Residents of Chattooga County and surrounding areas are bracing for a potentially dangerous weather event set to unfold Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). David Nadler, with the NWS in Peachtree City, warned during a Friday weather briefing of the possibility of damaging winds, long-track tornadoes, heavy rains, and hail. A Flood Watch is in affect through Sunday.  The period of greatest risk for Chattooga County and neighboring communities is between 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday. “This is not your run of the mill weather event,” Nadler emphasized. The NWS is forecasting the potential for 60-80 mph damaging winds, long-track tornadoes, hail, and the possibility of flash flooding during the peak storm window. Northwest Georgia is at a particularly high risk for tornado activity. “Some of these gusts could reach 70 to upwards of 80 mph at times,” Nadler stated. A significant risk exists for strong, long-track tornadoes during the 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. period. While the most intense part of the storm system may pass by early Sunday morning, the danger isn’t completely over. The weather service anticipates approximately 3 inches of rainfall between the two storm systems. Thunderstorms are expected to persist through Sunday morning and potentially into Sunday afternoon. Residents are strongly advised to monitor weather updates, secure outdoor objects, and have a plan in place in case a tornado warning is issued. Seek shelter in a sturdy building and avoid being outside during the peak of the storm. Stay informed and be prepared.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, March 15, 2025:

The Chattooga County real estate market is showing signs of a cool-down in February 2025, with significant year-over-year declines in median listing prices. According to the latest data, the median listing home price in the county was $225,000, a significant 17.4% decrease compared to February 2024.

The median home sold price also landed at $170,000. While the estimated average home value sits at $159,996, these figures paint a picture of a market undergoing a shift. The median listing price per square foot is currently $142.

Currently, there are 183 homes for sale in Chattooga County, with a median price of $203,666. Within the 30753 zip code, specifically, there are 36 homes for sale with a median price of $174,900. Industry experts suggest several factors could be contributing to this downturn, including rising interest rates, an increase in available inventory, and a potential shift in buyer demand.

After a period of sustained growth, the Chattooga County housing market appears to be entering a period of price correction. Potential buyers may find this an opportune time to enter the market, while sellers may need to adjust their expectations to reflect the current market conditions.

Real estate professionals are closely monitoring the situation and advising clients to make informed decisions based on the evolving landscape.

Murphy Chiropractic is celebrating its grand opening on Monday, March 17th in Summerville, offering a new choice for chiropractic care. Located at 9972 Commerce St, at the corner of Commerce St and Georgia Ave, the clinic aims to serve the community with various therapeutic services. Dr. Murphy, who leads the practice, will focus on manual adjustments of the spine and extremities for patient care. Additional services include spinal decompression, electrical stimulation for muscle tightness, and heat/cold therapy. Instrument-assisted adjustments using an activator will also be available for those who prefer them. Dr. Murphy expressed excitement about providing quality care and helping patients achieve better health through personalized treatment plans. The clinic’s operating hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Appointments can be made through the website, murphychiroga.com, or by calling 706-808-0088 or emailing Murphychiroga@gmail.com.

Berry College’s highly anticipated annual Spring Market, organized by The Berry College Student Enterprises, is set to return on March 22nd, 2025. The market promises a vibrant atmosphere with a diverse array of vendors offering unique and handcrafted goods. Visitors can expect to browse through stalls overflowing with handmade jewelry, stunning artwork, locally grown fresh produce, and delectable food options. With over 40 vendors participating, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy. The family-friendly event will also feature a dedicated kids area, ensuring entertainment for the younger attendees. The Berry College Student Enterprises are working diligently to curate a memorable experience for the community. Stay up-to-date on vendor announcements, event details, and more by following their official Instagram page: @berryshipyard. Mark your calendars for March 22nd, 2025, and prepare to experience the vibrant community spirit and entrepreneurial talent on display at the Berry College Spring Market!

Blood Assurance, the primary blood supplier for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, is facing a critical shortage of O-negative blood, with reserves plummeting to less than a half-day’s supply.

The organization is issuing an urgent plea to the community to donate blood and help replenish these vital reserves. The shortage has been exacerbated by a dip in donor turnout during Spring Break, and with more schools and families heading on vacation next week, the need is growing more pressing by the day. Making matters worse, severe weather is predicted to impact the region in the coming days, potentially disrupting collections and further depleting the blood supply. “We must act now to shore up supplies before storms disrupt collections—or worse, increase the demand for blood,” a Blood Assurance spokesperson stated. “The donations made today will be the ones saving lives tomorrow.”

