Northwest Georgia will see rain and strong winds starting tonight, following a period of sunny weather. A cold front is moving east across the central U. S. , bringing scattered showers mainly after midnight. The National Weather Service predicts light rain, averaging less than a quarter of an inch, with a low chance of thunderstorms.

Today’s weather forecast shows mostly sunny skies with a high near 77 degrees. Winds will increase to 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. A WIND ADVISORY is in effect from noon until 10 PM EDT, predicting winds of 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph.  Also, a FIRE WEATHER WATCH is in place for today for all of Northwest Georgia.

Rain is expected tonight with a low around 46 degrees. A 30% chance of showers is possible on Thursday, with a high near 51 degrees. Temperatures will drop to around 31 degrees overnight, with recommended precautions for driving and securing outdoor items.

Cooler temperatures are expected headed into the weekend with highs in the 60’s on Thursday and up to around 70 on Friday.  The next chance for rain is on Sunday.

As the seasons change the City of Summerville is emphasizing proper brush management and offers convenient brush pickup services. Accumulated brush can be hazardous, posing risks for wildfires, attracting pests, and blocking pathways. Scheduled curbside brush pickup is available, aiding residents in disposing of large amounts of brush easily. Key benefits include reducing fire hazards, supporting environmental health through mulch and compost, providing convenience, and controlling pests. Residents should check the pickup schedule, prepare brush correctly, keep materials separate, and avoid contamination. The City encourages community involvement in clean-up events and environmental programs while stressing the importance of following local burning regulations.  You can find out more on the City of Summerville’s website HERE

With warmer weather on the horizon, Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding residents about the importance of boating safety. Many area residents will be headed to nearby Weiss Lake in neighboring Cherokee County, Alabama to enjoy boating and lake recreation. In a recent announcement, Hampton highlighted a new Alabama law requiring all boat and jet ski operators, including Georgia residents, to complete a boating certification course.  Hampton stated, “It’s starting to feel like boating weather and here’s a reminder, Alabama now requires all boat or jet ski operators to complete a boating certification course and that includes Georgia residents.” Detailed information about the new requirement and any exemptions can be found on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website HERE The website also provides a list of approved boating safety courses. Hampton urged boaters not to delay in completing the certification, noting that the process can take time. However, boaters born before April 28, 1954, are exempt from the requirement. The reminder comes as residents prepare to enjoy the upcoming boating season, emphasizing the importance of safety regulations and responsible operation of watercraft.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is requesting the public’s assistance in solving the decades-old homicide of Mary Angela Woodey Smith, a 17-year-old girl whose skeletal remains were discovered in Rossville, Georgia on October 13, 1982. Smith was last seen on July 11, 1982, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, just months before her remains were found. Authorities have ruled her death a homicide. Despite the passage of time, the GBI remains committed to bringing closure to Smith’s family and holding those responsible for her death accountable. Investigators are urging anyone who may have information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, regarding Mary Angela Woodey Smith’s disappearance or death to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling the same number or by visiting HERE

The Walker County Animal Shelter is inviting the community to a free Vaccine Clinic and Adoption Event this Saturday, March 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the shelter’s location at 5488 North Marble Top Road, Chickamauga. No appointments are necessary. The shelter will be offering free DHPP vaccines for dogs and FVRCP vaccines for cats. Microchips will also be available for just $10. Pet owners are reminded that dogs must be kept on a leash and cats must be secured in a carrier for the safety of all animals and attendees. In addition to the free vaccine clinic, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for all animals. This is a fantastic opportunity to find a new furry friend and provide a loving home for a deserving animal. While adoption fees are waived, donations to support the shelter’s ongoing efforts are always greatly appreciated.

According to information released on Tuesday afternoon, Judge Don Thompson is expected to announce his decision in the ongoing legal battle between Chattooga County government and Rocking S Farm LLC.  The judge has been provided supporting briefs and memorandum of the law from both parties and will likely make a decision this morning.  WZQZ News will have more information as it becomes available.

A Trion man was arrested on Friday of last week after a one-vehicle accident in Summerville.  According to Summerville Police, the incident happened shortly after 8 PM when a 1999 Chevrolet S10, driven by twenty-six-year-old Jared Hegwood, left the roadway on Highway 114 near the intersection of Highway 100.  When police arrived on the scene, they determined that Hegwood had been operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Hegwood was charged with DUI and failure to maintain a single lane and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

Despite low voter turnout, Chattooga County residents overwhelmingly approved the renewal of the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) in Tuesday’s election. Less than 7% of registered voters participated, but those who did showed strong support for the measure. A total of 1,016 ballots were cast, with 601 voters participating on Election Day and 415 utilizing early voting. Of those votes, 861 (84.33%) were in favor of extending the SPLOST, while only 158 (15.48%) voted against it. The SPLOST is a one-cent sales tax that is dedicated to funding specific capital projects, primarily focused on road improvements and infrastructure development throughout Chattooga County. Funds generated by the SPLOST will be distributed to the county government and the municipalities of Summerville, Lyerly, Menlo, and Trion. The funds generated will be crucial for maintaining and improving roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure components in Chattooga County.

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has directed the Department of Public Safety to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to train all 1,100 of its sworn officers through the 287(g) Program. The announcement, delivered by Commissioner Billy Hitchens of the Department of Public Safety, aims to enhance the identification and apprehension of undocumented immigrants who pose a threat to public safety within the state.

The 287(g) Program deputizes state and local law enforcement agencies to perform specific immigration enforcement functions under the direction and supervision of ICE. Governor Kemp stressed the importance of removing illegal immigrants who commit crimes from Georgia, highlighting the current administration’s commitment to addressing the issue. “Criminals who are in our state illegally should not be here, period,” Governor Kemp stated in a press release. “This partnership with ICE is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of all Georgians.” The Georgia Department of Corrections already participates in the 287(g) program, focusing on the deportation of undocumented criminal aliens. This expansion aims to further strengthen collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Colonel Hitchens has requested a Memorandum of Agreement to join the Task Force Model within the 287(g) program, with the goal of significantly improving public safety across Georgia. He believes the specialized training provided by ICE will equip state troopers with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively handle immigration matters encountered during routine duties such as traffic stops and criminal investigations.

The initiative has drawn both support and criticism. Supporters argue that it will help reduce crime and ensure the safety of citizens, while critics express concerns about potential racial profiling and the impact on community relations. The program is expected to be implemented in the coming months.

A Calhoun woman is facing felony charges after being indicted by a Floyd County Grand Jury for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with a participant in the Floyd County Drug Court program. Erin Ranee Young, 39, was indicted on one count of sexual contact by an employee or agent in the first degree. According to the indictment, the alleged incident occurred while Young was employed as a Drug Court coordinator. The indictment accuses Young of having sexual contact with a male individual who was under the supervision of the Floyd County Drug Court as a condition of his probation. Court documents indicate the alleged incident took place sometime between July 8, 2021, and November 4, 2022. Young was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Friday and subsequently released after posting a $10,000 bond. The case is now pending further legal proceedings in Floyd County Superior Court. Further details are currently unavailable as the investigation is ongoing.

In his weekly legislative report, State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) says The Georgia House of Representatives is focusing on bills from the Senate. They passed House Bill 68, the FY 2026 budget, emphasizing education and public safety investments, particularly in literacy. HB 68 allocates $22. 7 million for literacy initiatives, including $18. 5 million for literacy coaches and $2 million for a reading screener. This budget aims to address critical needs in education and supports future development in Georgia. The bill will continue in the legislative process.  You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete legislative report below:

After a fast-paced and eventful Crossover Day last week, members of the Georgia House of Representatives returned to the State Capitol on Monday, March 10^th for Legislative Day 29, kicking off our ninth week of session. With Crossover Day behind us, the House began to review and vote on legislation that passed over from our Senate counterparts this week. Additionally, my colleagues and I successfully passed the House’s version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget, House Bill 68. This critical piece of legislation would outline and allocate the necessary funding for the state’s operations and services in the upcoming fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The House passage of HB 68 serves as a significant milestone in the legislative process, fulfilling our constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget. It also lays the foundation for the priorities that will guide Georgia’s growth and development for the next year, with significant investments in education and public safety.

With a revenue estimate of $37.7 billion—marking an increase of $1.6 billion or 4.4 percent over the original FY 2025 budget—the House’s version of HB 68 places a strong emphasis on addressing the critical needs of Georgia’s education system to ensure that Georgia students can thrive. As such, a large portion of HB 68 would support a statewide literacy initiative aimed at improving reading outcomes for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, recognizing that reading proficiency by the end of third grade is central to future academic success and beyond. Therefore, the House’s version of the FY 2026 budget appropriates $22.7 million—$10 million of which includes new funding—to support the recommendations of the Georgia Council on Literacy. HB 68 appropriates $18.5 million for 116 Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA)-based literacy coaches, providing individualized teacher support to ensure that structured literacy and the science of reading would be implemented effectively. Additionally, HB 68 allots $2 million for a free universal reading screener that would be available to all school systems as a result of the efforts outlined in House Bill 538, the Georgia Early Literacy Act, which Governor Brian Kemp signed into law in 2023. The House’s version of the FY 2026 budget also includes funding for a state-level coaching coordinator position that would support competency-based research and training for literacy coaches and educators.

In addition to investing in literacy initiatives, HB 68 also demonstrates the House’s commitment to school safety, proposing a $25 million investment that would cover the first-year costs of the statewide School and Student Safety (S3) Database—a new tool that would collect and investigate school-based threats across state and local law enforcement agencies. This proposal would also support Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) teams, which would address identified threats and enhance overall school safety. This funding is included in the House’s budget as a result of House Bill 268, a comprehensive school safety plan that prioritizes strengthened safety measures, that is now awaiting Senate consideration. The House’s version of the FY 2026 budget also includes $19.6 million for mental health support grants for school systems through the Student Support Services program, a new initiative outlined in HB 68 that would provide both academic and mental health support to students both in and outside of school. Similar to school security grants, school systems would earn $20,000 per middle and high school for mental health services, including contracting with providers, tele-mental health contracts or hiring in-school counselors. HB 68 also includes investments in student well-being and proposes $28 million in targeted support for economically disadvantaged students, allowing Georgia to join 45 other states in providing additional funds through a poverty weight to districts with a high proportion of these students. Additionally, HB 68 would once again fully fund the Quality Basic Education (QBE) program with a record $14.7 billion in state funds for K-12 education.

The House’s FY 2026 budget further supports students and educators across Georgia by recommending a total of $6.3 million in state funds to continue to provide breakfast and lunch for reduced-paying students, which would certify that every child has access to nutritious meals while they are at school. Additionally, the Non-Quality Basic Education program would receive $5.9 million for sparsity grants, which would benefit 131 qualified schools based on updated survey data. These grants are designed for schools with smaller student populations that would not generate enough funds through QBE to meet staffing and operational needs. The Non-Quality Basic Education program would also receive $150,000 in new funding for feminine hygiene products, bringing the total appropriation to $1.65 million. These grants would be specifically targeted to low property tax wealth districts with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students. Moreover, HB 68 includes $7.5 million for the School Supplies for Educators program, as outlined in Senate Bill 464, which passed during the 2024 legislative session. These funds would provide educators with $100 each to purchase essential school supplies, recognizing that many school teachers often pay out-of-pocket for classroom supplies.

In the Technology and Career Education program, the House’s version of the FY 2026 budget appropriates $1.25 million for high-demand equipment grants that would support new and expanding career and technical education labs, including grants for heavy equipment simulators. HB 68 also sets aside $14 million in lottery funds for the Georgia Pre-K Program to continue implementing the recommendations from the House Early Childhood Education Working Group. This funding would support year two of a four-year phase-in to reduce class sizes from 22 to 20 students, aiming to improve instructional quality. HB 68 also includes the addition of 93 new Pre-K classrooms that would accommodate growing demand across the state.

While education funding is a substantial part of HB 68, the House’s version of the FY 2026 budget also prioritizes funding aimed at enhancing Georgia’s courts, correctional systems and public safety sectors. The House’s FY 2026 budget provides $1.6 million to the Council of Accountability Court Judges that would increase participation in accountability courts. This funding would enable an additional 843 Georgians to receive treatment and services for mental health and drug addiction, which offers an alternative to incarceration. Furthermore, since FY 2021, the Georgia General Assembly has made significant investments in Georgia’s correctional officers and juvenile correctional officers, recognizing their critical role in maintaining safety and security within the state’s correctional facilities. This funding has resulted in a 63.9 percent salary increase for these dedicated public servants, with an additional four percent pay raise that is included in FY 2026; this would amount to $13.5 million for the Department of Corrections and $3.1 million for the Department of Juvenile Justice. The House’s version of the FY 2026 budget also includes a $250 million increase for the Department of Corrections, with $45 million allocated to hire more than 700 new correctional officers, which would improve inmate-to-staff ratios, underscoring the state’s continued support for the hard work and sacrifices of correctional officers who play an essential role in Georgia’s justice system.

