The Georgia State Patrol says that a thirty-year-old Calhoun man walked away without injury after his car left the roadway and overturned last Saturday on Penn Bridge Road one mile north of Alexander Road .  According to a report from the Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office, Hervin Ramirez-Aguilar lost control of the 2011 Nissan Maxima he was driving while attempting to navigate a curve on the wet roadway.  The front of the vehicle struck the guardrail and overturned, going down a slight embankment, not far from the Chattooga River.  Rameriz-Aguilar was cited for failure to maintain a single lane.

The Chattooga Chamber’s Leadership Chattooga program is a transformative opportunity for personal and professional development within the community. Over the course of a full year, from January through December, program attendees will engage in a curriculum that fosters meaningful connections with fellow business leaders, community advocates, and aspiring change-makers. Through a series of interactive seminars, hands-on workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours, participants will develop essential leadership skills, cultivate a greater awareness of community needs and resources, and gain the tools necessary to become effective, influential advocates for positive change. The Chamber also offers a student program from September to April to prepare future leaders. Limited spaces are available for the 2025 adult class, highlighting the Chamber’s dedication to fostering effective community advocates and leaders.  To find our more, visit the Chamber’s website at www.chattoogachamber.org.

The Georgia State Patrol post in Rome is hosting a crucial blood drive in partnership with Blood Assurance on Monday, October 14th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event, taking place at the State Patrol’s location on 3386 Martha Berry Highway in Rome, Georgia, is an opportunity for the local community to come together and make a life-saving difference.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the last half of September, 2024:

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Ten students have been awarded the Live4It Alliant Scholarship by Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to support those with financial need who are active in their community and follow the key concepts of Live4It. The scholarship recipients for the fall 2024 term include students from various programs at different campuses. This partnership with Alliant Health Plans aims to invest in the local community and improve health and well-being. GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham expresses gratitude for the support, noting that it helps outstanding students cover their fall semester expenses. Live4It, established in 2019, focuses on promoting health and wellness through lifestyle, preventive health measures, and community support. Alliant Health Plans emphasizes the importance of investing in GNTC students to enhance the overall well-being of the community.  See the complete press release from GNTC below:

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, October 1, 2024:

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Today marks a momentous occasion as former President Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday in Plains, Georgia where he was born in 1924. The 39th President of the United States, Carter has led an extraordinary life of public service, humanitarian work, and unwavering commitment to justice and peace and a profound faith in Jesus Christ.

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Creative thinking can help address the impact of solar farms in rural Georgia, according to Jim Cooley of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Last week, Cooley suggested alternative locations for solar projects, such as rooftops, industrial parks, and closed sites like landfills and mines. Georgia Power is already implementing solar panels at Plant McIntosh. Concerns have been raised about large solar farms encroaching on farmland, prompting discussions on preserving Georgia’s agricultural lands. Cooley proposed a concept where solar panels could be integrated into farmland to benefit crops or livestock. There is a need for accurate data on the number of solar farms in Georgia to inform policy decisions. A study committee made up of members of the Georgia General Assembly aims to explore ways to protect farmland while promoting renewable energy solutions.

This is National Deaf Awareness week and the National Weather Service is working to better serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in the USA, and here in Georgia, by providing specialized weather radios with features like bed shakers and strobe lights. They have also collaborated with Deaf organizations to create inclusive safety messaging, like the “See a Flash, Dash Inside” lightning safety campaign. This campaign offers a visual symbol for immediate action when lightning strikes, ensuring safety information is accessible to all. The NWS’s dedication to adapting and engaging with these communities showcases a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in their essential work, setting an example for public service organizations. It is crucial for Deaf and Hard of Hearing households to have these radios to stay safe during hazardous conditions. You can find out more about what the National Weather Service is doing to raise awareness about weather safety for the deaf community HERE

Earlier this year, the Georgia General Assembly passed HB 1105 and Governor Brian Kemp signed it into law. That law goes on the books today.  Part of the provisions of the new law mandates the Department of Corrections to publish detailed reports on its website concerning the immigration status, criminal offenses, and countries of origin of non-citizen inmates. These reports, updated every 90 days starting in October, aim to provide transparency on the demographic and background of foreign-born prisoners, potentially informing future policy decisions. By collecting and sharing this data, the law allows residents and lawmakers to monitor the intersection of incarceration and immigration, promoting accountability and transparency. However, critics fear it may target specific inmate populations; supporters say this law represents a major step towards transparency in Georgia’s correctional system regarding immigrant prisoners.