Cloudy Today With Rain Overnight

Residents of Northwest Georgia are waking up to temperatures in the low 60’s and cloudy skies.  Today, skies will remain cloudy, but mostly dry across the area, with highs int he low to mid-70’s. Patchy dense fog might occur this morning where low clouds are minimal and winds are calm.  Tonight, showers are likely with mostly cloudy skies, westerly winds gusting to 15 mph, and low temperatures in the low 50’s.  Chance of rain overnight is 70%.

Current surface analysis indicates a stalled frontal boundary in northern areas of the state. This boundary will move northward as a warm front later today. A weak cold front will approach from the northwest tonight and extend southward into central areas of the state on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to stay well above normal, averaging 10 to 20 degrees above typical daytime levels for tomorrow. Cooler air will start to move into the far northwest behind the cold front on Sunday evening.

In the long term, unsettled weather is anticipated next week for Northwest Georgia, with periods of rainfall, heavy at times around midweek, and a slight chance of thunderstorms. A frontal boundary will stall, leading to isolated to scattered rain showers. A shift in upper-level patterns will bring warm, moist air. Rainfall totals could reach 3 to 5 inches in northern Georgia. Warm temperatures are expected early in the week, with a notable drop in temperatures due to the wedge effect by next weekend.  By next Saturday, low temperatures could be back down in the 30’s.

Commissioner Holding SPLOST Meeting On Wednesday

Chattooga County voters will go to the polls in March to decide on renewing the one-penny Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for another five years. County Commissioner Andy Allen is encouraging voters to support this extension.

A public meeting will be held at 10 a. m. on February 12 at the commissioner’s office to explain the importance of the tax and share information with the community. Commissioner Allen mentioned, “This will be our last public meeting before it goes on the ballot. ” The process to get the measure on the ballot included getting agreements with each of the county’s four municipalities on how funds would be distributed.

Allen communicated with mayors about the urgency, and all necessary agreements have now been signed. The county has submitted the ballot referendum, which has been approved by the state. Allen stated, “We will have this final public meeting, and we’ll be putting out some information before the election to educate people about the SPLOST. ” The current SPLOST, which voters approved in 2019, is vital for local projects. He emphasized that the referendum needs to be on the March 18 ballot and not postponed to November, which could lead to a loss of revenue. The revenue distribution is: the county 54. 5%, Summerville 27. 5%, Trion 10. 5%, and Lyerly and Menlo each 3. 75%.

Local officials are optimistic that residents will see the value in renewing the sales tax and will vote.

GNTC's Chef Greg Paulson & Family Win Big On Family Feud

Chef Greg Paulson, program director and instructor of the Culinary Arts program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), and his family won the grand prize on “Family Feud.”

Paulson, his wife Beth and stepchildren Matthew, Keely and Julie won a five-day run on the national television show and the grand prize; a vacation package to Barbados and $10,000 cash bonus. Between the trip package, cash bonus and money won on each episode, the family’s combined winnings total nearly $92,000, Paulson said.

“We’re excited go on a big family trip to a tropical island together,” Paulson said. “It’s going to be the first time two of our grandkids have been on a plane.”

The family plans to take the five-day trip in June 2026 after renovations are complete at the resort where they will stay. The trip package covers the airfare for the five contestants and the all-inclusive resort stay for each contestant and one guest each. The cash bonus helps cover the airfare for the five guests.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Paulson said. “The ‘Family Feud’ staff and host Steve Harvey were wonderful and made us feel at home, just like family. I encourage other people to consider applying to compete on the show because it was a lot of fun, and you could earn some money.”

Paulson and 70 guests had a final watch party at the Coosa Country Club in Rome on Tuesday night. They viewed recordings of the first four episodes on which the family competed before watching the fifth episode as it aired on television for the first time.

When a family wins a game on “Family Feud,” the family returns for the next day’s episode to compete against a new family. If a family wins five days in a row, which is the show’s limit for a family to participate, the family typically receives a larger prize.

Senator Ossoff Urges Trump Administration To Expand Social Security Benefits For Law Enforcement & Teachers

U. S. Senator Jon Ossoff is urging the Trump Administration to quickly provide expanded Social Security benefits for Georgia law enforcement and teachers. Along with a bipartisan group of Senators, he is calling for immediate delivery of full benefits under the Social Security Fairness Act, which he supported. This act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) that lower or eliminate Social Security benefits for certain workers. Sen. Ossoff emphasizes the need for quick action due to the long wait times stated by the Social Security Administration. He also seeks monthly updates on the implementation status and continues to improve conditions for Georgia seniors through various legislation. See the full press release from Senator Ossoff below:

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is urging the Trump Administration to swiftly deliver expanded Social Security benefits for Georgia law enforcement and teachers.

Sen. Ossoff and a bipartisan group of Senators are urging the Social Security Administration to immediately deliver full Social Security benefits for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and other public servants secured under the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act— which Sen. Ossoff championed.

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law last month, repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduce or eliminate regular Social Security benefits for workers and their eligible family members if the worker receives or is entitled to a pension based on earnings from employment not covered by Social Security.

“The Social Security Administration’s website currently states, ‘SSA expects that it could take more than one year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits’ owed under the Social Security Fairness Act,” Sen. Ossoff and the group wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”

According to a February 2024 report by the Congressional Research Service, 58,792 Georgia public servants were affected by WEP.

“In the interim, we request monthly updates and briefings regarding the status of the Social Security Administration’s progress towards implementing the Social Security Fairness Act,” Sen. Ossoff and the group continued.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to improve the lives of Georgia’s seniors.

In January, thanks to legislation Sen. Ossoff helped pass into law in 2022, out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors with Medicare Part D are now capped at $2,000 per year.

Last year, a bipartisan bill backed by Sen. Ossoff that would prevent employers from using forced arbitration against older workers seeking justice and accountability in cases of age discrimination passed the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Also last spring, Sen. Ossoff co-sponsored the bipartisan Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, legislation to expand early detection cancer screenings for Georgia seniors.

Make a Difference: Become a CASA Volunteer In The Lookout Mountain Area

Every child deserves a safe, loving home and the promise of a bright future, especially those navigating the complexities of foster care. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) is seeking compassionate individuals to step up and make a lasting difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.

As a CASA volunteer, you will advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized in court. Volunteers play a crucial role in the lives of these children, offering support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of their situations. This spring and fall, CASA will host training opportunities for prospective volunteers. Participants will engage in court observation, receive comprehensive training, and have access to flexible monthly volunteer opportunities that allow them to make a direct impact in a child’s life. “Every child deserves to be heard and understood,” said Renita McClain, CASA’s volunteer coordinator. “By becoming a CASA volunteer, you can help bring out the best in a child experiencing foster care, providing them with the support they need to thrive.”

If you’re interested in making a difference and advocating for children in foster care, CASA invites you to join their team. For more information about volunteer training, please email renitalmcasa@gmail.com or call (901) 496-6164. You can also fill out the volunteer interest form at gacasa.org/grow. Join the CASA movement and help transform the lives of children in your community.

Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity for a safe and nurturing environment.

Bill To Ban School Zone Cameras Has Broad Bipartisan Support In Georgia House

Georgia lawmakers have filed legislation on Monday to ban automated speed detection cameras in school zones due to concerns about their enforcement.  In a time of political division, one things it appears a lot of Democrats and Republicans agree on is that school zone cameras in Georgia have overstepped their bounds.

House Bill 225, with support from more than half of the state House representatives, addresses issues about the hours these cameras operate and the fines they issue. This bill aims to repeal House Bill 978, which authorized the cameras in 2018, and would prevent local governments from continuing contracts with companies that provide these services, potentially ending existing programs in cities like Decatur.

House Speaker Jon Burns has voiced concerns about the cameras being active outside school times, stressing that they should only operate when students are arriving or leaving school. He also emphasizes that any revenue from traffic fines should go towards school safety.  The bill has gotten bipartisan support with over half of the Georgia House members signing on as cosponsors of the legislation.

The bill’s lead sponsor, Republican Representative Dale Washburn, believes a total ban is necessary, arguing that local governments misuse the cameras and impose excessive fines. He suggests using crossing guards instead to promote student safety.

Chattooga Beekeepers Meeting February 11

Chattooga Beekeepers

The Chattooga County Beekeepers group will meet at 7 PM. on February 11, 2023, at the county agricultural center off Highway 100. The meeting will feature a presentation by Gary Rains, an experienced beekeeper from Walker County, who will discuss spring hive inspection. This event will provide practical knowledge for both new and experienced beekeepers. Attendees can ask questions and learn effective techniques. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend and learn about the role of bees and responsible beekeeping. For more details, contact the Chattooga County Beekeepers group.

Drunken Man Arrested After Disturbance At Walmart

Kenneth Eugene Sellers, a 47-year-old man, was arrested recently following an incident that began with a report of shoplifting at the Walmart Apprehension Prevention office.

A Chattooga County deputy was dispatched to the scene to investigate the alleged theft. Upon arrival, staff informed the officer of a disturbance occurring inside Walmart, where a man was reportedly yelling and causing a scene. Employees pointed out Sellers, who was wearing a blue jean jacket, as the individual responsible for the commotion. Upon locating Sellers, Deputy Ellenburg noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and unsteady movements. When questioned about his drinking, Sellers candidly admitted, “a lot.” His aggressive behavior escalated as he directed profane remarks towards the officer, including an explicit demand to “shut the f*** up.”

In light of his threatening demeanor and public drunkenness, Sellers was placed under arrest. During transit to the Chattooga County Jail, he made alarming threats, stating, “You need a bullet through the head,” and suggesting that the officer would “get yours when you get out.” Upon arrival at the jail, Sellers continued to exhibit erratic behavior, demanding assistance in a confrontational manner. When asked to exit the patrol vehicle, he unexpectedly lunged at the deputy, making contact with the officer’s chest. With the help of another deputy, Sellers was finally escorted into the intake room without further incident.

Sellers faces multiple charges, including intimidation or obstruction of jurors or law enforcement officers and public drunkenness.

GNTC’s Sargento Is State EAGLE Award Regional Finalist

Noelia Sargento has won the EAGLE Award at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) for 2025 and is a regional finalist for the State EAGLE Award. She was named a finalist at the recent awards banquet. Eight finalists will compete at the EAGLE Leadership Institute for the state title in March. The state winner represents the Adult Education program for a year and participates in speaking engagements. Sargento completed her High School Equivalency (HSE) through GNTC’s program in June 2024 while balancing a full-time job and family. She aims to encourage the Hispanic community and support ESL and job training programs. Currently, she studies Business Management at GNTC and plans to own a food service business post-graduation. Sargento values the program’s flexibility and support, seeing it as a pathway to career advancement and self-confidence.

DPH: Two Additional Measles Cases Confirmed In Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two additional measles cases in unvaccinated metro Atlanta residents. These two cases are family members of the case confirmed earlier this year in January.

DPH contacted persons that may have been exposed through contact with the individuals with measles. They have been given vaccine or antibodies to help reduce the risk of developing measles and are being monitored for symptoms. As of now, no secondary cases have been reported outside of the family.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.

For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.

Rainy & Warm Weather Ahead For Northwest Georgia

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Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect wet and warm weather to continue.  Today, there may be some patchy fog in some area that will hang around until about 9 AM.  Otherwise, we will see cloudy skies for our Friday with a 30% chance of showers and highs in the mid to upper 60s.  Friday night will see a 30 percent chance of showers before 1 am, with patchy fog after 4 am. It will also be mostly cloudy, with a low around 50 and a northeast wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening. This weekend, expect a short break from rain before a front moves north again on Saturday, mainly affecting northern Georgia’s higher elevations. The upcoming week may have ongoing rain chances due to a southwest flow pattern, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday, which poses a risk for heavy rainfall and storms. Meteorologists are monitoring this closely as conditions may develop midweek. Residents should prepare for possible flooding and stay alert to updates, as the forecast indicates warm and wet weather ahead.

