The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Georgia Chapter is reminding Georgians to prioritize mental health and emotional well-being. This time of year can evoke a mix of emotions, from joy and celebration to anxiety and loneliness.
Today, at 11 AM, Andy Allen will be sworn in as Chattooga County’s Sole Commissioner. Chattooga County is one of only seven counties in the state to still embrace the sole commissioner form of government. Georgia is the only state in the union that has the sole commissioner form of government. Five of those seven counties with the sole commissioner form of government are located in North Georgia. Most of the other 152 counties in the state operate with a 3-5 person county commission. Notable exceptions are the seven counties that have consolidated governments and DeKalb County in Metro Atlanta that operates with a chief executive officer. The commissioner elect is inviting the public to the swearing-in ceremony that will take place in the main courtroom at the Chattooga County Courthouse this morning.
At their December meeting, Walker County Commissioners discussed a controversial proposal that would require all dog and cat owners within the county to spay or neuter their pets. The amendment, aimed at addressing the county’s growing pet overpopulation issue, was tabled for further consideration after a unanimous vote among the commissioners.
The International Fish Art Contest for 2024-25 is underway. This contest program is free to enter and open to youth in kindergarten through grade 12 anywhere in the world, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division.
Get ready to kick off 2025 with the Cave Spring Polar Plunge!
This exciting annual event invites participants to celebrate the New Year with a chilly dive into Rolater Park’s natural spring-fed pool.
The plunge takes place at noon on January 1st, rain or shine.
Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the gate, including a commemorative tee shirt and a traditional New Year’s lunch.
Additional sweatshirts, tee shirts, and lunch plates will also be available for purchase.
All proceeds support the Cave Spring Historical Society’s efforts to preserve the town’s historic buildings.
No one won the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday, but five tickets in Georgia won prizes. Four tickets matched four numbers and the Mega Ball, and one ticket with a Megaplier won $30,000. With no winners, tonight’s jackpot will be $1. 15 billion. To claim prizes in Georgia, winners must go to retailers for amounts under $600, while those over $600 must visit lottery headquarters or send by mail. Winners need a claim form and valid ID. Online ticket winners have 180 days to claim their prize, while instant ticket winners have 90 days from expiration.
Earlier this week, TMMA Farms, a local sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating animals, reached out to media outlets, including WZQZ, to report a heartbreaking incident involving one of their beloved rescue animals. Rooster, a Corgi who had overcome significant challenges during his rehabilitation, was struck and killed by a FedEx driver, prompting an outcry from the community and a statement from the delivery company.
There were no arrests to report from this morning’s booking report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Earlier this week, 40 families in Chattooga County received Christmas gifts from Santa in Uniform. The local organization is made up of police, firefighters and emergency responders and each year they raise money to help families in need at Christmastime. Although Christmas Day is over, Santa in Uniform is reminding residents that they accept donations year round. According to Santa in Uniform, if you need to make a donations for tax purposes before the end of the year, you can send donations several different ways:
Donations can be mailed to:
Santa in Uniform, Inc
PO Box 342
Summerville, GA 30747
Or you may Venmo:
@summervillesantainuniform
PayPal:
summervillesantainuniform@gmail.com
Santa in Uniform says, “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and appreciate any and all donations, big and small, so we may provide Christmas for the under privileged children of Chattooga County”.
Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the natural beauty of Cloudland Canyon State Park! The first is today where you can take part in a guided hike to Bear Creek. These short but strenuous hikes, led by experienced guides, will take participants from the Interpretive Center to the ford at Bear Creek, covering about 3 miles roundtrip. Today’s hike is from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. Other hike dates are: Monday, January 6, 2025 (1 PM to 3 PM), Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (10 AM to 12 PM), Monday, January 20, 2025 (10 AM to 12 PM), and Monday, January 27, 2025 (10 AM to 12 PM). Participants should meet at the Interpretive Center at least 5 minutes early, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. A $5 parking fee applies, and for questions, contact 706-657-4050. The park is located at 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, with GPS coordinates N 34. 8402630 | W -85. 4828810. It is on Route 136, 8 miles east of Trenton and I-59 (Exit 11), and 18 miles west of LaFayette.