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.

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The Walker County Animal Shelter will provide free vaccinations to family pets to combat contagious and deadly diseases. The no-cost vaccines are made possible through Petco Love’s national vaccination initiative, Vaccinated and Loved, which provides an additional one million free pet vaccines to animal welfare partners, like the Walker County Animal Shelter.

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Here is the latest arrest report for Saturday, March 8, 2025:

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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.

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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. 

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Georgia hunters can mark their calendars! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the dates for the 2025 turkey season. Private land will be open to turkey hunting from March 29th to May 15th, while public land season runs from April 5th to May 15th. Young and mobility-impaired hunters will have an early opportunity to bag a gobbler during a special season on March 22nd and 23rd. The season limit remains at two gobblers, with a daily bag limit of one. Hunters using public land should be aware that they are limited to harvesting only one gobbler per season per area. The youth and mobility impaired season allows hunters aged 16 and under and individuals with mobility impairments to participate in the hunt. The DNR is reminding all hunters to familiarize themselves with the regulations and bag limits before heading into the woods. Failure to comply with these rules can result in charges and fines. “Responsible hunting starts with knowing the rules,” a DNR spokesperson stated. “We encourage all hunters to review the regulations before the season begins.” For those looking for prime turkey hunting locations, the Ridge & Valley Region is known for its excellent turkey harvests. Remember, all resident hunters aged 16 or older are required to possess a Resident Hunting, Combo, or Sportsman’s License, unless hunting on their own land or land owned by immediate family. Detailed information regarding the 2024-2025 Georgia Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits can be found online at the Georgia DNR website or at any authorized license vendor.