Sunday, September 14, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1917, poet and novelist Byron Herbert Reece was born in Union County. His celebrated writing is forever tied to the struggles, spirit, and beauty of life in the Appalachian Mountains.

Fall is a beautiful time of year in North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. From exploring the only incorporated town in Union County (see today’s Trivia), to celebrating iconic fall festivals like the 55th annual Oktoberfest in Helen—now is as good a time as any to head to the mountains for a breath of fresh air. See today’s Top Stories for more on the longest-running Oktoberfest in the U.S.

This edition is sponsored by Oricle, a trusted partner making better hearing possible for thousands of families. Sometimes the best stories aren’t crafted in marketing meetings—they unfold around the dinner table. Recently, our founder gifted his dad, “Grandpa Jim,” a pair of Oricle hearing aids. What happened next had the whole family laughing, tearing up, and realizing just how powerful clear hearing can be. Here’s why we’re excited to share it with you.

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Measles Case Confirmed in Atlanta

The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed that an unvaccinated individual in Atlanta with no international travel history contracted measles.

The individual may have exposed others at Georgia State University’s Aderhold Learning Building and Langdale Hall on Sept. 2 and 4, the Sweetgreen restaurant on North Avenue on Sept. 3, 6, and 8, and Inter Atlanta FC soccer games and practices on Sept. 3, 6, and 7.

This is the seventh measles case reported in Georgia in 2025.

“DPH is working with the Fulton County Board of Health, GSU, Inter Atlanta FC, and Sweetgreen to notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and are at an increased risk of developing measles,” the DPH stated in a press release.

Arrest Made in 14-Year Cold Case Murder

Newnan Police have arrested Scotty Elliot Smith in connection with the 2011 murder of 17-year-old Blake Tyler Chappell after Smith confessed to the crime.

Chappell was reported missing in October 2011, after a homecoming dance at East Coweta High School. Two months later, his body was discovered in a creek in Coweta County. It was confirmed he had been shot and killed.

Smith is being held in the Coweta County Jail and faces charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of another, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Experience the Helen Oktoberfest

Now through Nov. 2, Georgians can celebrate Bavarian culture with German food, beer, music, dancing, and more at the 55th annual Oktoberfest in Helen.

The iconic festival is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States. The event is open for an additional week this year to celebrate its 55th anniversary.

The Oktoberfest operates every Thursday to Sunday until Sept. 21 and will be open daily starting Sept. 25.

Admission is $10 Monday to Thursday, $15 on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sundays.

Flying together with our sponsor

When our founder gave his dad, “Grandpa Jim,” a pair of Oricle hearing aids, nobody knew what to expect. For years, Jim had struggled to keep up with conversations—missing jokes, nodding along, and quietly withdrawing. But the moment he put them on, everything changed. Suddenly, voices were crisp, laughter rang out, and Jim was back in the middle of it all.

At one point, he even asked the family to “quiet down” because things were suddenly too clear. That moment stuck with us. For Jim, it wasn’t just about hearing better—it was about feeling present again. He loved them so much he immediately asked for an extra pair, just in case.

Stories like this are why we’re proud to partner with Oricle. If you or someone you love has been waiting to take the step toward better hearing, now’s the time. Don’t miss out on life’s moments—see what Oricle can do for you today.

➤ Dawsonville: Construction has begun for Motor Club Circuit Villas, a new trackside condo community located inside the Atlanta Motorsports Park. (More)

➤ Statewide: Georgia’s mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest point in nearly a year, with the national average for 30-year mortgages now at 6.35%. (More)

➤ Albany: Westover Comprehensive High School has broken ground on a new 48,000-square-foot gym and three-story academic tower. Both buildings are set to be completed by the end of 2026. (More)

➤ Atlanta: The city has the highest average out-of-network ATM fees in the U.S., according to a new study by Bankrate. (More)

➤ Fairburn: A knife fight between two students at Langston Hughes High School prompted a hard lockdown. Both students were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. (More)

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➤ Josh McCray scored from 1 yard out in overtime to give No. 6 Georgia a 44-41 win over No. 15 Tennessee in Knoxville. The teams combined for nearly 1,000 total offensive yards. (Box Score)

➤ Aidan Birr connected on a 55-yard walk-off field goal to give Georgia Tech a 24-21 win over No. 12 Clemson. Quarterback Haynes King recorded 319 total yards with a rushing touchdown, while the Yellow Jackets’ defense forced two turnovers. (Box Score)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons play their first primetime game of the season tonight at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday Night Football. (Preview)

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Flying together with our sponsor

Our founder’s dad, “Grandpa Jim,” slipped on a pair of Oricle hearing aids—and the change was instant. For years he’d been on the sidelines of family conversations. But suddenly, he could hear everything so clearly he even asked everyone to quiet down. That’s how powerful the difference was.

The best part? He didn’t want to risk being without them again and immediately asked for backup pairs. It’s proof that better hearing is more than convenience—it’s connection. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign to finally make the change. Discover Oricle today.

➤ The funeral for DeKalb County Master Firefighter Preston Lee Fant—the first firefighter in the county’s history to die in the line of duty—will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta on Thursday, Sept. 18. (More)

➤ Absentee rates in Atlanta Public Schools are declining as initiatives like expanded social worker support, stronger family engagement, and student incentives have helped boost attendance rates. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Baroque Orchestra is launching its 27th season with performances across three metro Atlanta venues next week. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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