To encourage donations, Blood Assurance is offering incentives for those who donate before March 31st. Donors who give by March 17th will receive a limited-edition “Shenanigans and Saving Lives” t-shirt (while supplies last). O-negative blood donors and AB plasma donors will also receive a $25 e-gift card.

All donors who give from March 18th-31st will be entered to win a $500 e-gift card. Blood Assurance’s Rome location is located at 168 Shorter Avenue Northwest, Rome, GA 30165. They can be reached by phone at +17062359853. Operating hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blood Assurance urges all eligible individuals to donate blood at their Rome location or any convenient donation center. Every donation can make a life-saving difference.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is promoting outdoor activities for people with mobility impairments through its Outdoors Beyond Barriers (OBB) initiative. This program aims to make nature more accessible by removing obstacles that limit participation in activities like fishing.  Fishing events are scheduled around Georgia this year, including one in Armuchee.
OBB is available to anglers eligible for a disability fishing license, which can be obtained at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. Those with a regular license can also join if they meet disability qualifications. A DNR spokesperson stated, “We believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy and tranquility of fishing,” emphasizing their commitment to this cause.

To keep informed about OBB fishing events, interested people can sign up for email updates at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/GADNR/subscriber/new and select “DNR Outdoors Beyond Barriers. ” The DNR is hosting FREE Adaptive Fishing Events in various locations, including Public Fishing Areas, Parks, and Historical Sites. One upcoming event will take place at Arrowhead WMA in Armuchee, Georgia.

Event Details:
– Location: Arrowhead WMA, Armuchee, Georgia
– Check-in: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
– Departure: 3:00 PM
– Lunch: Bring a picnic lunch.

The OBB Regional Trailer will provide fishing equipment, and participants are encouraged to bring their own gear. Each participant must have a buddy aged 16 or older and a valid Georgia fishing license. Registration is necessary for these free events.

The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the January unemployment rate was 3. 6 percent, the same as December, and lower than the national rate. Georgia Department of Labor Interim Commissioner Louis DeBroux emphasized the need to keep Georgia attractive for businesses and talent despite a drop in job numbers. “Georgia’s economy is built for the future, but to maintain our competitive edge, we must remain committed to making Georgia the top choice for businesses and talent,” said DeBroux. “Despite a decline in January’s job numbers, our unemployment rate remains at 3.6%, four tenths below the national average. By continuing to invest in our people, expand opportunities, and drive innovation, we are ensuring Georgia remains the national leader in economic opportunity for all.”Jobs decreased by 28,200 from the previous month but increased by 17,800 over the year. Notably, there were job gains in Manufacturing and Government, while losses occurred in Transportation and Food Services. The labor force, employed individuals, and unemployed numbers saw slight changes over the month. Initial claims for unemployment rose to 34,494 in January.

Spring is in the air, but for allergy sufferers in Northwest Georgia, that means the return of itchy eyes, runny noses, and relentless sneezing. With many trees and plants already blooming, pollen counts are on the rise, triggering allergy symptoms across the region. Dr. Gary Voccio, health director of the Georgia Department of Public Health’s 10-county Northwest Health District, acknowledges the annual struggle. “Pollen is fascinating to view under a microscope,” he notes, “but these little particles pack a powerful punch to people who suffer from allergies.” Since completely avoiding pollen exposure is virtually impossible, Dr. Voccio recommends proactive preparation. “It may be best to remain well-stocked with over-the-counter allergy medications,” he advises. With allergists experiencing a surge in patient visits during this time, Dr. Voccio emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the most effective allergy medications for individual needs. He encourages residents to discuss their symptoms and explore suitable treatment options to manage their allergies effectively this spring season.

In a move hailed as a step towards a fairer criminal justice system, the Georgia House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 123 (HB 123), according to State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee). The bill aims to protect individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) from the death penalty.

Under current Georgia law, individuals with intellectual disabilities can be sentenced to death if found guilty in capital cases. HB 123 seeks to change this by allowing defendants to file a pretrial notice asserting their ID, potentially leading to a pretrial hearing. The critical change lies in the standard of proof. Currently, a defendant must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that they have an intellectual disability. HB 123 would lower the standard to a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning the defendant would only need to prove that their claim is more likely true than not. If the court determines the defendant has an intellectual disability, the state would be prohibited from seeking the death penalty.

