October demonstrated a positive outlook for the real estate market in Chattooga County, with a significant number of homes listed for sale, even though there was a slight decline in median home prices. A total of 167 homes were available for purchase last month, with prices ranging from $9,500 to $2.5 million. The median listing home price for October settled at $224,200, indicating a minor adjustment in the ongoing trend of rising housing costs within the county. Home buyers found that the average price per square foot for homes on the market was $144. In comparison, neighboring counties showed higher average prices, with Floyd County at $163 per square foot and Walker County at $177 per square foot. Furthermore, the median home price for properties sold in Chattooga County for the month was recorded at $155,000. This figure presents a stark contrast to the median listing prices in Floyd County at $251,400 and Walker County at $279,900. The median sale price of a home in Georgia in October 2024 was $374,700,  which is a 2.3% increase year-over-year. These numbers collectively highlight Chattooga County as an attractive market for potential home buyers, especially those from outside the county, who are seeking lower housing costs.

A month after revealing design plans for Adventure Acres, the community gathered on Tuesday to break ground on Walker County’s first signature park. 

Read more

A Tennessee man has been identified as the fatality in a crash that happened on Highway 27 after a high speed chase.

Read more

The Georgia Department of Administrative Services is set to host a State Agency Career Fair today, welcoming local residents eager to explore new career opportunities within government agencies. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Floyd County Campus, in the Conference Center located in Building H.

Read more

Russell R. McMurry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, has been elected as the vice president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for the 2024-2025 term. AASHTO represents transportation departments across all 50 states with the aim of developing and maintaining a cohesive national transportation system. McMurry expressed gratitude for his election and looks forward to collaborating on policy principles for the next transportation funding bill. Starting as an engineering intern in 1990, McMurry has risen through the ranks at Georgia DOT and was appointed commissioner in 2015. Under his leadership, the department has focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility solutions to support the state’s economic growth. He will continue to serve as the Commissioner of Georgia DOT while fulfilling his role as AASHTO vice president.

The Georgia House Republican Caucus voted on Tuesday of this week to reelect the entire GOP leadership team for the upcoming two-year term. Rep. Chuck Efstration will continue as House majority leader, with Rep. James Burchett as majority whip. Other reelected leaders include Reps. Bruce Williamson as majority caucus chairman, Houston Gaines as caucus vice chairman, and Ginny Ehrhart as caucus secretary and treasurer. Speaker Jon Burns was renominated, and Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones will retain their roles. The full House will formally elect a speaker and speaker pro tempore when the General Assembly convenes in January. Despite losing two seats in the election, Republicans still hold 100 seats compared to Democrats’ 80.

This fall, enrollment at the University System of Georgia (USG) reached an all-time high of 364,725 students, marking a 5. 9% increase from the previous year. This growth was seen across all 26 public colleges and universities within the system, with a significant portion coming from in-state students. USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue highlighted the importance of not only enrolling students but also ensuring they graduate and contribute to the state’s workforce.

Read more

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, November 14, 2024:

Read more

A late-night traffic stop turned deadly on Tuesday, November 12, when a deputy from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over a vehicle around 11:14 PM near Highway 27, just north of Summerville. According to reports, the driver failed to comply with the traffic stop signal and accelerated aggressively, reaching speeds of over 100 mph while heading north through Summerville. The high-speed pursuit ended in disaster when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Trade Day, crashing into a fenced cemetery. Tragically, the driver, identified as the sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, but efforts to save the individual were unsuccessful. The Georgia State Patrol is now leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities confirmed that a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine was recovered from the vehicle, raising further questions about the events that led to the reckless driving. Sheriff Mark A. Schrader says more details regarding the investigation and the identity of the driver are expected to be released later today.

Atrium Health Floyd’s Dr. Kristin Ray Suggests Some Helpful Tips 

Menopause, mammograms and massive hormonal shifts. As women approach midlife (commonly described as between 40 and 65 years of age), there comes with it a new set of unique challenges.

At an age where many women are active caregivers and at the peak of their career, this can be a difficult time to be going through the emotional and physical changes that come with menopause. But for most women, getting older doesn’t mean their health has to take a downward spiral. “It’s never too late to adopt healthier habits,” said Dr. Kristin Ray, who sees patients at Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care Family Medicine at 28 John Davenport Drive, Rome.

Read more