American food markets are facing an egg shortage that might last for months. The outbreak of avian influenza has significantly affected the egg market, with 17. 2 million egg-laying hens dying from the virus in November and December alone.
As the new year unfolds, businesses that rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) are bracing for increased shipping costs set to take effect on January 19, 2025. In an announcement made last November, the Postal Service revealed its recommendation for “new competitive” pricing, which will impact several key services used by businesses and individuals alike.
On January 18, 2025 at 11:37 AM the Chattooga County Coroners Office was notified by Chattooga County 911 of a motor vehicle accident with a possible fatality on Highway 27 on the south side of Taylor’s Ridge.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, January 18, 2025:
On Friday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the USDA confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as bird flu, in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County. This is the first confirmed case in a commercial poultry setting in Georgia and the fifth case detected in the state.
As a result of this confirmation, all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales within the state are immediately suspended until further notice. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper stated that this is a serious threat to Georgia’s poultry industry and the livelihoods of many residents. Efforts are underway to prevent further spread of the disease and to allow normal poultry activities to resume as quickly as possible.
The bird flu has impacted the egg market significantly, with 17. 2 million egg-laying hens dying in November and December alone. This loss represents nearly half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024, leading to fewer eggs, empty store shelves, and rising prices.
The Georgia producer identified signs of Avian Influenza in their flock on Wednesday, and after testing, a positive detection was confirmed. The state’s Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams were deployed for depopulation, cleaning, and disposal operations. Approximately 45,000 broiler breeder chickens were present at the time of detection, and a quarantine has been placed on all commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer radius for surveillance testing for at least two weeks. Notifications will be given when poultry activities can resume.
Cold weather is moving from Siberia and will reach the United States this weekend and into next week. Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama will experience the coldest temperatures of the season next week.
The enrollment period for Pre-K programs in Lyerly, Menlo, and Summerville for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Parents and guardians are invited to register their children on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Friday, February 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration will be held at the Chattooga County Education Center, located at 206 East Penn Street, Summerville, GA 30747, in the former Summerville Elementary School building.
To ensure a smooth registration process, parents are required to bring several important documents, including: – Child’s Certified Birth Certificate – Proof of Georgia Residency – Photo ID of Parent/Guardian – Child’s Social Security Card – Child’s Insurance Card or verification of health coverage Additionally, parents should be prepared to provide the Immunization Form 3231 and the Eye, Ear, Dental, & Nutritional Form 3300. It is important to note that children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025, to be eligible for enrollment. For any questions or further information, parents are encouraged to contact the Pre-K office at 706-857-3490.
In the event of inclement weather, please be advised that registration may be canceled and rescheduled for a safer date.
Law enforcement officials have arrested two men from Murray County believed to be involved in a burglary that occurred in Summerville. Clifton Mitchell, 66, and his son, Richard Mitchell, 41, were apprehended by LaFayette Police on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, following a collaborative investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said that these are the same two men that local investigators believe were part of a burglary at a Summerville business located in the shopping plaza behind Little Caesar’s Pizza.
Trion High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter excelled at the FBLA regional conference on January 15th, with many students winning medals in nine categories, which qualifies them for the state competition. FBLA, founded in 1940 and based in Reston, Virginia, is a major student organization that helps students prepare for the business world. With over 200,000 members, it is the largest student organization in the U. S. Trion High School also placed third in the Region Sweeps, highlighting the overall achievement of its students, whose average scores were the best in the region. This is a historic achievement for Trion High School’s FBLA chapter. The success is attributed to the support of their advisor, Mrs. Laura Bryant, and the school community looks forward to the state competition.
State Senator Colton Moore was arrested in Atlanta after causing a disturbance at the State House of Representatives and is now being supported by the Chattooga County Republican Party. On January 16th, during Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address, Moore was barred from entering and subsequently arrested by Georgia State Troopers. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns had banned Moore from the House of Representatives after a speech Moore made in March 2024 that criticized the late Speaker David Ralston.