Furthermore, the House recognizes the critical condition of the state’s aging correctional facilities, many of which are in need of repairs to guarantee the safety of both inmates and correctional officers. HB 68 provides funding to move 667 prisoners from state prisons to other housing units, which would pave the way for necessary renovations. Additionally, four new 126-bed prefabricated housing units would become available through HB 68, allowing for the relocation of 1,171 inmates as part of widespread facility renovations. The House’s budget also allocates $15 million to address capital maintenance and repairs and $19.2 million for skilled maintenance staff to help address and repair critical infrastructure needs. Further, the House’s FY 2026 budget also adds $56.8 million to the Department of Corrections to continue offering comprehensive physical, mental, dental and pharmaceutical services to inmates. This appropriation would expand mental health services by funding an additional 42 mental health professionals, ensuring that inmates receive the care and support they need. Finally, HB 68 includes $2.8 million that would make 100 transition center beds available at the Smith Transitional Center in Evans County. These beds would provide inmates returning to the Southeast Georgia area with access to necessary resources, including employment assistance, social services, housing support and family reunification programming.

The House is also working to address homelessness in our state, and this budget includes funding to aid in that effort. The House’s version of the FY 2026 budget allocates $6 million for homelessness initiatives, with an additional $4 million designated to leverage federal funding for the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless. This fund, developed through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, supports organizations that provide housing and services to individuals and families working to overcome homelessness. HB 68 also includes $2 million that would assist in expanding the Accountable Housing Initiative, which also falls under the umbrella of the Department of Community Affairs and awards funding on a competitive basis to eligible applicants who demonstrate an ability to provide voluntary, immediate, stable housing and support services to program participants. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities receives $2.7 million in new funding that would support different programs that address homelessness, including 100 new housing voucher slots, outreach services for those with severe mental illness and a community action team.

HB 68 also makes significant investments in maternal health as the House continues its work to improve healthcare outcomes for women across Georgia. More than $9 million in new funding is included in HB 68 to address maternal health needs, and $5 million is dedicated to expanding and sustaining labor and delivery services in rural areas of the state. Providing access to maternal healthcare in rural Georgia is paramount, as many rural communities across the state face significant healthcare shortages and barriers to maternal care. This funding would help build the necessary infrastructure to provide high-quality care to mothers in underserved communities. Additionally, HB 68 includes $1.2 million for the Department of Public Health’s Office of Cardiac Care that would be used to provide grants to hospitals to enhance cardiac care, as cardiac complications remain a leading cause of maternal mortality. To further improve maternal healthcare outcomes, $700,000 is set aside to support quality improvements at birthing facilities that would assist in increasing the number of facilities that meet verified maternal and neonatal care standards. Lastly, the House’s version of the FY 2026 budget directs the Department of Public Health to study the needs of regional emergency transportation, which could help identify more efficient ways to transport mothers who require additional care.

The House’s FY 2026 budget is robust, and I would like to highlight some additional noteworthy investments in HB 68. The House’s version of the FY 2026 budget proposes an additional $23.25 million for the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia, which would bring the total appropriation for the system to $50 million. This funding would provide an enhanced annual benefit adjustment for eligible retired state employees, ensuring that they receive the financial support they deserve after years of dedicated service to our state. Furthermore, the House has also aligned with the governor’s recommendation to the Department of Administrative Services to provide more than $1.5 million in supplemental payments to first responders suffering from occupational post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This funding stems from House Bill 451, a House led initiative passed during the 2024 legislative session, which requires that public entities provide specialized insurance for first responders diagnosed with PTSD. Under the provisions of HB 451, these brave individuals will receive a lifetime benefit, including a $3,000 cash payment and income replacement disability benefits, available 90 days after diagnosis, if necessary. Finally, HB 68 appropriates $19.2 million to support growth in our state’s foster care system and account for rising costs of care. Our budget also allocates $1.5 million for clothing and supplies for foster youth; the funding would also help keep foster children closer to their families, deter child welfare involvement and support those aging out of the foster care system.

