The Summerville Police Department is looking into a burglary reported by local resident Jackie Askea. She stated that her Marvin Avenue apartment was broken into on January 8, 2025, between 3:15 PM and 7:00 PM, resulting in the theft of $300 from her pocketbook on the kitchen counter. Mrs. Askea emphasized that her door was locked and showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the thief may have had a key. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper announced on Wednesday that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a second commercial poultry flock located in Elbert County, Georgia. This marks the second case in Georgia and the sixth case nationwide since the outbreak began in 2022.
AdventHealth Georgia has appointed Riley Benter as the new director of heart and vascular services and Julie Smith as the director of neuroscience and orthopedics for the Georgia Market.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to address concerns regarding an “illegal permit” granted by the former county commissioner for the construction of poultry houses in the Gore area. The meeting is set to take place next Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Building, located at 33 Middle School Rd. in Summerville.
In a statement released earlier today, Commissioner Allen highlighted the serious implications of the permit that allowed for the construction of four chicken houses in the Gore community, claiming it violates the Chattooga County Poultry Ordinance. Residents have expressed their frustration and alarm over what they perceive as a disregard for local regulations. The current administration has initiated an investigation into the issuance of this permit and is consulting legal counsel to explore options for rectifying the situation. Commissioner Allen emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating, “We are committed to addressing this issue head-on and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard. We will work tirelessly to correct past mistakes and protect our residents’ interests.”
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. For further information regarding the meeting or media inquiries, please contact Johnna Allen, County Clerk, at 706-857-0701 or via email at chattcom@windstream.net.
You can read the press release below:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 22, 2025:
Temperatures around Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are in the teens, with some single digit readings being reported in higher elevations. Temperatures will rise above freezing briefly in the evening before dropping back down after sunset. Drier air and surface high pressure will keep the weather calm during the day. Overnight lows will be back in the teens. In the long term, a shift to warmer weather is expected starting Thursday night as a trough moves through the Southeast. High temperatures will gradually rise into the mid to upper 40s by Saturday and upper 40s to mid 50s by Sunday. Moisture will return late Sunday into Monday, bringing a chance of rain, though it is unlikely to be wintry precipitation as temperatures will be above freezing.
The Georgia General Assembly started its 40-day legislative session last week. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, was reelected to lead the House with a vote of 153-21, promising to focus on sensible policies related to tax cuts, illegal immigration, and infrastructure. The Senate also saw familiar faces, as John Kennedy, R-Macon, was unanimously reelected president pro tempore, and Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, was voted in as House speaker pro tempore with a 158-19 vote. Among the 180 House members, 18 took the oath for the first time, and four new senators joined, suggesting a possible change in the dynamics. Sen. David Lucas, D-Macon, began his 50th legislative session, expressing surprise at his long tenure. Lawmakers prepared for a busy agenda, and a target adjournment date of April 4.
Update:
On Monday, January 20, 2025, the body found on the embankment of Emberson Drive in Ringgold was identified as Jamie Lauren Wiley, age 37, of Ringgold, GA.
The preliminary results indicate that Jamie Wiley was a victim of a homicide. Fingerprints taken from the autopsy were run through the FBI AFIS system which led to the identification.
On January 20, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m., the GBI arrested and charged Joseph Shannon Mays, age 34, of Locust Grove, GA, with one count of Malice Murder. Mays was booked into the Catoosa County Jail. No bond has been set.
The GBI and the Ringgold Police Department would like to thank the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI Dalton for their help in this investigation. Thank you also to the Catoosa County Coroner’s Office and the Catoosa County Fire Department for keeping everyone safe during the crime scene processing and for the dignified recovery of Ms. Wiley’s body.
Governor Brian Kemp has announced the creation of the Georgia US250 Commission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort endorsed by Congress to mark this important milestone. Governor Kemp highlighted Georgia’s significant role in U. S. history, noting that it was the 13th colony represented by three signers of the Declaration. He aims to empower local communities to honor Georgia’s contributions.
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) has released his weekly legislative report for the first week of the 2025 Georgia General Assembly. Rep. Lumsden reported the Georgia House of Representatives started its new session with all members taking the Oath of Office. Jon Burns was re-elected as Speaker of the House, and Jan Jones was re-elected as Speaker Pro Tempore. They held a moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in December 2024. The House adopted an Adjournment Resolution, setting the session calendar, which ends on April 4, 2025. Governor Brian Kemp delivered his State of the State Address, focusing on recovery from Hurricane Helene and proposing solutions for inflation and tax relief. He emphasized the need for tort reform and emphasized the importance of school safety, proposing additional funding. The House Committee on Assignments announced committee roles. The week ended with a Celebration of Service for Martin Luther King Jr. This week, the Georgia House began the state budget process. You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:
