Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect a significant warming trend this weekend, accompanied by the possibility of isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday. The surge in temperatures is being driven by a strengthening upper-level ridge that will dominate Georgia’s weather pattern. As the ridge builds, reaching approximately 598 decameters at the 500 millibar level by Sunday afternoon, it will usher in hot conditions across the Midwest and bring rising temperatures to the Southeast, including Georgia. High temperatures are forecast to peak in the 90 to 96 degree range across Northwest Georgia this weekend, exceeding seasonal averages by 4 to 9 degrees. While these temperatures are slightly below the expected highs for the upcoming workweek, the combination of these temperatures with surface dew points in the upper 60s and lower 70s will result in peak heat indices reaching the upper 90s. We can expect the warmest weather of the year so far here in Georgia during the upcoming workweek, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia.  Authorities are urging vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions, to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat. This includes staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. While the heat will be the primary concern, residents should also be aware of the potential for isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 21, 2025:

More than nine miles of roadways in Chattooga County are slated for repaving this summer, Commissioner Andy Allen announced. The project, funded in large part by a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to significantly improve transportation infrastructure and enhance public safety throughout the rural community. The total cost of the paving project is estimated at $879,000.

Commissioner Allen highlighted the importance of the funding, stating in a letter to the DOT, “As a Tier One distressed county, Chattooga faces considerable challenges in funding essential infrastructure projects. Our rural network is a critical lifeline not only for local residents commuting to work, school and medical appointments, but also for supporting economic development and ensuring the safety of visitors traveling our region.” The project encompasses 19 roads spanning various locations within the county. Specifically, planned improvements include:

Penn Bridge Road to the bridge at Alexander Road (0.75 miles)

Nellie Lane (0.46 miles)

Tasha Lane (0.38 miles)

Tinney Road (0.35 miles)

Saddle Club Road (Trion-Teloga Road side) (0.02 miles)

Cummings Road to the bridge (0.02 miles)

Stallion Drive (0.36 miles)

Colt Lane (0.13 miles)

Gilkerson Road (0.26 miles)

Mayo Road (0.31 miles)

South Airport Road (0.17 miles)

North Airport Road (0.20 miles)

Airport Road (1.4 miles)

Dogwood Drive (off Lyerly Dam Road) (0.56 miles)

Dupree Road (0.79 miles)

Barnesville Road (0.77 miles)

Long Branch Road (0.40 miles)

Spring Hill Road (0.26 miles)

Portion of Palm Tree Road (off Spring Hill Road) (0.15 miles)

Poplar Springs Road (1.6 miles)

The repaving is expected to improve access and safety for thousands of residents and visitors. Work is scheduled to begin later this summer and continue into the fall, contingent upon weather conditions and contractor schedules. Commissioner Allen emphasized that despite ongoing budgetary constraints, strategic partnerships with the state are proving vital for crucial infrastructure improvements within Chattooga County.

In a landmark victory for adoptee rights, Georgia will soon allow adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates without a court order, thanks to the passage of SB 100, also known as “Andee’s Law.” The new law, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, promises to streamline the process for Georgia-born adoptees aged 18 and older to access vital information about their origins. Previously, gaining access to an original birth certificate required a lengthy and often emotionally taxing court order process, a requirement many advocates considered discriminatory. “Andee’s Law” removes this barrier, allowing adoptees to request their original birth certificate directly from the Georgia State Office of Vital Records. The Georgia Alliance for Adoptee Rights (GAAR) played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of SB 100 and will continue to support adoptees as they navigate the new process. GAAR plans to offer guidance and resources to ensure adoptees understand their rights and can successfully apply for their birth certificates. “This is a monumental step forward for adoptee rights in Georgia,” said a spokesperson for GAAR. “For too long, adoptees have been denied access to their own personal history. ‘Andee’s Law’ finally rectifies this injustice and provides adoptees with the opportunity to connect with their past and understand their identity.” The change in legislation aims to provide adoptees with a more equitable and accessible path to uncovering their roots and reclaiming their personal narratives. With the effective date rapidly approaching, anticipation is high among Georgia’s adoptee community.

The Rome News Tribune and Hometown Headlines reported that the Mount Berry Mall might soon welcome a 90,000-square-foot Rural King store, bringing positive changes to the mall and the Rome and Floyd County area. The Rome-Floyd Board of Adjustments approved a variance request on Wednesday from the mall owner, Hull Property Group, to reduce a setback from 15 feet to zero feet to allow for an outdoor display area. The proposed Rural King store will feature roughly 85,000 square feet of indoor retail space and an additional 35,000 square feet for outdoor displays. Rural King, established in 1960 in the Great Lakes region, is a farm, home, and general merchandise store that offers a variety of products, including outdoor equipment and home furnishings. The space was once home to a Sears store that closed in 2016. Hull Property Group previously sought to create a tax allocation district to support redevelopment but chose to proceed with mall improvements without tax breaks. Calls for comments from Rural King and HPG representatives were not returned by Thursday evening.

With the arrival of summer break, AAA is urging drivers to remain vigilant as children spend more time outdoors, playing, biking, and walking in neighborhoods and along city streets.

“Summer should be a season of fun, yet it also presents traffic safety risks,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We encourage all drivers to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially in residential areas where children are playing.”

Statistics show that the risk of traffic incidents involving children increases during the summer months. Pedestrian injuries peak for kids aged 5 to 14, who are more frequently found in the vicinity of roads and streets.

To combat this, AAA provides the following safety tips for drivers:

• Stay Alert: Watch for children on bicycles, scooters, and playing in front of their homes.
• Obey Speed Limits: Drive at or below the posted speed limits, especially in residential areas where children might be present.
• Avoid Distractions: Put down your phone and minimize other distractions while driving to stay entirely focused on the road.
• Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop when necessary.
• Role Model Safe Behavior: Parents are encouraged to teach their children about roadway safety, including how to cross streets safely.

“As summer activities ramp up, we all play a role in creating safer roads,” Waiters continued. “By driving carefully and staying aware, we can help prevent deaths and injuries and protect young lives.”

Summerville Main Street is hosting “A Taste of The South Festival” today from  10 AM to 3 PM at the Historic Summerville Depot. This free event allows visitors to celebrate southern food, fun, and traditions. Attendees can enjoy various southern dishes, including BBQ, fried chicken, collard greens, and homemade desserts. There will also be tables set up for dining inside and outside the depot. The festival features special activities like a Flower Arrangement Demonstration, Southern Sayings BINGO, and musical performances. Visitors can receive free Mini Moon Pies while supplies last. A range of art and craft vendors will be present for shopping.  This free public event is planned to help event goers take a step back in time and share a fondness for good old fashioned southern food, fun and traditions. Southern Food will be a highlight for the day.

The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation has awarded a staggering $1.3 million in grants to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center. These funds will directly support 43 community agencies dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. This marks the second consecutive year that the foundation has distributed over $1 million to vital community organizations in the region, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fostering a healthier and more vibrant community. Among the recipients is the Community Resource Center of Chattooga, which will receive $40,000 to fund training and resources for workshops designed to empower individuals experiencing poverty in Chattooga County. “There are so many organizations doing impactful work that truly improves the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Dan Bevels, President of the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation. “These grants will go a long way in helping them not only continue their efforts, but also expand them, creating even greater positive change in our communities.” The grant awards were announced at a special ceremony held Wednesday at Berry College’s Christopher-Browning Pavilion at Oak Hill. The foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the region.

After being closed for over two decades, the iconic World’s Folk Art Church at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will reopen to the public tomorrow, Sunday, June 22nd, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of this unique artistic landmark. The five-story structure, built by the late Rev. Howard Finster beginning in the mid-1980s, served as his art studio and museum for artifacts. Finster, with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, constructed the 56-foot-tall building atop a small country church without formal architectural plans. Completed in 1987, the church quickly became a central feature of Paradise Garden. However, the World’s Folk Art Church faced weather-related damage and safety concerns, leading to its closure in 1999, shortly before Finster’s passing in 2001. In 2011, Paradise Garden, including the church, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A renewed commitment to preservation efforts gained momentum in 2018 when the Paradise Garden Foundation received a grant to develop a comprehensive preservation plan. Architectural assessments confirmed the church’s structural stability, paving the way for a successful fundraising campaign in 2023. Rehabilitation work commenced in June 2024, with local carpenters leading the restoration process. “This reopening represents years of dedicated effort and a deep appreciation for Rev. Finster’s artistic vision,” said . “We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to experience the unique messages and artistry within the World’s Folk Art Church.” To celebrate the grand reopening on June 22nd, Paradise Garden will host a series of

Two Rome men are facing a slew of charges related to the sale and possession of fentanyl following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The arrests were made as part of an ongoing effort to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics in the Floyd County area.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 42-year-old Jamar Shantay Finley was apprehended after allegedly selling fentanyl to an undercover officer on four separate occasions this month. Following the arrests, a search warrant was executed at Finley’s residence on Blacks Bluff Road, where authorities discovered further evidence including additional fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, digital scales, and packaging materials. Finley is now facing a multitude of charges including four counts of sale of fentanyl, five counts of possession of fentanyl, four counts of possession with intent to distribute, four counts of drug trafficking, as well as single counts of possession of meth, possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. In a related incident, 36-year-old Rodney Lewis Palmer Jr. was also arrested after a search warrant was executed at his South Elm Street residence. During the search, officers discovered 19 grams of fentanyl, 436 grams of marijuana, digital scales, and packaging materials. Authorities also allege that Palmer conspired with Finley to sell fentanyl to the undercover officer. Palmer’s charges include conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act, possession of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute, felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and possession of drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.

The GBI is continuing its investigation and further charges may be pending.

Northwest Georgia residents can expect a mostly dry weekend with increasingly hot temperatures, according to the latest weather forecast. Patchy fog is expected this morning but should dissipate by 10 AM, otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88 and calm winds.  Tonight, mostly clear with a low of 66.  The chance of rain remains minimal through Saturday, with only isolated instances possible in the far southern and southeastern regions. This shift to drier conditions comes after the passage of a weak cold front, bringing marginally drier air into the northern half of the area. An upper ridge currently positioned to the west is forecast to expand eastward and build overhead by Saturday, further contributing to the dry weather and rising temperatures. By Saturday, temperatures will climb further, reaching the low to mid-90s across the region. While heat index values will be slightly higher than the air temperature, they are not expected to reach Heat Advisory levels this weekend. However, residents should prepare for the warmest temperatures of the year so far next week.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 20, 2025:

A proposed federal budget championed by Republicans in Washington, D.C.  may cut important funding for services that support over 170,000 Georgians with developmental disabilities, threatening the state’s disability support network. The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network in Georgia, including the Georgia Advocacy Office, University Centers for Excellence, and Developmental Disabilities Councils, could face significant program reductions or termination.

These cuts, alongside possible Medicaid reductions, may harm essential services that help individuals with disabilities live and thrive in their communities. Ruby Moore, Executive Director of the Georgia Advocacy Office, emphasized that losing these supports could lead to more institutionalization and reduced legal protections. Each agency plays a unique and indispensable role in supporting the well-being and independence of Georgians with disabilities. “The strength of the DD Network is in our collective impact—whether that’s helping children leave nursing homes, preventing abuse and neglect, or empowering families with the tools they need to thrive,” said Ruby Moore, Executive Director of the Georgia Advocacy Office. “I can’t imagine a Georgia without these supports in place.”

The potential loss of these services could lead to increased institutionalization, diminished legal protections, fewer educational and employment opportunities, and a heightened risk of harm for individuals with disabilities. Advocates warn that such cuts could undo years of progress and strain state systems. Georgia’s DD Network encourages the disability community to reach out to state and federal representatives, share personal stories, attend town hall meetings, and raise awareness about the potential funding cuts on social media.

Source: GCDD

A Weaver, Alabama, man is facing felony charges after allegedly failing to return a rental truck he rented in Northwest Georgia, valued at $57,000. Ahmad Malik Robinson, 28, was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Tuesday, according to jail records, on a warrant charging him with theft by conversion. The warrant states that Robinson rented a 2022 International MV607 truck from Penske rental on Shorter Avenue in Rome on May 8th. The rental agreement stipulated the truck was to be returned on May 20th. When the truck was not returned as agreed, Penske sent demand letters to Robinson’s address. However, those letters were returned as undeliverable. Authorities eventually located Robinson in Turner County, Georgia, still in possession of the missing vehicle. He was subsequently arrested and is now awaiting further legal proceedings in Floyd County.

Today is the first day of summer and Northwest Georgia is bracing for a surge in temperatures as a warming trend is expected to peak early next week, bringing potentially hazardous heat conditions to the region. After a week of stable temperatures, meteorologists are predicting a significant increase, culminating in heat indices of 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service is advising residents, particularly sensitive groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours, should be carefully considered and potentially avoided. “These elevated heat indices can pose a significant risk if proper precautions are not taken,” stated a local meteorologist. “Staying hydrated, seeking shade, and limiting strenuous outdoor activity are crucial to staying safe during this period.” Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts for updates and heed any advisories issued by local authorities. The intense heat is expected to last for several days, requiring proactive measures to ensure public safety and well-being.

A Chattooga County woman was arrested after neighbors witnessed an assault, according to a report released this week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Brooke Machelle England, 31, of Summerville, was arrested and charged with Simple Battery on June 11, 2025, following a domestic dispute at a residence on Stenitt Road. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies were dispatched to 637 Stenitt Road at approximately 10:31 PM in response to a report of a verbal and physical altercation between England and Larry King. Upon arrival, deputies heard a female yelling and a male attempting to calm her down. Observing England stumble and fall backwards, deputies initially believed a physical altercation was in progress. However, they determined that England had fallen on her own. England reportedly told deputies that she and King had been at the hospital with her daughter and that she had consumed alcohol. She stated that they were arguing but that no physical violence had occurred. However, witnesses at the scene provided conflicting accounts. One witness, a resident of the home, stated that England had struck King multiple times prior to the deputies’ arrival. Another witness corroborated this account, adding that England was responsible for a cracked front window on a vehicle at the residence. King confirmed that he and England had been arguing because he had removed the car battery to prevent her from driving under the influence. Based on witness testimony and the damage to the vehicle, deputies arrested England for Simple Battery. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a sixth case of measles in the state for 2025. This latest case involves an unvaccinated individual who is a family member of the confirmed measles case reported in May.

“The individual was promptly quarantined at home following exposure, and we can confirm there were no additional exposures outside of the home that require follow-up at this time,” stated a DPH spokesperson. Good news also came regarding the earlier outbreak. “The other two cases associated with the May outbreak have fully recovered, and monitoring has ended for all individuals exposed to the initial case.” This marks the second outbreak of measles in Georgia this year, bringing the total reported cases to six in 2025, matching the total number of cases reported in all of 2024. Health officials are urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine is widely considered safe and highly effective in preventing these highly contagious diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. According to the CDC, more than 95% of individuals who receive a single dose of the MMR vaccine develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose further enhances protection, typically boosting immunity to around 98%. The DPH continues to monitor the situation and encourages anyone with questions or concerns about measles to contact their healthcare provider or visit the DPH website for more information.

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.

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Georgia’s unemployment rate for May 2024 has fallen to 3.5%, a decrease of one-tenth of a percent from the revised 3.6% in April. This rate is also significantly lower than the national unemployment rate by seven-tenths of a percent.

“Month after month, Georgia shows what’s possible when job creation and economic opportunity are a top priority,” stated Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With unemployment falling to 3.5%—after holding steady at 3.6% for nearly a year—and recent job growth, we’re proving once again that Georgia’s business-friendly environment and competitive workforce deliver results. More than 5 million Georgians are working today because we never stop fighting for policies that put Georgia first.” Georgia’s job market continues to show strength, with jobs increasing by 4,900 in May and 14,500 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 4,988,600.

Several sectors have achieved record employment levels, including financial activities (284,400), health care and social assistance (619,900), and government (723,000). The health care and social assistance sector led job gains in May with 4,000 new positions, followed by administrative and support services (2,400), accommodation and food services (1,900), state government (1,200), retail trade (1,000), durable goods manufacturing (1,000), and non-durable goods manufacturing (1,000). However, some sectors experienced job losses in May, including other services (2,600), wholesale trade (1,600), construction (1,400), arts, entertainment, and recreation (1,200), and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (900). Over the past year, the health care and social assistance sector has seen the most significant job growth, adding 22,700 positions. State government followed with an increase of 4,300 jobs, while private educational services and local government added 3,500 and 2,700 jobs, respectively.

Conversely, the transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector experienced a decline of 6,400 jobs over the year, followed by construction (3,500), administrative and support services (2,900), retail trade (2,800), and information (2,600). Georgia’s labor force decreased by 4,111 to 5,376,298 in May and is down 29,828 over the past year. Employment also fell by 1,386 to 5,187,272, declining by 28,111 over the past 12 months. Unemployment decreased by 2,725 to 189,026 in May and is down by 1,717 over the past 12 months. Initial claims were down by 1,901 over the month to 19,135 in May and were down by 899 over the year.

These figures indicate a continued positive trend in Georgia’s job market, driven by strategic investments in key sectors and a commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.

Georgia Highlands College (GHC) has kicked off a major renovation project at its Floyd Campus, centered around a near-$12 million overhaul of the Lakeview Building, home to its highly successful Nursing and Dental Hygiene programs. This revitalization project, one of the most significant in GHC’s history, aims to modernize facilities and enhance the learning environment for future healthcare professionals.

The Lakeview Building renovation is part of Governor Brian Kemp’s strategic investment in expanding healthcare education throughout Georgia, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. In addition to the Lakeview project, the Floyd Campus will receive significant landscaping upgrades, creating a more welcoming and modern atmosphere. GHC President Mike Hobbs emphasized the importance of the renovations, stating, “It’s essential for us to maintain and improve our learning facilities with top-notch training so our community receives the best, most well-prepared healthcare workforce.” He highlighted the impressive 96% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN for Nursing graduates and the 100% pass rate within the first year for Dental Hygiene graduates, coupled with 100% career placement.

Hobbs also credited Governor Kemp and local legislators, including Representatives Matthew Gambill, Katie Dempsey, Mitchell Scoggins, and Senators Chuck Hufstetler and Ed Setzler, for their support in meeting local and regional workforce needs through GHC’s exceptional healthcare programs, offered at one of the lowest tuition rates in the state and country. “More than 84% of all GHC graduates begin their careers in Northwest Georgia,” Hobbs noted, underscoring the college’s critical role in supplying the region with a skilled workforce.

With construction underway, these upgrades will solidify GHC’s position as a leader in workforce development and healthcare training for years to come.

AARP has announced that Walker County has been selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant to expand digital connectivity at the county’s first signature park, Adventure Acres.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.”

The $15,000 grant will help Walker County add a public charging station and internet hotspot at Adventure Acres to expand connectivity and promote wellness, particularly among older adults.

“We’re thrilled AARP saw the value of our proposal and chose to invest in helping make our community more livable for residents of all ages,” said Joe Legge, Director of Communications and Community Development, Walker County. “Data from our Community Connectivity Plan found a low adoption rate of internet subscriptions among residents living near Adventure Acres. We hope providing an internet hotspot here will help those who struggle economically to get online, while also providing older adults a free connection point.”

Adventure Acres is the county’s new signature park currently under construction off Salem Road near Rossville. While the park is tentatively scheduled to open later this summer, the public charging station and internet hotspot will come online later this year.

The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages.

Walker County’s project is one of 383 quick-action projects selected from among more than 3,450 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded more than $24.3 million through over 2,000 grants to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the country.