background in emergency services, Skelton brings invaluable experience to the advisory council. He currently serves as Summerville’s first-ever full-time fire chief and is recognized as the first Chattooga resident to achieve certification as an arson investigator through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, a program established in 1995. A graduate of Trion High School, Skelton furthered his education by earning a degree in criminal justice from Jacksonville State University. His diverse qualifications and commitment to public safety are expected to contribute significantly to the council’s mission of enhancing emergency medical services in the region. As Skelton steps into this vital role, the community looks forward to his leadership and vision for improving EMS operations in Northwest Georgia.

High school and middle school students can explore health care careers this summer at Georgia Highlands College (GHC) in Rome. GHC, in partnership with Atrium Health Floyd and the Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center, is hosting two summer camps that offer hands-on experiences. The Health Care Discovery Camp, for students entering grades 5 through 8, runs from June 11-13, daily from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. This camp includes interactive activities led by health care professionals and covers topics like nursing and emergency care. Last year’s participants learned about the decontamination process through a fun activity. The Health Care Exploration Camp, for students entering grades 9 through 12, is from June 23-26, also from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. This camp focuses on medical careers and features a Body Interact Virtual Patient Simulator for engaging learning. Registration for the camps is $99 for the Discovery Camp and $149 for the Exploration Camp if signed up by April 5. Interested students can register online [HERE). Families should register quickly as spaces are limited.

The Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition is hosting its First Annual Health Fair on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center. This event will allow community members to take charge of their health and connect with over 30 local vendors offering important health services and information.

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Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) is hosting an in-house job fair on February 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mack Gaston Community Center, located at 218 N. Fredrick St., Dalton, Ga. 30721. This event will provide job seekers with the opportunity to explore career paths, meet with recruiters, and interview for various positions.

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The Georgia House has unanimously passed House Bill 105, a bipartisan initiative aimed at increasing financial compensation for the families of public school personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty. State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) emphasized its alignment with one of Governor Kemp’s key priorities. The legislation raises the indemnification amount for teachers from $75,000 to $150,000, placing it on par with compensation provided to public safety officers who are killed in action. This change reflects a recognition of the critical roles that educators play in society and aims to provide some financial relief to families during an incredibly challenging time. Under the new provisions, the compensation will be distributed either as a lump sum or in equal installments over five years, ensuring that immediate family members of the deceased educators receive the support they need. However, the bill stipulates that only immediate family—such as spouses and children—will be eligible to receive these funds. In cases where no immediate family exists, the indemnity will not be paid. “This bill is a testament to our commitment to the families of those who dedicate their lives to educating our children,” Rep. Lumsden stated. “While we understand that no monetary amount can replace a loved one, increasing the financial support for these families sends a strong message of gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices.” The passage of House Bill 105 marks a crucial step in providing better financial security for the families of fallen educators, ensuring that their valuable contributions are honored and remembered as they navigate the aftermath of such devastating losses.