Yesterday, Andy Allen took over the roll of sole commissioner of Chattooga County. Allen had no previous political experience but won over 60% of the vote in the GOP Primary in May 2024 and went unopposed in the General Election in November. During his campaign, he proposed ambitious plans to improve the county’s infrastructure, public services, and taxation fairness.
A vital Blood Assurance Blood Drive is set to take place on Friday, January 3, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Chattooga County EMA / 911 Headquarters, located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville. This event aims to encourage community members to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in the lives of those in need. To celebrate National Blood Donor Month, all blood donors will receive a complimentary “Save Lives” long-sleeve shirt, available while supplies last. This initiative not only provides an opportunity to give back but also raises awareness about the importance of blood donation. Organizers recommend that donors prepare for the event by enjoying a nutritious meal beforehand, avoiding energy drinks, staying hydrated with plenty of water, and bringing a valid form of identification. It’s important to remember that just one blood donation can save up to three lives. For those interested in participating, please visit www.bloodassurance.org/chattco or call 1-800-962-0628 to sign up. Your donation can make a significant impact
In response to the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed two executive orders designed to honor the legacy of the former President, and provide support to the community during this time of mourning.
A Georgia man, Harold Ryan, age 42, was arrested just before Christmas on child pornography charges. His arrest was made by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit after they received multiple CyberTips in September 2024 about his online activities involving child sexual abuse material. A search warrant led to his arrest, with help from the Thomson Police Department. Ryan was booked into McDuffie County Jail. The investigation is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. People with information on child exploitation can contact the GBI or report online.
Georgia state court judge Steve Yekel, 74, died by suicide at the Effingham County Courthouse on Monday night, leaving a resignation letter for Governor Brian Kemp. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office reported that Yekel was found on Tuesday morning with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
There was one health inspection to report from the last half of December, 2024 from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department:
The National Weather Service warns that residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for a significant drop in temperatures due to cold Arctic air moving into the region over the next week to ten days. A dry front is expected to come through on Friday, bringing another wave of cold air.
The City of LaFayette has issued a boil water advisory for certain areas, including east of the Highway 27 bypass and various communities such as Naomi and Hillcrest. Residents are advised to boil water for 1 minute before using it for cooking, drinking, or brushing teeth, especially those with infants, elderly, or immune deficiencies. The advisory is due to recent rain and a water main break, which caused high turbidity in the water at the Lee School Water Treatment Plant, affecting water pressure. If turbidity remains high and no additional water source is available, there may be a loss of water service.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 1, 2025:
WZQZ is your daily source for local news in Chattooga County and as we enter our 17th year serving the residents of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama, here is a look back at some of the top stories from 2024:
