State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) has released his weekly legislative report. Following Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Georgia General Assembly planned to begin “budget week” on January 21, 2025. This week is usually when leaders present budget recommendations, but hearings were postponed due to a State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp for anticipated winter storms. Despite this, Gov. Kemp shared his official budget report, emphasizing that passing a balanced budget is a key obligation. Gov. Kemp’s main focus is relief for Hurricane Helene’s victims, with over $614 million proposed for recovery efforts. He also highlighted Georgia’s business success and suggested a one-time tax rebate and income tax cuts. The budget includes significant funding for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public safety. You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:

Read more

The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2025 season with the release of their Spring Training schedule and the exciting addition of right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham to their roster. Fans can look forward to 32 games as the team kicks off their preseason on February 22 with an away game against the Minnesota Twins. Among these games, the Braves will host 15 home contests at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, while also hitting the road for 17 games.

Read more

A 21-year-old man, identified as Kamdyn Jaxx Harris, was arrested this past Saturday, during a traffic safety checkpoint by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol. He was charged with DUI (drugs), possession of marijuana, and a windshield violation after officers noticed signs of impairment. The arrest happened around 10:10 PM on Back Berryton Road. Officers saw Harris driving a blue Honda CRV with a broken windshield and smelled marijuana coming from the car. He had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. A search of the vehicle revealed a small bag of what was believed to be marijuana. Harris admitted to smoking marijuana three hours before the stop. Harris consented to field sobriety tests, which showed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and agreed to a blood draw. Harris faces charges of DUI/drugs, a windshield violation, and possession of marijuana under one ounce.

Voters in Chattooga County will soon have the opportunity to make their voices heard as they prepare to head back to the polls in March for a crucial Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) renewal vote. The election is set for March 18, 2025, and residents are encouraged to actively participate in this important decision.

Read more

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office announced today the successful conviction of Samantha Shea Leamon, a resident of 122 Ann Drive, Rossville, Catoosa County, Georgia, for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. This landmark conviction comes amid growing concerns over the devastating impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the Lookout Mountain region and nationwide.

Read more

Walker County Chairwoman Angie Teems has announced new key administrative staff members: Aleksandra Jagiella-Litts as compliance officer, Lisa Richardson as county clerk, and Hugh Delacruz as human resources director. Teems believes these roles are crucial for the county’s government and aims to enhance services for citizens and employees. Jagiella-Litts has over 20 years of legal experience, handling code violations, collaborating on policy issues, and supporting grant applications. Richardson brings extensive organizational experience and will manage records for the Board of Commissioners while preparing meeting minutes. Delacruz, a former Sergeant in the Sheriff’s Office, will focus on recruitment and retention programs, enhancing employee well-being and career growth, drawing on lessons from his Army service.

The Georgia Department of Education has launched a CTAE Advantage Dashboard to provide accessible and clear data on Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) at state and district levels, as announced by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. The dashboard highlights the positive effects of Georgia’s CTAE programs on literacy, graduation, and postsecondary placement rates.

Read more

On Monday evening, a sizable crowd gathered at the Chattooga County Ag Center to discuss a permit issue raised by Commissioner Andy Allen regarding a poultry house in the Gore Community. Some residents surrounding the proposed chicken operation are considering legal action against the county after their lawyers stated a case against a permit given to a Floyd County resident to build poultry houses off Gore-Subligna Road by former Commissioner Blake Elsberry. 

Read more

A freezing fog advisory is in effect for Chattooga and nearby counties in Northwest Georgia, with meteorologists urging residents to be cautious while traveling. The advisory follows temperatures dropping below freezing, leading to patchy freezing fog in some areas. Roads are reported as wet from earlier rainfall, combined with high humidity and clear skies, which creates a favorable environment for fog. Although the effects of the freezing fog are expected to be minor, drivers should reduce speed and keep a safe distance from other cars, particularly near bridges and overpasses where conditions could be slippery. Fortunately, the fog is predicted to clear quickly after sunrise as temperatures rise above freezing. The remainder of the day’s forecast appears positive, with clear skies and temperatures reaching the 50s and lower 60s in Northwest Georgia. Winds will be at 10-15 mph, with higher gusts possible. A large trough affecting the eastern U. S. and a low-pressure system moving eastward will bring a warming trend, with highs potentially reaching the upper 60s by Wednesday.