According to the Georgia Farm Bureau, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for ten people in 2023 was estimated at $61.17. This figure reflects a slight decrease from the record-high average of $64.05 experienced in 2022. As Georgia residents prepare for the holiday season, the cost of traditional feasts seems to have stabilized, despite ongoing grocery price spikes and inflation that have affected various sectors across the nation. However, experts caution that the price of Thanksgiving meals in 2024 could rise again due to persistent inflation and fluctuating food prices.

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The storied career of Chattooga County Coroner Earle Rainwater will be honored with a reception on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The event is open to the public and will take place at the Chattooga County Civic Center (located at 44 Ga-38, Summerville, GA) from 3-5pm.

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Earlier this month, on Highway 48, Summerville Police stopped a red 2006 Jeep Wrangler that was reported stolen. The vehicle belonged to David Hughes and was being driven by Leslie Bishop. Police confirmed the vehicle was stolen with 911 dispatch and initiated a traffic stop. Bishop initially claimed she borrowed the vehicle but later admitted to stealing it. A search of the Jeep revealed a burnt rolled cigarette suspected to contain marijuana, personal belongings of Bishop, and confirmation from Sgt. Rogers that the Jeep was reported stolen. Brandi Thompson, Hughes’s daughter, shared her struggles to retrieve the vehicle from Bishop, who she said had been avoiding contact. Hughes decided to press charges, and Bishop was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property, given the Jeep’s value exceeding $5,000. Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene, and Bishop was taken into custody.

According to a report released recently by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Kevius Kenti Reed was arrested for disorderly conduct after a disturbance at a residence on Packer Dairy Road. A Chattooga County Deputy responded to complaints of family members causing trouble while intoxicated around 12:01 AM. Earlier that evening, the deputy  had intervened to prevent a potential physical altercation at the same residence. Upon his return, the deputy found a verbal argument escalating quickly, with Mr. Reed on top of a female identified as Jasmine Reed. Despite Mr. Reed insisting he was assisting Ms. Reed, eyewitnesses reported differently. Ms. Reed’s grandmother stated that Mr. Reed had been disruptive since the earlier incident. Despite Mr. Reed’s emotional distress during the arrest, he was taken into custody without incident and transported to Chattooga County Jail. Charges against Mr. Reed included disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit, released safety report with slight downgrades for the two hospitals located in Rome. Georgia ranks 35th in the country for “A” hospitals, down from 23rd in the spring. AdventHealth Redmond got a “B,” after earning “A”s since fall 2022. Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center received a “C,” down from a “B” in the spring. Statewide, 79 hospitals were graded, with 17 “A”s, 29 “B”s, 28 “C”s, and 5 “D”s. Two North Georgia hospitals got “A”s. Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper and Wellstar Paulding Hospital in Hiram. None received a “D” grade. . The Leapfrog Group urges continued work to improve patient safety, recognizing hospitals in Georgia for prioritizing patient safety. The grading system is transparent, peer-reviewed, and updated each fall and spring based on 30 performance measures.

United Community has been named one of the Best Banks to Work For in 2024 by American Banker and Best Companies Group. This recognition is based on employee satisfaction and benefits offered. This is the eighth year United has been selected.

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Georgia gas prices were parked in neutral at the pumps compared to a week ago.  Georgians pay an average of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 22 cents more than a month ago and 9 cents more than this time last year. It costs drivers an average price of $43.95 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, November 18, 2024:

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As the landscape of demographics continues to shift, Chattooga County is projected to see a median age of 40.2 years in 2024, surpassing both the state of Georgia and the national average. This data highlights a growing trend that reflects not only the aging population but also the unique characteristics of the county’s residents. For comparison, the median age in Georgia is estimated to be 37.0 years, while the United States as a whole is expected to have a median age of 39.3 years.

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