HB 68 is now awaiting consideration and action by the Senate, where it will undergo a similar committee review process. We expect that the Senate may make changes to the House’s version, which would lead to the appointment of a conference committee to reconcile any differences between the two versions. Once a final version is agreed upon and passed in both chambers, HB 68 will be sent to the governor’s desk for approval and signature into law.

In addition to passing the FY 2026 budget this week, the House also voted on Senate Bill 81, which would enhance data privacy for automobile dealerships and update other requirements related to the relationships between auto manufacturers, affiliates, franchisors and dealers. The Georgia Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act has been amended multiple times over the past 35 years, but SB 81 seeks to make significant updates to this law by upholding consumer protections and ensuring fairer business practices when purchasing vehicles. First, this legislation would reaffirm the need for transparency with automobile warranty and recall information and ensure a competitive marketplace in order to foster fair pricing and accessible repair facilities. The bill also emphasizes that independent dealerships are essential for consumer protection and integration of new automotive technologies, while also preventing monopolistic practices that could harm local dealerships. Next, the bill would set stricter guidelines for consumer data protection for franchisors, manufacturers and third parties when handling data in the sale, leasing or repair of a vehicle. SB 81 would prohibit manufacturers from unauthorized access and sale of dealership data. It also would limit third-party interference in data storage and allow dealers to back up data in order to streamline the sales processes and safeguard it against security breaches. Under SB 81, manufacturers would still be allowed to access customer information in regard to essential needs, such as safety recalls, sales transactions, incentive validation and reasonable marketing purposes. Furthermore, manufacturers would be required to compensate franchise dealers who assist customers with over-the-air (OTA) vehicle recalls and disclose new vehicle functions that may be updated via OTA. In doing so, customers would have more transparency regarding their vehicle. The bill would also improve the allocation process by defining what would be considered a reasonable quantity of vehicles distributed to dealers, ensuring that smaller dealerships would have access to a fair quantity of vehicles and parts. Lastly, SB 81 would set guidelines for manufacturers that opt out of participating in franchise systems and choose to sell directly to the public, such as Tesla and Rivian. These manufacturers would still be allowed to make direct sales to the public but could not operate their own dealerships or enter into sales contracts from their showroom under the franchise law. This legislation seeks to remedy any gaps in the law, ensuring more equal opportunities for consumers and businesses alike.

We also passed the following Senate bills during the ninth week of session:

• Senate Bill 138, which would revise certain requirements of service between a qualified municipality and its county during the transition period, which is the period of the transition of governmental services from a county to that municipality. A qualified municipality would be a new municipality created by local Act that becomes law on or after January 1, 2024. The county would be required to have 15 or more municipalities for the provisions to apply. The bill would require the county to provide police or law enforcement services within the boundaries of the municipality until the municipality notifies the county of their intention to assume those services. If more ad valorem tax is collected within the municipality boundaries than the costs for police services provided by the county, the county would have to pay the excess funds to the municipality. During the transition period, the municipality would assume ownership over any road rights of way within its boundaries. The county would be responsible for maintenance of those roads during the transition period at the municipality’s discretion. The county would also be responsible for any infrastructure designed to temporarily retain 1,000 gallons or more of storm water, dams or detention ponds within the municipality, unless otherwise agreed upon. The county would reimburse the municipality a certain percentage of those fees collected of any permitting or application process within the municipality that is not completed when the municipality assumes that service. Any Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) that is in place upon the creation of the municipality would not be required to be renegotiated. The bill would allow the municipality to opt into any service provided to another city under the present SDS. If any service is assumed by the municipality in the middle of the county’s tax year, the county would give the municipality a proportional share of any tax or fee collected within the municipality. Certain insurance taxes could be collected by the municipality if all necessary legal steps have been taken to do so within 18 months of a referendum incorporating the municipality. The county would also be required to reimburse any legal expenses resulting from legal action taken against the municipality that is found to be related to actions of the county during the transition period. If a court finds that a county violates any mentioned responsibility, the sovereign immunity of the county would be suspended for one year from the date of the judicial ruling;

• Senate Bill 139, which would annex certain described property into the City of Mulberry;

• Senate Bill 144, which would allow pesticides registered with the Department of Agriculture commissioner that display a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or is consistent with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act human health risk assessment to be considered a sufficient warning of health risk. Provisions regarding this new subsection would not be applicable when the EPA has discovered that a manufacturer has knowingly withheld, misrepresented, concealed or destroyed certain health risks in order to obtain EPA approval.