Trion Star Student / Teacher Named

The Trion High School 2024-2025 Star Student is Jesse Blankenship. He chose Mrs. Laura Bryant as the teacher who impacted his life the most. The STAR program recognizes Georgia’s top high school seniors and the teachers who helped them succeed academically.

Established in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the program has honored nearly 26,000 seniors and their chosen STAR Teachers. Any accredited high school in Georgia can participate. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) administers the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program in Georgia. The PAGE Foundation is responsible for the program’s oversight and promotion. 

To be nominated for the STAR program, seniors must have the highest score on the SAT, taken by November of their senior year, and must rank in the top 10 percent or top 10 students in their class based on GPA. Their SAT scores must also meet or exceed the mean scores in Reading and Writing and Math. STAR Students compete for regional titles, with winners going to Atlanta for state scholarships and awards.

Congratulations to both Jesse and Mrs. Bryant!

Chattooga Looks To Extend Winning Streak Against Armuchee Tonight

The Chattooga Varsity Boys Basketball team continued their impressive run on Tuesday, securing their fourth consecutive victory by defeating the Dade County Wolverines 71-56. This win marked the Indians’ seventh straight triumph on their home court, significantly boosting their season record to 20-4.

Throughout this recent winning streak, the Chattooga team has demonstrated remarkable offensive prowess, outscoring their opponents by an average of 14.7 points per game and averaging 73.0 points in their recent outings. Their consistent performance has solidified their position in the MaxPreps’ Georgia basketball rankings, where they currently sit at 244th, compared to the Wolverines at 501st.

The victory against Dade County was a testament to Chattooga’s strength and skill, as the outcome was anticipated given their ranking advantage. The team’s success can be attributed to their cohesive play and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, keeping the home crowd electrified throughout the game. Looking ahead, the Chattooga Indians will face off against the Armuchee team this evening at 7:30 p.m. This matchup comes at an opportune moment for Chattooga, as Armuchee is currently grappling with a five-game losing streak.

With their momentum and home court advantage, Chattooga will aim to extend their winning streak tonight.  Good luck to the Chattooga Indians.

Man Arrested For Driving Without A License On Highway 48

According to a report released this week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Nelson Murillo, a 36-year-old man, was arrested on the evening of January 30, 2025, for driving without a license and failure to obey an authorized person directing traffic on Highway 48.

The incident occurred around 8:12 PM when a Chattooga County Deputy was managing traffic around a stalled semi-truck in collaboration with the Menlo Fire Department. According to reports, while directing traffic, the deputy was alerted by a fireman over the radio about a vehicle that was not stopping. Upon investigation, he observed a black Toyota Corolla driven by Murillo, which had stopped in the roadway, dangerously close to oncoming traffic. Upon making contact with Murillo, the deputy requested his driver’s license. Communication barriers arose as Murillo did not speak English, necessitating the assistance of a passenger to translate. The passenger informed the deputy that Murillo had never possessed a driver’s license in any state. Following a check through Chattooga E911, it was confirmed that Murillo had no record of having a Georgia driver’s license.

Due to safety concerns regarding the ongoing traffic situation, the deputy delayed placing Murillo into custody until the area was secure. He was ultimately taken into custody at approximately 8:36 PM and transported to Chattooga County Jail without incident.

Tax Commissioner Reminds Homeowners About Tax Exemptions

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding Chattooga County residents that voters approved two additional tax exemptions last year that aim to provide relief from rising property values and associated taxes.

House Bill 877 (HB877) and House Bill 581 (HB581), offer distinct ways for residents to manage their property tax liabilities effectively. HB877 introduces a “freeze” on the taxable value of a homeowner’s homestead and up to five acres of land for county purposes. This means that the assessed value used for taxation will remain static unless improvements are made to the property. While other structures and land values exceeding the five-acre limit may still increase with inflation, the frozen portion—used to calculate tax bills—will not fluctuate, providing homeowners with greater predictability in their finances. However, interested homeowners must submit an application to benefit from this freeze. Conversely, HB581 presents a floating homestead exemption, which allows for a flexible freeze on certain property values. This exemption adjusts in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), permitting the frozen portion of value to rise or fall with inflation, but only by the percentage change in CPI from the previous year. Unlike HB877, this exemption does not require an application; any homeowner currently benefiting from a homestead exemption in Chattooga County will automatically qualify for this floating freeze.

