The Chattooga County FFA is rallying the community to provide essential aid and supplies to those impacted by the devastating Hurricane Helene. Through their coordinated supply drive, the FFA organizations at all Chattooga Schools are coming together to collect a wide range of crucial items to deliver directly to the affected areas.
Chattooga County Young Farmers are gathering supplies for those affected by Hurricane Helene in South Georgia. Despite Northwest Georgia escaping the hurricane’s wrath, the farming community to the south and east in Georgia is facing challenges. Chattooga Young Farmers will be taking needed supplies to farmers in affected areas of the state. Items requested by Spencer Highsmith, Coffee County Young Farmer Teacher, include pre-mix gas, bar and chain oil, saw sharpeners, wipes, snack foods, non-perishable food items, diapers, tarps, bread, and water. Donations can be dropped off at the Young Farmer storage building. Additionally, UGA Mississippi State tickets have been donated for a raffle. Young Farmers are coming together to support those in need during this difficult time.
In response to disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, the IRS is waiving penalties for selling or using dyed diesel fuel with a sulfur content of up to 15 parts-per-million on highways in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and certain counties in Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. This relief is retroactive to Sept. 26, 2024, and will be in effect until Oct. 15, 2024. The penalty relief applies to anyone selling or using dyed diesel fuel for highway use, but the 24. 4 cents per gallon tax must be paid. The IRS will also not penalize failure to make semimonthly tax deposits during the relief period. Dyed diesel fuel is typically tax-exempt, but IRS Publication 510 outlines the proper reporting and payment methods. The IRS will continue to monitor the situation and offer further relief as necessary.
Dr. Sylvia Washington, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Floyd, has been appointed to represent the 14th Congressional District on the board of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Also known as Bright from the Start, DECAL oversees Georgia’s Pre-K program, childcare licensing, Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, nutrition programs, and Quality Rated system. The board meets quarterly in Atlanta. Dr. Washington, a mother and pediatrician, is honored by the appointment and hopes to benefit children across the state with her expertise. She received various awards, completed her medical training at New Jersey Medical School, and serves on the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Washington, along with her husband and three children, is dedicated to improving child health and welfare in Georgia.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is ensuring that election operations in Georgia’s 159 counties remain on schedule and have the necessary resources for a swift recovery. The physical infrastructure for conducting elections will be operational before early in-person voting begins.
The Democratic County Committees of Walker, Dade, Catoosa, and Chattooga are hosting a joint Rally for Democracy on October 6 at 3 pm at the Colonnade in Ringgold. The event will feature a celebrity keynote speaker discussing “How We Win,” along with all Democratic candidates from these counties who will present their platforms. The rally will kick off with music by Chainsaw Doll, an all-girl band. Everyone is welcome to attend, including candidates like Jack Zibluk, Bart Bryant, Greg Bentley, Alex Brady, and Cathy Kott.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 3, 2024:
The Chattooga County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is spearheading a stuffed animal drive to provide comfort to children affected by the devastating Hurricane Helene. Through Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, the community is invited to donate brand new stuffed animals at various drop-off locations across the county, including the Chattooga 911 center, the Sheriff’s Office, the Commissioner’s Office, Aaron’s Rental, the Chattooga County Jail, the Chattooga County Library, and EZ Pawn. For churches and organizations that may have difficulty transporting their donations, pickup can be arranged. The initiative aims to lift the spirits of young hurricane survivors, many of whom have endured unimaginable trauma and displacement. The stuffed animals will serve as cherished companions, offering a sense of security and normalcy during a time of upheaval. Through the generosity of Chattooga County residents, these donated plush toys will provide comfort, companionship, and a glimmer of hope for the children impacted by the hurricane’s destruction, reminding them that their community stands with them in their time of need.
An upcoming egg candling class at the Chattooga Ag Center on Wednesday, October 23rd offers an opportunity for those with backyard poultry flocks to be certified in the process of evaluating the quality and development of eggs. Georgia law requires anyone selling eggs to the public to have an egg candling license.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp extended the state’s emergency status on Tuesday in response to the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. The state of emergency, which allows state agencies to allocate resources for relief efforts, will now remain in effect until just before midnight on Oct. 9, unless renewed again.