My House colleagues and I will return to the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 18^th to continue our important work advocating for your needs and interests. With less than 10 legislative days remaining, we are in the final stretch of this legislative session with our final day, or Sine Die, scheduled for April 4^th.  The next few weeks will be critical as we work to make decisions that will impact the future of our state. I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns or input you may have about the bills currently under consideration. Please feel free to schedule a phone call or visit the State Capitol so we can discuss the issues that matter most to you and your family. You can reach my Capitol office at 404-656-7850 and via email at Eddie.Lumsden@house.ga.gov.

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

Eddie Lumsden

While not even 7% of the voting population cast their ballot in the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) election, those who did, voted overwhelming in favor of keeping the extra-penny sales tax.

WHAT: Weather permitting, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) maintenance crews will close the two left southbound lanes of I-75 Wednesday night into Thursday morning to repair a portion of the roadway. The work will be between mileposts 346 and 345.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 19 from 8 p.m. until Thursday, March 20 at 4 a.m.

WHERE: The two left southbound lanes of I-75 will be closed between mileposts 346 and 345.

Photo Credit: WEIS Radio

A body was discovered at the Highway 9 Causeway boat ramp just before noon Monday, prompting a multi-agency response and a full-scale investigation. Officials from the Joint Major Crimes Unit were immediately dispatched to the scene, including representatives from the Coroner’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Centre Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, Cherokee County EMA, Alabama State Troopers, the Rescue Squad, Cedar Bluff Fire Department, and Atrium Floyd Health EMS. The Center of Applied Forensics from Jacksonville State University (JSU) has also been called in to assist with the investigation, bringing specialized expertise to the scene. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will be leading the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased individual, and the cause of death is currently under investigation. The body was located between the boat ramp and the dock area. Further details will be released as they become available pending the ongoing investigation. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to this incident to contact them immediately.

Residents of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama can expect mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures over the next few days, but a cold front approaching from the west will bring a chance of rain and potentially elevate fire danger, according to the latest forecasts. Currently, a high-pressure system is centered over the northern Gulf, bringing calm winds and clear skies. The National Weather Service predicts this high-pressure system will continue its eastward trajectory, moving offshore the east coast of Florida by late Wednesday. Today will see sunny skies with a high near 74 degrees and light southwest winds. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 43 degrees and a light south wind.

On Wednesday, the cold front will cross the Mississippi River by the afternoon, bringing mostly sunny skies ahead of it with a high near 77 degrees. However, southerly winds will increase to 5 to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The approaching front is expected to bring a round of rain overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning. While instability is low due to dry air in the region, a few rumbles of thunder are possible late Wednesday. Rainfall totals are expected to be light, generally less than a quarter of an inch. Following the passage of the front on Thursday, gusty winds could lead to conditions approaching “Red Flag” criteria, especially in fire zones that receive minimal rainfall.

Elevated fire danger is expected to persist into the weekend as temperatures rise and relative humidity drops, before another weak front brings temporary relief at the end of the weekend. Specifically for Northwest Georgia, high fire danger conditions are expected this afternoon into the evening due to low relative humidities and strong winds. Relative humidity is forecast to drop to 25 percent or less for four or more hours. Southwest winds will blow at 5 to 10 MPH, with gusts as high as 15 MPH along ridgetops and peaks. Residents in these areas are urged to exercise caution and avoid activities that could spark a fire.

The Trion High School Literary Team, under the guidance of Mrs. Tina Lee, showcased their talents earlier this month at the regional competition held in Carrollton, Georgia, earning impressive accolades and a third-place overall finish. The competition featured a diverse range of events, testing students’ skills in writing, singing, and performing arts.

