Northwest Georgia residents can expect a soggy several days as showers and thunderstorms are predicted to be a persistent feature in the forecast from today through Tuesday night. Today will see likely showers, transitioning into the possibility of thunderstorms after 2 PM. The high will reach near 66 degrees, accompanied by a northeast wind shifting to east in the afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is high at 80%, with rainfall amounts estimated between a quarter and half an inch. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before midnight, followed by cloudy conditions. The low will be around 55 degrees, with an east wind around 5 mph, but gusts could still reach 20 mph. Precipitation chances remain high at 70%, with rainfall amounts generally between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but potentially higher in areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Sunday continues the trend with likely showers and the possibility of thunderstorms after 3 PM. The high will climb to near 72 degrees with an east wind between 5 and 10 mph, and gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday night will bring showers and the potential for thunderstorms, with a low around 59 degrees and a 90% chance of precipitation. The beginning of the work week on Monday follows suit, with showers and potential thunderstorms. The high will be near 73 degrees, with a southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph, and gusts up to 15 mph. There’s a significant 90% chance of precipitation. Monday night, the showers and thunderstorms are expected to subside before 2 AM, leaving a chance of showers with a low around 59 degrees and an 80% chance of precipitation.

Tuesday mirrors Monday’s weather pattern, with a chance of showers before 8 AM, transitioning to a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 AM and 2 PM, followed by showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 PM. The high will be near 75 degrees, and the chance of precipitation is a very high 90%. Tuesday night will see showers and possible thunderstorms before 8 PM, followed by a slight chance of showers between 8 PM and 2 AM. The low will be around 58 degrees, and the chance of precipitation is 80%. Finally, a glimmer of hope appears on Wednesday. While there’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM, the day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 82 degrees.

Two Armuchee residents were arrested on Wednesday and charged with first-degree cruelty to children following an investigation into the living conditions at their West Big Indian Trail home. Krystal Lynn Hill, 39, and Daniel J. Morgan, 39, are currently being held at the Floyd County Jail. According to arrest warrants and jail records, Hill and Morgan allegedly failed to provide sanitary and healthy living conditions for three children who had been placed in their care. Authorities described the home as being in a state of disrepair, citing an unstable structure, broken windows, and rotting furniture on the outside. Inside, the conditions were reportedly even worse, with the home caked in filth and permeated with animal odors. Piles of clothing, trash, and rubbish were found throughout the residence, indicating a severe lack of proper housekeeping. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may be released as the case progresses. The children have been taken into the care of child protective services.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed new laws this week to enhance public safety in Georgia. Kemp said the bills highlight the state’s dedication to equipping law enforcement with necessary resources. Governor Kemp emphasized that all Georgians deserve safe communities and that well-trained law enforcement is essential for achieving this safety.

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Stefon Smith, 43, of Hamilton County, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, with the first 30 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections, following a guilty verdict on multiple counts of child cruelty, battery, and false imprisonment. The Catoosa County jury reached the verdict after a two-day trial.

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Zentell Communication’s Business Address in Chattanooga (Source: Google Maps).

A lawsuit filed by Chattooga County against Zentell Communications, an internet company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is raising serious questions about the distribution of federal funds and the company’s alleged failure to provide promised services to residents in the Menlo area.

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The Free Clinic of Rome is bringing much-needed healthcare services directly to the residents of Chattooga County. On Tuesday, June 17th, from 1-5 PM, the clinic will operate a satellite location at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located on Middle School Road in Summerville. This initiative aims to alleviate the transportation burden faced by many Chattooga County residents who currently travel to Rome for care. “We noticed a significant number of our patients coming from Chattooga County,” explained Renee Blackburn, Director of the Free Clinic of Rome. “By setting up a temporary clinic in Summerville, we hope to make healthcare more accessible to those in need.” The clinic will offer assistance for a range of health concerns, including high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, asthma, and other general medical conditions. Appointments are required and no walk-ins will be accepted. To check eligibility and schedule an appointment, call 706-234-1331. While callers may reach a voicemail, they are strongly encouraged to leave a message. Clinic staff will return the call to determine eligibility. To qualify for services, patients must be uninsured and have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Clinic staff will explain the necessary documentation required during the initial phone call. Don’t forget to schedule your appointment in advance. No walk-ins will be seen on June 17th. This is a valuable opportunity for uninsured, low-income residents of Chattooga County to access quality healthcare.

The Town of Trion is sponsoring a free concert this evening, May 10th, at the Trion Parks and Recreation Center. Residents and visitors alike are invited to attend this exciting event that promises a night of classic rock anthems and community fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. The evening will kick off at 7:30 PM with a performance by “One-Hit Wonders,” a band sure to evoke nostalgia with a collection of memorable, singalong hits. Following “One-Hit Wonders,” the main event begins around 8:30 PM with “Pink Houses,” a high-energy tribute band dedicated to the legendary music of John Mellencamp. Expect to hear all your favorite Mellencamp classics, from “Jack & Diane” to “Hurts So Good,” in a live stage show that will have you singing and dancing along. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Trion Parks & Recreation throughout the evening.

A woman who said she was speeding because she was late for work was arrested by Chattooga County Deputies for DUI after a traffic stop in Trion.

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Summerville Mayor Harry Harvey’s proposal to increase utility rates for Summerville residents is facing strong headwinds from the City Council. At a recent budget meeting, several council members voiced their opposition to the mayor’s plan for a 4% increase in city water, gas, and sewer rates. Councilmen Rickey Hughes and Joe Money were particularly vocal in their dissent. Council member Simone Adams also expressed concerns, adding to the growing skepticism surrounding the proposed rate hike. The debate comes as Summerville City Manager Jason Winters presented an alternative budget proposal that would balance the city’s finances without raising utility rates. This proposal offers a contrasting approach that the council is considering. While the majority seem hesitant, Councilman Zach Martin offered a counterpoint, suggesting that small, incremental rate increases might be necessary to avoid a potentially dramatic rate hike in the future. He argued that a more gradual approach could be more manageable for residents in the long run. The Summerville City Council is expected to continue deliberating the proposed rate increases in upcoming budget meetings as they work to finalize a budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.