Atrium Health Floyd President Kurt Stuenkel has once again made Georgia Trend’s “GEORGIA 500” list for the second year. This extensive list includes some of the state’s most influential local leaders known for their innovation and success in driving the economy across Georgia.

With over 40 years of experience working for Atrium Health Floyd, Steunkel has led the healthcare organization since 1996. In 2024, he advanced rural health as the executive sponsor in the Atrium Health Southeast Region.

Other accolades include serving as the board chair for Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, VHA Georgia, and Phoenix Healthcare. Steunkel was also past chair of the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), the local United Way of Rome and Floyd County, and the American Red Cross Northwest Georgia chapter, as well as a former member of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission and a previous board member of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce.

Atrium Health Floyd encompasses four hospitals in the area, including the standalone emergency department in Chattooga County, which has been running since October 2023.

Georgia Trend is a statewide business publication that analyzes local business, political, and economic trends and development. The publication also recognizes local leaders who positively impact the state.

For the complete “GEORGIA 500” list, visit georgiatrend.com

Chattooga Family Connection is holding its eighth annual Home for the Holidays event later this month. The holiday distribution event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on November 21, 2024, at the Community Resource Center of Chattooga in Summerville, Georgia.

This year, the center has set a goal of handing out 300 turkey breasts to reach as many people as possible. In the past, Chattooga Family Connection has prioritized families with children. However, this year, they aim to provide one turkey breast for every car that drives through, even if picking up for multiple families. This change is to ensure almost every car leaves with a turkey breast, helping to better serve more of the community.

With no countywide contested races on the ballot on Tuesday, all eyes were on state and national offices as Chattooga County voters went to the polls. 

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, November 5, 2024:

According to Bankrate, full coverage auto insurance in the US averaged $2,543 annually or $212 monthly in 2024, a 26% rise from 2023. Minimum coverage costs $740 yearly or $62 monthly. Georgia’s average full coverage rate is $2,610, slightly above the national average, while Atlanta residents pay $2,859. From 2017 to 2021, national car insurance expenses only increased by 5. 27%.

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has officially opened the application and renewal system for the GATE (Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption) cards for the 2025-2027 period. All applicants are reminded that fees for the GATE cards must be paid as part of the online application process, with payments accepted via credit card or ACH only.

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The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and E-911 have announced that they have been awarded several significant grants aimed at enhancing community safety and emergency response capabilities.

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Last Friday, Deputy Ben Mollohan was officially welcomed into the Chattooga County Sheriff’s force by Sheriff Mark Schrader after graduating from the police academy.

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Last Week Georgia Power executives presented a plan to the state Public Service Commission to build battery energy storage systems at four locations, including near Robins AFB, Moody AFB, Plant Hammond in Floyd County, and the McGrau Ford Battery Facility in Cherokee County. These projects will add 500 megawatts of generating capacity as part of Georgia Power’s effort to increase their energy-supply portfolio by 6,600 megawatts. Jeff Grubb, the company’s director of resource policy and planning, emphasized the importance of these investments for meeting the state’s growing electricity needs. Quarterly reports on spending and construction progress will be submitted to the Public Interest Advocacy Staff per an agreement with Georgia Power, with a vote on the projects scheduled for December 3 by the PSC.