The Georgia Department of Transportation is proposing a significant amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 portion of the state’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for the years 2024 through 2027.
The latest census data reveals 13% of Chattooga County’s population is currently uninsured, marking a significant increase of 4.37% from the previous year’s rate of 12.4%. This means that over one in every eight residents in Chattooga County lacks access to essential medical services and protections, leaving them vulnerable to the financial burdens and health risks that come with being uninsured.
In a move to bolster transparency and voter confidence in Georgia’s electoral process, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced the launch of a new ballot tracking feature on the state’s My Voter Page (MVP) platform.
Local insurance agent Butch Eleam talked with WZQZ News on Thursday morning about the impending tropical storm that will impact Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia over the next 48 hours. Eleam told WZQZ that there are some tips for homeowners to remember should damage happen.
The Town of Trion garbage services may be impacted Friday, 9/27 due to Hurricane Helene. We’re closely monitoring the situation, but if it becomes unsafe for our employees to pick up the garbage Friday, it will be picked up Monday with that day’s garbage. Thanks in advance for understanding.
Georgia Power is telling customers in Northwest Georgia that should the incoming inclement weather cause disruptions in power service, you should not call 911 – unless there is an emergency. If a customer just need to report a power outage, they should call the Georgia Power Outage Reporting Number at 888-891-0938. Not only does that keep the local 911 lines free for emergencies, it also is the quickest way for Georgia Power to get the notice about power outages in any given area. Again, DO NOT call 911 about power outages; instead report the outage to Georgia Power directly.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 26, 2024:
UPDATED 1:51 PM – THURSDAY
Here are closings and cancellations due to the Tropical Storm Warning in Northwest Georgia:
Chattooga County Schools – Closed Friday
Trion City Schools – Closed Friday
Rome City Schools – Friday
Floyd County Schools – Friday
Walker County Schools – Friday
Georgia Highlands College – Friday
Georgia Northwestern Technical College – Friday
Chattooga County Senior Center – Friday
Trion Recreation Center – Closed Friday – Plan to reopen at Noon on Saturday
Trion Town Hall – Closed Friday
Walker County Commissioners Meeting – Postponed for Thursday
Truist Bank in Summerville – Closing at 3 PM on Thursday
Regions Bank in Summerville – Closing at 3 PM Thursday
The lobby of Chattooga DFCS will be closed THURSDAY and FRIDAY. Reports of child abuse and neglect can be made to 1-855-GACHILD. Please visit gateway.ga.gov to apply for benefits or check on your benefits case. The lobby will re-open at 9 AM on Monday.
Chattooga County Governmental Offices will be closed on Friday
Redmond Family Care in Trion will be closed Friday morning and may reopen at 1 PM depending on conditions.
Summerville City Offices will be closed on Friday
The Chattooga County Health Department will be closed on Friday
Dr. Jeff Appelbaum would like his patients to know that Summerville Chiropractic will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 27, and will re-open at 9am on Saturday, Sept. 28th, conditions permitting.
Showa will be closed on Friday
(Map as of 4 AM – Thursday, September 26, 2024)
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Chattooga County and all of Northwest Georgia, signaling that residents in the affected areas should be prepared for potentially hazardous weather conditions in the coming hours and days. The latest local forecast indicates the potential for wind speeds ranging from 39 to 57 miles per hour, which falls within the typical range for a tropical storm. While this wind threat has remained relatively steady from previous assessments, it still poses a significant risk that requires careful planning and preparation. Residents should make plans to protect their property, securing loose items and reinforcing vulnerable structures like porches, awnings, and mobile homes. Power outages are also possible, with the potential for downed trees, large limbs, and damaged fences and road signs. Driving conditions could become treacherous, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.
The more pressing concern, however, is the threat of major flooding rainfall. A flood watch is currently in effect, with the potential for an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain, with even higher localized amounts. This extreme rainfall could lead to widespread, dangerous flooding, with many evacuations and rescues likely. Tributaries, streams, and small waterways may rapidly overflow their banks, turning into raging rivers that threaten nearby communities. Flood control systems could become overwhelmed, allowing floodwaters to inundate homes, businesses, and escape routes. Driving would become extremely hazardous, with many roads and bridges washed out or submerged. Residents in flood-prone areas should be taking protective actions now, as failure to do so could result in serious injury or loss of life.
Fortunately, the situation appears unfavorable for the development of tornadoes, with the tornado threat remaining low. However, residents should still remain vigilant and monitor the latest forecasts, as showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur.
Residents should take the necessary precautions by staying informed, and heeding any official warnings.
As the federal farm bill approaches its expiration date this month, Georgia’s Black farmers find themselves in a precarious position, facing the prospect of a steep decline in farm profits. For decades, these farmers have endured a tragic history of racial discrimination at the hands of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), leaving them uniquely vulnerable to the economic challenges that now loom on the horizon. Despite past efforts at reform, including a landmark 1999 class action lawsuit where Black farmers sued the USDA for denying them access to crucial low-interest grants and loans, the scars of this systemic injustice remain.