“This update to the law would increase efficiency during the pretrial phase and reduce the risk of an individual who has an ID from being misidentified as an individual without this disability,” Rep. Lumsden stated. “Defendants with intellectual disabilities oftentimes do not fully understand the consequences of their actions, unlike defendants without these disabilities.”

Proponents of HB 123 emphasize that the bill reflects a continued commitment to building a fairer and more just criminal justice system within Georgia.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Northwest Georgia is bracing for a weekend of severe weather, with the highest threat arriving Saturday night and continuing into Sunday morning.  Today, we will see mostly sunny skies with a high of 79 degrees, but things will change as we head into Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) for the region, warning of potential tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) is already in effect for northwest Georgia late Friday into early Saturday, with isolated thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and hail possible before sunrise. Forecasters are particularly concerned about an organized line of storms expected to develop in the Mississippi River Valley and push eastward. The atmospheric conditions, including a strong mid-level jet stream and unstable air, are primed for severe weather across much of the southeastern United States. “Buckle up,” meteorologists are advising, suggesting that conditions will get particularly active Saturday night and into Sunday. The primary threat is expected to be damaging winds and embedded tornadoes.

Severe weather line is likely to remain potent as it crosses the region. Minor flooding and flash flooding are also a concern for North Georgia Saturday night into Sunday morning. Residents are strongly urged to plan in advance, secure loose objects, and have multiple methods for receiving weather alerts.

Following the passage of the severe weather system, the long-term forecast calls for quieter conditions with pleasant temperatures in the mid-70s and overnight lows in the mid-40s.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, March 14, 2025:

Camp season 2025 is nearing for the Northwest Georgia Council of Scouting America.

Eric Vaughn, council board member, says that Camp Cards are now available for purchase at a cost of $10. Buyers may enjoy discounts at local businesses in exchange for their support of scouting.

Camp Cards may be obtained online at www.nwgascouting.org or from any scout. Proceeds from the sale of these cards will support camp scholarships.

Some of the scouts look forward to spending time at Camp Sidney Dew in Armuchee, while others will head west to Philmont in New Mexico over the Summer, enthuses Vaughn.

New scouts and volunteers are sought by the Northwest Georgia Council of Scouting America year-round, adds Vaughn, who urges locals to join.

Over a month has passed since the organization previously known as the Boy Scouts of America officially transitioned into Scouting America. The name change coincided with that organization’s 115^th anniversary celebration back on February 8, 2025 and is intended, attests Vaughn, to reflect an increased inclusiveness.

Jonathan Cody Mobbs, of East Armuchee Road, has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury in connection with a burglary incident at the Mohawk facility in Lyerly on September 18, 2024.

According to reports, a Chattooga County Deputy responded to a burglary call at the Mohawk plant in Lyerly. Upon arrival, the deputy observed Mobbs fleeing the scene on foot towards a wooded area adjacent to the facility. The deputy gave chase, repeatedly ordering Mobbs to halt and identifying himself as law enforcement. Mobbs allegedly ignored the commands, leading to a foot pursuit through the surrounding woods. The deputy eventually apprehended Mobbs, placing him under arrest for obstruction of law enforcement. Mobbs was Mirandized but chose to remain silent. A witness, an employee of Mohawk, provided further details.

The employee stated upon entering the building he had noticed the lock on the door was tampered with and left open. Upon entering, they discovered Mobbs asleep in the employee’s office chair. The employee stated that Mobbs had ransacked the office with their belongings being scattered on the floor.

Mobbs will now stand trial on charges of second-degree burglary, willful obstruction of law enforcement, and criminal trespass.

On Thursday, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger shared updates on the investigation into GS Partners/GSB Group, highlighting efforts to recover investments for Georgia investors. He reported that Georgia has received the largest portion of claims in the nation related to this case.

Last September, Raffensperger, alongside the Securities Division, announced a settlement against GSB Gold Standard Corporation AG and its owner, Josip Heit. This settlement ensures that all Georgia investors who invested with GSB Group or its affiliates will get back their funds.

The investigation, which started in October 2023, looked into various financial products from GSB Group, including digital assets. Raffensperger emphasized the importance of public education regarding emerging investment options and pledged to hold firms accountable.

Currently, 1,501 investors have made claims, with 121 from Georgia. Georgia is leading in the number of claims submitted and processed. In January 2024, Georgia joined other states in enforcing the settlement, allowing residents to recover their investment values. Raffensperger encourages investors to contact the Securities Division for claims assistance and warns against fraudulent law firms claiming affiliation with the settlement.

A Kentucky truck driver claims he was accosted by Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen on Little Sand Mountain Road on March 3rd and plans to pursue legal action. William Wilson, a cattle hauler, spoke to Chattanooga media about the incident, alleging that Commissioner Allen physically assaulted and threatened him. Wilson and his wife were in Chattooga County to pick up a load of cattle from William Mitchell’s farm. Due to the narrow nature of Little Sand Mountain Road, Wilson stated he had to temporarily block the road to back his truck into the farm. Commissioner Allen, who was also traveling on the road, reportedly took issue with the blockage, leading to the confrontation. Wilson alleges that Allen grabbed his shirt and made threats, nearly pulling him from his truck. The Commissioner’s account alleges that the driver created a dangerous situation. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has called in investigators from neighboring Walker County to ensure impartiality. While the Sheriff’s Office has released one report, the initial report regarding the altercation has yet to be made public. Wilson claims the altercation has left him unable to work due to unspecified injuries. He estimates his typical earnings at $8,000 to $12,000 per week and says that he anticipates being out of work for at least a couple of months. The situation remains under investigation.

Get ready to shake off the winter blues and welcome spring in style! The highly anticipated Spring Market is back and set to blossom on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Dowdy Park in the heart of downtown Summerville.

This vibrant event promises a delightful day of shopping, entertainment, and community spirit. Attendees can browse a diverse selection of artisanal goods, including handcrafted arts and crafts, dazzling jewelry, mouthwatering baked goods, luxurious body and hair care products, unique wooden creations, delectable food vendors, vibrant live plants, and specialty pet items – a little something for everyone! Bring your lawn chairs and settle in for a special musical performance that will add a festive touch to the afternoon.

Those seeking vendor information and registration details should contact Summerville Main Street Director Susan Locklear at  slocklear@summervillega.org ONLY.

** **IMPORTANT:** All payments will be made directly to SUMMERVILLE MAINSTREET. Vendors will NEVER be asked to provide payment through Venmo, Cash App, or other electronic payment methods. Be aware of potential scams and report any suspicious requests.

Georgia drivers may soon use digital driver’s licenses on their smartphones during traffic stops due to House Bill 296. The bill has received strong bipartisan support in the House and is now moving through the Senate.

It requires law enforcement to accept digital driver’s licenses shown on smartphones. The House of Representatives approved the bill, and it was advanced by a Senate committee. Senator John Albers, the committee chairman, called it a smart use of technology.

About 450,000 Georgians currently use digital driver’s licenses through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. These digital IDs are only accepted by the TSA at airports, and the bill would extend their use to law enforcement during traffic stops, but not for age verification at bars or voting at polling places. This exclusion aims to address election security concerns. The main challenge is ensuring all law enforcement officers have smartphones that can validate digital licenses using near-field communication (NFC) technology. The bill requires agencies to provide this technology to officers by July 2027, although this deadline may change.

The bill also protects driver privacy, stating that officers cannot search a driver’s phone for other information. Drivers can still use a physical driver’s license if preferred.

Are you a sports enthusiast looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community? The City of Summerville Parks and Recreation Department is offering a fantastic opportunity to help shape the next generation of athletes by becoming a rec department umpire. This is a chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while staying involved in the sports you love. To get you started, the department is hosting an “Intro to Umpiring 101 Clinic” next Tuesday, March 18th and Wednesday, March 19th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Mitchell Field. The clinic will provide aspiring umpires with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to officiate youth sports games. No prior experience is necessary, just a passion for sports and a desire to help young athletes learn and grow. For more information about the Umpiring 101 Clinic or becoming a Summerville Parks and Recreation umpire, please contact the department directly at (706) 859-0910.

More than 170 employees of the U. S. Department of Education in Georgia could lose their jobs due to the Trump administration’s plan to reduce the department and the federal workforce. The largest group of workers is from the Federal Student Aid office with 97 employees, followed by the Office for Civil Rights with 46 employees.

Employees learned of the layoffs on the same day the department announced it would cut over 1,300 jobs, impacting nearly half its staff. This includes around 240 layoffs in the Office for Civil Rights, which already had a backlog of complaints.

In Georgia, there are 593 open civil rights cases with the Department of Education since 2011. There is concern that funding cuts may follow job losses, placing a financial burden on local taxpayers, especially in rural districts where federal funding makes up a significant portion of their budgets.