As both exemptions offer valuable options, homeowners face a crucial decision regarding which exemption best suits their needs. To determine the most beneficial choice for the county tax portion, residents must file an application for the HB877 exemption, as this will provide clarity on their tax situation. Homeowners are encouraged to take action to secure the best freeze exemption available. It’s important to note that while these exemptions freeze certain values used in tax calculations, they do not eliminate the tax bill altogether.

To apply for the HB877 exemption, homeowners should bring their driver’s license to the Assessor’s Office by April 1, 2025. Chattooga County residents can take advantage of these new measures to help mitigate the impacts of rising property taxes,

Senate Bill Looks To Protect Consumers From Georgia Power Rate Increases To Pay For Data Center Operations

A group of state lawmakers in Georgia introduced Senate Bill 34 to protect residential customers of Georgia Power from having to pay for data center operations. This bill aims to change state law governed by the Public Service Commission to prevent commercial data center costs from being passed on to consumers in rates or charges.

Filed by State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome) with support from 18 bipartisan sponsors, the bill responds to a PSC vote on January 23 that required different power rates for data centers compared to residential and commercial customers. The proposed legislation would state that costs incurred by electric utilities for commercial data centers cannot be charged to other customers. It also seeks to block power companies from substantially recovering these costs through charges to other consumers.

Hufstetler stressed that the intent is to hold data centers accountable for their own costs, especially as Georgia has experienced six rate increases in two years, resulting in high consumer bills. In Georgia, the average household uses around 956 kilowatt hours monthly, while data centers often consume much more.

Georgia Power anticipates significant power load growth in the coming years and plans to enhance renewable resources to manage this increase effectively.

Becky Duke Celebrates 49 Years Of Service To Chattooga County

A familiar face at the Chattooga County Probate Court is marking a significant milestone this week, as Becky Duke celebrates 49 years of unwavering service to the citizens of Chattooga County.

Since she first joined the office in 1976 under the guidance of Judge Jon Payne, Duke has become an integral part of the local government, dedicating nearly five decades to meeting the needs of the community. In August 2020, during a challenging time when Judge Payne was hospitalized due to COVID-19, Duke stepped up and was sworn in as Associate Probate Judge. Following Judge Payne’s passing, she took on the role of acting Probate Judge until Judge Gary Woods was officially sworn into office in 2021.

Current Chattooga County Probate Judge Gary Woods expressed his gratitude for Duke’s remarkable contributions during her tenure, stating, “Becky celebrates her 49th work anniversary today! I can’t express enough how thankful I am for Becky. She is a tremendous asset to Chattooga County. Becky truly has a servant’s heart! I am even more blessed to have Becky as a friend. Thank you for all you do!”

As the county honors Duke’s exceptional career, her dedication to public service and her commitment to the residents of Chattooga County continue to inspire those around her.

Chattooga County Jr. Livestock Evaluation Team Triumphs at Area 1 FFA Contest

The Chattooga County Junior Livestock Evaluation Team achieved first place at the Area 1 FFA contest this week, earning them a spot in the state contest in March. The junior members who played a vital role in this success are RosaLee Hammond, Lottie Houch, Mae Yarbrough, and Jackson Montgomery. Their hard work and dedication were key to their win, and the community looks forward to their performance at the state competition. Although the senior team did not advance, they secured sixth place in their division and received gold rankings. Senior members included Lane Bridges, Kasen Elsberry, LeeAnna Moseley, and Morgan Ward. Gratitude is extended to Liv and Lakelin Pilcher and Mr. Greason at Berry College for their support during practice. The Chattooga County FFA program also expressed special thanks to Eddie Elsberry for his assistance in preparation.