Trion High School students rose to the occasion, securing numerous awards across various categories. Senior Cami Connell shone brightly, taking first place in the personal essay division and earning a coveted spot at the upcoming state competition. Joce Mitchell demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, securing second place in literary analysis essay, while Abbie Stephens showcased her persuasive writing prowess, claiming second in argumentative essay. In the realm of public speaking, Emmie Groce and Grey Abee each captured second place in their respective extemporaneous speaking categories. The dynamic duo of Sarah McCauley and Addison Lively also secured second place in the literary interpretation duo event. The trio of Connell, McCauley, and Lively further impressed the judges with their vocal harmony, earning second place in the singing trio category.

The collective efforts of the Trion High School Literary Team culminated in an outstanding third-place overall finish at the region competition.

Georgia drivers are being warned to be wary of a surge in scam text messages falsely claiming unpaid toll violations. The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) has issued an alert after receiving numerous reports of the phishing scam, which threatens penalties or legal action if recipients fail to pay immediately. The fraudulent texts often include a URL that appears legitimate, incorporating “MyPeachPass.com” followed by random characters.

SRTA spokesperson Ericka Bayonne emphasized that Peach Pass will never request payments via text message. “This is not Peach Pass,” Bayonne stated. “This is not the State Road and Tollway Authority.” Authorities have confirmed that some individuals have fallen victim to the scam by clicking on the provided links. The SRTA has escalated the matter to the FBI and FCC, who are now working to determine the source of the phishing messages. Rajiv Garg, an associate professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, explained that these texts are a form of psychological manipulation designed to gather information and target individuals further. Responding to the texts could increase your risk.

If your receive a suspicious text, DO NOT click any links or respond to the message. Report the message as junk to your cell carrier to help them track the scam’s origin.

Remember that official toll notices will always be sent by mail, allowing you to verify the information by phone. “They’re getting creative with the technology that they’re using,” Bayonne cautioned. “So make sure that you protect yourself.” Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious messages to their mobile carrier to combat the ongoing scam.

WSB & GNN contributed information for this report

All veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam era from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975, are invited to a luncheon on Friday, March 28, 2025. The event will be at 12 noon at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, located at 818 Memorial Drive, Summerville. All Vietnam veterans are encouraged to attend and bring their families for food and fellowship. The next day, Saturday, March 29, is the official National Vietnam War Veterans Day, marking the day the last combat troops left Vietnam on March 29, 1973. This holiday honors the nine million Americans who served in the war and acknowledges the support and sacrifices of their families. The luncheon on Friday is sponsored by VFW Post 6688, the auxiliary, and local volunteers. For more information, call Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394 or Barbara Reece at 706-862-2657.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced last week that his Consumer Protection Division achieved significant financial gains for Georgia in 2024, securing over $38 million for state taxpayers and a further $39.3 million in savings and restitution for Georgia consumers.

These substantial recoveries were achieved through a variety of enforcement actions, including legal settlements, mediation, and the effective administration of the Georgia Lemon Law. Notably, a significant portion of the restitution, $3.3 million, will be returned to nearly 500 Georgia consumers, many of whom are older or disabled adults, who were victims of deceptive marketing practices involving unproven stem cell products. “Last year, we secured nearly $80 million for Georgia taxpayers and Georgia consumers, met with seniors to share important information on elder fraud and exploitation, and partnered with our business community to address the rise in cybercrime,” stated Attorney General Carr. “Helping Georgians protect their hard-earned dollars is a top priority, and anyone who seeks to take advantage of consumers and businesses in our state will be held accountable. Education is key, and we encourage Georgians to review one of the many resources we offer to ensure they know how to recognize, avoid, and report a scam.”

Beyond financial recovery, the Consumer Protection Division also played a crucial role in assisting over 26,755 consumers throughout the year. Attorney General Carr’s office emphasized the importance of proactive consumer education and outreach. Throughout 2024, the Consumer Protection Division actively engaged with various communities across the state. They participated in the Paulding County Seniors Fair, visited with the Chatham Retired Educators Association and the Athens Community Council on Aging to educate seniors on recognizing and avoiding scams and fraud. Furthermore, they collaborated with the Georgia Association of REALTORS to address the growing threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams and other fraudulent activities targeting the real estate industry.

Carr says that enforcement and education underscores the Attorney General’s commitment to protecting Georgia consumers and businesses from fraud and deceptive practices.