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:
The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time in the new year and resolve to help people in need as a volunteer in Georgia.
An Effingham County state court judge, Stephen Yekel, has died by suicide in a county courtroom. He was found by a deputy on Tuesday morning when court was not in session. Judge Yekel lost his reelection bid this year, and Tuesday was meant to be his last day on the bench. Local media reported that he tried to resign, but Governor Brian Kemp denied it. There was a note sent to Kemp’s office, but its details are not known. Yekel was appointed to the position in June 2022. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners expressed deep sadness over his death and is providing support and resources to county staff.
Photo Credit: Chattooga County Historical Society – “Governor Jimmy Carter at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd’s Funeral”
To many younger residents of Chattooga County the name “James H. ‘Sloppy’ Floyd” is only recognizable because of the state park located in Chattooga County that is named after him, but at one time, he was one of the most recognizable names to have ever hailed from Chattooga County.
Today is the first day of the New Year, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park are inviting you out for the annual “First Day Hike” at the park from 10 AM until 12:30 PM. The Friends of the Park have been busy preparing a traditional New Year’s dinner of black eyed peas that hikers can enjoy at the end of the hike. Park rangers will guide participants through a choice of three scenic hikes, catering to all levels of fitness and experience.
AdventHealth Redmond is hosting the AngioScreen bus from 8 am to 3 pm, Thursday, Jan. 9. The AngioScreen bus will be parked in front of the main entrance of AdventHealth Redmond. An AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.
The Town of Trion will hold a Special Called Council Meeting on January 7, 2025, at 6:00 p. m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. The agenda includes discussing amendments to the 2023/2024 budget and reviewing the annual audit. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their views. For more information, contact Town Hall.
On Sunday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp remembered the remarkable legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away that afternoon. During his remarks, Gov. Kemp celebrated Carter’s numerous accomplishments, emphasizing his pioneering role in establishing the Georgia Film Commission during his tenure as governor. Carter’s foresight in creating the film commission has proven to be a turning point for the Peach State, transforming it into a major player in the entertainment industry.
In the waning hours of his single-term in office, Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry appointed an Election Board to oversee Chattooga County elections. The outgoing commissioner appointed Alfred McDaniel, Tim Shiflett, Nick Casey, Gartrelle Davison to the board and name Jennifer Tudor as the board chair. Both Casey and Tudor have served as officers in the Chattooga County Republican Party. Shiflett is the former longtime chairman of the Chattooga County Democratic Party. Alfred McDaniel has been an active member of the Chattooga County Democratic Party for many years. Both Shiflett and Davison will serve two-year terms on the newly-formed board.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, December 31, 2024: